Thank you to NetGalley and to J.F. John's for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This book was incredibly well done - the writing was fantastic, the darkness, the magic, the wyverns (I'm obsessed), the political schemes, forbidden love, and the way that this book just flowed was simply incredible. This kingdom, this entire world, is so vivid - the way that the author writes just brings it all to life with vivid and colorful descriptions which made it easy to feel as I was there also. I FELT the emotions, I felt the challenges, it was so beautiful.

An issue that I see with a lot of romantasy books as of late is either this over the top, impossible to follow, world building - where it's intense and there's very little room left over for real character development. OR you read the books where the characters are explored in great detail but the magical system and world is left with more holes that aren't filled. However, neither was the case here - the world building is engaging and creative, the magic of it all was really explored and it all just felt so rich. I loved the multiple points of view as well and each character was so well developed and they had such beautiful voices all their own - it was really nice being able to get inside each of their heads.

The one tiny "negative" I had was just on the pacing - some of it didn't feel very smooth and coherent. There was also a bit of a rush at the end and either I would have liked to have more pages to have it drawn out a bit more with the same detail as the rest of the book - and I know - a reader wanting more pages on a 550+ page book?? That's a bit controversial I know but this is just one of the books I feel like I want even more from. I can't wait to see what comes next in the seres though - that's for sure!

THIS BOOK!!!! If you like fourth wing and ACOTAR, this will blow your mind. It's everything you love in a romance fantasy book, Wyvern, shadow riders, werewolves, angst!!! They come from such different backgrounds, enemies to lovers, grumpy moody MMC. Loved seeing all the relationships from different kingdoms come together. Loved this so much!!!

I enjoyed this one! The story had me intrigued, the writing was very descriptive (though, sometimes I felt like it was too wordy), and some of the twists got me.

There were some things I didn’t care for, but overall it was a fun read.

This book has 8 kingdoms. It has amazing world building, and Johns was very descriptive with everything they wrote. The lore was well written and FASCINATING. It was so easy to get lost in. This world is one that I did NOT want to leave.

The characters are otherworldly (literally). The POVs were interwoven, and the pacing was set up so that it was easy to follow the timeline. Other people may disagree but for me it was good.

This book was a great read for me, some people may not like the pacing (slow burn), or the multiple povs. I recommend this book if you enjoy fantastic world building, slow burns, action and mythical creatures.

I WILL WARN YOU: BEWARE PLOT TWISTS.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and JF John’s for this arc❤️.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227639764

I gave this book a 5 star read. I couldn’t put this book down. Fell in love with all the characters and loved the world and magic system. This book lives in my head rent free. I need the 2nd book now.

2.75 ⭐️

Thank you Netgalley for this E-ARC. I was so excited when I got accepted for this read. However whilst at times I found it really enjoyable, the majority of the time I found the story seemingly dry and it tended to drag on. The execution of the chapters seemed almost puzzled up for me so I found myself feeling quite bewildered at times, this story also has a lot of characters in it - which usually I really enjoy in a story, but due to the lack of world building and character development I found myself struggling to connect with them.

The plot of this story truly was fascinating, especially as I really enjoy my fantasy books however I truly believe that in a way it was poorly executed. I will say though that the last 20% truly saved itself, but the majority of the book felt kind of repetitive for me.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash took me completely by surprise - in the best way. I was graciously offered this ARC directly by the author, J.F. Johns, after requesting it via NetGalley, and I couldn't be more grateful. You will find here my honest review.

From the very first chapters, I was swept away by the fluid and well-written style, the immersive descriptions (never too much, never too little), and the carefully layered worldbuilding. The universe feels both fresh and familiar, with interwoven house dynamics, magical symbols linked to mythical creatures - dragons, wyverns, wolves, giant snakes - and an interesting sense of lore and legacy.

I became truly emotionally invested in the romantic slow-burn between Mal and Ash, and in my opnion, was truly excellent. Emotionally intense, beautifully paced, and "spicy" in just the right way - open-door yet never overtly explicit in a way that breaks the mood. The chemistry builds gradually and feels earned, which made it all the more satisfying.

Beyond the central couple, the dynamics within the Blackburn siblings were a highlight for me and sometimes even brought a little lightness to the story. One character who truly intrigued me was Kage - the calm, calculator and cerebral one, always observing in the shadows. I can't wait to see where his arc leads next!

The strategic undercurrents initiated by the numerous Houses, head to each Kingdoms, with their tension, loyalties and shifting power balance added a rich political layer to the plot.

What I particularly appreciated was the balance between action, intrigue, character development and backstory. The last few chapters had me holding my breath! Many revelations and so much suspense - I would have loved further elaboration regarding the ending as it seemed a little abrupt to me. So... the stakes are high and this only deepened my desire for book two.

Some familiar elements may feel *too familiar* to seasoned fantasy readers - references to some themes (duality ice and fire), certain names or house rivalries that may echo Throne of Glass, Game of Thrones or even Blood and Ash. However, I felt this book stood on its own, a loving tribute to classic romantasy tropes with its own fresh twist.

