From Blood and Ash – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

From Blood and Ash

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2020

48%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Sexy, violent romantasy with a forbidden love story—basically if Throne of Glass went full spice. Adults only.

From Blood and Ash

book

2020

48%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Sexy, violent romantasy with a forbidden love story—basically if Throne of Glass went full spice. Adults only.

4.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if you're an adult who loves Sarah J. Maas and wants something spicier, this is your jam. Armentrout knows how to write addictive romantasy with strong chemistry and decent world-building. The 4.6 Amazon rating isn't lying—fans are obsessed.

But let's be crystal clear: this is NOT for teens, despite sometimes being marketed or shelved as YA. The sexual content is explicit, the violence is graphic, and the whole vibe is adult. If your 15-year-old is begging for it because their friends are reading it, you need to know it's essentially fantasy erotica with a plot.

For adults? Go for it. It's fun, escapist, sexy fantasy with a heroine who grows a spine and a romance that delivers. Just keep it on the grown-up shelf.

Age Fit

This is strictly adult content (18+) due to explicit sexual scenes and graphic violence. Despite some confusion in marketing/shelving, this is not YA. Mature 16-17 year olds might handle it, but parents should know exactly what's in here before handing it over.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a romantasy with explicit sexual content and graphic violence throughout. Multiple readers note 'graphic sexual content' and 'blood-soaked' themes. While the emotional arc between Poppy and Hawke has depth, the forbidden romance setup and explicit scenes make this decidedly not wholesome for younger audiences. The tone is mature, with themes of duty vs. desire, violence, and sensuality woven throughout.

Imaginative

Armentrout builds an intriguing fantasy world with gods, ascension rituals, fallen kingdoms, and a Maiden bound by strict rules. The premise of a sheltered girl forbidden from touch or pleasure who meets a mysterious guard creates compelling tension. The world-building includes unique elements like 'the Ascension' and cursed kingdoms rising. It's not groundbreaking fantasy, but it's engaging and well-constructed enough to keep readers hooked across a series.

Safe

Multiple sources explicitly warn about graphic sexual content and violence. Readers consistently recommend 18+ or at minimum 16+ for mature readers. The synopsis itself mentions 'blood-soaked' threads and violence. This is not safe for younger readers who might pick it up expecting standard YA fantasy. The explicit scenes and graphic violence are not unexpected given the genre marketing, but they're definitely present and intense.

Enriching

Beyond the steamy romance, there are themes about autonomy, duty vs. personal desire, questioning authority, and finding your own path. Poppy's journey from sheltered Maiden to someone who questions everything offers some growth narrative. The book explores consent and agency in interesting ways. That said, it's primarily entertainment-focused romantasy, not literary fiction. It's a fun, addictive read that keeps you turning pages, with some character development layered in.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Addictive page-turner with strong romantic tension and a compelling forbidden-love setup
Poppy is a likeable protagonist who questions authority and fights for autonomy
Solid fantasy world-building with gods, curses, and political intrigue
Explores themes of consent, duty vs. desire, and finding your own path
Huge fanbase and 4.6 Amazon rating—people genuinely love this series

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What to Watch For

Graphic sexual content—this is adult romantasy, not YA, despite sometimes being shelved that way
Significant violence and blood throughout (it's in the title for a reason)
First in a series, so expect cliffhangers and the need to continue
Can feel tropey if you've read a lot of romantasy—forbidden love, mysterious guard, chosen one vibes

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about Poppy's situation—would you choose duty or follow your own desires?"
"How do you feel about the way the book handles consent and autonomy?"
"Do you think Hawke's secrets are justified, or should he have been honest from the start?"
"What would you do if you were raised for one purpose but wanted something completely different?"

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