Absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The mix of warring kingdoms, dragons, arranged marriage and enemies to lovers completely hooked me. The pacing was great, the story never dragged, and I found myself flying through the pages.

I loved seeing the story from different perspectives. Each character felt layered and real, with secrets that kept me second guessing their motives. Mal was a standout for me, but honestly I was invested in all of them.

The world was rich and full of detail. I’m hoping we get to explore even more of the kingdoms in the next book. The ending caught me completely off guard and now I need book two immediately.

If you enjoy romantasy with strong characters, political tension and just the right amount of chaos, this is for you!

I absolutely loved this book! A spectacular dark romantacy that was incredibly done. I would love to see this as a series! I will be looking for more books by this author!

I think this a dark romantasy that needs to be on your radar. A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash was incredibly immersive teeming with a shadowy decaying world, untrustworthy chatacters and a deliciously dark romantic plot between a princess with forbidden magic and a mean-spirited, ruthless fire prince.

The world-building is rich and heavily expansive and the magic system was layered and well-developed. The multi-pov was easy to follow and each character had a very distinctive tone of voice which made it quite refreshing to move from person to person, seeing the same events but from completely different viewpoints and thought processes.

My only issue with this is that the pacing ebbs and flows and I wish some of the political moments were sightly faster paced.

The romance was delicious and so incredibly satisfying and I absolutely loved the themes of sacrifice, betrayal and the fact that Mal and Ash arent quite the enemies they thought they were too each other.

Format: 📱kindle/e-reader
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote I can’t stop thinking about: “Run. Do not trip. Do not fall”

What to expect:
🧙‍♀️🐉Witches, Fae, Wyverns & Dragons
🖤Dark fantasy & curses
🫦Forced proximity
🎇Feminine rage
👀Multiple POVs
💍Arranged Marriage
🖤Gothic world

In a world torn apart from broken oaths between the Drakonians (dragons/ Kingdom Of Fire House Of Flames), the Wyverians (wyverns/ Kingdom Of Darkness /House Of Shadow) and the Witches (House Of Magic). We follow Mal, the Wyverian princess cursed with witches eyes, sent to marry the Dragon prince in hopes of repairing alliances between their houses after their ancestors caused the 7 Kingdoms to split (Wyvern Prince fell in love and married a Witch, he was suppose to marry the Dragon princess).

We explore multiple POVs, diverse characters, romance (sub plot), curses, plot twists and feminine rage as a main theme throughout this book.

I do feel it’s a grower, but that is kind of expected with new fantasy series. There was world building and backstories so I feel like it picked up from about 60% onwards but after that I COULDNT put it down!

I connected with the characters and there were parts that had me crying and grieving along with them. Had me looking into the invisible camera when plot twists happened 😂😂

Can’t wait to read A Kingdom Of Sand and Ice.

If ever there was a book that deserved character art, it is this one. Wow! There are so many great species for each kingdom (wyverians, phoenixians, drakonians, fae, and wolverians), with each kingdom having physical attributes that match. The world itself brought me in. The story was sometimes predictive, but the end had quite a plot twist and cliffhanger. I need one of the book boxes to make a special edition with lots of character art! Can’t wait for book 2!

I was lucky enough to come across this book on NetGalley, and I am so glad I read it! I could not put it down and then immediately went online to make sure there was going to be a second book. I felt like the writing style was done so well. I loved that the transition between different characters was not confusing at all and kept you hooked to find out what happened to each one of them. I definitely look forward to reading the second book as well as other books by this author.

J.F. Johns’ A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a dark fantasy novel that offers readers a world filled with political intrigue, forbidden magic, and morally gray characters. Set in a kingdom at the brink of collapse, the story follows a group of individuals caught in the shadows of war, betrayal, and dark powers. It’s a journey that dives into themes of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the pursuit of power. But, as the title suggests, there’s also a heavy emphasis on the decay of both the world and its people.
The novel begins in the kingdom of Ilmaris, which is crumbling under the weight of its past sins and a looming magical darkness that threatens to consume everything. The protagonist, Kaelen, is a former prince who finds himself exiled and disillusioned. He is drawn back into the political and magical chaos of the kingdom when he discovers that his past holds the key to saving—or destroying—it.

