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In Blood and Fire #1
From the Ashes
An orphaned princess, a mad goddess, and a world on the precipice of war.
Twenty years ago, during the last war between the country Lithonia and its neighbor, the king’s brother died in battle. Thanks to the magical link that connected him and his wife, she went into labor, dying minutes before their daughter Lena was born.
Princess Lena, raised at the court of her dying uncle, is third to inherit the throne. Her insane cousin, obsessed with Lena and first in line to the throne, wants to force a marriage between them after his father dies. To save her, and secure an alliance against their country’s neighbor, the king instead arranges a marriage to the prince of a foreign kingdom.
Forced to leave her homeland, Lena must secure the loyalty of her new husband, a stranger who is still grieving the death of his previous fiancée. Now tied together by the same magical link that destroyed both her parents, their fates are intertwined.
Lena finds herself alone in a strange land, not knowing who to trust and who is waiting in the shadows to stab her in the back.
Author Kristina Gruell debuts with a dark, high-stakes political fantasy, where every new face hides a potential threat. Pick up From the Ashes and discover the shadow games that will determine the fate of Redolan.
Twenty years ago, during the last war between the country Lithonia and its neighbor, the king’s brother died in battle. Thanks to the magical link that connected him and his wife, she went into labor, dying minutes before their daughter Lena was born.
Princess Lena, raised at the court of her dying uncle, is third to inherit the throne. Her insane cousin, obsessed with Lena and first in line to the throne, wants to force a marriage between them after his father dies. To save her, and secure an alliance against their country’s neighbor, the king instead arranges a marriage to the prince of a foreign kingdom.
Forced to leave her homeland, Lena must secure the loyalty of her new husband, a stranger who is still grieving the death of his previous fiancée. Now tied together by the same magical link that destroyed both her parents, their fates are intertwined.
Lena finds herself alone in a strange land, not knowing who to trust and who is waiting in the shadows to stab her in the back.
Author Kristina Gruell debuts with a dark, high-stakes political fantasy, where every new face hides a potential threat. Pick up From the Ashes and discover the shadow games that will determine the fate of Redolan.
- GenresFantasy
414 pages, ebook
Published March 8, 2021
72 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Gruell
15 books26 followersKristina’s stories resolve around found family, epic magic, and overcoming the darkest times in one’s life to step into the light.
Between lifelong damage from a car accident and autoimmune diseases she has struggled with pain and physical disabilities most of her life. Through it all her found family―those that have stood by her through the darkest times when all hope was lost―became one of the foundation blocks of her life. For that reason many of her books focus on those themes: found family and finding a way through tragedy, loss, and hardship.
She is the author of the In Blood and Fire Series. Her books include: From the Ashes, A Burning Ember, The Flame Within, The Conflagration, The World Ablaze, and The In Blood and Fire Companion and Short Story Collection.
To find out more about Kristina and her books, join her newsletter. subscribepage.io/k3h5b6
Between lifelong damage from a car accident and autoimmune diseases she has struggled with pain and physical disabilities most of her life. Through it all her found family―those that have stood by her through the darkest times when all hope was lost―became one of the foundation blocks of her life. For that reason many of her books focus on those themes: found family and finding a way through tragedy, loss, and hardship.
She is the author of the In Blood and Fire Series. Her books include: From the Ashes, A Burning Ember, The Flame Within, The Conflagration, The World Ablaze, and The In Blood and Fire Companion and Short Story Collection.
To find out more about Kristina and her books, join her newsletter. subscribepage.io/k3h5b6
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 8, 2021
A fantastic debut! Can’t wait for book 2!
April 7, 2021
A really good story
Once it gets rolling this is a really good read. Intrigue, action, swirling politics, romance, the plot thickens. Looking forward to book 2.
Once it gets rolling this is a really good read. Intrigue, action, swirling politics, romance, the plot thickens. Looking forward to book 2.
September 11, 2021
Impressive debut
This is a genre I typically avoid, but this book was compelling. The characters and their struggles are well done, and the setting is relatable as well. The bad guys are so very bad, and the good stuff? Is just really good. Lots of intrigue, lots of genuinely respectful and loving marriages, a smattering of sexy times... Fantasy readers and people like me who usually aren't fantasy fans will all find something to enjoy in this novel.
This is a genre I typically avoid, but this book was compelling. The characters and their struggles are well done, and the setting is relatable as well. The bad guys are so very bad, and the good stuff? Is just really good. Lots of intrigue, lots of genuinely respectful and loving marriages, a smattering of sexy times... Fantasy readers and people like me who usually aren't fantasy fans will all find something to enjoy in this novel.
