What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets can burn.
The Divided Kingdom, Book 1
Reared from birth to rule the Phoenix territory, Ana fled her future and her past when her parents were murdered. Now she secretly leads a rebellion to stop the human ruler, Edward, from experimenting on supernaturals.
When she finds herself cornered by an assassin, she knows just what to Roast him and toast him. Then recognition sends blue-tipped flames licking through her veins. It’s Cade, the royal bodyguard who once rejected her youthful confession of love.
When Cade regains consciousness from the force of Ana’s punch, he’s still reeling from shock—and fury. He’d loved the princess, and for ten years he thought her dead. Though his inner jackal growls with desire for her, she is the key to completing his mission for Edward—hunt down the rebel known as Liberty.
Ana can’t believe Cade doesn’t know the truth about Edward. If she can convince him of it, his blade could turn the tide of the rebellion. But first they must get beyond their past, or the whole kingdom could go up in smoke.
Contains incendiary sex between a phoenix princess with a secret identity, and a jackal shifter who can take a lot of heat. Boys from the “hood”, a king jacked up on enhanced DNA, and killer heels. Anybody got a match?
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
2 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Sophie H. Morgan
8 books322 followersSophie H. Morgan is a romance author, repped by Cole Lanahan. She lives in crazy worlds, some concocted by her, some ruled by her spaniel.
You can usually find her on Instagram (SophiehMorgan), on Twitter (@SophieHMorgan) or through her website.
Happy Reading!
You can usually find her on Instagram (SophiehMorgan), on Twitter (@SophieHMorgan) or through her website.
Happy Reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 23, 2015
4.5 Stars
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! I was NOT expecting that. And now I can’t stop thinking about this…MORE!!! It’s not often that I read a PNR where the good guys are supernaturals and the bad guy is human, but this was the case with this one and I LOVED it.
Ok, a quick disclaimer before I begin. The first 2 chapters were REALLY hard for me to get in to because it was a lot of “back story” and “character building” in a world with different verbage, etc. That being said, once I hit the 3rd Chapter, it was on like Donkey Kong and there was no way I was putting this down.
Ana is a straight up badass Phoenix (yup THAT Phoenix) who has everything to prove, not only to people, but to herself. Challenging considering she is moonlighting as the rebel leader Liberty who the human ruler is after because she is destroying everything he’s trying to accomplish.
Cade, a merc, assassin, bodyguard, shifter (yep, a little of everything) stumbles upon Ana while looking to kill Liberty per his “assignment” by the human ruler, Edward. Yes, it sounds complicated and that’s why the first couple of chapters were hard to follow, but then the story takes shape and you find yourself completely intrigued.
I digress. Turns out Cade was Ana’s bodyguard when she was younger. They had a thing for each other and flames were never put to rest. Instead of killing Ana, Cade decides to investigate who the true “good guy” is. This journey uncovers things that the human ruler was trying to keep secret. But Edward wasn’t the only one keeping secrets, Ana still hadn’t told Cade one of hers.
Yes, I’m speaking in code. I hate giving things away in reviews and this is difficult, ok? Bottom line…if you like PNR’s, you’ll love this. You get a little of everything: Vampire, Demon, Fae, Phoenix, Shifter, just to name a few. I REALLY recommend this book…so go get it already!!!
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! I was NOT expecting that. And now I can’t stop thinking about this…MORE!!! It’s not often that I read a PNR where the good guys are supernaturals and the bad guy is human, but this was the case with this one and I LOVED it.
Ok, a quick disclaimer before I begin. The first 2 chapters were REALLY hard for me to get in to because it was a lot of “back story” and “character building” in a world with different verbage, etc. That being said, once I hit the 3rd Chapter, it was on like Donkey Kong and there was no way I was putting this down.
Ana is a straight up badass Phoenix (yup THAT Phoenix) who has everything to prove, not only to people, but to herself. Challenging considering she is moonlighting as the rebel leader Liberty who the human ruler is after because she is destroying everything he’s trying to accomplish.
