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Shadow and Ash #1
Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash
Action-packed from the start, with twists, intrigue, and dangerous politics, Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash is a sexy new fantasy series perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Danielle L. Jensen.
Legend states that when a ruler worthy of the name reunites the Five Kingdoms, the dragons will return. Fyia has done just that, and now she wants her dragons. But the dragon eggs are missing, her five war-ravaged kingdoms are unhappy bedfellows, and calls for her to marry grow ever louder.
The King of the reclusive Black Hoods can't afford to dream of dragons. His kingdom is a frozen wasteland, and his people's prosperity rests on the trade of a single prized item. So when Fyia brazenly walks into his lands, the last thing he plans to do is help her, in fact, he plans to bring her down a peg or two.
But Fyia hasn't come this far by taking no for an answer, and she seeks the dragon egg anyway, leaving the King with little choice but to follow her into the frozen, barren north. Soon she's wondering what secrets lie behind his brooding gaze, but their quest becomes dangerous, entwining them in a plot that threatens to strip away everything she’s worked so hard for. The King proposes a solution, one he sees as obvious, but for Fyia, it means embracing the one thing she swore she never would.
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Action-packed from the start. Big fantasy worldbuilding meets steamy romance in Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash, the first book in a sweeping fantasy romance duology with fae, magic, political intrigue, and a quest for dragons that's sure to steal your heart.
Legend states that when a ruler worthy of the name reunites the Five Kingdoms, the dragons will return. Fyia has done just that, and now she wants her dragons. But the dragon eggs are missing, her five war-ravaged kingdoms are unhappy bedfellows, and calls for her to marry grow ever louder.
The King of the reclusive Black Hoods can't afford to dream of dragons. His kingdom is a frozen wasteland, and his people's prosperity rests on the trade of a single prized item. So when Fyia brazenly walks into his lands, the last thing he plans to do is help her, in fact, he plans to bring her down a peg or two.
But Fyia hasn't come this far by taking no for an answer, and she seeks the dragon egg anyway, leaving the King with little choice but to follow her into the frozen, barren north. Soon she's wondering what secrets lie behind his brooding gaze, but their quest becomes dangerous, entwining them in a plot that threatens to strip away everything she’s worked so hard for. The King proposes a solution, one he sees as obvious, but for Fyia, it means embracing the one thing she swore she never would.
---
Action-packed from the start. Big fantasy worldbuilding meets steamy romance in Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash, the first book in a sweeping fantasy romance duology with fae, magic, political intrigue, and a quest for dragons that's sure to steal your heart.
345 pages, ebook
Published June 28, 2022
701 people are currently reading
7195 people want to read
About the author
H.R. Moore
20 books157 followersHR Moore writes romantic fantasy, romantasy, fantasy romance, and paranormal romance.
All HR's books contain strong women, high stakes, plot twists, adventure, found family and plenty of romance, with charaters willing to burn down the current order to change things for the better.
She resides in the UK, loves audiobooks, and lives for book club.
All HR's books contain strong women, high stakes, plot twists, adventure, found family and plenty of romance, with charaters willing to burn down the current order to change things for the better.
She resides in the UK, loves audiobooks, and lives for book club.
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June 26, 2023DNF at 11%
Look, I know I’m not even 20% into this one, but I can tell this isn’t going to be for me already. The magic system and world building is next to nonexistent, and the FMC has a romance with a different man than the romance is supposed to be with? I hate when that happens so this is gonna be a no from me. I was really excited for this one, especially since it’s supposed to have dragons, but I just know I’ll rate it low so I’m just going to DNF and find something else to read.
Give me some fantasy romance recs if you have any though, I’m definitely in that mood rn.
Look, I know I’m not even 20% into this one, but I can tell this isn’t going to be for me already. The magic system and world building is next to nonexistent, and the FMC has a romance with a different man than the romance is supposed to be with? I hate when that happens so this is gonna be a no from me. I was really excited for this one, especially since it’s supposed to have dragons, but I just know I’ll rate it low so I’m just going to DNF and find something else to read.
Give me some fantasy romance recs if you have any though, I’m definitely in that mood rn.
October 5, 2022
*3 LUKEWARM STARS*
"She did what was needed without hesitation or apology."
Yeah, unfortunately I'm not the biggest fan of this.. The people comparing this to Game of Thrones, have clearly never read Game of Thrones.
I found the first 50% very boring, even though it took me a while to grasp everything because it felt like we were thrown in the middle of an ongoing story like this was a sequel or something.
It also really bothered me that there was next to no worldbuilding despite Fyia travelling all over the place, and that she had a "relationship" with another male before encountering the ML around the halfway point. And when they eventually did meet, I expected fireworks, but everything felt very lukewarm. I actually thought the first dude was the move interest because Cal came into focus so late.
There wasn't even a real climax to the story, and I felt like the big threat at the end was resolved way too quickly.
