6 ⭐️s!! Beautiful writing and atmospheric world-building weave together in this dark, grown-up fairytale. This book was an addicting and refreshing whirlwind, and such a fun ride from beginning to end! J. F. Johns pulls you in with a cast of deep and captivating characters and keeps you hooked in an epic wonderland of political intrigue, magic, and myth. I enjoyed the build-up of this story so much, I could not wait to find out what happened next. This story has it all - Magic, mystery, witches, fae, curses, fun mythological creatures, believable romances without the typical lines that make my eyes roll, a powerful and lovable FMC with depth, a whole host of perfectly imperfect, well-crafted characters I loved…and so much more! A story that will make you feel immersed in another world and like you’re living a fairytale as if you were a child again, but this fairytale grew-up alongside you. A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash was easily one of my favorite reads in a long while and all-around just a damn good time!! 🔥🪾👑🧚🏼‍♀️🗡️🐉🐦‍🔥

Thanks so much for this opportunity. I will be purchasing this one for my own shelves - and convincing everyone I know to as well. Anxiously looking forward to book 2 now!

This has me in a chokehold. The world building was incredible. The storytelling brought everything to life and the intricate plotlines kept me hooked from beginning to end. Characters were well crafted; each one unique, deeply developed, and relatable. Im still trying to wrap my mind around the end. I cant wait for book 2.

I devoured the book in a day! The writing style and pacing were so good; I am obsessed with the FMC (SHADOW MOMMY 💀🖤) and her whole family. The fact that all of the royal wyverians have a shadow familiar is soo cool, especially the scene with Kai and his stallion - wow… Some things were a bit cliché (the house titles made me laugh a little), but I didn’t even care because everything else was great.

I liked the multi-POV at first, but it got kind of overwhelming as the book went on. Honestly, I would’ve preferred a book 1 focused just on Mal and Ash, book 2 for Kai and Alina, etc. Also, please title the chapters with who’s talking - trying to figure it all out was a bit confusing.

Ash felt a little flat compared to the rest of the characters—he needed to have more layers. And WHY is every single character a SEER lol??

Still, it was a really fun read.

Wow. Just wow 🤩. This book had me wrapped in it from the first couple of chapters and I could not put it down - I basically did an all nighter and read it because it was that good! @jfjohnsbooks really knows how to transform and teleport you to the fantasy world of all 8 Kingdoms - it was so beautifully written; the descriptive narrative, multiple POVs, the plots and the drama. Also not to forget the✨amazing✨connection Mel and Ash - they are the perfect combination of love and hate, I absolutely loved every part of them and couldn’t wait until it was one of theirs POV to read. All the characters have so much depth to them, and all play a huge part in the whole storyline. I definitely hope that we see more of Alina and Kai, and that they end up together! On a side note, I am definitely the Wren in my life 😂we would definitely chat forever! I can’t wait for book 2 to be out.

Rating ⭐3.5
Spice 🌶️2 (0 being YA, 5 being dark romance)
Cover 3/5

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review, that being said I will not let that affect the content of my review, My thoughts and opinions shared here are my own, and I am committed to offering a fair assessment that does not aim to detract from the author's work.

"A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash" is a New Adult fantasy romance; or Romantasy if you prefer, set in a world where eight kingdoms have been estranged for a century following a war that devastated the land of witches leaving it a wasteland, and resulted in a curse being cast..

The protagonist is Mal Blackburn, the fourth-born child of the Kingdom of Darkness born with purple eyes, a detail that holds significance since in this world certain kingdoms only have predetermined amount of children, and any more is considered a bad omen, and only witches have purple eyes. She is sent on a mission to end the long-standing feud by marrying the Fire Prince, Ash Archeron, who is widely known for his cruelty in the wyverian kingdom, but is actually a cinnamon roll with a stutter in reality. However, Mal's intention is not to win his heart, but to kill him, believing this act will break an ancient curse that no one else truly believes in.

