FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L. Armentrout
FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Books like FROM BLOOD AND ASH are the reason I became a reader: complex, well-developed characters, immersive world building, scenes so vivid you can see them in your mind, and dialogue full of wit and banter that a smile is plastered across your face from page 1 to page 487. And the romance -- SWOON. I'm so glad I have the second book *immediately* available to me because I don't think I'm ready for the book hangover that will emerge when I leave this world.
I'm new to Jennifer L. Armentrout and I feel *deprived* that I've gone 27 years of my life without her writing. I will be immediately reading everything she has ever written and thank the gods she has a long backlist. What an honor it is to find an author like this and to know that she speaks to your soul with her writing.
Okay to the review: Poppy is The Maiden, which basically means her life (and mostly her purity) must be protected at all costs. While she is covenanted as the most important person in her society, it often feels quite the opposite because of the boundaries placed upon her. As part of her protection, she is assigned personal security. Enter Hawke Flynn: a sexy, foreign guard who quickly works his way up the ranks to earn the spot of Poppy's personal guard. Unbeknownst to Hawke, he and Poppy have actually met once before when Poppy, whose face is always hidden behind a veil, snuck out one night to "live a little." Poppy is simultaneously terrified of Hawke realizing her identity and absolutely enthralled by this man who is unapologetically himself and seems to want the same from her.
Every time Poppy tries to fight her instincts, Hawke is there to remind her that there is nothing wrong with desiring a life filled of joy, freedom, and pleasure. Poppy can't quite figure Hawke out, but there is one thing she is sure of: with Hawke, she always has a choice. The question is: which choice is the right one?
Poppy is one of my favorite heroines of any romance or fantasy novel I've read in a long time. She is independent and headstrong, observant and intelligent. She knows what is expected of her but never loses sight of what she wants from life. Despite so many forces trying to deprive her of experiencing life, she does not break. She is the heroine we all need in 2020. And Hawke? DO NOT GET ME STARTED. I love an honorable man but more than that: I love a man who is attracted to a woman's strength; one who does not cower when a woman is stronger, braver, and fiercer than him. With each passing page, Hawke is further surprised, in the most delicious of ways, by Poppy's actions. The banter between Hawke and Poppy is unmatched: an excellent combination of sexual tension, tender moments, and passionate declarations. It is everything.
And this leads me to the romance: 10/10. It's the "high stakes will they, won't they" FOR ME. This is how you do a slow burn. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Plot wise: I absolutely loved how this world unfolded before our eyes. Rather than a giant world dump at the beginning, Jennifer L. Armentrout slowly introduces this world to us through Poppy's eyes. I personally find this much more fulfilling because you're constantly building the world as the plot starts to unfold; it makes for a better reveal and more satisfying twists.
Highly recommend. Purchase your copy here.
CW: attempted suicide; attempted sexual assault; physical abuse