Cade, a merc, assassin, bodyguard, shifter (yep, a little of everything) stumbles upon Ana while looking to kill Liberty per his “assignment” by the human ruler, Edward. Yes, it sounds complicated and that’s why the first couple of chapters were hard to follow, but then the story takes shape and you find yourself completely intrigued.
I digress. Turns out Cade was Ana’s bodyguard when she was younger. They had a thing for each other and flames were never put to rest. Instead of killing Ana, Cade decides to investigate who the true “good guy” is. This journey uncovers things that the human ruler was trying to keep secret. But Edward wasn’t the only one keeping secrets, Ana still hadn’t told Cade one of hers.
Yes, I’m speaking in code. I hate giving things away in reviews and this is difficult, ok? Bottom line…if you like PNR’s, you’ll love this. You get a little of everything: Vampire, Demon, Fae, Phoenix, Shifter, just to name a few. I REALLY recommend this book…so go get it already!!!
May 21, 2015
What a wonderful world author Sophie Morgan has created! In Ashes, an action-packed paranormal romance, she has given us a universe peopled with phoenix, shape shifters, fae, vampires, demons and assorted interesting characters. It's not too often I fall in love with a heroine, as much as a hero, but I did here. Heroine Alana, a rebel fighter and princess in hiding, is battling against Edward, a slimy ruler determined to steal the DNA of supernatural creatures and inject it into humans. Alana is tough, she curses up a storm, and she can fight, despite her genteel royal background. Her one weak spot? Cade Lorin, her former security guard and mentor, and a jackal shifter. Cade is delicious, sexy and strong and eager to protect Alana at every turn. When Cade tumbles back into Alana's life, years after he spurned her advances, she is thrown for a loop. Can she trust the man who stole her heart but who now operates as a supposed mercenary? And as much as Cade trusts Alana, he has trouble believing in her disdain for Edward. Ms. Morgan has brought us delectable tension and some very sexy scenes. The fight scenes are so well-written and I flipped through the pages, eager to see more. The ending is perfect. We have heartbreak and credible resolution and we believe in Cade and Alana's future. I very much look forward to reading more from this talented author.
April 15, 2015
*Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock*
5 fangs
Ana escapes her life as a Phoenix Princess the night her parents are murdered. As a Phoenix, she knows that those in power could lay the blame at her feet and that would be her death. Ana is drawn into a rebel group, Others, that are rebelling against the human King Edward. He's making advances for the human race, but not the others. Ana runs into Cade one night, her once bodyguard and love of her young life. Cade had rebuffed her advances and the hurt still lingered. Only now Cade works as an assassin for the King. And his current target, the rebel Liberty. Ana knows Liberty all to well as she is the head of the rebellion. Ana wants to tell Cade, but at the same time she's scared he'll turn her in as he doesn't believe the mighty Edward can do any wrong. Can Ana change his mind and prove to him that Edward's actions are not for the better of everyone, especially the Others?
5 fangs
Ana escapes her life as a Phoenix Princess the night her parents are murdered. As a Phoenix, she knows that those in power could lay the blame at her feet and that would be her death. Ana is drawn into a rebel group, Others, that are rebelling against the human King Edward. He's making advances for the human race, but not the others. Ana runs into Cade one night, her once bodyguard and love of her young life. Cade had rebuffed her advances and the hurt still lingered. Only now Cade works as an assassin for the King. And his current target, the rebel Liberty. Ana knows Liberty all to well as she is the head of the rebellion. Ana wants to tell Cade, but at the same time she's scared he'll turn her in as he doesn't believe the mighty Edward can do any wrong. Can Ana change his mind and prove to him that Edward's actions are not for the better of everyone, especially the Others?
February 28, 2016
There’s so much to love about ASHES from Sophie H. Morgan--fast-paced suspenseful plot, exceptional paranormal world building, sexy romance, intriguing characters, and witty dialogue.
