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King of Ash and Bone

(Shattered Realms #1)

Melissa Wright (Goodreads Author)

3.47 · Rating details · 401 ratings · 59 reviews

When flying monsters break through the veil into her world, Mackenzie Scott has nothing left to lose. Her brother has been taken, her future has vanished, and all that remains is a desperate need for revenge. After discovering the breach the creatures used as a gateway, Mackenzie devises a plan to stop them, whatever the cost.
When she finds an injured stranger in the stree ...more

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Paperback, 216 pages

Published 2015 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

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SPFBO 5

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Jan 14, 2016 T S rated it it was amazing

Actual Rating - 4.5/5
The cover of this book is so beautiful, and there is an equally kick-ass synopsis printed at the back, just by glancing at it I got my hopes up. I read it, liked it. It was so good!

I love books with strong female protagonists, monsters, other realms. That's my thing, and this book has it all. I left this bookish world fist bumping the air, with a satisfied grin.

Howbeit, There was no element of gasp-inducing surprise, because of the synopsis. If that wasn't the case, this bo ...more

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Jul 27, 2018 Marta Cox rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Three and a half
A free read on kindle at the moment in preparation for the next book in this series that's due next month. I was interested in this idea of fae/demon type creatures coming into our world and leaving devastation behind.
I really liked the heroine Kenzie but struggled with Hunter who she rescues. McKenzie is determined to find her missing brother but having spent so much of her life not trusting others it's made her very independent. Hunter is in a difficult situation as unknown to ...more

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Jan 18, 2017 Dianne rated it really liked it

Two realms separated by a veil of secrecy and if that veil is breached it will mean the end of both worlds. And. It. Is. Happening. NOW.

Mackenzie’s life has been full of turmoil and loss. All she had was her brother and the monsters flying through the sky have taken him and she wants him back. The city is in chaos, people are being killed or taken as these beasts fly through a hole in the sky and nowhere is safe. Having seen this breach, Mackenzie will stop at nothing to seek revenge.

When she ...more

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Dec 25, 2019 Timitra rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: romanceopoly

Wasn't for me

King of Ash and Bone had an interesting premise but it just didn't work for me. It felt disjointed and I didn't like the stereotypical way in which one of the secondary characters was described. I wasn't emotionally invested in the main characters nor did I feel the connection between them. This one fell flat for me.

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Oct 17, 2019 Jennifer (bunnyreads) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: spfbo-5, 2019, fantasy-romance, non-human-protag, bingo-r-fantasy-2019, fantasy-urban, post-apoc-dying-earth-dystopian

This grabs you right out of the gate, I really enjoyed it and read it in an afternoon.

After her world around her pretty much blew up and she lost Riley, her only remaining family, Mackenzie has come up with a plan. She is going to return to the place she saw the crack in the world to get photographic proof and tell the army so they can do something…she doesn’t know what, but anything to close it and hopefully rescue her brother. It’s more of a last-ditch desperation act than a plan but it’s be ...more

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Sep 06, 2019 Debrac2014 rated it it was ok

This story just wasn't for me! I found it too confusing!

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Feb 06, 2015 Shane rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, science-fiction-dystopian, paranormal

King of Ash and Bone was an interesting read for me. At first I was a little confused by what was happening, but then once the story started to progress I began to understand the situation and who the invaders were.

I can't go into detail without revealing too much, but I can say it was tough, at least for me, to draw a conclusion as to what the dying realm should do. I mean, yes it was sad that their survival depended on claiming others, but it's not like they can decide to just fade away and n King of Ash and Bone was an interesting read for me. At first I was a little confused by what was happening, but then once the story started to progress I began to understand the situation and who the invaders were.

I can't go into detail without revealing too much, but I can say it was tough, at least for me, to draw a conclusion as to what the dying realm should do. I mean, yes it was sad that their survival depended on claiming others, but it's not like they can decide to just fade away and not try to save themselves. Sure they were villains among them and I can't wait to see how things work out as the series develops, but otherwise, the creatures of the dying realm made sense.

