Firstly, thank you NetGalley and the author for access to read this E-Arc for an honest review.

Let me start by saying this book was phenomenal. Now- I'm a Romantasy girlie at heart and the magic and romance combination gets me every time, so I already thought I was going to enjoy this; but WOW. This book was phenomenal.

High Fantasy, Multiple realms with royal families, the book starts with an arranged marriage between the Prince of the Drakonians (Royal Family with Dragons) and the fourth born Wyverian (Royal Family with Wyverns)

Mal is the youngest Wyverian and for political reasons to strengthen ties between realms agrees to marry the fire prince - despite rumours that he is a cruel cruel man.

She is such a fantastically written character. I can't impress this enough. She is bold, not defined by her gender, a fighter, caring, loving, clever and determined.

She is also in possession of the knowledge that there is a curse which has to be broken by killing the prince she is due to marry.

Ash is a fighter - he spends all hours training and is a man of very few words. People see him as cruel because of his lack of speech, but really he has a speech impediment which he doesn't want to broadcast.

The minor characters are also AMAZING - Ash's sister who is seen as a typical princess who's maids do everything for her - but she has a fantastic character development Arc (and her own romantic subplot)
Mals brothers are particularly endearing, in completely different ways.

As well as the top tier character development, there are also wolves, serpents, battles, passion, betrayal, secrets, investigation, love, a curse, and an ending making me desperate for book two...

JF Johns has written an incredible story perfect for anyone who wants to lose themselves in a well built high fantasy world with romance.

At first it was a little tricky to remember who was who, from which realms, but persevere because it is 100% worth it. This book is a gem nestled hidden in the huge market of Romantasy currently - I just hope that it gets the praise and success it deserves.

Holy plot twists!

Book tropes:
• Arranged marriage
• Enemies to lovers
• Forbidden Love
• Chosen/cursed one
• Prophecy
• Dragons, wyverns, fae, phoenix, wolves and other mythical creatures

While this book startes off at a glacial pace to intoduce the world-building and characters, it rapidly picks up about 30% of the way through. There were a lot of people introduced all at once and I really struggled to keep them all straight especially once you throw in the multiple POVs the story is told from.

Holy plot twists!

Book tropes:
• Arranged marriage
• Enemies to lovers
• Forbidden Love
• Chosen/cursed one
• Prophecy
• Dragons, wyverns, fae, phoenix, wolves and other mythical creatures

While this book startes off at a glacial pace to intoduce the world-building and characters, it rapidly picks up about 30% of the way through. There were a lot of people introduced all at once and I really struggled to keep them all straight especially once you throw in the multiple POVs the story is told from.

Not sure why Ash And Mal's relationship went from barely an ember to a raging inferno. That pacing seemed like it could have been better.

I was not expecting the plot twist to happen the way it did but now I'm eagerly waiting for the second book to come out to read more.

An amazing slowburn fantasy romance between two warrimg races, witches and the fire prince. Mal was an amazing fiery main character who fought for herself and her people while the fire prince's backstory was tragic leading to misunderstandings and steaming tension. The romance and chemistry was undeniable.

I really enjoyed some aspects of this book, it was well written and engaging. While I enjoyed meeting the various characters, my main criticism for this book is that there was just a bit too much going on with too many characters at once. I never truly felt like I could connect to any of the characters fully.
I feel like there are some very exciting aspects to this fantasy romance, but I wish we’d have been allowed to focus on characters a little more to truly feel the emotions of their journeys.

4/5 ⭐ | Dark, fiery, and full of tension
Enemies-to-lovers? Check. A deadly curse? Check. Secret identities, dragons, and a girl with witch eyes? Double check. Mal Blackburn is out to kill a prince, not fall for him however, fate has other plans. A fast-paced fantasy full of secrets and sharp edges. I need book two ASAP. 🔥📖

Rating: 4.25 out of 5

I really enjoyed this read and look forward to the second book! This story really felt like Game of Thrones with the extensive world-building…and the fact that (spoiler) a lot of people die.

Speaking briefly to the writing, I enjoyed how descriptive the scenes were and the overall world. With fantasy, this really helps set the stage and reminds the reader that this is a fantasy book. Whether intentional or not, it was hard to ignore the massive amount of comparisons to other well-known fantasy books: Archeron being a last name brings ACOTAR immediately to mind, House of Flames and House of Wind…again I’m thinking about SJM, Alina and Mal had me immediately thinking of “Shadow and Bone”. Again, not saying this was on purpose but it’s a bit much with these names being the exact same especially when this story stands so differently from those series - I would suggest going with names that are more unique.