Anyhow, I am intrigued by the magic system and hope to get more sucked into the story with the second book.
"She did what was needed without hesitation or apology."
Yeah, unfortunately I'm not the biggest fan of this.. The people comparing this to Game of Thrones, have clearly never read Game of Thrones.
I found the first 50% very boring, even though it took me a while to grasp everything because it felt like we were thrown in the middle of an ongoing story like this was a sequel or something.
It also really bothered me that there was next to no worldbuilding despite Fyia travelling all over the place, and that she had a "relationship" with another male before encountering the ML around the halfway point. And when they eventually did meet, I expected fireworks, but everything felt very lukewarm. I actually thought the first dude was the move interest because Cal came into focus so late.
There wasn't even a real climax to the story, and I felt like the big threat at the end was resolved way too quickly.
Anyhow, I am intrigued by the magic system and hope to get more sucked into the story with the second book.
August 4, 2022
Where to begin? So I am trying to compose myself after pushing to get through this book. It. Was. A. Struggle. First, I have never been so confused in my life with a book. I felt like I was starting in the middle of a book not the beginning. You are just thrust into a scene and a kingdom with no explanation. The characters as well are just kind of thrust at you and you are like, wait, did I skip something? Were they already introduced and I missed it? With this kind of writing (at least for me) I couldn't grow attached to or resonate with any of the characters.
Second, the 5 kingdoms and the ones that we are just dropped into have little to no detail or world-building. While this might not be problematic for some it is a huge no for me. Yes, you can overdo it but to have barely anything at all leaves me feeling like something is lacking.
This could have been an epic story, with I am sure some amazing characters that I could have loved and grown attached to but the writing was just so lacking and missing so much detail that I couldn't get through this. With barely any character-building/backstories or world-building, it just fell really short for me. Again, this is my opinion.
Second, the 5 kingdoms and the ones that we are just dropped into have little to no detail or world-building. While this might not be problematic for some it is a huge no for me. Yes, you can overdo it but to have barely anything at all leaves me feeling like something is lacking.
This could have been an epic story, with I am sure some amazing characters that I could have loved and grown attached to but the writing was just so lacking and missing so much detail that I couldn't get through this. With barely any character-building/backstories or world-building, it just fell really short for me. Again, this is my opinion.
July 31, 2022
I think overall it'll be a fine series. Linguistically speaking, I hate the names. Goddess above they seemed all over the place in my head (not to mention the spelling of one kept changing in my copy). Give us a pronunciation guide for the love of fae.
As far as the plot, I wanted more meat. We didn't really get anything about the magic system, barely any backstory and a lukewarm "enemies" to lovers. I know all of these "issues" are intentionally designed to draw you into a series but that doesn't make it right. I want to be hooked with intrigue not annoyed by ignorance.
Overall, I'll give the second book a go but it may not go to the top of my TBR.
As far as the plot, I wanted more meat. We didn't really get anything about the magic system, barely any backstory and a lukewarm "enemies" to lovers. I know all of these "issues" are intentionally designed to draw you into a series but that doesn't make it right. I want to be hooked with intrigue not annoyed by ignorance.
Overall, I'll give the second book a go but it may not go to the top of my TBR.
September 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐️’s. I could not put this book down. It’s always good when the self-description is fantasy romance! I don’t know if it’s one that will live rent-free in my head hence not being 5 stars, but otherwise loved it. I thought it had good pacing with a badass female main character with a beau that only supports her!
June 25, 2022
This is a very solid start to a new epic fantasy romance series! Fyia is an awesome main character because she’s strong, smart, and knows what she deserves and is completely unapologetic about it. The story starts as she kills the last king, uniting the five kingdoms under herself as queen. And while she may have taken over the kingdoms, it wasn’t greed for power or wealth that drove her. Rather she is a champion for the people, particularly women, who are oppressed in their society. She just wants to make the world a better place for everyone! To do that she needs to bring back the dragons, but the task won’t be so simple as it seems, for as she travels the land searching for the 5 remaining eggs, she comes up with nothing but mysteries.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this story. It’s a fascinating world with some steampunk aspects in the dragon clocks that are found throughout the world. I also loved the Cruaxee magic that bonds Fyia to her animals. Yes, I’m a sucker for animal companions! I really hope Fyia will learn more about her magic in the next book because I’m so curious! I think I already made it clear above, but I absolutely love Fyia! Cal is also amazing and I can’t wait to watch his relationship with Fyia grow more in the next book. The romance between them so far has been great and the steamy scenes are excellent. My one critique is that there were a couple scenes that transitioned too fast for my liking so I found them confusing and had to read them more than once. With that being said, Fyia has a lot to learn and was confused or didn’t know what was going on in those scenes either, so part of that stems from her being the narrator at that point. Overall, I rate this 4.5/5 stars and I really can’t wait to read the next book!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this story. It’s a fascinating world with some steampunk aspects in the dragon clocks that are found throughout the world. I also loved the Cruaxee magic that bonds Fyia to her animals. Yes, I’m a sucker for animal companions! I really hope Fyia will learn more about her magic in the next book because I’m so curious! I think I already made it clear above, but I absolutely love Fyia! Cal is also amazing and I can’t wait to watch his relationship with Fyia grow more in the next book. The romance between them so far has been great and the steamy scenes are excellent. My one critique is that there were a couple scenes that transitioned too fast for my liking so I found them confusing and had to read them more than once. With that being said, Fyia has a lot to learn and was confused or didn’t know what was going on in those scenes either, so part of that stems from her being the narrator at that point. Overall, I rate this 4.5/5 stars and I really can’t wait to read the next book!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 30, 2022
Game of Thrones meets fantasy romance!
