From Blood and Ash

Overall I was disappointed with this book considering the overwhelming reviews it’s received. The plot twists weren’t twisting. Unfortunately, I was able to predict the plot as early as the 20% through. The dialogue and inner dialogue throughout the story (especially as you near the end) also feels really repetitive. I started the second book but stopped 15% through. The next book just feels like a repetition of the dialogue and dynamics within this book.

I couldn't even finish this annoying book. My goodness...this book is just terrible. This is just another vampire and werewolf book just named different. I can not understand why so many people are falling in love with the main male character, he's creepy. This book just fell flat, it was supposed to be a "spicy" book, but to me I just found myself getting the ick. No thank you.

10/10 hawke is wonderful

I really enjoyed this book. There was just enough foreshadowing to keep you guessing and enough intrigue to keep you turning the page. However, there is one reason it's not five stars and I explain that further down in more detail. Overall, I'm hoping my main issue is somewhat grown upon and thought about more in the second book. I CANNOT wait to read it despite that as I thoroughly enjoyed it.



*SPOILERS AHEAD*





My only comment would be on the relationship dynamics between Hawke and Poppy. It started of SO good and I knew there would be some form of betrayal and a story of it being forgiven and then growing from it. But - I feel it escalated MASSIVELY from her finding out he's a 'Descenter' to he's actually the Dark One. She stabs him, believing she's killed him. Then they have incredibly hot sex and he's decided they're going to be married? And she fins out she's half-Atlantian? This literally happens in the space of three or four chapters. Too much too quick. They went from being flirty guard and Maiden to WHAMBAMTHANKYOUMAM, we're from the same race and let's get married.

Despite that I'm looking forward to the sequel!

1.5 stars
This story was really confusing for me. I felt there was a lot of world building that was missing and things that were never truly explained. Like, WTF is the point of a Maiden? I'm not totally clear on what is involved in Ascension, but basically they become vampires (vampry)? Which are separate from Atlantians? But also both drink blood?

The story was actually pretty boring until about 60% of the way through, and the end is what bumped it up from 1 star to 1.5.

Additionally, I felt icky about the romance with Hawke and Poppy. I didn't feel like she fully consented. It felt a little like he groomed her. Plus at the end he says they're going to a place to get married, and she's not even sure that she wants to be with him? That definitely feels like something he should be asking her if she wants, and maybe not like 2 days after she's been told everything she knows is a lie.