jazmin's reviews
676 reviews

“You’re such a bad influence,” I murmured as I placed my hand in his.
Hawke curled his fingers around mine. The weight and warmth of his hand was a pleasant shock. “Only the bad can be influenced, Princess.”

Reread #1 Update: Still as great as last time! I think I enjoyed the story a little more now that I could understand the world a little bit better, and I hated Hawke a little less since I understood his motivations.

Original Review:
This book… has a lot of hype surrounding it, which was exciting because I often agree with the majority of readers. In many ways, this book lived up to my expectations, but in quite a few others it didn’t, so let’s get into it. This might take a while.

❦ The Plot ❦

First, the plot and the writing were amazing, and I have absolutely no complaints. There was a very obvious difference between this book and some of JLA’s older ones. The plot was intricately woven, and I enjoyed all the twists and turns.

“Death is like an old friend who pays a visit, sometimes when it’s least expected and other times when you’re waiting for her. It’s neither the first nor the last time she’ll pay a visit, but that doesn’t make any death less harsh or unforgiving.”

❦ Time Period ❦

I also found the time period to be surprisingly unique, which reinforced the interesting blend of paranormal and fantasy genres. Most YA paranormal books are set in the present time, and most fantasies are either far in the “past” or are futuristic. I really liked how this book blended the past and future and took place in a time where books aren’t usually set.

❦ World Building ❦

Unfortunately, because of how detailed and complicated the world building was, the first 50% of this book just couldn’t hold my attention. It was obvious the plot was still being set up, and I wish the actual storyline had started earlier on. But honestly, the last 20% made me completely forget my disappointment with the beginning.

❦ Poppy ❦

Anyway, let’s talk about the characters. Poppy was just perfect. She had almost all the qualities that I want to see in the protagonist of a YA fantasy. She was strong and brave and motivated and above all, honest.

“Fear and bravery are often one and the same. It either makes you a warrior or a coward. The only difference is the person it resides inside.”

❦ Hawke ❦

On the other hand, I’m sorry but I hated Hawke for the first 90% of the book and disliked him for the last 10%. (This is where I disagree with 99.9% of readers.) Ok, that may be a bit harsh, but I had heard so many good things about him and that was what I got?? Unfortunately, whenever I dislike the main character, my interest in the series plummets, and so his character was a big part of why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5.

(Plot Spoilers) And let me make it clear that I didn’t dislike him because he was a morally grey character or because of all the lies he told Poppy. In fact, those things should’ve made me like him more because I was suspicious of the Ascended from the start, and had a feeling Poppy’s allegiance would be changing soon. Essentially, it was Hawke who I had been harbouring negative feelings for, not Casteel, so I’m hoping I like him more in the next book since he’ll no longer be pretending to be someone else.

My From Blood And Ash Playlist:
Hold Me Down by Halsey
I Don’t Want To Wait by Paula Cole
Scars To Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara
Wicked Game by Grace Carter

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“If there is a divine creator, some ultimate moral authority, then why do bad things happen to good people? And why would this deity create people at all, since people are such imperfect beings?”

This book was an intricate blend of power and politics, war, and shamanism, unlike anything I had ever read. Adult fantasy suited this story so well; it could never have been told without the political aspects rarely seen in YA. Wow.

❦ Fang Runin ❦
What a complex character, and what an incredible journey all within a single book. This story follows Rin from her entry into Sinegard to her employment in the Cike and let me tell you, her arc was an incredible one. She was a strong and perseverant character and I honestly can’t wait to see how her personality changes and grows as she deals with the aftermath of this novel.

“I have become something wonderful, she thought. I have become something terrible. Was she now a goddess or a monster? Perhaps neither. Perhaps both.”

❦ Other Characters ❦
Aside from Rin, Kitay and Nezha were the only characters whom I really connected to, although I was also really intrigued by Jiang. I loved Kitay’s personality, and I hope we see more of Nezha in the next books because I have heard so much about him. As for the other characters, Altan’s story was heartbreaking although I have to admit I didn’t love his character for a large portion of this book. I also really hope we see more of the Cike members and their interactions with Rin. Ultimately, I think that I didn’t connect to any of the characters as much as I would have liked, but hopefully, that will change soon!

Without thinking they sank into a formation; back to back, fighting while covering each other’s blind spots. They made a startlingly good team. Rin covered for Nezha’s overstretched attacks; Nezha guarded Rin’s lower corners. They were each intimately familiar with the other’s weaknesses.