Now let's discuss characters. Mackenzie came off as a very strong and determined young girl. She had lost so much but still risked her life to save Hunter, who was a complete stranger, and I applaud her for that, especially with what was going on around her. She's the kind of heroine that we don't see often in books and that alone is a plus for this story. As for Hunter, he was a mystery at start. His character was laced with intrigue and I wanted so desperately to find out his story. I'd suspected he was one of the creatures before that came to light and without even reading the synopsis, but there was still something about him that drew me in. I liked the revelations about himself and his realm when he came clean to Mackenzie. It was evident that he was one of them but I had no idea his position ran deeper.

The biggest twist for me was towards the end with Mackenzie. For a second there I was about to curse up a storm because I honestly thought this was it for her. Thankfully it worked out better and she was reunited with Hunter. It still gave me quite the panic though.

As for the overall story and setting, I could definitely envision everything that was taking place. The writing was clear and quick. Every scene painted a picture and I felt like I was a part of this frightening, urban fantasy world. It's a fascinating story that readers with an open-mind can enjoy. The only issue I had was the bit of confusion at the start and I think that the ending could have been stronger, even if the story will continue. Still, it was enjoyable for the most part.

I've worked with Melissa before and been wanting to read her books but never got the chance to set something aside. This is my first taste into how good of a storyteller she is and it certainly won't be the last. ...more

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Aug 24, 2018 Kathy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, content-green, secular-romance, fae, paranormal-adult, new-adult-fantasy, 2018

I hate to say it, but I just didn't really like this one. It was confusing and jumped around and I never quite connected to the story. The H/h we're okay and I liked the idea of the story, just not the execution. A lot of inner thought. Just not for me.

Reminded me a lot of The Hollow Kingdom, which I enjoyed a lot more.

Content: Clean, mild romance, mild violence, no language

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Oct 14, 2018 Reading Reindeer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: a1-by-author-request-reviewed, 2018_let-s-read-indie_challenge, 2018_sf-vs-f-_bingo_challenge, 2018_reads, a1-i-own-books, 2018_sword-and-stars_challenge, 2018_new-weird, october_2018_reads, 2018_frightfall, 2018_kingtober_october

Review of KING OF ASH AND BONE by Melissa Wright

The first of a brand-new series, SHATTERED REALMS, by a prolific YA and Fantasy author, KING OF ASH AND BONE is fast-paced, eminently readable, and starts with an irresistible reader's hook which has overtones of both the traditional Fantasy genre and of Lovecraftian Mythos. When a Portal opens, releasing flying monsters, many are lost, to who knows where. One of these is Mackenzie's almost eighteen-year-old brother Riley, who was taken while tryin ...more

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Feb 02, 2015 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya, fantasy, dystopian, reviewed

2nd Read-through: When I found out Melissa Wright was planning on releasing a sequel to King of Ash and Bone, I decided to re-read the original. My initial impression remained true. This is a dystopian novel unlike anything you've read before. In place of zombies or nuclear warfare, the real enemy are wicked fae. Or are they wicked? This is the question as Kenzie meets Hunter, a young man who is much more than he appears to be. I really enjoyed Kenzie and Hunter's perspectives as they led us thr 2nd Read-through: When I found out Melissa Wright was planning on releasing a sequel to King of Ash and Bone, I decided to re-read the original. My initial impression remained true. This is a dystopian novel unlike anything you've read before. In place of zombies or nuclear warfare, the real enemy are wicked fae. Or are they wicked? This is the question as Kenzie meets Hunter, a young man who is much more than he appears to be. I really enjoyed Kenzie and Hunter's perspectives as they led us through the magical apocalypse. Kenzie is naturally street smart and resourceful, everything you want in a dystopian heroine, but with real vulnerability hidden beneath it all. Hunter both protects and puts Kenzie in harm's way, though that's not his intention. The fae in this story are refreshingly darker and willing to do whatever necessary to steal energy from our world. Everything is set up for a truly unique epic series.
A few things I noticed this read-through that were missing last time. Wright has clearly revised her original edition because the prose was richer, the characters breathed real life and previously confusing events were made clear. Plus we get extra content, always my favorite thing about revised editions! Melissa Wright has put surprising depth and heart into an otherwise harsh genre. Much like The Walking Dead, Shattered Realms makes you care about its characters to a level you're willing to follow them, no matter where the journey takes them. Anxiously awaiting the sequel!

