Over hyped...but is it?

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 I recently read a book that has been making it's way around the booktok, and book tube community.  That is From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentout. I have seen countless videos on this book and thought I should see what the hype is all about. I must say, it deserves the hype in my humble opinion. It has everything I want in a romantic fantasy. We follow Penellaphe, or Poppy, through life as "The Maiden" who will soon Ascend. I find Poppy to be witty, smart, and a little too compulsive for her own good sometimes. Poppy is not allowed to speak to anyone, be near anyone, or lift her veil in front of anyone, except her guards, the Duke and Duchess, and her best friend Tawny. Poppy lives a very sheltered life, and has grown tired of it.


When we first meet Poppy she has snuck out to a brothel/tavern in the town. She hasn't been seen by a lot of people without her veil so she feels she won't be reported or noticed. Her plans unfortunately get bungled by her guard showing up, and Poppy must hide. She is told to go upstairs to an empty room and wait until the mistress comes to get her so she can sneak back out without being noticed. Enter Hawke Flynn. He is the first man to ever hold Poppy or kiss her. He's not aware of who she is but that doesn't matter to him. Before things get taken too far, Hawke is called away, and Poppy escapes back to her rooms. But it won't be the last time she sees Hawke. 


The magic system isn't well developed in this story, however, it is intriguing. We are left unaware of why Poppy has the magic she has, and what it will mean for her future. The world building is just enough to give you the mental picture of what Poppy experiences every day without a boring info dump.  I am most pleased with the character building. Poppy is a well fleshed out character and is someone I could see being best friends with. 


All in all I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I wish the magic system was a little more fleshed out which is why it only gets 4 stars. I look forward to reading the next books in the series. 

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