JLA is the queen of romantasy for a reason. This book proved that to me so, so early.

Poppy is a tour de force of an FMC. You root for her so, so early.

I absolutely loved all the world building here, and even calling the twist with a certain MMC, every single detail of the reveal is satisfying. The found family groundwork set here is also incredible, and the stakes feel so, so real.

Read this series! It’s one of the best out there.

Every time I reread this book, it feels like coming home. A slightly concerning home, perhaps, because apparently my idea of comfort is emotional manipulation, unresolved tension, lies, secrets, stabbing threats, and me giggling like a maniac every time Hawke opens his mouth. But home nonetheless.

The nostalgia this book gives me is genuinely unmatched. The second I started reading, it was like being reunited with old friends. Friends who repeatedly make terrible decisions and cause me immense emotional distress, but friends all the same.

And listen. Knowing everything that happens somehow makes this book even better. Because now I get to sit there watching everything unfold while internally screaming. Every interaction between Poppy and Hawke had me kicking my feet like it was my first time reading it. The banter? Elite. The tension? Illegal. The chemistry? Someone should honestly investigate it.

Watching these two idiots fall in love all over again was genuinely one of the greatest joys of this reread. They are so ridiculous. Poppy spends half the book trying to convince herself she doesn't trust him while simultaneously thinking about him every five seconds. Hawke spends half the book looking at her like she's the answer to every question he's ever had. And I'm supposed to act normal about that? Absolutely not.

The worst part is that I already know exactly where this story is going and yet I still found myself giggling, blushing, kicking my feet, and occasionally staring at the wall because these two have the emotional power of a freight train.

And can we talk about Poppy for a second? I love this girl so much. She's curious, stubborn, brave, and asks approximately seventeen million questions per minute. As she should. If someone told me half the nonsense she gets told throughout this book, I'd also be interrogating every living being within a five-mile radius.

Then there's Hawke. Unfortunately for me, Hawke remains Hawke. Which means every reread turns into me rediscovering exactly why this man has had me in a chokehold for years. The flirting? Disrespectful. The smirking? Criminal. The audacity? Off the charts. And don't even get me started on the dimples. Jennifer L. Armentrout really sat down and said, "You know what this dangerously charming man needs? Dimples." As if the man wasn't already overpowered enough. Every single mention of those stupid dimples has me reacting exactly like Poppy—forgetting my own name, my responsibilities, and any semblance of rational thought. Those dimples have committed more crimes against my sanity than half the villains in this series.

Honestly, rereading this book felt less like reading and more like reconnecting with an old obsession that never really left. It's comforting, exciting, emotional, and somehow still manages to make me lose my mind despite knowing every major plot point.

There were multiple moments where I caught myself smiling at my book like an absolute idiot. There were also multiple moments where I wanted to shake these characters by the shoulders and yell "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER." So basically the perfect reading experience.

At this point, From Blood and Ash isn't just a favorite book. It's a lifestyle. A personality trait. A yearly pilgrimage.

And once again, Poppy and Hawke have successfully reminded me that they own a frankly embarrassing amount of real estate in my heart.

The audacity of them to still make me this emotional years later honestly needs to be studied.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC

4.5 ⭐️ - Could NOT put this down!

This book surprised me in the best way! Poppy is instantly loveable — her curiosity and desire for more than she’s allowed makes her one of my favourite FMCs, especially as a curvy girl rep win.

The world-building felt deliciously off from the start, and the castle was full of vile so-called guardians. The Duke and Lord Mazeen getting their due? Chef’s kiss. Vikter’s plot twist had me sobbing.

As for Hawke — I was fully on his team until that twist. Didn’t see it coming. Now I just need answers and some serious groveling in book two!

4.5 ⭐️ - I could NOT put this down!

This book surprised me in the best way. I love reading books with curvy FMCs and Poppy is definitely up there in my list of favorite FMCs. Her curiosity to know and experience more than she is allowed to, endears you to her.

The world building in this book was interesting. From the beginning you can feel the weirdness with what Poppy knows to be her reality. Nobody except for maybe Hawke really cared about her as a person. Everyone else only looked at her as “The Maiden”. This castle had some of the most vile characters who were supposed to be her guardians.

The Duke and Lord Mazeen were despicable and I enjoyed reading them get their due. The Duchess may not have actively participated but she was just as responsible.

