This book falls into the category of one where the premise was intriguing, but did not deliver in the way that I had hoped. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions while nothing much really happened for half the book. I was hoping that it would be more fast paced, but I found myself skimming and forcing myself to get through the chapters. I only really fully enjoyed the twists in the last 20%, but the first 80% of the book was pretty slow.

I found myself more invested in Alina and Kai’s sub-plot than around Mal and Ash. Even at over halfway through the novel, I could not pinpoint anything memorable about either of the main characters other than the constant focus on Mal’s “witch” eyes and Ash’s stutter when speaking. Even when they finally got together, it felt…rushed and almost random? I didn’t really understand how they fell in love.

I managed to finish this book, just because I didn’t want to dnf and because of the ending I’m intrigued to continue, but I hope the story picks up faster in the next book.

Fantastical, fun and romantic. If romantasy is your bag definitely give this a read!

Mal Blackburn is the fourth born child to the rulers of the Shadow Kingdom, which only ever produces three heirs. Her status as fourth born and her purple eyes mark her as different, not belonging. As such her father decrees Mal will end the feud between the kingdoms by marrying the cruel fire prince.
But Mal is not looking to conquer the cruel prince’s heart. She’s looking to break a curse by ending his life. The siblings travel to enemy territory for the wedding but the true enemy may not be who they assume.

Really really fun! The history was well and quickly established and that was essential to the main plot. The characters were nuanced and interesting, sure you had your Cassian and Azriel models but I highly enjoyed that.

I loved the different kingdoms and their quirks, magic and beasts. Bringing all kingdoms together for a wedding meant you got a really quick and thorough assessment of the world and landscape.

The story was pacy and exciting and the plot is really good!! Definitely will continue with the series!

Thank you JF Johns for my #arc

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is an addictive fantasy that swept me away from the very first page. It reminded me of Throne of Glass series.

Mal Blackburn, fourthborn daughter of the Kingdom of Darkness, who’s been sent to marry the Fire Prince to unite the kingdoms. But Mal has a mission to fulfill. Kill the prince, break the curse and save her people from a dark fate. What I loved about Mal was she is a strong, calculating, powerful, and a fierce character.

The world building was sooo good and intriguing which was packed with magic and wyverns, dragons, giant wolves, ancient curses. This book balances the gore, drama, and tension, humour and loyalty. So you love Strong, badass heroine, Enemies to-lovers trope with the Forbidden love, Magical creatures, ancient curses, and dragons this is for you.

Review A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash follows several young royals from different kingdoms, who find themselves entangled at the brink of a war they didn't start, facing destinies they never asked for, following a prophecy threatening to doom the world. As political tensions rise and old enemies clash, these heirs must uncover hidden truths, form uneasy alliances, and fight for their people. In the midst of this chaos, love blooms, secrets unravel, and the balance between light and dark threatens to tip.

👍 What I liked
• It’s rare in fantasy to find a heroine with a living, loving, and supportive family, but Mal Blackburn’s close-knit family is exactly that, and their emotional bond shines throughout the story.
• Mal’s emotional struggle and quiet sadness, despite her family’s efforts, were handled with nuance and care.
• Ash Acheron, a stuttering prince battling shame and anxiety, is refreshingly vulnerable in a genre that often glorifies confident, unshakeable male leads.
• Alina Acheron’s arc is a highlight: her inner conflict about her role as a princess and her determination to find meaning beyond courtly expectations added real emotional depth, especially as she falls for the charismatic Kai Blackburn.
• Speaking of Kai: his charm, humor, and fierce protectiveness made him a standout.
• Wren Wynter was a delight to read about. Her bubbly energy playing off the quiet, secluded Kage Blackburn was adorable. Their dynamic felt like ADHD meets autism in the best way.
• The story features well-established and consistently engaging POVs. No weak links among the narratives.
• Each character felt distinct, and the ensemble worked well together, even with clashing loyalties.
• Watching these young royals fall for their supposed enemies worked well narratively. They’re young, impulsive, and seeking connection, which made it believable.
• The parallels between Alina and Mal, despite being raised in opposite worlds, added fascinating layers.
• The plot builds slowly but surely. By the end, it reaches a thrilling crescendo with surprising twists that kept me hooked.


