I fell in love with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash universe two years ago. Now, twelve books later, I’m absolutely feral for Poppy’s story. However, these books are long, heavy, and span across three series. With The Primal of Blood and Bone releasing on June 10th, 2025, I think it’s time we take a look back at where things stand. I’m taking on the biggest project yet this year—in the upcoming weeks, I’m going to recap all twelve books in this universe, create character profiles, and catch us all up to the moment right before The Primal of Blood and Bone. So, let’s kick things off with the From Blood and Ash recap—where it all began.
If you’re looking for detailed character profiles, the reading order for From Blood and Ash, Flesh and Fire, and The Awakening series, or other recaps, make sure to check out the links at the end of this post for everything you need!
Summary
Poppy and Hawke Meet at Red Pearl
Penellaphe “Poppy” Balfour has spent her entire life sheltered and hidden away, destined to ascend as “the Maiden” and restore the Kingdom of Solis after the devastating War of Two Kings.
Tired of her lonely, isolated existence, Poppy secretly slips out of Castle Teerman disguised as a servant and visits The Red Pearl, a brothel. There, she meets the charming and mysterious Hawke Flynn, a new Royal Guard who doesn’t recognize her through her disguise.
Their instant chemistry leads to banter, playful teasing, and even a glimpse of Poppy’s dangerous side when Hawke discovers her hidden bloodstone dagger made out of wolven bone.
Poppy is hesitant to remove her mask, self-conscious of the scars she keeps hidden, but the tension between them simmers until they share a heated kiss and more.
They’re interrupted when Kieran, another guard, calls Hawke away, and Poppy slips out, vanishing before her identity can be uncovered.
Poppy Sneaks Out At Night with Vikter and Craven’s Curse
Back at the castle, Poppy struggles to keep her secret. Her friend and Lady-in-Waiting, Tawny, pushes her to spill where she disappeared to the night before, but Poppy holds firm, keeping the Red Pearl encounter to herself.
Tawny is excited for the upcoming Ascension, but Poppy is riddled with anxiety, questioning what her future really holds.
Later, Vikter, Poppy’s loyal personal guard, tells her they have work do to. Poppy possesses “the touch,” a rare power that allows her to sense and ease others’ pain.
Together, they visit a home marked by a white handkerchief, the sign that someone is succumbing to the Curse. If bitten by a Craven—feral, bloodthirsty creatures created from mortals—the victim will inevitably transform into one.
Poppy uses her gift to ease a dying man’s pain before granting him a merciful death with her bloodstone dagger. It’s a grim task, but one Poppy sees as an act of kindness in a cruel world.
Rylan’s Death and Hawke’s Vow of Protection
Upon returning to the castle, Poppy takes her nightly walk in the gardens with Rylan, another trusted guard. But an assassin ambushes them. The attacker claims “he”—presumably the Dark One—will come for Poppy soon.
Though Rylan is fatally wounded, Poppy fights back, proving her skills by stabbing the assassin. Before she can finish him, the attacker flees, leaving Poppy shaken and Rylan dead.
At Rylan’s funeral, Vikter hesitates to leave Poppy’s side, fearing another attack. Hawke steps in, promising that Poppy will never be hurt again under his watch.
Duke Teerman Abuses Poppy
Poppy continues her public duties, attending a City Council meeting where a desperate couple begs the Duke and Duchess to spare their third-born son from the Rite, a sacred offering to the gods.
Their pleas are coldly rejected—service to the gods is mandatory, and there are no exceptions. The harshness of the kingdom’s rules weighs heavily on Poppy.
Later, Duke Teerman summons Poppy and informs her that Hawke will now be her personal guard. Poppy stays silent, afraid her voice might betray her secret identity from the Red Pearl.
When the Duke orders her to remove her veil, exposing her scarred face, he cruelly mocks her—”half masterpiece, half nightmare.” Hawke, without hesitation, defends her, saying she is beautiful regardless.
Poppy Defends the Rise and Hawke Confronts Her
Noticing the flickering torches along the Rise, Poppy knows it’s a sign that a Craven attack is coming. She sneaks through secret tunnels with her hidden bow, racing to the Rise in her nightgown and slippers before the castle’s lockdown. Despite the odds, she fights fiercely, proving her skill by saving Vikter and taking down several Craven herself.
Hawke arrives and is stunned by her skill. Recognizing her bloodstone dagger, he calls her “Princess”—revealing he knows she’s the girl from the Red Pearl. He uses her real name, Penellaphe, and lets her slip back to her chambers, promising the conversation isn’t over.
Later, Hawke barges into Poppy’s room. He questions her about why she fights on the Rise. Poppy reveals her fear of helplessness, rooted in her past and the scars she carries. Hawke doesn’t demand she stop fighting—instead, he simply tells her to dress better next time. The lack of reprimand shocks her.
