Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - From Blood and Ash

I really did not enjoy the resolution of this book. As many have covered the plot was very predictable, and I could have told you exactly what all the reveals would be within the first 100 pages. I also found it to be very poorly written, to an almost annoying extent. I don’t tend to expect much of my smutty fantasy novels, I tend to think of them kind of like reality tv where my expectations are pretty low for the prose/plot, but this one somehow set the bar even lower than it had been.

Spoiler

while I was kind of into the way the book explored organized religion and how harmful it can be when it’s used as a mechanism of control, I found the emphasis placed on the main characters virginity/purity to be incredibly uncomfortable, and it undermined any social commentary the book might have had. The way the male main character had what amounted to a fetish for her “purity” just really gave me the ick. I also really took issue with the end of the book and “Hawk’s” behavior. I had been anticipating some conflict when she finally found out the truth, expecting it to follow the same kind of trope where once she understands his motives she is able to forgive him, but with this book I found his behavior totally unacceptable. He didn’t even seem remorseful for hurting her as deeply as he had, and it seemed like he was almost gleeful to be completely shattering her reality. For how much the book focused on the way agency had been taken away from her, and the way Cas himself went out of his way to deconstruct her captivity and make her realize she deserved freedom, it was shocking to me that he turned around and inflicted the exact same trauma on her. He touched her without her consent, refused to listen when she said no, and completely tormented her. It’s just something I cannot excuse or get behind, and as far as I’m concerned he is the villain of the novel for that behavior. I have a feeling they’re going to completely overlook that abuse in future books in favor of continuing the romance, and I just cannot get behind a male love interest who treats the female mc like that. He was totally irredeemable whether they have “chemistry” or not.

I guess despite not really loving this book I was still incredibly protective of the Poppy, so I was still into it to some extent. I just don’t really want that kind of abuse in my fantasy novels, it’s not my cup of tea.

Content Warnings

mlachevre's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0

Content Warnings

insanebookperson's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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annick's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

4.0

Funny dialogue. Slow reveal of the world building and the characters. The violent scenes were concise and effective movers of plot.

It reminds me of TVD Damien and Elena.

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jordanbennett29's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

For Poppy? I’d lay down my life for her. Blindly. And Hawke can do no wrong in my eyes. Their banter back and forth is so funny. I feel like a high school girl again kicking a screaming at all the flirting 🤭

Spoiler

The world building was a little confusing and just when I understood it, Hawke was Casteel and everything Poppy (and the reader) had been taught was a lie. Honestly i’m not mad about it though.

I truly went into this series so blindly and i’m so glad I did because I loved all of the plot twists!! JLA’s foreshadowing is a bit obvious in my opinion but again, i’m not mad. Loved the religious trauma. Loved Poppy’s inner journey, finding her worthiness and embracing that she is that GURL. 💅

off to make this series my whole personality 🤪

Content Warnings

smshuffleacomaf23's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Spoiler

It is LITERALLY PERFECT FOR ACOTAR FANS!!!!!!!!!! Even though on the back of the hardcover I own it clearly states "...perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas..." I still didn't believe it. Until, I finished it. I think pretty much anyone who loves A Court of Mist and Fury would love From Blood and Ash. For me, this book made me physically react in a humorous hysterical way due to major plot twist and the "big reveal" towards the end of the book. Also, there are certain scenes that were toe-curling saucy. The adaption throughout the book was SPECTACULAR!!!
I LOVE this book!!! I need #2 NOW!!!

Content Warnings

cait's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

michealasharp's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

Content Warnings

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