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sarahsreadinglist 's review for:
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have mixed feelings about this book.
On one hand, I find the writing lacking: it reads as an underdeveloped fanfiction-esque amalgamation of fantasy subjects like vampires, werewolves, and zombies. I found other parts of the book frustrating, like how it deals with the ever-common fantasy romance trope ofa teenage girl and centuries-old magical male being falling in love as well as the issue of informed consent (which was glossed over far too quickly in my opinion). I can recall two explicitly POC (specifically black) characters, both of whom have names relating to being brown/dark in color and are in positions of service to their white friends and main characters.
On the other hand, I still enjoyed the book. Despite my frustrations with the way certain topics were dealt with, I think the author handled some darker issues well. It made me feel giddy and excited like a well-written fanfiction does, and despite my issues with the world building and my amusement with the inclusion of what is essentially vampires/zombies/werewolves, I found myself reading with anticipation. I was eager to learn more about the workings of this fantasy world and see the development of character relationships, however predictable it may have been. I checked out the second and third books in the series as soon as possible from my local library.
TLDR: I thoroughly enjoyed the book even though it left something to be desired.
On one hand, I find the writing lacking: it reads as an underdeveloped fanfiction-esque amalgamation of fantasy subjects like vampires, werewolves, and zombies. I found other parts of the book frustrating, like how it deals with the ever-common fantasy romance trope of
On the other hand, I still enjoyed the book. Despite my frustrations with the way certain topics were dealt with, I think the author handled some darker issues well. It made me feel giddy and excited like a well-written fanfiction does, and despite my issues with the world building and my amusement with the inclusion of what is essentially vampires/zombies/werewolves, I found myself reading with anticipation. I was eager to learn more about the workings of this fantasy world and see the development of character relationships, however predictable it may have been. I checked out the second and third books in the series as soon as possible from my local library.
TLDR: I thoroughly enjoyed the book even though it left something to be desired.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, Murder