Review: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Blood and Ash

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Blood and Ash

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult

Length: 634 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

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.

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel. 

Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

***Caution May Contain Spoilers***

Okay, so if you have followed my blog for a long time you know I am a huge fan when it comes to Jennifer L. Armetrout's books, some would even call it an obsession. I have read several of her books and every time I walk away wanting more, not one of her books has left me disappointed. So when I heard about her surprise release of her newest novel From Blood and Ash I was stoked and couldn't wait to get myself a copy. With book loaded onto my Kindle it was time to delve into the fantasy world JLA had created, JLA style.

From Blood and Ash is JLA's first ever "high" fantasy novel and after reading this book I am convinced JLA can write any genre and still bring the same affect to her readers. I was so excited to delve into this book and I am happy to say I was not disappointed...well I was at the very end but that was only because there was no more words and now I must suffer the wait until book two. :)

From Blood and Ash follows Poppy, the Maiden chosen by the gods and destined to Ascend in order to serve them as she struggles with who she is. The Maiden. The Chosen. But like many of JLA's female protagonists Poppy is head-strong and determined to actually live before her Ascension. She questions everything, from the Ascension to whether or not she is worthy of the gods. Why was she chosen to be the Maiden? What really happens during ones Ascension? 

Sure she questions, what 18 year old wouldn't, but at the end of the day she attempts to stay true to her duty...that is until Hawke strolls into her life. Her new guard, a strikingly handsome and infuriating man begins to test her will-power. A steamy and wildly entertain relationship blossoms between them. Struggling to remain true to her duty and decipher these new and uncontrollable feelings, Poppy only finds more and more to question regarding her purpose as her feelings for Hawke deepen. 

And let's just say, we all know we have added Hawke to our list of book boyfriends! :) 

But all is about to change, Poppy is summoned to the Capital early after Castle Teerman and Masadonia are deemed no longer safe to house the Maiden. But there is still a lot for Poppy to learn and over the course of her travels she comes to the realization not everything is as it seems. 

Those last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, while I didn't see every revelation coming there were some I expected. I loved every second of this book! From Blood and Ash isn't your ordinary high fantasy novel but it is perfect for JLA fans. She depicts the world in her unique style and thats what made it so great! Every word jumped off the pages, transporting me into a world I was eager to explore and I can't wait to see more. :)

Published by: K

#FirstLinesFriday: 4.10.20

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines? Follow the rules below: 

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

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“Once upon a time, a girl was born.”

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Read on to discover what book this excerpt is from:

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Futhermore

By Tahereh Mafi

 

Blurb:

Alice Alexis Queensmeadow 12 rates three things most important: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. Father disappeared from Ferenwood with only a ruler, almost three years ago. But she will have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. Her only companion is Oliver whose own magic is based in lies and deceit. Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.

Goodreads | Amazon

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I put off purchasing Furthermore for quite some time before finally caving on Black Friday when Book Outlet had a massive sale. Previously, I wasn't sure this was something I would enjoy however as time past and more people reviewed it, the more interested I became. So I figured "why not" it's on sale and I can purchase book two as well. Now it is patiently waiting in my TBR pile awaiting to be read. 

But first I must finish my Forgotten TBR pile. :)

Down the TBR Hole: 4.9.20

Down the TBR Hole is a meme created by Lia at Lost in a Story where we decide whether to keep or remove books on our TBR.

The rules for Down the TBR Hole:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

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Here we go with another Down the TBR Hole!!

Dark Kiss

By Michelle Rowan

Date Added: June 1st, 2013

Blurb:

I don't do dangerous.  
Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. 

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... 

