A Heart of Blood and Ashes
A Heart of Blood and Ashes
A Gathering of Dragons #1
Author: Milla Vane
Pages: 555
February 4, 2020
In a land scarred by endless war, the rise of a tenuous alliance between the barbarian Parsathe and the walled southern kingdoms offered hope against an ancient evil. However, the betrayal and murder of the barbarian king and queen threatens this fragile peace. Their son, Maddek, is determined to avenge their deaths, even if it means sacrificing his claim to the Parsathean throne. His quest for revenge leads him to capture the king’s daughter, Yvenne, who orchestrated the betrayal. Despite her seemingly weak appearance, Yvenne, a descendant of powerful warrior-queens, proposes an unexpected alliance with Maddek. Her own thirst for vengeance against her father aligns with his, and together they plan to unite their forces and reclaim their thrones.
This book is severely underrated and it captivated me from start to finish. If you’re into fantasy romance with a dash of smut right from the get-go, this is your read. The story is rich with plot, though it does feel like not much progresses in terms of action. Maddek, the mmc, is the epitome of loyalty and honor—exactly what you hope for in a hero. The rapid introduction of numerous characters can be a bit overwhelming, making it tricky to keep track of everyone. However, the book is fantastic and leaves me wishing their story would continue into the other book. I understand the books are interconnected, however, I just want more of Maddek and Yvenne and their story.
Great read. Absolutely loved it.
