Fantasy Meets Passion: An Unvarnished Book Review of 'From Blood And Ash' with a Glimpse into 'Dark Queen: Rise Of The Hybrid'

The fantasy romance genre floats my boat perfectly, and I'm thrilled to delve into the literary universe of "From Blood And Ash." As a connoisseur of not just any novel but those with strapping female leads, my excitement toward this particular book grew when I skimmed through its blurb. As much as I adore reading an array of books from this genre, I won’t deny having a discerning tang for certain standards. So, let's see how "From Blood And Ash" will measure up to my criterion.

What truly ensnares my interest in fantasy romance novels, in general, is the intricate meshing of world-building, the electrifying chemistry between the main characters, and an underlying plot that’s solid as bedrock. Nevertheless, what guarantees its success is how well the romance is brewed within its fantasy world without trading off the plot’s essence.

In the realm of literature, fantasy romance books are bountiful, and I am on the hunt for something distinctive—something that exceptionally shines amongst the rest. With anticipation, let's assess if "From Blood And Ash" ticks these boxes. While we’re at it, let's not forget to explore another intriguing read, "Dark Queen: Rise Of The Hybrid."

Plunging into the depths of "From Blood And Ash," we follow the convoluted journey of our principal character known as Penallaphe or Poppy in short, also addressed as Princess or the Maiden. Her role as the Maiden shackles her from life's pleasures—barred from social interaction, forbidden to relish her own birthday, and deprived of self-defense.

The Maiden's role is portrayed as the highest honour. Still, it confines Poppy to a life of loneliness until her Ascension, where she is given to the gods, an inevitable fate that sends shivers down her spine. Things take a nosedive when Hawke Flynn, a jaw-dropping Royal Guard, saunters into her life.

Caught in the crossfire between her feelings for Hawke and her duty as the Maiden in the embers of the fallen nation, the concept of a strong heroine caught between love and duty presents an engrossing backbone for a plot in "From Blood And Ash." Although the slow-burn romance and graphic content might not be everyone’s cup of tea, we hoped for more depth in Poppy’s character, her journey as a maiden, and the grandeur of fantasy woven into the narrative.

Hats off to our resilient female lead, Poppy, who doesn't hesitate to take the bull by the horns, be it with her bare hands or the sharp edge of a dagger. Equipped with powers, Poppy bears the weight of her impending Ascension and the love blossoming in her heart. Even though locked behind veils and secluded, she harbours a free spirit looking out for danger.

Besides "From Blood And Ash," "Dark Queen: Rise Of The Hybrid" is another compelling read if the catch of forbidden love in a fantasy realm intrigues you. Dawn, our Dark Queen, leads us through her adventurous quest to reclaim her stolen throne. But of course, even the Dark Queen finds room in her heart for love amidst her mission. Moreover, the unique world-building and absence of graphic content make it an even more recommended read.

Both "From Blood And Ash" and "Dark Queen: Rise Of The Hybrid" deserve a spot on our bookshelves, catering to readers who love a fusion of romance, adventure, and fantasy. These books provide an escape into a world of action, drama, and lingering romance that resonates with readers long after.