Poppy’s Growing Powers
The next day, Vikter resumes her combat training. During the Duke and Duchess’s speech about the Craven attack, a Descenter from the City Council throws a Craven hand and is promptly arrested.
Poppy, confused by her growing ability to sense emotions beyond pain, seeks counsel from Duchess Teerman. The Duchess is relieved to learn Poppy still cannot sense the Ascended and claims her powers are evolving as her Ascension nears. She also hints at danger, recounting how the Dark One killed the first Maiden when her powers shifted.
Later, Priestess Analia forces Poppy to read a history book aloud while Hawke watches. When the Priestess attempts to slap Poppy for disobedience, Hawke intervenes. Walking back, Poppy and Hawke grow closer. She eases his pain with her touch, forging a deeper bond.
The Rite Gets Attacked by Descenters
During the Rite, families surrender their children, but the Tulis family is missing—they’ve run away to protect their son. After urging Tawny to enjoy the event, Poppy steps away. Hawke takes her to the willow tree outside. Beneath its branches, Poppy eases Hawke’s pain again. They kiss, make out and explore each other under the willow tree.
On their return, Vikter catches them and immediately guesses what happened. Before they can argue, chaos erupts. The Duke’s body is discovered, hanging from the hall, and Descenters storm the Rite.
Fighting alongside Vikter, Poppy is devastated when he’s killed. In a fury, she butchers Lord Mazeen after he taunts her. As she recovers, Poppy learns that Queen Ileana has summoned her to the Capital.
Poppy is Summoned to the Capital
Hawke escorts Poppy on her journey alongside Kieran, another guard. Unable to ride alone, Poppy shares a horse with Hawke. Their banter and connection deepen along the journey.
One cold night, struggling with anxiety, Poppy allows Hawke to pleasure her—leading to her first experience of intimacy.
Later, Kieran warns Hawke to stay focused, reminding him that their mission isn’t over.
Ambush on the Way to New Haven
The group is ambushed by Craven on their journey to New Haven. Airrick takes a fatal wound. In his final moments, Poppy eases his pain, exposing her abilities to the group.
Upon arrival at New Haven, Poppy feels unease. The town greets them like royalty, but questions about the absent leadership are brushed off.
Poppy privately decides she doesn’t want to be the Maiden anymore and considers asking Hawke to run away with her.
That night, Poppy asks Hawke to stay with her, and they sleep together.
But the morning brings a shocking twist when Phillips warns Poppy that something is wrong. Before she can process it, he drags her toward the stables, convinced they’re in danger.
Hawke Betrays Poppy
Their escape is cut short when Kieran transforms into a wolven and stops them. A brutal ambush unfolds, where Poppy fights valiantly but suffers a wound to her abdomen. She confronts Hawke, realizing his betrayal and his identity as an Atlantian planning to hand her over to the Dark One.
Captured and thrown into the cells, Poppy is visited by Hawke, who stitches her wound. He reveals the horrifying truth: the Ascended are vampyr who feed on mortals, creating Craven when they don’t drain their victims. The third and fourth children from the Rite were their victims. Hawke’s plan is to trade Poppy for his brother, Prince Malik.
But rebellion stirs. Some Atlantians and wolven rebel, attacking Poppy. Naill urges her to defend herself, throwing her a sword. Poppy fights, saving Delano’s life but taking a brutal stab wound from Mr. Tulis. Kieran arrives, carrying Poppy to safety and summoning Hawke.
Poppy and Casteel Feed on One Another
To save her, Hawke uses compulsion to force Poppy to drink his blood. When she wakes, Poppy realizes Hawke’s true identity—Prince Casteel “Cas” Da’Neer, the Dark One. In a fit of rage and heartbreak, she stabs him with her bloodstone dagger and flees, but Casteel catches her.
Casteel is enraged. Poppy and Casteel have sex in the snow and Casteel bites her. When he tastes her blood he has a revelation.
Back at the castle, Poppy recovers, taking a bath and falling asleep in the tub. She wakes up to Kieran watching over her and being summoned to dinner. There, she discovers those who attacked her have been nailed to the walls.
Casteel finally announces they’re going home—because Poppy is half-Atlantian. When Poppy questions why, Casteel reveals Poppy is Atlantian, he tasted eather when he bit her and Atlantians can only marry in Atlantian soil.
That’s it for From Blood and Ash!
Want to keep up with the series? Sign up for our newsletter or check back soon for my recap of the second book!
📚 Just getting started with From Blood and Ash, Flesh and Fire, or The Awakening? Check out the From Blood and Ash reading guide here.
🩸🐺 Ready to dive into Poppy, the second maiden’s story? Start with From Blood and Ash.
🌙🐲 Want to start with the Greek mythology inspired prequels? Jump into Sera and Nyktos’s saga in A Shadow in the Ember.
🌃🌷Don’t want to make a twelve book commitment but read about plants and stone creatures that feed on mortals’ pleasure? Fall of Ruin and Wrath is the way to go!
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