20 Books Like From Blood and Ash
After reeling from the world of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “From Blood and Ash”, are you eager for another journey filled with epic battles, forbidden romance, and intricate fantasy realms?
Well, my friend, you are in luck.
If you’re craving more of that irresistible blend of danger and desire, then buckle up, because I’ve got a treasure trove of books similar to that of “From Blood and Ash” that will sweep you off your feet and transport you to realms beyond imagination.
Let’s begin.
Books Like From Blood and Ash
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a captivating blend of faerie lore, romance, and adventure that transports readers to a richly detailed fantasy world. The story follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal young woman who becomes entangled in the affairs of faeries after unknowingly killing one.
As she navigates the treacherous politics and power plays of the faerie courts, Feyre must also contend with her growing feelings for Tamlin, the High Lord who holds her captive, and the dark forces threatening their world.
Major Similarities:
This book shares many similarities with “From Blood and Ash” in its creation of a lush, intricate fantasy world filled with complex politics, ancient magic, and a strong, evolving heroine.
Both novels feature a central romantic storyline that is as fraught with danger as it is with passion, making the journey of the protagonist not just one of self-discovery, but also of love tested by the trials of their world.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
The Cruel Prince immerses readers in the dark, seductive world of the Faerie, where political intrigue and power struggles are as sharp as a knife’s edge. Jude, a mortal girl living in the High Court of Faerie, dreams of earning her place among the fae, despite her human vulnerability.
Her ambitions draw her into the deadly machinations of royal faerie politics, particularly involving Prince Cardan, the youngest and cruelest son of the High King, setting off a chain of events that could alter the fate of both the faerie and mortal worlds.
Major Similarities:
Like “From Blood and Ash,” “The Cruel Prince” is notable for its darkly intricate world-building, complex character dynamics, and a central romance that blossoms in the midst of deception and power plays.
Both novels explore themes of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for power, all while navigating the perilous waters of love in worlds where trust is a scarce commodity and enemies may wear the faces of friends.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Serpent & Dove is a tale of magic, enmity, and unexpected love, set in a world where witches hide in plain sight, feared and hunted by the Church. Louise le Blanc, a powerful witch, has forsaken her coven and seeks refuge in the city of Cesarine, where witchcraft means death by fire.
Her path crosses with Reid Diggory, a devout witch hunter, under circumstances that bind them in matrimony. As they navigate their forced union, Lou and Reid must confront their beliefs, their pasts, and the growing feelings between them, all while a greater threat looms over them.
Major Similarities:
“Serpent & Dove” and “From Blood and Ash” both feature a strong, resourceful heroine and a world rife with magic and conflict. The central romance develops from a place of initial distrust and animosity to deep, undeniable love, paralleling the journey of discovery and acceptance found in both stories.
Additionally, the blend of fantasy elements with the themes of sacrifice, hidden identities, and the fight against an overarching enemy resonates strongly across both narratives.
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood is an urban fantasy that introduces readers to a world where humans, shifters, faeries, and other magical beings coexist, albeit not always peacefully. The story centers on Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae, half-human who’s thrust into a dangerous investigation after a devastating loss.
Teaming up with Hunt Athalar, a notorious fallen angel now bound to serve the city’s Archangel, Bryce delves into the city’s darkest depths to uncover a sinister plot. Their journey is fraught with danger, intrigue, and an evolving relationship that could change the fate of their world.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares with “From Blood and Ash” a complex, multifaceted fantasy world populated by a wide range of magical creatures and beings, each with their own histories and power dynamics.
The protagonists of both novels are strong, capable women facing immense personal and external challenges, with a significant romantic subplot that evolves amidst a backdrop of mystery, action, and the threat of an impending dark power.
Both stories masterfully weave together elements of romance, fantasy, and suspense, creating an immersive reading experience.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
Kingdom of the Wicked takes readers to 19th century Italy, where witches walk among humans. The story follows Emilia, a witch who seeks vengeance for her twin sister’s brutal murder. Her quest leads her to Wrath, one of the seven Princes of Hell she has been taught to fear.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, Emilia and Wrath dive into the underworld of magic, mystery, and murder to find the killer. As they work together, the lines between ally and enemy blur, revealing dark secrets that could alter the balance of power between witches and demons forever.
