Get ready to dive into one of the most beloved fantasy romance universes of our time! Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood. The Ash series has captured hearts worldwide with its epic love story. And rich world-building, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re new to this magical world or trying to figure out the best reading order. This guide has everything you need.
The From Blood and Ash universe includes two connected series. The main From Blood and Ash series and the prequel Flesh and Fire series. With many books, interconnected storylines, and upcoming releases. It can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Don’t worry – we’ll break it all down for you in simple terms.
The Big Question: What is the Best Reading Order?
Recommended Publication Order (Best for Most Readers):
- From Blood and Ash (2020)
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (2020)
- A Shadow in the Ember (2021) – Flesh and Fire Book 1
- The Crown of Gilded Bones (2021)
- A Light in the Flame (2022) – Flesh and Fire Book 2
- The War of Two Queens (2022)
- A Fire in the Flesh (2023) – Flesh and Fire Book 3
- A Soul of Ash and Blood (2023)
- Visions of Flesh and Blood (2024) – Compendium
- The Primal of Blood and Bone (2025)
This order lets you experience the story as it was revealed to readers. You’ll catch all the Easter eggs and connections between the series. The prequel books enhance your understanding of the main series without spoiling major plot points.
From Blood and Ash Series Order & Release Dates
Here’s the complete From Blood and Ash series in order:
From Blood and Ash (2020)
What it’s about: Meet Poppy. She’s called “the Maiden,” and she’s super important for her kingdom. She has to hide her face and can’t have friends. But then she meets Hawke, a guard who makes her question everything. As danger gets closer, Poppy has to choose between her duty and her heart.
Key Takeaways:
• Introduction to Poppy and the world of the Atlantians
• The forbidden romance between Poppy and Hawke begins
• Major revelations about Poppy’s true nature
• World-building foundations are established
The concept of the “Maiden” and her role is explored
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (2020)
What it’s about: Poppy learns that almost everything she believed was a lie. She’s taken by people she thought were enemies and finds out amazing secrets about who she is and her powers. She also has to deal with her feelings for someone who tricked her while trying to stop a war.
Key Takeaways:
• Hawke’s true identity is revealed in a major plot twist
• Introduction to Atlantian culture and society
• Poppy’s powers begin to manifest more strongly
• The romance deepens despite new complications
• Setting shifts to explore new kingdoms and peoples
The Crown of Gilded Bones (2021)
What it’s about: Poppy’s powers are getting stronger, but so are her enemies. She has to get ready to take her rightful place, but a special crown wants something from her in return. With a big war coming, Poppy must use her powers and try to stay true to herself.
Key Takeaways:
• Poppy’s full heritage and powers are revealed
• Introduction of the Primal gods and their influence
• Major world-building expansion about ancient history
• Political intrigue and kingdom-building elements increase
• New allies and enemies are introduced
The War of Two Queens (2022)
What it’s about: The final war is here! Poppy has to lead her people in a fight that will decide everything. She has all her powers but faces very hard choices. She learns that being a queen means making tough decisions that can hurt.
Key Takeaways:
• Epic battle scenes and war strategy
• Poppy’s relationship with her powers evolves
• Major character developments and sacrifices
• The scope of the conflict expands dramatically
• Emotional climax of many character arcs
A Soul of Ash and Blood (2023)
What it’s about: This book shows you the first book, From Blood and Ash, but from someone else’s view! You’ll find out secrets you didn’t know and see things in a new way. It helps you understand the story even better.
Key Takeaways:
• Hawke’s internal struggles and motivations revealed
• New scenes and perspectives on familiar events
• Deeper understanding of Atlantian culture
• Emotional depth added to key romantic moments
• Setup for future storylines and character development
What is the Flesh and Fire Prequel Series?
The Flesh and Fire series is a prequel to From Blood and Ash that takes place hundreds of years earlier. This series follows Sera, a young woman with a mysterious past, and Nyktos, the Primal God of Death. Their love story sets the stage for events that will echo through the main series.
While it’s a prequel, Flesh and Fire can be read alongside the main series. Many fans enjoy reading them in publication order to catch all the connections and Easter eggs between the two storylines.
The prequel series explores the world of the Primals – ancient gods who ruled before the events of the main series. It answers questions about the origins of certain powers, curses, and prophecies that affect Poppy’s story.
Flesh and Fire Series Order & Release Dates Prequel Series
A Shadow in the Ember (2021)
Summary: Sera discovers her true purpose involves the dangerous Primal of Death, leading to a deadly bargain that will change both their fates forever. Meet Seraphena. She lived long before Poppy but in the same world. She has secrets and special powers. She has to go work somewhere dangerous and finds out truths that could get her killed. She must decide if she should use her powers or hide.
Key Takeaways:
• Introduction to Sera and her mysterious background
• World-building about the Primal gods and their realm
• The complex relationship between Sera and Nyktos begins
• Ancient prophecies and curses are introduced
• Connection to the main series starts to become clear
A Light in the Flame (2022)
Summary: As Sera and Nyktos grow closer, ancient enemies and forgotten truths threaten to destroy everything they’re fighting to protect. Seraphena’s story goes on. She deals with dangerous people and her growing powers. Enemies are waking up, and she needs to find new friends to help her. A war is coming, and she’s right in the middle.
Key Takeaways:
• Sera’s powers and true identity are further revealed
• The romance between Sera and Nyktos deepens
• Political intrigue among the Primals intensifies
• Major threats to the Primal realm emerge
• Connections to future events become clearer
A Fire in the Flesh (2023)
Summary: Sera faces her greatest challenges yet as she learns the full truth about her destiny and the price that must be paid to save those she loves. This is a big ending for Seraphena’s part of the story (so far!). She faces her biggest test. She might have to give up everything to save the future. The past and present come together, setting up the world Poppy will live in.
Key Takeaways:
• Sera’s complete transformation and acceptance of her role
• Epic confrontations with ancient enemies
• Major revelations about the curse affecting both series
• Emotional climax of Sera and Nyktos’s relationship
• Direct setup for events in the main series
Visions of Flesh and Blood (2024)
This companion guide is a must-have for serious fans of the From Blood and Ash universe. Created in collaboration with reader and fan Blue Box Press, it includes:
What’s Inside:
• Character profiles and artwork
• World-building details and maps
• Timeline of events across both series
• Exclusive bonus content
• Beautiful illustrations and fan art
This compendium helps readers keep track of the complex mythology, character relationships, and timeline across both series. It’s especially helpful for readers who want to understand all the connections between the prequel and main series.
What is the From Blood and Ash (Main) Series About?
The From Blood and Ash series follows Poppy. A young woman chosen from birth for a destiny. She never wanted it. Known as the Maiden, Poppy has lived a sheltered life. And was waiting for the day she’ll give her life to the gods. But everything changes when she meets a mysterious guard named Hawke.
This epic fantasy romance combines action, mystery, and steamy romance. The series explores themes of destiny, choice, love, and power. Poppy’s journey from a sheltered maiden to a powerful queen will keep you turning pages late into the night.
The world Jennifer L. Armentrout created is rich with magic, ancient gods, and political intrigue. Each book reveals new secrets about Poppy’s true nature and the world around her. The series is known for its plot twists that will leave you gasping.
Why Readers Love the From Blood and Ash Universe
The From Blood and Ash series has become a phenomenon in the fantasy romance community. Here’s why readers can’t get enough:
Epic Romance: The love stories are passionate, emotional, and full of chemistry. Both series feature strong romantic relationships that develop alongside the plot.
Complex World-Building: Jennifer L. Armentrout created a rich fantasy world with detailed mythology, magic systems, and political structures that feel real and lived-in.
Strong Female Characters: Poppy and Sera are both powerful heroines who grow throughout their journeys. They’re not perfect, which makes them relatable and compelling.
Plot Twists: These books are famous for shocking reveals that change everything you thought you knew. Readers love being surprised and having their theories proven wrong.
Emotional Depth: Beyond the romance and action, these books deal with themes of identity, choice, family, and sacrifice in meaningful ways.
Active Fandom: The series has inspired a huge, active fanbase that creates art, theories, and discussions online.
FAQs
1. When does Poppy find out she’s pregnant?
- Poppy discovers her pregnancy towards the end of The War of Two Queens, which is Book 4 in the main series. This revelation occurs during a critical point in the war, significantly impacting the plot and future prophecies.
2. What book comes after From Blood and Ash?
- The book immediately following From Blood and Ash (Book 1) is A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Book 2).
- The main series reading order is:
- From Blood and Ash
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
- The Crown of Gilded Bones
- The War of Two Queens
- A Soul of Ash and Blood (Companion Novel)
- There is also a prequel series, Flesh and Fire (A Shadow in the Ember, A Light in the Flame, A Fire in the Flesh), which most fans recommend reading after the main series.
3. Do characters die in the Born of Blood and Ash series?
- Yes, significant character deaths occur throughout the Born of Blood and Ash series. Jennifer L. Armentrout uses these moments, often happening in later books, to drive the plot, develop characters like Poppy, and add emotional weight to the story. We avoid specific spoilers here, but be prepared for impactful losses.
4. What series is Born of Blood and Ash part of?
- From Blood and Ash is the first book in the From Blood and Ash series (often called Blood and Ash).
- It exists within a larger universe that includes the Flesh and Fire prequel series.
- Both series belong to the New Adult Fantasy Romance genre.
5. Why is the Born of Blood and Ash series so popular?
- The series is a hit due to its compelling blend of epic fantasy and steamy romance.
- Readers are particularly drawn to the main characters, Poppy and Hawke, and their complex relationship.
- Jennifer L. Armentrout’s rich world-building and frequent shocking plot twists and cliffhangers keep readers hooked and discussing the series online, especially on platforms like TikTok.
Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits
The From Blood and Ash universe offers everything fantasy romance fans could want: epic love stories, complex world-building, shocking plot twists, and characters you’ll never forget. Whether you’re just starting with Poppy’s story or diving into Sera’s prequel adventure, you’re in for an incredible journey.
With new books still coming and an active, passionate fanbase, there’s never been a better time to join the From Blood and Ash community. Start with “From Blood and Ash,” follow our recommended reading order, and prepare to fall in love with one of the most captivating fantasy romance series of recent years.
Remember, the next book “The Primal of Blood and Bone” releases September 23, 2025, so you have time to catch up before the latest adventure begins. Happy reading!