4.5/5 Stars: Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Normally I take a bit of a break between series books, but I enjoyed the 1st book to the Blood and Ash series so much, that I immediately jumped into Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. Poppy has found out that everything in her life was a lie, including her love interest, Casteel Da’Neer.

Watching Poppy come to terms with all of the lies she has been told was a fantastic moment spread throughout the book, and showed her growth from the first book. She’s strong, brave, and doesn’t back down from what she believes in. I’ve finally found a character I can appreciate. I also have my moments of annoyance with Poppy. She repeats herself (and her thoughts) a lot, and portions of the book were a slow read. It built up though, and the final quarter was amazing and over before I knew it.

Kieran is probably one of my favourite characters, despite his smaller role. The bond he has with Casteel and his friendship with Poppy is beautifully written. I’m expecting more of this in the third book – the author is very obviously building up to a threesome, I’m just not sure when it’s going to happen.

Keep in mind all of the triggers from the first book, because those haven’t gone anywhere. There’s a lot of violence, a lot of sex, and a lot of everything mixed together. I’m OK with it but you might not be, and that’s OK too.

4.5/5 stars

4/5 Star Review: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I’m not typically a fan of vampire stories, but the beautifully crafted world created by Jennifer L. Armentrout in this book was definitely worth exploring. That being said, a fair warning: this book deals with some intense themes and graphic scenes. It’s not for the faint of heart, and I appreciated the heads-up from a friend who recommended it to me. Knowing what to expect helped me prepare for some of the darker moments.

The story revolves around Poppy, who longs to experience life but has been raised as the Maiden, a sacred figure forbidden from engaging in much of anything. She spends her days waiting for her Ascension, a mysterious process, until Hawke enters her life and turns everything upside down. The book has a bit of everything—action, violence, passion, romance, friendship, and betrayal.

Initially, I didn’t really like Poppy’s character. She seemed weak, and I struggled to connect with her. However, as the story progresses, Poppy begins to grow and take control of her life. She slowly starts to question the truths she’s been told all her life, and watching her come into her own was satisfying.

The story begins at a slow pace, and I nearly put the book down. However, I’m glad I stuck with it because once the plot picks up, it becomes an engaging read filled with fantastic characters and a richly developed world. I’m now eager to pick up the next book in the series!

4/5 stars

4/5 Star Review: The Queen of Nothing, by Holly Black

If you haven’t read the first two books in this series, The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King, I highly recommend starting there before diving into this one. I was incredibly eager to return to the world of Jude and Cardan, and let me tell you—Holly Black did not disappoint.

As expected, the book is filled with fae politics, where conspiracy, deception, and manipulation are at every turn. At the end of the previous book, Cardan managed to persuade Jude to release him from his vows, only to make her his queen and then promptly exile her back to the mortal realm. Naturally, Jude was furious. But when her sister Taryn finds herself in a dangerous situation, she reaches out to Jude for help. Determined to protect her sister, Jude decides to return to the faerie world, hiding in plain sight as she navigates the treacherous landscape to assist Taryn.

The plot is packed with intensity, including themes of revenge, family turmoil, and the underlying tension between Jude and Cardan. Oak, who is still being safeguarded in the mortal realm, also continues to play an important role, adding depth to the storyline. The novel culminates in a thrilling and satisfying finale that ties up the various plot threads beautifully.

Overall, this was one of the most captivating young adult series I’ve read in a long time. The blend of high-stakes drama, richly developed characters, and unpredictable twists makes it a standout in the genre. If you’re a fan of complex fae worlds and intense character dynamics, this series is definitely worth your time.

4/5 stars