From Blood and Ash Review - Becca In A Book

Summary

Poppy is the Maiden. She is the chosen one of her society and she is confined into her role. She is not allowed to speak to anyone and never allowed to experience any of life’s pleasures. However, when her life is put into danger, a guard makes her wonder if she can accept her role or make a choice that will change her life forever.

My Thoughts:

I’m obsessed with this series. The book started off a little slow, but once I got to know Poppy a little bit more, I was hooked.

Poppy is a wonderfully written character and I really loved her. I also felt extremely sorry for her. As the Maiden, she is denied everything that the world has to offer and she never had a say in anything. She was never given a choice and it is so sad! Poppy is an extremely courageous and curious woman, but feels conflicted. She wants to be what everyone wants her to be, but throughout the book, her heart is telling her something different. She may have a good life to anyone on the outside, but she really is in a gilded cage.

I love when she rebelled against her nature and when she actually got to speak, she was hilarious! Her childlike nature comes from the fact that she was so sheltered. However, when she decided to take things for herself, she really came into her own and we saw an amazing evolution into a sassy and feisty minx. In addition, I was just overwhelmed by her kindness and acceptance of others. She wanted to use her gift to help others regardless if she would get in trouble. I also was stunned by her courage when faced with the trauma of the Duke and his creepy lord friend.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Poppy and Vikter. Their daughter and father bond was so beautiful and necessary to Poppy’s character development. I loved that he taught her how to defend herself no matter what he believed about how the maiden should be. I also want the knife he gave her. It sounds really unique and awesome. However, I really wished that he defended her against the Duke. I didn’t understand how he would let that happen to her, but I guess his position didn’t allow him much of a choice.

In a word, Hawke was perfect!!!! His constant banter and sexy sass kept me laughing and fanning myself at the same time. He was a very necessary character because not only did he serve as my book boyfriend and the main source of romance, but he was extremely instrumental in Poppy’s character developing. They’re scenes were hilarious and so steamy!!! I actually really loved all the characters, except Tawny. She served as a poor example of a friend and I found her dialogue to be annoying. Kieran was a wonderful character and his sarcastic attitude

I really enjoyed this representation of vampyres. It was the most different representation I ever read and it reminded me more of an ancient cult than anything else. The ritual of turning into a vampyre reminded me of an Aztec ritual where they require sacrifices to better themselves and their civilization. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have to give up your second and third children just because a monarchy tells you to. I imagine these people are just brainwashed because they don’t know any better.

The only critique that I would give for the book was giving more distinction between the Ascended and the Atlantians. I got really confused on how they were different. Are they a different type of vampyre, are they from the same descendants? Maybe I missed that part because I am completely confused. I also didn’t understand the mist and why it was so ominous. I feel like more explanation was necessary for this book world for me. However, if the author wanted us to be just as confused and conflicted as Poppy, she succeeded.

Lastly, the twist at the end was pure perfection and it made me so upset that I couldn’t read the next installment right away! Jennifer L. Armentrout, that was a cruel cruel cliffhanger!

Overall I really enjoyed this read a lot and can’t wait to read this next installment to get more beautiful moments of Poppy and Hawke!!