First of all, I'm not a huge fan of the AI-style cover, but the story itself gave me strong Throne of Glass vibes: witches, fae, dragons, wyverns, court intrigue, and plenty of scheming.

The plot was intriguing, though the world-building could use a bit more depth. That said, the magic system was cool and fairly well explained. I especially loved the excerpts from Tabitha at the beginning of each chapter - they added a nice layer of context to events from a hundred years ago.

The romance felt organic and well-written, even if a bit rushed at times. I really liked both Mal and Ash. And Alina and Kai? Absolutely lovely - I wish we’d gotten more of them!

The third-person narration with multiple POVs was handled smoothly, and it made the story even more engaging for me.

And that huge cliffhanger at the end? I'm definitely eager for book two!

Overall, I liked this book. I thought that the concept was interesting and the initial couple of chapters really hooked me.

I think the strongest parts of this book are the characters and the plot. All of our main characters were interesting and by the end, I felt like I knew them. The more prominent side characters, like Wren, had their own unique quirks and served the story in a way that made sense. By far, the most interesting character is Mal, followed closely by Alina. The plot was typical, forced marriage/imminent war. But the ending did throw some twists my way that I did not see coming at all. The last ~15% of the book is crazy I loved every second of it.

Maybe the most interesting thing to me about this book is that we follow multiple love stories/couples. While I enjoyed Mal and Ash, our main couple, I was more captivated by the secondary romance. Now, while I this aspect was interesting I think it takes away in terms of pacing. The first and last ~15% were very engaging to me, but the middle section felt like it dragged at times. I think that because we were following multiple love interests, the plot progression slowed significantly.

Now, the biggest issue I had with this book was the believability of the romance (and the rotten food, but I digress). I did not buy the switch from hate to love between Mal and Ash. It felt a little like a light switch being flipped, we didn’t get a whole lot of the in between phase which I think is really crucial to love a hate-to-love romance.

While this was not my favorite book, I think it is a good escape and would be ideal for people who want to get away from a world so different from our own.

First things first...please stop including "perfect for fans of XYZ popular book series," in your blurbs. That is for the reviewers to share. When it is included in a blurb it is immediately off-putting and sets the standard super high. Without that, this would have been a solid 4/5 star read. But because the blurb forced me to hold it to the standards of Fourth Wing, Serpent & Dove, and Bridge Kingdom (which is one of my favorite series ever written), it fell short.

3/5 stars! The plot was intriguing and there was a lot to like about the book. But it needs editing. There were times where a character's actions and then the next paragraph make it feel like 10-20 minutes have passed without any transition. I liked the descriptions of the setting, but the world-building needs work. The premise is there...it just needs to be tightened and flow more smoothly, especially if its supposed to be compared to perfection, such as the Bridge Kingdom series.

I found it a little hard to get into at the beginning but once I got into it the story just kept you entranced. You never knew what was coming. The betrayal and the twists WOW. I loved the detailing of the characters and the details in the 8 kingdoms. I cannot wait for the next book!!

Thank you to NetGalley and J.F. Johns for the digital advanced copy of A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash. This review reflects my own thoughts and opinions.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash kicks off a brand new fantasy series, and it starts with a bang. The story mainly follows Mal Blackburn and her three siblings—Haven, Kai, and Kage—of the Kingdom of Darkness, as well as Ash Acheron and his sister Alina from the Kingdom of Fire. A century ago, a broken marriage pact between these two kingdoms sparked a brutal war against the witches and warlocks of the Kingdom of Magic. Now, Mal and Ash are entering into a new marriage pact in hopes of uniting the eight kingdoms. The twist? There are rumors the witches and warlocks aren’t as extinct as everyone thinks—and they've been quietly waiting for revenge. Oh, and there's also a prophecy that says Mal has to kill her future husband to save the kingdoms. No big deal... unless she falls for him first.

I genuinely enjoyed this book. I fell in love with every character. The worldbuilding is rich, the cast is dynamic, and I honestly wanted to live in this universe. What really surprised me—in the best way—is that the story isn’t just about Mal and Ash. It shifts perspectives between several characters, which makes it feel a lot more epic than the blurb lets on. If anything, I felt like the story was a bit rushed, simply because I wanted more time with each of them.

Ash was another standout for me. It’s so refreshing to read about a male character—especially in a heterosexual pairing—who’s allowed to show real vulnerability. He has emotional depth, he’s not afraid to show weakness, and it complements Mal’s strength and confidence perfectly. Together, they balance each other out in a way that feels healthy and realistic. Also, a big shoutout to this book for avoiding the miscommunication trope. These characters actually talk to each other and function like a team, which is honestly so satisfying to read.

