Reviews with content warning for Murder - From Blood and Ash

At first I was doubtful, but I actually enjoyed this book! It was a great world build with compelling characters and a romance that did suck me in. I will say the weakness of this book is that the tropes and storylines have all been done before in various other narratives, but that’s also what I enjoy about the story: It feels like a more mature version of some of the dystopian novels I loved in the past!

Content Warnings

wrinnola's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Predictable and mildly infuriating at times, but overall an enjoyable read.

I wish I hadn’t figured out all the plot twists in the first half of the book. Waiting for Poppy to figure it all out was tedious, and I kept finding myself asking “is there a plot to this book?” Felt like nothing was happening between the Red Pearl and Victor’s death. I understand the need to show a slice of her life, with the Duke’s abuse and her gilded cage, but it probably could’ve been half the length it was.

Not my favorite YA romantasy, but I will be reading the second book, so take that as you will.

Content Warnings

nonotyoshi's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

very predictable plot

Content Warnings

zomigi's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The first chapter of this was tough to get through (too much info-dumping about the worldbuilding all at once instead of sprinking it in more gradually) but I'm glad I stuck with it, because I really enjoyed it. The characters were great, witty banter, intense action scenes, hot smut scenes.

I do hope we get to see more of soft Hawke/Cas in the next book, because while the hate fucking was fun, I also felt a little betrayed like Poppy at the tarnishing of Hawke/Cas's image, even though I knew it was coming to some degree.

I am still laughing about the names chosen for some of the people and places, though.

Anybody named "Hawke Flynn" I expect to look like Zoolander doing Blue Steel! Granted, it turns out to be a fake name, but I laughed again to find out his real name is CaSTEEL! Any Tawny Lyon, seriously?? And having the kingdom named Atlantia is just weird if it's not underwater (I actually have no idea yet, maybe it is!).

Anyway, other than giggling at the names, I enjoyed this a lot and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Content Warnings

tguccione's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

More...