What is the Proper Reading Order for the Blood and Ash Series?
Are you looking to escape into a fantastical world? Or maybe a quick fix after finishing Sarah J. Maas’s universe? Then consider this your sign: it’s time to dive into the ever-popular Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout—and we can help you get started.
Who Writes the Blood and Ash Series?
If you’ve ever set foot in an indie bookstore or browsed your e-reader for a new romantasy book, you’ve likely come across the somewhat daunting Blood and Ash series. Penned by the #1 New York Times and international best-selling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, these paranormal romance books are a fan-favorite for lovers of the genre—but that’s not all she’s written! If you read contemporary fiction, new adult, or fantasy, you might already be familiar with her work.
Is the Blood and Ash Series Spicy?
While the early books may start with slow-burn romances, the Blood and Ash series is known for being incredibly spicy, often rating a 4 or 5 on BookTok’s chili pepper spice scale. If you’re a fan of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and vividly described intimacy, stick with the smutty romance series until the very end—it’s worth it.
Do You Have to Read the Flesh and Fire Series to Read the Blood and Ash Series?
Since Armentrout wrote the Flesh and Fire series as a companion prequel, and not something separate, she and her loyal readers recommend reading the two series together. Otherwise, the thrilling mystery, plot twists, and future cameos won’t carry as much meaning.
Blood and Ash Series in Order:
- From Blood and Ash
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
- The Crown of Gilded Bones
- The War of Two Queens
- A Soul of Ash and Blood
- Visions of Flesh and Blood
- Primal of Blood and Bone
Flesh and Fire Series in Order:
- A Shadow in the Ember
- A Light in the Flame
- A Fire in the Flesh
- Born of Blood and Ash
The Recommended Reading Order for the Blood and Ash Series
To have the full experience the author intended, we recommend following the official reading order for the Blood and Ash series after you buy from your local bookstore. Intermingled with titles from the companion series, this is the correct way to join Poppy and her friends on their adventures. There may be a few spoilers below, so read with caution!
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series #1)
As the Maiden in From Blood and Ash, Poppy’s life is one of solitude. As she awaits her Ascension, the day when she will be found worthy by the gods, she is never to be touched, looked upon, spoken to, or given pleasure. It doesn’t matter that she’d rather be with the guards, fighting the evil that took her family. She was never given a choice.
The entire kingdom’s future rests on her shoulders, and when Hawke, a golden-eye guard charged with ensuring her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and desire begin to clash. Soon, Poppy begins to question everything she’s ever believed in. As the call for violence and vengeance grows, the line between right and wrong blurs—and the world as they know it begins to unravel.
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series #2)
No longer able to hide behind the veil of the Maiden in A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, everything Poppy believed was a lie. Seen as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, danger lurks in every corner—but nothing is as threatening as her captor, the Prince of Atlantia, Casteel Da’Neer. With lies as seductive as his touch and goals that reach far beyond Poppy, the two will need to work together as whispers of war spread across the land. Will they be able to find what they need and resist temptation before it’s too late?
The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series #3)
Before Poppy, the newly discovered true ruler of Atlantia, and Prince Casteel can revel in their newfound love, they must go on a dangerous mission to free his brother and find hers. But as blood-soaked secrets and sins come to the surface in the kingdom, a long-forgotten power emerges as a genuine threat—and they’ll stop at nothing to make sure the gilded crown of Flesh and Fire never reaches Poppy’s head. In The Crown of Gilded Bones, Poppy and Casteel must travel to the Land of the Gods and wake the King himself—even if it means toppling everything they’ve fought for.
Note: This is when you should pick up the prequel to the Blood and Ash series. Start with A Shadow in the Ember and flash back to Seraphena Mierel’s life as a Maiden (and secret assassin).
The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series #4)
In The War of Two Queens, the staggering revelations and battles caused by the actions of the Blood Queen have Casteel Da’Neer reeling—but nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King. With the support of the wolven and the Primal of Life’s guards, she must convince the Atlantian generals to wage war her way. Together, they must work to safeguard those they hold dear and make steps for Poppy to become what she fears most: the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.
Note: Once you finish listening to this audiobook, continue the prequel series with A Light in the Flame. With attacks on the Shadowlands increasing and new summons to court, Sera must balance her love for Nyktos to survive her Ascension before time runs out for her and the realms.
A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series #5)
In A Soul of Ash and Blood, the fighting has only just begun. With Gods awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, the Queen of Flesh and Fire becoming the Primal of Blood and Bone, and Poppy falling into stasis, Casteel faces the very real possibility that he may lose her. As he waits to see her eyes open once more, he decides to talk to her about everything. He describes how their journey began, revealing secrets about himself that almost no one knows in the process. But it’s anyone’s guess when (or if) she’ll wake up. And exactly how much of the world around her will have changed when she does?
Note: Pick up A Fire in the Flesh to see how Sera attempts to free Nyktos from the false King of the Gods and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a new war.
Visions of Flesh and Blood (A Compendium)
While not technically a book in either the Blood and Ash series or the Flesh and Fire series, the author recommends reading the Visions of Flesh and Blood comprehensive companion guide at this point in your journey. With background, history, reader-favorite information, art, and reference materials, as well as original short stories and scenes starring a few of the characters, this book is presented as a journal and cache of notes by one Miss Willa.
Note: After you’ve caught up on all the tantalizing behind-the-scenes tidbits, continue on with the fourth in the Flesh and Fire series, Born of Blood and Ash. Finally free of Kolis and reunited with those she loves, Sera has hope for the future—that is, until she begins to piece together the true meaning behind her foreboding prophecy and bloodline.
The Primal of Blood and Bone (Blood and Ash Series #7)
After becoming the harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction, Poppy was never meant to awaken—and the consequences are vast. But in The Primal of Blood and Bone, the ancient powers stirring and transforming Casteel and Keiran are the least of their concerns. The Blood Crown has fallen, the Great Conspirator has returned, and the future of the realm rests upon them. But this time, they have the gods on their side.
What are you waiting for? Be as brave as Poppy and head to your favorite downtown Rochester bookshop to start the Blood and Ash series today!