I loved Poppy’s relationship with Vikter and Tawny. The plot twist with Vikter had me bawling. My heart broke for Poppy.

Now about Hawke, I was absolutely on his team and rooting for him and Poppy until that plot twist. I am just as angry as Poppy and I did not see it coming! Kind of took away from my earlier sentiment of him being there for Poppy. I hate that in the end it left Poppy lonelier than where we started. That being said, it makes me really excited for the next book and to read some groveling.

I have a lot of questions and can’t wait to see where this series goes! Overall a solid start to a promising series!

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook arc. I have loved this series from the beginning. A he falls first and touch her and die.
She was chosen to be the maiden to ascend and to never know pleasure and joy inly to bring in a new era, but he has other ideas when he steals her away. Then learning the hard truth about life in the kingdom.

Poppy is the Maiden. She is not allowed to socialize, cannot show her face to anyone, cannot be friends with anyone, and must stay in her room. She is under the protection of the Duke and Duchess until her Ascension. One night she sneaks out and meets a guard named Hawke and has an unforgettable moment with him.

Hawke eventually becomes her royal guard and she finds herself with him a lot more. Poppy’s feelings for Hawke start to become harder to ignore.

Poppy begins to uncover secrets about the kingdom and her duties while falling for Hawke. I really enjoyed the romance between them and their chemistry was so good! And that ending!! Literally running to grab book 2!!!

While the pacing is pretty slow in the first 200 pages it really picks up and I could not put it down

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the ARC.

💀Only one bed
💀 Morally Grey MMC
💀 Enemies to lovers
💀 Forced Proximity
💀 Hidden identities

FBAA will forever be my favourite book, and my favourite series since getting back into reading a few years ago.

Poppys situation feels wholly unique - the chosen, veiled and isolated. Protected from the outside world and the evil Atlantians. I was absolutely ENTHRALLED from the very first page, the imagery was stunning and the world building wholly immense.

Casteel will forever be my number one book boyfriend. From the early pages as Hawke, to the later as a Prince, he was perfectly written for the role of a Morally grey MMC.

My FAVOURITE aspect was The Craven. They are absolutely terrifying creatures, and the descriptors of their physical image alongside their attacks were INTENSE!

I loved this book and will forever recommend it to anyone who will listen to me screaming it from the rooftops.

10/10!

I can definitely see why From Blood and Ash has such a huge fanbase. Once I got into the story, I was completely hooked!

I really enjoyed following Poppy's journey. Watching her start to question everything she'd ever been taught and push back against the life that had been chosen for her made me root for her. She's curious, determined, and refuses to just accept things at face value, which I loved. I did find her inner monologues a tad too long, though.

The romance was my favourite part. The chemistry was fabulous, the tension was sizzling, and I was eating it all up!. The banter, the longing, and all those moments that had me grinning!! It is a proper romantasy in the best of ways.

I loved the politics of the world, the plot twists and the side characters! I'm keeping a lot of that vague as I don't want to spoil anything. BUt believe me, it was very very fun!

Overall, this was such an addictive fantasy romance with plenty of twists, secrets, action, and a swoon-worthy romance. That ending had me immediately wanting to pick up the next book, and I'm excited to see where the series goes from here.

This book has everything I'm looking for in the start of a romantasy series. The enemies to lovers, the forbidden attraction, the magic system, the morally grey MMC (that's secretly a softie just for her?) and the FMC that has so much potential when she finally stands up for herself.

The way the story unfolds is so easy to read and keeps you desperate for more. Just when you think you can anticipate what's coming next, you're wrong. It's so fun to read and try to understand what the FMC doesn't know but desperately needs to.

Read this when you're in the mood for...
- enemies to lovers
- forbidden love
- touch her and ...
- BANTER
- one bed

If you're looking for your next romantasy obsession that will make you lose track of time...this is it.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is an addictive fantasy romance that combines captivating world-building, compelling characters, and nonstop intrigue. Armentrout masterfully balances action, mystery, and emotional depth, creating a story that keeps readers hooked from the very first page. The chemistry between the characters is engaging and heartfelt, adding even more intensity to the high-stakes plot. A thrilling and unforgettable read that perfectly blends fantasy and romance.

It’s just me screaming from the rooftops about Casteel Da’neer.

I figured out the plot twist early on in the book due to one of the popular quotes from the book that had been spoiled for me. I still loved every second of it and got to sit on edge while I waited for it to be revealed.

