Ok, I’ll be honest.
When JLA surprised readers with this unexpected release I was taken aback and surprised as fellow readers and just as eager to read it.
I immediately bought my copy and then... I kind of let it sit on my kindle for a while before I read it.
I guess I just wasn’t in the mood for fantasy at the time.
When, however, I was in the mood for a good fantasy story I picked up my copy of From Blood and Ash and I was hooked into the story within the first few pages.
I was completely absorbed by this book and now find myself wondering and thinking about what the characters will do next or the events that might take place and I’m excited to see where the story will lead.
One thing is for sure: I’ll be buying and reading every book in this series as soon as it’s released.
Addictively good reading
Other Sellers on Amazon
$50.57
+ FREE Delivery
+ FREE Delivery
Sold by:
EValuable Asset
$50.57
+ FREE Delivery
+ FREE Delivery
Sold by:
Prestivo-France


Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
OK
From Blood and Ash Paperback – 30 March 2020
by
Jennifer L. Armentrout
(Author)
Jennifer L. Armentrout
(Author)
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author
|
See all formats and editions
Hide other formats and editions
Amazon Price
|
New from | Used from |
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial |
Paperback
"Please retry"
|
$25.14
|
$25.14 | — |
Audio CD, Audiobook, MP3 Audio, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$28.17 | — |
Arrives:
22 - 24 March
Fastest delivery:
5 - 9 March
US imports may differ from local products. Additional terms apply.
Learn More.
Amazon Global Store
- International products have separate terms and are sold from abroad and may differ from local products including fit, age rating, and language of product, labeling, or instructions.
- Manufacturer warranty may not apply but you may have other rights under law.
- Learn more about Amazon Global Store
Save up to 50% off RRP on select top books
PLUS, free expedited delivery. T&C's apply. See more
Amazon Global Store
- International products have separate terms and are sold from abroad and may differ from local products including fit, age rating, and language of product, labeling, or instructions.
- Manufacturer warranty may not apply but you may have other rights under law.
- Learn more about Amazon Global Store
Frequently bought together
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire: A Blood and Ash NovelPaperback
- A Touch of Darkness: 1Paperback
- Den of VipersPaperback
- The Shadows Between UsHardcover
- Rhapsodic: 1YonderworldlyPaperback
- Blood & HoneyPaperback
Start reading From Blood and Ash (Blood And Ash Series Book 1) on your Kindle in under a minute.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
AUDIBLE FREE TRIAL
Includes your first audiobook free, a bonus book selected by our editors, unlimited access to exclusive podcasts and more. $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime. Learn more >
Product details
- Publisher : Blue Box Press (30 March 2020)
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 1952457009
- ISBN-13 : 978-1952457005
- Dimensions : 13.34 x 3.99 x 20.32 cm
-
Best Sellers Rank:
42 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 31 in Fantasy Romance (Books)
- 43 in Romantic Fantasy
- 46 in Epic Fantasy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
10,367 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Read reviews that mention
Top reviews
Top reviews from Australia
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in Australia on 22 November 2020
Report abuse
Verified Purchase
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Reviewed in Australia on 1 April 2020
Verified Purchase
Since the very the first book I’ve read from Jennifer L. Armentrout she has been a one click for me. There is literally nothing I haven’t read!!
She has again delivered a new favourite! With a new book boyfriend to add to the list..
The characters are fantastic.. I really felt for Penellaphe/Poppy and the situation she was in, but above all she is a very strong character. I loved Hawke and then at one stage I wanted to punch him in the face!
This is a must read! My favourite read of 2020!
I cannot wait for more..
She has again delivered a new favourite! With a new book boyfriend to add to the list..
The characters are fantastic.. I really felt for Penellaphe/Poppy and the situation she was in, but above all she is a very strong character. I loved Hawke and then at one stage I wanted to punch him in the face!
This is a must read! My favourite read of 2020!
I cannot wait for more..
