From Blood and Ash: Blood and Ash, Book 1

BigDDs_BookCorner

Jump Into Another Romantasy

"2025 has become the year that I have jumped into romantasy books and I honestly can't get enough. I absolutely took advantage of the huge Audiobook sale that happened in May and bought the entire of Blood and Ash series and I am not disappointed. I absolutely love listening to Romantasy books, I am able to fall further into the world and the characters. And this is absolutely true for Of Blood and Ash. Stina Nielson is the narrator and did such a great job. I was addicted to reading this story and creating this world. Book 1 starts the series by building the world with a new take on Atlanteans and Vampyrs. But what I loved more is that as a reader, we're taken on a journey to truly discover the truth along with the Maiden. I loved that character so much, she was curious about her world and wanting to know more than the very limited details she was given. I loved that she was questioning her role despite the hardships and discipline she was given when she asked these questions. I loved that she was strong enough to realize she deserved more and took opportunities to take more. Her relationship with her guard Vikter, was lovely to see that she had a father-like figure that willing to ensure she had the correct tools to survive. Despite being this "maiden" who was to be held above others and separated, I loved the Vikter saw her beyond the title and gave her the chance to learn to fight. He saw her true spirit and tried to give her tools to enhance her spirit and curiosity while also trying to protect her in a world with a lot of secrets being hidden. The story creates a fantastic world that took me on a journey I was so happy to be on. There was so much intrigue and hints of details trying to mislead me on who I thought was good or bad. I had just as many questions as the Maiden, but I was able to put together a few details before her. And I loved knowing/guessing more than her while the story unfolded. And that cliffhanger was brilliant. It was the perfect balance of a tease and heartbreak to keep me wanting more. I immediately jumped into the next book because I'm hooked on these characters. Hawke is one of my favorite MMC's with his depth and loyalty. I loved that he is so much more than I could have ever guessed. I found myself wanting more and more details about Hawke and what he represented. He was so fascinating. I loved the tension between Hawke and Poppy; it grew in the best way. I loved it and when it breaks, it was brilliant, even if Poppy doesn't want to see what is directly in front of her. I can't wait to learn what happens next. ["

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July 18, 2025 Verified Purchase

Erica Gilbert

A must read fantasy novel!

"JLA has done it yet again. She has created a masterpiece with this story. I have no idea why she ever hesitated to write this story. It’s written in a way that draws you into the story and doesn’t let you go until you reach the end. And boy, what an ending that was. It sets the stage for the second book and I cannot wait for it. The world JLA has created in FB&A is fascinating, riveting, suspenseful, and so full of angst and heartache that I almost couldn’t handle it. I devoured this story and completely fell in love with Poppy and Hawke. I need more of these two and their world. Poppy is an epically awesome character. I loved every second of getting to know her. She’s naive and sweet, but at the same time strong and hardcore. She is not at all what I expected and I loved every second. Poppy is the Maiden, which basically means she is not in control of her own life. The Gods and the Ascended (those in charge of her world) are in control of her. She has to be as perfect and pure as possible. She can’t do anything she wants. She’s not allowed to interact with most people, she’s not supposed to learn how to defend herself, she’s not supposed to express her own opinions, she’s not supposed to talk unless spoken to, and she’s not supposed to be her own person. Basically, she’s supposed to be whatever those in charge tell her she can be, which isn’t much. Her choices have been taken from her. Her free will has been taken from her and she finally makes the choice to begin taking back control over her own life little by little in unexpected ways. She learns self-defense (that girl is amazing with a dagger and sword), she sneaks out to go on adventures and to experience life, and she starts expressing her thoughts and feelings. Poppy’s character development was wonderful to read and I cannot wait to see where the second book takes her. She is pretty darn awesome and a perfect match for Hawke. Oh, Hawke. I loved everything about his character, even though I thought he had ulterior motives the entire story. It was just too convenient how quickly he moved up in the ranks of the Royal Guard. But, alas, I won’t go into to much detail there. Hawke is just so full of surprises. He’s charming, funny, witty, and so dangerously sexy. Gods, his character fascinated me. He did what he thought was the right thing and didn’t care about what the consequences could be. And that was so wickedly hot. He stood up for Poppy when no one else could or would. That right there made me fall in love with his character. I enjoyed every scene with Hawke. He was just so deliciously wicked and sinful and he made me wish that he was more than a fictional character. Goodness gracious. The things he said made me fan myself silly. He is definitely a dangerous one for the health of all females. I need more of Hawke! Poppy and Hawke together is everything. I simply adore them. These two are fire together. The chemistry between them is absolutely perfect. Hawke made Poppy feel alive in a way no one else did and she actually allowed herself to feel alive in those stolen moments with him. These two were never meant to be together, but they couldn’t fight the attraction and the feeling that they knew one another. Hawke is one of the only people who fought for Poppy. He told her she is worthy of having free will, she is allowed to control her own life, and she is allowed to feel things. And that it’s okay to be scared. She’s allowed to simply feel. Gods, these two made my heart dance with joy whenever they were together. I couldn’t get enough of their banter and sarcastic remarks with one another. Hawke is one of the first people to treat her like an actual human being with her own thoughts and feelings. Poppy is so much more than just the Maiden. Who Poppy is as a person is important, more important than what she is. I swear the second book better answer all my questions about these two or I’m gonna combust! I can’t wait for more! Overall, if I could give this story more than 5 stars, I would. It’s an amazing story that takes you into a world of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and heartache. JLA truly has outdone herself with this story. I was totally captivated by the world she created and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next. I need to know absolutely everything about Poppy and Hawke and I cannot wait to see where their journey takes them. The next book in this series cannot be released soon enough. ["

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April 5, 2020 Verified Purchase

ronniefa b.

