You know that feeling when you pick up a book and within ten pages you realize you're going to be obsessed? That’s exactly what happened when I first cracked open A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane. Honestly, the fantasy romance genre is crowded. It's packed with "chosen ones" and sparkly magic systems that feel a bit thin sometimes. But this book? It’s different. It’s visceral. It’s a massive, bloody, sprawling epic that doesn't care if it makes you a little uncomfortable.
If you haven't read it yet, we’re talking about the first installment of the Gathering of Dragons series. It’s a world where the gods are petty, the monsters are terrifying, and the stakes actually feel like they matter. Most people go into this expecting a standard "enemies-to-lovers" trope—and yeah, it has that in spades—but it’s the world-building and the sheer grit of the prose that keeps people talking years after its 2020 release.
What A Heart of Blood and Ashes Gets Right About Revenge
Revenge is a messy motivator. In a lot of fantasy, the hero wants justice, but they stay "good." Madoc, our protagonist, isn't interested in being a saint. He’s the commander of a mercenary army, and he’s spent years fueled by the rage of his parents' murder. When he captures Yvenne, the daughter of the man who killed his family, the setup feels like it’s going to go a certain way.
But Vane subverts it.
Yvenne isn't a damsel. She’s physically frail due to years of abuse and neglect, but her mind is a steel trap. She’s been planning her father’s downfall much longer than Madoc has. It’s a fascinating dynamic because they’re both using each other. Madoc thinks he’s the one in control, but Yvenne is the one steering the ship through sheer force of will. It’s not just a romance; it’s a high-stakes political alliance between two people who have every reason to hate the world.
The World of Parsathe: Not Your Average Map
The geography here matters. Usually, I skim the maps in fantasy novels because they all look like Middle-earth clones. Parsathe feels lived-in. You have the blistering heat of the south and the jagged, unforgiving terrain where the Sarn are trying to survive. Vane describes the environment with a focus on sensory details—the smell of horse sweat, the taste of dust, the cold bite of the wind.
🔗 Read more: The Reality of Sex Movies From Africa: Censorship, Nollywood, and the Digital Underground
It feels ancient.
There’s this sense that the characters are walking over the bones of a much older civilization. The "Dragons" in the series title aren't just pets or mounts; they are legendary, terrifying entities that represent the pinnacle of power and destruction. When you read A Heart of Blood and Ashes, you’re seeing a world that is actively decaying and trying to pull itself back together at the same time.
Why the "Barbarian" Trope Works Here
Let’s talk about the barbarian aesthetic. It can be cringe. Often, it's used as a shortcut for "aggressive guy with no personality." Madoc is definitely aggressive, but he’s also bound by a strict, complex code of honor. He’s part of the Sarn, a culture that values strength but also has deep-seated traditions and religious observances that feel authentic rather than tacked on.
I’ve seen some readers compare the vibe to Conan the Barbarian or Game of Thrones, and while those comparisons work for the "vibes," they don't capture the emotional depth. Vane spends a lot of time on the internal monologues. We see Madoc struggling with his attraction to Yvenne because it conflicts with his vow of vengeance. We see Yvenne dealing with the trauma of her upbringing while trying to secure a future for her people.
It's heavy stuff.
💡 You might also like: Alfonso Cuarón: Why the Harry Potter 3 Director Changed the Wizarding World Forever
Breaking Down the Magic and the Gods
The magic system in A Heart of Blood and Ashes isn't about throwing fireballs. It’s ritualistic. It’s tied to the gods, who are, frankly, kind of jerks. They demand sacrifice. They interfere in mortal affairs in ways that are usually more annoying than helpful. This creates a world where the characters can't just "magic" their way out of a problem. They have to bleed for it.
- The Sarn Traditions: These aren't just background noise; they dictate how Madoc leads and how he interacts with Yvenne.
- The Curse of the Destroyer: The looming threat of the "Destroyer" (Yvenne’s father) adds a ticking clock element to the entire plot.
- The Bond: The way the protagonists connect is magically reinforced, but it doesn't feel like a "fated mates" shortcut. It feels earned.
Dealing with the Darker Elements
Look, this isn't a "cozy fantasy." It’s dark. There’s graphic violence. There are mentions of past abuse. It’s a book for adults who want their fantasy to have teeth. Some readers find the initial conflict between Madoc and Yvenne hard to stomach because he is, quite literally, her kidnapper at the start.
However, the character growth is what saves it. Madoc has to unlearn his prejudices against Yvenne's lineage. He has to see her as an individual, not just the "spawn of his enemy." The transition from captor to partner is handled with a lot more nuance than you usually see in the "enemies-to-lovers" subgenre. It’s a slow burn of respect that eventually turns into a raging fire of loyalty.
The Prose Style: Why It Stands Out
Milla Vane (who also writes as Meljean Brook) has a very specific "voice." It’s dense. It’s descriptive. Sometimes it’s a bit wordy, but it fits the epic tone. She doesn't use modern slang, which is a pet peeve of mine in high fantasy. The dialogue feels weighted.
"I will have his head, Yvenne. And I will have the heads of any who stand between me and my vengeance."
📖 Related: Why the Cast of Hold Your Breath 2024 Makes This Dust Bowl Horror Actually Work
Lines like that could sound cheesy in a lesser writer's hands. Here, they sound like a promise.
Actionable Insights for Fantasy Readers
If you're looking to dive into the world of A Heart of Blood and Ashes, or if you've already read it and want more like it, here is how to navigate the experience:
- Check your triggers. Seriously. If you’re sensitive to themes of domestic abuse (even if it’s from the villain/backstory) or extreme violence, tread carefully. It’s a brutal world.
- Read the Prequel. There’s a novella called The Beast of Sarn that provides some great context for the world. It’s not strictly necessary, but it makes the payoff in the main book feel even bigger.
- Don't rush the beginning. The first 50-70 pages involve a lot of world-building and setup. Once they hit the road, the pace picks up significantly and doesn't let go until the end.
- Look for the sequels. After you finish, move on to A Touch of Stone and Snow. It follows different characters but expands the lore of the world and keeps the momentum going.
A Heart of Blood and Ashes remains a standout because it doesn't apologize for being exactly what it is: a brutal, romantic, epic tale about two broken people trying to save a breaking world. It reminds us that even in the middle of blood and ashes, something beautiful—and incredibly strong—can actually grow.
To fully appreciate the scope of Vane's work, focus on the political alliances being built in the background of the romance. The way the different kingdoms interact—or refuse to—sets the stage for the entire series. Keep an eye on the minor characters in Madoc’s war band; their loyalty isn't just a plot device, it’s a reflection of the leadership themes Vane explores throughout the narrative. If you’re a fan of high-stakes world-building where the cost of victory is high, this should be at the top of your "must-read" pile.