👎 What could’ve been better
• The choice of character names was... unfortunate at times. Many names (especially “Acheron”) felt too similar to iconic characters from other fantasy series, making it hard to separate this world from others I’ve read. Some names didn’t fit well together either (e.g. siblings with fantasy vs. modern names).
• There were several instances of repetition. Paragraphs that conveyed the same idea with only slight variations, as if multiple drafts were left in.
• The depiction of different kingdoms leaned heavily into generalizations, making it seem like each land was homogenous in appearance and culture. A bit more nuance and variety would’ve enriched the worldbuilding.


📜 Final Verdict
A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is the story of young royals set on paths they didn’t choose, fighting to find purpose, identity, and love in the face of war and expectations. There’s trust, betrayal, longing, hatred, and discovery, all woven into a tapestry of slow-burn romance and emotional growth. It’s a character-driven fantasy with a compelling cast, strong emotional arcs, and a thrilling final act.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶 Spice: 2/5

This story wasn't just a book, it was a storm, a tempest that ripped through me and left my heart in scattered pieces across the pages. A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is not just fantasy but it’s a visceral experience. I could feel it in my bones.

If you're craving a heroine who is fierce and flawed, who wears her vulnerability like armor and wields her strength with quiet conviction, then Mal will own your soul. She is the storm and the calm. Outspoken, deeply protective, unshakable in her convictions and yet beneath all that, there’s this innocent hopefulness that makes her dangerously human. She is not just strong.... she chooses strength again and again, even when it hurts. And that? That made me fall for her a little more with every chapter.

And then there’s Ash.

Ash shattered me in the best way. He is not your typical brooding, untouchable male lead. He is layered, complicated, beautifully broken and yes, he lives with a subtle disability that only made him feel more real. More tangible. The way he sees Mal, the way he allows her to lead and shine without shrinking and gods, that’s the kind of love we rarely see in fantasy. He doesn't need to be saved, yet when he lets her in, it’s not weakness, it’s trust.

And his love…. it’s quiet, but it roars in the way it softens her jagged edges.

Their relationship is a dance of fire and shadow, full of burning tension and aching tenderness. The chemistry between them isn’t just lust, it’s a soul deep bond that bleeds into every scene they share.

You feel it,
You breathe it.
It hurts.
It heals.
And then it hurts again.

The plot? Forget what you think you know. Every time I thought I had a grip on the direction, the story would twist, turning everything on its head. I was caught in a cyclone of betrayal, revelations, sacrifice, and raw emotion. There were moments that took my breath away, moments that made me sob openly, and moments so intimate they felt sacred. J.F. Johns doesn’t just write a story; she weaves a world so intricate and alive, it wraps itself around your heart and refuses to let go.

This isn’t just another fantasy romance but something other. The world building was rich with depth and originality, and the cast of supporting characters each brought a new shade to the tapestry of shadows and ash. No one is what they seem. Every choice carries weight. Every loss is unforgettable.
I finished this book feeling hollow and full all at once. Hollow because I didn’t want it to end.

Full because it gave me so much.

And now…. I wait in the dark. In the shadows. For the next book. Because Mal and Ash?

They are far from done with me.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

Although this was not perfect, this was an absolute 5.0 star read, absolutely loved it.

Sadly, there were some inconsistencies like Mal’s motivation to agree to the marriage, which was later something else than stated at first. And I also felt like the relationship progressed a little fast (both Mal’s and Kai’s tbh). Buuuttt that is literally the only bad thing I could say about the book. The rest is absolute perfection.

I loved how you got so many different characters’ “perspective” (it was third person but kept following a different character). Usually this can be quite confusing and abrupt as you are constantly jumping around to different characters, but in this case it was done sooo well (again third-person pov was definitely the right choice). This just really kept the story going but also created tension and suspense.

I also just fell in love with every single character. There were quite a lot of characters but they were all fleshed out so well! They all had their own motivations and personalities (in line with their kingdoms) and they all felt like they could be real people, they were all round characters that had realistic conversations and were soo funny, savage and just chefs kiss (ESPECIALLY KAI!!!!) Furthermore (one of) the antihero, the Fire Queen, in this story had actual, logical motivations for doing the things she did (although I did hate the slap so much) and as a reader you understood where she came from.

And don’t even get me started on the world and the masterly crafted kingdoms. There are quite a few but J.F. Johns managed to make them all unique, even if they were similar.

Anyways, now I have to grieve the fact that this book was just published and I probably have to wait a long time for the second book but as soon as I can get my hands on it I HAVE to read it because I’m officially obsessed with this series! I look forward to finding out more about the world and the gods, to meeting new characters/ getting to know existing ones better and to clear up that ending!

🥀 ‘Because if she- a princess with cursed eyes, a girl who should have never been- could be the one to save them all… Then maybe- just maybe- she wouldn’t be the monster she had always feared she was.’ 🥀

WOW. Anyone who loves romantasy absolutely HAS to read this book- this is one of the best romantasy books I have read, an easy 5 stars. This is now one of my favourite books- I need to know what happens in book 2. 😭 It was incredibly well written and SO much depth and detail was put into creating the world and the characters. I absolutely LOVED it!! 🖤

Mal Blackburn, the princess of the Kingdom of Darkness, has always felt like there is something wrong about her. She is the only fourth born child in her kingdom, and the only one of her people with luminous purple eyes. The only other beings to share these eyes are witches. After a Great War between the 8 kingdoms, only 7 remain- the kingdom of the witches reduced to rubble. But everyone fears the day that they will return, to seek revenge for their destruction. Mal embodies what her people fear.

As an attempt to forge peace between the kingdoms again, Mal is sent to marry the Fire Prince, Ash Acheron, who is known across the lands for his cruelty. But Mal isn’t looking to win his heart… she is looking to stab it. If Mal manages to kill the Fire Prince, she will end a curse placed on the kingdom that is believed to end in the worldwide destruction of all kingdoms. But this will not be an easy feat- when feelings grow and secrets are revealed, will Mal be able to do what needs to be done, or will all the kingdoms be doomed to their cursed fate? 🌙

🥀 ‘You got one thing wrong, Princess. You are not a nobody. You are the fucking sunshine, Alina Acheron.’ 🥀

There are so many different characters in this book that each have their own individual stories- I have never seen a book use different POV’s so well. Through each of the character’s POV’s we get to see an insight into their lives, past and present, how they perceive certain situations, and the things that they experience simultaneously to other characters experiencing different events. It almost feels like there almost isn’t a main MMC and FMC in this book, because although the story revolves around Ash and Mal, the story goes so in depth into other character’s lives, thoughts and perspectives that they feel as fully fleshed out as the main characters. I love that we see so much growth from so many of the characters- I really loved getting to read Alina’s story and her moments with Kai and Ash, seeing her feel comfortable coming into and embracing her own identity as the book goes on and learning to defend herself.

I also really loved that although Ash was an incredible fighter and had a deadly reputation, that he had a stutter and social anxiety- I’ve never read a fantasy book where this is shown so openly, or at all. For someone with this struggle it felt very relatable and I like that this is normalised, as it shows that strength doesn’t come from perfection. This is definitely the book I have really loved the most characters from, they are all so so likeable and have their own part to play in the story. ❤️

🥀 ‘ She was his wife. A girl with midnight hair and cursed eyes. A girl he could barely speak to without betraying the stutter he kept so carefully hidden. A girl he wanted to kiss.
Over and over. Until he no longer felt his lips.’ 🥀

Some tropes in this book:
🖤 Slow burn
🖤Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 YEARNING
🖤 Court intrigue
🖤 Dark magic
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Fated mate

I highly highly recommend this book to everyone who loved romantasy- it has all of the dark magic and mythical creatures you could ever want, slow- burn relationships full of yearning and princesses who learn to find their strength and accept their true identity. I loved it and can’t wait for book 2!! 🤭🖤

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book, I absolutely loved it!!! 🥀🖤

This book felt like a mix of Game of Thrones - Red Wedding (IYKYK) and Manon from the Throne of glass series (maybe a bit of Fourth Wing aswell).
With that being said, and if I'm correct, the author grabbed all the juicy bits from each series and twisted it into this really amazing, heartbreaking and fantastical book.
In need of a bit of more proof reading and slightly concerned that the cover is AI.
But I can see this book becoking veeery popular. I look forward to the 2nd book.

Mal is the fourth born in the Kingdom of Darkness; a line that has been known for only having 3 children. There are whispers that she’s cursed, especially since she was born with purple eyes while everyone else in her family has black eyes.

“Only witches have purple eyes,” Mal fears. As war is brewing between them (the wyverian and honestly all 7 kingdoms) and the witches.

The only way to help the political state is by Mal marrying the Fire Prince, but she’s been told that killing the Fire Prince will end the curse. As they grow closer, Mal faces turmoil in what to do. Should she kill the prince to end the curse? Is there another way?

Review:

Do you ever read a book so good, you don’t even know how to write a review afterward that will capture all your thoughts? Goosebumps, heartbreak. All the feelings.

What eloquent, beautiful writing. Amazing world building, and complex plot lines. This fantasy hits all the tropes; Enemies to lovers, court politics, slow burn, dark magic, etc. There’s some spice, and it’s written well, complimenting the storyline.

It took me a bit to get into all the different POVs. I wasn’t expecting to get more sides, but it was definitely worth it for the extra insight. I loved all the minor plot lines, it really helped build up the main plot line. It reminded me of Game of Thrones POV changes, with all the different themes and over arching plot lines that merge together and/or impact each other.

Genuinely, one of the coolest magic systems I’ve seen in a while. Not overly complicated, but still intricate and detailed. Super cool imagery, and superb storytelling. I want to rate this 10 stars!!!!

More on the characters specifically:

I found myself shipping Alina and Kai sooo fast, he seems like the perfect match for her. He’s fiercely protective and strong, super intelligent with his words, and best of all, he doesn’t control her - she keeps her independence. Absolute stellar pairing. Can’t wait for the next books to see more of these two.

The “miscommunication” / secrets between Ash and Mal kept me invested in the story from the start. I loved their fighting scenes. And the tension!! Every encounter built up that tension and had me rooting for them.

I loved that they both had their flaws, and they both had great character development. They felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable and show up for each other.

Overall, I have never needed a second book more! What an ending. So much happened and I need all the answers!!!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read in exchange for an honest review!

Mal has been different from the day she was born, with purple eyes, witches eyes, and deemed as cursed. The witches are regrouping and preparing for war, and Mal must enter a marriage agreement with the Fire Kingdom, a kingdom that hers has not spoken to in a hundred years to form an alliance. Filled with political intrigue and hidden motives, this book will introduce you to seven unique fanatsy kingdoms and brilliant characters as the countdown to a 100 year-old curse approaches.

First of all, this book was not what I expected. At first, after reading the blurb, I thought the focus was on Mal and Ash as the main characters; but no, there is a whole host of characters you get insight into. I found myself more engrossed in presumably side characters like Kai, Alina, and Kage than the supposed main couple I thought were going to be the focus. I'm not complaining about this. I loved being introduced to all these characters, learning about their kingdoms, which really leant to the world-building.

At times, it did feel a bit stretched, and a few things were not properly explained, but it was still easy to follow the plot. I think this is going to be a book that grows with the series, and opinions will change throughout. But A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a great introduction to the series. The twists and turns were amazing, and there were some real poignant moments. In some ways, I'm scared to get attached to any characters in a Game of Thrones sort of way.

I really am looking forward to seeing where this series goes and being reunited with the characters.
_________________
Favourite Quotes:

Time is a river. No matter how much we wish to control it, to twist it backwards and forwards and to even stop it, we cannot. The river continues to flow. All you can do is let it guide you.

A single grain does not create a desert; it takes thousands.

They say we are different. The only true difference I see is the one in which we are told there is a difference. I am a witch. He is a wyverian. We both bleed. We both love. We both cry. And yet, they keep telling us that we do not belong.

He needs me.
Kai snorted.
'What?' Alina hissed.
'Nothing.' Kai shrugged. Go, run off to hold his hand.'
'How dare you. You understand absolutely nothing!'
'I understand nothing?' His eyes blazed with fury. 'Because all I ever see is you running off to help your brother. You are at his beck and call, day and night. And my question to you is, who takes care of you?'

And in that moment, the witches had not just killed a wyvern. They had created a monster.
_________________
🌶🌶.5/5

This has been one of my favourite ARC books to review so far, and because of that, @jfjohnsbooks is going on my immediate buy list. Not only do the characters bring to life the divisions and perils of each kingdom, but the world itself feels endless. Each corridor you're led down pulls you deeper into a richer, more complex world than where you started.

Imagine this: dark romance, ENEMIES to lovers, steep betrayals, forbidden romance, SLOW burns (yes, plural), you kicking and screaming the entire time. That what you can expect from A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash.

I received an e-copy through Netgalley, many thanks to them and the author! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really really liked this book! it drew me in from the beginning and it had an interesting world.
(although some references were too much from other books/fantasy to my liking sometimes, with the other kingdoms)
I liked the writing, I haven't encountered the 3rd person but with different pov's many times before I think, and it was definitely an interesting read. I felt like some people really changed behavior-wise from sort of first person to looking at them through another persons eyes, if that makes sense (as it was all still written in 3rd person). But this could also have been intentional and reflect how we might have this whole inner turmoil going on that others don't notice when looking at you from the outside.