The book is told from multiple points of view, primarily focusing on Mal and Ash, but also delving into the perspectives of secondary characters like Mal's brother, Kai, and Alina, sister to the Fire Prince. The narrative is filled with magical creatures like wyverns, dragons, and giant wolves, and features a slow-burn romance that intensifies as Mal and Ash come to understand each other.

Ultimately, Mal must decide who to trust and what kind of ruler she wants to be as she navigates a world filled with betrayal, hidden agendas, and powerful, ancient forces. The book features plot twists and a complex world.

I liked it, it had certain elements I've read in other fantasy novels such as "The Witcher", "The Drizzt Do'Urden" series, "Game of Thrones", "Fourth Wing" and "The Golden Compass" to name of few but nothing definitively similar to say it was bordering on plagiarism or heavily inspired by any one work in particular, which honestly is more than quite a few authors I've read can say (*cough* "Quicksilver"). I liked a lot of the details in this books such as the denizens of the Kingdom of Darkness only eating rotten foods, having shadowy soul guiding familiars, and each kingdom riding a specific animal mount or having a certain physical attribute such as horns or antlers, or tattoos and purple eyes in the case of the witches. I'll be looking forward to the next installment of the series.

This was the first book I requested on NetGalley and I honestly couldn't believe that I got approved, let alone that it ended up being a 5 star!!

I was hooked and invested from the start. I have loved all the different characters and points of view. I really liked the writing, it was descriptive enough but not too much.

It kind of gave me Bridgerton vibes in a way which I LOVED. I find fantasy to be a bit cringe or unserious sometimes but this book didnt do that at all.

By the end, I was gasping, saying "WHAT????" by myself in my living room, and also crying..

This was a rollercoaster of emotions for me and I am so happy about it. I absolutely can't wait to see what comes next for this series. (I will suffer waiting for the next book)

4.5 stars provided. The style of writing was a bit different to what I’ve recently been reading but I quickly got into the swing of things. The book has multiple POV but mainly focuses on Mal Blackburn and Ash Acheron. Mal is a fierce wyvern rider from House of Shadows and is set to marry Ash, the cruel dragon riding prince, from House of Flames. The marriage is meant to end a 100 year old feud in an effort to unite the kingdoms but with a curse looming over them, not all goes to plan.

I loved the fact that the FMC was already strong in her own right. A lot of books start with the FMC as being timid and weak who then becomes the hero. From the start it’s clear that Mal isn’t like that, she is a warrior through and through. I also loved the MMC, and that he wasn’t your typical alpha male character. Ash is by no means weak, but his flaws give him strength and made me love him a bit more.

Throughout we also got to meet the princes and princesses from the different kingdoms and their stories and perspectives. I’m looking forward to what happens next, not just with our main characters but the others as well.

This book had me hooked right away—I'm a sucker for third person and multiple POVs, and this story used both in all the right ways. The shifting perspectives gave the world so much depth, and even when I wasn’t fully obsessed with every character’s POV, they all served a purpose and added layers to the plot.

Mal and Ash were everything. Their slow-burn, tension-filled dynamic had me flipping pages fast. Mal was such a strong, grounded character—never passive or helpless—and Ash brought that cool, quiet power with just the right touch of softness underneath. Their scenes together? Chef’s kiss. Kai and Alina were another standout duo. Their relationship added a different kind of intensity, and I loved watching Alina push against her boundaries and begin choosing her own path.

The pacing wasn’t always perfect—I felt the ending came on a little fast and could’ve used either more buildup or a few extra chapters to breathe—but the final twist was well done and definitely left me guessing what’s next. The mix of tropes and fantasy elements (prophecies, magical creatures, arranged marriage, slow burn, enemies to lovers) was super satisfying without feeling overdone. And the side characters? Not so “side” after all. Everyone had their moment, which made the whole world feel more alive.