Ana is a kick-ass heroine who pulled me into the book from the first page, as we are introduced to her strength of mind and physical agility in a vividly written fight scene. The other characters in the group that she leads known as the Hoods are also well developed, and her relationship and banter with Trick, a vampire, is especially enjoyable to read.
The Hoods consist of Ana, demons, a fae and a vampire. Each of these characters are all well fleshed out with their own unique voice and personality.
The shifter, Cade is a well developed, three-dimensional, strong alpha hero. Ana and Cade's journey is a second chance at romance love story. Cade was at one time, Ana’s teacher and bodyguard. The author set up their internal and external conflicts so well, the reader anticipates each scene when they appear together. Their chemistry is palpable and extremely fun to read.
This book hit all the right notes for characterization and storyline:
A confident, strong heroine who exudes a lot of passion for her goals, and focused on accomplishing her mission.
- Sizzling sexual tension between Ana and Cade jumps off every page in every scene that they appear in together.
- The camaraderie and affection between all the characters, and the friendships are written in a realistic way, allowing the reader to connect to each one.
- Well constructed character arcs for the leads.
- The action. Vivid descriptions, written in active voice, that will allow the reader to be part of each battle.
- The sensuality of Cade and Ana’s relationship, both verbal and physical.
- Suspense.
- Action.
- Witty dialogue.
- Well-crafted characters.
- Good versus evil, written in an unpredictable and visually pleasing way.
ASHES is an extremely well-crafted paranormal romance written by an excellent writer. Ms Morgan’s prose, her characters and the unique storyline will grab you from the first page and won’t let you go until you finish the book, leaving you waiting in anticipation for the next instalment in the DIVIDED KINGDOM series.
For a debut novel, Ms. Morgan has made a big splash into the paranormal romance genre and I look forward to her next book.
Ana is a kick-ass heroine who pulled me into the book from the first page, as we are introduced to her strength of mind and physical agility in a vividly written fight scene. The other characters in the group that she leads known as the Hoods are also well developed, and her relationship and banter with Trick, a vampire, is especially enjoyable to read.
The Hoods consist of Ana, demons, a fae and a vampire. Each of these characters are all well fleshed out with their own unique voice and personality.
The shifter, Cade is a well developed, three-dimensional, strong alpha hero. Ana and Cade's journey is a second chance at romance love story. Cade was at one time, Ana’s teacher and bodyguard. The author set up their internal and external conflicts so well, the reader anticipates each scene when they appear together. Their chemistry is palpable and extremely fun to read.
This book hit all the right notes for characterization and storyline:
A confident, strong heroine who exudes a lot of passion for her goals, and focused on accomplishing her mission.
- Sizzling sexual tension between Ana and Cade jumps off every page in every scene that they appear in together.
- The camaraderie and affection between all the characters, and the friendships are written in a realistic way, allowing the reader to connect to each one.
- Well constructed character arcs for the leads.
- The action. Vivid descriptions, written in active voice, that will allow the reader to be part of each battle.
- The sensuality of Cade and Ana’s relationship, both verbal and physical.
- Suspense.
- Action.
- Witty dialogue.
- Well-crafted characters.
- Good versus evil, written in an unpredictable and visually pleasing way.
ASHES is an extremely well-crafted paranormal romance written by an excellent writer. Ms Morgan’s prose, her characters and the unique storyline will grab you from the first page and won’t let you go until you finish the book, leaving you waiting in anticipation for the next instalment in the DIVIDED KINGDOM series.
For a debut novel, Ms. Morgan has made a big splash into the paranormal romance genre and I look forward to her next book.
August 25, 2016
DNF at 73%
Meeeeehhhhh stars. Just so meh.
I think I would have enjoyed this one if at any point it had significantly cut back on the romance and tried some of the paranormal/ fantasy side of things. There was enough to work with there, themes of putting faith in the unknown, loyalty to others before oneself, rebelling against an evil and possibly insane ruler...
