From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout | BOOK REVIEW

 

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I just finished a re-read of this masterpiece and I actually enjoyed it even more than the first time around! This book has super heavy and rich world-building and history that, during the first read, a lot of it went over my head and I kind of just cared about the romance. But, knowing what happens during the re-read, I let myself absorb more of the history and the world and things make a lot more sense now.

I want to start by talking about Poppy because… she’s absolutely awesome. I love how outspoken she is and that she’s not afraid to stand up for herself (and maybe get a little stab-happy…). I think Poppy is such a strong character- both physically and mentally- which is such a joy to read. She’s sassy, stubborn and empowering which is everything I love in a female character.

Hawke was the sexy love interest for this book and, while I do love him… I need a bit of redemption in the next book for me to be fully on board the ship. I love how funny and confident he is and I especially love how supportive he is of Poppy fighting- he doesn’t try to keep her away from the fight, he recognises how skilled she is and respects her need to protect herself. However… when the reveal dropped on us that he’s actually the Dark One, Casteel, it suddenly felt like I was reading a completely different character. I don’t mind that he’s flirtatious or cocky, but I hated how he seemed really unsympathetic to Poppy.

Poppy has just had the world pulled from under her. Everything she’s known is a lie, she’s lost everyone she cares about and has been betrayed by someone she’s fallen in love with. And what does Cas do? He spends every second, teasing her, laughing at her or spinning everything into sexual innuendo. He doesn’t try to reassure her at any point or tell her that everything was real and his feelings for her are true (which, let’s face it, we know they are). I wish we’d gotten to see a more vulnerable side of Cas where he tells Poppy how he feels about her. I will say that, the second time reading this whole situation, I do like Cas a bit more as I took the time to really analyse his body language and see the hidden softness and conflict he’s feeling. The first time I read it, I was so manic that I sped through the last 100 pages without picking up those finer details.

Generally, the plot was addictive, effortlessly funny and full of twists and turns which… let’s face it, this is a JLA book… I’m not surprised by its perfection. I also loved the vast array of side characters- Rylan, Vikter, Tawny, Kieran (I may or may not be hoping for a polyamorous relationship) and even Naill and Delano. Jen has a gift at creating amazing characters.

I’m really excited for the sequel and to delve into the history of the Atlantian’s more and how Poppy plays into everything.