Book Review: Blade of Ash, C.F.E Black

Book Category: Clean YA fantasy romance 

Recommendation based on likability/story:  5 ⭐

Age recommendation: 13+ 

Story Synopsis 

The only way to beat death is to chase it.

Newly crowned, Red blames one person for his father’s murder: the secret sorceress sworn to protect the king.

Alyana Barron, Royal Sorcerer to the throne of Tandera, fears her magic is weakening.

When Red is cursed, his life entwines with Aly’s in ways neither of them expected. Together, they chase after a cure that will heal the king and restore her magic, but the closer they get to a cure, the nearer they step toward death, for the path to the cure is as dangerous as the curse itself.

“An epic YA fantasy series perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance packed full of royal intrigue, legends, and plenty of ballgowns. If you like female bodyguards and forced proximity with life-and-death stakes... this story is for you!”

Why we love Blade of Ash! 

⚔️Enemies to Lovers

⚔️Forced Proximity 

⚔️Bodyguard/Royal Romance

⚔️Magical Bonds

⚔️Sweet & wholesome sibling relationships

NOTE FOR PARENTS:

There is no kissing in this book, but some tension and longing. The romance in books 2 and 3 increases to "only kisses." The entire series is marketed as PG-13.

Likes

A very unique magic system: I love the worldbuilding and magic system C.F.E Black came up with - so unique and compelling! I also liked that not every aspect of the magic system was explained at once - you get to put some of the puzzle pieces together. It was well done and balanced in a way that didn’t make me frustrated that I didn’t understand the whole system right from page one. It all makes sense as you get into the story, I promise! 

The funny side character everyone loves: The MMC’s closest friend, Seb is honestly one of my favorite characters. Always the one cracking jokes and bringing lightheartedness to the situation. And he usually isn’t short on supply for teasing jokes. Gotta love him!

Wholesome sibling relationships: This was one of my absolute favorite aspects of the story! Too often in our day, siblings are portrayed as hating each other, eagerly lashing insults at each other, and treating them like dirt (which is not normal, and it shouldn’t be the case). I could relate to the sibling dynamics in this story, and I was so grateful that it was portrayed how it should be! They treated each other with respect, honesty, and genuine care. And of course there was the odd snarky or teasing retort, but you’ve got to have some humor! Example: Chapter 7, p. 961.


Laugh-out-loud moments: Some of the scenes were so naturally funny, you can’t even help laughing. I may have been unsuccessful in suppressing a snort or two from a couple scenes.

“Red glanced down at her. ‘What is it now?’
‘I tripped.’
He snickered. The noise shot arrows into Aly's veins. She blasted herself with cool air and used it to push Red’s hair into a rather ridiculous standing position. Her mask concealed her smirk.” Chapter 8, p. 1143

A very cute protective-older-brother moment happens where the MMC says that he will slap Lord Lordan for his sister after how heartbroken he’d left her (we’re told he was going to propose but broke it off). The MMC’s sister then says, “No you won’t. He does deserve it, but I will be the one to do it.” 

Relatable & compelling characters: There wasn’t anytime where I felt like the characters were cringey or where the author was trying too hard. They felt very real, each had their own personalities, and added value to the story.

Dislikes 

I honestly have none. Sorry (not really)!

    Content Warning Section

Each category is rated on a scale of 1-5 in terms of the amount of the content. 

