Summary
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a high fantasy novel featuring a forbidden romance. Set in the medieval-inspired Solis, a kingdom threatened by violence and vengeance, the story centers on Poppy, the Maiden, who struggles with her duty, destiny, and desires. After encountering Hawke, a guard, she begins her journey to self-discovery and autonomy.
Plot
From Blood and Ash follows Penellaphe "Poppy" Balfour in the kingdom of Solis, which is recovering from the War of Two Kings. Poppy is the Maiden, chosen to Ascend on her 19th birthday, with expectations to bring peace and prosperity. Her role, however, restricts her freedom under the Ascended's control.
Poppy’s life changes when she meets Hawke Flynn, a mysterious guard. Soon, they develop a relationship. Meanwhile, she seeks autonomy through her gift,"the touch," which enables her to sense others' pain. Trained secretly by her guard, Vikter, she becomes a skilled fighter. She uses her skills when Descenters disrupt the Rite, supporting the claims of Prince Casteel of Atlantia as the legitimate heir. Poppy confronts the Duke and Lord Mazeen during this chaos, resulting in their deaths and turmoil in Solis.
For her own safety, Poppy is sent to the capital. Traveling with Hawke and other guards through the Blood Forest, she discovers her lover’s true identity. Hawke is Prince Casteel Da’Neer of Atlantia, and plans to use her to free his brother. This discovery reveals betrayals and alliances, as well as the Ascended's secret dependence on Atlantian blood.
Poppy learns about child abductions and her half-Atlantian heritage, prompting an identity crisis. Casteel proposes marriage, intertwining their destinies. Poppy is challenged to redefine her role and seeks to break from the Ascended's control.
Characters
Penellaphe “Poppy” Balfour: Known as the Maiden, Poppy is bound by duty and seeks personal freedom. Her story involves self-discovery and challenging the roles imposed upon her..
Hawke Flynn/Casteel Da'Neer: Initially introduced as Poppy's guard, Hawke is later revealed as Casteel, the Dark One, with ties to the Atlantian kingdom. His relationship with Poppy involves tension and a developing trust.
Vikter Wardwell: Vikter is a supportive figure who respects Poppy's independence. He encourages her combat skills and strengthens their bond.
Tawny Lyon: Poppy's Lady in Waiting and confidante. Tawny provides emotional support and assists Poppy in her role as the Maiden.
Lord Mazeen: Mazeen represents oppressive authority and misuse of power. He becomes a catalyst for Poppy's eventual empowerment.
Duke Teerman: The Duke embodies control over Poppy and represents the manipulation she aims to escape.
Rylan Keal: Rylan dedicates himself to protecting Poppy, but his tragic end fuels her determination to overcome her challenges.
Kieran: A close ally to Casteel, Kieran provides insights into the Atlantians. He supports and challenges Poppy's evolving perspective.
Agnes: Agnes’s warning signals resistance within the community against the Ascended's rule.
Phillips: A guard with wavering loyalty. Phillips's fate reflects betrayal and deception that Poppy must navigate.
Setting
Set in the kingdom of Solis, From Blood and Ash unfolds in a richly detailed fantasy realm, The kingdom features a rigid caste system where the Maiden, Poppy, symbolizes isolation and duty. Her role connects to religious and mythological themes, which define her place in this hierarchy.
The neighboring realm of Atlantia brings further complexity with its unique magic and diverse factions. Atlanteans, whose blood can heal or destroy, are formidable opponents to the Ascended. Nature also influences the narrative. The Blood Forest looms over Solis, contributing to the kingdom's sense of danger.
Themes
The clash between duty and autonomy
Poppy, also known as the Maiden, represents the conflict between personal autonomy and societal expectations. Others predetermine her life as she anticipates her "Ascension." Her visits to the Red Pearl nightclub illustrate her quest for freedom and self-discovery outside her assigned role.
The narrative questions destiny's inevitability as Poppy's supposed future clashes with her desire for choice. Her growing relationship with Hawke, her guard, challenges her beliefs. Their forbidden romance defies societal norms, creating tension between duty and desire.
Poppy's discreet resistance against the Ascended's regime reflects rebellion. Her empathy and ability to absorb others' pain strengthen her resolve against authoritarian rule. This rebellion aligns with societal unrest in her kingdom. These themes trace a journey of self-discovery, demonstrating the significance of choice and resilience. Poppy deliberately challenges oppressive structures, striving to shape her destiny in a world dominated by control and resistance.
Romantic dynamics
The romantic relationship between Poppy, the Maiden, and Hawke, her guard, plays a central role in From Blood and Ash. The relationship begins with a kiss at the Red Pearl, establishing their connection. Poppy's role and Hawke's position as her guard initially define their dynamic, challenging the isolation in Poppy's life.
Hawke frequently tests Poppy's defenses. Their mutual attraction leads to intimate encounters, challenging the boundaries set by their roles. Beyond physical attraction, Hawke shows genuine interest in Poppy's true self, going beyond his duties.
This connection forms part of a complex narrative involving potential salvation and betrayal, paralleling Poppy's self-discovery. As political unrest and hidden agendas unfold, their bond advances the intrigue and acts as a catalyst for Poppy's personal transformation.
Quick facts
Released in 2020, From Blood and Ash marked the debut of a bestselling high fantasy series by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
The story features a slow-burn romance between the Maiden, Poppy, and her guard, Hawke.
From Blood and Ash combines fantasy, romance, and action elements, appealing to fans of authors such as Sarah J. Maas.
From Blood and Ash was a USA Today bestseller and won the Goodreads Choice 2020 Award for Romance.
From Blood and Ash is a USA Today bestseller.
Hawke Flynn is revealed to be Prince Casteel Da'Neer, the Dark One, heir of Atlantia.
Protagonist Poppy possesses unique powers, including the ability to sense others’ pain.
The Ascended in the book are revealed as vamprys—emotionless beings who thirst for blood.
From Blood and Ash depicts significant character development, especially Poppy's transformation from a sheltered Maiden into a strong, autonomous character.
The sixth book in the From Blood and Ash series, The Primal of Blood and Bone, will be published in September 2025.
A TV adaptation of the From Blood and Ash series is currently in development with Amazon Studios.
Armentrout deals with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that inspires her advocacy outside of writing.
TV adaptation
Amazon Studios is developing the From Blood and Ash series of fantasy novels for television. Star Trek: Discovery writer and producer Anne Cofell Saunders has been signed on as head writer.
About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author. She has published 65 novels spanning genres from paranormal to contemporary romance. Her work is known for blending high-stakes romance with intricate world-building. In 2020, she published the debut novel in her acclaimed high fantasy series, From Blood and Ash, which, as of 2925, includes six installments. In addition to her writing, Armentrout advocates for awareness about retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder she was diagnosed with in 2015.