Kaelen is forced to confront not just external enemies but also the mysterious powers within him, which tie into the kingdom’s ancient history and the curse that now plagues it. Along the way, Kaelen is joined by a cast of complex characters—some loyal, some treacherous—as they navigate a world full of shifting alliances and dark secrets.

The plot is rich with twists and turns, as the characters grapple with internal and external conflicts. It's a tale of power struggles, revenge, and, ultimately, the search for redemption or damnation.

World-Building
One of the strongest aspects of A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is its immersive world-building. Johns does an excellent job of creating a world that feels both ancient and decaying, a place where magic is dangerous, and the remnants of once-great civilizations are hidden under layers of ash and ruin. The kingdom of Ilmaris is vivid and detailed, with its politics, cultures, and history all contributing to the weight of the narrative.

The use of shadowy forces and forbidden magic plays a central role in the world-building. The presence of these forces is felt throughout the novel, with a constant sense of impending doom hanging over the kingdom. The mysteries of the ancient powers and their connection to Kaelen’s past add a level of intrigue that keeps the reader invested.


Kaelen is a complex protagonist, defined by his internal struggles and sense of lost purpose. He’s a reluctant hero, torn between his duty to his kingdom and his own quest for redemption. His personal journey is both emotional and physical, as he tries to unravel the mystery of the shadow that threatens his world.

The secondary characters in the novel are also well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets. Some are allies, others are enemies, but none are straightforward in their intentions. There’s a deep moral ambiguity that runs through the entire cast, making it difficult to know who can be trusted. This makes for an engaging, unpredictable narrative where alliances can shift in the blink of an eye.

Elara, a powerful sorceress with her own hidden agenda, and Lucian, a former soldier with a dark past, stand out as key players in the story. Each character is layered and provides unique perspectives on the events unfolding in Ilmaris. They all struggle with their own pasts, and their development adds depth to the plot.

The book’s primary themes are identity, betrayal, and power. Kaelen’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about uncovering the dark forces at play. The novel explores how power—both magical and political—corrupts, and how betrayal often comes from the most unexpected places.

The theme of sacrifice is also central to the narrative. As the story progresses, characters are faced with difficult choices that test their loyalties and morals. The price of survival in this world is high, and the consequences of decisions are often irreversible.

Another prominent theme is legacy. The novel delves into the idea of what we inherit—both in terms of power and past mistakes—and how it shapes our future. Kaelen’s struggle with his lineage, his sense of guilt over his past actions, and the weight of his kingdom’s history are central to the emotional core of the story. is atmospheric and vivid, often delving into dark, brooding descriptions that set the tone for the novel’s grim setting. The prose can be heavy at times, particularly in the sections that deal with the intricate political and magical systems. While some readers may find the world-building and character development slow, these moments are essential for laying the foundation of the story and creating a rich, immersive experience.

The pacing of the book can feel uneven at times. Early on, there’s a slow buildup as the reader is introduced to the kingdom’s history and the central conflict. However, once the story picks up, it moves quickly with plenty of action, twists, and tense moments. The emotional stakes rise, and the pace mirrors the urgency of the characters’ quest.

While A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a strong dark fantasy, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing at times can be sluggish, particularly during the setup phases of the plot. The political intrigue, while fascinating, can be a bit overwhelming for readers who prefer more straightforward narratives.

Some readers might also find the characters’ moral ambiguity frustrating at times. The constant shifting of alliances and the ambiguous motivations of key figures can make it difficult to fully invest in anyone. While this is likely intentional to reflect the themes of betrayal and distrust, it could leave some readers wanting clearer character arcs.