If you enjoy rich politics, slow-burn, magical stakes or emotional tension - you will likely fall in love with this book too. I cannot wait for *A Kingdom of Sand and Ice*, book 2 of this series Kingdom of gods! And the talented author J.F. John’s is certainly one that I will follow.

overall a really enjoyable read!

heavy kingdom politics, magic powers, arranged marriages, alliances and enemies - this book has it all!

definitely full of adventure, sorrow, strength, love and some pretty hard choices that have to be made…

After spending time with the Fire Prince, Ash, a once easily tasked mission now seems impossible to complete for Mal Blackburn. Princess of the Shadow King, soon-to-be Fire Prince’ wife, Mal’s life is completely different from that of her siblings and for two reasons that equal one - her eyes and a curse sent upon all kingdoms… will she defeat the witch’s curse and save everyone or will she save the Fire Prince and doom them all??

EEEE so so good! so so thankful for this Netgalley arc - exceeded my expectations and sent me on a journey across so many interesting kingdoms meeting new and interesting characters along the way! it was constantly giving me ACOTAR and GOT vibes!! if either of those are you jam then READ THIS👏🏼👏🏼

also not only is this cover to die for but so is the arc cover - literally obsessed✨ check it out now and order a copy from amazon, so worth it! can’t wait to see what in store for book 2!

Unique magic system
Wyverns
Political intrigue
Forbidden love
Murder
And even some good old fashioned back stabbing!
What more can a girl ask for?

This is going to be a BIG booktok favorite! It was definitely a five star read and I cannot wait for book two!!! That ending!!!

Overall definitely think it was a good book. The Fantasy was really good, the pacing was a little wonky but I am a little picky so might have just been a personal thing. Still would recommend.

"She longed to feel the weight of her sword slicing through flesh, to see crimson bloom across her fingers, to hear the gasping chokes of those who deserved it."

~ A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash, J.F. Johns

☆☆.75/5

Mal Blackburn, the fourth child of the King and Queen of the House of Shadows, finds herself thrown into an arranged marriage with the Fire Prince, Ash Acheron, hoping to bring the seven war-ridden kingdoms together again. The eighth kingdom, The Kingdom of Magic, filled with witches and warlocks, is a rising threat against which the seven kingdoms must stand united or fall one by one. This is a story of love and pain, of duty and choice. Finally, a story about a curse, a chosen, and a cursed.

As per my rating, there are a few things I disliked about this book. Firstly, the beginning was so verbose that it was hard to keep reading. Every sentence was laced with "fantasy" sounding words, which gave the impression that nothing was ever regular or insignificant. This, in turn, made it difficult to discern when important events or places were being described. As the story progressed, this stopped being an issue.
Secondly, tied with the first point, and one of my main issues with it, was that the story felt like it was being told at me, instead of to me. Especially in the beginning, everything was bluntly stated and then explained, leaving absolutely no space for the reader to think about the events and connect the plot on their own. At one point, the over-explaining became so frequent that I considered stopping. This, just like the first point, got fixed as the story progressed, and I attributed it mainly to an increase in dialogue.
Now, let's talk about the multiple POVs. Usually, I love reading a book with more views since it gives more context to the story, but here specifically there were more than five. It is really difficult to have so many storylines at the same time and have them all be of high quality. The chapters were not long, so often, the POV would change right after an interesting event, making it difficult to connect with the next character's perspective, and generally disturbing the flow. This also significantly slowed down the plot.

My favourite part of the book was the last 30 or so pages, where the plot twists were well thought out, and the story finally picked up pace and intensity. Even though it was hard for me to believe that Mal and Ash hated each other in the beginning, the relationship they struck after truly committing to one another was entertaining to read. I also really liked how the protagonists were flawed, but learnt to live and develop with their flaws, not despite them.
Also, I would like to take a moment for the stunning cover!

All in all, this was an entertaining book that, while it has its lows, definitely had highs. I'm not sure if I will be picking up the next book, but I truly wish the author all the best!

What a brilliant read.

The plot was so well written - intricate and twisty but still completely comprehensible and well paced. It’s written in 3rd person with chapters from multiple characters (and not just FMC and MMC, but supporting characters as well). However unlike a lot of books that have 4+ character POVs, it’s not at all confusing, so really well done there.

The relationship between FMC and MMC is great - forced marriage, enemies to lovers, all that good stuff. It maybe goes from
‘meh’ to ‘let’s bang all night long’ a smidge fast, but it wasn’t insta-love at all. However! The relationship between side characters Kai and Alina is way more interesting (and I am already looking forward to seeing Kai’s reaction to what happened to Alina at the end). Their relationship makes total sense and is really well fleshed out.

Kingdoms, wyverns, murder plots (plural), ‘touch her and you die’, witches, complex and well developed characters, a hell of a twist at the end, what’s not to enjoy.