Our queen just conquered the 5th kingdom, so where are the dragons?
~ Adult fantasy romance
~ Our queen does not want attachment, but 5 kingdoms are a heavy burden, and she is a woman with needs 🌶️ Well... no attachment until a certain king tempts her to want more 🌶️🥵😏 yes, it's hot people!
~ The dragons will return once the old kingdom are united again. On top of being a woman, Fyia is not a warrior, she's a strategist. One that just united 5 kingdoms by killing each patriarchal king. To strengthen her command she needs the dragons. But why are not the dragons returning to warm the land and fertilize the soil?
Her advisors push her to give up on the dragons and focus on marrying to put a man in charge. But Fyia will not have it... until one man makes her wish
~ This first book focus on Fyia and her journey to find the dragon eggs. But all she finds are questions in a land where magic was forbidden... and no eggs. We find political intrigue, fae and their bets, a frozen kingdom and a dark king, a power hungry emperor, a "Jamaican" queen (at least in my eyes she was) and a inner circle that will not betray her... but betrayal is everywhere...
Her wolfs are everything!!! and I cannot speak of a certain king, because spoilers! 😏
~ It feels I'm reading game of thrones with a HEA! Where magic, dragons and love will save the land and warm the soil 💕
~ fast pace, not over descriptive... so different!
Our queen just conquered the 5th kingdom, so where are the dragons?
~ Adult fantasy romance
~ Our queen does not want attachment, but 5 kingdoms are a heavy burden, and she is a woman with needs 🌶️ Well... no attachment until a certain king tempts her to want more 🌶️🥵😏 yes, it's hot people!
~ The dragons will return once the old kingdom are united again. On top of being a woman, Fyia is not a warrior, she's a strategist. One that just united 5 kingdoms by killing each patriarchal king. To strengthen her command she needs the dragons. But why are not the dragons returning to warm the land and fertilize the soil?
Her advisors push her to give up on the dragons and focus on marrying to put a man in charge. But Fyia will not have it... until one man makes her wish
~ This first book focus on Fyia and her journey to find the dragon eggs. But all she finds are questions in a land where magic was forbidden... and no eggs. We find political intrigue, fae and their bets, a frozen kingdom and a dark king, a power hungry emperor, a "Jamaican" queen (at least in my eyes she was) and a inner circle that will not betray her... but betrayal is everywhere...
Her wolfs are everything!!! and I cannot speak of a certain king, because spoilers! 😏
~ It feels I'm reading game of thrones with a HEA! Where magic, dragons and love will save the land and warm the soil 💕
~ fast pace, not over descriptive... so different!
June 28, 2022
An excellent read filled with political intrigue, adventure, magic, and romance. Fyia is a badass queen and I loved her character so much.
After uniting the five kingdoms, Fyia begins the process of returning the dragons and magic to the world outside of the Fae'ch people and the mysterious Black Hoods. I really liked the world building in this book. Moore did an excellent job of establishing the political landscape and demonstrating the problems Fyia and Cal faced.
Fyia's determination to build up a society of modern thought was admirable. Gender equality, same sex marriage, and feminism were a few prevalent themes. I loved the complexity of her relationship with Adigos and friendship with Essa. They were very well rounded characters.
The magic system was interesting! I loved the involvement of animals. The cruaxee and Fyia’s fire touch could have been explained a bit sooner as I did have some initial confusion.
The adventure in the temple was exciting! I loved the action, revelations, and bond it established between Fyia and Cal. The mystery behind the metal balls was also a clever addition.
I’m really looking forward to continuing the adventure in book 2! Highly recommend this one.
For more book reviews, recommendations, and content follow me on IG @amajesticread
After uniting the five kingdoms, Fyia begins the process of returning the dragons and magic to the world outside of the Fae'ch people and the mysterious Black Hoods. I really liked the world building in this book. Moore did an excellent job of establishing the political landscape and demonstrating the problems Fyia and Cal faced.