1st Read-through: Almost a year after I first began reading this epic dystopian novel, I finally finished it! The best part was once I started it up again, I couldn't put it down until I read the last word. I have been a long time fan of Melissa Wright's works, ever since I stumbled upon Frey in the "free" category on Amazon. I fell in love with the Frey Saga and hounded the poor author until she had finished her fantastical series. The Descendants was equally exciting for me, albeit a different genre. I enjoyed seeing this author grow and show off her talent for characters with a lot of snark and personality. King of Ash and Bone is her latest series, this time a dystopian fairy tale set not to far from the present. Wright did a wonderful job drawing you into her characters lives, and especially detailing the sudden fall of civilization. King of Ash and Bone is very different from her previous two series and promises even more surprises and wondrous discoveries for the future. Impatiently waiting for the next installment! ...more

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Apr 23, 2015 Abooktopia rated it liked it

Shelves: requested-reviews, signed-copies

http://abooktopia.weebly.com

Flying monsters have broken through a veil in the sky. With people abandoning their homes, Mackenzie Scott and her brother must fend off for their lives. That is until a single scratch from one of the beasts marks Riley. To keep his sister safe, he leaves her in the middle of the night to go join the army. Now all alone, Mackenzie discovers the gateway used to join her world with that of the dying realm. With Hunter the stranger she saved from the raging monsters by ...more

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Jul 12, 2019 Violet Stone rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book is tough to review because on the one hand I found the idea to be worth my time but the execution just didn't hold up. It felt like it needed some major editing.

Here is the part where I start to break down the book but I'm not sure I fully understood it. Mackenzie is stranded. Her brother was Marked and left to protect her. At the start of her story, she is leaving her home to find comfort at an old tree she used to frequent with her mother. But it's not that simple because the world ...more

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Jan 13, 2019 Dawn Ireland rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Fabulous story

Melissa Wright is one helluva story teller. Her characters are strong, resourceful and memorable. Her world-building captivates. I’m going to read the next book because there’s no way I can leave that world until I know what’s in store for MacKenzie and Hunter, and Riley. Good job!

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Aug 19, 2018 Tressa (Wishful Endings) added it

Shelves: 2018

This was my second time through and I felt like the edits made things a little clearer. Still really, really enjoyed it. Quite a page-turner.

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Sep 02, 2019 Elise Flores rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Not for me

It was a good idea with a couple of good pages but overall i was extremely bored. Not for me

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Feb 07, 2015 Bloodystranger rated it liked it

I finished this book an hour ago and I used this time to think about the whole story. I really wanted to like this book and I kind of did, but I think I missed the point where you connect with the main characters, because I didn’t. At all. That makes me wonder if it’s caused by the very confusing events or if it’s just me.

What I liked and hated the same time was the style of writing. I loved it, because it had its own way of describing things and emotions but I couldn’t get access to what’s hap I finished this book an hour ago and I used this time to think about the whole story. I really wanted to like this book and I kind of did, but I think I missed the point where you connect with the main characters, because I didn’t. At all. That makes me wonder if it’s caused by the very confusing events or if it’s just me.

What I liked and hated the same time was the style of writing. I loved it, because it had its own way of describing things and emotions but I couldn’t get access to what’s happening.