Let’s talk about the characters. I found Mal to be interesting and her backstory of having purple eyes (like witches) and being the 4th child (when that is NOT normal in the royal family) all very intriguing. I enjoyed the proper set up of an enemies to lovers between her and Ash. Most importantly, I loved her family dynamics with her siblings!

I also really liked Alina. She’s annoying in how she’s protective of Ash but she was a complicated character and you understood why. I really look forward to see how she grows in the next book! Finally, Kai - I am obsessed with this man and I want more of him!

Overall, I really enjoyed this read! There were several twists that that me gasping and I really liked how the author put time into the secondary characters, like the siblings!

This book strikes the perfect balance of everything I look for in a Romantasy novel. With eight kingdoms, each richly unique, and a web of forced marriages for political alliances, it created the right amount of drama. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance is portrayed beautifully, with multiple POVs that add layers to the drama and tension. While the book isn’t heavy on spice, it more than makes up for it with intense yearning that is beautifully written.
There was so much happening that I couldn’t put it down—complex relationships, political maneuvering, and plenty of twists to keep things exciting. I was completely absorbed from the first few chapters. The pacing is fast but not rushed. As a visual reader I appreciated the intricate details and complex world building rounding up my reading experience.

Thank you to J.F. Johns for the opportunity to read & review your first book, I am looking forward to the second book.

I absolutely adored this book! I went in blind with no expectations beyond the intriguing synopsis—but what truly drew me in was the book cover. It’s hauntingly beautiful and completely captivating. Huge kudos to the artist—it’s what made me pick this up in the first place!

Mal is everything I want in a fantasy FMC—bold, unapologetic, and completely badass. Her character is so refreshing, and I loved how deeply connected she is to her siblings—Haven, Kage, and Kai. Their bond is powerful, heartfelt, and one of the emotional anchors of the story. Ash is such a light, and you can't help but want to shield him from the world’s cruelty. The relationship between Mal and Ash unfolds so naturally—it felt earned, not rushed, and I was completely invested.

The side characters deserve just as much love. This might be one of the first books I’ve read where the side characters felt like main characters in their own right. I was emotionally invested in Kai, Alina, Kage, Wren—even Vera. Every character had depth and purpose, and the storytelling was simply fantastic.

And that cliffhanger?! I need the sequel immediately.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

#AKingdomOfShadowAndAsh #NetGalley

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. The story starts with the classic fantasy trope of an arranged marriage with the ultimate purpose of an assassination. I loved getting to know Mal and Ash, their kingdoms that shaped them, and seeing them falling in love. Additionally, I liked how the past and present were woven together with Tabitha's point of view at the beginning of each chapter. This helped us see what happened to her, what led to current events and feelings, and showed the parallels to Ash and Mal's story. This book was full of fantastic side characters like Alina, Kai, Vera, and Wren. I enjoyed reading all the different points of view as it helped create solid world building, high stakes action, political drama, provided humor and levity, and kept me wanting to read more. I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters! :)

I really enjoyed this book! I will always be a sucker for arranged marriage trope and this one didn’t disappoint! Mal was a wonderful main character and Ash was such a tender bean! The plot was compelling and I enjoyed the writing style.

I think the only thing that I didn’t love was the number of pov changes. Typically I love a large cast of characters and multiple pov changes but this one felt like a few too many. I understand that the povs helped progress the plot but it made numerous characters feel one dimensional.

If you are looking for a romantasy filled with political intrigue and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat OH AND DRAGONS & WYVERNS, I recommend A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash.

Thank you to Netgalley and J.F. Johns for a copy of the book, all thoughts are my own!

Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating: 1/4 - 🌶️

Synopsis: Mal is the fourth-born daughter of the Wyverian Kingdom. She finds herself suddenly in a feud-ending arranged marriage with Ash, the Fire Prince, from the Drakonian kingdom. The Kingdom's hope is that arranged marriages between the feuding kingdoms will come together to end the curse after they destroyed the land of the witches 100 years ago. Mal's only goal before she leaves her home is to marry the Fire Prince and kill him.

I was drawn into this book fairly quickly. The story is exciting, and I loved how unique the world-building was. Having all types of mythical kingdoms in one was a fun read. I felt that the world-building and character development could have been stronger. The story built up many major events in the story but then fell flat when it reached its pinnacle. For example, it says it's a slow burn romance, but I think Mal suddenly just fell in love with Ash without much reason.

The multiple POV were hard to follow, and at the beginning of each chapter, I was guessing whose POV it was. Some of the story lines probably could have been cut and included in the 2nd book, cutting the story down by 200 pages.

