Wendy ⏃: ✦Nerdy Book Reviews✦'s Reviews > A Heart of Blood and Ashes

3 STARS!

Maddek is driven by revenge against those who murdered his parents, the beloved queen and king. He's a strong, brooding warrior and has no qualms about fighting for his people and his land. But Maddek's hatred and disgust towards Zhalen runs deep as Zhalen is a corrupt and selfish ruler of Syssian. Though Maddek believes the whole family line to be rotten to the core, he marries Zhalen's daughter.

“But there is a daughter. An heir with moonstone eyes. It was she who sent the letter that brought your parents to their end.”

Yvenne, Zhalen's daughter, is believed to have had a hand in the demise of Maddek's father and mother, so Maddek does not trust her, and for a good portion of the story sees her as only a way for him to seek his revenge.

"As soon as Zhalen’s daughter was within his grasp, he would make her pay for her treachery. Vengeance would be his."

At the 50% mark in the novel, Maddek's thoughts and actions were very tedious and back and forth. One moment, he was having a hard time trusting Yvenne, then the next, he feels bad for not trusting her, only to say an hour later that he doesn't trust her again and she's just a vessel to get his revenge and plant his seed (his words not mine). Meanwhile, poor Yvenne has endured a lot but remains resilient and strong regardless of her weak state. She's a fierce queen whose loyal to her people and she never stops showing readers these qualities.

The secondary characters and their relationships were intriguing and added a aspect to the story that I found captivating. Also, I really liked the world-building. This novel had a great premise and storyline but the romance was lacking and the chemistry unbelievable, you know, when they finally reach that level of intimacy.

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane was that perfect clash of Vikings meets Game of Thrones. Though it was slow to me and the romance was not what I expected, I enjoyed the overall world that Milla has created. So, I do recommend giving this one a try. Who knows, it might just turn out to be a favorite of yours and then you can call me crazy ;)