Blood and Ash Complete Series Collection Set, Books 1-5. From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones, The War of Two Queens, A Soul of Ash and Blood

Blood and Ash #1-5

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.

This bundle contains Blood and Ash Series 5-Book Set by Jennifer L.
From Blood and Ash
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
The Crown of Gilded Bones
The War of Two Queens
A Soul of Ash and Blood

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Fiction, Smut, Audiobook

Paperback

Published March 20, 2020

About the author

Hey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.

To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.

Reviews

[Elizabeth White · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first bought the books (obviously just the first few) a couple of years ago. I couldn’t finish them for multiple reasons: The writing is SO repetitive (please buy this woman a thesaurus and make her have a conversation with a real person), juvenile (it’s early high school level writing and emotional maturity for such an adult storyline), drawn out (this series could have been 3 books, tops), and she doesn’t seem to grasp anatomy well enough for half of the “I’m so small and he’s so big” moments to make sense and be cohesive. It’s as though Jennifer is trying to reach a word count for each book while suspending the ending as long as possible so she can squeeze as much money as she can out of it. I decided to give them another try this year, and forced myself to get past the first few books. Then I bought #4 and forced myself through it because I expected that to be the end. Of course it wasn’t. I finished #4 with one month before the release of #5, and expected THAT to be the end. But I’ve just finished A Soul of Blood and Ash and I’m even more disappointed - mainly in myself for continuing to give Jen my money and wasting my time. Sad to say, even with less than a year to wait for what is SUPPOSED TO BE the final book, I won’t be purchasing it when the time comes. I’ve already spent $150+ because I ordered hard covers each time, only to be continuously edged with no satisfaction. We really didn’t deserve ANY extra story extension in the last few chapters of #5? Just a few pages and a massive cliffhanger? I feel like I really reread the entire first book considering Cas had pretty much already explained everything in that one. It wasn’t worth buying #5. I should have just looked online for a spoiler since it’s literally just ONE thing. I won’t spoil it here, but if anyone is reading this: just look online for the spoiler unless you REALLY REALLY enjoy these books and actually want a physical copy. Save your money otherwise. This entire series has made me decide to only buy the kindle version first and get a physical copy if I actually enjoy it.

Jen is a storyteller, but not a writer.

I’m gonna go enter stasis now since Jennifer has stressed me all the way out and I. Am. Tired.

[Stacy Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series has been a thrilling series!! Not being able to put it down. The story line and writing just keeps giving!!!

[Angela Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Current favorite series

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

look at me. Eye contact. Whatever you do, do not listen to booktok. poppy is the nastiest skank bitch I have ever met, do not trust her. Well not really, but if I had a burn book I would write about poppy. She’s a virgin and a maiden and you will never once forget it. Ever, the author thinks it’s important to remind about once a page. Do you like your women too dumb to survive? Do you like the same unfunny joke referenced every page? We get it poppy like questions and stabbing. Do you like vampyres (it’s important that it’s spelled with a y and not an I because this book is that ridiculous)? Like there’s lots of types of vampyres. Pretty much whenever this author wrote themselves into a plot whole she couldn’t get herself out of… oh look another kind of vampyre! Also nothing is explained and then all at once everything is explained, but badly. I’m not sure what’s worse not understanding anything or being explained everything and still not understanding anything. But if you must just read the first book. It’s kind of fun. And then stop. Drop. Roll the fuck out of this series

[Cymbere Falanga · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not enough sex to outweigh the terrible plot. Stopped at the 3rd book. Kind of interested to see how it ends? But idk if it’s enough to struggle through the remaining 2 books.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires, gods, and the classic romantasy tropes, plus an intricate plot and some commentary about sexual purity culture. What’s not to like?

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite giving it 3 stars, I did enjoy reading this series. There is a point I would make before recommending anyone to read it. Warning: Spoilers ahead-