NIGHTWATCHERS 

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

***When I first joined Goodreads back in 2013, I went "add crazy." Over time I have slowly forgotten about many of these books and going back to re-read the premise has truly opened my eyes...there are just some books that I no longer have interest in reading.***

Verdict: Kick off

Shatter Souls

By Mary Lindsey

Date Added: June 1st, 2013

Blurb:

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny, and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

***I added Shattered Souls shortly after reading the Evermore series by Alyson Noel, the premise reminded me of that series (one of my favorites at that time) and I as intrigued right away. Plus it had a gorgeous cover that helped seal the deal. :)***

Verdict: Keep it

Unearthly
By Cynthia Hand

Date Added: June 1st, 2013

Blurb:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees...
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

***Unearthly is another book that was recommended by my college roommate. It's been sitting on my shelf for years and as time past it has been pushed to the bottom of my TBR pile. However, starting back in January I have made it a goal to finish my "forgotten TBR pile," and this book is actually next on my list.***

Verdict: Keep it

Pulled
By Amy Lichtenhan

Date Added: June 2nd, 2013

Blurb:

For nine years, they drift through life, unable to forget the one who holds the strings to their hearts. In an attempt to escape the pain of her past, Melanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, while Daniel loses himself in a career that means nothing without Melanie by his side. Now, when their lives intersect, neither can deny the connection they felt so long ago. But will the power that drew them together be enough to heal the wounds from their past, and do they have the courage to overcome the insecurities and fears that threaten to keep them apart? Pulled is a story of attraction and separation, of destiny and duty, of a love so strong it refuses to give up even when all others have.

***I added Pulled to my TBR list after reading A.L. Jackson's When We Collide, I enjoyed her writing and had hoped to purchase more of her work to read on my Kindle. However, over time I have lost interest in romance novels (so many sound like the same story) and I never did go back to read more of her work.*** 

Verdict: Kick off

Safe Word
By Teresa Mummert

Date Added: June 2nd, 2013

Blurb:

When Colton Bishop enters a bar in New York City, he has a plan. His job is to find an easy target and take her back to his place for a few days. He is working his way up the crime ladder doing a job he never wanted.

Lily Hilton has it all but is hiding from a troublesome past. When she enters a bar downtown and runs into her old high school crush, her entire world is turned upside down. She is determined to make him notice her, but that plan may work better than she expects.

Colton does not hesitate to take Lily home and use her as his new pawn, but their past begins to catch up with them as their secrets unravel and he must decide what is more important to him, protecting Lily or himself.

***At the time, I was very much into romance novels however like the book above, and as time past my interest in the genre dwindled.***

Verdict: Kick off

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What books have you decided to remove from your TBR list?

Can't Wait Wednesday: 4.8.20

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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I found this book while scrolling through Epics Reads 23 Most Anticipated YA Books to Read in April. The dark and mysterious cover pulled me in right away and after reading the premise I couldn't add it fast enough to my Goodreads TBR. The premise sounds like something new and different from the many books I have read over the years. :)

Incendiary

By Zoraida Cordova

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: Hardcover, audiobook, ebook

Length: 384 pages

Publication Date: April 28, 2020 by Little Brown Books for Young Adults

Blurb:

I am Renata Convida.
I have lived a hundred stolen lives.
Now I live my own.

Renata Convida was only a child when she was kidnapped by the King's Justice and brought to the luxurious palace of Andalucia. As a Robari, the rarest and most feared of the magical Moria, Renata's ability to steal memories from royal enemies enabled the King's Wrath, a siege that resulted in the deaths of thousands of her own people.

Now Renata is one of the Whispers, rebel spies working against the crown and helping the remaining Moria escape the kingdom bent on their destruction. The Whispers may have rescued Renata from the palace years ago, but she cannot escape their mistrust and hatred--or the overpowering memories of the hundreds of souls she turned "hollow" during her time in the palace.

When Dez, the commander of her unit, is taken captive by the notorious Sangrado Prince, Renata will do anything to save the boy whose love makes her place among the Whispers bearable. But a disastrous rescue attempt means Renata must return to the palace under cover and complete Dez's top secret mission. Can Renata convince her former captors that she remains loyal, even as she burns for vengeance against the brutal, enigmatic prince? Her life and the fate of the Moria depend on it.