But no.
Instead it felt like every other page had something about Cade's manly manliness arousing Ana's fire (and other parts), or Cade wanting to nip and bite at Ana even though they could never be together (according to him, he never bothers asking her opinion on it). Fire, biting, fire, more fire, angry innuendo filled arguments. It just grew incredibly repetitive and boring and I spent the entire novel just wishing they'd have sex and be done with it.
As it were they just kept thinking with their gonads and making stupid decisions for the people/ roles they had that could have put countless people in danger, then as soon as they did have sex the "romance misunderstanding trope" just belly flopped on top of them and fucked everything up. By this point though they'd already announced how the bad guy could be taken down and I'd already had the "you're fucking kidding me, right?" moment
So I decided to cut my losses and bail.
Could have been awesome, but you just weren't my thing Ashes, sorry.
If you can stomach endless romance themed dialogue interspersed with moments of possible rebellious plotting and "that's what she said" jokes then this should be much more palatable to you though.
Meeeeehhhhh stars. Just so meh.
I think I would have enjoyed this one if at any point it had significantly cut back on the romance and tried some of the paranormal/ fantasy side of things. There was enough to work with there, themes of putting faith in the unknown, loyalty to others before oneself, rebelling against an evil and possibly insane ruler...
But no.
Instead it felt like every other page had something about Cade's manly manliness arousing Ana's fire (and other parts), or Cade wanting to nip and bite at Ana even though they could never be together (according to him, he never bothers asking her opinion on it). Fire, biting, fire, more fire, angry innuendo filled arguments. It just grew incredibly repetitive and boring and I spent the entire novel just wishing they'd have sex and be done with it.
As it were they just kept thinking with their gonads and making stupid decisions for the people/ roles they had that could have put countless people in danger, then as soon as they did have sex the "romance misunderstanding trope" just belly flopped on top of them and fucked everything up. By this point though they'd already announced how the bad guy could be taken down and I'd already had the "you're fucking kidding me, right?" moment
So I decided to cut my losses and bail.
Could have been awesome, but you just weren't my thing Ashes, sorry.
If you can stomach endless romance themed dialogue interspersed with moments of possible rebellious plotting and "that's what she said" jokes then this should be much more palatable to you though.
August 25, 2015
All Things Urban Fantasy
One of the many aspects of ASHES I liked aside from it's fast and clever plot, and creative action sequences was the addition of phoenixes. Their culture and abilities were truly fascinating and fun to learn. I liked the whole 'princess is secretly living as a commoner' plot point and I am sure I've read a story about it somewhere at some point but forgot which meant for me that this was a fresh theme to read in a paranormal romance! I loved the blend of old world and new world with royal houses mixing with super powered guns that are far more advanced than anything we have today. The political machinations and complexities of the situation Ana and Cade find themselves in was riveting and filled with some interesting twists.
The characters in ASHES are awesome. Ana, the runaway phoenix 'princess' is an incredibly tough bad-ass especially given the fact that she became one after coming from the cushy upper class. Cade, her former bodyguard now assassin, is pretty brilliant at what he does and he does job with such awesome wit and sarcasm. Sometimes flashback don't do anything for the plot but here they really showed who Ana and Cade were before the events that led to Ana's disappearance. They fit pretty well together and more so after we get an understanding of their close relationship in the flashbacks. The characterization of even the secondary characters were fully realized with full and compelling back stories.
ASHES is a fun ride containing explosive action, subterfuge, and romance. This is a great start to The Divided Kingdom series and I can't wait to learn more about this world.
One of the many aspects of ASHES I liked aside from it's fast and clever plot, and creative action sequences was the addition of phoenixes. Their culture and abilities were truly fascinating and fun to learn. I liked the whole 'princess is secretly living as a commoner' plot point and I am sure I've read a story about it somewhere at some point but forgot which meant for me that this was a fresh theme to read in a paranormal romance! I loved the blend of old world and new world with royal houses mixing with super powered guns that are far more advanced than anything we have today. The political machinations and complexities of the situation Ana and Cade find themselves in was riveting and filled with some interesting twists.
