Not interested in watching my video review, then look below for the major bullet points.
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Rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Scifi/Fantasy
Technical Reasons to Read it: World building, foreshadowing, and protagonist.
Hello friends!
In this blog, I’m reviewing From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. As usual, the first half of the review will be spoiler-free, and more about my overall thoughts, whereas, for the second half, I’ll be doing a technical review. There will be spoilers there to help you strengthen your craft.
If you liked Fourth Wing and are jonesing for a new book, than here you go. Yes, this isn’t exactly Fourth Wing, it’s missing the dragons portion, the love and twisty ending are of the same elk. You just have to work for the ending.
The beginning is slow as fuck. I almost DNFed the book multiple times. I try not to be that girly, but I was totally that girly. I like descriptive, lyrical writing. From Blood and Ash was none of those things. Think of the beginning as more of getting into the world building and living in the story.
If you're a romantic reader for the ROM portion, this is not the book for you. If you're a romantic person who is a fantasy reader but likes romance, then this is the book for you.
From Blood and Ash definitely starts out extremely spicy at the beginning. We jump in at a weird point. I wouldn't entirely say this is where I would start the book, but you get kind of hooked because Armentrout throws in that romance at the beginning, but then we don't see romance on the page for three-quarters of the book.
Ultimately, I was able to look past the bad writing because I loved the world. I loved Poppy. I loved the tension. The setup for the next book was also superb. I’m really glad that I don’t have to wait for the next book.
Now look away if you don’t want spoilers.
Because here we be entering the technical review.
The vampires in the book are the best part. This book is not about fairies. It’s not about the other stupid fantasy things that I don’t like. If you’re also someone who doesn’t like Faeries and you’re a vampire girly (and are totally evil like me), than this is the book for you. I love Armentrout’s take on vampires. It’s unique. It’s special. She took what was out there and asked the question of how she could make her book special. And THIS is the reason to read From Blood and Ash.
Remember foreshadowing is done in three styles. There's the obvious look here. This would be like the girl getting bit in the next. Clearly, something is wrong here. Then we have the second layer, which most people should get, but not everyone will be able to see. Finally, we have the third layer, which only well-read people, those who know the tips and tricks, will be able to see.
I think Poppy is a great character to also study up on. I think she's a great balance of being, like I said, a damsel while also being a very strong main character that's able to handle her own. It's extremely believable as well, especially when it comes to things like her being able to defend herself later in the book and her running off.
Happy Reading
Love,
Kait