Romance: ⭐+ 1/2
Mention that MMC’s sister, Elise, had suffered a broken heart from her relationship with the Prince of Refere. Mention of FMC recalling the memory of dancing with Lord Grey, and the impression of his hand on her waist. Mention of FMC contemplating that it would be much easier serving as the MMC’s sorcerer if he were unattractive. Minor and infrequent teasing: MMC’s best friend rates FMC for beauty on a scale of 1-10 (he gives her an 8/10). Brief mention of the MMC looking at the FMC with “a strange fire in his eyes of mingled anger and attraction.” MMC at one point suspects that there is something between FMC and Lord Grey (which there isn’t). A humorous scene: “When I was seeing Cornia, and she caught me kissing Lilac, I bought her a diamond bracelet (as an apology gift). It seemed to work pretty well”. A brief mention of tension: “Red turned now, his arm against the open door, his body only inches from hers.” He quickly widens the space between them. A brief mention that the FMC hadn’t, for a long time, admitted to herself how handsome the MMC was, and she briefly found herself staring at him with a flicker of heat in her chest.  A scene shows that the FMC uses magic to ease the MMC’s headache pressure; the scene mentions their nearness, her standing right in front of him, hands sinking into his hair to release the pressure. The scene mentions that the magic causes the knots in his shoulders, neck, back, and chest to loosen, and the pain ebbing away, his head leaning just inches from her stomach. The scene mentions the MMC’s sudden desire to cross the distance between them. The magic is basically lulling him to sleep, and his head falls forward, touching her abdomen. The scene mentions afterward that he steps behind her, his body close enough that, though not touching her, he could feel her warmth. She is uncomfortable with his nearness and walks away. A brief scene mentions that the FMC’s hand rests only inches from the MMC’s. A brief scene mentions that the FMC, surprised by her own movement, places her palm in the MMC’s, gripping hard, spinning her hand to clasp his, forcing him to step closer (no further description is given, and the scene moves on). In a heartfelt moment during a fighting scene, the MMC hugs the FMC; “For one second, he wanted her to feel alive. To feel her breathing and close and safe. ‘Aly, listen to me. Thank you. For saving my life.’”. A scene mentions the FMC reaching one hand up to the MMC’s cheek: “I can’t beat him now, but I can try to get us out of here.” She moved her hand and slid her fingers up and through his hair… her palm lit a trail of fire where it went. She pressed against his forehead, and blazing heat flared in his body. Was it magic or just her touch? “Thank you for trusting me.” A heartfelt moment during an attack scene mentions close contact; “Red lifted a hand, traced the edge of her jaw. ‘I won’t die. I’ll be right here.’ Aly cupped her hand around his, pressing it to her skin.” A scene mentions that the MMC grabs the FMC’s hands, then pulls her into a hug, squeezing so tight she could barely breathe, and she squeezes back.“Their closeness felt strong and warm and right. He leaned his forehead against hers, the entire world in the pressure of his skin on hers, his lips hovering so close. He tensed to pull away. Then she whispered, ‘Stay.’”

A scene mentions that the MMC let the FMC cry against his shoulder until she steeled herself and got to work healing the injured. A brief scene mentions that as the FMC steps through a door at a train station, her body brushes against the MMC’s in the small space. He reaches out, letting the back of his hand just touch hers. It mentions that her fingers line up against his, hidden by the folds of her dress. A few moments later,“Red stepped closer, his shins brushing against the folds of her dress. His hand braced against the thin doorway, right above Aly’s. He could feel the heat from her arm and wanted so badly for her to turn to him.”

Violence/Intensity: ⭐⭐
Many mentions of blood over the whole story (not detailed). Mentions that the king is dead. A scene has FMC explaining that her father has wanted her dead since she was born because her birth caused her mother’s death. Mention that FMC’s father killed her mother (only stated, no details were given). A scene mentions that a beggar boy had cloth tied around his outstretched hands that soaked in places from oozing wounds. A scene shows that at the MMC’s coronation celebration, when he took out a handkerchief from his pocket to give as an offering to the queen, it was unexpectedly soaked with blood (not detailed). Mention of MMC’s dead fathers body disappearing under bright flames at his funeral. A vague mention that a foxblood (fantasy creature) had reportedly killed a field worker, leaving a sickening mess for the farmer to find (no details were given). Mention that in Bulvarna, sorcerers must be registered at the palace, upon threat of death. A vague mention of blood bubbling from a man's mouth when a rug beneath him was yanked out. Mention of street animals being required to be branded. Mention that most people who came across unbranded street animals simply eliminated them rather than inflicting the branding process. A scene mentions that a shard from an iron skillet was thrown into the back of a lyth (a dangerous shapeshifting creature, who had shifted into human form). Someone was bitten by the lyth, and puncture marks were found on his arm, seeping blood. A scene mentions a foxblood (dangerous fantasy creature) sinking its teeth into the FMC’s arm, and she snarls in pain. Another character drives a blade all the way through the animal's throat, and it goes limp. Mention of the FMC pressing her fingertips to the MMC’s chest, and begins the Siphoning (driving out the evil magic from him); he endures pain like shards of broken glass, groaning and panting through clenched teeth. The FMC dives on top of him, holding him down with her elbow at his throat as he tries to pull away. A scene with aggressive wolves attacking a group; mentions of stabbing the wolves with a dagger, blood, blood seeping from wounds, blood dripping, red everywhere, bite marks (mentioned, not detailed). A scene mentions the MMC being tortured with magic, his face melting; mention of blood dripping off his face, his skin sloughing off like a snake’s, his face deteriorating. The FMC quickly heals his face with a spell, his skin becoming normal and soft again. 

Language: ⭐
A few insults such as “idiot”, “halfwit”, “stupid”, “shut up”, “you toss wad”. A joking threat of “I could have you hanged”.  An insult is muttered in someone’s head, “wretched royal”. A  made-up slang “toss it/me/you” is used here and there throughout the story. Expressions such as “Thank Theod” (2-3x), “Good lord” (1-2x) are used. A mention that some soldiers cursed under their breath (no curses specified). Mention of the FMC’s evil father crying out curse after curse at her (no curse specified). 

Other: ⭐+ 1/2

Magic
Many mentions of magic, sorcerers (described as “a masked figure in a white cloak”). Mentions that sorcerers can’t tell lies, as their magic comes from truth. A scene mentions that the FMC materializes. Mentions of FMC materializing and dissipating. A mention is made that magic can do many things, including invade someone's mind, but not being able to bring back what it finds there. Mention of the fact that the king had been under a death curse (which inevitably brought about his death). Mention of a magical process called “siphoning”, which draws magic out of one person and into another (in this case, to save a person by taking the magic curse on oneself and off of the previous victim). Mention that the FMC had been gifted with magic much stronger than the average sorcerer. Explanation that the FMC pulls Truthwell from people to strengthen and fuel her magic. Mention that the FMC did a quick spell to lower her body temperature because she was overheated. Mention that FMC’s magic can’t be polluted unless she is directly cursed. Mention that magic is sometimes used to supplement artistic creation. Mention that the purpose for mastery of magic (for a sorcerer who uses others as a source) isn’t about being the best or strongest, it's about resisting the temptation to take too much. FMC uses her magic to uproot a tree. Many mentions of the FMC communicating telepathically to MMC. The FMC frequently uses spells to heal wounds, etc.

Many mentions of Truthwell; it’s explained that a sorcerer's magic is tied directly to the source they use to fuel it. Their strength comes into play in knowing how, when, and in what capacity to pull from their source.
Each individual possesses a unique truthwell, which is a wellspring of magic that draws from their personal truths and beliefs. The strength and purity of a sorcerer's magic are directly linked to the clarity and honesty of their Truthwell.
Mention of a process called “Binding”, which binds a person’s magic to a sorcerer, giving the sorcerer access to the person’s Truthwell. The scene describes the FMC closing her eyes to conduct the magic of the Binding, causing light to beam from the MMC’s body, his blood pulsing in his ears and his body trembling (1-2 sentences, not gory at all). 
Mention of animals called “lyths”, who can shapeshift forms, including shifting into human form. 

