Book Summary – From Blood and Ash – Blood and Ash – Book 1

Book summary by chapter of From Blood and Ash. Includes spoilers from the veil to the end of the book. Poppy is a hidden spark in a marble cage: meant for sacrifice, born to ignite. What begins as a silenced Maiden chosen by the gods becomes a rebellion in flesh. Through desire, pain, and Casteel’s betrayal, she uncovers truths buried beneath false rituals, learning her blood isn’t sacred—it’s a key. The universe forged her not to wear chains, but to shatter them.

Poppy and Hawke standing before the viewer on a sunlit stone wall – Chapter-by-chapter Summary of Blood and Ash

Introduction – From Blood and Ash

Blood doesn’t always mean purity. Sometimes, it’s a promise, a wound, and a weapon. In From Blood and Ash, Jennifer L. Armentrout pulls us from the silenced life of the Maiden into the roaring rise of a heroine never meant to bow. Each chapter pulses like a runaway heartbeat—marked by forbidden kisses, hidden fangs, and truths sharp enough to tear kingdoms apart.

Poppy isn’t just a sacred symbol; she’s a spark trapped in marble, destined to ignite a fire no god can contain. With secret passages, veiled punishments, and an unseen threat creeping closer, this chapter-by-chapter summary walks you through every emotional and bloody twist in a tale where desire may be deadlier than betrayal.

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Reading Order ➤

Chapter Navigation

• Chapter 1 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Maiden in the Red Pearl Tavern

• Chapter 10 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Veil, Hawke, and the Duke’s Decision

• Chapter 20 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Blessing of the Gods and the Priestess’s Wrath

• Chapter 30 Summary – From Blood and Ash – A Night Beneath Blankets, Desire, and Confessions

• Chapter 40 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Confessions in the Water and Burning Truths

Chapter 1 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Maiden in the Red Pearl Tavern

Masked and under a borrowed cloak, Penellaphe ventures into the Red Pearl, a secret tavern in Masadonia, escaping the rigidity of her life as the Maiden. There, she converses with three guards about the mysterious death of Finley in the Blood Forest, whose body was found without a drop of blood. While hiding her identity, Poppy watches the men and women of the place interact freely, longing for that freedom for herself. She reflects on her life under the control of the Ascended, the white veil, her painful past and her uncertain future with the Ascension. She finds momentary comfort in anonymity, feeling simply “Poppy.” A mysterious woman discovers her, offers help and guides her to a room to hide from her guard Vikter, who unexpectedly is also in the tavern. The room is occupied by Hawke Flynn, a guard of the Adarve, beginning an encounter that will mark a turning point in Poppy’s forbidden night.

Chapter 2 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Hawke Flynn’s Kiss

Hawke mistakes Poppy for another woman and kisses her passionately. She, paralyzed between desire and fear, does not stop him. For the first time in her life, Poppy experiences real, intense and forbidden intimate contact. He notices she is not who he believed, but he does not pull away. Intrigued by her mystery, Hawke dubs her “princess” and continues teasing her with questions, humor and physical closeness. Wrapped in unknown emotions, Poppy decides to stay there, live the experience even though she knows she shouldn’t. They talk about pain, death and destiny, sharing personal and deep fragments. When Hawke touches her dagger, made with wolven bone and bloodstone, he realizes she is no ordinary woman. The tension rises until Kieran, a companion of Hawke’s, bursts through the door. He leaves abruptly, leaving Poppy with a mix of anxiety, excitement and disappointment. She vows not to be there when he returns.

Chapter 3 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Shadow of the Ascension

After the encounter with Hawke, Poppy deals with an emotional storm. In conversation with Tawny, her only friend and waiting lady, she feigns normalcy but feels the weight of the secret. Although Tawny suspects Poppy escaped the castle, she hides what she lived. The veil, symbol of her identity as the Maiden, and the red dress for the upcoming Rite, remind her of the destiny that looms: the Ascension. Tawny, enthusiastic about the future, transmits hope, but Poppy only sees uncertainty. She knows she cannot share everything, not even with her friend, for the danger of being considered unworthy is real. The memory of the night with Hawke haunts her, along with the certainty that it was the first and last time. That night, Vikter arrives with troubling news: they have been summoned. It is not the duke, but something worse. A cursed one has appeared, and with him the threat becomes tangible.

Chapter 4 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Vikter’s Secret and Marlowe’s Curse

Poppy and Vikter leave the castle to help a woman marked by a white scarf, a symbol of betrayal to the crown. Agnes, the desperate woman, reveals that her husband, Marlowe, a hunter of the Adarve, returned cursed after a mission. The stench of decay and Agnes’s emotional pain are almost unbearable for Poppy, who uses her gift to ease the woman’s suffering. Upon entering the room where Marlowe lies, Poppy confirms he has been bitten by a Demon, showing himself near transformation. With compassion, she accompanies him in his last moments, revealing her identity as the Maiden and helping him die with dignity using a heliotrope dagger. Before dying, Marlowe mentions that another guard, Ridley, was also bitten. Alarmed by the possible spread, Poppy decides to act immediately, aware of the imminent risk to the barracks and all of Masadonia.