The characters in ASHES are awesome. Ana, the runaway phoenix 'princess' is an incredibly tough bad-ass especially given the fact that she became one after coming from the cushy upper class. Cade, her former bodyguard now assassin, is pretty brilliant at what he does and he does job with such awesome wit and sarcasm. Sometimes flashback don't do anything for the plot but here they really showed who Ana and Cade were before the events that led to Ana's disappearance. They fit pretty well together and more so after we get an understanding of their close relationship in the flashbacks. The characterization of even the secondary characters were fully realized with full and compelling back stories.
ASHES is a fun ride containing explosive action, subterfuge, and romance. This is a great start to The Divided Kingdom series and I can't wait to learn more about this world.
September 21, 2015
One reviewer said here " Too many ideas crammed into one novel."
My thought's exactly!
June 22, 2023
Didn’t love it; really cliche and tropey in places, lots of world building that felt overdone.
December 31, 2015
I normally wouldn’t seek out a book about a post-apocalyptic world. I’m not drawn to shape shifters, vampires, aliens or anything else varying too far from human form.
But occasionally, a book with those aspects comes along and is well-written enough to hold my interest. Such is the case with author Sophie H. Morgan’s Ashes.
She starts with a strong heroine, Ana, who is kicking ass right and left in the opening fight scene. I’m not even put off by her brotherly connection to a vampire who seems bent on protecting her from herself as well as outside forces.
Ana is a phoenix and also a princess who is head of a rebellion and protector of those who’ve become displaced and downtrodden by kingdom wars. Her group, known as the Hoods includes demons, a fae, and a vampire.
All the characters are clearly drawn and have distinctive personalities. I especially enjoyed the vampire, Trick.
A “merc” known as Shade is sent to hunt down Ana. Shade is a jackal shifter and was Ana’s former bodyguard in her days as a royal. There’s a lot of history between them, and of course, they are now members of opposing forces which makes for natural conflict. The author does a wonderful job balancing internal and external conflict for both of her protagonists. There is so much distrust and past history for them to wade through. I enjoyed their journey to overcome that and reach a place where they could have a meeting of the minds.
Another thing I liked was that Shade (real name Cade) was wrong about a couple of big issues in the story and HE ADMITTED IT! Then he actually changed his behavior. OMG. Can you say dream guy? Both Ana and Cade experience real character growth and become more mature and equal, something else that doesn’t always happen as much as I’d like it to in romance novels.
The writing? What can I say? It’s just excellent. I’m a sucker for truly good writing and nothing ticks me off more than a poorly written/poorly edited book. None of that here. There’s a lot going on in the story, but it’s clearly written. There is a ton of action (starting on page one) and numerous fight scenes, but so well-done they are easy to picture and keep track of what’s going on.
One thing I noticed about the author’s writing in particular is that there is no trite phrasing or metaphors. None. Every metaphor seems original. There is some really beautiful phrasing to evoke imagery such as, “the night stretching talons down the sky as it finally battled back the sun.”
I am very much looking forward to reading the second book in this series, WHISPERS, and all future books by Sophie H. Morgan.
But occasionally, a book with those aspects comes along and is well-written enough to hold my interest. Such is the case with author Sophie H. Morgan’s Ashes.
She starts with a strong heroine, Ana, who is kicking ass right and left in the opening fight scene. I’m not even put off by her brotherly connection to a vampire who seems bent on protecting her from herself as well as outside forces.
Ana is a phoenix and also a princess who is head of a rebellion and protector of those who’ve become displaced and downtrodden by kingdom wars. Her group, known as the Hoods includes demons, a fae, and a vampire.
All the characters are clearly drawn and have distinctive personalities. I especially enjoyed the vampire, Trick.
