literary gluttony

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Some books start like a promise whispered in the dark—sharp, intoxicating, full of danger. Born of Blood and Ash had all the ingredients for a feast: a forbidden romance, a kingdom steeped in secrets, and a heroine caught between duty and desire. But instead of devouring it in one sitting, I found myself nibbling, waiting for that first satisfying bite that never quite came.

Jennifer L. Armentrout has built a world drenched in tension and myth. You can feel the pulse of danger under every page—the weight of destiny pressing on Poppy’s shoulders, the spark of rebellion flickering behind her carefully chosen words. The lore is intricate, the atmosphere immersive, and the chemistry between Poppy and her mysterious protector practically hums.

And yet… it drags. The pacing stumbles where it should sprint, lingering too long in explanation and introspection. It’s like being served a beautifully plated dish that takes too long to arrive—you admire the effort, but your appetite starts to fade before the first taste. When the story does finally ignite, it’s spectacular. Those bursts of passion and revelation remind you exactly why Armentrout’s fanbase is so devoted. I just wish the fire had caught sooner—and burned longer.

Still, I can’t deny there’s a dark allure in its pages. The tension. The heartbreak. The slow unraveling of truth. It’s the kind of book that might frustrate you one minute and make you whisper just one more chapter the next.

🍽️ Devour or Nibble?

Nibble. There’s plenty of flavor in Armentrout’s world—rich, moody, and deliciously complicated—but it’s a slow chew. Bring patience, a cup of something strong, and a willingness to wade through the slower stretches to reach the spice beneath.