One of the best romantasy I've ever read!
The writing style is astonishing: I had goosebumps while reading it. The author has an incredible way with words, crafting an amazing world that is so vividly described that I felt as though I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing their emotions and challenges firsthand.

What's the story about?
Once upon a time, there were eight kingdoms, living in peace and serenity. But then everything changed when someone dared to choose love over duty, igniting the flames of war. Betrayed and angry, a witch cast a curse upon the eight kingdoms: revenge was all she was seeking.
Nearly a hundred years later, Mal Blackburn finds out she's the one destined to break that curse. But the fate is a funny thing: it makes you love the one you're supposed to kill. Caught between lies and obligations, she must navigate the expectations placed upon her. His mission is intertwined with the lives of characters that are not secondary but equally important. Each of them plays a fundamental role, and while Mal carries on his shoulders the weight of fate, all, each in their own way, face difficulties, intrigues, and passions.
Will she succeed in breaking the curse, or will the eight kingdoms be doomed to oblivion?
The plot itself is nothing short of incredible: I’ve never encountered an intricately woven storyline! It’s evident that the author put a lot of effort into world-building, creating a setting that feels rich and alive. Each character is beautifully crafted, unique in their traits and backgrounds; I can't wait to read their stories.

What I particularly appreciate is the author’s choice to present multiple points of view throughout the story. This allows readers to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of various characters, providing a well-rounded understanding of the overarching events. The character development is exceptionally well-executed; every decision and action taken by the characters feels justified and thoughtfully explored.

One minor criticism I have is that there were moments when the pacing felt a bit slow for my personal taste. However, upon reflection, I realize that this deliberate pacing was likely necessary to fully develop the complexities of the plot and the characters’ journeys.

Now, how am I supposed to live my life without knowing what happens next?

The book A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash achieves a 3.5 rating (bumped to a 4 because no half starts) because its traditional elements work well when combined with excellent character development and meticulous world-building. J.F. Johns demonstrates remarkable ability to merge romantic elements with fantasy adventure while crafting believable characters who transcend typical archetypes.

The most significant accomplishment of the book is its character development which portrays Mal and Ash as multifaceted personalities instead of basic romantic figures. The world-building creates a strong basis for future series development but remains easy for new readers to understand.

The story is clearly pulling inspiration from established Romantasy series yet creates enough original elements for it to feel like a refreshing work not just an imitation. The magic system operates organically while political intrigue keeps readers engaged and character relationships evolve naturally throughout the story.

Although small pacing problems and some standard storylines keep the book from earning top scores, they don’t disrupt the general enjoyment of reading through the book. The author demonstrates mature storytelling through their balanced romantic development and commitment to character growth which bodes well for future volumes.

Full in-depth review can be found on https://bromantasy.com/reviews/a-kingdom-of-shadow-and-ash/

I devoured this book, I absolutely adored it, and I can’t wait to get a physical copy!

Eight estranged kingdoms, an arranged marriage, dragons and wyverns, enemies to lovers…this book has it all.
A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash follows multiple POV’s, which I loved. Getting to see the story from all sides was wonderful, and makes you consider possibilities and see things from different perspectives. The fact that none of the MC’s are perfect, and they all have hidden issues and secrets made me love them more. The interplay between characters was spot on – I was desperate to see where each relationship would go.

The world building is fascinating, and I very much hope we get to visit more of the kingdoms in the next book, I am so curious about them all! I loved the radical differences between the Shadow Kingdom and the Kingdom of Fire in this book, and how one kingdom can vary so much to another, very much like the real world.

I honestly don’t know how to put into words how much I loved this book. Mal especially is an incredible FMC, but I adored them all. The twists at the end of the book had me reeling, and I will absolutely have to re-read soon to try and wrap my head around it!

I honestly think if you love romantasy, rich fantasy worlds interlaced with strong characters and a twisting plot line, you will love this book!

It has been a long time since I stayed up until 2am to keep reading to know what happens!!!
Totally 4.5★ for me and I cannot stop thinking about it!
Wyverns, Dragons, Pegasus? (winged horses), Sand Snakes, Wolfs... you name and you got it!🖤❤️🩷💚💙
It was quite interesting seeing all the world building and the characters, even more when they reunite in the Kingdom of Fire.
I just loved Mal so much, her character and personality were one of the things that kept me reading. She is such a strong FMC and independent woman.
Ash was different than expected in a good way.
Their tension at first was soooo good.
J.F. Johns created amazing and strong female side characters, something really freshing to read.
But my fav one was KAI hahaha if something bad ends up happening to him... no, no, no
Some things were expected (some deaths) but what happened at the end? Wow! There were so many things happening and so many surprises here and there.
So many open stories that I will keep thinking about it until the second book. And I know there will be more of world building, which I am interested to read.
Thank you so much NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange with my honest and real opinion.