❦ Timeline ❦
One thing I have to mention is that this book sort of felt like three books in one, and not in the best way. My issue wasn’t with the sheer amount of content, although it was overwhelming at times, but with the lack of fluidity between those sections. There were instances where months would pass in a single sentence or a huge life-changing event would be over in a page, and that made the story feel a bit choppy and disconnected. Don’t get me wrong though, I liked how much information we were given in this book.

❦ Overall ❦
I’m very intrigued by the next two books in this series because I’m sure that the plot will explode as Rin’s journey continues. Definitely going to have to read a lighter book before I start the next one though because this was a really heavy read.

“War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who remains.”

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“I've spent twenty-eight years doing what everyone around me expected me to do...being what everyone around me has expected me to be. And it's horrid to be someone else's vision of yourself.”

What a cute and exciting historical romance!

❦ Callie ❦
I loved our protagonist! She was an intriguing blend of shy and brave, and I had an amazing time seeing her make her way through her list. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was that she was a bit too self-deprecating. I can’t even count how many times she put herself down, and it just got to be a bit too much after a while.

"I'm invisible. So, why not stop being such a craven wallflower and start trying all the things that I've always dreamed of doing? Why not go to taverns and drink scotch and fence? I confess, those things have been much more interesting than all the loathsome teas and balls and needlepoint with which I have traditionally occupied my time." She met his gaze again. "Does this make sense?"
He nodded seriously. "It does. You're trying to find Callie.”

❦ Gabriel ❦
I also really liked Gabriel! He wasn’t anything too unique because a lot of historical romance male leads often blend into each other, but he was an interesting character nonetheless.

❦ The Other Characters ❦
This book also set up the plot of the next two a little bit, since both Nicholas and Juliana have books. I had a great time reading about them in this book and I definitely want to read their own stories soon!

❦ The Plot ❦
The premise for this book was super riveting and so well executed! There were so many hilarious scenes where Callie put herself into danger (of being ruined) and I particularly enjoyed the scenes where she went to the fencing club and to gamble. This was a pretty unique concept for the historical genre (as far as I know) and it was so so good!

“You cheated!”
He looked at her, wide-eyed with feigned outrage. “I beg your pardon. If you were a man, I would call you out for that accusation.”
“And I assure you, my lord, that I would ride forth victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness.”
“Are you quoting the Bible to me?”
“Indeed,” she said primly, the portrait of piousness.
“While gambling.”
“What better location to attempt to reform one such as you?”

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“No matter the road you take, it doesn’t matter if it’s beautiful or ugly, hard or smooth, paved or pitted with ruts—it’s your road to take. What matters is how it ends.”

A wonderful romance that was both moving and sweet. I loved this book’s plot and fell in love with its characters.

❦ Ava and Knox ❦
As I mentioned, I really enjoyed all of the protagonists, including our two main characters Ava and Knox. They were both strong and brave and it was easy to love them. My feelings towards them as a couple were a bit more unsteady because my opinions kept going up and down, but ultimately I did like them and their journey.

“Really? No one wanted them to be together. None of the gods approved. Who’d love the king of the underworld?” “The right person.” He inhales.

❦ Side Characters ❦
This book also managed to do something that most standalone romances can’t, and that was to have great side characters! Usually, side characters get glossed over in romance novels and they are very rarely memorable, but I really liked a few of them in this book! It was hard not to love Dane, Tyler and Wyatt after seeing how much Ava and Knox cared for them.

❦ Themes and Plot ❦
Despite how cheery I sounded at the beginning of this review, this book dealt with some very dark themes and serious topics. They were very well written and I enjoyed seeing Ava finally get the justice that she both craved and deserved. Overall the plot was fantastic, but the one thing I didn’t understand was why the text messages and the note in her locker were a part of the book. Now that I look back, it seemed to play such a small role in the novel as a whole, and it just felt a bit unnecessary considering how much was going on at the same time.

“Scars serve as medals of honor, and the strongest hearts have the most.”

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"One second we’re cool and the next you’re biting my damn head off. It’s been like this since the second we met."

A short and sweet sports romance!

❦ The Writing ❦
I want to talk about the writing style first because I think that was by far my biggest issue. I didn’t enjoy the way the writing was formatted, with a ton of repetitive description rather than taking. It was basically like “this happened, then this, and then I did this…” and after a while, it got a bit repetitive.

❦ Nix and Elle ❦
I really enjoyed Nix and Elle as characters as well as a couple! Particularly Elle, I loved her arc and how strong and steadfast she was throughout the book. On the other hand, I did expect a bit more from Nix considering how intriguing he was in book one, but that isn’t to say he wasn’t a good character. I liked how he followed his dreams and was so kindhearted, but I guess I just wanted a bit more passion from him. On a happier note, despite the fact that they were the couple I had the lowest expectations for in this series, their romance was overall exciting and sweet, and I loved their banter early on.

I’d hefted a championship trophy over my head, but this felt like a win I’d never forget. My first completely unprompted smile from her lit me up like a damn Christmas tree.

❦ Side Characters ❦
As much as I liked Nix and Elle, it was definitely the side characters who stole the show. At this point, I am so excited for both BerkJules and LJMarissa’s books, because their interactions in this book were incredible! I can’t wait to continue with this series.

A knock on the gate saved us all from the abject awkwardness that had settled over our group. Berk jumped up, nearly spilling his plate on the ground. “Jules!” he announced to everyone in a three-block radius.

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“And you were never the third best thing in my life, Jules. Never. I’d never play a game again, if it meant I could be here with you.”

A sweet, heartwarming, and occasionally aggravating sports romance that dealt with a lot of societal issues.

Berk and Jules
These couples are only getting better and better. I absolutely loved Berk and Jules, and I really appreciated how much we learned about both of them. It felt like we got to learn so much more about them than we did all the other characters in this series, and that was amazing, and definitely what made this book so much better than the other two. I also really liked how there were more serious issues dealt with in this book like fatphobia and the foster system because it meant that we got to see the characters overcoming their fears and working things out.

“She was made for me, and I’d spend the rest of my life giving her every beautiful thing she deserved—starting with my love.”

The Plot
This book was different than the other two because it also didn’t have as much of a set plot, and instead focused more on character interactions and random events in the character’s lives. Sometimes this type of plot gets a bit annoying but honestly, it worked well in this book, so no complaints!

The Conflicts
However, the lack of an overall plot led to there being a TON of different conflicts, namely a bunch of annoying characters who made me want to rip my hair out. I hated Jules’ mom and I still do, but I was glad that Jules’ sister and Alexis both got redemption arcs because their issues were more the product of their childhoods than anything else.

Side Characters
That ending! We got a lot of Marisa and LJ content again so I’m incredibly excited to finally read their friends-to-lovers romance!

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"Third time was the charm, right?"

A heart-wrenching sports romance filled with unrequited love and mutual pining. This book really proved that friends-to-lovers is the superior trope.

LJ and Marisa
LJ and Marisa? Mutual Pining at it’s finest. They were an amazing couple and the long wait was 100% worth it! Also, usually in (hetero) romances, it’s the male character who creates the final conflict that tests the relationship of the main characters, but I really liked that this time around it was actually Marisa who made that mistake! It was definitely a fun twist. I loved seeing their relationship progress from best friends, and I really enjoyed all the flashbacks we got to see!

“I love you, Marisa.” This wasn’t the first time he’d said it, but this time it felt different. It felt heart-stoppingly, soul-scorchingly different.

The Timeline
I don’t always like when books span over the length of others in the series but it worked well here! Although Jules and Berk’s book was sort of ongoing, it never felt like we were reading the same parts of the story twice, and it was fun to see the spots where the two books aligned. 


The Plot
I feel like the plot of this book was less memorable simply because when I think of this book I only think of how good the couple was, but it was definitely still a really enjoyable plot! I liked seeing Marisa and her father’s relationship slowly heal. I wish we saw more of LJ’s family!

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“Perhaps this is not a question of staying out of trouble, Your Grace. Perhaps this is about deciding on which side of history you want to be.”

An incredibly motivational historical romance filled with witty characters who know what they want.

The Characters
I had a lot of fun reading this book. Annabelle was an intriguing heroine, and not the sort of protagonist that is often featured in historical romances. I really loved her journey in this book. On the other hand, I liked Sebastian’s character but definitely not as much as I liked Annabelle. He often came off as standoffish and while he was ultimately a good person, it didn’t always seem that way. I enjoyed them as a couple, but for some reason I wasn’t as passionate about them as I am about most pairings. I can say, however, that I appreciated how logical the conflicts they faced were. We all know that plenty of romances have conflicts that make absolutely no sense and are just there to further the plot.

“Tell me,” he said, “how frustrating is it to be surrounded by people considered your betters when they don’t hold a candle to your abilities?”



The Suffragists
This book was advertised as a feminist book about suffragists and the women’s right to vote, but unfortunately there wasn’t as much of that as I had hoped. It seemed like the whole suffragists plot was there only to reinforce the romance, when I wanted it to be the other way around. I loved the scenes that we did see as well as all of Lucie, Hattie and Catriona’s appearances, but there just wasn’t enough. I hope there’s more social justice elements in Lucie’s books because she had a much bigger role than Annabelle.

“Because, my lord, if the marchioness believes that the female brain is incapable of forming a sound analysis on political issues, why should anyone trust her analysis on women in politics?”

The Setting
This might not be the most important thing to write about, but I just wanted to say that I loved this book’s setting and overall ambiance. It felt different from most historical romances, and our characters visited a lot of unique places, that’s for sure, but it still had the ability to make me feel like I was really in that time period.

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“Sometimes, our biggest challenges are our strongest moments of growth; it’s when our true person shows, and the world gets to see what we’re made of.”

I’m sorry, but I just did not enjoy this book. I love many of Meagan Brandy’s other works, but this one was absolute torture to get through. However, please note that this wasn’t a “bad book”, it just didn’t work for me, so you might like it if you give it a chance :)

The Characters
Unfortunately, everyone in this book was just unlikeable, and that was definitely my main issue with it. Alec Daniels? I hated him for such a large chunk of this story. Now I know he wasn’t as insane as we were led to believe for 80% of this book, but that didn’t make it any better in my head. He had absolutely no idea how to be honest with anyone, and that got real old real quick. In fact, so many of this book’s conflicts could have been resolved if he would just communicate? I have no words. Oakley definitely wasn’t as bad but I definitely do not trust her decision-making skills considering she loved Alec. I liked Rowan, and he was definitely the most tolerable, but he had his issues too.

“Oakley, sometimes, the ones we think care the least care the most. Remember that, even when it feels impossible. When it hurts more than you feel you can bear, remember that. The people who love you can do the most damage, but sometimes … they hurt you for you. And not everything is what it appears to be.”

The Plot
The whole firefighter plot started off good; it was a unique concept I hadn’t read about before. However, things got complicated so quickly, in a way that I hadn’t been expecting from a standalone romance. Now I’m not saying that complicated is a bad thing, but it just didn’t work for this book. There were so many conflicting plot lines and new characters that I honestly couldn’t keep track of. Maybe that was just me, but...

The Writing
The writing was what saved this book. I’ve always liked this author’s writing style and that extended to this story. Even if I didn’t like the plot I could appreciate the way Meagan Brandy can keep readers hooked.

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“You can't force love, I realized. It's there or it isn't. If it's not there, you've got to be able to admit it. If it is there, you've got to do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love.”

Second time read, first time review. The books in this series just get better and better!

The Plot
Like most second books in series, this book was a bit of a filler novel that set up the plot for the next books. However, it was still super entertaining and never dragged! I loved how Rose and Dimitri’s relationship progressed even if it was only a little bit, and of course, Adrian (icon) was finally introduced! Aside from that, not much happened to actually further the plot, but it was great re-meeting new characters like Rose’s mom, and seeing things start to finally fall into place!

“Rose only hangs out with guys and psychopaths," said Mia.

"Well," he said cheerfully, "since I'm both a psychopath and a guy, that would explain why we're such good friends.”

^UGH he is definitely the best character in this series. I swear that the majority of Vampire Academy fans are really just here for him. I mean, me too.

Rose and Dimitri

This book was a filler in more ways than one, because just like with the plot, there wasn’t much going on when it came to the romance between Rose and Dimitri because of all the mini love triangles going on. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles, but this one definitely wasn’t as bad as some others out there.

“I couldn't return that...couldn't give her what she wanted. Not when..." He took a few steps toward me. "Not when my heart is somewhere else.”

Overall
Can’t wait to continue with my reread! For some reason, the books in this series are so easy to get through. I'm pretty sure that when I first read this series I literally read it all in two days.

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