First Off the Shelf: “From Blood and Ash”

Full disclosure: I judge books by their covers, especially if there are swords, crowns or a pretty ball gown. Immediately I will believe it is what I am looking for. “From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout is no exception. Sitting on the shelves of Barnes and Noble, it pulled me straight in – I’m not sure if it was the sword or the red leaves, but it was something. This week, I'm going to break down the first book of the series and hopefully get you to read them all before the fourth book comes out in March.

If you were a fan of last week's book, “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” then this book is right up your alley. Remember back in 2008 to 2012 when Twilight was the biggest hype. There was team Edward and team Jacob, right? Well there is no big love triangle here, or not in the first book at least. BUTTTT it does have other variables of the beloved series like vampires, werewolves, powers, war and romance. Well what would you say if I told you that this book has all that for adults. This book has an equal amount of fantasy and romance.

A romantasy if you may.

Spoilers below!!!

The writing is addictive from the first page. The book follows the life of 18-year old heroine

Penellaphe, aka Poppy, as she awaits her Ascension. Poppy is what the kingdom of Solis knows as “the maiden.” As the maiden, she is never to be seen without her veil, talked to, or touched. What a life, right? Poor girl. While she is to be seen as a delicate item of the crown, she wants to be on the Rise with the guards battling for her kingdom against the Craven.

Her world is turned upside down when she gets a new guard, Hawke. A tall, dark and mysterious new guard that Poppy is intrigued by. While going on a trip away from her home to the capital of Solis, Carsodonia, after a battle in the castle, her life takes a new path. With romance budding, will it last when the haunting past and a web of lies arises? Ending in a cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more, this is a must read for all who crave romance along with adventures.

Let me know what you think of FBAA or give me TBR list suggestions on Twitter @_anlunsford.