Chapter 5 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Fear of the Ascension and the Quiet Threat

Vikter and Poppy locate Ridley’s father, who reveals he killed his son before he could transform. This fact triggers a deep conversation between Poppy and Vikter during their return through the Grove of Wishes. Vikter questions Poppy’s motives, suggesting that perhaps she wants to be discovered as unworthy to avoid the Ascension. She denies it, but acknowledges her fear and confusion. The next day, Rylan finds her disoriented, having lost track of time. When they try to head to the garden, they are intercepted by Lord Mazeen, who abuses his authority and harasses Poppy in a private room. The threat ends abruptly with cries announcing the discovery of a dead young woman. Upon arriving, Poppy finds the victim with sharp marks on her neck and without blood. The scene suggests something more dangerous than a Demon: someone or something capable of attacking with precision, discretion and an even more fearsome darkness.

Chapter 6 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Hidden Fang Within the Castle Walls

After the discovery of Malessa Axton’s corpse, the castle goes into lockdown. Tawny, Rylan and Vikter debate whether it was the work of a Demon, but the two perfect marks and the absence of blood are baffling. Guided by her instinct, Poppy investigates on her own and finds a jasmine petal out of place. She turns to ancient texts about the Atlantian and confirms that only they possess hidden fangs capable of leaving such clean marks. The suspicion that an Atlantian is inside the castle strengthens. Later, Rylan encourages her to walk through the Queen’s Garden to ease her mind. There, under the calm of dusk and the blooming of the night roses, everything seems normal… until an arrow brutally strikes Rylan in the chest. As he falls, he orders Poppy to run. The sudden, direct and lethal attack makes it clear that the enemy is no longer lurking: it has begun to hunt from within.

Chapter 7 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Ambush Among the Night Roses

Poppy watches in horror as Rylan dies, pierced by an arrow while they walked through the garden. Her gift detects no pain in him, confirming his immediate death. A hooded man with a bow orders her to follow him, threatening to harm her. Despite the fear, Poppy reacts with fury and stabs the attacker. The dagger does not reach his heart, but wounds the man badly, who responds with inhuman strength. During the violent confrontation, Poppy manages to wound him again before a signal makes him retreat. Still trembling, she cleans her weapon on Rylan’s clothes and returns to the castle, where Vikter finds her bloodstained. Duchess Jacinda, more concerned about her symbolic value than her wellbeing, demands the trees that allowed the intrusion be torn out. Poppy, devastated, feels that no one cares about her real life, but only what she represents for the Ascension. Meanwhile, the danger feels ever closer.

Chapter 8 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Rylan’s Funeral and Hawke’s Promise

Poppy insists on attending Rylan’s funeral despite the castle’s disapproval. In the Eternal Hills, beneath the temples, she watches as the body is given to the fire. The pain and guilt overwhelm her, but Vikter reminds her that Rylan fulfilled his duty. During the ceremony, Hawke Flynn appears, offering himself voluntarily to protect her, earning a warning look from Vikter. Hawke’s gesture leaves Poppy’s heart racing. Back in her chambers, she struggles with the trauma in a hot bath, remembering her parents and the physical and emotional scars she carries. Tawny joins her during the night, sharing the fear and disbelief at the recent deaths. They talk about the possibility that the Dark Lord is behind the attack, but Poppy doesn’t believe it was him. She knows her life has changed, and she fears that the Ascension will be brought forward in response to the imminent danger.

Chapter 9 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Tulis’ Plea and the Burden of Duty

While Poppy trains with Vikter, both reflect on Rylan’s death and the possible appointment of Hawke as her new personal guard. Though uneasy, Poppy does not reveal her encounter with him at the Red Pearl. Later, in the Great Hall during a public audience, a humble couple, the Tulis, plead that their third son, Tobias, not be given to the Rite after losing their two older children. The mother’s pain activates Poppy’s gift, and she struggles not to intervene. The Court, inflexible, denies their request, stating that serving the gods is a non‑negotiable honor. The duke accuses the parents of selfishness, while the duchess, though compassionate in appearance, defends the system. Poppy, anguished, witnesses how suffering is ignored. She feels that divine justice has vanished, and that her role as Maiden serves more the politics of the Ascended than the true will of the gods.

Chapter 10 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Veil, Hawke, and the Duke’s Decision

Poppy fights exhaustion as she reflects on the Tulis’ pain, the fear of the Dark Lord, and the expression of anger she saw in Hawke during the audience. Her mind wanders over the Rite, the injustice of the system, and whether she could use her position to change it. Tawny tries to distract her while helping her prepare, but an unexpected announcement from Vikter interrupts the calm: Poppy has been summoned by the duke. Feeling uneasy, she learns that her new guard will be Hawke. Upon entering the room, the impact is immediate. Poppy tenses when she discovers he will take Rylan’s place, a decision justified by his experience outside the Adarve. To allow him to see her without the veil, she is ordered to uncover. The moment is filled with tension. Though she expects rejection, Hawke looks at her without judgment, calling her precious. With words different from the official oath, he promises to protect her with his sword and his life, leaving everyone surprised.

