Knee-Deep in Cinders

by Ashley Capes

Freedom. Magic. Vengeance.

Vilas is a man consumed by anger. Kept prisoner in the city that slaughtered his people, he dreams of the day his magic is unsealed so he can burn everything to ash. When the city’s queen asks for his help hunting down rebel cultists, he agrees in exchange for his freedom, his magic, and a night in her bed.

Given access to only a fraction of his magic and forced to work alongside a jailor who can seal it entirely, a quick escape is impossible. Vilas knows his freedom hinges on his wits—and his self control. But every day he’s reminded of the horrors done to his people, testing the limits of his restraint. Can Vilas outwit the queen and have his revenge on the city, or will his all-consuming rage be his undoing?

Knee-Deep in Cinders is a thrilling, standalone dark fantasy novel. If you love morally grey characters, underdogs, and quests for vengeance, lose yourself in Knee-Deep in Cinders!


Releasing September 2024.

Genres: Fantasy

276 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2024

About the author

Ashley is a poet, novelist and ex-teacher living in Australia.

He taught English, Media and Music Production, played in a metal band, worked in an art gallery and slaved away at music retail. Aside from reading and writing, Ashley loves volleyball and Studio Ghibli – and Magnum PI, easily one of the greatest television shows ever made.

See poetry and fiction at http://ashleycapes.com/

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vilas had been kept prisoner in the small cell for decades, his power controlled by the collar, the Bindings, around his neck. When the Queen, Ima, needed his help in finding the Brutes, plus the rebels, he agreed on the condition he was freed after his success. Accompanied by the Radiant, Tano, the one who controlled his Bindings, Vilas hunted, following trails the Brutes had left. When Yadira joined the party, Vilas knew he was cornered, but escape and his freedom was always on his mind. The fire consumed him, and his rage wanted to set it free, to destroy. What would be the outcome for Vilas, whose whole kind had been brutally killed; who only wanted revenge?

Knee-Deep in Cinders is a standalone, dark fantasy novel by Aussie author Ashley Capes which I thoroughly enjoyed. Vilas is a great character; his power, self-control and shrewdness kept him one step ahead, most of the time. I also liked Vilas' companions - well written, easy to read and entertaining, Knee-Deep in Cinders is highly recommended to fans of the genre.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Ashley Capes]

Available now!

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[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written well. But just a lot of world building for such a short book. 

The author tried to introduce a lot of lore, history and all new species in a relatively short book. It was hard to keep involved in the story when constantly there would be whole sections of new characters/history that were being imparted. 

Really interesting, feel like it either needed to be longer to allow it room, or a bit simpler to allow the story to really take hold. 

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, 22% and I'm just not interested anymore. The MC is a one-note type and while this may change, I'm not patient enough to wait for it.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man imprisoned by those who slaughtered his people is provided an opportunity for freedom, and the revenge he seeks that comes with it, in exchange for assistance in investigating and dealing with unsettling activities in Knee-Deep in Cinders by Ashley Capes.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

Vilas, known more commonly as the Beast of Khiya, has been kept imprisoned, though in comfortable accommodations, for many years in Onath after the slaughter of his people, which has left him the last remaining Maelohas. With his magic locked away by a collar controlled by Radiants, which binds away the powerful and destructive Embers, which he plans to use to fulfill his vow to destroy Onath with his own hands, he’s not sat idly by but planned and observed just as the nobles have observed him as a novelty. When Queen Ima offers a chance for Vilas to earn his freedom and the return of his magic by cooperating with an investigation of and dealing with an odd rise in activity of a cult in collaboration with powerful creatures thought extinct, he agrees after adding a term to have a night with her in bed to serve his plans. Accompanied by a Radiant with strong skills to control his collar, and therefore access to his magic, and a Steel Maiden for scouting and fighting as necessary, Vilas’ historical knowledge is relied upon, but the scenes they’re faced with continue to remind him of the atrocities his people faced, straining and stoking his tightly leashed rage as he works out how best to achieve his revenge while navigating the plots afoot meant to derail either Onath’s or his progress.