Big thanks to J.F. Johns, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Such an incredible book! If you love books like Acotar, Throne of Glass and Forth wing this book is right up your street! The character and world building is insane! There's slow burn enemies to lovers, curses, arranged marriage and a Touch of spiciness. Fae, witches, wyverns, dragons, wolves and more! The twists near the end - my jaw was on the floor! I cannot wait for the remaining books in the series to be released.

I absolutely loved this book, it was intense towards the end and had be on the edge of my seat. The world building was good and I loved the mix of characters rather than just focusing on the 2 main characters throughout. I can't wait to see where book 2 takes the story!

In a world of dark magic, wyverns, forbidden love, and political intrigue, we follow Mal Blackburn, the fourthborn daughter of the Kingdom of Darkness. Sent to marry the Fire Prince to unite their kingdoms, her true aim is to assassinate him, break an ancient curse, and save her people from a grim fate. Mal is a fierce, strategic, and captivating protagonist, and I eagerly anticipate her character's growth throughout the series.

The setting is rich with magic and chaos—wyverns, dragons, and ancient curses abound. I was definitely hooked from the moment the wyverns appeared! The story blends courtly intrigue, rebellion, and dark secrets, balancing brutality with beauty. It features gore, drama, and tension alongside sharp wit and tender moments that leave you breathless. While the narrative draws from familiar fantasy tropes, I still found it enjoyable, though the pacing was quite uneven. Chapter transitions felt jarring, and the world-building was dark and oppressive, making it hard to stay motivated during breaks.

The large cast of characters is usually a plus for me, but sadly, few felt relatable or well-developed, with Kai being a slight exception. The names of the kingdoms and houses felt cringeworthy rather than intriguing. Overall, I was left wanting more.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash by J. F. Johns
4.25 out of 5⭐️

Do you like mystical creatures, witches, gods, a bad-ass FMC that takes no messing, a misunderstood and grumpy MMC, loveable side characters, and a curse set to end the world? Then you will enjoy this book!

I was jumping straight from another excellent book into this, so it took me a little bit to get used to a different writing style, but once I did, away we went.

The book is focused on Mal Blackburn, the 4th born child of the Kingdom of Darkness – A family line that only ever sees the birth of 3 children per generation, so when Mal is born, with the eyes of a Witch, she’s cast under a shadow of speculation and fear.

The story begins when Mal agrees to an arranged marriage with the Prince of Fire, Ash, in an effort to repair kingdom alliances. Little does she know that both her and her husband-to-be are involved in breaking a curse that could save the world, with only one requirement – The Chosen One must kill the other. However, not is all that it seems..

The tension between Mal and Ash is great, but I equally loved the spark between Alina and Kai that was running throughout and who I am really routing for! There is even a "Who did this?'’ moment between them that I loved dropped in there!

I loved the different POV’s that are weaved into this story, the body language and dialogue is great. There is love, loss, heartbreak, mystery, political scheming, and plot twists, all of which I enjoyed.

I really liked the world building and how it intertwines different cultures. I would love to see how this is explored further in the next book and think its setup well to adventure into other kingdoms.

I will definitely be reading the next book, as I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thanks to the author and publisher for the advanced copy of A Kingdom of Shadow & Ash.

RATING: 4.75⭐️, SPICE: 2🌶, TROPES: Slow Burn, enemies-ish to lovers, Hidden Identity, Magical Bond, Prophecy

ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY!!!

From the very first page, I knew this book was something special. We’ve got witches, dragons, wyverns, kingdoms in chaos, secrets for days, and a romance that simmers like a cauldron on a full moon!

Mal? Certified badass. She's snarky, smart, feminist, and not afraid to set things on fire!

Ash? Broody cinnamon roll wrapped in armour with secret vulnerabilities.

The world-building? CHEF’S. KISS. Rich, vivid level of immersion.

I’m begging you—read it, scream about it, then message me so we can obsess together.