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
TOP 50 REVIEWER
Verified Purchase
I love it when the main female character has the training and capability to fight well - she doesn’t need to be protected as she is more than capable of protecting herself. Poppy is fierce during the fight scenes, especially when someone has made her angry!
I really enjoyed the second half of From Blood and Ash ( first half was just a little slow at times ), but I can see already that I’m going to love the second book in this series which is now my next read.
I really enjoyed the second half of From Blood and Ash ( first half was just a little slow at times ), but I can see already that I’m going to love the second book in this series which is now my next read.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in Australia on 16 January 2021
Honestly, it is very hard to summarise this book so - JUST READ IT YOURSELF! You won’t regret it.
This story follows Poppy “the maiden” who has been chosen by the Gods to “ascend” and rule the kingdom. However to “ascend” - she still isn’t sure what it entitles and while she is locked in a tower, with only her Royal guards ever viewing her true face, she tries her best to live a memorable life before she “ascends”.
Bring in Hawke. Her newly assigned very handsome royal guard. And one of the only people in her world that sees she is more than just “the maiden”, but a person who only wants to live her life and help other people.
The chemistry between Hawke and Poppy is steamy and executed perfectly. Jennifer writes such great characters and she knows how to make you not just fall in love with the main characters, but fall in love with their connection too.
This story is a fantasy story, involving vampires and werewolves - without giving anything away. However Jennifer does have her own name for each fantasy creature and because of this - I do wish she included an index as I found myself very confused over what was what for the first 25% of the book.
Overall, 4.5/5 stars!
Verified Purchase
This is quite a large book to get through, and because of this - I lost sleep over it.
Honestly, it is very hard to summarise this book so - JUST READ IT YOURSELF! You won’t regret it.
This story follows Poppy “the maiden” who has been chosen by the Gods to “ascend” and rule the kingdom. However to “ascend” - she still isn’t sure what it entitles and while she is locked in a tower, with only her Royal guards ever viewing her true face, she tries her best to live a memorable life before she “ascends”.
Bring in Hawke. Her newly assigned very handsome royal guard. And one of the only people in her world that sees she is more than just “the maiden”, but a person who only wants to live her life and help other people.
The chemistry between Hawke and Poppy is steamy and executed perfectly. Jennifer writes such great characters and she knows how to make you not just fall in love with the main characters, but fall in love with their connection too.
This story is a fantasy story, involving vampires and werewolves - without giving anything away. However Jennifer does have her own name for each fantasy creature and because of this - I do wish she included an index as I found myself very confused over what was what for the first 25% of the book.
Overall, 4.5/5 stars!
Honestly, it is very hard to summarise this book so - JUST READ IT YOURSELF! You won’t regret it.
This story follows Poppy “the maiden” who has been chosen by the Gods to “ascend” and rule the kingdom. However to “ascend” - she still isn’t sure what it entitles and while she is locked in a tower, with only her Royal guards ever viewing her true face, she tries her best to live a memorable life before she “ascends”.
Bring in Hawke. Her newly assigned very handsome royal guard. And one of the only people in her world that sees she is more than just “the maiden”, but a person who only wants to live her life and help other people.
The chemistry between Hawke and Poppy is steamy and executed perfectly. Jennifer writes such great characters and she knows how to make you not just fall in love with the main characters, but fall in love with their connection too.
This story is a fantasy story, involving vampires and werewolves - without giving anything away. However Jennifer does have her own name for each fantasy creature and because of this - I do wish she included an index as I found myself very confused over what was what for the first 25% of the book.
Overall, 4.5/5 stars!

5.0 out of 5 stars
PHROAH what a fantasy read!
By Sarah on 16 January 2021
This is quite a large book to get through, and because of this - I lost sleep over it.By Sarah on 16 January 2021
Honestly, it is very hard to summarise this book so - JUST READ IT YOURSELF! You won’t regret it.
