Okay, so wow. Definitely a slow, slow start, but a very strong finish. I will say that in the beginning, I was growing tired of the focus on Mal's family and country because I just wanted to get to the goods (the male main character), but it was definitely important considering how the story continues. Plus, Mal is worth more than her romance!
The writing style felt a bit clunky and repetitive to me because it relied on dialogue; one can only read synonyms for "said" so many times before they grow bored. This definitely improves as the book went on (or at least became less noticeable). The content makes it worth it.
The characters were definitely different. Too often, books fall into stereotypes that make it seem as through the story is of one character told five different ways. This story does not suffer from that. Each character is unique to themselves. One specific strength about this book in particular is the difference in both diction and dialect. There are several characters that are identifiable by speech alone.
The ending was incredible. It was very, very far out of left field in my opinion, but there were definitely signs that pointed towards the ending. I'll say this; whatever you think is the ending ISN'T... And that I'm very excited to see how Mal solves her new delimma.
Overall, while this book was quite daunting to begin with, the plot itself was very compelling. I'll definitely be picking up book 2!

📚 ARC Review: A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash
✍️ Author: J.F. Johns
📅 Release Date: May 30, 2025
🏷️ Genre: Romantasy
🌶️ Spice Rating: 🌶️ 🌶️
⭐️ Star Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .50
📖 Book Overview
An enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance full of fire, curses, and secrets. To end a century-old feud and a deadly curse, Mal Blackburn agrees to marry the cruel fire prince—with every intention of killing him. But in a land of dragons, vengeful witches, and buried truths, nothing is as it seems. And Mal’s own secret might be the key to saving the world… or destroying it.
✨ Initial Thoughts
I picked this book up because I loved Forth Wing and was looking for a book with dragons and secrets that could change the world. From the very first meeting, the tension between the leads was unmistakable. It gave me “I have to do this to save my people and there is no way I will catch feelings”, energy—and I was all in.
💘 What I Loved
This book absolutely delivered on giving me multiple story lines that weave and overlap while still keeping the story line well-integrated. I especially loved how Ash’s feeling toward Mal felt like he was pulled towards her even when they first met, like his desire was not his own. Ash’s vulnerability was a nice new perspective when it comes to the MMC. He made me feel sympathy for him and his sister throughout their interaction within the court system. Now let's talk about the romance, I fell in love with the push and pull of Ash and Mal but I craved the relationship between Kai and Alina’s and how there was so much yearning and banter between these two that had me kicking my feet every time their eyes met. The twist at the end was something I didn’t see coming and I found myself yelling at myself for not knowing that this was going to happen and how I will be able to go on without the second book.
😬 What Didn’t Work for Me
While I really enjoyed the book overall, I did feel like there were multiple spots in the book that I was dragging myself to read. The other thing was I felt a little overwhelmed with the 8 kingdoms and all the characters that belong to each kingdom. There were times I felt like I should have made a sheet to remind me which character belonged to what kingdom. By the end of the book I was more in tune with each of the characters and just wished for a slower introduction. Still, it didn’t take away from the magic or the romance—I was thoroughly invested.
🖤 Final Thoughts
If you’re into slow burn romance wrapped with impossible choices, you’ll want this one on your shelf. This book left me speechless with so many questions that I wont have answered till book two. A must-read for romantasy fans—it’s giving how can I wait till the next book energy.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes — especially if you enjoy slow burn romance wrapped with impossible choices with a sprinkle of it's your destiny.
Maybe not for readers who want a fast pace in both plot and romance. But if you are willing to be patient you will be rewarded.
📢 Thank you to J.F. Johns and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts are my own!

“DEDUC ME IN TENEBRIS” — Guide me through the Darkness

I was immediately GRIPPED from the very first page of "A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash” POTENTIAL TO BE A SLAM DUNK on BOOKTOK w/ the ROMANTASY/FANTASY GIRLIES

SLOWWWWWWEST of the SLOW BURN — a tantalizing build-up where the “spice” doesn’t arrive until around the 70% mark && it wasn’t “smut for smuts sake” it was hot but still relevant & integral plot wise.

The dynamic between the “chosen one” and the “cursed one” is beautifully complex, filled with forbidden love and intricate motivations. Mal’s powers are described in such a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, particularly when the revelation of her true nature…

And let’s not forget Kai and Alina — their romance is captivating and leaves you yearning for more. (pls pls pls book 2!)

The plot twists are another highlight, consistently subverting expectations. Just when you think you have the story figured out, J.F. Johns pulls the rug out from under you. The final 20% of the book left me breathless, reeling from the unexpected twists and turns that had me questioning everything I thought I knew. Those last few reveals left me eager to see how these threads will weave together in the sequel, "A Kingdom of Sand and Ice."