“A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash” is a dark, immersive fantasy that excels in world-building, character depth, and exploring morally complex themes. J.F. Johns delivers a world full of shadowy intrigue, ancient powers, and characters forced to confront the darkest parts of themselves. It’s not a light read, but for fans of epic and grimdark fantasy, this book provides a rich and compelling experience.

If you enjoy complex, character-driven fantasy where the lines between good and evil blur, A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash will likely appeal to you. It’s a novel that requires patience and attention to detail, but the payoff is well worth it.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded to 5

If you love slow-burn romantasy with a mix of myth, mystery, and political intrigue, this book might just be for you.

I thoroughly admired the FMC of this book. She’s strong, but more than that, she’s smart. She doesn’t jump headfirst into chaos; she moves with thought, restraint, and strategy. The MMC is not the so-typical MMC you will read about. And I really like this dynamic here in this book.

It is also not your usual fiery enemies-to-lovers. It’s subtle, so subtle, in fact, it flirts with your emotions. Think lingering glances, misunderstood intentions, and the kind of slow-burn that teases you until you’re begging for more. It was sooo good in the most agonizing and delicious way. 💘

The worldbuilding? Rich, immersive, and honestly, A LOT. There are eight kingdoms, wyverns, witches, phoenixians, drakonians, warlocks, fae, and more. It can be confusing at first. It took me a while to get into it because the pacing is slow and the details can feel overwhelming, especially with the massive cast of characters. But once I locked into the rhythm, everything started clicking.... and it became so worth it.

There are some wild reveals in this book. Let’s just say.... prophecies are involved. Secrets unravel. And what you thought you knew about certain characters (ahem, Mal, Ash, Tabitha, Queen Cyra, Hagan....) might not be the whole truth after all.

I literally felt everything. I was confused. I gasped. I swooned. I even found myself shipping multiple side couples..... yes, plural! This book doesn’t shy away from pairing characters in juicy, angsty ways that keep you wanting for more. The tension was chef’s kiss!

It’s the kind of story that requires patience and time. But if you give it your attention, it rewards you with twists, romance, and rich, complex lore. I’m absolutely intrigued to see where this series goes next.... 😉

4.75/5

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book.

AAAAaaaa!! This was so good!

I must say, I did not enjoy the Fourth Wing, nor did I love the Bridge Kingdom past the 60% mark, but this was perfection. And I only mention these books because they are mentioned as "for fans of". So just a heads-up, if you did not enjoy those, you still might love this.

I did enjoy everything, the world building, the characters, their relationships, the intrigue... That's a lie, I hated Alina with all my heart and I find it hard to warm up to her. Though I am very interested to see where her story goes. Apart from her, I found all characters interesting and diverse, and well fleshed out.

I am often good at predicting things, but many aspects of this book managed to surprise me. This could easily become one of my favourite series.

I did have to give myself a few days break around 80-85%, because I knew everything bad would happen all at once and I did not want the world to burn just yet. The ending left me hungry for more and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR CONTENDER!

This is High Fantasy mixed with high romance. The writing is absolutely beautiful and rich, the world building and character development is also rich. If you've been wanting MORE from your romantasies, this is it.

Mal Blackburn has to break a curse by marrying the prince of an enemy kingdom and then OFFING HIM. Only to do that would ignite another great war against all the kingdoms, and if she doesn't, EVERYONE CEASES TO EXIST. Talk about a rock and a hard place. There are no humans in this story. Our main character is very Maleficent. You also have a stuttering hero who is a secret softy. Muli-POV and many intersecting storylines. I'm a solid romantasy girl and this is the most high fantasy book i've read in a while. It reminds of gigantic worlds like lord of the rings and game of thrones. This is the first in a series so be prepared for that ending!

medium sizzle in the spice department.
slow burn/build.
EPIC IN EVERY WAY.