This story follows Poppy “the maiden” who has been chosen by the Gods to “ascend” and rule the kingdom. However to “ascend” - she still isn’t sure what it entitles and while she is locked in a tower, with only her Royal guards ever viewing her true face, she tries her best to live a memorable life before she “ascends”.
Bring in Hawke. Her newly assigned very handsome royal guard. And one of the only people in her world that sees she is more than just “the maiden”, but a person who only wants to live her life and help other people.
The chemistry between Hawke and Poppy is steamy and executed perfectly. Jennifer writes such great characters and she knows how to make you not just fall in love with the main characters, but fall in love with their connection too.
This story is a fantasy story, involving vampires and werewolves - without giving anything away. However Jennifer does have her own name for each fantasy creature and because of this - I do wish she included an index as I found myself very confused over what was what for the first 25% of the book.
Overall, 4.5/5 stars!
Images in this review

Reviewed in Australia on 14 April 2020
Verified Purchase
A highlight of the year! Loved this book and the twists and turns and events I didn't always see coming and had me reading way too late into the night. The magical world that was created was captivating and the characters vividly written. Poppy was brilliant, with her wit and strength and Hawke with his swagger and banter. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book ... I only hope it's not too long - but I can feel a re-read coming on either way.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in Australia on 5 April 2020
Verified Purchase
I am stunned. I just devoured the whole thing in a sitting (because I could not stop).
Things to love: it's a delicious chunky book, long with a wonderfully building plot. I am so invested. The characters are wonderful and genuine. No tropes here and thank jeebus "kickass" not used once.
O Hawke, I love you.
No spoilers here but if you like The Bargainer series and SJ Maas this will 1000% tick your boxes. Cannot wait for #2!
Things to love: it's a delicious chunky book, long with a wonderfully building plot. I am so invested. The characters are wonderful and genuine. No tropes here and thank jeebus "kickass" not used once.
O Hawke, I love you.
No spoilers here but if you like The Bargainer series and SJ Maas this will 1000% tick your boxes. Cannot wait for #2!
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in Australia on 5 April 2020
Verified Purchase
Wow. Just wow. I adore all of JLA's books but damn this has got to be hands down my favourite. This book got it's hooks into me and I read it in 1 day.
I have struggled to find a book I can get into for a while now but god I'm going to struggle even more after reading this. Can not wait for book 2. Thank you JLA 💕
I have struggled to find a book I can get into for a while now but god I'm going to struggle even more after reading this. Can not wait for book 2. Thank you JLA 💕
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Verified Purchase
I found this book enjoyable and the concept was exciting. The characters were fun to read and the storyline started slow and built towards the end. I did find it a little hard to stay focused in the beginning, as there's lots of world building and character developments. I felt that it took till about 40% through where the story really started to move. By the end, I knew I wanted more. It really is a great book and gives us lots of time to get to know the characters and guess where the story is going. 4 soild stars!
Top reviews from other countries

K-Books
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Phenomenal Fantasy Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 March 2020Verified Purchase
There were no words to describe just how excited I am to be writing this review right now. It's no surprise to any of you who have been following me a while just how much I adore Jennifer L Armentrout. Ever since reading her debut back in 2011 I have been completely and utterly obsessed. No matter how much I adored every single thing that she has wrote (and I really have) I still had this utter need for her to write a fantasy novel. Fantasy is my all time favourite genre of book and I could think of nothing better than my favourite author writing a fantasy novel. So I'm sure you can imagine my excitement to hear she had wrote a fantasy. I knew from the moment she announced she was writing it that it would be epic... and I was right. This has surpassed all of Jen's previous work for me. It was definitely worth the wait. From Blood and Ash is in a word... perfection!
From Blood and Ash had absolutely everything I adore in a fantasy book, wrapped up in the most beautiful exterior... I mean come on, look at that cover. It's a masterpiece. And the inside matches up. There are no words for me to adequately describe just how phenomenal this book is. I loved every single moment of it. It is a little bit slower to get into than Jennifer's previous works but as an avid fantasy reader, I expected this. Epic fantasy books just take that much more build up of the history and the magical world that the story is set in. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down and I devoured this 500+ page book in a matter of two days.