But returning to the palace stirs childhood memories long locked away. As Renata grows more deeply embedded in the politics of the royal court, she uncovers a secret in her past that could change the entire fate of the kingdom--and end the war that has cost her everything.

Goodreads | Amazon

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by The Book Date. A place for bloggers to gather to discuss what books they read and reviewed last week, what books they are currently reading and what books they are planning to read. This is a great way for me to plan my reading week, and get a sneak peek at what others are reading.

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What I read last week:

Last week I finished yet another Nicholas Sparks book, while I am not a big fan of romance when it comes to Nicholas Sparks I get hooked from the very beginning. I love his writing and have yet to find a book of his that I don't enjoy. Click here to check out my review of The Wedding.

The Wedding 

By Nicholas Sparks

What I am currently reading:

 

From Blood and Ash

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Up next:

Dear John

By Nicholas Sparks

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What books are you currently reading?

Review: The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

The Wedding

By: Nicholas Sparks

Synopsis From Goodreads:

After thirty years of marriage, Wilson Lewis, son-in-law of Allie and Noah Calhoun (of The Notebook), is forced to admit that the romance has gone out of his marriage. Desperate to win back his wife, Jane's, heart, he must figure out how to make her fall in love with him... again. Despite the shining example of Allie and Noah's marriage, Wilson is himself a man unable to easily express his emotions. A successful estate attorney, he has provided well for his family, but now, with his daughter's upcoming wedding, he is forced to face the fact that he and Jane have grown apart and he wonders if she even loves him anymore. Wilson is sure of one thing--his love for his wife has only deepened and intensified over the years. Now, with the memories of his in-laws' magnificent fifty-year love affair as his guide, Wilson struggles to find his way back into the heart of the woman he adores.

Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐

The Wedding has been sitting on my shelf for years, ever since I finished The Notebook, which has to be one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books. With The Wedding being a "sequel" of sorts to The Notebook, I just couldn't bring myself to read it at the time. Now several years later, I am trying to go through my pile of forgotten books and there among the paperbacks was The Wedding waiting to be read. So I cracked open the cover and dove right in, and like most Nicholas Sparks novels I was swept away be the story. 

The Wedding follows Wilson Lewis, Noah Calhoun's son-in-law, has he attempts to save his marriage by becoming the man his wife had always hoped he would be. Jane Lewis loves her husband, but after a forgotten anniversary and years of unspoken words her faith in their marriage dwindles and sadness is reflected in her eyes. 

With their 30th anniversary rapidly approaching, Wilson has set in motion his biggest and most romantic surprise ever. Secrets and deception lead to an exquisite and most unexpected anniversary gift, making this one anniversary they will never forget. 

Nicholas Sparks has a way of writing that captivates the reader and has you hooked from the very first page. The Wedding was a quick read, I found it easy to fall into the story even after having to set it aside in order to work.

While, I enjoyed the story The Wedding isn't one I could read over and over, unlike The Notebook or Safe Haven...two of my favorite Nicholas Sparks novels. However, I am glad I picked it up after all these years, it was a bit like reading The Notebook with Noah and the scenes in which Wilson reflected on the love Noah and Allie shared. This is definitely worth reading at least once.

Published by: K

#FirstLinesFriday: 4.3.20

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines? Follow the rules below: 

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“She’s so lovely, so fragile. Those haunted eyes. Those rosebud lips…they’ll scream so prettily.”

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Read on to discover what book this excerpt is from:

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Poison Princess

By Kresley Cole

Blurb:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces The Arcana Chronicles, post-apocalyptic tales filled with riveting action, the dark mysticism of Tarot cards, and breathtaking romance.

She could save the world--or destroy it.
Sixteen year old Evangeline"Evie" Greene leads a charmed life--until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, killing everyone she loves, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future--and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.
With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally trust Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?
As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side...

In Poison Princess, New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces a dark and intriguing world, full of unspeakable danger and irresistible romance.

Goodreads | Amazon

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Another series I absolutely loved!! Granted I have yet to finish the series but the first three books were amazing!!