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Fires of the Fae #1

A Lady of Embers

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After a long war between the elves and humans, Morrowmer is a land full of divided people.

Finally free from decades of captivity, Annalise, a high elf, is on the run.
Moving from refugee camp to refugee camp, she keeps to herself. These places are dangerous, especially for an elf. One night, the camp is attacked by strange, ferocious beasts. She should flee, but when she stops to save a human, she alters her fate forever.

Stolen and taken to a new land, she discovers there is so much more going on than she first thought. A great darkness is about to descend on the Fae Lands and she might be the only one who can save them all.

Can Annalise rise from the ashes of her past and become the person she was born to be?

This is slow burn reverse harem and is aimed at readers 18+. There are some scenes that some readers may find upsetting.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2021

106 people are currently reading
512 people want to read

About the author

Erin O'Kane

67 books489 followers
Erin O'Kane is an independent author from the UK. She used to work within healthcare, but now is able to follow her dream as a full time author. Writing is her escape and a dream she never thought possible until she was given a push from her friends and family.

She has an addiction to coffee, Lucozade and baked goods. When not writing she will be found on adventures with her husband, reading a book or watching bad romance movies.

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5 stars
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90 (29%)
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72 (23%)
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10 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
592 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
I liked this book. I think it’s a good start to a new series that shows a lot of promise for things to come. It’s got a bit of everything... darkness and light and disparity and hope and the start of some fire. Our girl doesn’t have much, but she is so strong and knows who she is and how can you beat that?
Profile Image for Paranormal Kiss.
894 reviews43 followers
November 21, 2021
I enjoyed this first book in the series. I really liked the main character, Annalise. She didn't bow down to make things easier on herself. She was smart enough to realize a gilded cage is still a cage.

We find out who two of her mates are in this first book with a third that looks like he will probably be a mate as well.

I'm looking forward to reading more in the next book.
Profile Image for Maddie.
46 reviews
June 10, 2025
I was so ready for a high elf badass FMC. She is over a century old but has lived that whole life as a captive of the elf queen in Morrowmer. The elf queen did not treat her well and she winds up killing the queen at the end of this war (Elves vs. humans). We don’t live this with the FMC but we get memory recaps and her inner monologue says it multiple times (quite often it was this whole paragraph recap of almost everything we’ve learned or what just happened…) While it needs a good edit, the plot itself is strong.




*********LET’S RECAP/SPOILERS*********








The book starts with Annalise staying in a refugee camp with those displaced by the war. Mostly humans who have a vendetta against the elves. So she keeps to herself. The camp is raided and as she attempts to save a helpless human, the raiders notice a mark on her signifying “ma promessa” or the promised one. Elijah takes her to The Master who is looking for all the promessa. He’s collecting them so when the true one shows her power, he will be there to claim her. Annalise refuses her “guilded prison” so they throw her into the dungeons. There’s an attack on the palace and Annalise is injured. Being in the cells blocking magic, she isn’t able to heal herself and the poison begins to take over.



***BIG SPOILER***



Alric, her cell mate, seems to be going feral at the sight of her dying and calls for help. In death, Annalise meets the Mother, who comforts her and tells her “they” need her. There’s goddess allows her to choose to go back or not. She goes back and realizes that Elijah answers Alric’s pleas. He too goes feral at the sight of her dying and takes out the guards. Not just the ones involved in the mistreatment of Annalise but ALL the guards in the dungeon. Something only a mate would do.? The Master isn’t pleased that his promessa has a mate and forbids them to complete the bond. (Impossible..)

She continues to stay in the dungeons as she still refuses to submit to The Master. She goes to “promessa class” and they work on the first step, transferring energy and power. This immediately triggers something in Annalise and her power breaks through an internal barrier. SHE is the true promessa. The prophecy says she will be the one to save them by destroying a great evil. The Master obviously wants this powerful weapon on his side, more than that wants to keep it to himself. Leverage to keeping his throne and revoking the protection the promessa offers if they defy him.