Poppy is… she’s everything. Another soul character who I see so much of myself in. I’ve already cried several times and it’s just the first book.

From Blood and Ash is an epic romantasy that serves as a gateway to a sprawling world of sequels and spin-offs. I don't often reread books, so the fact that I've read both this book and its sequel more than once is probably the highest praise I can give.

The character development is excellent, and the tension between Poppy and Hawke is absolutely top-notch. Their dynamic is filled with banter, chemistry, and just the right amount of mystery, making it impossible not to become invested in their story. Watching Poppy begin to question the world she has always known while Hawke challenges everything she believes creates a relationship that is both compelling and addictive.

If you enjoyed the political intrigue, hidden agendas, and morally gray love interest in A Court of Thorns and Roses, there's a good chance you'll love From Blood and Ash as well.

In many ways, this book feels like the foundation for everything that follows in the series. It spends a lot of time laying the groundwork for the larger story, but unlike some other series starters, I never found that setup boring or tedious. Instead, each revelation left me wanting to know more about the world, its history, and the characters who inhabit it.

From Blood and Ash is the kind of book that reminds me why romantasy became such a phenomenon in the first place.

Poppy is a compelling heroine to follow. Raised in isolation and burdened by expectations she never chose, she's constantly caught between duty and curiosity, obedience and rebellion. Watching her push against the boundaries of the life others have created for her was one of the most satisfying parts of the story.

And then there's Hawke.

Is he frustrating? Absolutely.

Did I trust him? Not for a second.

Was I completely invested anyway? Unfortunately, yes.

The chemistry between Poppy and Hawke is where the book truly shines. The tension builds steadily throughout the novel, creating the kind of slow-burn romance that had me devouring chapters far later into the night than I intended. Their banter is sharp, their dynamic is addictive, and every interaction feels loaded with unanswered questions.

What I enjoyed most was the constant sense that something wasn't quite right. The world is built on secrets, half-truths, and carefully controlled narratives, and uncovering those layers alongside Poppy kept me turning pages. Every answer seemed to create three new questions.

That said, the world-building can occasionally feel overwhelming. There are moments where the lore arrives in large chunks, and I sometimes found myself trying to sort through terminology while the story continued moving around me. The pacing also slows in places before surging forward again in the final act.

Still, when From Blood and Ash works, it really works.

It's romantic, addictive, dramatic, and completely committed to its own chaos. By the time the final revelations arrived, I was fully invested in both the romance and the larger mystery surrounding the kingdom.

✨ If you like:
• Slow-burn romance
• Forbidden attraction
• Morally questionable love interests
• Secrets and betrayals
• Fantasy worlds built on lies

...this is well worth picking up.

⭐️ Rating: 4/5

I came for the fantasy.

I stayed because Hawke and Poppy wouldn't stop making terrible decisions around each other.

So I've been failing at my reviews but I loved this story! I loved the idea behind it and felt like it was fairly original! Poppy as a character sometimes frustrated me (as do many characters) but I just felt like at times she came across as whiney and woe is me. Don't get me wrong. The situation she was in was NOT a good one but I also felt like there was so much that she could have tried to figure out especially with how daring she is in certain areas.
I adore hawke! The way he carries himself is 10/10!
There wasn't as much action as I thought there would be but I think the few scenes that were there, were super intense! And that reveal?! Guys. I enjoyed this a ton and obviously bought the rest of the books!
I promise to try and be better about keeping up on my reviews!!

I finally started my From Blood and Ash journey and I’m so thankful I did. I already own the entire physical Blood and Ash and Flesh and Fire series, but somehow they had remained on my shelves unread. Receiving this ARC ebook gave me the perfect opportunity to finally dive in, and now I can’t wait to continue with the rest of the books waiting for me.
Jennifer L. Armentrout created a world that completely pulled me in. The world building was immersive, the mystery kept me constantly questioning everything, and the romance was perfectly balanced with the action, tension, and chaos unfolding around it.
Poppy was such an engaging heroine to follow, and the chemistry between the characters had me turning pages far later than I should have. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story threw surprises my way that left me desperate for more.
There’s a reason this series has such a loyal fanbase. This was an addictive, exciting, and unforgettable start to a series that I’m thrilled to finally be reading. Thankfully, I already have the rest of the books ready and waiting on my shelves because I need to know what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. 📚✨

