She was raised to be silent, sacred, and untouched—but Poppy wants more. In a world of gods, monsters, and secrets, desire might be her most dangerous weapon.
From Blood and Ash is the first book in the Blood and Ash series.
Overview
Saying Poppy’s life has been sheltered is an understatement. Since her parents’ death ten years prior, she has had to wear a veil in public and only speak to a handful of people. She has her ways of breaking free, though; she can sneak out unnoticed and has learned to fight. Despite her ability to sense people’s pain and some emotions, she finds herself in a world she no longer understands.
Her feelings for the guard, Hawke, complicated her duty as the “maiden”. He encourages her desire for more than what she has or is destined for.
Positives
I can definitely see what all the hype is about. The world-building is fantastic. The author has synthesized various mythologies and created something new. There are gods and goddesses, immortals, and creatures inspired by zombies, werewolves, and vampires. – Just with different names.
Layer that complexity with a plot full of mystery and betrayals, and you’re never bored. You spend the whole book trying to figure out what everyone’s secrets are. Who is not who they say they are? Do they actually have Poppy’s best interest in mind?
Negatives
I was very disappointed with the ending. In the last year, I have become more critical of possibly toxic relationships and personalities. I need to remain vague so I don’t spoil anything, but there is a betrayal that the aftermath is toxic. The perpetrator wants Poppy on their side, but never apologizes for their deceit, while simultaneously blaming her for not seeing that she has been manipulated.
Recomendations
With that being said, and already starting on the second book, it does improve. So if you get the same red flags I do, give A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire a chance before swearing off the series. From Blood and Ash is four stars for me.
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