DO NOT AND I REPEAT DO NOT LET THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS STOP YOU FROM READING THIS BOOK. IT'S WONDERFUL!

"Let's start with some of the reasons why this book may bother you (yes im starting with the bad instead of the good but just continue) -She talks to herself alott. Most of the times it gives you information well needed for plot and character development and other times it becomes repetitive. There will come a point where you can recognize the repetitive parts and just power read through it. - I see people talking about some grammatical mistakes. Guess what, unless you're reading this book to look for every minor mistake (based on a negative review i saw there are just about 2) you're not going to even know there were any. - Lastly (for the bad things that is), you may feel some emotions you never thought you'd feel from a fictional book. And this goes for the entire series (especially part 2). And to be totally honest if a book can make you so emotional it's worth it. NOW FOR THE AMAZING THINGS On a whole this book was just captivating. It always left you with questions you had to have answers to at the end of each chapter. Im attracted to the post apocalyptic (war), dystopia and utopia, supernatural (vampires/vampry, werewolf/wolven, gods etc) powerful female, magical, twisted but understood love type of books. This has it all without it being forced or unnecessary. I believe because all of this isn't forced, those individuals turned off by these sort of genres might actually be pleasantly surprised that you didn't want to gag after reading it. Just remember to start with with an open mind. Yes there's some seggs and touching but its not over done. Loved that! There's a plot! It starts off quite slow, but that definitely prepares you for what comes later. Most of the major action starts later down in the book and trust me it's worth the wait. I was honestly a bit hesitant at first, but for some reason I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. I kept reading and im happy I did. Great character development. Plain and simple. The way the author describes places and people was amazing (for me at least). It was never too over the top, simple and easy to visualize. Mind you i had to Google a few things because I just didn't know what the items were and instead of just skipping it over I really wanted that clear and accurate picture in my head. There was also enough wiggle room to let my own imagination slip in some things. I cried, shouted (internally), laughed, wished I could stab some of the characters in each of their digits, and caught myself smiling like a fool every now and then. You have to love a book that can do that to you. When (and yes I say WHEN because I'm speaking it into existence) you finish book one I can guarantee you'd love book 2 even more. There's alot more aspects of the book id love to praise but I'm sure the review will be too long. OUR TWO MAIN CHARACTERS ❤ Poppy- brave, kind, innocent (in some aspects) and lets not forget extremely strong. She has her faults of course and most of them are understood when you understand where they stem from. E.g. this may be just a little spoiler. -Lack of self love (image wise). She doesn't find herself beautiful eventually doubting why anyone else would find her beautiful. And who can blame her when that nasty man sang her insecurities in her ear everytime he saw her? -There are points where you might want to give her a smack and tell her to relax, get over it, pull yourself together or how can you not see who's standing infront of you. When/ if that time comes please remember how she was raised and isn't as devilish and terrible as us. She's not there yet. Giver her some time. Hawke (aka 🤭 you'd know at the end)- we LOVE, HATE, want to rip his clothes off and stab him in the eye all at the same time. Some may find his lines cheesy but I find them quite sweet. I think if I try saying anymore I'll spoil it. Hopefully I can see you again in part 2 where things gets extremely saucyyy. (Action packed and ;) you know. Now remember my lovelies not every book is going to be your cup of tea. If it's not, KINDLY state your reasons and try with the next. Criticism should help build not tear down. If for some reason you dislike the book and positive reviews hurt your feelings. Don't go looking for every mistake I've made and hurt your head, just go to sleep and have sweet dreams. ["

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March 21, 2021 Verified Purchase

Helen

Epic Romantasy

"This book stole all my time while I was reading and I absolutely didn’t regret a single second! I absolutely loved this epic romantasy and the pulse-racing coming of age story of Poppy and her blooming love for Hawke. These two are deeply conflicted about their feelings towards one another and the fact that they should be enemies. And while there are moments where Poppy hates Hawke and you’re not sure they can come through it, I wouldn’t categorize this as a true enemies to lovers bc their attraction and tenderness with each other, almost from their first moment is tender while still riding the edge of dangerous. Poppy is strong even when she’s confronted with moments out of her control and is a born fighter. Over the course of the book, we see her confidence grow as she settles more into herself. Hawke is a little cocky and brash as he lives on the razors edge. His smirks and tenderness are the perfect counterparts to his darker side and his dirty mouth. I loved the story-telling and the intricate world-building in this book and while I had a few issues with some more contemporary language used it didn’t alter my enjoyment of the book (even though it didn’t occasionally pull me from the moment). It’s just such an amazing ride and I literally can’t wait to read the next book. One of my favorite reads this year! Poppy has been chosen by the gods and is therefore protected and sheltered so intensely her freedoms are extremely limited. Living only with her ladies maid as a friend and two guards, her life is secluded. Poppy has the heart of a fighter and is not a shrinking violet. When Hawke is assigned to be her guard, she realizes that her secret trip outside of the castle walls is about to be exposed and her maiden hood in jeopardy. Each with their own conflicting purposes, Hawke and Poppy find themselves battling against the creatures and people that would see them fall and Poppy discovers truths about herself she suspected were out there. A ridiculously fun read filled with adventure, battle, creatures, vampires and romance. 5 stars. 1.5 peppers. ["

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September 9, 2025 Verified Purchase