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Fire Within #3
Ashes
Join Fiona, Nicolas, Daniel, and the others for the riveting conclusion to the first arc of the Fire Within series!
Fiona Ember’s life in Water Clan isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
After several shocking near-deaths and an even more shocking resurrection, Fiona is more determined than ever to unravel the mystery behind who is targeting her group and why. And after finding out some startling information about her infamous boyfriend’s bloody past, she is eager to come to terms with dating someone so driven to complete his goals.
As Fiona’s group edges closer to completing Nicolas’s and Daniel’s ambitious plans to change the magical world forever, they will need to work harder than ever to navigate problems with new magic and interference from old enemies…
Fiona Ember’s life in Water Clan isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
After several shocking near-deaths and an even more shocking resurrection, Fiona is more determined than ever to unravel the mystery behind who is targeting her group and why. And after finding out some startling information about her infamous boyfriend’s bloody past, she is eager to come to terms with dating someone so driven to complete his goals.
As Fiona’s group edges closer to completing Nicolas’s and Daniel’s ambitious plans to change the magical world forever, they will need to work harder than ever to navigate problems with new magic and interference from old enemies…
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 20, 2020
Thank you Book Sirens for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ashes is the third book in the Fire Within series. The story picks up where the last book left off. Nicholas has recovered and is ready to continue with their plans for Shatterfall. Mark has returned from the dead with a request Fiona might not be able to refuse. With the appearance of a new threat the team will be forced to push up their plans or reconsider them entirely.
What I liked about this book
The emotion in this story is really well written. I spent the last few chapters of this book in tears.
Daniel is by far my favorite character in this series.
This installment in the series tied up alot of loose ends.
I like the relationship between Nicholas and Fiona - though I do think that there were too many I love you's.
This installment is more action packed than the last two.
What I didn't like
Fiona - I still think that she comes across a lot younger than she is supposed to be.
The ways this book ends leaves the story open for continuation. i would definitely be interested in finding out how the story develops.
4 Stars
✮✮✮✮
Find this review and others on my blog
Ashes is the third book in the Fire Within series. The story picks up where the last book left off. Nicholas has recovered and is ready to continue with their plans for Shatterfall. Mark has returned from the dead with a request Fiona might not be able to refuse. With the appearance of a new threat the team will be forced to push up their plans or reconsider them entirely.
What I liked about this book
The emotion in this story is really well written. I spent the last few chapters of this book in tears.
Daniel is by far my favorite character in this series.
This installment in the series tied up alot of loose ends.
I like the relationship between Nicholas and Fiona - though I do think that there were too many I love you's.
This installment is more action packed than the last two.
What I didn't like
Fiona - I still think that she comes across a lot younger than she is supposed to be.
The ways this book ends leaves the story open for continuation. i would definitely be interested in finding out how the story develops.
4 Stars
✮✮✮✮
Find this review and others on my blog
August 24, 2020
This is the best book of the trilogy. Ms Lee is really coming into her own form with this book.
Where I found book 1 to be a (sometimes too) slow burn, book 2 and especially this one both pick up the pace a lot. This book had what I consider the best mix of character development, humor, and action of the trilogy.
I can't really go into much without spoiling it, but I liked the role that Daniel plays in this book. Obviously, if you're reading this book, you'll know the plan Nicolas and crew are trying to pull off, and the book introduces a lot of complexity into how Nicolas interacts with his crew and others. Fiona, of course, sees the world in a more black and white fashion, and since you really get the book from her point of view, I was surprised at points that weren't explained until they happened. I was definitely taken aback by some of the reveals, and while I know this is the end of the series, Ms Lee definitely leaves behind plenty of mysteries that could be explored further.
Favorite lines of the book:
- "You have to stop giving yourself brain damage"
- "Brain damage?"
Where I found book 1 to be a (sometimes too) slow burn, book 2 and especially this one both pick up the pace a lot. This book had what I consider the best mix of character development, humor, and action of the trilogy.
I can't really go into much without spoiling it, but I liked the role that Daniel plays in this book. Obviously, if you're reading this book, you'll know the plan Nicolas and crew are trying to pull off, and the book introduces a lot of complexity into how Nicolas interacts with his crew and others. Fiona, of course, sees the world in a more black and white fashion, and since you really get the book from her point of view, I was surprised at points that weren't explained until they happened. I was definitely taken aback by some of the reveals, and while I know this is the end of the series, Ms Lee definitely leaves behind plenty of mysteries that could be explored further.
Favorite lines of the book:
- "You have to stop giving yourself brain damage"
- "Brain damage?"
April 18, 2024
This series is character driven UF. There is plenty of magic and some intrigue and action but a lot of the focus is on the character dynamics.
This third book was the climax of the first trilogy in the series and carried on all the ongoing story arcs of the previous two books. Fiona had to help to unravel the mystery behind who is targeting her group and deal with the ambitious magical plans of Nicolas and Daniel.
It was a fun instalment of the series. Better pacing and a bit more exciting than the second book. As always this was a story focused on the character dynamics and Fiona’s general mental wellbeing but this third book did have plenty of action, magic, and few shock twists and turns.
On the whole I enjoyed the bulk of the happenings. Not sure how I feel about the shocking finale though!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Audio Note: Ali Dane gave a solid performance of the audio.
This third book was the climax of the first trilogy in the series and carried on all the ongoing story arcs of the previous two books. Fiona had to help to unravel the mystery behind who is targeting her group and deal with the ambitious magical plans of Nicolas and Daniel.
It was a fun instalment of the series. Better pacing and a bit more exciting than the second book. As always this was a story focused on the character dynamics and Fiona’s general mental wellbeing but this third book did have plenty of action, magic, and few shock twists and turns.
On the whole I enjoyed the bulk of the happenings. Not sure how I feel about the shocking finale though!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Audio Note: Ali Dane gave a solid performance of the audio.
February 28, 2021
Love
I loved this series.. love every word of this third book in particular. And Daniel. ❤️ Can’t wait for more!
I loved this series.. love every word of this third book in particular. And Daniel. ❤️ Can’t wait for more!
October 15, 2020
Firstly, I would like to thank BookSirens for providing me a copy of this novel for my honest review. I would also like to thank the Author for appreciating my perspective and reviews of the previous two instalments of the series enough to request my review of the third.
I had a rough time getting through this novel. Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I had so little time to read. That being said, I'm going to mention again just how much I enjoyed this and the books that came before it.
Again, just with the previous two instalments, the novel does have action - but the action is far less important than the interactions of the characters, of the emotions that they feel, and their actions. Emotions were quite high in this with some revelations that were brought to light, with characters that arrive and ones that leave.
From my own perspective as a reader and a writer, I think it is quite difficult to write emotions in a way that's believable. As humans, most of us understand how emotions feel and how a lot of people react to situations. But I think there's something special in being able to convey a truthful emotional response that doesn't feel played up or overly false in the same way that it can sometimes feel in movies or television. As someone who doesn't experience emotions the same way that most people do, these novels have been very refreshing for me to read through, allowing me to understand those feelings on a more fundamental level. The feelings that the characters portray make sense, and they feel honest and accurate, and that's something that I greatly appreciate.
I don't want to put spoilers in this review, but it's very interesting to me that so many things changed halfway through the novel. Things that I thought I knew where they were headed, only for that path to get diverted entirely. It's not jarring, or even out of place, though. The shift in direction is done quite well, and it's a smooth transition written very well.
There's a lot of tension in this that has more to do with outside events, than internal ones, and there's a lot of new information provided in regards to the histories of both Fiona and Nicolas, which is very interesting and provides a good deal of information in regards to their characters. I love learning information about the backstories of characters, it helps me to understand how they are now, and how that connects to their history, how it shapes the characters - it makes them feel much more real. Combined with the very life-like and realistic emotional portrayals in the writing, it makes you believe that these characters are actual people and not fictional.
The quips between Fiona and Nicolas later in the story were a true delight for me. It was very nice to see more of the playful side of Nicolas, even if it was during a time when Fiona wasn't wanting to deal with it. The relationship that Fiona has with Daniel is amazing and fun, but I definitely have been wanting more fun interactions between Fiona and Nicolas, and I certainly got a few more in this novel.
