A review by distilledreads
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

OK. I get the hype. I read this in a 12-hour window of time, only stopping (ever-so-briefly) to sleep. 

First, a few of the things that bothered me, and what makes From Blood and Ash unable to be a five-star read in my books. 

The consent borders on questionable at times, before flinging itself right into questionable territory, which left me with a queasy feeling in my stomach; however, I will suspend my distaste for at least another book, with the hopes that our characters have a very frank and honest discussion that isn’t clouded by lust. Both characters were willing and active participants in every sexual encounter, but information was withheld that (in my opinion) might have affected the willingness. 

I would recommend looking into the content warnings before reading this as I didn’t (rookie mistake) and the first scene that came up slightly unexpectedly horrified me.
There are detailed descriptions of physical assault that is sexual in nature, as well as detailed descriptions of the shame Poppy feels which leads her to hide/deny the assault. Even though Poppy rationally tells herself that the assault isn’t her fault, she can’t stop the shame she feels in her body. I personally found this quite triggering.
The narrative is first-person, so what is happening to Poppy feels as if it is happening to you. Despite this graphic and horrifying assault…it is concluded in a way that I found gratifying. 

The plot twists were predictable through heavy amounts of foreshadowing, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I don’t believe that Armentrout was actually trying to keep those plot twists hidden from the reader, but rather softly nudging our sides and letting us in on the secret that our heroine couldn’t see in front of her. 

Finally, despite being the Maiden, forbidden to be seen by anyone, Poppy is seen by…a lot of people? Especially during one particular scene in which that rule that seems to govern her existence, just no longer applies. I understand why Armentrout used that trope in order to set up her story and move the plot forward, but it did irk me slightly how it was disregarded when it was no longer convenient. 

And yet, despite all that, I found From Blood and Ash an addicting read. Our male lead is absolutely a morally grey character, and while I don’t quite love him yet, I do love the snark and banter that occur between him and Poppy. I love Poppy as well, who is out living my dream: a bad-ass woman with impeccable aim with a bow and arrow, and a dagger almost perpetually strapped to her thigh. 
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