First of all, so sorry that this took so long. I made a note to answer this several months? (weeks maybe idk how long it's been) ago and completely forgot about it. Also at the time, I still wasn't really over my blood and ash book hangover so I didn't really feel prepared enough to answer this. You've probably dragged yourself out of your own book hangoer by now, but I'll post this anyway to help other FBAA nuts on the great wide web.

If you're looking for books with similar vibes to FBAA try these-

The Plated Prisioner Series by Raven Kennedy

The Cursebreakers Series by Brigid Kemmerer

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L Armentrou (I'm counting this one as not part of the Blood and Ash series though anyone who has read Blood and Ash had probably already read or will read ASITE)

All of JLA's books have similar vibes (at least her fantasy books, I haven't read any of her romances) so reading one of those is a pretty safe bet. For example: White Hot Kiss and Storm and Fury.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L Jensen

Some books that helped that I didn't expect to-

The Poppy War Series by R.F. Kuang

Villians Series by V.E. Schwab (but beware because it definitely has potential for another massive book hangover)

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard (it has a similar fantasy setting, but it's definitely not the same as FBAA which is why I'm including it in this section)

There are habits we can form that make us mentally strong, and set us on a course to success in life. They are simple to apply – but require discipline – until they’re automatic, and a part of who we are. In summary:

1. Don’t look to the world to give you an identity. You need to find yourself, and to be true to yourself.

2. Don’t look to your family and friends for approval. It will be a moving target that you’re missing constantly – and will change with the person whose approval you are seeking.

3. Set your own goals in life and believe in yourself. Decide on what success means for you personally – and know that if you work hard you will reach the goals you’ve set.

4. Expect things to take time. Life is not a race - so take whatever time you need to learn whatever’s needed.

5. Expect to meet with setbacks for you’re always going to meet them. And the obstacles we face will help us stretch and grow.

6. Expect other people to put you down, and for some to walk away, or to walk out of your life. People have their own agendas, and insecurities, and some might have a need to control you in some way. But be true to yourself. Don’t let others’ judgments sway you.

7. Don’t resent others’ gifts, or promotions, or successes. You’re not competing against others. You are on a different road.

The following suggestions may be helpful for a person who finds that they are struggling with low self-esteem:

1. It starts with a decision to be your own person. Don’t live your life to please, or impress, others.

2. Try to grasp the fact we have different goals and values … And don’t be swayed by people who criticise your dreams.

3. Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s journey as we start from different places and face different challenges.

4. Be kind, understanding and patient with yourself. Accept mistakes and failures are part of all our lives. Also, choose to frame mistakes as learning opportunities.

5. You need to root for yourself, and seek to be your own best friend. Don’t put yourself down – in public, or when you’re alone.

6. Remind yourself a weakness can become a strength in time. It takes patience and effort – but eventually things change.

7. Make a list of what you’re good at, and keep adding to the list. Also, note the strengths that others see, and comment on, as well.

8. Treat yourself with respect and praise the things that you do

9. Find ways to dissipate and channel negative emotions. Don’t allow them to dictate the way you start to see yourself.

10. Spend time with those who like you, and can see your worth and value. Ignore those who attack you, and would like to see you fail.

11. Choose to stand up for yourself, and value being more assertive. Also, set and then enforce appropriate, healthy boundaries.

love yourself

have a fresh start

go back to school

recover

make new friends

fall in love

go to therapy

learn a skill

discover your passion

repair relationships

change the world

find a new hobby

be happy

1. Notice the other person’s moods, and choose a time when they seem to be more comfortable and relaxed.

2. Pay attention to timing. Choose a time when they are unrushed, aren’t under pressure, or following a tight schedule.

3. Remind yourself that your views, opinions, wishes, rights and feelings are important.

4. Expect there to be some pauses, or for things NOT to go exactly as you hope. That’s just normal in all relationships. It doesn’t indicate there’s a problem.

5. Listen to your heart. Follow your intuition. Don’t only listen to the spoken words. Listen and respond to the energy and emotions behind the words.

6. Don’t jump to conclusions or let negative assumptions stop you from hearing what the other has to say – or to twist their words or their intentions in some way.

learning to be a good friend/partner

healing from depression, failures or heartbreak

becoming amazing at an art or skill

overcoming anxiety, insecurities and low body image

overcoming the need to isolate yourself

changing self-hating thoughts to kinder ones

making a real connection with someone

overcoming self-defeating and self-sabotaging thoughts

learning how to study effectively

finding a sense of stability and calmness at your core

quitting habits or addictions

leaving people and behaviours that turn you into the worst version of yourself

getting used to healthier coping mechanisms & mindsets that feel fake

treating yourself like you truly care about yourself

learn how to write a new style of handwriting. try wearing your hair or makeup differently. find a new perfume you like.

do things for yourself, not for the validation of others. resist the temptation to post everything online.

start doing something you usually can't be bothered to do. like making your bed, folding everything neatly, stretching every hour, going on jogs, making a healthy meal from scratch or sleeping earlier.

make your surroundings as cozy and as pleasing for you to look at as possible.

bake delicious but sometimes deformed pastries. write things that no one "gets". wear clothes and hairstyles that make u happy. crotchet a sock badly. draw a picture that won't be aesthetic on instagram. let go of the perfect image of who you need to be. do things for yourself.

be messy. self-expression isn't always pretty. scribble messily in a notebook. draw messily an idea for a character. write a messy draft for a story.

learn your thing from scratch, whether it's astronomy, greek mythology, flower species, piano, japanese, making jam, drawing comics, or something completely different.

let yourself fully enjoy everyday things like food, commute, and your morning routines. slow down and notice every single thing that makes you feel nice.

appreciate nature, like the sunlight streaming through in the morning, the sound of rain, and the colors of sunsets.

notice the deeper meanings and emotions in songs, poetry and paintings.

let people in. give new loves and friendships a chance. initiate conversations when you want.

read as much as you can. read different genres, popular and unpopular books, classics and new releases. give every book that catches your eye a chance.

enjoy your solitude like you're a character in a movie. if you can, go out for walks alone. visit the park to look at dogs, a café to people-watch, or a library to spend the afternoon buried in a book. bring a journal everywhere with you, and write poetry and quotes and doodles.

collect little things, like vinyls, pretty rocks and shells, stuffed animals, whatever makes you happy.

find a sport you like. pretend you're a superhero. dance like no one's watching. swim like you're a mermaid. exercise is supposed to be fun, so find one that you like.

make self care a priority. this includes taking your meds on time, starting to study for a test after procrastinating for weeks, deleting things that trigger negative emotions, and knowing when to let go and ask for help.

distance yourself from sources of negativity. learn to be ok on your own. know your worth and boundaries.

let go of the past. forgive yourself for the things you regret and start again.

let go of old relationships. there's a difference between missing someone and wanting them back in your life.

let go of your need to be perfect. it does more harm than good.

never compare yourself. it will always feel like a losing battle, no matter how amazing you really are.

keep in touch with people you don't speak to much. even a message can brighten someone's day.

be kind to everyone you meet, even strangers. if someone makes you happy, make them happier. compliment often, and be less judgemental. give someone a smile, you never know how much it means to them.

wake up earlier in the morning. wake up with the sun and fall asleep with the moon.

if you want to be calmer and more productive, remove things on your phone and social media apps that you don't need. (which is most of them).

make a list of qualities in the person you dream of becoming. write about your ideal life with what you have. make goals to be the happiest and healthiest version of yourself.

don't suppress your emotions, but don't overthink them either. have a kinder relationship with your body and your thoughts.

don't be afraid to ask for help, whether it's a teacher, therapist, friend, doctor or parent.