Fyia's determination to build up a society of modern thought was admirable. Gender equality, same sex marriage, and feminism were a few prevalent themes. I loved the complexity of her relationship with Adigos and friendship with Essa. They were very well rounded characters.
The magic system was interesting! I loved the involvement of animals. The cruaxee and Fyia’s fire touch could have been explained a bit sooner as I did have some initial confusion.
The adventure in the temple was exciting! I loved the action, revelations, and bond it established between Fyia and Cal. The mystery behind the metal balls was also a clever addition.
I’m really looking forward to continuing the adventure in book 2! Highly recommend this one.
For more book reviews, recommendations, and content follow me on IG @amajesticread
July 12, 2022
HOLY SMOKES, this is a damn good book!!!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Epic romantasy, with fabulous characters, amazing banter, and intriguing world building. I absolutely loved every second of this book and I can’t wait for the second one. Put me on the HR Moore fan page because she’s officially got me.
Fyia is the heroine you can’t help but love. She is strong, stubborn, funny, and secretly a hopefully romantic. Cal might just be my new book boyfriend. I thought forsure Adigos was end game at first but once she meets Cal at the Fea’ch I immediately wanted more from him.
Please, RUN don’t want to get you a copy of this fabulous fantasy/romance book!!!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Epic romantasy, with fabulous characters, amazing banter, and intriguing world building. I absolutely loved every second of this book and I can’t wait for the second one. Put me on the HR Moore fan page because she’s officially got me.
Fyia is the heroine you can’t help but love. She is strong, stubborn, funny, and secretly a hopefully romantic. Cal might just be my new book boyfriend. I thought forsure Adigos was end game at first but once she meets Cal at the Fea’ch I immediately wanted more from him.
Please, RUN don’t want to get you a copy of this fabulous fantasy/romance book!!!
March 28, 2024
Great read
Loved the character of the queen Friya. I actually liked her stubborn attitude towards everything, including women into the schools, her take on how she refused to marry until laws changed, etc.
Few things I didn't like about the book is I kept feeling I had to have already known what was going on because the world building aspect of it didnt give much, also some things like why she was upset about Adigos and what he did...it was always a you know what you did but never an explanation for the reader. I am loking forward to reading the next book because I would like to know how it ends and if she finds the dragons.
Loved the character of the queen Friya. I actually liked her stubborn attitude towards everything, including women into the schools, her take on how she refused to marry until laws changed, etc.
Few things I didn't like about the book is I kept feeling I had to have already known what was going on because the world building aspect of it didnt give much, also some things like why she was upset about Adigos and what he did...it was always a you know what you did but never an explanation for the reader. I am loking forward to reading the next book because I would like to know how it ends and if she finds the dragons.
July 24, 2022
Ngl, I had high expectations for this book. I read the reviews and was excited to dive in, especially after coming down from a cliffhanger ending for an unfinished series. But I’m 242 pages in and I have had to force myself not to quit. I’m not gonna say it’s a bad series or book, because for the right person, I think it’s great. But not for me. The magic was ambiguous and lacked explanation, the characters and plot aren’t well explained either and you’re kinda just thrown into the deep end and I’m still trying to figure out what is happening.
The main character? Gets on my NERVES. I don’t know if that’s the point or not but so far she’s one of my least favorite characters I’ve ever read about. It seems like she’s a power hungry, self centered, dictator/conqueror with no regard for the well-being of her people and what is best, as is pointed out by other characters. I can get behind character development and growth, but her? Nah, she’s still doing this shit and I feel like I’m dragging myself through hello to get to the end to give it a chance. Her power hungry grubbing is very thinly and terribly disguised by the motive of equality for women and magical people, all good stuff. But at her core, she’s more interested in control, conquest, and her own selfish gains. It could’ve been so much better if she had shown more genuine compassion for those around her and the goal of equality, but alas, she’s literally just that terrible. She has no personality except being angry
So far I’ve only gotten one look at the main love interest, and I’m halfway through the book and their encounter lasted maybe a couple pages. I was hoping for some more romance and less political conquest. But if that’s what you’re into, by all means, you’ll enjoy this book. The chemistry and sex between her and her first love interest? Pitiful. It would be a great plot device if I wasn’t still waiting for the main love interest to show up. I’m not interested in reading hundreds of pages about a whiny guy desperate to be loved and an egomaniac tyrant, barely putting in the effort to be a not horrible leader, having half hearted sex.
The politics are CONFUSING. There’s so many characters being brought up yet so little backstory, introduction, and world building behind them that I’m having a hard time understanding what is even going on half the time. There are many different kingdoms throughout the world but there’s barely any time dedicated to establishing background, people, rulers, politics, culture, etc. and I feel like I’m back in ancient history class. Like The South = Whore God, West = Bad Emperor, North = Brother and other magical things. Anywhere else? Fuck if I know. There’s like six or seven more kingdoms but I could not tell you a single thing about them and I feel like at this point it should be at least generally established.
Overall, I’m still gonna try to and claw my way to the end and update. And at least give it a chance to get better. But the whole thing seems badly written and badly executed. I’m usually never one to write reviews or bad ones at that but I am truly astonished here.
In conclusion: the only good/interesting character is The Spider and this book should’ve just been about her, screw everyone else.
The main character? Gets on my NERVES. I don’t know if that’s the point or not but so far she’s one of my least favorite characters I’ve ever read about. It seems like she’s a power hungry, self centered, dictator/conqueror with no regard for the well-being of her people and what is best, as is pointed out by other characters. I can get behind character development and growth, but her? Nah, she’s still doing this shit and I feel like I’m dragging myself through hello to get to the end to give it a chance. Her power hungry grubbing is very thinly and terribly disguised by the motive of equality for women and magical people, all good stuff. But at her core, she’s more interested in control, conquest, and her own selfish gains. It could’ve been so much better if she had shown more genuine compassion for those around her and the goal of equality, but alas, she’s literally just that terrible. She has no personality except being angry
So far I’ve only gotten one look at the main love interest, and I’m halfway through the book and their encounter lasted maybe a couple pages. I was hoping for some more romance and less political conquest. But if that’s what you’re into, by all means, you’ll enjoy this book. The chemistry and sex between her and her first love interest? Pitiful. It would be a great plot device if I wasn’t still waiting for the main love interest to show up. I’m not interested in reading hundreds of pages about a whiny guy desperate to be loved and an egomaniac tyrant, barely putting in the effort to be a not horrible leader, having half hearted sex.
The politics are CONFUSING. There’s so many characters being brought up yet so little backstory, introduction, and world building behind them that I’m having a hard time understanding what is even going on half the time. There are many different kingdoms throughout the world but there’s barely any time dedicated to establishing background, people, rulers, politics, culture, etc. and I feel like I’m back in ancient history class. Like The South = Whore God, West = Bad Emperor, North = Brother and other magical things. Anywhere else? Fuck if I know. There’s like six or seven more kingdoms but I could not tell you a single thing about them and I feel like at this point it should be at least generally established.
Overall, I’m still gonna try to and claw my way to the end and update. And at least give it a chance to get better. But the whole thing seems badly written and badly executed. I’m usually never one to write reviews or bad ones at that but I am truly astonished here.
In conclusion: the only good/interesting character is The Spider and this book should’ve just been about her, screw everyone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
I’ve read a few reviews of the book and was disappointed to see a lot of the hate it was getting. The book was actually really good! It definitely was a bit slow, I’ll say that. Some things are still a bit confusing, but around the middle of the book it started to pick up and get better.
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February 3, 2024DNF!!! What in the world!
March 14, 2024
A little slow and very short from what I was expecting
February 15, 2024
Wanted to dnf this one so bad. It’s a decent story but it never felt like it was going anywhere.
May 6, 2024
2.5 stars - first 40% of the book was not very interesting but i liked the world building - second half got a bit better but then just left it in a weird place tbat the second book obviously leads from but i don’t have the second book and im on a book buying ban and don’t care for the series enough to continue
July 24, 2024
I liked the concept and the writing was good. But I need more about the characters to make the plot believable.
It had some Throne of Glass vibes, but much lighter in word count - which isn’t totally a bad thing. Maas could learn to tighten up a bit.
It had some Throne of Glass vibes, but much lighter in word count - which isn’t totally a bad thing. Maas could learn to tighten up a bit.
December 27, 2023
I was very surprised by this book since I got it on "Stuff your kindl day". The story is well written and the fantasy world is well buildt. I like the main female character a lot - she is strong and capable, but not without flaws. She is very desicive - I like that a lot. She has a purpose, a dream and doesn't let herself get caught in every day business, but keeps the bigger picture always in mind. That becomes particularly clear when she meets the main male character - who lost the big picture out of sight.
I also like a lot, how the love story develops. Yes, he is a strong man and she likes to give up control with him - but not in all matters and definitly not handing her achievements over to a man.
I like how the book adresses a lot of the struggles women can have these days - in different cultures in different ways.
Why is not not 5 stars? Some places the story is a little rushed. There could have been place for even more world building. And the characters could have gotten even more attention. Also I think the story with Adigo is too fast "solved" - there could have been a good twist in the book.
Overall it is a very good read and I definitly will read the next book, too and will look into the other books of this author.
I also like a lot, how the love story develops. Yes, he is a strong man and she likes to give up control with him - but not in all matters and definitly not handing her achievements over to a man.
I like how the book adresses a lot of the struggles women can have these days - in different cultures in different ways.
Why is not not 5 stars? Some places the story is a little rushed. There could have been place for even more world building. And the characters could have gotten even more attention. Also I think the story with Adigo is too fast "solved" - there could have been a good twist in the book.
Overall it is a very good read and I definitly will read the next book, too and will look into the other books of this author.
December 8, 2024
Fyia has managed to conquer all 5 of the Kingdoms. Alone. Without a man at her side. The dragons should be returning. On the brink of legend, Fyia learns it won't be such a simple task to bring the dragons back. The Kingdoms must all be united and she hasn't managed to do even that yet. Her nobles demand her to marry. They want a man to hold the crowns. The want women to stay in the place men have assigned them. They want her to think this is her only option. But Fyia has never liked the idea of doing the expected or the easy. When a peace treaty brings more than she bargained for, the way to the dragons seems to be opening again.
I love the witty, snarky, badassery that takes place in this book. Zero to 100 very quickly. I also love that it's a duology. Fyia's equal will have to understand her in a way nobody else does and I think that is a beautiful trope! I like that the men are the under qualified in this book. It's a nice refreshing change from the scared "I don't want to rule" 18 year old damsel. Fyia doesn't need or want anyone to save her. She lives to save herself with a little help from her friends.
I love the witty, snarky, badassery that takes place in this book. Zero to 100 very quickly. I also love that it's a duology. Fyia's equal will have to understand her in a way nobody else does and I think that is a beautiful trope! I like that the men are the under qualified in this book. It's a nice refreshing change from the scared "I don't want to rule" 18 year old damsel. Fyia doesn't need or want anyone to save her. She lives to save herself with a little help from her friends.
June 19, 2022
What an adventure! I think this will be an epic fantasy series. It has everything, action, adventure, magic and of course romance.
Fyia reminds me of Aelin or Poppy (after she found her voice). She is strong, smart and kind. I don't want to add spoilers but her love interest is the kind of book boyfriend I need in my life.
The book starts of in the middle of the action as Fyia takes care of the last . She is unapologetic as she kills him to complete her mission to unite the 5 kingdoms and bring back the dragons. Little did she know there is more to that task then she thought.
I loved the relationships she has with her core advisors whom are also her friends. While navigating the political landscape and also looking for Dragon eggs as she works to unite all the peoples and change all their lives for the better.
Cannot wait for book 2.
I recieved an ARC of this book and this is an honest review.
Fyia reminds me of Aelin or Poppy (after she found her voice). She is strong, smart and kind. I don't want to add spoilers but her love interest is the kind of book boyfriend I need in my life.
The book starts of in the middle of the action as Fyia takes care of the last . She is unapologetic as she kills him to complete her mission to unite the 5 kingdoms and bring back the dragons. Little did she know there is more to that task then she thought.
I loved the relationships she has with her core advisors whom are also her friends. While navigating the political landscape and also looking for Dragon eggs as she works to unite all the peoples and change all their lives for the better.
Cannot wait for book 2.
I recieved an ARC of this book and this is an honest review.
June 26, 2022
I really wish Goodreads did half stars as this would be a 4.5 for me.
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Thank you to H.R.Moore for sending me an ARC of the first book in her new fantasy series.
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This was such a well written story, I liked the political aspect of the kingdoms, I loved the strength we see in Fyia.
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Right from the first page there is action, betrayal, passion, loyalty, trust and faith.
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I would have like to have seen more of magic system, in particular Fyia's Magic which we see very little of in the first book.
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In this world there are 5 kingdom's, legend says that a worthy ruler will bring the nations together and when they do the great dragons will return. Fyia believes she is this person, she is fire touched.
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The dragons however have not returned and there is unrest in the 5 kingdoms, Fyia is a female in a land where males hold the true power, there are calls for her to marry.
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Fyia must find the dragons!
.
Thank you to H.R.Moore for sending me an ARC of the first book in her new fantasy series.
.
This was such a well written story, I liked the political aspect of the kingdoms, I loved the strength we see in Fyia.
.
Right from the first page there is action, betrayal, passion, loyalty, trust and faith.
.
I would have like to have seen more of magic system, in particular Fyia's Magic which we see very little of in the first book.
.
In this world there are 5 kingdom's, legend says that a worthy ruler will bring the nations together and when they do the great dragons will return. Fyia believes she is this person, she is fire touched.
.
The dragons however have not returned and there is unrest in the 5 kingdoms, Fyia is a female in a land where males hold the true power, there are calls for her to marry.
.
Fyia must find the dragons!
June 30, 2022
Possible Spoilers! I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Fyia is a strong leader who conquered 5 kingdoms in an attempt to bring the ancient dragons back to heal all the lands. She finds out she needs to unite even more kingdoms and her council and people are pressuring her to marry for political reasons and strengthen trade and more. She refuses to marry and give over all her hard earned success to some man to take the credit for.
She then meets The King of the Black Hoods and he feels the same way. So they slow burn for a while as they both try and find the dragons together.
It was a great story with some magic, some spice, a badass Queen who doesn’t want to be a fancy snooty Queen, and diverse characters.
