I really enjoyed this! This was my first fantasy arc as I’m normally just a romance girly but I’ve been enjoying fantasy lately and this book didn’t disappoint!! The world building was perfect for me and I was able to follow along well! I loved the main characters! Mal was everything!!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Thank you

Beautifully written adult romantasy, with the highlight being our dear prince, battling issues and demons pretty much unseen in the romantasy genre nowadays. This story has familiar fantasy elements of romantic tropes, curses, arranged marriages, and dragons, but also some newer and interesting elements.
There is a simplicity to the story (as I would say it’s not as complex or convoluted as other high fantasy books), but it’s quite digestible and genuinely fun to read each chapter. The pacing slows down in the middle of the book, but I found the ending and twists and turns to be interesting. I focused more on the major plot line of the story, and didn’t feel as invested in our side characters and their drama.
Again, I highly appreciate our MMC and his type of representation, for him to veer away from the alpha male trope into someone who is vulnerable, misunderstood, but whole. I appreciate a good slow burn, though this was a bit too slow and then all-at-once for my taste. As for the rest of the story, I thought that the different kingdoms and their culture felt a bit superficial for me, with questionable representations of people groups (e.g., the “desert folk”). However, I enjoyed the various POVs of each chapter to slowly unravel our story. The ending is very intriguing, and makes for an interesting anticipation for book two.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC; posted on my Goodreads account

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Found family
Arranged marriage


The book is set to 3rd POV with some first person. I definitely was not a fan of this. Make it 3rd person completely through or vice versa with first person. The back and forth was not it for me.

I loved the world building and tension in the book. That saved it from being a DNF for me.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

“She didn’t want to conquer his heart… she wanted to stab it.”
That line alone hooked me, and this book kept me captivated from start to finish. 💥

The premise?
Mal Blackburn, the fourthborn daughter of the Kingdom of Darkness, is set to marry the cruel Fire Prince. But her real goal isn’t love—it’s revenge. She plans to kill him and break a curse no one believes in. But secrets, witches, and dragons make it much more complicated… 🐉🔥

⸻

What I loved:
• The worldbuilding – rich, immersive, and full of history. 🌍✨
• Mal – complex, morally gray, and driven by more than just revenge. 💔
• The tension – enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, and hidden powers. 😏
• The atmosphere & magic – dark, mystical, and full of secrets. 🔮

⸻

What didn’t quite work for me:
• Shifting POVs mid-chapter – took a while to get used to. 🔄
• Pacing issues – a few overly descriptive moments that slowed down the plot. ⏳
• Romantic payoff – some moments felt a bit rushed. 💨

⸻

Final Thoughts:
This book is dark, magical, and full of secrets. Mal’s journey of vengeance, power, and legacy was captivating, and I can’t wait for the next book! 🙌

Big thanks to NetGalley & J.F. Johns for the ARC!

I was honored to receive an ARC for this one. To be honest, the cover hooked me. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but I couldn't help myself.
This story was so complex. The magic systems and the world building were perfect. I felt connected to every single character that graced the pages.
This is more high fantasy, in my opinion. The 3rd person POV was great for getting the perspective of all these different characters from all the different lands.
I look forward to reading more from this author.

DNF at 27%. There’s so many words but nothing to keep me entertained. The world building was kiiind of there, but also wasn’t? Everything was over explained to the point of not being explained at all. Hopefully this makes sense😅 Lots of POVs, but it’s not always clear whose we’re in. I really had high hopes for this one.

The cover is gorgeous, so points for that. I love the strong FMC and the horns, but that’s about it.

I really liked this, I will admit it was a little tricky for me to get into but thats with all fantasy books I feel like. I really like our FMC and her story throughout the book. The wyverns are a great element, there is some good political plot. It is 3rd person view, and I did love the enemies to lovers romance. The cliffhanger got me.
So overall, and solid 4⭐️

This is a really unique concept and storyline that kept me hooked, which is why I would say it’s four stars, but I’m being generous. The title of the book however is not unique, I can think of books by two of the biggest names in the romantasy genre that are identical or similarly named, so I feel like the author is really missing out on setting themselves apart. Character name crossover happens too with some pretty famous romantasy characters.
I did love the characters in this book and their development, however, unfortunately the only down side is the dialect for Wren and the way it was written just constantly made me think of JarJar Binks from Star Wars, at least that’s what it sounded like in my head.
I did find pacing frustrating at points, long dragged out almost pointless dialogue and scenes (I got a bit fed up constantly reading about the drakonian dresses… which all never really had an end point so felt like filler) and heavy repetition at points. Also lots of things overly described to the point it became tiresome and an effort to read an entire paragraph about something that could be described effectively and eloquently in a sentence.
In contrast, when something exciting and interesting would happen it often felt like it was rushed and I was bombarded with information. At times it felt like a constant battle of fast and slow, rather than solid pacing and reveals. For every predictable plot twist there was one that surprised me, which is what I think kept me engaged until the end. The spice could do with development, lots of build up and then glazed over or rushed through.
The world building was excellent, magic system was cool and I’m all for both.
I would definitely read book 2 when it comes out, but I hope it has a more steady pace.