Thank you so much Netgalley for the chance to arc read this amazing book! I couldn't put it down, I loved the characters and how they was portrayed. I actually felt connected to them. The fantasy aspect of it was *chefs kiss* I can't wait to read the second book! Will 100% reread this at some point post release.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash, first book in the Kingdom of Gods series, was an enticing read due to its cover and plot summary. I was nervous to start something that pushed this being the perfect book for a reader who may love several well known fantasy books but overall, I really liked it!
This book is set in a fractured realm of 8 separate kingdoms with the story following, Mal Blackburn. She’s the fourthborn child in her family, which is unheard of since most kingdoms only have three children, but girl is an overall baddie. We find out she’s set to marry Ash, the Fire Prince, through an arranged marriage and overall to pretty much assassinate him. This of course, thankfully, doesn’t happen…or does it…and we get to see an enemies-to-lovers and slow burn romance take place.
World building is very hard and in most books it can be a let down, in this book I really liked that each kingdom had their own culture and magic. The magic system was different but an enjoyable component of this book. We got dragons, wyverns, witches and curses…oh my, haha. It was a lot but these are my favorite types of books!
I really liked that we got to meet and in a sense be taken along with their siblings, Kai (Mal’s brother) and Alina (Ash’s sister). The shift in the POVs makes me nervous since I’m not always the biggest fan but it needs to be done in a series but also a world this big so we can see different perspectives to help build the story. So I guess we can say it was a love hate relationship haha but I didn’t hate it all that much, hahaha.
A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a fantasy novel that combines dark magic, political issues, and complex but great characters. While it did have some pacing issues, its characters and their relationships along with the rich world building we got to read made it a really great start to a series that I do look forward to continue.
Thank you so much for the read NetGalley!
4.5 stars!

If you need an example of a book that is trying too hard, this is it. We’re told about this world with several different kingdoms that are so vastly different from each other that it’s difficult to imagine what it’s actually like despite the overwhelming descriptions. I still don’t fully understand what the homeland of the Wyverians is supposed to be like. And speaking of descriptions, we are practically drowning in so many details that it makes the story drag on. I often found myself checking my reading progress because of how much details I was taking in only to see I barely made a dent. There are so many adjectives that it was practically eye-roll worthy—some of them were so ridiculous and well, trying too hard, that it made the entire thing feel out of place.

Overall the story had potential but it was so flooded with unnecessary information that it prevented me from connect with any of the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a fiery, tension-filled enemies-to-lovers fantasy that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. Mal Blackburn is a sharp, stubborn force of nature with a dagger in her hand and vengeance in her heart, sent to kill the infamous fire prince and end a centuries-old curse. But nothing is simple in a land ruled by dragons, secrets, and smoldering stares. The chemistry between Mal and the prince crackles, and the worldbuilding, steeped in curses, forgotten magic, and political unrest, draws you deep into the ashes of a broken world. While a few pacing dips slowed the middle, the plot twists and emotional undercurrents more than made up for it. A thrilling start to what promises to be a searing series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC 💕

This was an amazing fantasy read! With interesting family dynamics, excellent world building and political gains to be had. AND best of all dragons!!! 🐉

This follows the anomaly fourth born child of the Wyverian royals who has been forced into an arranged marriage with the prince of fire. Mal (our FMC) is a fiery badass who insights change in the outdated anti-feminist ideals of the fire kingdom almost immediately upon arriving there. She’s a magic wielding, warrior Princess who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to get it.

I will say after the first 20% when our main love interests met I was much much more interested in the story! Who can resist an enemies to lovers?!?

There are also some secondary love stories happening; like Mal’s older brother Kai and the princess of fire (this was my favourite part of the book, I can’t lie) and we also get a prologue and letters and the start of each chapter that includes another romance plot and the history of the world and how the different kingdoms got to the state they are currently in.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait for book 2!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash by J.F. Johns completely captivated me from the very beginning! This book is a richly written fantasy with incredible world-building and vivid descriptions that made every scene come alive. From the detailed environments to the characters’ clothing and appearances, Johns paints a stunning visual experience that kept me immersed throughout.

I loved the multiple POVs—it added so much depth to the story and helped me connect with each character in a unique way. The personalities were distinct and well-developed, making every chapter feel fresh and dynamic.

The enemies-to-lovers trope was done so well—there’s definitely passion, even if the spice level stays on the lighter side. And those plot twists? Just when I thought I knew where things were going, the story would take a sharp, thrilling turn. I was hooked!

I’ve already started recommending this book to everyone I know, and I’m beyond excited for book two. It would be an absolute privilege to receive an ARC for the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this incredible book!

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!