With a propulsive pace to the story, the narrative quickly immerses readers in and moves through current events, which are rife with manipulative schemes driving behavior, as contextual details relevant to the past are elaborated through conversation between characters for a deeper explanation. While delving into the horrors that occurred in the past isn’t essential to the plots currently in play, there are names mentioned in passing at times that aren’t provided much context, which makes it feel as if some information may be missing or assumed to be known and expanding on them and their importance could enhance the imaginative world while deepening the character and investment into already overt, tangibly portrayed sense of revenge that Vilas seeks. The writing is descriptive, with a vibrancy depicted through the abundant use of colors across the magic, scenery, and adornments worn by people demarking their status, making it easy to envision this fantasy world that is swiftly and pleasantly developed. The interactions between the characters were entertaining and humorous to balance with the more serious and brutal nature of the confrontations and machinations occurring, and there was an appreciable development to Vilas, where he’s realistically not entirely changed when new information reframes what he thought he knew as events reach their conclusion.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, dark fantasy where the protagonist with a burning hatred and desire for revenge against his jailers who committed a genocide against his people in attempt to steal their magical power (with some very limited success). As such, despite the tease of a redemption arc, it took a bit before I started to like the main character (and his weird sense of honor that demanded only he could be allowed to extract vengeance on his enemies. The supporting characters were also well done and easier to love, but the story seemed too short to develop them much in this fast moving story. What carried the book here was solid world building, some slight-of-hand with the antagonists, and the slow reveal of the MC backstory that made for an interesting mystery … and a stunner of an ending … all told by an author who is very good at his craft (so keep a eye out for future works by Ashley Capes).

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#KneeDeepInCinders #LibraryThing

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this author for a while, and while his books aren’t in my normal genre, I love the way they are written. This latest is a standalone (I’m more of a series person), and I was eager to give it a try. I will admit that it took just a little bit to get involved in this book, but when I did, I was carried away. Vilas is a man full of hate and vengeance, but he knows how he will get it. However, there are tasks he must complete first. I wasn’t sure how all of this was going to go, especially when I wasn’t sure how Vilas was going to end it all, but it was an interesting ride and an even more interesting end. I quite enjoyed this novel, and fans of this genre should definitely give it a try. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book or the content of my review


An interesting story of a captured magical being reluctantly helping those who keep him prisoner for a taste of his old powers back. The dynamic between Vilas and Tano is the most engaging part, besides all the cool magic. A deeply unique and visually pleasing setting that I really enjoyed picturing. The descriptions were fun to read and I enjoyed the picture they created in my mind. The scene of Vilas returning home after years was particularly striking. Overall, a well crafted story that kept me interested and feeling for the characters. Well done!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knee Deep in Cinders tells the story of Vilas who has seen the entirety of his people slaughtered and has been a prisoner of those responsible for the last 50 years. When mysterious enemies show up, the queen of the city asks for Vilas help in finding the answers of what is really going on.

The style of writing took a little time for me to get used to and it seemed to make the story drag a little. I thought the premise of the story was really interesting and the story kept me guessing the whole way though.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lara R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by the author, but it will certainly not be my last.

It was nice to read a fast- paced, short standalone in between all the big books I'm usually reading - there are not a lot of short books in the fantasy genre and this was a treat.

I liked the characters (especially Tano), the story itself and the world building.

The twist at the end was well written and quite unexpected.

Will definitely be recommending this to other fantasy readers.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

His life is hard as he tries to get revenge on everyone who hurt and destroyed his people. They have kept him caged and would only allow a little of his magic. He will have to work with the queen but getting his freedom will not be easy. Can he escape? Will he get his revenge? How will he get on? See how he gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew from the first page that I would enjoy the book. Knee-Deep in Cinders is a compelling dark fantasy that masterfully intertwines themes of freedom, magic, and vengeance. I found Vilas, the main character, absolutely intriguing and the book is beautifully written. I can't wait to read more books by Ashley Capes

[Anastey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSiren and Close-Up Books for an ARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Absolutely fantastic in every way! I was genuinely surprised by how much I love this book, and it will be one I will definitely re-read in the future.

Long help captive by the city that destroyed his home and his people, Vilas vowed to destroy them all. Patient, smooth, with a deep burning rage deep inside, he is released from his cage with a promise of freedom if he completes the task that was set for him.

The story and world was rich and deep, and I enjoyed all the characters even with their flaws. There were plenty of twists to keep me entertained, and I loved every minute of it.

I hope this won't be a standalone book and that we will get to travel along with Vilas again to find out what happens next.