***BIGGER SPOILER***



In the dungeons, Alric is comforting Annalise after an encounter with The Master when chaos ensues. Turns out, Alric is a SPY and SHAPESHIFTER who can change his appearance. His true name is Fabien. He’s with a group of rebels trying to free the promessa and keep the master from holding that power. They escape only to run into ELIJAH. He manages to overrun The Master’s control on him due to the mating bond and buys them just enough time to get Annalise out of there. Now Annalise and Elijah are separated and still cannot complete the bond…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
44 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2021
A very average book, some decent parts and the potential for a good story at least so I will read book 2 when it's out.

*Edit: Book 2 completely flopped for me. I won't be reading the rest of the books and I wouldn't bother getting started with the series."

What's with the guys in this book? Ok so we've found a mate, but it seems every good-looking guy with a certain level of power is instantly attracted to her. Are we heading into reverse harem territory? She of course is continuing with the "woe is me, I'm so abused and hungry and life is hard", "I need protecting", "cry, sob, help me" but is still totally useless and dependent on "the handsome prince saving her" fairy tale which is not my cup of tea at all. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I like to read some kind of strength, wit, sass, spark of independence, SOMETHING inspiring to get me on board with my heroines but this one has none. Nada. Not a sausage. Zilch. Just more men falling in love and wanting to save her. Honestly if she was written in as a virgin I'd have closed the book and walked away immediately.

1,291 reviews
September 5, 2021
I sometimes am leery when it comes to spinoff series because there are times they don't pack as much punch and fall flat, but this wasn't the case with book of the of the Fires of the Fae series by Erin O'Kane (spinoff of the War & Deceit series). I really enjoyed Lady of Embers, made it difficult for me to be focused on my real world job because all I wanted to do was continue to read about Annalise and her struggles and inner strength.

I think Annalise is a survivor and warrior (maybe not with strength but her tenacity and perseverance made me love her). Despite everything you could think of being thrown at her, she didnt give up. Yes she questioned things and her emotions were pretty rollercoaster-y, but she wouldn't give in to the Master despite all his horrible attempts. I enjoyed seeing Elijah's walls come down and his conflicts throughout the book. I hate how he is treated and really want to learn his backstory, how he came to be under the Master's oath and all that. I also was suspicious of Annalise's prison mate so that wasn't a shock haha, but I liked how the storyline progressed nonetheless.

I enjoyed reading about these new fae that Erin created in this world set apart but connected to the fae worlds in Clarissa's story. I thought the 7 factions was a cool idea and how they are mixed with animals/creatures. It made for awesome imagery as I was reading and imagining the characters, especially the various promessas. Erin did a really good job setting the stage for this trilogy (I hope its more because there seems to be a lot of story left to tell!!). The world building was phenomenal and the tension between Elijah and Annalise was great (oh and the Prince!!).

Won't give any spoilers, but I cannot wait to see the Master get his comeuppance. After all the pain and devastation he has caused, it better be torturous for him and the battles be epic in the end!

If you love world building over romance, fae/supernatural creatures then you will love this new series by Erin O'Kane. Be prepared for some tough subjects to be discussed and this is a slowburn, so not too much sexy times, but the tension and building relationship with Elijah was great ❤️
Profile Image for Jodi  *ALEBB BLOG *.
217 reviews36 followers
June 24, 2021
This is the first book I've read by Erin O'Kane , and I do appreciate her style of writing. This book has many different characters throughout the story , but is centered on our heroine Annalise a fae , Elijah someone who is not from her realm , and the master . Although another character will play a big part later on.
Annalise is a likeable character , a fighter of will all her life , but I did find alil much repetition about her past . Elijah , well there are so many questions than answers still swaying in my mind. But he was also a likeable character even if he shouldn't have been . I found myself drawn to him , and his power. The master , well the author did a fantastic job making him just how he was supposed to be . In every sense of the word.
Kidnapped, and taken to another realm far away from anything remotely the same to what your used to , and then given a choice submit or be locked away . What do you choose, and in unfamiliar land ? Promises of anything if only Annalise does that very thing , but everything comes with a price . Especially when she may have found her long dormant powers , and the other part of her soul.

