From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout Summary

From Blood and Ash follows Penellaphe "Poppy" Balfour, a Maiden destined to Ascend as a gift to the gods on her 19th birthday in the Kingdom of Solis. When she meets Hawke Flynn, her new Royal Guard, Poppy begins questioning her sheltered existence and the ruling Ascended class. The story combines fantasy worldbuilding with romance as Poppy discovers devastating truths about her identity, the Ascended vamprys, and the war between kingdoms.

Jennifer L. Armentrout is a #1 New York Times and international bestselling author who writes fantasy, paranormal, science fiction, and contemporary romance. Born in West Virginia in 1980, she has published over 50 books, including the Blood and Ash series, the Lux series (Obsidian), the Titan series, and the Wicked series. She also writes adult romance under the pseudonym J. Lynn. Her novel From Blood and Ash won the 2020 Goodreads Choice Award in Romance.

From Blood and Ash is ideal for readers who enjoy fantasy romance with complex worldbuilding, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and strong-willed heroines. Fans of young adult and new adult fantasy featuring political intrigue, supernatural creatures like vampires and wolven, and emotionally intense relationships will find this compelling. The book appeals to readers seeking stories about self-discovery, challenging oppressive systems, and protagonists who fight for autonomy against predetermined destinies.

From Blood and Ash is worth reading if you enjoy fantasy romance with major plot twists and character-driven narratives. The book won the 2020 Goodreads Choice Award in Romance and became a #1 bestseller, demonstrating broad reader appeal. Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers compelling worldbuilding, emotional depth, and unexpected revelations about the Ascended and Atlantians. However, readers should note this is the first in a series with significant cliffhangers and unresolved storylines requiring commitment to subsequent books.

The Maiden in From Blood and Ash refers to Poppy's role as the Chosen One, destined to Ascend and become part of the elite royalty of Kingdom Solis. As the Maiden, Poppy must live an isolated, scrutinized existence, wear a veil, and remain untouched until her 19th birthday. The Kingdom believes her Ascension will bring healing and elevate Lords and Ladies in Waiting. However, this title masks a darker truth about the Ascended's true nature as vamprys who exploit Maidens.

Hawke Flynn is initially introduced as Poppy's new Royal Guard assigned to protect the Maiden. His real identity is Prince Casteel Da'Neer of Atlantia, also known as the Dark One—the supposed enemy of Kingdom Solis. Casteel captured Poppy to use her as ransom to free his brother Malik, who is enslaved by the Ascended. Despite his deception, genuine feelings develop between them, creating conflict between duty and love throughout the story.

The Ascended in From Blood and Ash are the ruling elite of Kingdom Solis who present themselves as god-chosen immortals. In reality, they are vamprys—former mortals who drank Atlantian blood and transformed into blood-drinking creatures. The Ascended enslave Atlantians to use their blood for creating more vamprys, which is the true fate awaiting the Maiden and Ladies in Waiting. When they feed on mortals without draining them completely, those victims transform into Craven, zombie-like creatures.

Craven in From Blood and Ash are zombie-like creatures that lurk beyond the Rise, the protective walls surrounding Kingdom Solis. They are created when the Ascended vamprys feed on mortals without completely draining them. Once bitten by a Craven, a mortal becomes cursed to transform into one themselves. The Kingdom presents Craven as evidence of godly punishment, but they're actually byproducts of the Ascended's feeding habits, revealing the corruption at the heart of Solis's power structure.

Poppy possesses "the touch," a special power that allows her to feel the physical and emotional pain of others. This heightened empathic ability lets her sense suffering and provides deep insight into people's true feelings. She uses her gift compassionately, particularly when performing death with dignity for those cursed to become Craven, easing their pain during euthanasia. This power becomes significant when Poppy later discovers she is half-Atlantian, explaining her unique abilities beyond normal mortal capacity.

The major plot twist in From Blood and Ash occurs when Hawke reveals he is actually Prince Casteel of Atlantia, kidnapping Poppy as ransom. Additionally, the Ascended are exposed as vamprys who create Craven through careless feeding and sacrifice third children as blood sources. The ultimate revelation comes when Casteel tastes Poppy's blood and discovers she is half-Atlantian, not fully mortal as believed. This transforms her entire identity and destiny, explaining her special powers and raising questions about her true parentage.

From Blood and Ash explores themes of self-exploration, autonomy, and individualism against oppressive authority. The narrative examines how ruling classes use fear and religious manipulation to control populations through false promises of divine favor. Poppy's journey emphasizes the importance of questioning predetermined destinies and fighting for personal freedom rather than accepting others' expectations. Additional themes include the complexity of identity, the power of truth versus deception, and how love can develop even through betrayal and conflicting loyalties.

From Blood and Ash ends with Poppy fatally wounded during her capture, saved only by drinking Casteel's Atlantian blood. After discovering his betrayal, she stabs him (which doesn't kill Atlantians), and he bites her, revealing through her blood that she's half-Atlantian. The book closes on a cliffhanger with their relationship in turmoil and Poppy's true heritage unexplained. Yes, From Blood and Ash is the first book in an ongoing Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, with multiple sequels continuing Poppy and Casteel's story.