I loved everything about this book. The world, the history, the magic, the twists and turns and the romance. From Blood and Ash takes you on one hell of a journey and you are left at the end begging for more. This book has some of the best, multi-dimensional characters that I have ever read. I loved every single moment of Poppy and Hawke's complex relationship and the journey that they go through throughout this book. They both go through such a personal journey throughout this novel and grow so much as individuals. It has been a long, long time since I have felt the urge to re-read a book immediately after finishing reading but I did with this one. The moment I read the last page, I just wanted to start it all over again. I am sat here envious of all the people who still get to experience this absolute masterpiece for the very first time. It is just complete perfection.
From Blood and Ash is a phenomenal fantasy novel that is filled to the brim with danger, mystery and heart melting romance. I loved every single second of it and I couldn't get enough of this new fantastical world. A heart stopping start to what is clearly going to be a stunning series, perfect for both those who love fantasy and those who are new to the genre. An absolute must-read.
From Blood and Ash had absolutely everything I adore in a fantasy book, wrapped up in the most beautiful exterior... I mean come on, look at that cover. It's a masterpiece. And the inside matches up. There are no words for me to adequately describe just how phenomenal this book is. I loved every single moment of it. It is a little bit slower to get into than Jennifer's previous works but as an avid fantasy reader, I expected this. Epic fantasy books just take that much more build up of the history and the magical world that the story is set in. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down and I devoured this 500+ page book in a matter of two days.
I loved everything about this book. The world, the history, the magic, the twists and turns and the romance. From Blood and Ash takes you on one hell of a journey and you are left at the end begging for more. This book has some of the best, multi-dimensional characters that I have ever read. I loved every single moment of Poppy and Hawke's complex relationship and the journey that they go through throughout this book. They both go through such a personal journey throughout this novel and grow so much as individuals. It has been a long, long time since I have felt the urge to re-read a book immediately after finishing reading but I did with this one. The moment I read the last page, I just wanted to start it all over again. I am sat here envious of all the people who still get to experience this absolute masterpiece for the very first time. It is just complete perfection.
From Blood and Ash is a phenomenal fantasy novel that is filled to the brim with danger, mystery and heart melting romance. I loved every single second of it and I couldn't get enough of this new fantastical world. A heart stopping start to what is clearly going to be a stunning series, perfect for both those who love fantasy and those who are new to the genre. An absolute must-read.
17 people found this helpful
Report abuse

Ava Lynn Crowley
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conflicted... major spoilers below
Reviewed in the United States on 15 April 2020Verified Purchase
I am well and truly conflicted. I enjoyed this book to a certain point. I loved her writing. She's an excellent, wonderful author. But... no. Just hell no. Oh and major spoiler alert....
You don't sleep with a woman after you've betrayed her and you know that you will continue betraying her and you know she will see it as a betrayal. A traumatic back story is no excuse. None whatsoever. Was this supposed to be sexy? That because he's capable of tenderness that having sex with her before knowingly breaking her heart was ok? I loved this book until this happened. But seriously this left me feeling gross and unsettled. I go for the troubled hero, the dark knight with dents in his armor but this... this went beyond that. She was a captive bird in a cage for most of her life. And what does the love interest do? Claims he wants her to be free from her captivity and then throws her in a cage of a different kind. Maybe if he had for one second walked away from her because he knew she'd be hurt I'd feel better but he didn't. He admits he's not a good person and does what he wants. It was like a switch was flipped in the love interest and he went from charming to disturbing. The thing I don't get is was I supposed to be ok with his actions? I don't know because the ending was so abrupt you're just left with this gross conflicted feeling and why in the name of all that's good in this world would you want to leave your readers on a note like that? I literally have no desire to finish this series and that breaks my heart because I truly adored 80% of this book. This book left me in tears and not the good kind. It's a rare occurrence that an author makes me feel this strongly so I'll at least give her that.
You don't sleep with a woman after you've betrayed her and you know that you will continue betraying her and you know she will see it as a betrayal. A traumatic back story is no excuse. None whatsoever. Was this supposed to be sexy? That because he's capable of tenderness that having sex with her before knowingly breaking her heart was ok? I loved this book until this happened. But seriously this left me feeling gross and unsettled. I go for the troubled hero, the dark knight with dents in his armor but this... this went beyond that. She was a captive bird in a cage for most of her life. And what does the love interest do? Claims he wants her to be free from her captivity and then throws her in a cage of a different kind. Maybe if he had for one second walked away from her because he knew she'd be hurt I'd feel better but he didn't. He admits he's not a good person and does what he wants. It was like a switch was flipped in the love interest and he went from charming to disturbing. The thing I don't get is was I supposed to be ok with his actions? I don't know because the ending was so abrupt you're just left with this gross conflicted feeling and why in the name of all that's good in this world would you want to leave your readers on a note like that? I literally have no desire to finish this series and that breaks my heart because I truly adored 80% of this book. This book left me in tears and not the good kind. It's a rare occurrence that an author makes me feel this strongly so I'll at least give her that.
396 people found this helpful
Report abuse

Vickyoreo
3.0 out of 5 stars
It was ok
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2020Verified Purchase
I had to think a while before rating this book because honestly, I loved the first 70%. Loved the structure of the world, the secrecy and mystery, and the absolute strength and kindness of Poppy regardless of how badly she was treated. I loved Vikter her mentor though I was angry at him for allowing the things that happened to Poppy but he was like a father to her. I loved Hawke and how he treated Poppy like she was a person and not just a Maiden. But...after that this book just became odd and the characters changed suddenly. Somewhere Poppy became this weak, lovesick dumb person and Hawke became..well..Rapey? The end was too long, things needed wrapping up but it became a repeat of violence, sex, violence then a bit more sex that was kind of not given permission until halfway through. And I think Hawke became a dick at the end. I felt he no longer treated Poppy like she had choices and Poppy herself decided to become weakminded.
I am unsure if I will read book two...Maybe if I get curious to see if Poppy will strengthen back up. But, at least not yet.
I am unsure if I will read book two...Maybe if I get curious to see if Poppy will strengthen back up. But, at least not yet.
11 people found this helpful
Report abuse

LadyLena
2.0 out of 5 stars
Es gibt schlechtere Bücher - und sehr viel bessere
Reviewed in Germany on 29 May 2020Verified Purchase
Achtung, diese Rezension könnte Spoiler beinhalten:
Ich wollte das Buch mögen. Der "Klappentext" hat mich glauben lassen, dass sich der Plot um eine meiner liebsten Tropes fügen würde: Der Leibwächter.
Gedoppelt mit der Aussicht auf "das Paar dass ich nicht haben darf", habe
Leider hat das nicht so recht geklappt.
Den Anfang fand ich wirklich entsetzlich schlecht. Ein absichtlich feuriger Einstieg, um so viele Leser wie möglich zu fesseln, die sinnliche Elemente in Romanzen mögen.
Aber so früh in der Geschichte, ohne die Protagonistin wirklich zu kennen, schafften alle Versuche der Autorin das Verhalten Poppys in der Innenschau vor ihr selbst und damit vor dem Leser zu erklären, es nicht, mich zu überzeugen.
Die Versuche emotionale Tiefe in der Protagonistin zu schaffen rechne ich der Autorin hoch an. Das hat alles wenigstens ein bisschen angehoben. Und das ist auch der Grund, weswegen das Buch nicht schlecht ist.
Aber gleichzeitig hätten genau diese Momente der Innenschau mehr Editierung und Bearbeitung benötigt. So las es sich sehr repitierend und teilweise leider sehr oberflächlich. Wirkliche Komplexität bekam keiner der Charaktere, auch Poppy nicht, trotz wirklich vieler Seiten ausschließlichen inneren gedanklichen Monologs.
Ich weiß, dass das nicht leicht ist. Und ich schätze die Versuche, da selbst die leider so häufig gar nicht erfolgen.
Leider war das nicht das Einzige das oberflächlich und fahl blieb.
Das Setting des Plots, die Welt, die Hintergrundgeschichte las sich ziemlich flach. Ich dachte erst, dass ich vielleicht durch mein Hauptleseprojekt (von dem ich einfach eine Pause wollte) verwöhnt bin (nach Robert Jordans "Rad der Zeit" hat es jede geschaffene Welt schwer), aber andere Leser scheinen ein ähnliches Problem zu haben.
Es ergeben sich so viele kleine gefühlte Anachronismen mit der gezeichneten Welt. Es war durch die fehlenden bildlichen Tragesäulen der Spielorte sehr schwer für mich die Welt in meinem Kopf zu erschaffen.
Mal las es sich ein wenig steampunkartig, dann wieder recht mittelalterlich. Und ich möchte auch gar nicht unbedingt meine Vorstellungen von Jahrhunderten als Schablone auf fantastische Welten legen, aber wenn Dinge wie "heiße Schokolade", "Adrenalin", "Orgasmus" und das Wort "Okay" auftauchen, alles Begriffe, die mit der Neuzeit/Kolonialzeit verbunden sind, dann brauche ich Erklärungen dafür. Es müssen keine großen sein.
Aber Geografisch gesehen hat die heiße Schokolade keinen Sinn ergeben. Die Welt der Protagonistin passt nicht dazu. Wo wir die angebaut, wenn die Welt in geschützten Städten und kleinen Dörfern organisiert ist?
Man könnte die behütete Kindheit der Protagonistin noch vorschieben. Ein Mensch der in einem goldenen Käfig gehalten wird, hat vielleicht kein Bewusstsein für diese Dinge.
Aber gleichzeitig weiß sie um Konzepte sexueller Natur. Orgasmus. Sex. Bildliche Begriffe für das männliche Geschlechtsorgan.
Dieses Wissen passt wiederum nicht zu ihrem behüteten, einengenden Aufwachsen.
Das sind alles keine großen Minuspunkte. Aber sie zeigen, dass sich nicht eingehend mit dem Weltenbau beschäftigt wurde. Ich verstehe das. Fantasy ist nicht leicht.
Aber mich stören diese ganzen kleinen Stiche beim Lesen. Sie verhindern, dass ich ganz in das Geschehen eintauche, denn irgendwie baut sich so kein stringenzes Bild auf.
Außerdem wirkt es lieblos. Eine Welt in die so wenig Aufwand wie möglich investiert wird, weil sie sowieso nur Mittel zum Zweck ist, um die Protagonisten zusammen zu führen.
Ich kann da sehr viel verzeihen, wenn andere Aspekte stimmig sind.
Und es gab lichte Momente von knisterndem Schlagabtausch und zärtlichen Momenten.
Gefolgt von unangenehm gekünstelten Dialogen.
Unabhängig davon, war das Ganze sehr vorhersehbar. Unfassbar vorhersehbar. So vorhersehbar, dass ich eigentlich dachte, dass mein erster Impuls nicht richtig sein kann, da das ja wohl die absolut einfachste, plumpeste, eben vorhersehbarste Lösung wäre.
Und das ist wohl der größte Spoiler dieser Rezension. Jedes erste Fragezeichen, jedes Aufhorchen, jedes "Moment mal!" wird sich genau so bestätigen.
Alles in einem waren es unter anderem diese Punkte, die das Buch für mich ok aber eben auch nicht gut gemacht haben. Und ich bin sehr traurig darüber. Denn wie so häufig, steckt auch hier unglaubliches Potential. Und mit viel Überarbeitung könnte die Geschichte großartig sein.