I loved how descriptive the author was in the telling of this fantasy , the way she made you feel as if you were watching it from above , but I was waiting for the moments of romance that clearly needed to happen, and didn't. Understandable so with everyone watching, but for a reverse harem I did expect some steam , and this one fizzled out . It was more of a pg13 book than just for adults.

Still it was captivating enough that I was immersed in the story, as I watched the plot grow , and end on a very large cliff hanger which I will buy the next book , because I have to know what happens.
I did voluntarily receive this book to read ,and this is my unbiased review - ALEBB BLOG
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,431 reviews27 followers
June 17, 2021
I absolutely love the world's that this author creates, and when I discovered a spin off of her War and Deceit series I was more then eager to dive into this book.
A Lady of Embers, book one in the new Fires of the Fae series, follows high elf Annalise, the dark elf Elijah and eventually the imprisoned elf Alric. As a former slave of the elf Queen, Annalise is used to being a prisoner, but when she gets her chance to flee the castle, she finds herself living in refugee camps. When her camp is raided during the night, she tries to help but is once again taken from her surroundings and labeled as ‘ma promessa’ where she is dragged off by Elijah, not only to a different type of prison, but an entirely different realm. While in a strange land, surrounded by hybrid human/animal creatures, Annalisse finds herself struggling to figure out her new situation while trying not to anger her new captor, Master. Will Annalisse be able to survive this new round of terror? Or will she finally be able to break free of the chains that hold her a prisoner?
The book ends on a cliffhanger, so will need to wait for book two to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Clare Harrison.
1,074 reviews17 followers
June 8, 2021
She might not have much to her name, but she has her freedom and a voice.

Many might despise what she is, but it matters not.

One moment, one decision and then everything that was, is no more....

Oh wow what an amazing start to a new series!

We first met Annalise in the "war and deceit series". She was a silent enigma but all that is about to change, with this being her book.

This whole new world is captivating! from the unique characters and personalities to the factions and the intense storyline.

There's darkness and destruction, hatred and fear, but still there's rays of hope and hearts that beat for others.

There's not much more you could possibly ask for in a book. I was gripped from the start to the finish and now... now I eagerly await the next book in this must have series!

Profile Image for Richelle Zirkle.
2,185 reviews14 followers
June 12, 2021
Intriguing start to a new series!

I loved diving into this fantasy world and getting to know the characters that inhabit the land and how things work. Annalise intrigued me from the beginning. She has a backstory with the Queen that tells you there is a lot more to her story, and in the present, she’s the focus of so much attention that you know she’s more than she seems. She’s surrounded by an assortment of creatures with animalistic characteristics. These creatures are sometimes deadly and sometimes caring, and it can be hard to tell which way things will go. Though it’s clear Annalise is in danger, there are people who seem to make a connection with her, and I have hope that these characters who care about her will come through for her—both as romantic connections and friends.
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm.
1,357 reviews18 followers
June 16, 2021
Good start to a new series. I love the fantasy genre and when you throw in the RH element it becomes a bit more intriguing.

Annalise is a high elf who is captured and taken to another realm as one of the ma promessa. Basically a women who could because the Master’s ‘wife’ if declared the chosen one. Well let’s say the Master is not the Beast from some fairytale and I doubt he’ll be a LI since he is the ultimate control freak. Plus why need him when she has Elijah who turns out to be something more.

Annalise is a bit of mystery since snippets of her past in her kingdom are given and the extent of what she is leads more to it. This is a an RH so I have my suspicions who will be in it. It is slow burn but the story itself keeps you interested.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for B ~ modern day bookworm~.
326 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2021
Heck yes! I love when authors keep a beautiful world going with new characters and story to follow.