Mackenzie is a real strong character, giving the fact that her whole world is threatened by monsters and she’s taken to another “realm” as her saviour (Hunter) is calling it. She wants to save her brother and develops some feelings for the secretive “Hunter”. I liked her; she was reasonable and not drooling over Hunter for no reason as in every second romance book.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into this “Is-it-a-romance?”-thing these two are having. Attraction is developed, okay, I got that, but it made me feel nothing. I didn’t ship these two because there wasn’t something special, something that the author usually catches in words and makes the reader’s mind tingle (If you know what I mean).
I’m not disappointed because I had no idea what to expect, but I think that there could’ve been more to the story than events strung together. After finishing half the book I still had no idea what was actually going on. This might be the biggest flaw of this rather interesting book.

description

It’s not helpful if you have no idea what is going on and the information that is been given has no value at all. In this case it wasn’t the nice “I’ll-have-some-clues-and-I’ll-figure-out-what’s-happening”, no, I just didn’t understand … why. I’m sure it’s not the language barrier because I’ve read so many English books I think I can say, that I haven’t had this problem ever.

description

All in all: This book is an interesting read, but not my piece of cake, unfortunately. But I would recommend everyone to try it so you could make up your own mind.
I saw that Melissa Wright wrote some other novels, like the Freya-Saga, and I think I’ll look into them. Maybe they’re more suited for me.

[https://bloodystranger.wordpress.com/...] ...more

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Feb 20, 2015 Saruuh Kelsey rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, read-in-2015, post-apocalyptic

I've made no secret of the fact that I adored the Descendants series, so when I saw Melissa Wright had just released a new book I didn't hesitate in grabbing it and reading ASAP. I love the way she writes, and especially how she writes action and romance.

I'll start by saying I didn't love this as much as the Descendants series, but that was purely a personal thing. I didn't fall as hard for the characters, and I'm a character driven reader. Now that's said, let's talk about all the things I did ...more

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Oct 14, 2018 Nic rated it did not like it

Shelves: hidden-gems-review-books

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.*

1.5/5. This is one of those books that drops the reader right into the action from the very first line, which can be quite compelling if done well. In this case, it was not done well. There is no payoff; there is no moment when everything clicks into place and the reader understands what is happening. Somewhere around the halfway point of this book, I was still so bored and confused that I started skimming. I thought maybe things ...more

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Apr 29, 2015 Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) rated it really liked it

Shelves: on-my-shelves, review-copies

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

This book follows Mackenzie Scott after the world has been invaded by flying monsters. A crack in the sky allowed then passage and I was completely captivated by the other side of the veil. The other realm spoke to my dark side and I wish I could see it play out as a movie. Ah!!!
Mackenzie was a great character. She was hilarious and I loved how she didn't sit around doing nothing.
The plot twists were amazing and I absolutely loved Melissa's writin ...more

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Mar 06, 2015 Mandie Stevens rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This is my first book by Melissa Wright. The cover is amazing and fit the story perfectly. I gobbled this up in one sitting and even ordered pizza so I didn't have to stop and cook. THAT is saying a lot! So not only did I enjoy the book but the kids reaped the benefits too.

It starts with monsters entering our world through the veil when it breaks. Now I usually don't read much of the new adult age because authors usually make characters so wishy washy and whiny. Mackenzie was neither of these. S ...more

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Nov 15, 2014 Tressa (Wishful Endings) added it · review of another edition

Shelves: can-t-wait, 2015

There are definitely some questions... Review to come.

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Aug 27, 2019 Pamela Donaldson rated it liked it · review of another edition

King of Ash and Bone starts as it means to continue. A huge storm arrives and destroys everything in it's path. This is no ordinary storm however, as monsters from another realm have broken through the veil to earth intent on bringing the apocalypse.