If the previous two novels made you emotional in any way at all, if they brought you to tears at any point, be prepared that this novel will do that with excruciating precision. The last chapters of this novel cut like a sharp knife, which I think is quite telling to the author's skill in writing emotional scenes, and in conveying the emotion of the characters in the story. Their feelings are easy to grasp, and empathise with - even for someone who has trouble with empathy or sympathy as a whole.
Overall, it is just as the previous novels. A shining example of an emotional journey of the characters within the tale. Where everything else takes a back seat and you just experience those feelings and emotions in a raw and passionate way. It may not be something that everyone can enjoy. But I honestly feel as though these novels, this last one in particular, are a love story. Not the story of Fiona and Nicolas, but a love story about human emotion.
The fluctuation and diversity and ever-changing nature of human emotion. It's like the magic in the book, different in so many ways, but fascinating and beautiful and awe inspiring. These novels break away what you would normally expect out of a fantasy novel. Focusing on the emotional growth of the characters rather than the action of what they're doing. The actions are important, but not nearly as important as the journey that each character makes throughout the telling of the story.
The conclusion of the arc of this story leaves room for many more adventures in the future, and I look forward to reading them.
I think the only thing left to say is...
Good luck, there and back again.
I had a rough time getting through this novel. Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I had so little time to read. That being said, I'm going to mention again just how much I enjoyed this and the books that came before it.
Again, just with the previous two instalments, the novel does have action - but the action is far less important than the interactions of the characters, of the emotions that they feel, and their actions. Emotions were quite high in this with some revelations that were brought to light, with characters that arrive and ones that leave.
From my own perspective as a reader and a writer, I think it is quite difficult to write emotions in a way that's believable. As humans, most of us understand how emotions feel and how a lot of people react to situations. But I think there's something special in being able to convey a truthful emotional response that doesn't feel played up or overly false in the same way that it can sometimes feel in movies or television. As someone who doesn't experience emotions the same way that most people do, these novels have been very refreshing for me to read through, allowing me to understand those feelings on a more fundamental level. The feelings that the characters portray make sense, and they feel honest and accurate, and that's something that I greatly appreciate.
I don't want to put spoilers in this review, but it's very interesting to me that so many things changed halfway through the novel. Things that I thought I knew where they were headed, only for that path to get diverted entirely. It's not jarring, or even out of place, though. The shift in direction is done quite well, and it's a smooth transition written very well.
There's a lot of tension in this that has more to do with outside events, than internal ones, and there's a lot of new information provided in regards to the histories of both Fiona and Nicolas, which is very interesting and provides a good deal of information in regards to their characters. I love learning information about the backstories of characters, it helps me to understand how they are now, and how that connects to their history, how it shapes the characters - it makes them feel much more real. Combined with the very life-like and realistic emotional portrayals in the writing, it makes you believe that these characters are actual people and not fictional.
The quips between Fiona and Nicolas later in the story were a true delight for me. It was very nice to see more of the playful side of Nicolas, even if it was during a time when Fiona wasn't wanting to deal with it. The relationship that Fiona has with Daniel is amazing and fun, but I definitely have been wanting more fun interactions between Fiona and Nicolas, and I certainly got a few more in this novel.
If the previous two novels made you emotional in any way at all, if they brought you to tears at any point, be prepared that this novel will do that with excruciating precision. The last chapters of this novel cut like a sharp knife, which I think is quite telling to the author's skill in writing emotional scenes, and in conveying the emotion of the characters in the story. Their feelings are easy to grasp, and empathise with - even for someone who has trouble with empathy or sympathy as a whole.
Overall, it is just as the previous novels. A shining example of an emotional journey of the characters within the tale. Where everything else takes a back seat and you just experience those feelings and emotions in a raw and passionate way. It may not be something that everyone can enjoy. But I honestly feel as though these novels, this last one in particular, are a love story. Not the story of Fiona and Nicolas, but a love story about human emotion.
The fluctuation and diversity and ever-changing nature of human emotion. It's like the magic in the book, different in so many ways, but fascinating and beautiful and awe inspiring. These novels break away what you would normally expect out of a fantasy novel. Focusing on the emotional growth of the characters rather than the action of what they're doing. The actions are important, but not nearly as important as the journey that each character makes throughout the telling of the story.
The conclusion of the arc of this story leaves room for many more adventures in the future, and I look forward to reading them.
I think the only thing left to say is...
Good luck, there and back again.
September 17, 2020
(Mostly Spoiler-free)
Character-driven Urban Fantasy that takes place in Asia! If you haven't read Fire Within and Ignited, read those first. Each book builds on the next and is one continuous story. :)
Ashes picks up right where Ignited left off, post-Nicolas' attack, then dives into what has evolved from that. Ashes weaves itself from there. Action, intrigue, and everything from the first two books come full circle with beautiful clarification, family secrets for more than one character, and new twists.
How to be spoiler-free...hmm...fair warning, I cried while reading Ashes, and there were so many unputdownable parts of the story that I read straight through.
Fiona gets put through the wringer. We get to see her come into her own a little more within the group, her magic, and see her interacting with more than just the group that we've seen so far.
There is more romantic development for our lovely Nicolas and Fiona. They are so sweet and have such wonderful chemistry! We get to see them range from gentle quiet moments to how they react together in a crisis. And no skimping on the romance ;)
We also see more of Nicolas' science side! Especially the things that he's done, or outright created, for the benefit of his family in Water.
It's hard not to spoil things, but there are at least two "new" characters who were beyond exciting to finally see on page!
I still can't decide who my favorite is with the beautiful cast of side characters. Though I am partial to Ryan. And Teng, gotta love him.
Male/Female friendships.
More of the Female/Female friendships we started to see in Ignited. :)
Ashes is a strong, emotional, and powerful end to this arc of the overall series. No disappointment with great writing and such a fun world to visit. :)
I will happily await the next installment for these characters! I'm excited to see their next steps and the enemies and allies they have created.
Character-driven Urban Fantasy that takes place in Asia! If you haven't read Fire Within and Ignited, read those first. Each book builds on the next and is one continuous story. :)
Ashes picks up right where Ignited left off, post-Nicolas' attack, then dives into what has evolved from that. Ashes weaves itself from there. Action, intrigue, and everything from the first two books come full circle with beautiful clarification, family secrets for more than one character, and new twists.
How to be spoiler-free...hmm...fair warning, I cried while reading Ashes, and there were so many unputdownable parts of the story that I read straight through.
Fiona gets put through the wringer. We get to see her come into her own a little more within the group, her magic, and see her interacting with more than just the group that we've seen so far.
There is more romantic development for our lovely Nicolas and Fiona. They are so sweet and have such wonderful chemistry! We get to see them range from gentle quiet moments to how they react together in a crisis. And no skimping on the romance ;)
We also see more of Nicolas' science side! Especially the things that he's done, or outright created, for the benefit of his family in Water.
It's hard not to spoil things, but there are at least two "new" characters who were beyond exciting to finally see on page!
I still can't decide who my favorite is with the beautiful cast of side characters. Though I am partial to Ryan. And Teng, gotta love him.
Male/Female friendships.
More of the Female/Female friendships we started to see in Ignited. :)
Ashes is a strong, emotional, and powerful end to this arc of the overall series. No disappointment with great writing and such a fun world to visit. :)
I will happily await the next installment for these characters! I'm excited to see their next steps and the enemies and allies they have created.
September 27, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is not everyday that I read 3 books in one weekend, they were so good that it was hard for me to put down or even thinking not to read them. They were tantalizing me to finish them. I wasn't disappointed with the third book. Again a lot of near deaths in this epic magical tale. The title of the book makes justices of what is happening, the rise and fall of so many people, enemies and friends.
The story is more focusing on ending some of the threads that were hanging in previous stories. A lot of skeletons are coming out of the closet. Derek is still on the loose and planning to kill him. And what about her brother Mark, risen from the ashes. So many things that Fiona needs to consider, also the past of Nicolas. Can she live with it what he has done. Through the story Fiona is rock of anxiety and always second guessing herself, so she leans in a lot on Nicolas and Daniel. Things ramp up when their project Shatterfall is about to be exposed before they are ready. They are running out of time, will they manage to finish this?
Again it is a mix of magic, action , romance , teamwork and friendship. I love the little trails of poetry and the endearing nick name for Daniel. A lot of unexpected twists and in the end a heartbreak that I am still recovering from. In a way it is an appropriated ending, but still....
I loved and enjoyed every minute of it and I was at a loss when it was finished. Sometimes I wanted to skip certain parts because I wanted to know how some things ended. All the three books focus on the relationship between Fiona, Nicolas and Daniel. Later Fiona is trying to connect with the group and with her long lost brother. Will she make her carefully guarded heart available again to her brother. Will Fiona eventually be excepted by her team members?
It is not everyday that I read 3 books in one weekend, they were so good that it was hard for me to put down or even thinking not to read them. They were tantalizing me to finish them. I wasn't disappointed with the third book. Again a lot of near deaths in this epic magical tale. The title of the book makes justices of what is happening, the rise and fall of so many people, enemies and friends.
The story is more focusing on ending some of the threads that were hanging in previous stories. A lot of skeletons are coming out of the closet. Derek is still on the loose and planning to kill him. And what about her brother Mark, risen from the ashes. So many things that Fiona needs to consider, also the past of Nicolas. Can she live with it what he has done. Through the story Fiona is rock of anxiety and always second guessing herself, so she leans in a lot on Nicolas and Daniel. Things ramp up when their project Shatterfall is about to be exposed before they are ready. They are running out of time, will they manage to finish this?
Again it is a mix of magic, action , romance , teamwork and friendship. I love the little trails of poetry and the endearing nick name for Daniel. A lot of unexpected twists and in the end a heartbreak that I am still recovering from. In a way it is an appropriated ending, but still....
I loved and enjoyed every minute of it and I was at a loss when it was finished. Sometimes I wanted to skip certain parts because I wanted to know how some things ended. All the three books focus on the relationship between Fiona, Nicolas and Daniel. Later Fiona is trying to connect with the group and with her long lost brother. Will she make her carefully guarded heart available again to her brother. Will Fiona eventually be excepted by her team members?
September 8, 2020
Wow, this was an emotional roller coaster! Definitely a strong finale, but with some threads left open for more books since it seems like the author is planning that. Much like in Book 2, the romance and the action increase. I never found myself bored at all during this novel and it just whipped by. Well-written like the last two, there was a very healthy mix of humor, seriousness, emotion, and action. Fiona is less anxious in this novel, but I still loved her genuine concern for Nicolas, Daniel, and the rest of her new family. There were a couple of really good twists that were well-planned and subtly alluded to, I won't spoil them. It was nice to see Nicolas loosen up and see more of him showing off his skills with magic, science, and fighting. All the things you learn about magic and clans throughout the series came together impressively smoothly to lend a lot of consistency to the ending. I am astounded at how invested I am in these characters, even the minor ones. Everyone felt so real.
September 18, 2020
I received this book for an honest review. Oh how I loved this book. This is the third installment of this series. It continues to follow Fiona and her journey. This book follows the journey Nicholas's team takes towards their Shatterfall plan. I find the more we learn about Nicholas's past the more you love him. Fiona continues to evolve and grow in her magic and it's truly wonderful to see. The journey Daniel takes through out this book is truly wonderful to see. Not going to lie - I cried a bit during this book, I couldn't help it. Ella Lee continues to grow as a writer in this book. The only problem I had with this book - it ended. I know this is supposed to be the finale in a trilogy but I'm really really hoping Ella continues on with these characters. I want to know what happens next! She can't just leave these characters and never see them again! They are strong and I'm sure they continue to talk to her and have more story to tell!
September 26, 2020
Ashes is the third in the series. More blasts from the pasts coming or trying to come into lives again. Projects still being worked on in progress the hastening continues after smoke class Nicolas former one is trying to find out about it. Fiona finds out that her past is coming back for good and bad when she finds out her Brother is alive. This book left me with a lot of sadness but truth what do your loved ones want you to do?Be happy or miserable? The argument would depend on the personal situation
I guess. I did hang on to every page and it was amazing.
There were alot of unexpected turn of events and suprises good and bad. This book was such an important read. Although a novella would be nice to see where everyones lives lead. The Happily ever after of individual characters.
I received an advance review copy for free from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntary.
I guess. I did hang on to every page and it was amazing.
There were alot of unexpected turn of events and suprises good and bad. This book was such an important read. Although a novella would be nice to see where everyones lives lead. The Happily ever after of individual characters.
I received an advance review copy for free from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntary.
September 21, 2020
Wow!! Wow!!! Wow!!!! I am so totally enthralled in this series. The third installment of the trilogy did not disappoint. The characters are so well-written, their interactions are just so believable, and the relationships are being built so strongly and the bonds are binding.
The explanation of the clans and their history continues on concisely and this installment flowed so well from the other two books.
My heart is broken but I am excited for the continuation of this world and hope the author revisits it very soon! I don’t know how long I can wait and I haven’t felt that for awhile with an urban fantasy series.
Thanks to Booksirens and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This has truly been an enjoyable, exciting, and emotional journey!
The explanation of the clans and their history continues on concisely and this installment flowed so well from the other two books.
My heart is broken but I am excited for the continuation of this world and hope the author revisits it very soon! I don’t know how long I can wait and I haven’t felt that for awhile with an urban fantasy series.
Thanks to Booksirens and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This has truly been an enjoyable, exciting, and emotional journey!
September 24, 2020
A good conclusion. I had issues with the first book in this trilogy arc, liked the second, and really enjoyed this third installment. I knew there would be a twist near the end, but it both surprised and impressed me with its elegance (something that seems to happen rarely). I was kept entertained and interested throughout the story, and will enjoy reading further books with these characters and in this “world”. The magic in this series is creative and original, the characters are realistic (although slightly 2-dimensional, as far as over-emphasizing certain personality traits), and the plot line is believable. I look forward to seeing where this author will take us! I received an advanced reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I came into this book knowing what I was going to get, and it still hurt all the same. There's so much to unpack with this one, from the betrayals to the genuine love, to that ENDING, this is one that has everything I was hoping for. I'm still not super sold on the romance aspects of it, even though I know that's the overarching theme of the book, though that may be a personal opinion. I just loved how the found family aspect was so vital to everything here, it makes so much more sense than the last book, which was very heavily focused on crafting an actual romance plotline. I can't wait for the fourth, to see where this goes.
I came into this book knowing what I was going to get, and it still hurt all the same. There's so much to unpack with this one, from the betrayals to the genuine love, to that ENDING, this is one that has everything I was hoping for. I'm still not super sold on the romance aspects of it, even though I know that's the overarching theme of the book, though that may be a personal opinion. I just loved how the found family aspect was so vital to everything here, it makes so much more sense than the last book, which was very heavily focused on crafting an actual romance plotline. I can't wait for the fourth, to see where this goes.
June 12, 2021
I've really struggled with these books. I enjoyed the world that the author has built and the story interested me but oh Fiona...SMH. I found Fiona incredibly annoying, I had hoped after the 1st book that her character would develop and she would grow a backbone. She was very needy and looking constant reassurance that she was liked. Her relationship with Danial just seemed inappropriate and the way she acted with Irina after what she'd done to her...bleugh! Would have been a far better book without her as the focus. She's 30 for crying out loud not a teenager. Why couldn't she have been written like that and not a whiny, emotionally stunted child?
July 4, 2021
Ashes by Ella M. Lee, the third book in her Fire Within series. This book is the best so far. Ella is a talented author and I felt so much emotion throughout this book.
Fiona and Nicolas relationship is great but she really needs to stop doubting herself. Her relationship with Nico, her place within the clan. I feel she needs to accept that Nick is with her because he loves her and she has been accepted into the clan because she is talented.
Questions are answered and history is made in this instalment but not without major sacrifice.
I can't wait to read the next book to find out how the clan grows.
Fiona and Nicolas relationship is great but she really needs to stop doubting herself. Her relationship with Nico, her place within the clan. I feel she needs to accept that Nick is with her because he loves her and she has been accepted into the clan because she is talented.
Questions are answered and history is made in this instalment but not without major sacrifice.
I can't wait to read the next book to find out how the clan grows.
September 23, 2021
Series Review Books 1-3:
The Fire Within series was an unexpected delight from a new author and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys urban or traditional fantasy. Stick with it past the first novel to see the story flourish.
In the first novel the author is finding her literary legs and the story moves more slowly than in later books. I enjoyed how Fiona’s grief was realistic, it popped up at random times whenever she was reminded of a loved one she had lost. I also liked that she wasn’t immediately plucky, I feel like most people in that situation would be understandably terrified.
The second and third novels move faster than the first, with all of our loved and established characters revealing new aspects of themselves and their personalities. Like most other reviewers here, Daniel is my favourite character. The way he and Fiona interact throughout the novels humanises all of the other characters.
Overall what I disliked
· Fiona did spend a lot of time crying and reacting strongly to situations that I didn’t feel warranted it. I understand that this emotion grounded her character and gave you a lens through which to view others, but I thought this could have been done with less crying.
· Some of the family dynamics that are part of books 2 and 3 felt a little forced to me.
Overall what I liked
· All of the novels were engaging and enjoyable to read. Even when the story was progressing slowly I wanted to know what happened to the characters. This is very much a character driven narrative.
· I enjoyed that not everything was easy and the characters had to struggle as regular people with some situations. Power does not fix personality flaws or insecurities, and sometimes being powerful makes things more complicated.
The Fire Within series was an unexpected delight from a new author and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys urban or traditional fantasy. Stick with it past the first novel to see the story flourish.
In the first novel the author is finding her literary legs and the story moves more slowly than in later books. I enjoyed how Fiona’s grief was realistic, it popped up at random times whenever she was reminded of a loved one she had lost. I also liked that she wasn’t immediately plucky, I feel like most people in that situation would be understandably terrified.
The second and third novels move faster than the first, with all of our loved and established characters revealing new aspects of themselves and their personalities. Like most other reviewers here, Daniel is my favourite character. The way he and Fiona interact throughout the novels humanises all of the other characters.
Overall what I disliked
· Fiona did spend a lot of time crying and reacting strongly to situations that I didn’t feel warranted it. I understand that this emotion grounded her character and gave you a lens through which to view others, but I thought this could have been done with less crying.
· Some of the family dynamics that are part of books 2 and 3 felt a little forced to me.
Overall what I liked
· All of the novels were engaging and enjoyable to read. Even when the story was progressing slowly I wanted to know what happened to the characters. This is very much a character driven narrative.
· I enjoyed that not everything was easy and the characters had to struggle as regular people with some situations. Power does not fix personality flaws or insecurities, and sometimes being powerful makes things more complicated.
January 2, 2022
I accidently read this series out of order, but it is still so good. I don't like it when the first whole chapter of a book is just an overview of what came before, but this is really well done with the reminders of relationships and previous action sprinkled through the beginning as needed. These stories are complex and dense, emotionally wrought as well as packed full of magic and danger. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2020
Really nice ending. Lots of feels! It was so cool to see more of Daniel's magic and also to see Nicolas using all his skills and abilities. He's really powerful and he finally gets to show us more of that! This book has a lot of action. Fiona really grows in this book and I'm excited to see what happens now.
July 14, 2021
This is a solid third book in this series. Nicholas, now recovered, continues his ambitious plans. His relationship with Fiona is a real bright spot in this story. Daniel is a great new character. Probably the strongest book in the series so far. 4/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2021
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Ella M. Lee; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the 3rd book in the Fire Within Series; the story continues from the previous book. Fiona has had several close calls but is still trying to change the magical world.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 3rd book in the Fire Within Series; the story continues from the previous book. Fiona has had several close calls but is still trying to change the magical world.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2020
Great action and plotting. Very emotional. Loved Daniel most of all, and loved learning more about Nicolas (there are twists that were great). Hope there's more to this series.