⚔️❤️‍🔥

If you’re a fantasy reader who lives for detailed world-building, ancient curses, and court intrigue wrapped in a slow-burn romance, A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash by J.F. Johns will pull you in like a shadow creeping over a sunlit valley.

At 595 pages, this is not a book to rush through. The first 70% is pure world-building: intricate political histories, vivid magical systems, and lush, dangerous landscapes. And while that can feel like a slog if you’re craving action or romance, the payoff in the last 178 pages is truly epic. Think undead wyverns, volcanic sacrifices, and the kind of magical reveals that make you flip back to reread earlier chapters with new eyes.

Mal, our fourthborn daughter of the House of Shadows, is a mystery unto herself—a would-be assassin, secret god-child, and unexpected heroine. Her dynamic with Ash, the Fire Prince she’s arranged to marry (and also maybe murder), is the book’s core romance, but unfortunately, it never really ignites. There’s little tension, few shared moments, and not enough emotional build-up to make their love feel earned. But Kai and Alina? Now that’s a couple I’d go to war for. Their chemistry, mutual respect, and that whole “teach me to fight” promise? Swoon.

The twist that Alina’s first love Hagan is actually a sadistic warlock hell-bent on her destruction was a little on the nose, but it works, especially when he literally cuts off her horns. Brutal. I’m already cheering for her comeback arc. Let’s get that warrior training montage in book two!

The mythology surrounding the curse, the gods, and Tabitha—the long-presumed-dead witch—elevates this story into something deeper. The prologue and epilogue were both standout moments for me, filled with revelations that reframe the entire plot. Bonus points for giving each kingdom their own magical companion creatures. I’ll never get over Mal riding her undead wyvern Nyx into battle like the queen of death herself.

This is a dense, lore-rich fantasy, and while it could have benefited from trimming down the exposition, the complexity of the world and the surprises in the final act make it worth the read. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review—and now I just need a hardcover for my shelves because that cover? Gorgeous.

Thank you so much to the Author and NetGalley for allowing me to have this EARC.

“The witches were not merely seeking retribution. They were coming to burn the world”

5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️

If you like:

Romantasy
Political
Enemies to lovers
Arranged marriages
Slow burn
Multiple POV
Valid Crash out
Dragons, Wolves, Phoenix & Wyvern


This book was beyond what I was expecting. I didn’t think much of it besides a pretty cover. Wow. I was so wrong. I think this is one of my favorite reads of the year.
We have 8 different kingdoms, 8 different species and 8 different creatures that represent the bond to lands. We have of course our FMC/MMC but we have multiple POV (Mal and Wren are my favorite). So it’s as if you are watching a movie and getting all the pieces and somehow all the piece don’t make sense until the very end. Which even then you are left having so many questions because of course the ending is crafted from pure gold.
I do believe if you are new to fantasy or just a Romantasy reader this read will be a little difficult for you because of the pacing and amount of information you are given but please please pace your self because it’s sooooo worth it!
I cannot wait for the next book!
Thank you again to author for this ARC 💜💜

Absolutely captivating read. And were those plot twists ever twisting!!!! Mal is a badass FMC and loved everything about Ash. What a fabulous read.

5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and I cannot wait for book 2!!!

"Mal Blackburn should have never existed. She was a mistake- an anomaly in the carefully woven legacy of her people."

Wyverns, warriors, divided kingdoms and an age-old prophecy.
The Kingdom of Fire and the Kingdom of Darkness have been brought together by an arranged marriage- of Mal and the Fire Prince. She feels as though she doesn't belong among her own people- and is set to be married off into a kingdom that at first refuses to bend to their customs... making her feel like she is losing herself completely.

Multi-POV, intense world building and a lot of elements that fantasy lovers will enjoy. Personally, I found it slower to start but as you hang in there, you're woven into a world of betrayal, deceit, cunning behaviours and forbidden love. Slow-burn lovers will thoroughly enjoy this one!