I am really looking forward to the second book in this series. Unfortunately the ending got me quite confused about the curse and the surrounding story about it, but I think this could have been intentional as well and I hope that it will be explained more in book 2. So I'm not saying it is a problem logic wise for me, yet... I'll get back on that after I've read the second book.
Only took a star off because the romance felt a bit off, too fast 'in love' in my opinion.

I am blown away by the world building and character development of this novel.

While the start felt a little slow for the first few chapters, when it picked up it had me absolutely hooked.

Mal's character has such beautiful depth, and then when Ash is introduced - the REAL Ash - I knew things were about to get really good. And I was right!

I can't say enough good things about this book - so I'm going to make a list of things I loved:
- character development
- Mal's entire family and their relationship
- side romantic plots
- creative and stunningly described inhabitants of the other kingdoms
(someone needs to do some fanart!!)
- captivating writing style
- unique plot and subplots
- beautiful love story

4⭐️

This book was truly captivating! The story follows Mal Blackburn, the fourth daughter of the Kingdom of Darkness. She has been sent to marry the prince from the Kingdom of Fire. However, her true mission is to kill the prince and break an ancient curse placed on the Kingdoms.

If you are a fan of dark fantasy, spice, enemies to lovers, magic, slow burn romance - you need this book!

Holy hell. A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash absolutely devoured me.

Dark magic? Wyverns? Forbidden love? Scheming, betrayal, political backstabbing? Yeah… this one had it ALL. I couldn’t stop reading. It grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go.

Mal Blackburn — the fourthborn princess from the Kingdom of Darkness — gets sent off to marry the Fire Prince to “unite” the kingdoms. Only… plot twist… she’s actually there to kill him, break an ancient curse, and save her people from a fate worse than death. And honestly? She might be one of my favorite fantasy leads ever. She’s ruthless, powerful, smart — no whining, no simpering, just straight-up badass.

The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss. Wyverns, giant wolves, blood curses, kingdoms at war… and court intrigue that actually had me stressed. The perfect blend of violence, beauty, betrayal, and just enough soft moments to hit you right in the gut when you least expect it.

AND THE ENDING.
I won’t spoil anything, but — be warned — it’s brutal. It’s the kind of twist that has you screaming into your pillow at 2 a.m. And yes… I’m already counting the days until A Kingdom of Sand and Ice.

Also… unpopular opinion maybe? But I was WAY more invested in Kai and Alina than the main couple. Kai (Mal’s brooding brother with a heart of steel) and Alina had this slow-burn, tension-filled dynamic that low-key stole the show. He doesn’t just fall for her — he sees her, challenges her, and helps her break free from the cage her royal life trapped her in. I need more of them. Like… now.

If you’re into fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, family drama, ancient magic, dragons, and political betrayal — this book’s gonna wreck you in the best way.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Hands down one of my favorite fantasy reads this year.

The world building, the creative plot, the characters, this is the next fantasy book of the summer! I wish there was more people talking about it!
We've got a badass FMC and I love that the cover portrays that. This is an enemies to lovers, slow burn, betrayal, rebellion, twists, and so much more! Lets not forget all the different creatures like Wyvern, Valkyrie, and dragons (just to name a few). Definitely worth checking out!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC.

I devoured this book. Everything about it was perfection. The cover is what drew me to it as I loveee character art on the front of covers!!

A bewitching gem among enemies-to-lovers tales, you are wondering until the last moment if they will fulfill the prophecy or find their own way to end the curse. To have glimpses into its origin story and star-crossed lovers thrown into the mix is also enriching. Solid world-building for sure. Thanks for this great experience!

I finished this book yesterday and i cannot stop thinking about it. This one really took me by surprise and i honestly loved it.
The world building is fantastic, so learn about the different realms and the people that live in them, the powers they have and obviously about the witches too. Then there are Dragons, Wyvern, Wolves, Phoenixes, basically magical creatures galore, which i was giddy about. There is a curse and prophecies that set the whole story in motion and what a wonderful adventure the book is.

There are two different romance storylines, one with an arranged marriage and the other is a forbidden love, both are so different and yet both are written so well.

There is a great found family element to this book which is always my favourite part of any book, but there are also lots of secrets and betrayals that keep the reader on their toes and all of the characters perspectives really grow and develop through the book which was really well done.

The story built really well throughout the book before reaching the climax and what an ending it was!! Wow.
I am now desperate for book two

I really enjoyed this book from the very beginning. Although at times I did find parts confusing the overall world building was really good and drew you straight in. I also loved the characters the FMC and MMC had you drawn into their story I can't wait to see what happens next.