November 16, 2020
Amazing book to read. I couldn't put it down great way to end the series. Plan to reread the full series because I couldn't put it down at all. Five star book
July 17, 2021
this is amazing series that wil have you pulled in and how this series is played out in this amazing story.
May 6, 2022
Ella M Lee's acknowledgements for this book start off like this: "I cried a lot while writing Ashes. I think you can imagine why."
YUP I CAN, because I was still crying when I read the acknowledgments. In fact at one point while I was sobbing my way through the last quarter of this book, my boyfriend asked for help with something and I had to preface to him that yes, I was crying, but only because this book was SO GOOD. And twenty minutes later when he came upstairs, he was incredulous that I was still crying over this book. It's just that masterfully done, y'all.
It's a wild ride, y'all, this one. In book one, we met Fiona and Nicolas and Daniel, and started to see the seeds of change. In book two, we met a lot of the other characters and got an introduction to the future dynamics and Fiona's new skills with her new magic. Book three is where all the backstory has settled; we know the characters and their goals; we are suddenly accelerated to sixty. Fiona struggles often with never getting a break to rest, and yo I feel that, because this book is busy in a fantastic way.
I don't really feel like I have to say much more. This is the book where lots of plot things happen. There's more interesting relationship and world building, but it's all about the core of the story in here. If you've already read the first two, then you certainly shouldn't be stopping now, because presumably you're in it and committed.
Thanks to Booksirens and Ella M Lee for a free copy. This is my honest review.
~See more reviews and book talk at MyBookJoy.com!~
YUP I CAN, because I was still crying when I read the acknowledgments. In fact at one point while I was sobbing my way through the last quarter of this book, my boyfriend asked for help with something and I had to preface to him that yes, I was crying, but only because this book was SO GOOD. And twenty minutes later when he came upstairs, he was incredulous that I was still crying over this book. It's just that masterfully done, y'all.
It's a wild ride, y'all, this one. In book one, we met Fiona and Nicolas and Daniel, and started to see the seeds of change. In book two, we met a lot of the other characters and got an introduction to the future dynamics and Fiona's new skills with her new magic. Book three is where all the backstory has settled; we know the characters and their goals; we are suddenly accelerated to sixty. Fiona struggles often with never getting a break to rest, and yo I feel that, because this book is busy in a fantastic way.
I don't really feel like I have to say much more. This is the book where lots of plot things happen. There's more interesting relationship and world building, but it's all about the core of the story in here. If you've already read the first two, then you certainly shouldn't be stopping now, because presumably you're in it and committed.
Thanks to Booksirens and Ella M Lee for a free copy. This is my honest review.
~See more reviews and book talk at MyBookJoy.com!~
November 17, 2020
Where to start with Ashes? The writer, Ella M. Lee, really has a winner on her hands. This series from start to finish had my attention. The storytelling was excellent. There was magic, romance, friendships, betrayal, politics, and beauty, among everything else not listed. I loved this series as a whole. But what really grabbed me was the characters!
The main female took a bit to grow on me. But by book three I was invested in her character arc, and had come to love her. Nic was interesting, so was the rest of the crew. But Daniel, Dan, he really shines. He stole my heart from the first page he was on.
The story led to an excellent arc, and I cannot wait to see more. But this book wrecked me! It had me laughing, it had me crying. It took me away, to a place where magic and excitement abound. This series is on my must read list. If i could give this more than five stars I would.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The main female took a bit to grow on me. But by book three I was invested in her character arc, and had come to love her. Nic was interesting, so was the rest of the crew. But Daniel, Dan, he really shines. He stole my heart from the first page he was on.
The story led to an excellent arc, and I cannot wait to see more. But this book wrecked me! It had me laughing, it had me crying. It took me away, to a place where magic and excitement abound. This series is on my must read list. If i could give this more than five stars I would.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 14, 2024
this series
This series just gets better and better!! This one made me cry hard, but I can’t wait to see what happens next
This series just gets better and better!! This one made me cry hard, but I can’t wait to see what happens next
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