WOWOWOWOW. This story felt like a quiet storm—a slow build, a steady ache & then suddenly you’re drowning in emotions. I finished it & just sat there—completely wrecked in the best way. 🫠💔

The eight kingdoms are so well-crafted & vividly described. From the way people speak to their strengths, even down to the little details like clothing—it’s all so immersive. ✨️

I don’t usually reach for 3rd person books because I struggle to connect with the characters sometimes—but THIS?! This was so well done. Some chapters don’t flow perfectly into each other, but I feel like that was intentional to give each POV its own voice & pace—it worked for me! 👏🏼

Mal is rough around the edges but so quietly desperate to love & be loved. She’s carrying the weight of duty, curses & impossible choices. And Ash—my soft man. He battles anxiety & a lifetime of people expecting him to be a monster. The way he loves Mal is so gentle—it’s a love that builds in glances, in careful words & in the way he shows up for her. 🫶🏽 Their love isn’t fast & it isn’t perfect—it’s slow, painful & earned. I was clinging to every moment, desperate for them to finally find peace together. 😭

As for the rest of the crew...Alina did have me side-eyeing her a few times, but she pulled through in the end & I kinda love her for that. If we’re talking favorites—Kai Blackburn & Wren Wynters stole my heart. They’re the kind of characters that make the story feel real—so unapologetically themselves & fiercely loyal to those they love. 🔥

I haven't been able to finish this book. I truly wanted to like it and the world building was very interesting. However, the writing was a struggle for me along with so much description.

I loved this story! it was different to anything I have read before.

Ash and Mal were so cute, and it was different kind of MMC than a book I have read before.

The only thing I didn't like was that the side characters relationship developed a lot faster than the the main characters but I think this will pick up from where it left off in Book 2 and really bring the story together.

Can't wait to continue the rest of the story when Book 2 is published!!

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash
✒️ J.F. Johns
💫💫💫💫💫

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was amazing and unique and un-put-downable!
The writing style is just truly breath-taking and draws you in so well that you feel immersed. My favourite aspect was the character growth. It felt genuine and a part of the story, not as a second thought process like some other books I have read.
Despite having the core elements of already written fantasises, the story was vastly different and enjoyable.
Book 2 cannot come fast enough!

My first J F John’s book. It was really promising. I enjoyed the world building and the characters stories. I look forward to more by this author.

I absolutely loved this book. I honestly couldn’t tell where the book was going to end up next. I loved the twists in the book and honestly didn’t see most of them coming. They were so unexpected and shocking. And the story itself was so captivating I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next book.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and can be found below.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash by J.F. Johns
──

Cursed kingdoms. A marriage meant to end in blood. But what if love is the deadliest twist of all?

This story follows Mal Blackburn and Ash Acheron—a fourth born princess born with forbidden magic and a ruthless fire prince feared across the realm. Forced into a marriage neither of them want, their union is the final thread in a curse that’s poisoned their kingdoms for centuries. But nothing is as it seems. Mal’s plan is to kill Ash and break the curse… except their enemies may not be one another after all. Between witches, wyverns, fae, dragons, and unraveling prophecies—this romantasy has it all, and grips you from the first page.

The world building? Expansive and vivid. The magic system is layered, the kingdoms feel distinct, and the lore is so well-woven I was immediately pulled in. The multiple POVs were seamless—never once confusing. I always knew whose head I was in, and every perspective added something crucial. By the end, I was blindsided in the best way—twists I should’ve seen coming flew right past me because I was too immersed to even look for them. That’s how you know a book has you.
The writing is clean, immersive, and cinematic. It gave me everything I wanted: romance, betrayal, ancient magic, cursed bloodlines—and dragons, obviously.

The beginning did lean a little heavy on setup and exposition, and while I personally liked it, some readers might feel a lull before the action really ramps up. Stick with it—it’s worth it! Also, the romance is definitely slow burn, so don’t expect immediate spice. It’s more about the tension.

This was originally a 4star for me, but the more I sat with it, the more I realized how much it checked all my boxes. Great characters. Great world. Great writing. Total 5star read. I need book two ASAP!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely loved this ARC! A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is the kind of romantasy that pulls you in from page one with its effortless world-building and memorable characters. The world itself was easy to follow despite its scale—eight distinct kingdoms, each with their own unique flavor (dragons, wyverns, WOLVERINES!? Yes please)—and it never felt overwhelming or confusing.

The multi-POV structure was a huge win for me. We get to spend time in the heads of several characters (at least half a dozen), but the shifts were seamless and never jarring. I always knew exactly whose perspective I was in, which kept me grounded in the story.

Mal was everything I want in a fantasy heroine: clever, strong, morally grey in all the best ways—but with a soft side that made her so easy to root for. And Ash… soft, sweet, and flawed in a way we don’t often get with male leads. His vulnerability and quiet strength made him feel refreshingly real and human without ever making him weak.

Their slow-burn romance had a great build-up, but if I’m honest, I wanted that tension to stretch just a bit longer. Once they finally communicated (verbally and... otherwise wink), it tipped into insta-lovey territory a little faster than I’d have liked.

The side characters? Absolutely addictive. I could’ve read whole chapters just on Kai and Kage. And Wren was hilarious—I hope we see even more of them in the next book.

The pacing was spot on, with writing that flowed beautifully—simple enough to be smooth and engaging without ever feeling too dense or overdone. Plus: no cringe dialogue, which is always a relief in this genre.

A super strong start to a world I can’t wait to return to. 4.5 stars!⭐️