It feels too much like a cheap version of ACOTAR. If you have read that series, you could predict pretty much the whole plot line with a few exceptions. For example, the so-called 'bad guy' was revealed to be the 'good guy' while the main character was forced to be with them (Tamlin, Rysand, and the agreement anyone?) And then the main character falls in love with the new 'good guy' who is suspiciously a prince (soon to be king) (Rysand being a High Lord?), and the whole we will rule the kingdom together (Rysand and Feyre being high lord and lady?) Oh, and the main character being kidnapped by a 'bad guy' who is soon revealed to be 'good'(Feyre being taken by Tamlin to the spring court?) Although I will say that there are a few moments in the books that were completely original and kept me reading. I realize that some of these similarities are just common in fantasy, but I wish that there had been some more original reveals.
Overall a 3 stars because there is too much similarity, and I had pretty much guessed all of the 'big reveals' at the beginning. But it's not a bad series.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series started as a four borderline five and just went downhill as I read. It’s good don’t get me wrong but soooooooo repetitive and drawn out. I felt like I kept skimming paragraphs thinking just get to the point. I gave up at book 5 or 6 as it just felt like a chore to continue reading it. I wanted to love it, I wanted it to get me over TOG but I was just disappointed unfortunately

I will say if I read this before the SJM universe I might have given it a higher rating however that series changed my life and my standards

[Mallory Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an unpopular rating, but I feel like these books are just luckily riding the wave of "romantasy" that ACOTAR and other series have set.
The first book has painfully obvious character troupes and plot twists. Nothing in this book surprised me, I was bored and cringed all the way through the writing. Character and place names felt so painfully made-up fantasy land that it was hard to get through.
I made it up to half way through the 4th book in this series and the 1st in the partner series (I don't even remember it's name it was also so bad) before I gave up and I could still see right through some plot developments. I couldn't take one more stabbing joke...I just couldn't.
For those looking to get into Fantasy, or romance, this is the last series I would recommend. Seasoned readers beware.

[Meagan Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kingdom that is forsaken by the gods, feared by the mortals and ruled by the Ascended. From Blood and Ash is a Fantasy series that brings us into the life of Poppy, a girl chosen from birth to serve as a sacrifice of sorts to support her realm’s future. She is kept in the castle of the Duke, hidden away and protected from outsiders to ensure her safety and purity leading up to her Ascension.

The Ascension is a sacred, honored event in which those chosen to Ascend are said to meet with the gods and transform their very soul. Most of those who are Ascended appear cold, aloof and void of all emotion (except anger). Almost as though their soul is missing altogether. Poppy’s date of Ascension looms in the near future and she finds herself questioning the purpose, the why behind her life and chosen status.

When a new personal guard is assigned to guarantee her safety, she begins to question things more than ever before. Hawke continually forces Poppy to consider and question the traditions of her land, which is considered treason and punishable by death. Despite the risk, Poppy’s doubts grow and she begins to push the boundaries set before her by the governing forces.

Poppy faces a detrimental decision: move forward with her future as she has believed it to be for the entirety of her life or escape into the unknown with this mysterious new guard who has captured her heart.

Thus begins our tale of adventure with Poppy and Hawke, as they start their journey to protect the realm, preserve the integrity of the future and disclose secrets long buried by the Ascended.

The series had a slow start for me. It took me about half way through the first book to truly become invested in Poppy. Although, it did start with some jaw droppers – with the Duke’s unexpected brutality to Poppy and the disgust she held for him and the others with his same heir of haughty cockiness. I liked Poppy immediately, but the story itself didn’t pull me in as quickly as I thought it would, especially from the reviews and ratings I read prior to starting the series.

However, as the pages continued, I slowly found myself wrapped within the land of the Ascended. Suffice it to say, until Hawke came into the picture, I was somewhat forcing myself to continue with the series.

His relationship with Poppy was “intriguing”, to say the least. From their very first encounter, it was immediately known he would bring trouble… or freedom, or happiness… or some combination of it all.

Hawke/Casteel and Poppy had a very typical “Romantasy style romance” through out the entirety of the series. There was a healthy mix of love, betrayal, sarcasm, violence, and lust. For fans of ACOTAR or Crescent City, you will find your “Hunt Athalar” or “Rhysand” fix in Casteel. Sexy, endearing and humorous… he adds the much needed spice to this series.

Poppy also serves as a fairly typical female Romantasy Heroine. For fans of The Fourth Wing, think Violet Sorrengail. A petite, often underestimated female who has surprising strength and magic hidden under her surface. She has a sharp tongue (when not forced into submission by the Ascended) and a quick temper, especially so with Casteel when they are in the “hate” portion of their “love/hate” relationship.

My only complaint against their relationship is their ongoing bickering that becomes a bit repetitive through the series. I do feel that some of those scenes could have been removed to help things move forward a bit faster.