I was gifted an ARC from the Author of this book in exchange for an HONEST REVIEW via #NetGalley!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy! I appreciate the opportunity to submit my honest review.
This was such an amazing, exciting and refreshing story!
I absolutely love the FMC and MMC, they are so dynamic.
Personally, I have struggled with stuttering my whole life, and to read about a character who also struggled with it was so amazing.
J.F.Johns wrote this book in such an amazing way.
Recently I have struggled with Romantasy due to the fact that it all runs the same, however this story had such a fresh take on fantasy.
Yes it had witches, yes it had dragons, yes it had mythical creatures...
However, this is a new spin I have never seen before.
If you loved fourth wing, TOG and Quicksilver this is def.a read for you!
I can't wait for book two!

I loved this book! A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash pulled me in from the very first page. The journey J.F.Johns takes us through is full of rich world-building, intense stakes, and of course a heroine you can’t help but root for. Mal is THAT girl. The story blends dark magic, slow-burn romance, and political intrigue that had me hooked from the start and continues throughout.

The overall pacing and emotional depth was there. I loved the switching of POV’s, the characters felt real, the tension was high, and the ending?! I’m sorry. My jaw was on the floor!!

A strong start in this first book and I can’t wait for the second in this Kingdom of Gods series. Big, big thanks you for the ARC!

Kingdom of Shadow and Ash was an amazing book filled with court politics, prophecies, and magical beings! It follows Mal Blackburn, a princess of the Kingdom of Shadow who is destined to break a curse by killing her betrothed. As she gets to know the Prince of Fire, she must navigate the expectations placed on her and her developing feelings while she decides between love and duty.

This plot in this book was intriguing! I felt like I couldn’t put the story down. It’s driven not just by our main characters, but also a unique cast of secondary characters as well. At times it was a bit jarring jumping between many different points of view, but ultimately it was an interesting way to learn more about the expansive world and information to carry our main characters forward.

After that ending I was blown away! I am so excited to keep reading in book 2 so I can learn more about this world and fates of the characters in it!

Definitely check this book out if you are a fan of:
-Arranged marriage
-Slow burn
-Court intrigue
-Witches
-Wyverns and dragons
-Family dynamics
-Prophecies and curses

Thank you to J.F. Johns and NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 ⭐️ This book reminded me why I love fantasy romance so much.

The world-building was intriguing and easy to follow, the kind that immediately pulls you in without feeling overwhelming.

Mal might be one of my all-time favorite FMCs. She’s dark, powerful, and so deeply layered. Ash’s kind heart and unexpected vulnerability made him such a grounded, lovable character.

Kai and Alina’s romance also stole my heart. I desperately want more of them in the sequel. Honestly, every POV pulled me in. I usually don’t like a ton of perspectives, but I truly cared about every character here.

While I predicted a couple of the bigger plot twists, the cliffhanger at the end still shocked me. This was my first time reading this author, and her writing style is stunning. Can’t wait for book two!

Thank you to NetGalley and J.F. Johns for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The RayView: ✨✨✨✨
The HeatRay:
How It Be Spicin’?: 🌶️🌶️.5
.
Oh boyyyyy. Honestly, this was a slow start for me. Five percent in and I dreaded picking it up because I was so bored. 😅 I persevered and oh my goddess I could not put it down. So many twists and turns, a few I hadn’t even expected which left me speechless. I absolutely loved that for once the MMC wasn’t the all encompassing strong one. Yes, he’s built like a brick wall, manly, etc etc. But the anxiety he holds that worsens in public brings him crashing down to earth for me because same. 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 Living through Mal and Ash’s siblings and what was happening in their lives alongside Mal’s gave the story more depth when everyone came together at the end. I’m intrigued to learn what happens next!

Absolutely loved this. The world building and plot had me hooked. I did not anticipate the plot twists or ending. Highly recommended

This was my first ever ARC read and all I have to say is it was great!

The cover of this book was the thing that really caught my eye while browsing and I’m so glad I decided to read it.

I was so invested in all of the characters and appreciated the multiple POV throughout the book. The world building and the plot were great. It is full of action, magic, twists, betrayals and more.

I’m very happy excited to read the next book!

"Let them all believe I am the villain of this tale. As long as they are safe, I do not mind being the truest monster of them all."

I was tricked from the very beginning. Everything you think you know, WRONG. The plot twists were crazy. I loved every second of it. A phenomenal ride.

