From Blood and Ash

Loved the dramatized audiobook version, it was so worth it!

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.

Fun story but predictable and Poppy was just so naive it was annoying at times. The writing felt too repetitive in many places and simple - not sure I’ve read a book that mentions the word “britches/breeches” more than this one, lol. Story still sucks you in though and is fun - I went on to read sequels and enjoyed those more. Audio version is good.

Slow at first but about chpt 4 it began to get interesting. Glad I stuck with it.

Poppy has been raised her whole life as the Maiden of Masedonia. She goes about her days veiled and restricted from all interaction outside of her maid Tawney and her guards Viktor and Rylan. When an opening in her guard comes available, Hawke Flynn enters and turns Poppy's world around. He makes her realize that she deserves to live a life for herself and not just the gods.

When an attack on Masedonia leaves her devastated and shipped off to the capital, Poppy finds herself discovering that her entire life has been a lie. She is now faced with the overwhelming decision to run or embrace her new future head on.