Reviews with content warning for Sexual harassment - Blood and Ash

This book wants to be dark and mysterious, but has a completely annoying and obnoxiously self-obsessed mc who never develops, a setting that is never explored, a culture and socio-religious hierarchy that is NEVER explained (though the characters constantly remark on “I’m the Maiden, but what does that even mean??” as if it forgives the author’s lack of explanation if the characters themselves are confused about it), and a shaky relationship with consent at best. I feel like this book started as a Twilight fanfic and that’s why it’s so severely undeveloped and just a string of smut once the hot but forbidden love interested is introduced.

The writing is horrible. The use of ellipses is overwhelming, as if every thought this character has just stutter and stumble through her brain. All the twists are predictable. Please don’t waste your time.

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noragoudie's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

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!

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wrinnola's review against another edition

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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.

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tguccione's review against another edition

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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

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glddstwmn's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Check TWs before reading!! Graphic descriptions of abuse and gore.

UGH, my heart hurts a little after this one. :(

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lotsofbubbles's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

I really enjoyed this book. In the beginning I had a hard time to keep picking up the book again, and then suddenly I finished te book bij reading over 300 pages in one sitting (and missing lots of sleep by doing so because I couldn't put the book down). The characters were very lovable and this book managed to make me love and cry. I also helped me to rediscover my fondness of vampires and werewolves that I thought I had "matured out off".

I would definitely recommend this book.

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larremor's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

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

2.0

Writing was okay, not a ton of world building, it takes most of the book to really get clued in to the "species", and the male lead has difficulty understanding consent. Making things sexual after Poppy says no to various acts and situations multiple times in the book while convincing her it's okay because he's decided she wants it even though she's conflicted. "I'm not sure" isn't consent and get off, stop definitely isn't consent.

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