"From Blood and Ash" Summary
fantasy | 634 pages | Published in NaN
A Maiden…Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.A Duty…The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.A Kingdom…Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.
| ISBN_13: | 9781952457012 |
Estimated read time: 5 min read
One Sentence Summary
A maiden with a hidden identity falls for a forbidden romance while navigating a world of dark secrets and dangerous enemies.
Table of Contents
Introduction
"From Blood and Ash" by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a captivating fantasy novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through a world filled with magic, danger, and romance. The book introduces us to a young woman named Poppy, who is destined for a life of sacrifice and secrecy as the Maiden, a revered figure in her kingdom. However, as she navigates the challenges of her role, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious guard who challenges everything she thought she knew. Filled with intrigue, forbidden romance, and unexpected twists, "From Blood and Ash" is a spellbinding tale that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.
Brief Synopsis
Plot Overview
The story is set in a fantasy world where a kingdom is under constant threat from powerful creatures known as the Craven. The Maiden, a revered figure in the kingdom, is tasked with maintaining the balance between the kingdom's people and the malevolent forces that lurk beyond its borders. Poppy, the protagonist, has been raised in seclusion and groomed for her role as the Maiden. However, she longs for freedom and resents the constraints placed upon her.
As Poppy grapples with her duties as the Maiden, she forms a forbidden connection with Hawke, a mysterious and alluring guard who challenges her perceptions of the world around her. Together, they embark on a journey that unravels long-held secrets and threatens to upend the delicate balance of power in the kingdom.
Setting
The novel is primarily set within the kingdom's palace and its surrounding lands, where lush forests and ancient ruins provide the backdrop for the characters' adventures. The kingdom itself is a realm teeming with political intrigue, magical forces, and the ever-present threat of the Craven. Armentrout's vivid descriptions bring the world to life, immersing readers in a rich and immersive setting.
Main Characters
Here are the main characters in "From Blood and Ash":
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Poppy | The protagonist, destined to serve as the Maiden and burdened by the weight of her responsibilities. |
| Hawke | A mysterious and alluring guard who forms a forbidden connection with Poppy, challenging the status quo. |
| Tawny | Poppy's loyal handmaiden, who provides support and companionship during her struggles. |
| Vikter | A stoic and dedicated guard who is fiercely protective of Poppy. |
Main Events
Chapters 1-5
Poppy's life as the Maiden is established, and her longing for freedom becomes apparent. She forms a forbidden connection with Hawke, a guard shrouded in mystery. The kingdom faces an imminent threat from the Craven, setting the stage for escalating tensions.
Chapters 6-10
Poppy's feelings for Hawke deepen as they navigate the complexities of their forbidden relationship. Meanwhile, secrets and betrayals emerge, threatening the stability of the kingdom.
Chapters 11-15
Poppy and Hawke embark on a perilous journey that leads to shocking revelations about the kingdom's history and the true nature of the Craven. The dynamics between the characters shift as alliances are tested.
Chapters 16-20
The stakes are raised as Poppy and Hawke confront powerful adversaries and confront the consequences of their actions. The fragile balance of power in the kingdom hangs in the balance, and Poppy's destiny takes an unexpected turn.
Themes and Insights
Themes
- Forbidden Love: The novel explores the theme of forbidden love as Poppy and Hawke navigate the challenges of their burgeoning relationship in the face of societal expectations.
- Power and Sacrifice: The concept of power and sacrifice is central to the story, as Poppy grapples with her role as the Maiden and the sacrifices she must make for the kingdom.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: Poppy's journey towards self-discovery and asserting her own identity in a restrictive society is a recurring theme throughout the novel.
Insights
The novel offers insights into the complexities of human emotions, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring nature of hope in the face of adversity. It also delves into the consequences of secrecy and the impact of truth on individuals and society as a whole.
Reader's Takeaway
"From Blood and Ash" offers readers a spellbinding combination of romance, intrigue, and high-stakes adventure. The forbidden love between Poppy and Hawke, set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined fantasy world, keeps readers enthralled from beginning to end. The novel's exploration of power, sacrifice, and the pursuit of identity resonates with readers, making it a compelling and memorable read.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "From Blood and Ash" by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and political intrigue. With its richly developed characters and immersive world-building, the book offers readers a compelling story that will leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Whether you're a fan of fantasy fiction or simply enjoy a gripping tale of forbidden love, "From Blood and Ash" is sure to captivate and enthrall readers of all kinds.
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