"Mal Blackburn should have never existed. She was a mistake- an anomaly in the carefully woven legacy of her people."

Wyverns, warriors, divided kingdoms and an age-old prophecy.
The Kingdom of Fire and the Kingdom of Darkness have been brought together by an arranged marriage- of Mal and the Fire Prince. She feels as though she doesn't belong among her own people- and is set to be married off into a kingdom that at first refuses to bend to their customs... making her feel like she is losing herself completely.

Multi-POV, intense world building and a lot of elements that fantasy lovers will enjoy. Personally, I found it slower to start but as you hang in there, you're woven into a world of betrayal, deceit, cunning behaviours and forbidden love. Slow-burn lovers will thoroughly enjoy this one!

"We do not pray to demand. We pray for hope."

4.5 stars.

We're following Mal Blackburn, the fourth born of the Kingdom of Darkness, who is in an arranged marriage with Ash Acheron, the Heir Prince of the Kingdom of Fire. But Mal intends to kill her husband in order to break a curse and save her people.

It was giving the Bridge Kingdom but much more fantasy heavy?
This was reaaaaaallly good. It read like an adult romantasy (and I'm not saying that because of the smut scenes they were actually pretty tame and non-explicit), it's a Multi-POV 3rd person book which I ADORE. I loved changing the POV and also loved getting excerpt of a diary every chapter.

The world-building was just the right amount of complicated, the story took a little long to start but it was very nice to see everything entangled in the end. I would have enjoyed a little bit more introduction to the different kingdoms maybe?
Not only did I like Mal's character but I loved getting her brothers' POV too, both Kai and Kage are very different, and it added a lot to the story.
The only character I felt was a little bit bland, especially in the beginning, was Ash?

Can I admit I found the romance between Kai and Alina so much better than Mal and Ash's? Is it bad? they're supposed to be side characters but damn their relationship was deep, it had meaning, I LOOOVED their banter, they were intense. I was not expecting to read several romance stories and I was pleasantly surprised :)

This book is filled with court intrigue, strategies, magical creatures and unknown dark magic.
Tropes:
- arranged marriage
- forbidden love
- enemies-to-lovers
- ancient curses
- who did this to you
- trainer/trainee
- animal companions
- complicated family dynamics
- dragons & wyverns
- fae & witches

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, it's one of my top fantasy reads this year. I am very eager to read the next book!!

"Two children were born to stop the curse; a cursed child and a chosen one. The chosen child must kill the cursed one in order to save the kingdoms."

A Kingdom of Shadow & Ash by J.F. Johns
Pub Date: May 31, 2025

🌹 Prophecy/Chosen One
🌹 Dark Magic
🌹 Forbidden Love
🌹 Political Intrigue
and more!

Thoughts:

This was a phenomenal read. Great introduction to this magical world. Loved how Immersive the world building was. The mystical creatures; Dragons, wyverns, witches, fae, etc. I guarantee there is something in this book for everyone. Such an amazing cast of characters, where even the side ones stand out! Loved our FMC, Mal. Very Manon coded which I loved! Our MMC pulled on my heart strings multiple times. Both strong and balance each other out perfectly. The banter was bantering. The romance and those "touch her and 💀" moments had me giddy and kicking my feet on multiple occasions. There were so many plot twists! The last 20% of the book had me gasping for air. I'm still shooketh to my core. I need book two, like I need air to breathe. 10/10 would recommend. 🖤

A huge thank you to @jfjohnsbooks and Netgalley for the eArc, for an honest review. 🌹

At first I wasn’t so sure this would be much different from many romantasy books with similar themes; different kingdoms that represent elemental magic, some witches and magic creatures, rival kingdoms/ enemies to lovers… but then I started reading more and the writing is BEAUTIFUL and the story is alive. The descriptions and interesting takes on fantasy themes makes me want to draw all the characters and bring their unique characteristics to life. This book is so good, as I started getting more into it I could not stop reading.

We mainly focus around our main character, Mal, being forced into marriage to connect 2 rival houses out of 8 (7 remaining) kingdoms that have been rivals for 100 years. Most of the story takes place in the kingdom of her soon-to-be husband where members from other rival houses also gather. Although each house dislikes each other, all houses have one common enemy: the witches with purple gleaming eyes and green sparking magic, said to be extinct. The chaos that ensues is pure, devastating art. There are some side character love interests/yearning, unique magic systems, magical creatures, battle, female empowerment, and a jaw dropping ending that had me immediately wanting more.
Perfect for fans of SJM, Fourth Wing, and Game of Thrones.
I’d say this is a 1 on the spice scale and an easy 5 stars for me.

