Vikter encounters them in the garden and becomes infuriated. Hawke replies that her title means nothing to him all he cares about is who she is on the inside. Penellaphe wonders why Hawke acts so familiar with her and fears that such behavior will deem her unworthy of Ascension.

The two pass the Queen’s Garden, and Hawke asks Penellaphe to join him under the weeping willow. Afterward, Penellaphe asks Hawke to escort her to her chambers. Despite having protection because of her status, Penellaphe is an adept fighter, as Vikter taught her how to wield her bloodstone knife.ĭuring final Rite before Penellaphe’s Ascension is underway, all third sons and daughters of the citizens are presented their family is required to give them in service to the gods. Hawke tells Penellaphe that she, even scarred, is beautiful and vows to protect her. He is allowed to behold the Maiden unveiled. The Duke summons Penellaphe and reveals that Hawke will be her new personal guard. Penellaphe lives under the Duke, a cruel Ascended who teaches Penellaphe “lessons” through abuse. Penellaphe uses her gift to ease these cursed men’s pain while euthanizing them with her bloodstone knife. Should a Craven bite a mortal, the mortal is cursed to become a Craven. Penellaphe and Vikter, her guard and mentor, illegally participate in death with dignity, a group of people who believe that those who dedicate their lives to the Rise, where creatures called Craven lurk, should die in peace. With her heightened sense of empathy, she questions the ethics and morals of the Ascended, who rule over the numerous jurisdictions of Kingdom Solis. Penellaphe has “the touch,” a power that allows her to feel the physical and emotional pain of others. Penellaphe sneaks back to the castle when Hawke leaves the room. Hawke, not knowing who Penellaphe is, kisses her.

In disguise, she visits the Red Pearl, a decadent nightclub, where she meets Hawke Flynn, a Royal Guard. With only one year until her Ascension, Penellaphe wants to experience life. Residual anxiety and political strife still plague the kingdom, as Descenters believe Prince Casteel of Atlantia, or the Dark One, is the rightful heir to the throne. During the war, the Kingdom Solis triumphed over the Kingdom Atlantia. The healing of Kingdom Solis depends on Penellaphe, the Maiden, who is meant to initiate the first Ascension since The War of Two Kings, elevating Lord and Ladies in Waiting and herself to a higher social status. Penellaphe is the protagonist and first-person narrator. Armentrout exposes the potential pitfalls of a society dominated by a single ruling class who uses fear to control the populace. From Blood and Ash depicts the power of self-exploration and the importance of autonomy and individualism.

From blood ash