Story Summary
From Blood and Ash follows Poppy, the Maiden chosen by the gods to live a life of isolation until her Ascension. Her duty is to stay pure — no touch, no freedom, no love. But everything changes when she meets Hawke, her charming new guard with dangerous secrets.
As their connection deepens, Poppy uncovers shocking truths about her kingdom, her destiny, and herself. It's a mix of fantasy, rebellion, and forbidden romance — where nothing is what it seems.
Main Characters
Poppy Balfour (Penellaphe)
- Age: 18
- Ethnicity: Atlantian (half-blood)
- Hair Color: Red
- Eye Color: Green
- Identity: The Maiden / future Queen
Sheltered but brave, she struggles between duty and desire as she discovers her power.
Hawke Flynn (Casteel Da'Neer)
- Age: Over 200 (appears early 20s)
- Ethnicity: Atlantian
- Hair Color: Dark brown
- Eye Color: Amber-gold
- Identity: Guard / prince in disguise
Charismatic and dangerous, he's hiding more than one deadly secret.
Vessa
- Age: Unknown
- Ethnicity: Atlantian / deity lineage
- Hair Color: Unknown
- Eye Color: Unknown
- Identity: Divine being tied to the gods' lore
A mysterious presence connected to the wider mythology of the series.
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Every Spicy Chapter – Breakdown & Highlights
From Blood and Ash takes its time building tension between Poppy and Hawke before turning up the heat. Their chemistry simmers for half the book, and when it finally explodes, it's a mix of passion, confusion, and betrayal — exactly fitting for their dynamic.
Chapter 25 – The First Kiss
After chapters of teasing, training, and stolen looks, Poppy finally breaks her own rules.
She and Hawke are alone after a dangerous encounter, both shaken and full of adrenaline. When he challenges her to admit what she wants, she shocks them both by kissing him first. It's fast and hungry — a release of everything she's been holding back. Hawke kisses her back before pulling away, warning her that she doesn't know what she's starting.
"The kiss stole my breath and gave it back all at once."
Chapter 30 – The Inn Scene
One of the most famous in the series. After a violent attack, they find safety at an inn. Tension gives way to need, and Poppy's curiosity wins out over fear. Hawke helps her undress gently, testing her boundaries and making sure she's choosing this moment for herself. It's her first time, and the scene is written with emotion and detail — more about freedom and trust than just lust.
"He kissed me like I was his secret — and his undoing."
Chapter 35 – The Cave Scene
After another attack, they hide together in a cave — exhausted, wounded, and emotionally raw.
Hawke tends to her injuries, his touches lingering longer than necessary. The atmosphere shifts quickly from care to tension. Poppy doesn't shy away this time — she reaches for him first. They kiss again, and things get heated. Hands wander, words falter, but it stops just short of another full scene.
"Every touch felt like a question I didn't know how to answer."
Chapter 38 – The Revelation
The tone flips completely here.
After everything they've shared, Poppy learns Hawke's real identity: he's Casteel Da'Neer, the lost Atlantian prince — the enemy she was raised to fear. The romantic tension is replaced by fury and betrayal.
"I had trusted him with everything — and he had taken it all."
Chapter 41 – The Final Scene
The story closes with tension still running high between them.
Poppy and Hawke confront each other — she's angry, he's unshaken, and the attraction between them is still painfully obvious. There's a near-spicy moment when he reminds her of the bond they've created, touching her cheek before she pushes him away.
"Even in betrayal, he made my heart race."
Goodreads Reader Reactions
Readers describe From Blood and Ash as "addictive," "fast-paced," and "the perfect blend of fantasy and spice."
Positive Reactions:
Fans praise the slow burn, the world-building, and the emotional payoff once Poppy takes control of her story.
"It's fantasy romance done right — danger, betrayal, and tension you can't look away from."
"Poppy and Hawke's chemistry is pure chaos in the best way."
Critical Reactions:
Some found the pacing uneven or the reveals predictable, but nearly everyone agrees the series hooks you from the start.
"It's messy, dramatic, and impossible to put down."