Chapter 11 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Oath’s Kiss and the Secret of the Red Pearl

With her heart racing, Poppy faces the tension of having been unmasked in front of Hawke. Her response is not one of disdain, but of a disconcerting intensity that leaves her breathless. The duke, annoyed at not seeing revulsion in Hawke, makes cruel remarks, but Hawke defends her with grace. Back in her chambers, Tawny bursts with excitement upon learning that Hawke is her new guard. When Poppy confesses they kissed at the Red Pearl, Tawny is left speechless. Together they analyze the situation: if Hawke already recognized her, why has he said nothing? Does he plan to use it against her or simply protect her? Poppy wrestles between the fear of being discovered and the confusing emotion Hawke evokes in her. Though she insists that what happened cannot happen again, Tawny believes something is about to begin. Poppy does not know whether to feel relieved or disappointed by his silence… or by his gaze.

Chapter 12 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Atrium, the Masks, and Prince Casteel’s Name

Poppy finds herself in the atrium with Tawny and two waiting ladies, Loren and Dafina, which breaks the rules. Though she tries to remain silent, she observes both women’s absurd attempts to catch Hawke’s attention. He remains composed, always alert, and his presence seems to fill the room. While they chat about the Rite, the young women mention the Red Pearl and, finally, the forbidden name: Prince Casteel. Poppy, tired of their flippant talk about the Dark Lord and rebellion, confronts them. The impact is immediate. Through her gift, she feels a strange emotion, a mix of fear and excitement she cannot explain. After the tension, Hawke unexpectedly approaches. Tawny, excited, tries to hide it while he makes comments loaded with mischief. When he announces that the duke has summoned Poppy, her nervousness grows. On the way to the meeting, Hawke suggests he has seen her before. Poppy, trembling, enters the room… where punishment awaits her.

Chapter 13 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Duke’s Punishment and the Maiden’s Humiliation

Poppy is summoned by Duke Teerman for a supposed lesson that turns into physical and emotional humiliation. In the presence of Lord Mazeen, she is forced to remove her veil and hears cruel comments about her scars, her body, and her supposed inferiority. The duke mentions that he knew her mother, something that confounds Poppy. As the accusations grow — from speaking with waiting ladies to being “too close” to Tawny — the duke justifies his decision to impose seven lashes on her. The harshness of the punishment, under Mazeen’s lascivious gaze, lays bare the abuse to which Poppy is subjected under the guise of preparing her for the Ascension. She suppresses the pain, aware that any rebellion would bring consequences. While she suffers in silence, she vows to tell the queen Ileana everything when she returns to the capital. Between blows and shame, Poppy’s determination deepens within her core.

Chapter 14 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Silenced Pain and the Fog’s Threat

After the punishment, Poppy manages to leave without Hawke seeing her. Vikter accompanies her and, noting her state, confirms the punishment was severe. Although Poppy minimizes the damage, both share an honest conversation about the risk her secret training entails and the duke’s cruel treatment. In her room, Tawny tends her wounds with a healing salve. As she recovers, Poppy reflects on what Teerman said about her mother and the possible connection to her past. The city sleeps, but she remains alert watching the Adarve from her window. Suddenly, the torches go out and a dense fog descends. Flaming arrows cross the sky and announce the Demon attack. Poppy decides to act, ignoring Tawny’s pleas, and arms herself with her bow. Using the castle’s hidden passages, she reaches the Adarve ready to fight. The battle for Masadonia has begun, and she will not stand aside.

Chapter 15 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Battle at the Adarve and the Reunion with Hawke

From the Adarve, Poppy shoots with precision against the Demons while chaos overtakes the city. The fog reveals deformed monsters thirsty for blood. She protects the guards and saves Vikter from an attack, feeling alive amid the horror. She sees heroic sacrifices and witnesses a brutal slaughter. As the fog subsides, she faces an unexpected problem: Hawke finds her. Not yet recognizing her, he admires her skill and beauty. Uncomfortable, Poppy tries to escape without revealing her identity, but Hawke corners her. In a tense confrontation charged with tension and desire, she defends herself fiercely, surprising him and briefly escaping. However, he intercepts her and, amid struggles, banter and insinuations, the mystery deepens. Though he does not uncover her, Hawke is intrigued by the hooded girl. Poppy, determined to protect her secret, clings to her dagger and her silence, while the connection between them becomes inevitable.

