In From Blood and Ash, Poppy has been marked as The Maiden since her parents were brutally murdered.  She is forced to remain veiled and pure until her Ascension.  As her Ascension grows nearer, Poppy feels more trapped by her title and role in society.  Luckily, she has found a way to feel more like herself with her training and helping people in the community.  However, as evil looms closer, the danger to Poppy increases because of her role. 

Overall, this book is an exciting read.  I found it a little difficult to keep the details of the world and creatures straight, and it was made all the more difficult at the end of the book. I also wasn't a huge fan of the romance that seems to be forgotten at times and forced at others.  However, I love how much action was packed into the second half of the book!  I plan to continue reading the series because I need to find out what happens after the cliffhanger in book one!