Ich finde beide Protagonisten haben Potential.
Zuletzt: wenn das Buch lesen möchte, dann auch Englisch. Ich denke auf Deutsch würde die Oberflächlichkeit noch viel stärker ins Auge fallen.
Ich wollte das Buch mögen. Der "Klappentext" hat mich glauben lassen, dass sich der Plot um eine meiner liebsten Tropes fügen würde: Der Leibwächter.
Gedoppelt mit der Aussicht auf "das Paar dass ich nicht haben darf", habe
Leider hat das nicht so recht geklappt.
Den Anfang fand ich wirklich entsetzlich schlecht. Ein absichtlich feuriger Einstieg, um so viele Leser wie möglich zu fesseln, die sinnliche Elemente in Romanzen mögen.
Aber so früh in der Geschichte, ohne die Protagonistin wirklich zu kennen, schafften alle Versuche der Autorin das Verhalten Poppys in der Innenschau vor ihr selbst und damit vor dem Leser zu erklären, es nicht, mich zu überzeugen.
Die Versuche emotionale Tiefe in der Protagonistin zu schaffen rechne ich der Autorin hoch an. Das hat alles wenigstens ein bisschen angehoben. Und das ist auch der Grund, weswegen das Buch nicht schlecht ist.
Aber gleichzeitig hätten genau diese Momente der Innenschau mehr Editierung und Bearbeitung benötigt. So las es sich sehr repitierend und teilweise leider sehr oberflächlich. Wirkliche Komplexität bekam keiner der Charaktere, auch Poppy nicht, trotz wirklich vieler Seiten ausschließlichen inneren gedanklichen Monologs.
Ich weiß, dass das nicht leicht ist. Und ich schätze die Versuche, da selbst die leider so häufig gar nicht erfolgen.
Leider war das nicht das Einzige das oberflächlich und fahl blieb.
Das Setting des Plots, die Welt, die Hintergrundgeschichte las sich ziemlich flach. Ich dachte erst, dass ich vielleicht durch mein Hauptleseprojekt (von dem ich einfach eine Pause wollte) verwöhnt bin (nach Robert Jordans "Rad der Zeit" hat es jede geschaffene Welt schwer), aber andere Leser scheinen ein ähnliches Problem zu haben.
Es ergeben sich so viele kleine gefühlte Anachronismen mit der gezeichneten Welt. Es war durch die fehlenden bildlichen Tragesäulen der Spielorte sehr schwer für mich die Welt in meinem Kopf zu erschaffen.
Mal las es sich ein wenig steampunkartig, dann wieder recht mittelalterlich. Und ich möchte auch gar nicht unbedingt meine Vorstellungen von Jahrhunderten als Schablone auf fantastische Welten legen, aber wenn Dinge wie "heiße Schokolade", "Adrenalin", "Orgasmus" und das Wort "Okay" auftauchen, alles Begriffe, die mit der Neuzeit/Kolonialzeit verbunden sind, dann brauche ich Erklärungen dafür. Es müssen keine großen sein.
Aber Geografisch gesehen hat die heiße Schokolade keinen Sinn ergeben. Die Welt der Protagonistin passt nicht dazu. Wo wir die angebaut, wenn die Welt in geschützten Städten und kleinen Dörfern organisiert ist?
Man könnte die behütete Kindheit der Protagonistin noch vorschieben. Ein Mensch der in einem goldenen Käfig gehalten wird, hat vielleicht kein Bewusstsein für diese Dinge.
Aber gleichzeitig weiß sie um Konzepte sexueller Natur. Orgasmus. Sex. Bildliche Begriffe für das männliche Geschlechtsorgan.
Dieses Wissen passt wiederum nicht zu ihrem behüteten, einengenden Aufwachsen.
Das sind alles keine großen Minuspunkte. Aber sie zeigen, dass sich nicht eingehend mit dem Weltenbau beschäftigt wurde. Ich verstehe das. Fantasy ist nicht leicht.