Chapter 16 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Secret Revealed Within the Walls

Hawke finally discovers that Poppy is the young woman with whom he shared kisses at the Red Pearl. Upon seeing the dagger she throws, he recalls the weapon he already knew, confirming his suspicions. He corners her in the Adarve, attempting to extract answers, while intense tension seizes both. Poppy tries to deny her identity, but he utters her name: Penellaphe. Though she feigns indifference, Hawke confesses he knew from the moment she removed her veil. Poppy feels frustrated and vulnerable, especially remembering that he came back for her that night. The confrontation turns emotional, with reproaches and contained attraction. Finally, Hawke releases her, warning that they must continue that conversation later. Upon returning to her room, Poppy finds Tawny, to whom she reveals that several Demons reached the peak of the Adarve. The tension is not over: Hawke bursts into the room, determined to continue talking.

Chapter 17 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Truths Shared by Firelight

Hawke sends Tawny away to speak alone with Poppy, unleashing a conversation full of tension, irony, and intimate confessions. He teases her about her escapes, her lies, and the sheer nightgown she’s wearing, but also admits that Poppy is very different from what he imagined. In a moment of honesty, she tells him how she survived the attack that killed her family as a child, revealing both physical and emotional scars that drive her to train in secret. Hawke not only listens respectfully, but also shares his own act of rebellion: he has helped cursed ones die with dignity, risking high treason. They both acknowledge a deep connection, though Poppy still doubts whether to fully trust him. Hawke promises not to betray her, though he suggests her presence on the Rise is reckless. Finally, he asks that if she fights again, she wear better clothes… and sandals that won’t kill her.

Chapter 18 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Blood, Speeches, and a Cry of Rebellion

Poppy trains with Vikter after the attack, but her mind lingers on the conversation with Hawke. He informed Vikter of her presence on the Rise, though not the duke. During training, Poppy shows skill, but Vikter insists she must be careful. He admits he trusts Hawke not for his appearance, but for his actions. Later, the duke gives a public speech alongside the duchess. They blame the Demon attack on a loss of faith, manipulating the crowd with fear and promises of divine punishment. Among the masses, Poppy feels new emotions through her gift: not just pain, but anger and terror. She notices several people with vacant expressions and emotions that differ from the rest. One of them, a blond man, throws a Demon hand as a warning. He shouts that the Ascended are liars and that the truth is hidden. Crying “From blood and ash, we will rise,” he is dragged away by the guards, igniting new fear in Poppy.

Chapter 19 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Confessions Behind Veils and Threats in the Shadows

After the incident in the square, Hawke escorts Poppy and Tawny back to the castle. The conversation turns to the Descenter who threw the Demon hand and his accusations about the third sons and daughters. Hawke plants doubt in Poppy by suggesting that if the Ascended have nothing to hide, they should allow families to see their children. In Poppy’s room, Hawke insists on inspecting her for safety, mentioning that the Dark One will come for her again. In an intimate chat, Poppy admits the veil is suffocating, and Hawke encourages her to remove it in private, giving her a freedom she hadn’t allowed herself. The next day, Poppy meets with Duchess Jacinda to talk about her gift, which now seems to detect emotions like anger and fear. The duchess reveals the same happened with the first Maiden, whose story ended in tragedy at the hands of the Dark One.

Chapter 20 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Blessing of the Gods and the Priestess’s Wrath

During a lesson with Priestess Analia, Poppy is forced to read about the kingdom’s history and the Blessing of the gods. Hawke intervenes when Analia corrects her with disdain, confronting her with wit. Tension rises when Poppy expresses discomfort at comparing the Blessing with the acts of the Atlantians, enraging the priestess. She grabs Poppy’s face and threatens her with cruel words, but Hawke steps in firmly and forces her to release her. Poppy, stunned by his bravery, feels gratitude and a deeper connection with him. Later, they talk while walking, and Hawke notices signs of the abuse she has endured. She tries to minimize it, but he refuses to accept violence as the norm. They speak about Poppy’s commitment to her role as Maiden and her desire for freedom. When Hawke asks if she would run if she could, Poppy hesitates, and he assures her that if she tried, he wouldn’t stop her—he’d just want to see how she does it.

Chapter 21 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Secrets of the Atheneum and a Kiss Beneath the Mask

Poppy sneaks out of the castle and enters the Atheneum alone to find the forbidden journal of Miss Willa. Fascinated by its intimate descriptions, she gets lost in reading until she hears the duke’s voice. She hides by climbing out a window and is trapped on a narrow ledge while overhearing a conversation between the duke and a guard about the captured Descenter. She learns there will be no trial, only a secret execution. When she thinks it’s over, Hawke enters the room and discovers her hiding place. With his help, Poppy gets back inside, but ends up trapped in his arms. The tension between them intensifies as they argue about her reckless actions. Hawke approaches and caresses her face, and although Poppy knows she should stop him, she doesn’t. In an intimate moment charged with desire, he leans in to kiss her, and she, knowing he already recognizes her, doesn’t pull away. She wants it to happen.