"We do not pray to demand. We pray for hope."

4.5 stars.

We're following Mal Blackburn, the fourth born of the Kingdom of Darkness, who is in an arranged marriage with Ash Acheron, the Heir Prince of the Kingdom of Fire. But Mal intends to kill her husband in order to break a curse and save her people.

It was giving the Bridge Kingdom but much more fantasy heavy?
This was reaaaaaallly good. It read like an adult romantasy (and I'm not saying that because of the smut scenes they were actually pretty tame and non-explicit), it's a Multi-POV 3rd person book which I ADORE. I loved changing the POV and also loved getting excerpt of a diary every chapter.

The world-building was just the right amount of complicated, the story took a little long to start but it was very nice to see everything entangled in the end. I would have enjoyed a little bit more introduction to the different kingdoms maybe?
Not only did I like Mal's character but I loved getting her brothers' POV too, both Kai and Kage are very different, and it added a lot to the story.
The only character I felt was a little bit bland, especially in the beginning, was Ash?

Can I admit I found the romance between Kai and Alina so much better than Mal and Ash's? Is it bad? they're supposed to be side characters but damn their relationship was deep, it had meaning, I LOOOVED their banter, they were intense. I was not expecting to read several romance stories and I was pleasantly surprised :)

This book is filled with court intrigue, strategies, magical creatures and unknown dark magic.
Tropes:
- arranged marriage
- forbidden love
- enemies-to-lovers
- ancient curses
- who did this to you
- trainer/trainee
- animal companions
- complicated family dynamics
- dragons & wyverns
- fae & witches

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, it's one of my top fantasy reads this year. I am very eager to read the next book!!

"Two children were born to stop the curse; a cursed child and a chosen one. The chosen child must kill the cursed one in order to save the kingdoms."

A Kingdom of Shadow & Ash by J.F. Johns
Pub Date: May 31, 2025

🌹 Prophecy/Chosen One
🌹 Dark Magic
🌹 Forbidden Love
🌹 Political Intrigue
and more!

Thoughts:

This was a phenomenal read. Great introduction to this magical world. Loved how Immersive the world building was. The mystical creatures; Dragons, wyverns, witches, fae, etc. I guarantee there is something in this book for everyone. Such an amazing cast of characters, where even the side ones stand out! Loved our FMC, Mal. Very Manon coded which I loved! Our MMC pulled on my heart strings multiple times. Both strong and balance each other out perfectly. The banter was bantering. The romance and those "touch her and 💀" moments had me giddy and kicking my feet on multiple occasions. There were so many plot twists! The last 20% of the book had me gasping for air. I'm still shooketh to my core. I need book two, like I need air to breathe. 10/10 would recommend. 🖤

A huge thank you to @jfjohnsbooks and Netgalley for the eArc, for an honest review. 🌹

At first I wasn’t so sure this would be much different from many romantasy books with similar themes; different kingdoms that represent elemental magic, some witches and magic creatures, rival kingdoms/ enemies to lovers… but then I started reading more and the writing is BEAUTIFUL and the story is alive. The descriptions and interesting takes on fantasy themes makes me want to draw all the characters and bring their unique characteristics to life. This book is so good, as I started getting more into it I could not stop reading.

We mainly focus around our main character, Mal, being forced into marriage to connect 2 rival houses out of 8 (7 remaining) kingdoms that have been rivals for 100 years. Most of the story takes place in the kingdom of her soon-to-be husband where members from other rival houses also gather. Although each house dislikes each other, all houses have one common enemy: the witches with purple gleaming eyes and green sparking magic, said to be extinct. The chaos that ensues is pure, devastating art. There are some side character love interests/yearning, unique magic systems, magical creatures, battle, female empowerment, and a jaw dropping ending that had me immediately wanting more.
Perfect for fans of SJM, Fourth Wing, and Game of Thrones.
I’d say this is a 1 on the spice scale and an easy 5 stars for me.