Major Similarities:
Like “From Blood and Ash,” “Kingdom of the Wicked” is centered around a strong, determined female protagonist who finds herself entangled in a dangerous world of ancient magic and forbidden romance. Both novels explore themes of revenge, the complexities of power, and the murky line between good and evil.
The romantic tension between the protagonists grows amidst their quest, mirroring the blend of fantasy, mystery, and love that fans of “From Blood and Ash” will find compelling.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
The Bone Season introduces a dystopian future where clairvoyants are hunted and oppressed by a totalitarian regime. Paige Mahoney, a powerful dreamwalker, works in the criminal underworld of London until she’s captured and taken to Oxford, a secret city controlled by a mysterious race known as the Rephaim.
As Paige struggles to regain her freedom, she discovers her own potential and the secrets that lie at the heart of the clairvoyant society. Her journey is not only a fight for survival but also a quest to understand the complex web of politics, loyalty, and power.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “From Blood and Ash,” “The Bone Season” features a strong, resilient heroine who possesses unique powers in a world filled with danger and oppression.
Both narratives are rich in world-building, unveiling societies with deeply rooted secrets and a hierarchy of power that the protagonists must navigate.
The blend of supernatural elements, a fight for freedom, and the emergence of a compelling romantic subplot parallel the themes and emotional journey found in “From Blood and Ash.”
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone transports readers to the Grishaverse, a world shattered by darkness and war, where Alina Starkov discovers she possesses an extraordinary power that could be the key to setting her country free from the Shadow Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness.
As she trains with the Grisha, a magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling, Alina learns that allies and enemies can be one and the same. Her power draws her into a world of luxury and illusion, but also danger, where she must confront the darkness within and determine her own path.
Major Similarities:
Both “Shadow and Bone” and “From Blood and Ash” feature a young female protagonist who discovers her own formidable powers and faces the weighty expectation of saving her world.
The intricate blend of magic, political intrigue, and romance, along with the development of the protagonist from naivety to strength, mirrors the thematic and narrative elements cherished by readers of “From Blood and Ash.”
The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
The Wrath & the Dawn is a reimagining of “The Arabian Nights” tale, where Shahrzad volunteers to marry the Caliph of Khorasan, a ruler known for taking a new bride each night only to have her executed at dawn. Vowing to end this cycle of violence, Shahrzad survives beyond dawn and weaves stories to captivate the Caliph, discovering the pain and love that motivates his actions.
As their relationship deepens, she finds herself torn between her desire for revenge and her unexpected feelings, all while navigating the dangers of a court filled with secrets and intrigue.
Major Similarities:
Like “From Blood and Ash,” “The Wrath & the Dawn” centers on a strong, intelligent female protagonist who finds herself at the heart of a dangerous political game, entwined with a love that could alter her mission and beliefs.
The themes of power, revenge, and forbidden love, along with the rich, culturally infused fantasy world, offer a reading experience that resonates with the emotional depth and romantic tension found in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s work.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
An Ember in the Ashes is set in a brutal, ancient-like world inspired by the Roman Empire, where Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, both seek freedom from the tyranny of the Martial Empire.
Laia becomes a spy within the military academy to save her brother, while Elias wants nothing more than to escape the violence and oppression he’s been trained to enforce. Their paths cross in unexpected ways, leading them to question their roles and destinies in a society built on fear and suffering.
Major Similarities:
Both “An Ember in the Ashes” and “From Blood and Ash” feature a world teetering on the brink of rebellion, with protagonists caught between the dictates of their society and their own desires for freedom and love.
The compelling mix of action, strategic rebellion, and the evolution of a deep, fraught romance under impossible circumstances mirrors the enthralling narrative and emotional journey that fans appreciate in “From Blood and Ash.”
The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
The Red Queen unfolds in a world divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the elite, Silver-blooded superhumans.
Mare Barrow, a Red, discovers she possesses a deadly power of her own, a rarity that thrusts her into the Silver elite’s dangerous world of palace intrigue. As Mare navigates her new role as a long-lost Silver princess, she becomes involved in a deadly game of power, rebellion, and betrayal, where any misstep could lead to her downfall.
Major Similarities:
“The Red Queen” and “From Blood and Ash” share a world where societal divisions and ancient hierarchies define the characters’ lives. The emergence of a powerful, unlikely heroine who challenges the status quo, coupled with the blend of intrigue, rebellion, and a complex romantic dynamic, echoes the themes and narrative drive that captivate readers of “From Blood and Ash.”