4.25 stars
1 chili pepper

Okay, this took me by surprise! After I started reading it, I realized it was part of the Eternal Darkness universe, which I had not read before. The world-building was strong enough in this that I do not think you need to read anything else from the universe before reading this to understand the world (but I do want to read them now, after enjoying this book so much). The world, kingdoms, and histories of this book are so interesting. I was instantly sucked in and wanted to keep reading to find out more about the world and what was going to happen in the story!

This story is multi-POV and the POV sometimes changes mid-chapter, which can be confusing at first until you get used to it. And let me tell you, you will end up loving every POV! Thinking about where the story starts and then how it ends… wow so much happens and so much character growth for some of our characters!

Tropes (can be spoilerish to some):
- Arranged marriage
- Forbidden Love
- Enemy kingdoms
- Prophecies

Thank you NetGalley and J.F. Johns for providing this eARC.

While this work was creative and unique in its world building and point of view, it was not for me. I was taken out of the story by the idiosyncratic mentions of things like characters eating rotten food with no explanation. While the reader was dropped straight into the action at the beginning I think this book could have benefitted from more exposition at the beginning. This book may just be for someone who doesn’t sweat the little details and is able to appreciate the larger story without needing everything explained. I wish this author all the best but this one is just not for me.

⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : J.F. Johns
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 1 of The Kingdom of Gods Series

This book is a slow-burn romance that is tense, full of angst and longing. Its enemies to lovers & forced marriage.

This book is about a Princess called Mal. She is from the Kingdom of Darkness and is forced into an Arranged marriage with the Prince from the Kingdom of Fire. The reason for the marriage is to bring peace upon the lands and unite everyone against the Witches. But a prophecy has been told that says one must kill the other to break the withes curse.

Mal is a nice character! i really like how she was strong and determined in what she wanted to accomplish.

I did really struggle with the 3rd person aspect of the book, and how the POVs jumped. It took a while to wrap my head around it all.

Omg this book ...... Sorry I just this second finished and I'm still in my feels.......4.5 big fat stars mal is a bad a** and ash omg he is such a sweetheart . I don't usually like multiple povs but I loved all the characters so much that I loved the povs the only 1 critique I have is that I would have liked to have known who's pov I was reading at the beginning of their pov because it got a lil confusing at the beggining of each change of pov but that's the only thing Id change the creatures, the world building the love the action mwha chefs kiss I need this in physical copy and I'm itching for book 2 like rn

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review this ARC.

Firstly, a word of warning. If you do not enjoy third person POV, then this one will be difficult for you. There is a lot of jumping around from the 2 main characters to the secondary couple and it can be quite distracting from the main story if you find it difficult to follow 3POV.
However, if this doesn't bother you and you have a brain that can follow multiple storylines at once and still connect with the characters (giving Kingdom of Ash vibes), then carry on!

I am IN LOVE with the tropes of this book and they were carried out brilliantly!
Enemies to Lovers - Forced Proximity - Arranged Marriage - Betrayal - Court Intrigue - Found Family and Sibling Bonds - Magic and Dragons
The story and overall plot was a hit for me and I found myself fully invested in the story, as well as falling in love with the secondary characters so much that I think I might die waiting for the next book so I can see how their story unfolds.

What I was missing in this book was detail. There are some minor gaps in the story that I feel could have been easily filled by some further world building and character development. I also would have loved more detail on the spice. While this book is listed as NA, as someone who reads 99% romance, I would class this as a YA read with closed door romance. While the sexy scenes are there, they are vague and underwhelming.

I am still giving this book 4 stars, because despite minor flaws, I really did enjoy the story and I am absolutely shook by the CLIFF HANGER ending. I am looking forward to seeing how the characters develop over the next novel in the series.

I was gifted this eArc by the Author via the NetGallery. Thank you!!

I absolutely loved this world of Dark Magic, Magical Creatures, Political Intrigue, and Forbidden Love. A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash takes place in a world with 8 Kingdoms that are extremely unique. When 7 of those kingdoms destroy the Witch Kingdom, no one is safe from their curse.

Mal Blackburn has accepted her fate of unifying the kingdoms via an arranged marriage to the cruel Fire Prince, Ash Archeon. Though she lets on that she is about making peace, Mal must fulfill a prophecy by killing her her husband.

This book has multiple slow-burn romances with spice, great family relationships, epic world building, crazy plot twists, and mysteries upon mysteries to solve. And the cliffhanger?!?!

You HAVE to read this book if just to know all the crazy reveals at the end!