Chapter 22 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Forbidden Journal and the Night of the Rite

Poppy and Hawke share a tense and intimate conversation in the private room of the Atheneum, where she reveals the existence of a secret passage. Though she tries to keep her distance, she is thrown off when Hawke finds Miss Willa Colyns’s journal and begins reading it aloud, embarrassing her. Later, with Tawny’s help, Poppy prepares to attend the Rite. The red dress she wears is revealing and beautiful, making her feel exposed but also empowered. Accompanied by Tawny and Vikter, she descends to the Great Hall, dazzled by the festive atmosphere, though uneasy at the duke’s absence. Among the crowd, she tries to remain in the background, savoring the feeling of being just another girl. The excitement grows when Hawke appears dressed in a crimson robe and mask, giving her an intense look and a disarming compliment. Unbeknownst to her, this will be a night that marks a definitive change.

Chapter 23 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Suspicions, Warnings, and a New Encounter

During the Rite, Poppy is approached by the unsettling Lord Mazeen, whose scent reminds her of the jasmine found at Malessa’s murder scene. This detail rekindles her suspicions. Then, a woman named Agnes interrupts her to thank her for helping her husband and to warn her about rumors that the Dark One seeks to capture her. Though the information is vague, Vikter senses Agnes is hiding something more. Returning to the Great Hall, Poppy notes the duke’s continued absence, which strikes her as odd. The ceremony goes on, but her mind is torn between the warnings and recent events. Eventually, she feels an intense gaze fall on her and finds Hawke, who joins the group, charming and composed. His presence brings her comfort. When Vikter leaves to speak with the commander, Hawke is left alone with her. Poppy, feeling guilty for preventing Tawny from enjoying the evening, convinces her to join the dance, staying behind with Hawke.

Chapter 24 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Weeping Willow and Desire Beneath the Moon

Poppy accepts Hawke’s suggestion to go to the Queen’s Garden to replace the tragic memory of Rylan’s death with a new one. Walking together in the dark leads them to the old weeping willow, Hawke’s favorite spot. There, protected by branches and shadows, they share confidences about pain, loneliness, and memories of lost loved ones. Poppy reveals her longing for her brother Ian and the distance separating her from everyone else, while Hawke insists he cares about who she is, not her title. The intimacy deepens until he sits her on his lap. Amid caresses, jokes, and teasing, the tension builds. Hawke assures her he wants to be with her regardless of her role as Maiden. Trapped between duty and desire, Poppy finally gives in. In a whisper filled with emotion and courage, she asks him to kiss her. And he, without hesitation, does.

Chapter 25 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Willow’s Kiss and Vikter’s Judgment

Beneath the weeping willow, Poppy and Hawke share a moment filled with desire and tenderness, where kisses deepen into touches and veiled confessions. He treats her gently, respecting her boundaries, but makes it clear he won’t stop unless she does. Their physical and intimate connection becomes impossible to ignore, and for a moment, Poppy feels free from her role as Maiden. However, that peace is abruptly shattered when Vikter discovers them. Tension escalates quickly: reproaches, threats, and warnings about the consequences of their encounter. Hurt, Poppy defends herself before her protector, demanding the life she has been denied. Through tears and rage, she reveals what she has suffered and lost. As they leave, a scream of horror interrupts the moment. Entering the Great Hall, Poppy sees the most shocking sight: the duke, impaled and hanging, murdered with the rod he used to punish her.

Chapter 26 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Attack on the Castle and the Maiden’s Fury

The duke’s death unleashes chaos. The Great Hall becomes a hellscape as masked Wolven and Descenters launch a bloody attack. Windows shatter, arrows fly, and screams fill the air. Poppy shields Tawny while witnessing the deaths of Dafina and Loren, fighting desperately to keep them safe. The panicked crowd crushes them, separating the group. Relying on combat instincts learned from Vikter, Poppy rescues Loren, but she dies in her arms. Commander Jansen tries to lead her to safety, but Poppy resists until she finds Tawny and Vikter. Together, they escape to a secured room where Poppy kills several attackers without hesitation. But in the climax of the battle, Vikter is mortally wounded. In his final moments, he apologizes for failing her. When Mazeen mocks them, Poppy, consumed by rage, dismembers him. Hawke stops her before she completely loses control.

Chapter 27 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Grief, Fury, and a New Order from the Capital

Poppy awakens after days of unconsciousness, emotionally shattered by Vikter’s death and the chaos endured. Isolated in her room, without access to weapons or training, she replays the attack and what she did to Mazeen. She feels empty, trapped between anger and sorrow. Although Hawke tries to reach her, tension lingers due to all that remains unspoken. When he finally apologizes, Poppy allows herself a moment of comfort in his arms. Later, Hawke informs her that the duchess has requested a meeting. At the gathering, the duchess, dressed in mourning white, reveals that the king and queen have ordered Poppy’s immediate return to Carsodonia. Against all odds, she will not be punished for killing Mazeen. The duchess hints she was aware of the abuse, but believes some truths do more harm than good. Poppy accepts her fate with a mix of resignation, restrained anger, and the longing for answers yet to come.

Chapter 28 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Tawny’s Farewell and the Journey Begins

Poppy argues with Hawke in her chambers after receiving the order to depart for Carsodonia. She refuses to leave Tawny behind, but he, now in charge of the escort, explains that the journey will be dangerous and there aren’t enough resources to protect them both. Jansen confirms he won’t join them and reinforces Hawke’s authority. Tawny, though wanting to go, admits she’s afraid and knows she’d be a burden. Poppy yields to reason, but sorrow overwhelms her as she realizes she’s saying goodbye to the last tie to her old life. At dawn, now dressed anonymously, she savors the sunlight on her uncovered face for the first time in years. Hawke arrives with Setti, his horse, and returns the dagger Vikter gave her. As the group departs, Poppy meets Kieran and other guards. While the castle fades into the distance, she bids farewell to her past and embarks on the uncertain path to her destiny.

Chapter 29 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Blood Forest and the Heat of Life

During the horseback journey, Poppy rides with Hawke, growing closer to him with every jolt and shift. Despite the tension of their surroundings, Hawke’s presence and teasing ignite her desire. They talk about barrats, the Desolate Plains, and ancient settlers, while she tries to ignore the warmth building inside her. He jokes, flirts, and returns Lady Willa’s journal, stirring in Poppy a mix of embarrassment and laughter. The mood turns somber as the landscape changes: they’ve entered the Blood Forest. The ground is littered with bones, some human. Crimson leaves shimmer like dried blood, and the air grows cold. As they delve deeper into the woods, silence reigns. The lack of leaves on the ground and the unnatural stillness amplify the fear. When they stop to camp, Poppy prepares for a night steeped in terror.

Chapter 30 Summary – From Blood and Ash – A Night Beneath Blankets, Desire, and Confessions

The cold in the Blood Forest is unbearable, and Poppy can’t sleep. Concerned, Hawke joins her under the blankets to share body heat. Though hesitant, his closeness eases both her chill and her anxiety. They talk about fears, the Ascension, and Poppy’s desire to truly live before being given to the gods. Hawke listens without judgment, acknowledging her courage and rebellion. Tension gives way to desire when he begins caressing her gently, awakening intense sensations she’s never felt before. Despite the nearby guards, Hawke brings her to the brink of pleasure with a blend of tenderness and boldness. After a rush of overwhelming sensations, Poppy collapses into his arms. As she drifts into deep sleep, he whispers that even if she won’t admit it, they both know he was right: he could make her completely relax.

Chapter 31 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Barrats, Fog, and Airrick’s Fall

Poppy wakes with the vivid memory of the night with Hawke, surprised by his tenderness and free of regret. A morning conversation between Hawke and Kieran reveals tension over the emotional risks of Hawke’s bond with her. As they travel, the group enters a fog-covered stretch of the Blood Forest marked by ominous signs. Suddenly, a barrat viciously attacks Noah, whose death is followed by a horde of Demons. Amid roots and confusion, battle erupts. Poppy shows her skill, fighting fiercely hand-to-hand and saving several horses. Hawke throws her a better sword, and together they face the chaos. Airrick saves her from a fall but is mortally wounded. In his final moments, Poppy uses her forbidden gift to ease his pain. He dies peacefully, smiling, and reveals he recognized her from the Red Pearl. Phillips and Hawke, witnessing the moment, are left stunned.

Chapter 32 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Arrival at New Haven and Silent Suspicions

After Airrick’s death, the group continues the journey at a relentless pace, emotionally drained. Exhausted and grieving, Poppy senses growing distance from Hawke, who avoids discussing her gift. Phillips, however, can’t hide his amazement. Upon reaching New Haven at dusk, the locals welcome them with smiles and curious glances. The warmth of the village contrasts with Masadonia’s rigidity. There are no Ascended or royal emblems, something Poppy finds odd. They are received by Elijah and a pregnant woman named Magda, who escorts Poppy to her room. She notices that Hawke knows their names without being introduced, leaving her with an uneasy feeling. Amid thoughts of Tawny and Vikter, and nostalgia for her past, Poppy dines, bathes, and puts on a blue robe — a symbol of her longed-for freedom. But the night is not over yet, and Hawke is not far behind.

Chapter 33 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Poppy’s Choice and Surrender to Desire

Poppy asks Hawke to stay. With brutal honesty, he warns her that if he does, he won’t be able to stop. Poppy doesn’t hesitate. She removes her robe and chooses him freely, knowing what it means for her role as Maiden. What follows is not just a physical act, but a declaration of independence and desire. Hawke worships her with his body and his words, showing affection and reverence even for her scars. In giving herself, Poppy feels that everything in her life has led to this moment: fighting for her freedom, her identity, to feel. Through caresses, kisses, and passion, Hawke proves she is worthy, that she deserves pleasure, and that she is seen beyond the veil. In the height of their union, Poppy touches him, watches him, and discovers herself through him. When calm returns, Hawke asks her to never forget that what they shared was real. She promises she never will.

Chapter 34 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Golden Nail and the Buried Truth

Poppy wakes up next to Hawke, wrapped in a mix of satisfaction and confusion. Though he is tender, something in his gaze has changed. As she dresses, Hawke takes her dagger, which unsettles her. When she goes down for breakfast, something feels off in New Haven: too many smiles, too many looks. Elijah reveals the townspeople already knew who she was. Feeling trapped, Poppy demands answers. Elijah leads her to a secret room where she finds the missing third sons and daughters—alive, smiling, and safe. The golden nail on the door, once a sacred symbol, now means something else: freedom. She learns the children weren’t sacrificed, but given to the Ascended without their families knowing. The truth hits hard. Upon leaving, she hears the guards calling each other by unfamiliar names, and the certainty sets in: no one in New Haven is who they claimed to be.

Chapter 35 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Hawke’s Betrayal and the Siege of the Heart

Heart shattered, Poppy demands the truth from Hawke, who reveals his real name: Casteel Da’Neer, the Atlantean prince. It was all a lie. He admits he intended to kidnap her from the beginning to exchange her for his brother. The guards, even Kieran, are Atlanteans. Paralyzed by betrayal, Poppy hears it was all planned since he saw her at the castle. He walks her to her room, where she confronts him and tries to stab him. He disarms her without harming her. Her rage grows, but Hawke tries to explain that their connection wasn’t fake. Poppy, devastated, feels she can no longer tell what’s real or not. Casteel tells her the Ascended killed his people, enslaved the wolven, and tortured his brother. Even so, Poppy cannot forgive the manipulation. In tears, she demands he not touch her. He obeys, but before leaving, makes it clear he’s not done with her.

Chapter 36 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Blade, the Bite, and the Impossible Choice

Locked in her room, Poppy plans her escape. She uses a hairpin to break free and wounds an Atlantean with a knife. Though she fights fiercely, she’s quickly subdued. Kieran reaches her, restrains her, and tells her not to harm any more of his people. He returns her to Casteel, who, frustrated, insists he never meant to hurt her. Poppy calls him a liar and confesses she hates him. Still, he doesn’t leave. In the common room, Elijah offers her food, and the conversation reveals that everyone there believes in the Atlantean cause. Later, Casteel takes her for a walk through the village. He shows her children playing and people living in peace, which confuses Poppy. That night, during a forced dinner, he announces a new plan: he’s going to marry her. Poppy, stunned, refuses the proposal. He smiles and replies that luckily, he wasn’t asking. The power game has begun.

Chapter 37 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Riot in the Cell and Poppy’s Wrath

Chained, Poppy wrestles with confusion and pain after Casteel’s revelations. Doubts plague her: what was real and what was manipulation? Her mind floods with memories, questions about the Ascended, the Demons, and her brother Ian. When Delano and Naill arrive to move her, they warn her not to run. Chaos erupts when Jericho and other Atlanteans try to kill her. Amid insults and accusations, Mr. Tulis blames her for his son’s death. A violent fight breaks out as Naill and Delano shift, revealing their wild nature. Poppy fights fiercely and takes down several enemies, but is gravely wounded by Jericho and stabbed by Tulis. In agony, she refuses to die, holding on to her last breath. Just as all seems lost, a wolven finds her, and Kieran arrives with him. Urgently, he orders them to call Prince Casteel, marking the beginning of a race to save her life.

Chapter 38 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Atlantean Blood and Unleashed Desire

Amid pain and unconsciousness, Poppy hears Casteel’s anguished voice. To save her, he offers his blood. Though she resists, her wounded body gives in and drinks. The transformation is instant: her body heals, the burning vanishes, and a warm euphoria floods her. Fueled by the effects of his blood, her desire for Casteel grows uncontrollably. Confused by her attraction, she asks him to touch her. Though struggling with her vulnerability, he stops himself. The tension builds when she admits she doesn’t hate him. Desire consumes them until they finally give in to each other in a raw, passionate act under the snow. Through touches, moans, and the unspoken confession of a real bond, Poppy confronts the depth of her desire and the truth. Pleasure doesn’t erase betrayal, but it reveals that her feelings go beyond pain. She wants Casteel… even if she can’t forgive him.

Chapter 39 Summary – From Blood and Ash – The Heart of an Enemy and the Journey to Atlantia

After the ecstasy, Poppy remembers everything. Fury and sorrow resurface, and in a reckless act, she stabs Casteel in the chest with a bloodstone dagger. She flees the room and the castle, crying for all she has lost. But Casteel catches up to her in the woods. He’s not dead. He confronts her, bites her, and drinks from her, awakening a scorching desire in both. They kiss and surrender to each other again, this time without masks or lies. He asks her to say his real name: Casteel. She resists, but ultimately gives in. In the snow, they make love with wild passion. Later, Casteel admits he should have foreseen the attack on her and promises revenge. Poppy, confused, feels she can no longer tell hatred from love. Despite his betrayal, Casteel holds her and tells her the plan: he’s taking her to Atlantia. There’s no turning back.

Chapter 40 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Confessions in the Water and Burning Truths

Poppy, confined in the room where she both saved and stabbed Casteel, struggles to understand the truth. Kieran confirms that Atlantia exists beyond the Skotos Mountains, protected by mist that repels travelers. During her bath, Poppy reflects on everything: the Ascended, the Demons, her brother Ian, and what she feels for Casteel. Though she hates him for his betrayal, she can’t deny she desires him—and loves him. She knows the Ascended are vamprys who rule through fear and suspects she’s always been a pawn in their plans. Kieran interrupts her bath, concerned, and confirms that Casteel cares for her, even knowing it will end badly. Poppy knows she’s not safe with the Atlanteans, but even less with the Ascended. She must escape, though the bond with Casteel and her own emotional turmoil make every choice harder. Hurt, lost, and in love, she begins to accept that her world was never what it seemed.

Chapter 41 Summary – From Blood and Ash – Revelations, Justice, and an Unexpected Proposal

After another argument with Casteel, Poppy agrees to dine with him to appear strong before the others. As she walks through the halls, she discovers bodies nailed to the walls—Atlantians and mortals who tried to kill her. Jericho is still alive, barely clinging to life. Casteel reminds her that he promised to protect her, and now everyone knows what will happen if she is harmed. At dinner, Poppy suppresses her revulsion and admits she feels no compassion for those who celebrated her suffering, yet she still believes in dignity, even for the guilty. Then Casteel reveals that she is not entirely mortal, but part Atlantian. The revelation shakes her. Her blood and her gifts confirm it, and that truth may be tied to why she was chosen as the Maiden. Kieran explains that such a mixture is rare, but possible. Finally, Casteel announces that they will leave for Atlantia at dawn, where, by law, only in his land can they marry. He smiles and, before everyone, declares his intent: he will marry her.

Conclusion – From Blood and Ash

The veil has fallen—but this is not the end. It’s the first crack in a truth buried beneath centuries of rituals and lies. In this chapter-by-chapter summary of From Blood and Ash, we’ve followed Poppy’s every step to the edge of destiny, through the fury of the Craven, Hawke’s betrayal, and the unraveling of a sacred world.

Jennifer L. Armentrout didn’t craft a beginning—she forged a threshold. Because what we thought we knew about the Maiden and the Ascended was only the surface of something darker, more seductive… and far more dangerous. The innocence ends here. But the journey? It’s just beginning.

Reconnect with the plot in the full summary of A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire ➤

FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – From Blood and Ash

Why does Hawke’s kiss at the Red Pearl matter so much to Poppy’s story arc?

Because it’s the first time she experiences physical desire and emotional agency. Until that moment, Poppy’s identity has been shaped by silence, isolation, and duty. That kiss isn’t just forbidden—it awakens her curiosity, confidence, and hunger for life beyond the veil. It also sets off a series of emotional and political consequences that ripple through the story. Hawke’s presence becomes a catalyst, making her question the world she’s been told to obey and nudging her toward rebellion.

What does the Ascension truly represent in 'From Blood and Ash'?

It’s portrayed as a sacred ritual, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear the Ascension is a lie used to control the population and mask the dark truth about the third sons and daughters. Instead of being chosen for honor, these children are sacrificed to sustain the Ascended’s power. The Ascension is a symbol of institutional betrayal, and once Poppy understands this, her entire belief system begins to collapse, forcing her to choose between blind faith and painful truth.

How does the Blood Forest symbolize Poppy’s inner transformation?

The Blood Forest is a place of fear, death, and silence, but it’s also where Poppy begins shedding her old identity. Surrounded by danger, stripped of her ceremonial role, she starts acting from instinct, courage, and desire. Her fight through the fog and her night under the blankets with Hawke mark her rebirth—not just as a warrior, but as someone who chooses life on her terms. The forest reflects her evolution from a symbol into a living, feeling person.

Why is Vikter’s death a turning point for Poppy?

Because he was more than a protector—he was the last person anchoring her to her old world. His loss is devastating, not just emotionally but ideologically. With Vikter gone, Poppy loses the illusion of safety within the system. Her grief turns into rage and action. His death breaks the final emotional chain keeping her from rebelling. It makes her realize that obedience won’t save her or anyone else. If she wants freedom, she’ll have to fight for it.

What makes Hawke’s betrayal so impactful in the final chapters?

Because it doesn’t feel like a simple lie—it feels like heartbreak. Poppy gave him her trust, her body, her vulnerability, and he used it to carry out a secret mission. Even though his affection seems real, the truth—that he’s not who he claimed to be—shatters her. The betrayal is personal and political. It challenges everything she believed about love, loyalty, and control. But instead of breaking her, it ignites her resolve. That pain becomes fuel for her awakening.