I am obsessed!!! This world is everything. Multiple character povs, emotional trauma, an incredible FMC. The story itself was so unique,

Mal is a wyverian and she’s to marry the fire prince. But the prophecy states she must kill him to save their world. What follows is a journey of uncovering truths of kingdoms, falling in love, and losing the people that matter most. The last three chapters had me gasping OUT LOUD!! I love Kai, Mal’s brother. I love the fire prince and his unique character traits. I love how vicious Mal is. I cannot wait for book 2!!! Attached is my review.

thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and J.F.Johns for this ARC!

I saw the cover and I said “I really hope I get this arc” and then I DID. 10/10 no notes. I ate this book up!

The world building was rich and detailed. The characters and story kept me intrigued and astonished. The slow burn was so well done, and I especially loved that Mal was such a well written FMC!

Will be buying a hard copy for my shelf - which is only something I do when I really loved a book! 5 stars, cannot wait for the next one!

This completely lived up to my expectations!
I saw the cover on NetGalley and I immediately requested it, and I’m not disappointed!
Badass FMC is where this book takes the biggest cake.
The world building is so detailed and full and rich, I was astonished.
There was so much to always keep me intrigued and entertained.
The ending really broke me tho..

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Love
Romantasy
Mythical Creatures

When I saw that lovers of Fourth Wing and Serpent & Dove would like this, I immediately requested it. I was excited to read this and I am so happy that I enjoyed it! Mal and the Prince were amazing, and the slow burn was just enough to keep us wanting more. I enjoyed the plot, the romance and all of the magic as well. The ending was insane and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I will definitely recommend!

4.5⭐️ I devoured this book! The ending has me unwell!

Witches, Wolverians, Drakonians, Valkyrie, Wyverians, Fae…

Wyverns, Wolves, Dragons, Shadow Bonds!

If you love side characters and found family this is for you! I loved how the author gave us different POVs, it connects you to the characters more, even though every time the story left Mal, the Wyverian Princess & the Fire Prince, I was begging for it to get back to them lol.

Forbidden love ✔️
Found family ✔️
Bonded animals ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Betrayal ✔️
Plot twists ✔️

High stakes, tension and angst. I love myself a good dark fantasy with enemies to lovers and this didn’t disappoint! The atmosphere and world building were phenomenal, and I loved getting so many mythical creatures in the story. I did have a little trouble with the 3rd person povs, as it’s not my fave, but I definitely don’t feel like it took away from the story itself.

I loved this book! I lived for the world building and learning about the different kingdoms. Mal is such a well written FMC, and I love Ash and his stutter. As someone who went to school for Speech Therapy, I think it was written SO well and gave insight into how people with stutters can feel. The jumping perspectives threw me off at first, but then I couldn’t wait to read whose POV I was getting next. This book is a great start to a series that I will be itching to read as the books release.

The book cover is what drew me in and the book did not disappoint. The ending had my eyes bulging out of my head because I didn’t see THAT one coming.

I enjoyed the multiple povs so we could see what each character was up to/thinking/feeling.

Over all a really good read that had my attention the whole time. Can’t wait for the next one to see where this story goes next!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash
J.F Johns
Pub May 31 2025

Very enjoyable enemies to lover, slow burn, world building, overall enjoyable fantasy book. A tale with Wyverns, dark magic, and a plot thicker than quicksand.

The mc is well rounded and the story builds and unfolds as you venture through the pages.

A fantastic read for fantasy lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Independent(Indie) for giving me the opportunity to read A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash by J.F.Johns in exchange for my honest review.

I’m obsessed! Let’s just start there.

If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession with a touch of darkness, delicious magic, and dripping with tension, A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is it. J.F. Johns has crafted an epic tale that ticks every box for lovers of sharp-witted romance, brutal political games, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters.

The premise is already enough to hook you: after a century of silence between the eight kingdoms, following the destruction of the witches' land, Mal Blackburn sets out to end the curse and the feuds by marrying the cruel Fire Prince. But Mal’s not here to fall in love. She’s here to end him. What follows is a whirlwind of betrayal, forbidden magic, and power plays that had me clinging to every chapter.

Mal is everything I want in a heroine—calculated, dangerous, fiercely independent, and unapologetically powerful. She’s got secrets, ambition, and an edge sharp enough to cut through the lies that blanket this cursed world. Watching her maneuver through the political chaos while keeping her cards close was thrilling.

The world Johns created is bursting with energy and danger: wyverns, dragons, giant wolves, ancient blood curses, and kingdoms at the edge of war. The magic system is unique, mysterious, and woven seamlessly into the character arcs and court politics. I especially loved the cursed lore scattered through journal-style entries from Tabitha Wysteria, the witch whose vengeance still shadows the realms. Those entries added a haunting, fairytale texture that elevated the entire book.

Let’s talk romance.

