The first review of the new year that I share on my blog. And oh boy, we start with a banger. To be honest with you, I read this book last year, but because of my posting schedule, I was not able to review it immediately. However, I am not sad at all that I start off this year by reviewing this book. Because it was so good! I legit read this in one day, it was such a page-turner I couldn't put it away. Hopefully, by the time this review is online I've received the sequel to this because I need it. For some reason, I could order a physical copy of this book in the Netherlands. Luckily, I could find it on the Amazon of Germany so I ordered it from there. From Blood and Ash had been on my tbr for the longest time, because Bookstagram hyped me up about it. I am so glad I finally read it. This year, the third book of the series will come out too, so that means that I will instant-buy this as soon as it's available!
From Blood and Ash is a New-Adult fantasy novel that follows the story of Poppy. Sadly, we don't have a map in the book because the world seems very big and has a lot of history. Poppy is the Maiden, chosen by the Queen. This means that Poppy lives very solitary and has a lot of restrictions. At the beginning this is very vague, it took a while before it became clear why she was the Maiden and what that Ascension is. I will not discuss this too elaborately because I don't want to spoil you! Anyways, we see Poppy struggle throughout the book. She is grown up in a society and beliefs its history and standards. Yet, at the same time, she is kept away and restricted from any form of social life, or just life. Even though she sometimes sneaks out, she feels like she only has a year to 'live' before her Ascension, because she has no clue what will happen next.
Like any girl of 18 years old, Poppy want to experience life, love and all that comes with it. But because she is the Maiden, she, of course, is not allowed to engage in any of it. She needs to stay 'pure', it's all very vague, I know, but I'm trying my best here. However, when we start the book we know that she is in the Red Pearl, a pub with uhm.. private rooms. If you know, you know. To avoid someone, she hides in one of these rooms, where we meet Hawke. Let me tell you, within the first few chapters it already gets HOT and that's just the beginning. Hawke is a guard and the one person Poppy had her eye one for quite some time. Throughout the novel, we see Poppy struggle with self-doubt, self-exploration, feelings and sexual tension. It was so fun!
This book is recommended to fans of Sarah J. Maas and I totally get that. Maas is also a writer that likes to add very intense and well.. hot scenes. Armentrout does that too. From reading her acknowledgements I learned that she doesn't write fantasy, but really wanted to tell this story and I'm glad she did. The world, the banter, the characters are so enjoyable! I still had a few moments with slight irritations towards Poppy, like some things were a little too obvious not to realise. But I can live with that. I just need some more Hawke to be honest...
I can't wait to read the sequel of this series and to review it because then I can spoil about this book in that post hahaha. Normally, I'm more in awe of fae fantasy books, but this is right up my alley. So good. I hope that this promises for a good book-year in 2021. I have a lot of books I'm really looking forward too. This book had 613 pages, but not enough for me. I can't wait to continue this story. I'm obsessed.
Edit, 2 hours later: omg I just found out that we can read the Red Pearl scene (the one I mentioned before) from Hawke's perspective via her site of Goodreads!!! This is the link. I'm now waiting for the email to arrive, aaahhhh!
Another edit, 30 minutes later: I have read the scene from Hawke's pov, and now I need an entire book from his perspective. Why am I so weak?!
I hope you all enjoyed this first review of the year, I really loved this book (idk if you can tell). I hope that this year brings many more good books because I need them! Have a lovely day everyone!
With love,
Julia
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