This was more high fantasy than I was expecting with lots of world building and background lore. I found I was completely entranced in the first half of the book but at about the 45% mark, the pacing started to feel uneven and left me struggling to stay engaged. This was ok for me.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this wonderful book!
I rated this 4.5 stars. I loved this book so much! All of the different POVs added to the story. I wasn't into Alina at first but when we got to learn more about her past relationship ls and when goes off with Kai, I was dying for the next chapter with the two of them together!
I found the political situations/relationships and kingdoms to be very intriguing and well thought through which coloured the atmosphere of the story.

I wasnt expecting the twists at the end at all. I flew through the end of the book and I was absolutely speechless.... I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

I usually find it a bit harder to connect with third person pov in some cases. In this particular book, I am grateful for the use of it since I really loved the use of so many povs that made me know the characters and how their stories intertwine.

It’s hard to pick a single pov to declare as my favorite since I found the world so intricate. But I really loved Mal and how strong she was. I loved the enemies to lovers vibes, dragons, magic and oh so much political intrigue and schemes.

Thank You so much for allowing me to read your book!

The world descriptions and plot as a whole was brilliant, I could picture exactly where Mal was.
A badass FMC will always be my favourite, Mal is sassy and fearless and will not bow down to any man, but you can tell she has a truly good heart.

I was definitely ready for the twist with a certain character but also very surprised by another certain characters development towards the end! You did a beautiful job at keeping me hooked throughout the whole book.


I can't wait for the next one, cliffhangers stress me out in a good way. This one did not disappoint.

Loved this - solid 4 star read. The pacing is what kept it from being 5 stars for me but I will definitely be reading the sequels.

I LOVED A Kingdom of Ash and Shadow!!
I loved the different kingdoms and their associations.
I loved the characters (even the side characters are well developed)!
I loved the development of the various relationships.
The world building is wonderful! It’s paced out well and gives you the information as needed and isn’t overwhelming in any way.
The writers style of writing is phenomenal. Everything and everyone is so well described that it feels like you’re there. They have such a way with words that story flows effortlessly..
I adore the relationship between the Wyverian siblings! Reading about their interactions was, honestly, one of my favourite parts of the book.
There is so much about this book that I enjoyed and I really, REALLY, cannot wait for book 2 because that ending has left me in a chokehold!

I did not vibe with this writing style at all. I really wanted to love this and im so sad it wasn't for me! The cover is so cool.

I am giving this story a 2 star, even though I chose not to finish the book. I stopped around 43%.
The story starts off with a great hook and throws you immediately into a mystery to solve and revenge to enact.

We understand very quickly that there is an arranged political marriage to be held between 2 rival kingdoms in order to maintain peace. We see this event from different characters on both sides of the political divide. I found it difficult to relate to any character - the character development felt shallow and interactions were almost too quick for relationships to build.

The writing is solid, but I found the descriptions so over the top and filled with unnecessary metaphors that I often lost track of the story itself. For those who like very detailed and lyrical descriptions of every environment and action, this may be perfect for you.

Overall, at 43%, I felt like nothing had happened. People were dancing around each other with no over-arching goal or plotline established. I'm usually a big fan of romantasies, arranged marriages, enemies-to-lovers, and especially mysteries steeped in the story's cultural lore, but the pacing in this book was too inconsistent. I may go back and skim parts to see what happens.

I am not well. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. I went in blind and it was the best thing. It was a bit slow at moments but I loved the story so much.
I liked the writing style. Don’t let me start on the plot of the book. It was so good there’s just something about it that did it for me. And the pain the characters went through is just.😭😭
The plot, the curse, the world, the twist- I just loved it so much😭 what am I supposed to do till I get my hand on the next book 😟😟

Absolutely incredible! This book was so much better than I expected. The world-building, the characters, the twists… everything kept me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m desperately waiting for the second part. A must read for any fantasy lover!