what to read after blood and ash

2 min read 25-12-2024

Meta Description: Finished Blood and Ash and craving more? This guide explores captivating fantasy romance novels with similar elements, from steamy scenes to intricate plots. Discover your next literary obsession! (157 characters)

Finding Your Next Read After Blood and Ash

If you've just finished Jennifer L. Armentrout's Blood and Ash and are looking for your next captivating fantasy romance read, you're in luck! The world of Blood and Ash is rich in its characters, plot twists and intense romance. Finding something equally compelling takes a bit of searching, but this guide will help point you in the right direction. We’ll explore books that offer similar elements – steamy romance, intriguing magic systems, and complex characters caught in political intrigue.

Similar Fantasy Romances with Steamy Elements

Many readers appreciate Blood and Ash for its steamy scenes and passionate romance between Poppy and Hawke. If that's what drew you in, consider these titles:

Series with Similar Romance Dynamics:

From Blood and Ash Series (Jennifer L. Armentrout): The obvious choice! Continue the story with the next books in the series: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night. Armentrout's writing style ensures a consistent, thrilling read.
The Priory of the Orange Tree (Samantha Shannon): This epic fantasy novel features multiple strong female leads navigating complex relationships and political upheaval alongside a thrilling overarching plot. While not as explicitly steamy as Blood and Ash, the emotional intensity and romantic subplots will satisfy many readers.

Standalone Novels with a Focus on Passion:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (Sarah J. Maas): This series starts with a similar premise to Blood and Ash: a young woman thrust into a dangerous and magical world. The romance is central to the plot, and the steamy aspects increase throughout the series.
The Cruel Prince (Holly Black): This dark fantasy offers a twisted romance. While different in tone from Blood and Ash, the complex relationship between Jude and Cardan will leave you breathless.

Fantasy Romances with Intricate Plots and World-Building

Beyond the romance, Blood and Ash's intricate plot and detailed world-building are major draws. These books offer similar richness and depth:

Complex Political Intrigue:

The Poppy War (R.F. Kuang): While not purely romance-focused, this grimdark fantasy novel features a compelling protagonist involved in a brutal war and complex political machinations. It's a darker read than Blood and Ash, but the intricate plot and strong female lead are captivating.

Intricate Magic Systems:

Mistborn: The Final Empire (Brandon Sanderson): While leaning more toward high fantasy, Sanderson’s mastery of world-building and magic systems is unparalleled. The intricate magic system and exciting plot will keep you hooked.

Question: What if I want something different than Blood and Ash?

If you enjoyed aspects of Blood and Ash but want a change of pace, here are some alternative suggestions:

For a lighter, more whimsical fantasy romance: Try the Sabriel series by Garth Nix or the Lady Sherlock mysteries by Sherry Thomas.
For a darker, more mature fantasy: Explore the works of authors like Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows) or N.K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth trilogy). These are less romance-focused, but their complex plots and world-building are outstanding.

Choosing Your Next Adventure

Ultimately, the best book to read after Blood and Ash depends on your personal preferences. Consider which aspects of Blood and Ash you enjoyed most – the romance, the world-building, the plot twists – and choose a book that emphasizes those elements. The books suggested above offer a variety of options, ensuring you'll find your next captivating read. Happy reading!