from Blood and Ash
By Jennifer L. Armentrout
![From Blood and Ash by [Jennifer L. Armentrout]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nh3JnQNsL._SY346_.jpg)
Reviewed by Jennifer
Brief Summary
Jennifer L. Armentrout never fails to deliver a captivating story. From Blood and Ash might have even set the bar pretty high for herself. She delivers a coming of age story that’s reflective of 2020 – fantastical and full of social distancing. I never would have thought this recipe would work, but it blends beautifully: one part Rapunzel (complete with Flynn Rider), one part Hades and Persephone, and one part vampires and werewolves with an Atlantis twist to it.
Poppy has lived a life apart among a city filled with people with whom she is forbidden to socialize. Taught that she was different, special, “the Maiden” sent to save her people, everything she knows is flipped upside down. But… she’s not weak, she’s not simpering. She challenges the status quo and finds compassion for others, when by rights, she should be bitterer than she is at not having the same privileges that everyone else enjoys.
Along her journey, she discovers friends can be family, love can come in unexpected ways, and truths can be lies and lies can be truths.
Quotes Worth Remembering
“You're an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature.”
“Fear and bravery are often one and the same. It either makes you a warrior or a coward. The only difference is the person it resides inside.”
“Death is like an old friend who pays a visit, sometimes when it’s least expected and other times when you’re waiting for her. It’s neither the first nor the last time she’ll pay a visit, but that doesn’t make any death less harsh or unforgiving.”
“Some truths do nothing but destroy and decay what they do not obliterate. Truths do not always set one free. Only a fool who has spent their entire life being fed lies believes that.”
“I'll say it again. I don't care what you are. I care about who you are.”
“When you listen to me, I think the stars will fall.”
FIND SIMILAR BOOKS
- The Fae Chronicles by Amelia Hutchins – hands down one of my favorite series
- The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith – if you want to try a teen romance take on vampires
- The Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton – if you want to try an unconventional romance take on vampires
- The Bargainer by Laura Thalassa – a fantastical read with a hint of mystery
STAR RATING
I would give this book five out of five stars.
At the risk of gushing, I loved this book. It had everything I look for in a great read – lots of action, a strong heroine that seeks to do good, a dashingly handsome romantic interest, friends that are family, and lovely prose. Armentrout kept me enthralled and had me laughing, weeping, and even shocked me a time or two. I’m only worried that the sequel cannot possibly live up to the first book, but I will definitely be checking it out once it’s released.
In summary… just try it. It may not be your cup of tea, but it sure was mine…