I am grateful I got to read this arc! I know it's been out for a while but I loved it

The story and world building is done so amazingly that I got lost in it quickly.
I have the others on my shelf so I am going to go and read those right now

romance and the chaos were perfectly timed!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

<b>What to Expect</b>
Genre: Romantasy ❤️🔥🗡
POV: Single first-person (FMC)
Tropes:
- Chosen one
- Forbidden attraction
- Bodyguard romance
- Morally grey love interest
- Hidden identities
- Secrets and lies
- Found family
- Prophecy and destiny
Vibes: Emotional angst, secrets and twists, action packed, brooding, dramatic, witty, addictive high-stakes fantasy romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5 - with the spice level picking up in subsequent books in the series!

<b>Initial Thoughts</b>
Not going to lie, the beginning of this novel starts off slow. It honestly took me about half of the book to really get into it, but it's sooooo worth it to stick it out. By the end of the book I was obsessed with this story and ready to dive right into the next book of the series.

<b>Quick Summary (No Spoilers)</b>
Penellaphe (Poppy) has spent her entire life preparing for a destiny she never chose. As the Maiden, she is expected to live a life of obedience, purity, and isolation while awaiting a sacred ceremony that will determine her future. Isolated from the world around her, Poppy feels trapped by the expectations placed upon her. Everything begins to change when she meets Hawke, a skilled and charismatic guard assigned to her protection. Their growing connection challenges the rules Poppy has always followed and forces her to question the beliefs she has been taught her entire life. At the same time, the kingdom faces increasing threats from enemies beyond its borders and Poppy begins to realize that everything she was taught to believe is a lie. Caught between duty and desire, loyalty and freedom, Poppy must decide who she can trust and what kind of future she wants for herself.

<b>Final Thoughts</b>
The overall atmosphere of this novel is dark, romantic, suspenseful, and addictive, with enough action and fantasy elements to keep the stakes high while never losing sight of the central romance. While the pacing starts off on the slow side, the second half will keep you turning the pages. It's a perfect series to jump into if you enjoyed the romance-forward aspects of ACOTAR and the addictive, action packed elements of Fourth Wing. If you're looking for a high-fantasy story that prioritizes relationship development and chemistry as much as battles and world-building, this one's for you!

Thank you to the author, Blue Box Press and NetGalley for the free readers copy of this book.

This is one of my all time fave authors! An absolute auto buy, every release. This book was exceptional, and I cannot wait for more! I enjoyed this one. This was really engaging from start to finish. I would absolutely check out more from this author. I would recommend this one to my followers.

I have never read Jennifer L Armentrout before, but I will now. An incredible read that I couldn't put down!

This is absolutely one of the best fantasy series out there. The twists and turns, the love. The family. 5 stars all the way.

“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩.” 𝙃𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙. “𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩.”

5⭐️ (reread)

I LOVE THIS SERIES. ❤️

I don’t know how many times I’ve gone back to these books as a comfort read. It’s my Roman Empire.

From the very start, I was drawn to Poppy. Raised under the weight of expectations set before her as The Chosen, Poppy has lived in a gilded cage. Any slip up or anything unbecoming gets disciplined out of her. But she still finds little opportunities to rebel against the rules, little moments to live life. And when a new bodyguard comes into the picture, life gets even more interesting.

“𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙩.”

And while I will always eat up every interaction between Poppy and her bodyguard (because hellooo book boyfriend material 😮‍💨 I could make a whole other post for him), the progression of Poppy and Kieran’s friendship will always be one of my favorite things about this series.

“𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚.”

The world building in this is immersive, a total vibe, and it crosses over with the Flesh and Fire series so you get to pick out the breadcrumbs from both and spiral over that.

ALSO…. 10/10 recommend the graphic audio to this! Like I’m mad right now while I’m writing this that I’m not also listening to it.

“𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙜𝙤 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤.”
“𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
“𝙊𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩.”

What to Expect:

-vampyrs, humans, wolven
-Chosen fmc
-bodyguard MMC (with humor & dimples)
-political intrigue
-lots of secrets
-forbidden romance
-forced proximity
-touch her and 💀
-slow burn
-THE BEST BANTER

Poppy is such a likeable character and the plot of this is exciting blend of romance and fantasy. I felt like the world building was constructed nicely and I love this first book of the series.

Such a unique writing style. I adore Poppy! This book is addicting and funny and the gruesome parts actually made the story better.