The beginning does take place in the world of the War & Deceit Series, but you don’t necessarily need to read them to enjoy this spin off series. I do highly recommend because all 4 books are amazing & some of the back story is given to solidify minor details for this book.

So good! The world building, the unique characters, the fact that this series does not seem to be overlap or over use of the Previous series is refreshing and just proves Erin O’Kane’s skills as an author. Building off one and twisting it to its own beautiful masterpiece!

Trigger one: does have lots of blood and gore and not a lot of romance, but if you know her writing style it’s coming.

Cannot wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,046 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2021
We met Annalise very briefly in the War and Deceit series, and from the ending we had we already knew that this book was happening. And I have to say the author didn't disappoint, I absolutely loved the War and Deceit series, and so far I'm loving this one too.

Annalise is now free from the Queen's captivity and she wants to distance herself as much as she can from her fellow elves, especially because of what she did to the Queen. This means leaving what she knows and venturing out into the world. But not everyone is happy about her presence and they certainly make it known in this book.

It's a great start to a new series and I'm so excited to read more when they are released. There's also a whole new world being built for the characters and it's not a world the readers or even Annalise herself are familiar with and we get to learn about it together as we read through the book.
Profile Image for Rosa Dunahue.
1,361 reviews25 followers
June 17, 2021
A Lady of Embers by Erin O’Kane
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Lady of Embers is a good start to the series. This is a first book I read by Erin O’Kane. And I enjoy but I did lose little interest in the middle of book. But with that said I keep reading and it turns around so now I’m glad I finish book.

Annalise is a high elf who had to hidden her power but now she is the chosen one. And then she is in a situation. And we are carry through the twist and turn. Then we left with cliffhanger in the end.

A Lady of Embers has some interesting characters. It’s a slow building reverse harem. Erin O’Kane does a great job writing the storyline. I would definitely be reading the next book in series.
Profile Image for Norma's Nook.
424 reviews13 followers
June 11, 2021
A spin off to the War and Deceit Series, A Lady of Embers is an exciting, new high fantasy rh. We met Annalise at the end of the series and this is her story now. Running from her past, she goes from camp to camp to escape danger. When her camp is overrun, she's thrown into a new world of magic, danger, darkness, and fate. This story is beautifully written, and the plot kept me on my toes. There's twists and turns thay kept my head spinning, and the ending had me yearning for book 2. I loved this story!
Profile Image for Kaylee.
433 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2021
I was really excited for this book as it held the promise of a “chosen” one, but she was far too weak in this book. Her powers have been hidden away and she’s practically blind to the magical world, which is frustrating. She meets one of her mates but because of one of his circumstances he cannot help her, so they basically stay at a standstill the whole book. There was no steam yet, so I really hope as more of her love interests are introduced that will magnify also! I can’t wait to see how book two starts as this leaves us on a huge cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Zoe.
169 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2021
This had real potential. I loved the idea of a heroine living in a refugee camp— super original and also a great way to bring awareness to awful shit real people are surviving/suffering through right now in the real world.

However, left that place real fast, ended up in a castle (yawn) with a self-proclaimed king (yawn) trying to control everyone else (yawn).

Writing style was a bit juvenile, characters didn’t always behave in a way that best fit their situation/personality, and the situations which could have lent true drama/angst/conflict to the story were glossed over or sidetracked.
Profile Image for Margaux Espinosa.
1,301 reviews21 followers
June 15, 2021
Holy hell, I loved the original book series, but this one is shaping up to be no less amazing. I’m so glad she has such a strong backbone after everything she endured at the hands of the Queen. But once again this amazing woman gets thrown into a whole new situation, and she doesn’t have enough information to really know what’s going on. Which just means that I’m lost right along with her, so it was very easy to empathise with her fear, confusion and frustration. Then with that explosive ending, I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what happens now! I highly recommend this read!
Profile Image for Robinn Yu.
236 reviews12 followers
July 15, 2021
Awesome introduction

I love Annalise and how strong she is. She's been through so much and I honestly can't wait for things to get a little better for her.

