From Blood and Ash

When I added this book to my list, I was worried I’d be let down because of how hyped up everyone had seemed about it.

I was so very wrong. This book drew me in from the first page. Poppy is a strong female character that the reader gets to see grow and mature into even more of a badass. She has so many facets to her character that I never was bored of hearing her perspective.

Hawke is a pleasure to read. He is everything we want in a hero. Until we find out he’s not quite the hero. And yet there’s more too him than the strong, smart, achingly sexy soldier. He’s perfect and yet imperfect and it makes him that much more appealing.

The plot was well paced, drawing you in from the start and keeping your attention. The ebbs and flows of the events give you time to process while setting you up for another dramatic instance. All the questions the book had led up to were decently wrapped up to leave me content enough that the book ended while even more unknowns were brought to the forefront making me more than glad I have the sequel handy.

This book ticked all my boxes:
Strangers to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers!
Badass female lead
A unique perspective on an old classic (vampires/werewolves)
Elements of mystery
Magic?
Fancy daggers.

I wholeheartedly give this book a 5/5 because I could not put it down and I absolutely loved it.

The main reason I picked up this book is Casteel. I wanted to see what the fuss really is about him that made Bookstagram go all wild. I'm going to say I'm impressed. He's something. The other reason you could say I was intrigued by this book is vampires. I love me a good fantasy on vampires and royals. However, I still believe Rhys from ACOTAR series is my favourite of all time. This is my first audiobook that didn't put me to sleep. I could even multitask while reading. So, I'm gonna go ahead and say that's a big achievement for me. Or maybe the story as I was hooked onto it? From Blood and Ash has strong characters, amazing world building and was easy to understand and absorb. I kinda knew the twist that was coming up but was completely unaware until waaaay into the book. The romance was just too good. I think I like the romance part much more than the actual plot? Have you read this book? What do you think of it? Who's your favourite character? I guess mine is Poppy. The way she's suppressed but still has her individuality is what made me start listening to the next book almost immediately.

I love this series. I fell in love with all these characters. Casteel,Poppy, Kieran. If you start this series. Be prepared to be hooked on the story and miss the characters after you're done.

Slow at the beginning, but once you get past Chapter 14 you are hooked!

Solid book, writing was a bit "Wattpad 2013" at some points, but I enjoyed it. Read the last half of the book in one night after a good cliffhanger.