October 27, 2021
From The Ashes introduces you to Lenathaina Morthan, her homeland of Lithonia, and all of the complications and intrigue that go along with being a prized Princess of the Royal Court. You are also given the broad stroke introduction to Redolan and the different nations and peoples that inhabit this glorious world. Lenathaina is the kind of woman we all hope we are, deep down inside. She's the perfect blend of willow and oak, allowing herself to bend when needed so she doesn't break. This princess doesn't let the fact that she wears a crown or a dress for that matter, hold her back from doing, well, anything she sets her mind to.
This is a gaslight fantasy that is written in such a way that you will feel drawn into Redolan as the world around you fades away. You can almost smell the tobacco and brandy in the drawing-room during the Player's Club meetings. You can almost hear the cannon fire and screams during the battles. The details of the world being described on the page are just enough to keep you feeling like part of the world without being boring you to tears at the dryness of it all.
Book One of In Blood and Fire includes a diverse cast of characters, encompassing and embracing all skin colors, sexual orientations, and social statuses. This book explores how one’s birth and place in society are not always a reflection of the soul inside, be it a pauper with the purest of souls or the aristocrat who is rotten to their core. It celebrates all relationships, the romance is beautifully written, and in the few cases a simple “fade to black” isn’t used it is written with class and certainly got my blood pumping, if you know what I mean.
From the Ashes is a beautiful first installment in what is sure to be one of the most epic fantasy series of the modern age. It is the beginning of an epic fantasy series that checks all of the boxes; court intrigue – check, spies, battles, and mage duels – double-check, rich, exciting, fast-paced storytelling that hooks you in from the start – do you even have to ask!?. The overall writing is engaging, detailing the world in such a way as to draw you in and keep the pages turning. The chapters are small enough to not be intimidating to any level of reader, from the casual beginner to the avid book devourer.
This is a gaslight fantasy that is written in such a way that you will feel drawn into Redolan as the world around you fades away. You can almost smell the tobacco and brandy in the drawing-room during the Player's Club meetings. You can almost hear the cannon fire and screams during the battles. The details of the world being described on the page are just enough to keep you feeling like part of the world without being boring you to tears at the dryness of it all.
Book One of In Blood and Fire includes a diverse cast of characters, encompassing and embracing all skin colors, sexual orientations, and social statuses. This book explores how one’s birth and place in society are not always a reflection of the soul inside, be it a pauper with the purest of souls or the aristocrat who is rotten to their core. It celebrates all relationships, the romance is beautifully written, and in the few cases a simple “fade to black” isn’t used it is written with class and certainly got my blood pumping, if you know what I mean.
From the Ashes is a beautiful first installment in what is sure to be one of the most epic fantasy series of the modern age. It is the beginning of an epic fantasy series that checks all of the boxes; court intrigue – check, spies, battles, and mage duels – double-check, rich, exciting, fast-paced storytelling that hooks you in from the start – do you even have to ask!?. The overall writing is engaging, detailing the world in such a way as to draw you in and keep the pages turning. The chapters are small enough to not be intimidating to any level of reader, from the casual beginner to the avid book devourer.
May 16, 2021
This book is full of written characters who come to life on the pages. There are family issues, secrets, plots, and court intrigue. The story kept me turning pages until the end. I will continue the series.
May 16, 2021
Gruell’s best strengths as an author are her compelling characters and intriguing court politics, and both of these factors heavily in this novel detailing a highly contested royal succession. My personal favorite character isn’t introduced until the second half of the novel, but the other characters are all interesting and often delightful.
This is Gruell’s first novel, the premiere of a four-book series set in a massive fantasy world of her own creation, and by the time I finished, I was ready to immediately begin devouring book 2. I look forward to reading more of her work as she fills out the rest of this world!
This is Gruell’s first novel, the premiere of a four-book series set in a massive fantasy world of her own creation, and by the time I finished, I was ready to immediately begin devouring book 2. I look forward to reading more of her work as she fills out the rest of this world!
May 16, 2021
Perfect for the fans of Game of Thrones! Reminiscent of Westeros, Gruell builds a great world called Redolan. The main characters draw you in from the very first chapters. If you love family drama, court intrigues and medieval-style governance, then this is the right series for you! Having read both books, I have to say that I'm totally impressed with the writing style. Gruell has successfully created a new theme that is simultaneously exciting and enticing the reader to invest into this series.
I would definitely recommend this book and book 2 without any hesitation!!
I would definitely recommend this book and book 2 without any hesitation!!
October 27, 2021
Great book. Vividly described world. Engaging and engrossing.
Kristina weaves a tapestry unlike few I've read. Her characters come to life on the screen, and her little touches of their daily life only adds to the world. This is a great start to the series!
Looking forward to further entries in the series!
Kristina weaves a tapestry unlike few I've read. Her characters come to life on the screen, and her little touches of their daily life only adds to the world. This is a great start to the series!