And the book ends on an unfinished story line, but a satisfying closure (for now). Didn’t feel like an anger inducing cliffhanger.
10/10 would recommend. Warnings: mild cursing, sex, death.
Fyia is a strong leader who conquered 5 kingdoms in an attempt to bring the ancient dragons back to heal all the lands. She finds out she needs to unite even more kingdoms and her council and people are pressuring her to marry for political reasons and strengthen trade and more. She refuses to marry and give over all her hard earned success to some man to take the credit for.
She then meets The King of the Black Hoods and he feels the same way. So they slow burn for a while as they both try and find the dragons together.
It was a great story with some magic, some spice, a badass Queen who doesn’t want to be a fancy snooty Queen, and diverse characters.
And the book ends on an unfinished story line, but a satisfying closure (for now). Didn’t feel like an anger inducing cliffhanger.
10/10 would recommend. Warnings: mild cursing, sex, death.
March 30, 2023
A Good Different.
I quite enjoyed this book! It felt like it was well thought out, like the author has to have a wall with string! It was a different pacing than I am used to in this genre, but not in a bad way. The author took her time introducing you to the MFC before introducing you to the MMC, which was different and I’m not going to lie, I did not like at first, but I understand why she did. You had to understand what motivated Fyia’s actions and desires.
This book actually made me think a lot about the relationship between Daenerys and John Snow from Game of Thrones. Fyia very much had her own agenda and game she was playing, had her own power, before she meet Cal. And so did Cal. But when they meet they were equals and were attracted to each other; leadership, confidence, power and looks. And ended up wanting the to play the same game. I just hope it doesn’t end like it did for Dany and John 🤪
I quite enjoyed this book! It felt like it was well thought out, like the author has to have a wall with string! It was a different pacing than I am used to in this genre, but not in a bad way. The author took her time introducing you to the MFC before introducing you to the MMC, which was different and I’m not going to lie, I did not like at first, but I understand why she did. You had to understand what motivated Fyia’s actions and desires.
This book actually made me think a lot about the relationship between Daenerys and John Snow from Game of Thrones. Fyia very much had her own agenda and game she was playing, had her own power, before she meet Cal. And so did Cal. But when they meet they were equals and were attracted to each other; leadership, confidence, power and looks. And ended up wanting the to play the same game. I just hope it doesn’t end like it did for Dany and John 🤪
June 27, 2022
Thanks so much to H.R. Moore for sending me an advanced copy of Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash.
This book is just so intriguing, I wish there was another two pages to it. There is so much political intrigue and infighting that I wanted more, more, more. I really wanted to delve into the world in this novel. And I can't wait to see what comes next.
I loved our feisty main character, Fyia! She is strong-willed, independent and vulnerable. She's everything our hero should be. I also loved her relationship with Cal and I can't wait to see where their romance goes in the future. The spicy scenes were just chef's kiss!
Of course, dragons! I loved the magical aspects of this book.
Why I can't give it five stars is because it is just far too fast paced. I needed time to sit and think and breathe. We needed time to marinate in this world. I hope we get that in the next book.
This book is just so intriguing, I wish there was another two pages to it. There is so much political intrigue and infighting that I wanted more, more, more. I really wanted to delve into the world in this novel. And I can't wait to see what comes next.
I loved our feisty main character, Fyia! She is strong-willed, independent and vulnerable. She's everything our hero should be. I also loved her relationship with Cal and I can't wait to see where their romance goes in the future. The spicy scenes were just chef's kiss!
Of course, dragons! I loved the magical aspects of this book.
Why I can't give it five stars is because it is just far too fast paced. I needed time to sit and think and breathe. We needed time to marinate in this world. I hope we get that in the next book.
June 28, 2022
Oh my my, what an eventful journey this story is. It started with a bang when Fyia our MC here, conquered her 5 kingdoms and from there went on the search of the DRAGONS. You know dragons that I love the most, I was glued to the book from that point completely as I can’t miss even a single thrilling point. There is so much story and world-building we get to see as the story progresses. HR Moore is an amazing writer I must say and she built this world with utmost curiosity and with secrets at the same time. There were a lot of actions and strategies happening and those built Fyia���s character which is a strong, fierce, no-nonsense thing. The close support that other characters show to her the Queen is marvellous and heart-touching. I’m seriously looking forward to seeing what their journey entails in the next book in the series.
July 3, 2022
This book was so so good!!
I loved Fyia in this story! She was such a badass character who took no crap from anyone, especially the men who thought she was good for nothing but marrying off and letting her new husband run things. She was having none of that and was all about female empowerment and women having the same rights as the men in her kingdoms.
Then we have Cal! 🥵🔥. He is the king of a neighboring kingdom who she is trying to team up with and just wow! The steam between these two was 🔥🔥. I loved these two together and how he wanted the same things she did.
There was so much action in this book and steam and it was just fantastic!
I am so excited to see what else this series brings, as this was just book 1!
I loved Fyia in this story! She was such a badass character who took no crap from anyone, especially the men who thought she was good for nothing but marrying off and letting her new husband run things. She was having none of that and was all about female empowerment and women having the same rights as the men in her kingdoms.
Then we have Cal! 🥵🔥. He is the king of a neighboring kingdom who she is trying to team up with and just wow! The steam between these two was 🔥🔥. I loved these two together and how he wanted the same things she did.
There was so much action in this book and steam and it was just fantastic!
I am so excited to see what else this series brings, as this was just book 1!
July 23, 2022
I binged read it and GOD I loved it !
We start off with our main character slaying a king and taking his kingdom. We then learn that she has done this with other four kingdoms. Legend says that when the 5 kingdoms reunite the dragons will come back, so where are they?
She’ll do anything to get them, even going for them herself.
“ ꜱʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇꜱɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏʀ ᴀᴘᴏʟᴏɢʏ. ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴇᴇʀɪʟʏ ᴄᴀʟᴍ … ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ. ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ, ᴜɴᴘʜᴀꜱᴇᴅ. ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀ ᴄᴏʟᴅ, ᴄᴀʟᴄᴜʟᴀᴛɪɴɢ, ᴀʟᴏᴏꜰ, ʙᴜᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ … ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ ɪɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴏꜱɪᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅɪᴅ. ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴋɪɴɢꜱ ᴀᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀʏ, ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴘᴘʟᴀᴜᴅᴇᴅ.“
Fyia is a strong female lead character who isn’t afraid to help her fellow women and do what she must to get what she wants. Romance is amazing and the plot was mind blowing! I couldn’t put it down 👀
We start off with our main character slaying a king and taking his kingdom. We then learn that she has done this with other four kingdoms. Legend says that when the 5 kingdoms reunite the dragons will come back, so where are they?
She’ll do anything to get them, even going for them herself.
“ ꜱʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇꜱɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏʀ ᴀᴘᴏʟᴏɢʏ. ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴇᴇʀɪʟʏ ᴄᴀʟᴍ … ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ. ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ, ᴜɴᴘʜᴀꜱᴇᴅ. ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀ ᴄᴏʟᴅ, ᴄᴀʟᴄᴜʟᴀᴛɪɴɢ, ᴀʟᴏᴏꜰ, ʙᴜᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ … ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ ɪɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴏꜱɪᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅɪᴅ. ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴋɪɴɢꜱ ᴀᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀʏ, ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴘᴘʟᴀᴜᴅᴇᴅ.“
Fyia is a strong female lead character who isn’t afraid to help her fellow women and do what she must to get what she wants. Romance is amazing and the plot was mind blowing! I couldn’t put it down 👀
August 3, 2022
political Intrigue... check
High Fantasy... check
Romance... check
Dragons...?
There is a legend...that when the Five Kingdoms are united, the dragons will return and all the lands will prosper.
WOWZA H.R Moore has yet to disappoint when it comes to her books! She can always claim my immediate attention and characters that I always root for.
Our FMC Fyia has killed all 5 kings and united the kingdoms.. but the catch? where are the dragons that were promised...
In comes Cal.. *swoon* King of a neighboring kingdom he is just chefs kiss. I can't wait to see more of him! literally .
4.5/5
High Fantasy... check
Romance... check
Dragons...?
There is a legend...that when the Five Kingdoms are united, the dragons will return and all the lands will prosper.
WOWZA H.R Moore has yet to disappoint when it comes to her books! She can always claim my immediate attention and characters that I always root for.
Our FMC Fyia has killed all 5 kings and united the kingdoms.. but the catch? where are the dragons that were promised...
In comes Cal.. *swoon* King of a neighboring kingdom he is just chefs kiss. I can't wait to see more of him! literally .
4.5/5
June 11, 2022
This really surprised me! I loved the main character, Fyia. She was strong, witty and independent. She reminded me a lot of Aelin from the Throne of Glass series. The book starts off strong with lots of action and just enough background information to understand what’s going on.
The book starts with Fyia just having won the five kingdoms, but she has a lot of work to do to make sure there is peace and they remain united. There’s adventure, romance, magic, just about everything you’d want from a fantasy novel!
The book starts with Fyia just having won the five kingdoms, but she has a lot of work to do to make sure there is peace and they remain united. There’s adventure, romance, magic, just about everything you’d want from a fantasy novel!
June 28, 2022
Fyia wins her last battle, kills a king and unites the Five Kingdoms. Now she in search of what she desires, dragon eggs. The dragon eggs goes missing and now this mystery is her top priority. Now the drama begins, but she needs help and asks the king of The Black Hoods. But, he’s just as stubborn as she is and is unwilling to help, so the their fight begins. Fyia needs to overcome some obstacles to become the queen she desires to be. A fantastic fantasy read.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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