A “merc” known as Shade is sent to hunt down Ana. Shade is a jackal shifter and was Ana’s former bodyguard in her days as a royal. There’s a lot of history between them, and of course, they are now members of opposing forces which makes for natural conflict. The author does a wonderful job balancing internal and external conflict for both of her protagonists. There is so much distrust and past history for them to wade through. I enjoyed their journey to overcome that and reach a place where they could have a meeting of the minds.
Another thing I liked was that Shade (real name Cade) was wrong about a couple of big issues in the story and HE ADMITTED IT! Then he actually changed his behavior. OMG. Can you say dream guy? Both Ana and Cade experience real character growth and become more mature and equal, something else that doesn’t always happen as much as I’d like it to in romance novels.
The writing? What can I say? It’s just excellent. I’m a sucker for truly good writing and nothing ticks me off more than a poorly written/poorly edited book. None of that here. There’s a lot going on in the story, but it’s clearly written. There is a ton of action (starting on page one) and numerous fight scenes, but so well-done they are easy to picture and keep track of what’s going on.
One thing I noticed about the author’s writing in particular is that there is no trite phrasing or metaphors. None. Every metaphor seems original. There is some really beautiful phrasing to evoke imagery such as, “the night stretching talons down the sky as it finally battled back the sun.”
I am very much looking forward to reading the second book in this series, WHISPERS, and all future books by Sophie H. Morgan.
November 18, 2015
Reading this book was a first for me. I have never tried a paranormal/fantasy/romance novel before, unless you count the popular YA vampire trilogy that later became a movie saga. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.
This was about an incredible post-war world created around a kingdom left in ruins, its inhabitants segregated, and clashing. I was impressed with the imaginative, detailed setting this author conjured up and then filled with strange but likable super-natural characters. Vampires, jackals, and demons…oh my! I fell in love with the fierce Ana, phoenix princess in hiding, and her kick-ass attitude and skills.
For me, this book was not the fast paced read others had promised. I wanted, maybe even needed, to take my time with this story as it unfolded, to stroll through it at a leisurely pace and immerse myself fully in the adventure. To breathe it in and make it last.
Yes, you will be turning pages to see who and what is coming next because this first book in The Divided Kingdom series is chock full of twists, explosive action, deception, romance and sexy thoughts and deeds. This last part I can get behind no matter the genre. ~snort~
Sophie H. Morgan, you are a rock star world builder!
August 1, 2015
4 Star Book Review | Ashes by Sophie H. Morgan | Giveaway
I gave Ashes a 4 STAR rating. The beginning was a bit slow, but once it picks up you won't want to put the book down. The world is interesting with the different social classes so prevolent. You can't help but love the heroes of this story, and hating the evil baddies. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Read my full review on my book blog, Once Untold:
http://onceuntold.blogspot.com/2015/0...
I gave Ashes a 4 STAR rating. The beginning was a bit slow, but once it picks up you won't want to put the book down. The world is interesting with the different social classes so prevolent. You can't help but love the heroes of this story, and hating the evil baddies. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Read my full review on my book blog, Once Untold:
http://onceuntold.blogspot.com/2015/0...
June 3, 2015
I loved this book, its a real page turner and I could not put it down, in fact staying up until 1.30am to finish it. The plot will keep you gripped throughout and you get a real feel for the characters. You can't help but admire Ana who is one sassy lady and I don't believe any women could read this and not fall madly in love with Cade. Incredibly well written, I can't wait for the second installment. I would highly recommend this book, give it a go, you will not be disappointed.
June 8, 2015
This was a fun and exciting ride! Fast-paced, with interesting and creative world-building and appealing characters, Ashes is a terrific start to what shapes up as a great new series by a talented new author. Well done!!
May 26, 2015
Too many ideas crammed into one novel. Could not enjoy.
June 10, 2017
This was my first delve into the paranormal romance genre and Sophie did not disappoint at all!