If I had any complaints, it would be with the pacing and some of the action scenes. A few fight sequences felt a little clunky and hard to visualize. Plus, with such a big and interesting cast, the book tries to do a lot in a short span of time. I don’t usually say this, but I think this story would’ve worked even better split into two parts. It just needed a bit more breathing room to fully develop everything.

That said, I’m really looking forward to the next book. I’m excited to see how these characters grow and where the story goes from here.

A perfect read. I was blown away by this story. It was so delicately complex yet woven together so well, I was left speechless by how well-written the plot was and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Every single scene that graced the pages had amazing world-building. The forced proximity, and the relationships between all the characters (especially Mal and Ash) had so much depth and connection, I need to know what happens next!

I was so excited to jump into a new world that included a strong FMC and dragons. Unfortunately I only made it about a third of the way. I would start to get into the plot but the little prologue to every chapter threw me off. In fact, it threw me right out of the story altogether. If they are meant to guide the reader, perhaps there is another way to insert this knowledge. I do very much appreciate the opportunity to review and look forward to other works by this author.

Wow oh wow this was a killer book. It was such a unique magic system and story and there was so many side characters I fell in love with but I was never confused. Wren? Love her. I’m also so intrigued with Kage and to see his story to unfold. 😯

It was so well done! The author kept it action packed and full of depth. I’m obsessed! I can’t wait for book 2. Kai, we need you 😭

4.5/5 stars

Thank you so much to J.F. Johns and NetGalley for this ARC!

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‘Let it be that, on the night of my lover’s death, a hundred years from now, darkness shall descend upon them. Let them suffer as we have suffered. Let them know ruin as we have known it.’



Enemies to lovers, 3rd person pov, forced proximity. Witches and wyverns. This book has light romance with multiple love stories which I’m really enjoying. It also has a lot of backstory and is very complex but easy to follow! Can’t wait for the second book!

Thank you to J. F. Johns for sending me an ARC of this book!

This book took me a moment to get into and learn the magic system but WOW did it get so good. Mal, fourth born royal child of the wyvarians is to be married off to the Fire Prince to repair a broken alliance. Underneath it all is a curse that Mal knows is her duty to break. Starting to plot her husband’s death before ever meeting him, Mal plans to be detached and in and out of the Fire kingdom within two weeks.

Ash comes off cruel with his silence, but it’s later found that his speech is what limits his interactions, not callousness. Drawn to Mal from the start, Ash comes out of his comfort zone and we get a delicious slow burn.

In love and knowing one has to kill the other, sacrifices must be made for the good of the kingdom with the oncoming deadline of the curse as well as the rising of the witch kingdom.

This book made me have all of the emotions. I’ve never loved a soft MMC more honestly. This book gives me a blend of TOG and ACOTAR vibes and it’s fantastic. Witches, wyverns, dragons, magic, court intrigue and scheming with a healthy dose of spice.

I just thought that this was quite boring and i didn’t really connect with the characters! I was just trying to find a reason to continue this book but i just had to DNF it.
The concept for this book gave it potential but it just wasn’t for me!

This book was so good. I missed sleep for it … and I love sleep. The characters were so loveable the storyline was amazing, I love the building of the world and I’m excited to see what happens when the next book comes out :)

I loved this book so much, I might go for a re-read again. Had not read a good fantasy like this since a while. The world building, the plot, the characters are amazing. I loved Mal and Ash but the Kai and Alina literally stole my heart. The banters between the characters were up-to the mark. The tension till the end for the curse was too good. I don't know what else to say, the words are with me but are floating in my head. Will definitely get the physical copy and I am already waiting for the second book. Also one more bonus point this book has both dragons and wyverns and I was like what!!!!! The magic system is again very well executed. The female characters were so strong it felt good to have a book with such strong female characters. This book is a solid 5/5 for me. Anyone looking for a fresh fantasy book with enemies to lovers trope please pick this up.

This book is spectacular ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

J.F. Johns is an incredibly talented writer and knows just how to balance edge of your seat action with real heart and character depth.

In particular, I loved:

-Mal, a badass with a heart of gold.
-The court politics, there are schemes, complex transitions and a rich history.
- The romance. Ash and Mal have the slowest of the slow burns but their relationship is so sweet and brings a bit of light to some of the darker moments in the story. Although I found myself hoping Kai and Alina would get together too!
- The lore and the prophecy, this was incredibly well done and is the main reason this was a 5-star read for me.

I would recommend this book to anyone who will listen, it had a tonne of action, it made me laugh but it also absolutely devastated me at times. This book is for everyone who loved Throne of Glass but wished it was edgier.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Dragons, wyvern, fae, magic and a bit of forbidden love sprinkled in, what’s not to love?! I was hooked from the very first page.