Looking forward to further entries in the series!
May 17, 2021
It's an amazing book and a WILD adventure. I had a really hard time putting this book down when I needed to.
May 21, 2023
I had my eye on this series for quite some time as several people I follow on bookstagram had shared their praise for these books. I love discovering indie authors who write amazing stories in my favourite genre, so this saga hit all spots.
"From the Ashes" is set in a post-medieval fantasy predatory world, full of ruthless characters, magic and religious cults with their special agenda. There are many powerful people who can turn the tide, there are others who seek to obtain power, and more who work in a secretive way to push the buttons and influence the events in royal courts and castles. Every move is carefully calculated, every step is checked.
Princess Lenathaina Morthan, the main character, is an orphaned child from a royal family, raised in the court of her uncle. She is third in the line to inherit the throne of Lithonia, after her two cousins: the insane sadist and a child far from age to rule. Lena's fate is sealed to marry a prince from another country. It is decided for a reason to protect her from the king's son attempts to rape her, as her sadist cousin has an agenda to make Lena his queen against her will. Lena leaves her country with her new husband, but things don't go the way as planned.
I loved this book for the Game of Thrones and The Bridgerton vibes with such complicated knot of political intrigues and revelations! Kristina Gruell did a excellent job of weaving such an intriguing story, and I am so curious to read the entire saga. The ending of the first book was amazing, I did't expect how tables turned, wow! I am so interested how things will roll out in the following books!
"From the Ashes" is set in a post-medieval fantasy predatory world, full of ruthless characters, magic and religious cults with their special agenda. There are many powerful people who can turn the tide, there are others who seek to obtain power, and more who work in a secretive way to push the buttons and influence the events in royal courts and castles. Every move is carefully calculated, every step is checked.
Princess Lenathaina Morthan, the main character, is an orphaned child from a royal family, raised in the court of her uncle. She is third in the line to inherit the throne of Lithonia, after her two cousins: the insane sadist and a child far from age to rule. Lena's fate is sealed to marry a prince from another country. It is decided for a reason to protect her from the king's son attempts to rape her, as her sadist cousin has an agenda to make Lena his queen against her will. Lena leaves her country with her new husband, but things don't go the way as planned.
I loved this book for the Game of Thrones and The Bridgerton vibes with such complicated knot of political intrigues and revelations! Kristina Gruell did a excellent job of weaving such an intriguing story, and I am so curious to read the entire saga. The ending of the first book was amazing, I did't expect how tables turned, wow! I am so interested how things will roll out in the following books!
November 20, 2021
This is a well-crafted story--it's interesting and enjoyable, up to a point. On the plus side, the characters are well rounded and intriguing...the good, the bad and the really evil! The politics of the nations are well planned out and the intrigue is fascinating. It reads like a good spy novel in that respect. The storyline and the lives of the characters, are richly described. My only problems with this book are the fact that each person, as they are introduced, and even later, have their skin colors pointed out as part of the descriptions. I felt this was a bit of overkill on the diversity issue and it detracted from the story for me--I don't 'see' skin color and don't enjoy having it pointed out to me ad nauseum. Also, even though this wasn't billed as a Young Adult novel, I was bothered by the few explicit sexual scenes. I wasn't triggered or anything, just felt it wasn't necessary to go into such detail (yes, I mostly read YA fantasy for this reason). Overall, due to these issues, my rating is 3.5. I did enjoy the book and know that others will too!
April 12, 2022
DNF @ 59%
Had to give up on this book because it was just too dark and tragic for me - yikes so much physical and sexual abuse! Honestly, it left me with a sick feeling and the urge to read or watch something sugary sweet to rid myself of it.
The writing wasn't bad - I just didn't care for the subject material.
Had to give up on this book because it was just too dark and tragic for me - yikes so much physical and sexual abuse! Honestly, it left me with a sick feeling and the urge to read or watch something sugary sweet to rid myself of it.
The writing wasn't bad - I just didn't care for the subject material.
October 4, 2021
I did not finish this book. I made it to the 8% mark. The cover is beautiful, but the book is so slow. I was bored. Every chapter is from the perspective of a different character. It made it really hard to care about the characters, and it was hard to get into the plot.
October 7, 2021
This wonderful book is a different take on the usual fantasy books. Not only is it written by the talented Kristina Gruell, the lead character is female. It grabs you right away and just keeps getting better and better. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great story. Enjoy!
June 20, 2022
I had to put the book down for a while, there has to be a better way to strike fear without resorting to rape. It was recommended to me, but they assured me the first book is the goriest. Not sure if I can continue the series. If the sexual trauma was removed, I would have enjoyed reading.
May 16, 2021
So far, a very good series! Excited to see more
September 16, 2023
This is a reread just to catch up before reading the sequel. I loved it again!!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews