There are no words to capture the wide range of feelings I have toward the novel, Born of Blood and Ash. For a long time now, author Jennifer L. Armentrout, has pulled ahead of her fellow romanatsy/ fantasy romance authors to rank as my top favorite. JLA's talent for combining deep world building with incredibly real and relatable characters all wrapped into a world filled with magic, mystery, fantasy and frankly some of the best spice I've ever read, continues to leave me in awe and Born of Blood and Ash is no different.
Upon starting the first few pages, it becomes apparent that the first two books of the series focused on getting to know Sera while she also learned who and what she is, with book three being the point where she learned who and what she was up against and also finding a level of acceptance and peace in regards what was to come. That leaves the final book in which Sera awakened to find EVERYTHING is now in uncharted territory for her and those around her. She spends a majority of the book finally able to put literally everything together and process every moment of the previous novels. She becomes wise but self aware to the point where she recognizes that she cannot be anyone but herself, monster and all. This book is a wild ride and a near perfect conclusion to this series while still leaving room for future books within this series or within the From Blood and Ash series.
I have always loved the characters within this world, but this novel really solidifies my love for nearly every character, yes, including the villains. Kolis, Kyn, and Veses are finger curling, snarl inducing, raging filling villains who test all of your favorite characters and the audience as well. Many times I could truly emphasize with the rage felt by Sera in response to the truly heinous things occurring at the hands of those three. On the other end of the character spectrum you have immense care and focus taken to reintroduce and dive deeper into the characters of Rhain, Theon, Lailah, Aios, Bele, Rhahar, and Saion. In many ways the audience discovers these characters right along Sera who has only known them at a distance as that is what Ash preferred/modeled. Now everything is different and this found family becomes instrumental to Sera's ascension into her true self. I cannot show enough gratitude towards JLA for taking the time to really connect these characters and form something greater than a traditional inner circle. I never once felt a moment spent with these characters were a waste. Furthermore, the expansion of characters to Ward, Holland, Penellephe, and the more reasonable and likeable Primals like Maia, Keella, and Attes continued to create a family that Sera could grow with and I am so happy that this series took the time to expand beyond the fully flushed out characters introduced in previous books. Also can I just say Reaver, Jadis, Nektas, Sera and Ash make my heart sing with joy! Truly the time and care taken to make sure Sera and the audience felt love and family after a traumatic beginning gives me hope for this world and believe that the life Ash and Sera want will become a reality even if it's off the page.
Without revealing any spoilers, I want to take a moment to applaud Sera's development as a character over the novels and by extension Ash's as well. Sera began this journey feeling like her purpose was never her own, that she was only worth what someone long ago had determined, and that she could only follow the path laid before her and not find her own. By the end of book 3, Sera found a place of acceptance albeit a bit sad and regretful that time was so limited, in which she fully understood and accepted that her purpose would allow the salvation of the realms while also creating ripples that would allow the world to move on. Born of Blood and Ash, carries the audience right alongside of Sera as she grapples with her sacrifice not being needed, her change in purpose, role and power and her difficulty with putting away her deep rooted experiences of trauma, pain, suffering and self-destruction. Sera's conflict of recognizing what she experienced was not " nothing " and actually had a lasting impact on her with something that I think of many audience members have experienced before. The acceptance that every experience can leave a scar and no one can foresee how that scar will heal or resurface if something that is very relatable in this story. Although Sera's story does reference several encounters of physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse, loneliness and even suicide ideation, it should be understood that with the love and support of those around her, she is able to accept the facts while working through her own acceptance/acknowledgement and healing. The biggest support being Ash. He is a magnificent character, who is brave, he's ruthless, he's logical but can be driven by emotions, he shows fear but does not let it steer him, he is selfless but always weighs the cost and reward and he is never insulted or too proud to allow Sera to take the lead. His profound love and commitment to Sera is absolutely beautiful to read especially when he is continues to stand by that nothing Sera could do or experience would change her in his eyes. Ash steps above many other MC in this genre because whenever he wavers, he acknowledges it and does better! He truly shows Sera love that she never felt worthy enough to experience and it's beautiful. Also his crass and sexy language and him being openly hot/super into/obsessed with Sera at every turn, is frankly what ever woman hopes for *swoon*. I could go on and on but I won't. This book and series guided me through my own struggles and I have appreciated every single word and moment where I have stopped and realized that Sera and I had similarities that required outside help on my end and I was able to get that help.
My love for this series will never waiver and I sincerely look forward to every future reread. Thank you JLA!
Born of Blood and Ash: A Flesh and Fire Novel
4.6 | 8,657 ratings
Price: 7.99
Last update: 01-11-2025
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