Speaking of things slowing down… enter the 5th novel in the series, A Soul of Ash and Blood. The battle is complete, and Poppy fell into her long sleep required after reaching the finality of her maturity process, her statis. The ENTIRE book is Casteel guarding Poppy while she sleeps, and reliving the past from his perspective. While there were some details and instances of his point of view that I enjoyed, this book seemed overall unneeded. It could have been looped into an Epilogue of Book 4 or perhaps even just a spin off after the completion of the series. I still would have read it, and I recommend to read it, but I don’t think it added to the chronological progression of the series.

However, the strength of the secondary characters and the plot build through the series outweigh the few complaints I voiced. My two favorite secondary characters: Victor and Kieren. Both are strong male characters with big personalities. They each left a significant impression within the series. Victor with his fatherlike protectiveness of Poppy and his bravery to train her to fight. Kieren with his dry personality and the deep-seeded relationship that begins to form between Cas, Poppy and himself.

I love a series that has a strong set of characters, and the reader can connect to more than just the singular protagonist. From Blood and Ash definitely delivered in that aspect.

The series was, overall, quite enjoyable. I do recommend it if you are a fan of the ever-popular Romantasy genre. If you are turned off by the romance piece, then this series probably isn’t for you, as Poppy and Cas take a very front-and-center seat with their relationship arch.

Check out more of my reviews on my blog: a2zbookreviews.com

[Jorja Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this series was so good, I love everything about this series but the wait time for the next book!! The fmc is a super badass who is married to one of the sexiest man I have read!! I highly recommend!!

[Peter Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first 4 of the 6 book series are by far the best

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and Ash Complete Series Collection Set, Books 1-5. From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones, The War of Two Queens, A Soul of Ash and Blood Review

From Blood and Ash

From Blood and Ash is the first book in the Blood and Ash series and this was just a great way to start off a new series. Oh my gosh this was just such a great book to read. I was just drawn into this new world with it’s characters. I just was taken on a journey and I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is the second book in the Blood and Ash series and immediately picks up were From Blood and Ash the first book in the series left off. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in the lives of these amazing characters and I just felt so much for them. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

The Crown of Gilded Bones

The Crown of Gilded Bones is the third book in the Blood and Ash series and I just loved getting to reenter this amazing world. This book picks up immediately after the second book in the series. Oh my gosh this book was just epic. I was just blown away by everything that was taking place. You get to a moment where you think that this series can’t get any better and boy does this author prove you wrong. I’m just speechless after that ending. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

The War of Two Queens

The War of Two Queens is the fourth book in the Blood and Ash series and is best read after A Shadow in the Ember which is the first book in The Flesh and Fire series that shares the same universe as the Blood and Ash series. I just absolutely loved getting to reenter this amazing wonderful. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. My emotions were just all over the place and I just felt so much for these characters and all that they have to go through. You just can’t help but fall more in love with them after each story. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

A Soul of Ash and Blood

A Soul of Ash and Blood is the fifth book in the Blood and Ash series and is best read after A Light in the Flame which is the second book in The Flesh and Fire series that shares the same universe as the Blood and Ash series. This book will be set up a little differently from the previous books in this series. It will show present events in the series as they unfold beginning right were the fourth book in the series ended as well as going back to the first book in the series From Blood and Ash and getting to enjoy several new scenes as well as some of the events that we previously read from Poppy’s perspective and getting to see them differently when seeing them through the eyes of Cas. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was just such a different take and getting to see so many new scenes and how they would have originally progressed the story was just truly well done. The author just did an outstanding job of weaving everything together. My only issue was I was so impatient for the scenes with Poppy just because I love them so much together so the wait on some of the chapters just drove me crazy and that ending oh my gosh why did she do that to me. I need the next book immediately.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Love/Hate Relationship with This Series:

Rating: 3/5 stars

I devoured books 1 - 4 in a matter of days, staying up far too late and neglecting everything else in my life to find out what happened next. Jennifer Armentrout has created something genuinely addictive here - compelling characters, intense romantic tension, supernatural drama, and cliffhangers that make it impossible to put the books down. The world-building draws you in, the emotional beats hit hard, and the pacing keeps you racing through pages.

So why am I not recommending this series without reservations?