I would 100% recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next one to come out!

This book grabs u from the 1st page and even if you don't like fantasy you'll love this!, it's so damn good! Never ending amazement!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash by J.F. Johns is a breathtaking fantasy that pulled me in from the very first page. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a dark, mysterious atmosphere that perfectly balances intrigue and emotion. The characters are complex and compelling—each with their own secrets, strengths, and vulnerabilities that make them feel incredibly real.

What truly sets this story apart is the depth of its plot. It weaves together themes of destiny, identity, and sacrifice in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal. The pacing kept me hooked, and the twists were genuinely surprising—I found myself holding my breath more than once.

J.F. Johns has crafted a powerful tale filled with magic, danger, and unexpected hope. It’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and strong heroines. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

Rating: 5⭐ (to be honest, if I could give it more I would. I LOVED it!

"A Kingdom of Shadow & Ash" is a thrilling fantasy novel that masterfully weaves together politics, magic, and deception. Set in a world where eight kingdoms have been at odds for centuries, the story follows Mal Blackburn, a determined and complex protagonist, as she navigates a treacherous web of alliances and rivalries.

The world-building is exceptional, with helpful kingdom information pages and a map that greatly enhance the reading experience. The plot is expertly crafted, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The characters are well-developed and memorable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

The pacing is fast-moving, and the author's writing style is engaging and immersive. The inclusion of magic, witches, and mythical creatures adds depth and richness to the world, making it a compelling read.

Overall, "A Kingdom of Shadow & Ash" is an amazing debut that sets the stage for an exciting series. With its engaging characters, intricate world-building, and unpredictable plot, it's a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Thank you to J. F. Johns, #Independent and #NetGalley for letting me have and ARC of this book. I have loved it!

#AKingdomofAsh&Shadows

I was immediately drawn into this book, and its world. I can feel Mal's sadness, and anxiety as she questions where she belongs. And it is explained why she feels she doesn't belong in a way that leaves you wondering why and wanting answers to this mystery. At the same time, we begin learning bits and pieces about the world. I like the way it's done. It isn't too much at once to the point where it's overwhelming, but it isn't so little that I'm struggling to follow along. I feel like the pace at which we get the information is perfect.

The world itself was really well done. I read so many fantasy books that they start to kind of bleed together a bit, but this one had different elements that made it stand out to me. It didn't feel like so many other fantasy stories out there.

I liked the way Mal's family was introduced, and it was refreshing to see that it felt like they accepted her and had never treated her differently, despite her backstory and differences. ""No, Mal." He shook his head. "I will not allow you to marry the Fire Prick just because some silly whispers of witches are keeping our father awake at night." " This interaction between Mal and her brother made me laugh a little, but also I felt their connection and I really loved seeing that sibling relationship.

I really liked the characters, especially Mal. I've read several books where I didn't like the main character, and it was so nice to read one where the main character stood out to me and I wanted to keep reading about her.

"If it mean saving her people, if it meant forging peace, if it meant protecting her kingdom - she would sacrifice herself to the flames.
Even if it meant she would never rise again."

The writing style itself is beautifully done. It is easy to read and follow, but it still feels elegant at the same time. I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait for the next one.

Firstly thank you to netgalley, the publishers and the Author for this arc.

I absolutely devoured this book! I was sucked into the world from the beginning. The story line was very well thought of, and I will definitely be continuing when the next one is out.

I loved how each chapter started off with a diary like entry, however I did get a little confused by the multiple povs. I think it would of be better with a title of who's pov it was at least.

I did notice in the approval email about it being part of the Eternal Darkness Universe so unlike some other reviews regarding world building and things not explained i understood that some things are explained in another series. (which I will definitely be checking out)

Overall a good 4 star from me!
I think a lot of people over on tiktok would love this!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash has EVERYTHING - dark magic, romance, political intrigue, prophecies, fantastical creatures, betrayal and more!

The story starts off following Mal Blackburn, fourth-born child of the Kingdom of Darkness, who is sent to marry the Fire Prince in order to forge an alliance between the kingdoms.

Starting a new series with a royal wedding was such a great way to gather all the characters together and get to know them and the different kingdoms.

The book is definitely a slow-burn in both plot and romance but I loved the build up, the attention to detail and the time that was taken to flesh out the story. The main characters are relatable and have their own insecurities and challenges.

I didn't feel like this was a true enemies-to-lovers as even though the two main characters were brought together out of duty to their kingdoms, they quickly learn that what they thought they new about one another was false and there was never any real animosity between them.

There are multiple third person viewpoints throughout the book which adds a lot of depth and each POV is skillfully woven into the story without detracting from any of the other perspectives and in such a way that is easy to follow.

Despite the slow build up, the last 20% of the book is action packed and will leave you wanting more - I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us in book 2!

Thank you J.F. Johns and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.