I swear within minutes of starting A Heart of Blood and Ashes I knew I was going to love it but I had no idea just how much. The world, the characters, the build... it was freaking fantastic!
A Heart of Blood and Ashes (A Gathering of Dragons #1) by Milla Vane
A generation past, the western realms were embroiled in endless war. Then the Destroyer came. From the blood and ashes he left behind, a tenuous alliance rose between the barbarian riders of Parsathe and the walled kingdoms of the south. That alliance is all that stands against the return of an ancient evil--until the barbarian king and queen are slain in an act of bloody betrayal.
Though forbidden by the alliance council to kill the corrupt king responsible for his parents' murders, Maddek vows to avenge them, even if it costs him the Parsathean crown. But when he learns it was the king's daughter who lured his parents to their deaths, the barbarian warrior is determined to make her pay.
Yet the woman Maddek captures is not what he expected. Though the last in a line of legendary warrior-queens, Yvenne is small and weak, and the sharpest weapons she wields are her mind and her tongue. Even more surprising is the marriage she proposes to unite them in their goals and to claim their thrones--because her desire for vengeance against her father burns even hotter than his own...
5 out of 5 stars
A Heart of Blood and Ashes was an epic and intense
adventure that was thrilling and exciting to read. I loved the drama and
passion and the incredible build to Maddek and Yvenne
coming together. From beginning to end I was hooked!
Maddek and Yvenne were phenomenal characters. They
were so focused on what they wanted for their people, seeking vengeance, and
fighting to make that happening. Together they were like fire and ice and I
loved the challenge between them, their conflict, and banter. Yvenne was truly
amazing. She had such a strong mind and was so determined. I loved watching her
grow and fight for what she believed in. Maddek was brutal and unforgiving but
full of passion, strength, and heart. I loved him opening up and trusting. Their
building attraction was tense and angst-filled at times as well as smoking hot and I couldn’t
get enough.
I love the vivid world Milla Vane created in this gritty,
raw, and intense barbarian fantasy romance. It was exceptional with all the
different realms, characters, alliances, politics, and rich history. It was
incredibly detailed, elaborate, and very world-building. The descriptions of
the lands, creatures, and magic that resided there were splendid. It was
violent at times and drama-filled and it had really fantastic scenes and
awesome fight sequences. I loved the intensity of those battles and swear at
times I held my breath. It was action-packed! I loved Maddek’s warriors and how
loyal they were, and the different bonds they had. I loved the bits of comic
relief they brought to the story as well. I also loved the overall storyline of
the Destroyer and learning about past battles and how that’s all being brought
to the forefront. I can’t wait to find out what comes next since that storyline
will continue.
I found this story to be all-consuming and am kicking myself
for not starting it sooner. It was original and unique with outstanding
characters with so much depth and heart. The build was incredible and I
loved every single second!
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What's the last book that completely blew you away? Let me know!