The editing is frustratingly sloppy throughout. Characters in this fantasy realm regularly use jarringly modern phrases like "my two cents" and "later, man" that completely shatter immersion. You'll find yourself pulled out of carefully built fantasy scenes by dialogue that sounds like it belongs in a contemporary college dorm rather than an otherworldly setting. The word "utterly" appears with exhausting frequency, and repetitive dialogue patterns ("I just...I just don't understand") become a lazy shortcut rather than authentic character voice.

These aren't small nitpicks - they're consistent issues that suggest rushed editing and a lack of attention to maintaining the fantasy world's integrity. Proper ellipses are ignored in favor of mashed-together periods, and basic copy-editing problems persist throughout all four books.
The most disappointing aspect is that these are completely fixable problems that wouldn't change the compelling story underneath. Armentrout clearly knows how to create emotional investment and page-turning plots. With careful editing, this could have been both addictive AND well-crafted.

As a reader who values literary craft alongside entertainment, I found myself constantly fighting the prose while being pulled along by the story. It's exhausting to mentally edit as you read, and frankly, readers deserve better.

The bottom line: If you can turn off your internal editor and just want escapist fantasy romance, you might enjoy this. But if sloppy writing and poor word choices pull you out of stories, save your time for authors who respect both the genre and their readers enough to deliver polished prose alongside compelling plots.

Note: Based on reviews, Book 5 appears to be largely a retelling of Book 1, suggesting this series has moved into cash-grab territory. I won't be continuing.

[Annamaria Alfano · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much wasted potential

Allora, partendo da ciò che può sembrare più superficiale (ma che in realtà non lo è): copertine e impaginazione.
Le copertine sono davvero brutte e, considerando che ogni libro costa circa 20 euro, mi aspetterei qualcosa di molto più curato. I titoli, poi, risultano ripetitivi: sembra quasi che l’autrice abbia ripescato sempre le stesse quattro parole combinandole in modi diversi. L’impaginazione è accettabile, ma la suddivisione in capitoli lascia a desiderare: spesso la scena finiva in maniera del tutto casuale in un capitolo per poi riprendere in quello successivo, senza alcuna logica.

Il worldbuilding, che dovrebbe essere l’elemento fondamentale in un fantasy, a tratti è praticamente inesistente e, quando c’è, risulta per lo più confusionario. Vengono introdotte numerose entità senza alcuna spiegazione su cosa siano o da dove provengano.

Il primo libro era iniziato davvero bene, mi piaceva molto. C’erano alcune parti lente e stucchevoli, ma lo stile semplice dell’autrice le rendeva comunque scorrevoli e tollerabili. Proprio per questo motivo avevo aspettative alte, che però sono state completamente deluse dal secondo volume. Quest’ultimo, infatti, si è rivelato del tutto inutile: non succede praticamente nulla. Settecentocinquantadue pagine che avrebbero potuto essere ridotte a cinquanta, considerando che i protagonisti passano la maggior parte del tempo a litigare o a compiere azioni sconvenienti.
Il terzo libro è stato leggermente migliore, ma anche qui la parte interessante si concentra solo nelle ultime cento pagine. Il quarto l’ho iniziato, ma giuro che non sono riuscita a terminarlo.

I personaggi risultano piatti, senza la minima evoluzione psicologica. Inoltre, c’è un’evidente tendenza a voler presentare Poppy come una grande protagonista femminile forte e resiliente, cosa che però non è. Questo tentativo sfocia in frasi ridicole. L’ossessione di annullare totalmente l’emotività del personaggio per non farla sembrare debole si è rivelata inutile: sarebbe bastato mostrarne la crescita e la maturazione come persona. Basti pensare a Ophelia (la protagonista de L’Attraversaspecchi), che inizia come una ragazza sensibile, emotiva, timida e riservata, per poi maturare e diventare forte caratterialmente. Abbracciare l’emotività avrebbe potuto dare un grande potenziale a Poppy, ma visto lo sviluppo minimo del personaggio ciò non è stato possibile.

Un punto a favore dell’autrice è sicuramente lo stile di scrittura, molto semplice e scorrevole: a volte questo permette di tollerare la totale assenza di trama e centinaia di pagine in cui non accade nulla. Credo che sia proprio questa la ragione per cui molte persone danno 4 o 5 stelle alla saga. Nonostante ciò, alcune parti risultano davvero imbarazzanti da leggere, in particolare quelle riguardanti la relazione tra Poppy e Cas e i dialoghi che si scambiano. Il POV di Cas, poi, è stato difficile da sopportare per quanto fosse cringe.

In sintesi, la saga aveva un enorme potenziale ma è stata trascinata troppo a lungo. Se fosse stata pensata come una trilogia, avrebbe avuto davvero molto più senso.

[Miranda K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have complex feelings about this series as a whole. I loved the first book, it was like a 4.5 star read for me. It re-ignited my love for reading that had been dormant for a while. I loved the second book just as much.

Then things went downhill for me rapidly in the 3rd and 4th books. I actually haven’t even finished the 4th book. In august 2022 I set it down with less than 100 pages to go and just never picked it up again, which is weird for me because A.) I don’t really do that, and B.) I didn’t even dislike the book. I will finish it someday, I just don’t know when. I haven’t even started the 5th book from Hawke’s perspective yet. I think I’ll probably read it someday but idk.

Over the course of the series the characters kind of just fell flat to me. They kind of stopped growing and just didn’t really feel real to me anymore.

[SPOILERS STARTING HERE]


•
•
•


I think one reason is just that throughout the series we just keep discovering Poppy is more and more powerful. Every time we figure out what she is it’s just “OPE NO NEVER MIND she’s actually even MORE POWERFUL” and it just feels unrealistic (yes I know this is a fantasy series and realism is not really the goal here, but you know what I mean). I kind of just got sick of it.

The progression of poppy’s unrealistic powers:

1. Mortal (The Maiden)
2. Half Atlantian
3. Full Atlantian
4. Elemental Atlantian
5. Half god?
6. Full god
7. PRIMAL GOD

It was just too much, I think. I don’t know why but I feel like giving her all these crazy insane powers just took away from her growth a bit. I would have stopped around half god if I were the author.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and Ash Series 5 Book Set (From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones, The War of Two Queens, a Light in the Flame) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review

From Blood and Ash

From Blood and Ash is the first book in the Blood and Ash series and this was just a great way to start off a new series. Oh my gosh this was just such a great book to read. I was just drawn into this new world with it’s characters. I just was taken on a journey and I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is the second book in the Blood and Ash series and immediately picks up were From Blood and Ash the first book in the series left off. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in the lives of these amazing characters and I just felt so much for them. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

The Crown of Gilded Bones

The Crown of Gilded Bones is the third book in the Blood and Ash series and I just loved getting to reenter this amazing world. This book picks up immediately after the second book in the series. Oh my gosh this book was just epic. I was just blown away by everything that was taking place. You get to a moment where you think that this series can’t get any better and boy does this author prove you wrong. I’m just speechless after that ending. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

The War of Two Queens

The War of Two Queens is the fourth book in the Blood and Ash series and is best read after A Shadow in the Ember which is the first book in The Flesh and Fire series that shares the same universe as the Blood and Ash series. I just absolutely loved getting to reenter this amazing wonderful. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. My emotions were just all over the place and I just felt so much for these characters and all that they have to go through. You just can’t help but fall more in love with them after each story. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

A Light in the Flame

A Light in the Flame is the second book in The Flesh and Fire series and takes place in the Blood and Ash universe. These series are best read in publication order so this story is best read after The War of Two Queens the fourth book in the Blood and Ash series. What another great installment to this universe. I was just so captivated by everything that was taking place in this story. I was just drawn in and I felt so much for these characters. There was just so much that gets thrown at you that just when you think you’ve figured something out another piece gets revealed and you’re left wondering what just happened and oh my gosh what an ending. I need the next story immediately.

[Addie Oros · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ FAVORITE SERIES OF ALL TIME!

-Enemies to lovers
-Amazing twists
-Insane FMC growth
-Mates
-Intense world building


Hear me out, I know the first book in the series is so confusing. Poppy is naive. She asks A LOT of questions, and is totally clueless about everything. I know this frustrates a lot of people, but hear me out— the twists this series took are delicious. My mouth was agape constantly. Go into it blind and just trust the process. There’s so many things that happen in this book where you’re like wtf is happening here? I really didn’t have any clue what was going on for a good chunk of the first book, but that’s why I ended up loving the series so much. My favorite book probably had to be The War of Two Queens. A few things happen where you might have seen them coming, but there’s so many other elements that take you by surprise and make you feel like you got slapped in the face. I read this series 3 months prior to making my review, and have read quite a few books in the meantime and let me just say— I miss the characters so much. I loved the series. Seriously cannot wait for it to be continued. There’s also another series that ties into this one called “Flesh and Fire” with a recommended reading order (that I didn’t read, yet) and I can’t wait to dive into it. 100% recommend to fantasy lovers.

[Anushka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I'm giving it 3 stars only because of the first and second installments of the book. You could practically feel the drag by the fourth book.
Like, there was so much going on but the explanations behind all of it was so hodge-podge. Like the story and the author's ideas couldn't catch up with each other. There was not one single point by the final installment that you could get a precise explanation for something. And by the end, i was so frustrated, that i quit.
Also, there were literally so many new names and people and concepts coming in suddenly in the third and fourth installment that, it was honestly kind of annoying.
The first and second installments were quite promising, i won't lie. But after that....meh.
It wasn't all bad. Hat's off to JLA's writing style, which was good. And there were a lot of twists and turns that keep you on your toes.
But, final opinion, it's entertaining, but drawing a comparison between ACOTAR (which is the reason i picked up this series in the first place) and BOBAA, wouldn't be appropriate. i don't know why people keep comparing ACOTAR to this series. Don't get me wrong BOBAA is a good series, but ACOTAR is an exquisitely crafted masterpiece.i haven't yet come across something as enrapturing as SJM's work in the romantic fantasy genre.

[Blanche · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy book 1 and 2. Book two is my favorite in this series. However, the writing started going downhill from book 3.
Spoilers below!!!

What has made this series no longer so good for me is the fact that poppy is the epitome of a Mary sue character. She is just too powerful and has no weakness which makes it meh for me. Also, I hate the fact that as the books progresses Casteel’s character does not develop. He is just one dimensional and I hate that his character revolves around poppy. This makes their love scenes boring and uninteresting. Unlike most people who were upset about the joining, I was not; it did not bother me. It is how the author executed it that bothered me. The fade to black was a disappointment. It is like the author wanted it to occur but at the same time was wary of it. I feel like if she had started foreshadowing it way back in previous books then she should own it. Also, the fourth book had a lot of info dumping!! I cant even remember the last 15 %. I am reluctant to continue with the series. If I do, it just because of the character Kieran.

[Tricia Feeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series (including the interspersing prequel series) was SOOOO much more than I thought it would be. It is so well-written and I don’t know where to start.

✅Fully developed characters that make you know and love and care about them.
✅Fully built world with so much detail but not dumped on you, but slowly and subtly trickled through with a unique reading order interspersing both the main and prequel series’ in a clever and reveal-laden way that keeps you burning through the pages.
✅So much sexual tension and slow burn that keeps the relationships exciting throughout.
✅At least three 10/10 book boyfriends to be in love with forever, but are also unique and don’t feel like the same MMC rewritten over and over.
✅Unpredictable and exciting in such an addictive way.
✅ FMC badassery that just don’t quit.
✅ The spiciest spice 🥵.

I didn’t think I’d find a series that matched my love for ACOTAR but this is it. I can’t wait for more.

[Daphne Gonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Blood and Ash: Good Read. Great 1st chapter to catch attention, and had great surprises. Was slow to get going. 4/5

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire: Another good but slow read. Loved the heartmate addition, it made the fights and sex scenes all the more steamy and emotional. 4/5

The Grown of Gilded Bones: The tempo picked up and the surprises were crazy (Ian and Malek)!Loved 4.5/5

The War of 2 Queens: HATED every second of Cass’s torcher but I understand the significance in the storyline. I was expecting more of an actual war between the 2. Did LOVE the joining ceremony scene. 4.5/5

Soul of Ash and Blood: Loved getting to experience the storyline from Cass’s POV. I do wish there was some advancement in the storyline. Loved the added ability to change and I can’t wait to see poppy shift for the first time. 5/5

[Katie Sproull · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite series by far!

The character development throughout the series with all characters is (in my opinion) some of my favourite to read. I loved watching Poppy transform from this naive girl who has been locked away with secrets hidden from her to this confident, brave and talented woman ready to take on anything the world throws at her.

My favourite book out the series is Book 5... if there's one thing I love more than a male POV chapter, it's a whole male POV book! I didn't think it was possible to fall further in love with Casteel but this book proved me wrong! It goes back to the beginning telling Casteel's experiences and in doing so helped jog my memory and answer some questions I forgot I had from reading book 1. I can't wait for book 6!

P.s For anyone who cares about these things... the paper quality from the physical books is also elite!

[LiterallyLitReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chosen maiden meets rebellion meets gods in hiding

What happens when you’re done being silent? When the one thing you were never meant to want is the one thing you can’t live without? When the truth about your kingdom—and yourself—is more dangerous than any enemy at the gates? Bound by duty but burning with defiance, you’ll have to decide if you’re willing to set the world on fire for a chance at freedom.

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After reading “Fall of Ruin and Wrath” I had to read another of Armentrout’s books, but was slightly disappointed. This series started out SO strong, then started to fall off in the third book. I kind of expected this since it’s a long series (5+ books). I finished the first two in two days (4-5 stars each), but stopped half way through the third. It honestly started to feel like anime filler episodes.

[Laura Korner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a lot of feelings about these books.

Now the first book I inhaled like I had been book deprived all my life and within a week, jumped to the second one. It was in that book I noticed homegurl isn’t a great writer in a sense where she repeats herself so often where I’m like “yeah yeah I got it - get to the good bit now pls”. And honestly the second book could have been 250 pages for all it’s worth but it was just packed with pointless words.

I got to the thrid book, where it got a little better and we’ve been getting some more juice and goss.

I’m halfway through the fourth book and to be honest I can not be bothered anymore. Jennifer seems like she doesn’t even know where the story is taking ber and is beyond winging all this.

I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone (well I did after reading the first one but I take it back)

[olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thought I had when I finished this series was ‘this cannot be it’. The last two books were so painful to get through. Soul of Blood and Ash is basically just emphasizing how horny Cas is the entire time. Can he not make a coherent thought past his dick?

Congrats on Poppy being a primal, couldn’t even care after we thought she was a Demi-God, and then a God, and now a Primal? When will it end? Is the next book going to have her be something bigger than a Primal?

Also, we’re supposed to believe that Poppy loves Cas so much, but in the joining she can’t tell him and Kieran apart? Seriously? So annoying how the author handled the joining and just turned it into a weird blob of a threesome.

I’ll still keep reading the series but oof this was a rough one to care about.

[Samantha Jedrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this whole series so far. The development of their relationship was very tumultuous but true. I enjoyed the world building/history of each character/animal and the evolution of the respect for the characters. I never would’ve guessed who Isbeth was, her father, her whole story. Book 5 was a bit long imo, we just read the whole story but then we got a recap so it was a little repetitive. I would’ve preferred a more shortened version than we already got but at times it was nice to have cas’ POV. The ending of book 5 was very surprising with his new ability to shift. I liked that she tied the bond together even stronger with that connection and I’m excited for what it means for poppy and Kieran’s power/abilities as well. Can’t wait for book 6!

[Hollie Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: This series will ruin your sleep schedule and make you question your own morals.
Blood and Ash is a fever dream.Think: Throne of Glass meets The Handmaid’s Tale—but with vampires, zombies, and a romance so hot it could scorch the pages. The enemies-to-lovers arc is pure torture in the best possible way, and Cassian? Top tier book boyfriend. Can you guess his song on my playlist?
Our heroine’s transformation is as deadly as it is thrilling, and the cliffhanger at the end of book 4? I’m already planning my next obsession. Slow in parts for book 4, but the payoff is worth every page.
Four stars for making me crave what comes next—and for turning my moral compass into dust. Well, more dust.

@holliebooked :)

[Nae Granatelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blood and Ash series is hands down my all-time favorite fantasy series—period.
I recommend it to everyone who even slightly enjoys badass heroines, steamy romance, and twisty, high-stakes plots.

Poppy? She’s a whole force of nature. An emotional gangster with a blade—she will hand you your ass and smirk while doing it. Honestly, queen behavior.

This series has everything: lies, betrayal, forbidden love, gods, vampires, wolves, kingdoms at war, devastating heartbreak, and more spice than your favorite chili pepper. You’re never bored—not for a second.

If you’re even thinking about picking this up, just do it. Welcome to the obsession.

[Bookish McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Blood and Ash

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Books: 4

Genre: Fantasy

I absolutely loved this series!! Vampires, werewolves, gods, magic, a steamy enemies to lovers story that gets spicier through with each book.

“You are so violent, princess. I love that.”

I read this series after I read ACOTAR. It is a darker romance but it has a similar vibe but with more spice. I loved the comedic teasing mixed with the steamy romance. If you are looking for a good spicy fantasy read this is the series for you.