While Mal and the Fire Prince's tension-filled dynamic simmers, it was Kai and Alina who absolutely owned my heart. Their chemistry was addictive, intense, tender, and emotionally raw. Kai, the brooding Shadow Prince, sees Alina, the Fire Princess, not as the puppet princess she was raised to be, but as someone fierce, someone free. Their journey was laced with defiance, desire, and heartbreak. Honestly? I need more of them. Immediately.

Every side character felt like a story waiting to be told. From Vera’s wicked games to Wren’s chaotic ADHD brilliance, from Kage’s quiet intensity to Haven’s tragic beauty—each one left a mark. It’s rare to find such depth and diversity across the cast, but Johns delivered.

The end felt slightly rushed, but the emotional punches still landed. And that ending? Gutted me. No spoilers—but you will not be okay.

The vibrant details about each kingdom’s culture, magic, and customs made each land feel distinct. Even with minimal exposition, the storytelling still painted vivid scenes and gripping conflicts.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a magnetic, high-stakes fantasy with bite. Come for the dragons and curses, stay for the devastating secrets, snarky romances, and a cast of characters who refuse to be forgotten.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
If Maleficent, Throne of Glass, and Game of Thrones had a wickedly magical lovechild, this would be it. You won’t want to miss this ride—just be prepared to scream into the void, waiting for book two.

This is just sad. I started the book and it was going good but then I checked the authors Instagram and there was nothing related to the cover designer, it clearly feels like AI generated and I am not supporting anything AI because of which I have to dnf the book. I am so sorry, I really wanted to read it.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read early!

I have very mixed feelings about this read. The original cover (albeit with a note that it was not the final version) had many hallmarks of being produced by AI, which admittedly put me off.

The story itself had a good premise, and promised many of the things I love all in one - romantasy, enemies to lovers, wyverns, magic, etc. Unfortunately, the further I got into the book the more POVs there were and the pace began to drag. Many of the things I'd hoped to see fell completely flat, including the chemistry between the main characters.

Also, this doesn't feel like Fantasy Romance but rather Romantic Fantasy. The marketing may be doing a disservice to the story by targeting the wrong readership.

Eight kingdoms were divided after a war almost 100 years ago, cursed by a witch in mourning.
Now Mal, a girl born with "witches eyes", is believed to be the chosen one. The one destined to lift the curse and save the kingdoms. But ending the curse might not be as easy as she believed.

I absolutely loved A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash. J.F. Johns has written a strong, independent FMC that many can either relate to or look up to. I really enjoyed how there were multiple points of view from many different characters. It really showed that one person alone cannot end a curse, it takes many moving pieces. The character development was strong and I found myself worried for everyone at some point while reading.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a story where the woman doesn't need saving, a brooding love interest, and dragons, wyverns and wolves. (oh my!)

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
***
"Mal Blackburn will end the feud between the kingdoms by marrying the fire prince, known across the lands for being cruel. But Mal is not looking to conquer the cruel prince’s heart. She wants to stab it."
***
Mal is an anomaly. She wasn't supposed to exist...or was she? This book follows Mal's quest to find her purpose, even if that means killing the man she's falling in love with. I did really enjoy the prose and descriptive writing of Johns!
However, I found the chemistry between the main characters lacking and I was more intrigued with the side characters story lines. I also found the plot pacing a tad on the slower side.
***
Tropes:
-Forced marriage
-Forced proximity
-Curse/star crossed love
-Disability rep
-"touch her & die"

review posted to goodreads & tiktok

3 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me this ARC!!

I enjoyed this book for the first 50%. I was very interested in our MFC, Mal. And her MMC, Ash. I liked the enemies to lovers trope. I wanted to connect with them more through more POVs from them. I didn’t enjoy that there were SO many POV’s. I really only wanted to read Mal and Ash’s. I completely skimmed through Wren (I cannot deal with how her speech is written I’m sorry) and Kage’s.
That being said, the world and magic interested me. I think after 50%, everything was starting to get very fast paced, with a lot of information being thrown around from all the different POV’s. I did enjoy the plot twists and the ending. I would read the next book!

Thank you NetGalley & J.F Johns for providing me this eARC!
3 stars ✨ I was captured from the prologue! Was really intrigued with this world, magic system, and creatures. Although there are elements and tropes that we already know and love, this still felt fresh.

There was something about the transitions that didn’t flow right with me, which did take me out of the story for a bit. The pacing would be on point and then we would either slow down or speed things up.

I wish we could’ve developed the relationship with Mal & Ash a little more. The slow burn was SLOW BURNINGGGG but then we hit this plot point and it just did a 180 😭 and all of a sudden they’re in love!? I can def see why the relationship needed to be progressed but just wanted more angst & build up.


Overall this was fun! I will definitely pick up book 2 hehe 🙂‍↕️