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Where to Buy or Read From Blood and Ash
- Amazon: Paperback, Kindle, and Audible audiobook
- Barnes & Noble: Hardcover and Nook editions
- Apple Books & Kobo: Digital versions available
- Libraries: Available through Libby and Hoopla
Related Books – The Blood and Ash Universe
Jennifer L. Armentrout's world doesn't stop with From Blood and Ash — it branches into prequels, spinoffs, and companion series that weave together gods, royals, and the origins of Poppy's power. Here's the complete breakdown and best reading order with context:
1️⃣ From Blood and Ash (Book 1)
The story begins with Poppy, the Maiden, and her forbidden connection with Hawke — who turns out to be Casteel, the lost Atlantian prince. It sets up the main world, the politics between Solis and Atlantia, and introduces the central question of divine control and freedom.
2️⃣ A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Book 2)
Poppy's life flips upside down after learning who Hawke really is. This book follows her struggle to trust him again as she's pulled into Atlantia's political world. Their relationship deepens — both emotionally and physically — while war brews between kingdoms.
Key focus: trust, identity, and choosing love despite betrayal.
3️⃣ The Crown of Gilded Bones (Book 3)
The pace and scale explode here. Poppy's true lineage is revealed — and it changes everything. The gods and ancient bloodlines come into play as she steps into her power and claim as queen.
Key focus: divine destiny, transformation, and rebellion against fate.
4️⃣ The War of Two Queens (Book 4)
Poppy fully embraces her role as Queen of Atlantia, leading a war against those who would enslave her people. The emotional tone is heavier, with high-stakes politics and intense battle scenes, but the romance remains strong.
Key focus: leadership, loyalty, and surviving together.
5️⃣ A Soul of Ash and Blood (Book 5)
Told from Casteel's perspective, this book replays events from the first novel while also moving the current timeline forward. It fills in emotional gaps from his side and adds new depth to his choices and love for Poppy.
Key focus: reflection, redemption, and devotion.
Connected Prequel Series – The Flesh and Fire Saga
This series takes place hundreds of years before From Blood and Ash, exploring the origins of the gods, the primal beings, and the bloodlines that shaped the world Poppy inherits.
- A Shadow in the Ember – Follows Seraphena Mierel, chosen by the Primal of Death, as she navigates duty, prophecy, and forbidden desire.
Connection: Introduces the gods' system and the prophecy that directly influences Poppy's story. - A Light in the Flame – Continues Sera's journey, revealing more about the Primal realm and the consequences of immortality.
Connection: Deepens the mythology and explains the divine war that sets up the events of the Blood and Ash timeline. - A Fire in the Flesh (upcoming) – Will bridge even more of the gap between the two timelines and hint at how the primal powers resurface in Poppy's era.
How It All Connects
Both series intertwine — the Flesh and Fire books explain the gods, Primals, and curses that drive the Blood and Ash conflict. Reading them together gives you the full picture of how fate, bloodlines, and divine power are passed through generations.
For the best experience:
- Read Blood and Ash first to follow Poppy's emotional journey.
- Then move into Flesh and Fire to understand the history that built her world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to read From Blood and Ash series?
Start with From Blood and Ash and follow the main series order. Read Flesh and Fire afterward for the prequel lore.
Q: What is From Blood and Ash about?
It's about Poppy, a Maiden sworn to the gods, who falls for her guard Hawke — only to discover he's hiding a world-altering secret.
Q: Who is Vessa from From Blood and Ash?
Vessa is a divine being tied to the gods' mythology, referenced in later books as part of Atlantia's creation lore.
Q: How many books in From Blood and Ash?
There are five main books, with more in the works.
Q: What order to read From Blood and Ash?
- From Blood and Ash
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
- The Crown of Gilded Bones
- The War of Two Queens
- A Soul of Ash and Blood
Then the Flesh and Fire prequels.
Q: Is the From Blood and Ash series complete?
Not yet — Jennifer L. Armentrout has confirmed upcoming installments.
Q: How spicy is From Blood and Ash?
Moderate to high. The tension builds slowly, but scenes in Chapters 30 and 35 are explicit, emotional, and key to Poppy's character growth.
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