Ashes had me gripped from the first page, with the intriguing characters developing throughout the story and an enticing plot that had me wanting to just keeping turning those pages. By the end you really sensed the unique personalities of each character, and I felt like I got to know them, all within just one book.
Without giving too much away, the descriptions of Cade and Ana's relationship threw out just the right amount of excitement to tease without being too overwhelming or overshadowing the plot.
Sophie's imagination and writing ability is something I'm certainly awed by, feeling totally submerged in this world she's created.
Overall, a wonderful love story that even had me all emotional with one beautiful scene towards the end, and an exciting fantasy plot line that pulled me in to Ana's world and that of the Divided Kingdom.
Now I can't wait to get stuck into #2.. Whispers..
Ashes had me gripped from the first page, with the intriguing characters developing throughout the story and an enticing plot that had me wanting to just keeping turning those pages. By the end you really sensed the unique personalities of each character, and I felt like I got to know them, all within just one book.
Without giving too much away, the descriptions of Cade and Ana's relationship threw out just the right amount of excitement to tease without being too overwhelming or overshadowing the plot.
Sophie's imagination and writing ability is something I'm certainly awed by, feeling totally submerged in this world she's created.
Overall, a wonderful love story that even had me all emotional with one beautiful scene towards the end, and an exciting fantasy plot line that pulled me in to Ana's world and that of the Divided Kingdom.
Now I can't wait to get stuck into #2.. Whispers..
October 25, 2016
Wow this book! First the world- a mix of paranormal and dystopian with some legends sprinkled in which could've all been a huge mess but it was perfectly handled and so so compelling. Then the characters! I loved them all (except Edward), they all completely leapt off the page. I especially loved how both Ana and Cade had issues with their past but were trying so hard to stay in the present. (The whole, back in the room, thing- loved it!) Their chemistry was super hot, but I loved the friendships between the Hoods just as much. This book=page turner!
PS: there's a lot of F-bombs, which isn't really my thing, but the book was still 5-star.
PS: there's a lot of F-bombs, which isn't really my thing, but the book was still 5-star.
April 10, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book by paranormal romance and authors that rock in return for an honest review
I give this book 5 fangs ( I really loved it and can't wait to read the next one)
I started reading Ashes with no insight into what it was going to be about I was pleasantly amazed at how much I fell in love with this book.
Ana is a Phoenix the last of her line a runaway princess that ran after she was set up for her parents murder. It's been a decade and Ana has become the rebel leader Liberty and along with Trick a thought to be extinct Vampire she leads the hoods a group of other breed kick ass misfits.
Enter Shade a mercenary that has been sent to take down Liberty and her rebel group. He has secrets of his own. Secrets that will change everything.
Ana hasn't seen Cade her former bodyguard in 10yrs not since the day he broke her heart and now he's back and so are the flames he ignites within her.
Edward the bloody is the high ruler and must be stopped.
Secrets are exposed, passions run high, lives are on the line, A people on the brink of war.
This book delivers action, romance subterfuge, hot sex.
I lost my heart to Cade and Ana is amazing she is everything a heroine should be smart, spunky and overall kick ass. She doesn't need a man to be happy or succeed but life is more fun with someone you love to share it with.
Even if getting to that part is literally a death sentence.
The secondary characters were making as well they added that extra dimension that makes a good book great. I was so impressed I couldn't sleep thinking about the what was happening and what will happen in book 2 Can't Wait!
I highly recommend this book to paranormal romance lovers, as well as urban fantasy.
I give this book 5 fangs ( I really loved it and can't wait to read the next one)
I started reading Ashes with no insight into what it was going to be about I was pleasantly amazed at how much I fell in love with this book.
Ana is a Phoenix the last of her line a runaway princess that ran after she was set up for her parents murder. It's been a decade and Ana has become the rebel leader Liberty and along with Trick a thought to be extinct Vampire she leads the hoods a group of other breed kick ass misfits.