Mal is a formidable, no fucks given FMC. I loved how smart she is on top of being a warrior. Her and Ash’s enemy-ish to lovers storyline has my complete heart.

I thought the world building and political side of the book was SO interesting. Seeing how all the different courts act and scheme against each other through the different POVs meant there was never a dull moment in the book. And after that ending!!!! What a twist, I’m absolutely dying to get my hands on book two.

Thanks to NetGalley and J.F. Johns for the ARC!

4.75/5 stars BUT i’m rounding to 5 cause this is DESERVED!

dragons and betrayal and murder, oh my!

i was hooked almost INSTANTLY, by the end of chapter 3 i was SOLD. this was a book i was reading all day, kindle in hand while cooking, cleaning, the whole nine. i could not stop.


i love love love when a book has a 3rd person pov, that makes it so much easier for my brain to play that movie ya know?

the world building in this? IMPECCABLE. the kingdoms *chefs kiss*. i felt like each character we met was so necessary, there wasn’t a moment i was reading where i said “this chapter could’ve ended.” i didn’t want it to end. i’m sitting here SAD i don’t have book 2 ready to read right now.

my favorite kind of fmc in fantasy novels are the ones who don’t NEED the mmc. the ones who are strong, and fierce. and we have that here with Mal.

however, the YEARNING between Kai and Alina?! GIIIIRRRLLLLLL i’m on my knees.

basically, i need A Kingdom of Sand and Ice so my life can be complete again.

the tropes we see here:
- arranged marriage
- enemies to lovers
- kinda forbidden love
- lowkey found family

Wow! This book was a fantastic read! I devoured it.

I loved the character development, banter and the unique magic system. The world building and pacing of the story was great. This was an enemies to lovers, slow burn romance.

Witches, princes and dragons oh my!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC 🫶

I have to admit that i loved this book so much more than what i was expecting. The world building, the characters, the different plots but also the connections were incredible and also so easy to understand. I have a little problem with the relationships because it felt for me that everything was just so rushed and they didn’t get to know each other, but it was okey

I honestly thought that the third person narration and the multiple pov’s could be a problem, but in reality this made the book so much easier and more interesting for me.

I really really need the next book RIGHT NOW after that ending and all the answers (and more questions) we got.

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25 STARS

I had such a good time reading this book! It immediately draws you right in and the world building was so easy to understand. It never felt like random things were just being thrown in to make the world more complex. This made the pacing of the book perfect!

I also really loved the mix of characters we got who most are really likeable and having really varied characteristics that picking up on whose POV we were in was not a challenge at all! The romance also felt organic and not over done. It's mention that it's a slow burn for the two MCs but I would say more it is more along the lines of an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story which makes the relationship progress more drawn out.

I'm honestly really excited to continue this series in the future!

Thankyou to J. F. Johns, Independent and NetGalley for an ARC of A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash.

If I could scream right now, I would. That ending was utterly breathtaking. I was left on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, desperate for more. This book isn't just a story it's a full-throttle, emotional rollercoaster, and I already know the rest of the series is going to be explosive!

At the heart of the novel is Mal, a fierce and determined heroine caught in the web of a centuries-old curse. She's betrothed to the Fire Prince—a political union meant to forge peace between their divided kingdoms, but also a chance for Mal to fulfill a deadly promise: plunge a dagger into her future husband’s heart and end the curse once and for all. What follows is a whirlwind of engagement festivities, diplomatic tightropes, broken hearts, and unexpected alliances. And just as the heirs begin to find their footing, an even darker force creeps closer witches, war, and something far more ancient and dangerous than anyone expected.

This story has so many layers, it’s hard to pick a favorite. The worldbuilding is immersive and intelligent, with diary excerpts that masterfully unravel the past while adding tension to the present. The characters are richly drawn, each distinct and unforgettable. It’s rare to meet such a large ensemble cast and still feel so deeply connected to every single voice.

Mal is absolutely the standout, driven, loyal, and utterly compelling as she grapples with her growing power and impossible choices. Alina, too, stole my heart. Raised to be obedient and quiet, she’s slowly finding her voice, her fury, and her teeth and I cannot wait to see how bloodthirsty she becomes. The sibling bonds, sparks flying with rival-turned-romance pairings, and the carefully negotiated alliances all felt heartbreakingly real and emotionally resonant. If I had one minor critique, it’s that the Fire Prince, despite being a central figure, sometimes faded behind the brighter personalities around him, but I have a strong feeling he’s going to surprise us in the next installment.

This book devoured my attention. I postponed real-life obligations just to stay in this world a little longer. It’s fast-paced, emotionally rich, and full of the kind of tension that makes it impossible to put down. I’m already bracing myself for the chaos to come!

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**