It was a fun read, but with the length and confusing plot lines, I can't rate it higher than 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This fantasy romance was such a fun and immersive read! The story follows a woman who’s sent to a foreign kingdom to fulfill a treaty her ancestors broke—and things definitely don’t go as planned. What starts out as a tense political arrangement slowly becomes something much more as she gets to know the prince she’s meant to marry. Their connection builds naturally, and even though there are a few spicy scenes, the romance never overshadows the plot.

What really made the book stand out was the worldbuilding and the way we get to follow different couples. Each relationship adds something new to the story, and it’s so satisfying to watch them all unfold. The fantasy elements are strong, the stakes feel real, and the pacing is just right.

If you’re into romance that takes its time, rich character dynamics, and a fantasy world that feels alive, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author @jfjohnsbooks and NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"I don't care if the entire world is burning before you. You are done giving yourself for the sake of everyone else. If she thought for a second that I would leave her here, she was a fool. I would let the entire world burn before I would choose any of them over her."
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some books light a spark. This one sets your heart on fire.
A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash pulled me in from the very first page—not just because of its magic or dragons or cursed kingdoms, but because of how raw it felt. Beneath all the fantasy, this story is about grief, vengeance, identity, and love that comes at the worst possible time.

Mal Blackburn isn’t your typical heroine. She’s angry. She's broken. She's carrying the weight of an entire kingdom—and a secret that could destroy everything. She doesn’t want to be saved. She wants revenge. And yet, as she stands in the heart of the enemy’s kingdom, face to face with the Fire Prince she’s sworn to kill, something begins to shift.

Ash is cruel. Or at least, that’s the reputation he wears like armor. But underneath, he’s just as trapped as Mal. Watching these two enemies circle each other—fighting their feelings, testing their limits, clinging to their own broken versions of truth—it’s impossible not to feel the tension, the ache, the what if.

This isn’t just a romance. It’s a war between duty and desire. Between survival and surrender. Every look, every conversation, every brush of emotion between them carries the weight of kingdoms—and yet it still feels deeply personal.

And the world? It’s dark, rich, and filled with danger. Witches forgotten. Kingdoms divided. Secrets buried deep. The setting is full of magic, but it never overshadows the human heart of the story. If anything, it amplifies it.

This book hurt in the best way. It’s the kind of story that leaves a mark—not just because of the plot twists (and yes, there are some jaw-droppers), but because it makes you feel every beat of it.

3 Stars – A Promising Start for New Romantasy Fans

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash starts off slowly, and a few repetitive scenes felt like filler rather than necessary plot development. While the concept is compelling and the world has promise, the story lacked the emotional depth and strong character building that more seasoned romantasy readers often look for.

That said, it’s a good entry point for newer romantasy fans who enjoy lighter, easy-to-follow fantasy with a romantic thread. If you're after something quick and not too heavy, this may be a good fit.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

BOOK: A KINGDOM OF SHADOW AND ASH
AUTHOR: JF JOHNS
SERIES: KINGDOM OF GODS, BOOK 1
LENGTH:576 PAGES
OVERALL LENGTH:5 STARS


Loved this fantasy book so much the world building was absolutely amazing! The powerful characters were phenomenal and what a magnificent magic system, This book had way more than I was expecting from an indie book! I loved every single thing about this book and can't wait for the second book. Always love the enemies to lovers trope too. I am so excited for the next book!

Disclaimer: Thank you to the publisher, JF Johns and netgalley for this arc.. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog with my honest review and book review blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

Adult Fantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Magic system
World Building

I absolutely loved this story. The character and plot and magic system were so unique. I cant wait for book 2.

In awe of the book and how the author was able to weave so many POVs and storylines into one beautiful story. This felt epic and masterful, with reveals that left me genuinely shocked - which I feel like is hard to do (after reading so many romantasy books, stories start to feel similar and predictable). The author's ability to create a connection between the reader and the characters (and there's A LOT) kind of amazed me. Usually I hate multiple POV stories, but I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS and found myself excited to read each of their POVs. The ending killed me! I loved this book, fully invested, and can't wait to continue the series! Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Thank you for the ARC! I really liked the characters, especially how the author described sibling dynamics. The story is set in an amazing world, nicely explained and not overly complicated. We have found family, soulmates, perfect slow burn tension and a super cool cliffhanger. Can't wait for more.

This book was fantastic - good pacing, great characters, wonderful world building! Can't wait to see what is next for this series! Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to be an ARC reader.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. This book lived up to the hype! WOW what a great setup for a truly (what I think) epic series!! I can't wait to read book 2!!