Both novels adeptly combine the struggle for power with the personal growth of their protagonists, set against a backdrop of looming war and forbidden magic.
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Furyborn presents an epic fantasy narrative that spans millennia, focusing on two women bound by fate. Rielle Dardenne must endure seven magical trials to prove she is the prophesied Sun Queen, destined to bring prosperity.
Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora, a bounty hunter, fights for survival in a world that believes the legend of Rielle to be a myth. Their stories intertwine in a world brimming with magic, power, and a lurking darkness that threatens to consume all.
The intricate plot, compelling characters, and the exploration of themes such as power, sacrifice, and destiny make Furyborn a standout.
Major Similarities:
“Furyborn” mirrors “From Blood and Ash” through its strong, complex female protagonists who confront their destinies within a richly built fantasy world. Both novels explore themes of power, identity, and the heavy cost of duty versus desire.
The dual timeline in “Furyborn” and its intertwining fates echo the deep, layered storytelling and the epic scope of conflict and romance found in “From Blood and Ash.”
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
The Kiss of Deception is the first book in The Remnant Chronicles, blending fantasy, romance, and adventure. It follows Princess Lia, who flees on her wedding day to escape a life she never chose.
Disguised as a commoner in a distant village, she encounters two mysterious strangers—an assassin sent to kill her and the prince she was promised to, both of whom change her life in unforeseen ways. As Lia’s story unfolds, she must navigate the dangerous waters of politics, love, and her own identity.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “From Blood and Ash,” “The Kiss of Deception” features a strong, determined female lead who defies the expectations placed upon her and seeks her own path.
The elements of mystery, romance, and a heroine’s quest for freedom and self-discovery align closely with the themes and character dynamics in “From Blood and Ash,” making it a compelling read for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s series.
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke & Bone weaves a captivating tale of Karou, a young art student in Prague who is caught between two worlds. Raised by creatures who deal in wishes and collect human teeth, Karou leads a double life, unaware of her true heritage until she meets the angel Akiva and a war-torn world of angels and demons is revealed.
The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of love and war, set against a backdrop of richly imagined worlds.
Major Similarities:
The themes of forbidden love, the clash between worlds, and the quest for identity in “Daughter of Smoke & Bone” closely mirror those in “From Blood and Ash.” Both novels feature strong, mysterious female protagonists whose pasts are deeply entwined with the fantastical elements of their worlds.
The beautiful, lyrical prose and the imaginative world-building in Laini Taylor’s work offer a similar appeal to the atmospheric and detailed setting found in “From Blood and Ash.”
Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
Wicked Saints introduces a gothic, Slavic-inspired fantasy world embroiled in war and magic. The story follows Nadya, a cleric who can communicate with the gods, as she teams up with a prince and a blood mage to assassinate the king and end the war.
As their journey unfolds, they must navigate a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals, questioning their beliefs and the nature of power and divinity. The novel’s dark atmosphere and complex character dynamics set it apart.
Major Similarities:
“Wicked Saints” shares with “From Blood and Ash” a dark, intricate fantasy world where magic and politics intertwine. Both novels feature protagonists with unique abilities who are caught in the midst of a conflict much larger than themselves.
The exploration of themes such as faith, power, and the moral ambiguity of their characters’ actions resonates with the complex world-building and character development found in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s series.
Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao
Blood Heir is set in a world where the blood of Affinites is both a gift and a curse. Ana, the crown princess with the Affinity for blood, is framed for her father’s murder and must flee her kingdom.
On her quest to find the true murderer and clear her name, she teams up with Ramson Quicktongue, a cunning crime lord. Together, they navigate a world rife with corruption and betrayal, where power can be the greatest weakness or the ultimate weapon.
Major Similarities:
Like “From Blood and Ash,” “Blood Heir” features a strong, morally grey protagonist navigating a world filled with danger, magic, and political intrigue. Both Ana and Poppy are faced with challenging their own beliefs and the corrupt societies they live in, all while uncovering deep-seated conspiracies and exploring a slow-burn romance that defies their initial intentions.
The themes of identity, power, and resistance against tyranny in “Blood Heir” closely align with the narrative depth and character arcs in “From Blood and Ash.”
Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
Rhapsodic delves into the complex relationship between Callie, a siren with a dark past, and the Bargainer, a mysterious figure to whom she owes a debt of hundreds of favors. When the Bargainer comes to collect, Callie is drawn back into a world of magic, danger, and secrets long buried.
Their journey together rekindles old feelings and uncovers truths that could change everything. Thalassa crafts a narrative that’s as enchanting as it is suspenseful, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and a touch of darkness.
Major Similarities:
“Rhapsodic” shares the intricate blend of fantasy and romance found in “From Blood and Ash,” with a strong emphasis on the complexities of the protagonists’ relationships against a backdrop of a richly built world.
The themes of debts, secrets, and the exploration of dark pasts are paralleled in both narratives, offering a deep dive into the characters’ histories and the consequential nature of their actions and choices.
The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross
The Queen’s Rising centers on Brienna, a young woman who, after years of study, finds herself without a patron and a clear path forward. Her quest for belonging leads her to a disgraced lord who reveals to her a heritage of secret birthright and a plot to overthrow a tyrant king.
Set in a world rich with tradition, intrigue, and looming revolution, the story weaves together themes of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of destiny. Ross’s storytelling is immersive, focusing on the development of character and the intricacies of a slow-burn romance.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “From Blood and Ash,” “The Queen’s Rising” involves a strong, capable heroine who finds herself at the center of political intrigue and a looming battle for power.
The slow unraveling of the protagonist’s true identity and destiny echoes the journey of discovery and self-realization found in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s work. Additionally, the intricate world-building and the emphasis on loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of love and duty align closely with the themes explored in “From Blood and Ash.”
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling introduces Katsa, a young woman graced with the skill of killing, a gift she’s been forced to use in the service of her uncle, a ruthless king. Yearning for freedom, Katsa’s life takes a turn when she meets Prince Po and embarks on a journey that uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy.
Cashore’s novel is a compelling exploration of power, the fight against oppression, and the discovery of one’s true strength. The story stands out for its richly drawn characters, moral complexities, and a narrative that challenges traditional notions of heroism and love.
Major Similarities:
“Graceling” and “From Blood and Ash” share a focus on strong, skilled heroines who must navigate a path fraught with danger and moral dilemmas.
Both Katsa and Poppy are defined by their formidable abilities and the expectations placed upon them, yet they strive to forge their own destinies. The themes of autonomy, the questioning of authority, and the evolving nature of love and companionship in “Graceling” resonate with the character growth and thematic explorations in “From Blood and Ash.”
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
The Bridge Kingdom narrates the story of Lara, trained from birth to become a deadly spy and assassin with one mission: to marry the king of the Bridge Kingdom and bring it to its knees.
What begins as a game of deception evolves into a complex battle of wits and wills as Lara discovers the truths about her kingdom, her husband, and herself. Jensen weaves a tale of intrigue, strategy, and unexpected alliances, where love and loyalty become powerful weapons in a war for supremacy.
Major Similarities:
The themes of strategic marriages, hidden agendas, and the slow development of love amidst political intrigue align “The Bridge Kingdom” closely with “From Blood and Ash.” Both novels feature strong, cunning heroines who find themselves entangled in the destinies of their kingdoms, challenging their initial beliefs and loyalties.
The depth of world-building, along with the exploration of themes such as betrayal, duty, and the quest for power, makes both stories resonate with readers looking for complex fantasy romances.
Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
Ash Princess is a tale of resilience and rebellion. The story follows Theodosia, a princess dethroned and kept captive by the Kaiser, who killed her mother and usurped her kingdom. Dubbed the Ash Princess, she wears the title as a symbol of her people’s suffering.
When an old friend reappears with a means of reclaiming her power, Theo must decide how far she’s willing to go to seek justice and reclaim her throne. Sebastian crafts a narrative that is as much about the strength of the human spirit as it is about the complexities of reclaiming one’s identity and homeland.
Major Similarities:
Like “From Blood and Ash,” “Ash Princess” features a protagonist caught in the throes of political intrigue, forced into a role that belies her true strength and potential.
The journey of Theodosia, from a captive princess to a leader of rebellion, mirrors Poppy’s evolution in terms of discovering inner strength, making difficult choices, and navigating a path fraught with danger and romance. The themes of resilience, rebellion, and redemption, alongside the slow-building romance amidst a backdrop of political intrigue, make “Ash Princess” a compelling parallel to Jennifer L. Armentrout’s series.