Spoiler:
Elijah, Able and Fabian all likeable. The only thing is that at the end of the book our heroine is separated from Elijah. This happened in the War and Deceit series too, one of the harem members separated after the first book and then we barely glimpsed them until the last book. I hope that doesn't happen here. It sort of breaks the connection.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,993 reviews120 followers
June 11, 2021
Could not put this book down, no matter what. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and from that point on, I had to continue reading till I finished reading the very ;ast word. It moves along at a pace which made for a relaxing and comfortable read. The characters are amazing and by the time you are done, you have fallen in live with them and the story will keep you reading till the end. This book has to be read.
Profile Image for Dominique.
1,072 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2021
Ah! I was beyond excited to jump back into this world! The end of the War & Deceit was set up clearly for Annalise's story to begin in a whole new world no one realized existed. A Lady of Embers is written so well, I can't help but dive in and not want to leave. The story is intense, filled with a roller-coaster of emotions and a variety of characters and interactions. I'm so intrigued and ready for more!
Profile Image for Lauren Holly.
148 reviews8 followers
June 11, 2021
Nice idea

I liked the story and I was gripped from the beginning. But do I want to read the next one? Not particularly, and I think that is because I prefer female lead characters to take some control of their lives. Although I wouldn't say Annalise was weak I would say she was a push over and shuffled from one situation to another, which unfortunately didn't light a fire in me.
Profile Image for Margaret.
378 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2021
If you have read Erin O'Kane's War and Deceit series, or really any of her books, you will enjoy reading A Lady of Embers. Although, I do recommend reading the War and Deceit series first because you will have a better understanding of this world if you do.

I'm not going to lie, this book isn't pretty in some parts. There is a reason the author put the warnings she did. If you like dark books and slow burn romance, then you will enjoy A Lady of Embers. I know I certainly did!
Profile Image for R.M. Gardner.
Author 5 books9 followers
July 25, 2021
Amazing start to a new spin off series. Set in the world of the War and Deceit series, A Lady of Ember takes us deeper into the elven lore as we explore beyond Morrowmer and meet new characters whilst keeping Erin's familiar writing style.

There's plenty of emotion packed into this book and tge attachment to our newest heroine is instantaneous!

Going back into this world felt kind of like coming home and I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for E.
795 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2021
I absolutely love the world's Erin creates, so I was eager to dive into this book, and it didn't disappoint! Such a great story I devoured every word. Erin does love her cliffhangers!!!! Thoroughly enjoyable book and I can't wait for book two.
341 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2021
Story driven

This is a great start to a series. Filled with action, suspense, and a thrilling imagination. Slow burn. This universe is unlike others in the Fae genre. It is refreshing and addictive.
442 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
Just amazing

I loved this book and cannot wait for more in this series. Another epic start to a series with incredible world building. The best part is I’ve not read anything like this before. Every emotion whilst reading and am waiting with bated breath after that ending.
973 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2021
This was a really good book. It tells of the elf that slain the elf queen and how her life is now changing by being kidnapped once again and taking to a different land. What will become of her and how will she escape her fate now? I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for nothing but amazing books Lacey Threapleton Wygerde.
617 reviews11 followers
June 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. What a great start to this series. This book immediately draw me in and I couldn’t put down . So many twists and turns that kept my head spinning . I am definitely intrigued I can’t wait to read more about this series always love paranormal book
Profile Image for Charlotte.
420 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2021
I cant tell you how good this read is. Absolutely brilliant. I desperately want the next installment.

Erin o kane always manages to deliver such a fantastic read. Full of magic and superb romances.

If you haven't read "A lady of Embers" you must!
249 reviews
July 5, 2021
I love that there are more stories from the world Erin created in the war and deceit series. You don’t necessarily need to have read those to enjoy this story but I would recommend it. I can’t wait to see where this goes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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