Religious/Moral
Mention of the Maker/Theod (a deity possibly representing God). Mentions of the Verad, an ancient manuscript (possibly representing the Bible). Many mentions of lies, lying, and truth throughout. A scene shows discussion about a man who was a “Theodist” (made up word in this story) believed that Theod created everything, but believing that there is creative power in nature too. A scene shows discussion that “some in the stricter religious sects believed mentioning the Black River was tantamount to inviting its evil into one’s life”.

Modesty/conduct  
Multiple scenes mention nearness between the MMC and FMC (some are simply situational). A scene mentions MMC expecting the sorcerer to be a man when it turns out it's a woman, and thinking in his head, “Could the (sorcerer) change his appearance? He can make himself invisible, why not make himself look like an attractive woman?”. A scene mentions that when the MMC’s bodyguard/sorceress says he can take his jacket off, he’s taken aback - but then he realizes that this isn’t an odd or inappropriate remark when in the presence of family members, friends, and also bodyguards. A scene vaguely mentions that the FMC drops down into a chair in a most unladylike manner. A scene mentions that the MMC bumps into the FMC’s invisible form, and he is uncomfortable not knowing which part of her he touched, unintentionally (no mention of anything additional). A scene shows the FMC suddenly collapse after a Binding ritual, the MMC catching her to avoid collision, after which she jumps back up abruptly. A scene mentions MMC’s sorcerer (FMC) in his bedchamber inspecting his coronation suit before the celebration, checking for any hidden weapons meant to sabotage him; the scene also mentions the MMC crossing his arms over his bare chest, FMC’s gaze bouncing off his undressed torso and glancing away. Mention that, even though as the MMC’s sorcerer/bodyguard it wasn’t inappropriate to be in his bedchamber, she felt awkward anyway. Mention of MMC suddenly gripping the FMC’s shoulders as he receives news with shock. A scene mentions that the FMC wipes her sweaty hands on her hips, and the MMC’s eyes follow her movement; she looks away, making the moment, in her view, more awkward than it had to be. A scene mentions that MMC thought that the FMC had a lover hidden in her room when he heard a male voice (it happened to actually be a magical item playing back a recording of a man talking). FMC has the magical ability to heal people through touch; when MMC has a headache and sits down, she asks if she can touch him, and places her hand on his knee: “With her touch came a burst of heat into his entire body–both from the magic and her hand on his leg.” This healing magic also helps fight the curse slowly consuming him. A scene shows that the MMC touches the FMC’s arm when he turns to ask her something (not romantically). A scene mentions that the knowledge of his sorcerer room’s nearness to his only made the MMC sweat, as he bathed in his tub. A brief and vague mention that the chill from the window helped the MMC fight his headache pressure and the heat blooming in his chest at the sight of the FMC. A scene mentions that the MMC takes the FMC’s hand, squeezing it to encourage her. Mention that the memory that stood out above the rest (during the intense and painful Siphoning process where the FMC had to pin him down) was the pressure of her body against his. The FMC explains that healing works much more effectively with physical contact. One brief scene shows that the MMC steps forward out of impulse and places his hand on the FMC’s face, fingers gently brushing against the tiny hairs at her temple; she doesn’t react favorably, and tells him not to do it again (he obeys). Situational closeness occurs; the FMC tries to carry the unconscious MMC after being attacked and trying to draw out the curse from him. A scene following the MMC being attacked and hurt, the FMC’s hands cup his head, lifting his butchered chin. She set his head across her lap, cradling his temples, murmuring a healing spell. 

Summary

All in all, this was a fantastic, clean romantasy read - I would definitely recommend this to those who love a classic mix of fantasy and romance, but are worried about running into spice/smut, vulgar language, and gory violence. You’ll find all the magic, intrigue, and adventure that makes fantasy so captivating. 

The friendly/teasing banter between characters is entertaining, I loved worldbuilding, the magic system - everything! The story definitely gave off royalcore vibes, which I love.


If you’re a fan of royal intrigue, slow-burn tension, and high stakes, you’ll LOVE Blade of Ash!

Happy reading! 

- Lamp Post Parcel team