Aber mich stören diese ganzen kleinen Stiche beim Lesen. Sie verhindern, dass ich ganz in das Geschehen eintauche, denn irgendwie baut sich so kein stringenzes Bild auf.
Außerdem wirkt es lieblos. Eine Welt in die so wenig Aufwand wie möglich investiert wird, weil sie sowieso nur Mittel zum Zweck ist, um die Protagonisten zusammen zu führen.
Ich kann da sehr viel verzeihen, wenn andere Aspekte stimmig sind.
Und es gab lichte Momente von knisterndem Schlagabtausch und zärtlichen Momenten.
Gefolgt von unangenehm gekünstelten Dialogen.
Unabhängig davon, war das Ganze sehr vorhersehbar. Unfassbar vorhersehbar. So vorhersehbar, dass ich eigentlich dachte, dass mein erster Impuls nicht richtig sein kann, da das ja wohl die absolut einfachste, plumpeste, eben vorhersehbarste Lösung wäre.
Und das ist wohl der größte Spoiler dieser Rezension. Jedes erste Fragezeichen, jedes Aufhorchen, jedes "Moment mal!" wird sich genau so bestätigen.
Alles in einem waren es unter anderem diese Punkte, die das Buch für mich ok aber eben auch nicht gut gemacht haben. Und ich bin sehr traurig darüber. Denn wie so häufig, steckt auch hier unglaubliches Potential. Und mit viel Überarbeitung könnte die Geschichte großartig sein.
Ich finde beide Protagonisten haben Potential.
Zuletzt: wenn das Buch lesen möchte, dann auch Englisch. Ich denke auf Deutsch würde die Oberflächlichkeit noch viel stärker ins Auge fallen.

Zili Robins
5.0 out of 5 stars
A JLA high fantasy, what's not to love?!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2020Verified Purchase
Imagine all the usual JLA wit, inspiring and hilarious heroine, infuriating but awesome hero with bundles of swagger, combined with some pretty outstanding world building and you haven't even started to delve into From Blood and Ash!
Reading the blurb I wasn't sure I'd like Poppy because lets be honest a trapped Maiden has the potential to be annoying and whiny, but luckily JLA has us covered and Poppy is brilliantly witty and kinda bad ass from the start. She's extremely loyal and I loved her rebellious side.
Hawke has everything a JLA hero should have, in that he's snarky, fierce, confident, and oh so swoon worthy. He's also kind and protective and is hiding vulnerability and a broken past. I certainly wouldn't mess with him.
It's a high fantasy so we get lots of detail about the location and battles. I could picture a certain dagger and almost hear the battle cries across the Rise. Eye roll to the Duke!
I loved the world building. I've read several stories including a variety of versions of the Atlantian myth but this is something different. We have the Ascended, the Craven, the Descenters, the Gods and Poppy!
Twists, turns and betrayals keep Poppy and the reader guessing and oh the ENDING!!!
Reading the blurb I wasn't sure I'd like Poppy because lets be honest a trapped Maiden has the potential to be annoying and whiny, but luckily JLA has us covered and Poppy is brilliantly witty and kinda bad ass from the start. She's extremely loyal and I loved her rebellious side.
Hawke has everything a JLA hero should have, in that he's snarky, fierce, confident, and oh so swoon worthy. He's also kind and protective and is hiding vulnerability and a broken past. I certainly wouldn't mess with him.
It's a high fantasy so we get lots of detail about the location and battles. I could picture a certain dagger and almost hear the battle cries across the Rise. Eye roll to the Duke!
I loved the world building. I've read several stories including a variety of versions of the Atlantian myth but this is something different. We have the Ascended, the Craven, the Descenters, the Gods and Poppy!
Twists, turns and betrayals keep Poppy and the reader guessing and oh the ENDING!!!
4 people found this helpful
Report abuse