The chosen one and cursed one with forbidden love. Chefs kiss. I was constantly questioning their true intentions with how complex their relationship was.
With how Mal’s powers were described, it was so hard to think of what she was going to become.
Where it says, ‘Witches have this sort of green smoke appear on their fingertips when they do magic.’ I knew she couldn’t just be a witch because she didn’t have the same manifestations but then a massive bomb drops of her being a shadow walker?!

I adored Alina and Kai’s relationship. I’m praying in the second book they do get together. I related to her so much with her not feeling like she had any purpose because she was constantly being there for everyone else but herself, especially Ash. Her character development is great when she’s starting to finally choose herself.

It was such a shock to see that Tabitha Wysteria had been alive that entire time, hiding away in the cursed forest. It’s clear there’s more to why she created the curse, and kept away the Gods. I can only imagine the catastrophes that await in the next book.

A fantastic novel! Can’t wait to continue the series.

This book was PHENOMENAL 6 stars! I will 100% be buying a physical copy. The writing was stunning, the characters were all so complex and had such vivid backgrounds - I felt connected to everyone and I never minded jumping around POV. The writing just really brought me the emotions and I adored this book. I will be pushing it on everyone.

Honesty, A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is one of those guilty pleasure fantasy romance reads that you just fly thought. If you'rw into cursed kindoms, badass but a bit lost heroine and a dark broody live interest (with a tragic past of course), you'll love this book. The world is well-built with that classic vibe (divided kingdoms, forbiden magic, familly secret, ect) with just enought twists to keep thinks interresting.
Character-wise there is plenty of tension (and yeah frustration not gonna lie) between the leads. If you like slow burn and ennemies to lover energy, that lean in that direction. The writing is smooth and easy to get into. It's a fun and addictive book

Thank you JF Johns for this read!

Wow this book definitely is killed with action, twists, magic, betrayal, curses and so much more! I have to say, I got totally lost into this world.

The author really began to bring this world to life. There are ALOT of characters and kingdoms but I didn't feel lost at all. It was easy to follow and told through mixed POVS.

Romance wise - there is so much happening! Multiple love stories, arranged marriages, enemies to lovers, opposites attract and more. There are a few spicy scenes and some surprises along the way.

There is alot that occurs in the last part of the book the ending sets up book 2 straight away. The author shocked me with a few of their choices leading up to the end and I thoroughly look forward to seeing where they take book 2! I can't wait to dive back into this world.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the early ARC copy!*

Ahhhh I loved it!!!
This was a highly anticipated story for me and I loved how much I loved it! Dark magic, secrets, dragons, Shadow daddies, witches, enemies to lovers. READ. IT. NOW!

This Romantasy had all the things!!! Witches, Dragons, Shadow Riders, Wolves, Pegasuses, Curses, Arranged marriage. I really enjoyed this book!! Thank you for the chance to read it first!! Do not hesitate on this one, READ it!!

I loved the world building and I found it very creative, compared to other famous romantasy books. The ending was wild, I seriously want book 2 now!!

This one’s for all my fantasy and romantasy lovers out there.

Princess Mal Blackburn has always been the odd one out in her royal family. As the unexpected fourth-born in the Wyverian royal family, she has no clear purpose. And her witch-marked eyes don’t help her case, especially in a realm where witches were hunted to extinction a hundred years ago. In an effort to find purpose, Mal agrees to marry the cruel fire prince in a political alliance. But her mission might involve more than just diplomacy… it might require murder.

The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss. I loved the structure of the eight kingdoms, each rooted in familiar fantasy creatures but with fresh twists. The author clearly took inspiration from well known stories such as TOG and Fourth Wing, though I didnt mind this as she did something knew with it. What did thre me off a bit was they clear insparition of some of our main characters names (Mal Blackburn, anyone?).

That being said the writing was beautiful, very descriptive in the best way possible. The story was definetly exciting and the plot kept moving. My only real struggle was with the multiple POVs. For a first book in a series, it felt like a lot. Early on, I just wanted to stay with Mal and Ash. As the story expanded, I found myself losing interest in their POVs as well along with the others, with the exception of Wren, who was an absolute standout and hilarious.

Overall, I think the story would have benefited from a more focused introduction to the world and its characters, but I’m still very excited to see where this series goes. The potential is definitely there.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the world building and lore of this story. I’m also a sucker for a strong FMC and Mal was definitely that! I think fans of the genre will like this book a lot. So, if if you like stories involving dragons, wolves, and other magical creatures I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR!

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my review!

WOWOWOWOWOW. I cannot say enough good things about this book. The world building, the relationships, the magic, the tension… I read it in 24 hours on my Kindle, and will DEFINITELY be buying a physical copy. I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book 2, and see what happens with my favorite characters!