When Mackenzie's brother, Riley, is "marked" by the monsters, he leaves their home in the dead of night to join the army leaving Mackenzie completely alone. As Mackenzie has no parents and was responsible for raising her younger brother, she becomes ...more

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Oct 12, 2018 Lauren rated it it was ok

I received a complementary copy for an honest review. In a post-apocalyptic world, Mackenzie and her brother Riley find their house the only standing one on their block, protected by mysterious markings on the fence surrounding their house. Venturing into the destroyed world, they find death and destruction at the hands of winged monsters. Mackenzie saves the life of a boy, Hunter, and they find themselves on a quest to save family and possibly the world.

Great potential, but overall a miss on ex ...more

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Oct 12, 2018 Jessica Woods rated it really liked it

King of Ash and Bone starts with a bang, literally. A massive storm arrives and destroys almost everything, the apocalypse is at hand and its not zombies. Hulking beasts are terrorizing everyone and the whispers say they are fey. Mackenzie stepped up to care for her brother when their mother was killed in a car wreck and their father abandons them. When he's attacked and scared by the monsters, Riley leaves to join the army to fight them. Now Mackenzie spends her days trying to find Riley. When ...more

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Jan 23, 2019 Tamara rated it it was amazing

Is it magic, no, can't be, fairy tales are not true.

I love this book. I am not typically a fan of apocalypse style books but I do love scifi and fantasy.

The author does great with the characters. Mackenzie has been looking after her brother for a long time so when a strange storm comes along she makes sure he is safe. After the storm passes everything they know changes and her brother leaves in the middle of the night.

Mackenzie is trying to get the courage to look for her brother when she comes ...more

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Jul 24, 2019 Ellen rated it really liked it

This book actually came from "Reign of Queens" which is a book with THREE fantasy book series starters by Melissa Wright.
I wasn't super inspired to read the other two stories (YET) but I really enjoyed this one! Strong female lead trying to save the world? I'm all for it. There were a couple parts that had me kinda feeling like I was missing something and instead of it ever really being explained I just kinda made some assumptions, especially about the budding romance between the MC and the love ...more

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Oct 20, 2019 Darsie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-paranormal, finished-2019

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 03, 2020 Lillian Cummings rated it liked it · review of another edition

It was like every other day

It started off like any other day but ended with bloodshed and fear. Now the world is falling apart and Mackenzie is all alone. She knows Riley did the right thing by trying to join the fight against the monsters but she fears that she will never see him again. So when she saves Hunter I from being killed by the monsters she is no longer alone. Hunter is hiding who he truly is, he has to stop what is coming but he fears that it too late. He has no choice but to save Ke ...more

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Oct 14, 2018 Reena rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What appeared to be a terrible storm is just the beginning of Mackenzie's troubles. A portal from another world has been opened and demon-like creatures roam around marking people. When her brother gets marked and runs away, Mackenzie decides to go after him and find a way to save him. That is the start of her adventures, which will lead her to this other world and back and there again.

Although the first chapters are a little confusing and there appear to be missing pieces in the story, reading ...more

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Oct 15, 2018 Jessica Campagna rated it really liked it

The story is original and the world building is good. This is an interesting take on a post apocalyptic world, where a gateway opens to collect souls to keep the second world running and the humans try to fight them off. Then things get complicated when a human befriends a "monster". I would have liked for the characters to have a little... just... more, but I can say that they are realistically driven by their own motivators all throughout the story. The writing and dialogue is well done. I am ...more

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About Melissa Wright

Melissa Wright

1,188 followers

Melissa is the author of a dozen fantasy and YA novels including the Frey Saga and SEVEN WAYS TO KILL A KING. She is currently working on the next book, but when not writing can be found collecting the things she loves at Goodreads and Pinterest. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com ...more

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Shattered Realms (2 books)

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Quotes from King of Ash and Bone

“...but at the gateway’s centre was a light that shone like a thousand suns, and she felt it, the energy that was Hunter...” — 0 likes

“His eyes were blued steel, lined in coal and cut through with silver. They were like clouds and storms and all the things she’d never understood about poetry and romance novels.” — 0 likes

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