Vein of Ash

by J.R Collins

In a world reborn from the gods’ fire.
Power runs where blood remembers.Ardentia stands on the bones of the divine—its people bound by the Veins, hollow threads of magic that once belonged to gods now long dead. When darkness begins to stir beneath the ash, two fates Mara Kinley, a girl marked by veins that burn with living flames, and Elric Vale, a boy haunted by blood that answers to something ancient and hungry.

Drawn together by a prophecy older than their blood, they uncover a secret that could remake the world—or end it. As the Reaper’s shadow rises and the Dustborn awake to hunt the living, Mara and Elric must choose whether to fight the destiny written in their veins… or surrender to the power that calls them home.

Lush, haunting, and fiercely intoxicating, Vein of Ash is a tale of ruin and rebirth, where desire can ignite thrones, crowns are never safe, and even the dead gods still dream.

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

J.R. Collins writes from the edges of shadow, where fear and imagination entwine. What began as music and lyrical storytelling—a private refuge against the tides of anxiety—has grown into a relentless passion for crafting dark fantasy that lingers long after the last page is turned. His stories live in the space between beauty and dread, blending the intimate ache of human emotion with the boundless allure of the unknown.

Drawing inspiration from his own mind’s labyrinth—irrational fears, intrusive thoughts, and truths only he has dared to face—J.R. infuses each world he creates with a rare honesty. His characters are not merely heroes and monsters, but reflections of the struggles and desires we all carry: the need to belong, the hunger for purpose, and the courage to face the darkness within and without.

For J.R., storytelling is both therapy and transformation. It is the act of turning chaos into creation, of finding meaning in the shadows. Each novel is a mirror to the soul—equal parts vulnerability and defiance—where pain gives way to power and longing finds its echo in fantasy.

Hands-on in every step of the creative process—from building haunting, immersive worlds to designing the striking covers that bring them to life—J.R. Collins treats his craft as both an art form and a deeply personal journey. Every story he tells is a fragment of that journey: fear made beautiful, sorrow made sacred, and the ordinary made unforgettable.

Reviews

[Dawna Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vein of Ash is a dark fantasy. It follows 2 main characters Mara and Elric and their lives. Learning about themselves as 'chosen ones' or 'keys', their magic, and their world, all while training to fight against the Reaper, dustborn, and other dark entities of their world. Mara is fierce and isn't afraid to say or do what she feels leaving Elric sometimes struggling on what to do when he's very protective of her.
It has some romance but mostly it is an action packed dark fantasy. There are some trigger warnings like violence and death in battle, death and sacrifice of children/baby, a few spicy scenes so this is definitely for adults and not YA. There are also different things that will not be answered in this book that are answered in the 2 following books since this is part of a trilogy. This book ends in a dramatic cliffhanger making you want the second book the instant you finish the first one. The story is fantastic and the further you get into it the more you get pulled into the world, wanting to read more because of how rich the world is with different creatures and people that Elric and Mara interact with. I loved this book and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars just because of having to wait for answers and because of the cliffhanger. For some readers it may possibly start off slow and then pick up the pace but for me I felt it was the perfect pace right from the very first chapter. I love the storyline, the true feelings and reactions of the characters, and the mysteries that shape this world. My favorite line is by far when Mara tells Elric "You idiot. You selfish, brave, broken idiot. Don't you ever do that again." I mean who doesn't find themselves with conflicting emotions when they are in love.
The book comes out in January and is perfect for those that love action and dark fantasy.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have emotional damage from this book. 😭 From start to finish, Vein of Ash takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Our main characters are on a journey, but if you’re expecting a simple quest, you would be very wrong. Heartbreak, heartache, and gut-punch moments come thick and fast, leaving you invested in every choice, every betrayal, and every fleeting victory.

What makes this story stand out is how vividly it’s written—like a movie playing in your imagination. The action is relentless, the stakes are high, and every scene is packed with tension and drama. You feel the weight of the characters’ pasts, their losses, and the world around them, making their struggles all the more compelling.

While the story occasionally leaves you wanting a little more depth in some areas, the world-building, pacing, and emotional resonance make it impossible to put down. Vein of Ash is dark, gripping, and unforgettable—a four-star read that will stay with you long after the last page.

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vein of Ash is one of those books where my brain constantly felt a step behind. Just when I thought I finally had a handle on what was happening, something would shift and I’d be confused again, characters appearing when I didn’t remember meeting them, scenes changing in ways that left me wondering if I’d skipped a page. I was always almost caught up, yet never quite there.

That said, J.R. Collins undeniably has a way with words. The writing is atmospheric and vivid, painting striking imagery that pulled me in even when the plot lost me. And the premise itself is solid, I can absolutely see this being a five-star read for the right person.

This one just wasn’t for me, but I’m certain others will love it.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have emotional damage from this book
Throughout you are put through so many emotions, our main characters are on a journey but if you are expecting a little quest ? You would be wrong! There is heartbreak and heartache

That being said though, the book itself is written so that it is a movie played in your imagination with lots of action packed within the pages, which at the end is leaving you wanting more!

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was truly wonderful! While it was slightly different then I expected and more focused on action it didn’t disappoint at all! It’s a dark fantasy with some romance but mainly action! It was written well with amazing world building. I can’t wait for more!

[Ash_reads24]

Wow 🤯, once 10% in I was absolutely hooked it’s a real dark dark fantasy that is action packed unique and heartfelt. The characters really have some depth and you really go through the motions with them. The writing is descriptive which was fantastic and the pacing was perfect. A great read for a dark fantasy lover. I really am intrigued to see how the story continues! Need book 2 asap I am so invested! ✨