Enter Shade a mercenary that has been sent to take down Liberty and her rebel group. He has secrets of his own. Secrets that will change everything.
Ana hasn't seen Cade her former bodyguard in 10yrs not since the day he broke her heart and now he's back and so are the flames he ignites within her.
Edward the bloody is the high ruler and must be stopped.
Secrets are exposed, passions run high, lives are on the line, A people on the brink of war.
This book delivers action, romance subterfuge, hot sex.
I lost my heart to Cade and Ana is amazing she is everything a heroine should be smart, spunky and overall kick ass. She doesn't need a man to be happy or succeed but life is more fun with someone you love to share it with.
Even if getting to that part is literally a death sentence.
The secondary characters were making as well they added that extra dimension that makes a good book great. I was so impressed I couldn't sleep thinking about the what was happening and what will happen in book 2 Can't Wait!
I highly recommend this book to paranormal romance lovers, as well as urban fantasy.
October 10, 2016
I just read the most ass-backwards romance novel, so I had to come back and review this great one.
The heroine is feminist as fuck, powerful, flawed, affected by past horrors, street-savvy, and kind (to the deserving; otherwise, sassy and ruthless). The hero is complex, balancing loyalties, cunning, also affected by past horrors, and a shape-shifting ninja. (Ok, not literally. But he is a spy that can turn into a jackal.)
Both leads experience character development (!); the villain is definitely villainous (but one could see the initial good intentions behind decades of crazy).
The sex is a well-executed slow burn that ends in a conflagration (literally). The love develops in a way that feels reasonable and true. The leads make mistakes sometimes. The fight scenes were exciting and well-executed. The secondary characters are fully-fleshed and interesting.
I actually worried for the characters, which seems silly for a romance novel (I mean, the leads are always going to end up Happily Ever After, right?), but that emphasizes that this novel felt more like an adventure story with a romance. Which is great, because the main character is a badass archer who can light herself on fire.
The heroine is feminist as fuck, powerful, flawed, affected by past horrors, street-savvy, and kind (to the deserving; otherwise, sassy and ruthless). The hero is complex, balancing loyalties, cunning, also affected by past horrors, and a shape-shifting ninja. (Ok, not literally. But he is a spy that can turn into a jackal.)
Both leads experience character development (!); the villain is definitely villainous (but one could see the initial good intentions behind decades of crazy).
The sex is a well-executed slow burn that ends in a conflagration (literally). The love develops in a way that feels reasonable and true. The leads make mistakes sometimes. The fight scenes were exciting and well-executed. The secondary characters are fully-fleshed and interesting.
I actually worried for the characters, which seems silly for a romance novel (I mean, the leads are always going to end up Happily Ever After, right?), but that emphasizes that this novel felt more like an adventure story with a romance. Which is great, because the main character is a badass archer who can light herself on fire.
April 21, 2015
What a great start for this author. Her first book is a five star read no hesitation there. The emotions that Cade and Ana go through have a realistic feel to them. You can truly imagine a person going through the thought process Sophie brings out in this story. What girl wouldn't get a little fuzzy in the head bumping into an old romantic interest? It isn't long and drawn out, those kind usually have me flipping the pages just to get past them. I didn't have to do that here. The story line? I loved it. Not your usual combination with a phoenix and a jackal. Her action scenes are fun and detailed. I enjoy Ana our not so perfect spunky heroine. The banter will have you chuckling out loud. I am happy I gave this one a try. I recommend it to my friends and would read it again.
January 17, 2016
I had never before read a novel in this genre and was wonderfully surprised as to how much I enjoyed it! It is extremely well written, with well-drawn, complex characters who I quickly cared about and wanted to know what would happen to them as the story unfolded. It took a couple of chapters to settle into the new world and its accompanying language but it felt like a journey of discovery down a road previously not travelled and was most satisfying! Well done Sophie, and can't wait for the next in the series.
April 6, 2015
So very, very entertaining. 4.5 stars, review to come.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews