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A review by whiskers_and_lipstick
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
5.0
From Blood and Ash was the November BOTM for my book club. I was hesitant to jump in because I have lost interest in the fantasy realm since the devastating end of the GoT and the delayed release of the remaining books. Nevertheless, we had a rainy day on vacation, so I began reading, and OHHH EMMM GEEE did this pull me in!
It is quite possibly the slowest of slow burns, but damn, is the world-building incredible. You are introduced to the Kingdom of Solis and its counterpart, Atlantia, through the eyes of Penellaphe (aka Poppy). Poppy is an orphaned young woman living under the care and protection of the Duke and Duchess of Masadonia. During the events of the book, Poppy is 18 years old and preparing for her "Ascension," set to occur after her 19th birthday.
The ascension is a right of passage for Lords- and Ladies-in-wait in the Kingdom of Solis. However, Poppy's ascension is special. She is "the Maiden" - the chosen one of the gods and the key to securing the future of Solis. But Poppy is plagued by her duty - sheltered, hidden behind a veil, prepped for her ascension with cryptic half-lessons, and her obedience forced through warnings of being deemed unworthy by the gods resulting in the demise of the kingdom by her hand. Poppy feels like a prisoner, a caged animal, hoping to be deemed unworthy if it means the chance to have the freedom to live, not just be alive.
As threats to Poppy's safety and ascension grow, Hawke Flynn, a new hotshot member of the Royal Guard, is assigned to serve as her personal guard. Hawke swears an oath to protect Poppy until his last breath, but as he sets out to fulfill his duties, they are bonded to each other beyond oath. Poppy and Hawke's destinies become entangled deep in the histories and prophecies of two Kingdoms on the brink of another war and the secrets that left both kingdoms fractured.
It is quite possibly the slowest of slow burns, but damn, is the world-building incredible. You are introduced to the Kingdom of Solis and its counterpart, Atlantia, through the eyes of Penellaphe (aka Poppy). Poppy is an orphaned young woman living under the care and protection of the Duke and Duchess of Masadonia. During the events of the book, Poppy is 18 years old and preparing for her "Ascension," set to occur after her 19th birthday.
The ascension is a right of passage for Lords- and Ladies-in-wait in the Kingdom of Solis. However, Poppy's ascension is special. She is "the Maiden" - the chosen one of the gods and the key to securing the future of Solis. But Poppy is plagued by her duty - sheltered, hidden behind a veil, prepped for her ascension with cryptic half-lessons, and her obedience forced through warnings of being deemed unworthy by the gods resulting in the demise of the kingdom by her hand. Poppy feels like a prisoner, a caged animal, hoping to be deemed unworthy if it means the chance to have the freedom to live, not just be alive.
As threats to Poppy's safety and ascension grow, Hawke Flynn, a new hotshot member of the Royal Guard, is assigned to serve as her personal guard. Hawke swears an oath to protect Poppy until his last breath, but as he sets out to fulfill his duties, they are bonded to each other beyond oath. Poppy and Hawke's destinies become entangled deep in the histories and prophecies of two Kingdoms on the brink of another war and the secrets that left both kingdoms fractured.