What do you think?
Rate this book
Prince of Ash and Shadow #1
Prince of Ash and Shadow
***THIS BOOK is being rewritten and reformatted at this time.
Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews and Raven Kennedy, this book about a sassy necromancer and her surprise marriage to a Faerie Prince is impossible to put down.
A life for a life.
I didn’t expect a dying prince and his guard to wind up on my doorstep—but when you run an underground healing ring for the Fae, expectations go out the window.
As a necromancer with a price on my head, I keep a low profile by doing favors for the Fae: healing the outcasts and criminals in exchange for information on my pursuer. Keeping my feet planted firmly on the wrong side of the law is what’s kept me safe. Hidden. I heal whoever walks through my door, and they pay me in something far more valuable than gold. That strategy worked for years—until a princeling with an attitude problem finds me.
A soul for a soul.
Prince Rayden Darkbringer claims that he was sent by my former best friend—that she knew I could help him. When I refuse, he offers me a deal: save his life, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep me safe from the man I’m running from.
A man that happens to be his older brother.
A death for a death.
The problem? The only way to save Rayden is to bind our souls together—permanently. With the bond forcing us to remain together and enemies at our heels, we soon find ourselves embroiled in Court politics and an assassination plot that spans the entirety of Faerie. Somehow, we must survive long enough to depose his brother and reclaim Rayden’s throne.
But Rayden isn’t the only one with a dark past and hidden powers, and the real question isn’t whether we can survive in the wake of his brother’s deceit.
It’s if we can survive each other.
PRINCE OF ASH AND SHADOW is a sexy New Adult fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of a fast-paced plot, the reluctant-allies-to-lovers trope, and snarky heroines. Come for the brooding prince, stay for the flirty werewolf—and the hilarious gnome.
Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews and Raven Kennedy, this book about a sassy necromancer and her surprise marriage to a Faerie Prince is impossible to put down.
A life for a life.
I didn’t expect a dying prince and his guard to wind up on my doorstep—but when you run an underground healing ring for the Fae, expectations go out the window.
As a necromancer with a price on my head, I keep a low profile by doing favors for the Fae: healing the outcasts and criminals in exchange for information on my pursuer. Keeping my feet planted firmly on the wrong side of the law is what’s kept me safe. Hidden. I heal whoever walks through my door, and they pay me in something far more valuable than gold. That strategy worked for years—until a princeling with an attitude problem finds me.
A soul for a soul.
Prince Rayden Darkbringer claims that he was sent by my former best friend—that she knew I could help him. When I refuse, he offers me a deal: save his life, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep me safe from the man I’m running from.
A man that happens to be his older brother.
A death for a death.
The problem? The only way to save Rayden is to bind our souls together—permanently. With the bond forcing us to remain together and enemies at our heels, we soon find ourselves embroiled in Court politics and an assassination plot that spans the entirety of Faerie. Somehow, we must survive long enough to depose his brother and reclaim Rayden’s throne.
But Rayden isn’t the only one with a dark past and hidden powers, and the real question isn’t whether we can survive in the wake of his brother’s deceit.
It’s if we can survive each other.
PRINCE OF ASH AND SHADOW is a sexy New Adult fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of a fast-paced plot, the reluctant-allies-to-lovers trope, and snarky heroines. Come for the brooding prince, stay for the flirty werewolf—and the hilarious gnome.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
7 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 9, 2023
Soon, I will remember my anger—remember that he put me back in a situation that I was so desperate to avoid, that he omitted such an important truth. Tomorrow, we will argue about it. Tomorrow, we will make decisions that affect countless lives.
Tomorrow, we will find a way to say goodbye.
But for tonight, it is enough to look at the stars and want.
Prince of Ash and Shadow is proof that a book's enjoyement should never be tied to its page number.
🐈𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗪 - 𝗕𝗬 𝗞.𝗔. 𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦𝗢𝗡🐈
★𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
★𝗬𝗔/𝗡𝗔/𝗔: 🅽🅰/🅰
★𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙰𝚂𝙷 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚂𝙷𝙰𝙳𝙾𝚆 #𝟷
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦: 𝚄𝚁𝙱𝙰𝙽 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 - 𝙵𝙰𝙴 - 𝙶𝙾𝙳𝚂 - 𝙿𝙽𝚁
★𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝙳𝙾𝚄𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙿𝙾𝚅 - 𝙵𝙸𝚁𝚂𝚃 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙿𝚁𝙴𝚂𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴 (𝟾𝟶% 𝙷𝙴𝚁;𝟸𝟶% 𝙷𝙸𝙼)
★𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: 𝙱𝙰𝙳𝙰𝚂𝚂 𝙵𝙼𝙲 - 𝙲𝚄𝚁𝚂𝙴𝚂 - 𝚁𝙴𝙻𝚄𝙲𝚃𝙰𝙽𝚃 𝙰𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙳 - 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙲𝙴𝙳 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝚇𝙸𝙼𝙸𝚃𝚈 - 𝙾𝙽𝙻𝚈 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙱𝙴𝙳
★𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: 👥👥👥👥/5
★𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼/5
★𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧: 📜📜📜📜/5
★𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: 💀💀💀💀/5 (𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴 - 𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙾𝙳 - 𝙳𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙷 𝙾𝙵 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂 - 𝙲𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙸𝚅𝙸𝚃𝚈 - 𝙾𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚁𝚄𝙽 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙲𝙾𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙸𝙾𝙽)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5 (𝙰 𝙱𝙸𝚃 𝚃𝙾𝙾 𝚂𝙾𝙾𝙽 𝙱𝚄𝚃 𝙸'𝙼 𝙽𝙾𝚃 𝙲𝙾𝙼𝙿𝙻𝙰𝙸𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 & 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🚒🚒🚒/5 (𝙽𝙾𝚃 𝟷𝟶𝟶% 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝙾𝚁 𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚈 𝙱𝚄𝚃 𝚂𝚄𝙿𝙴𝚁 𝙷𝙾𝚃 𝙽𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚃𝙷𝙴𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚂)
★𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🤐🤐🤐/5 (𝙼𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚄𝙰𝙶𝙴 - 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙲𝚁𝙸𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚂𝙴𝚇)
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 🌹🌹🌹/5 (𝙽𝙾 𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃𝙰 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴. 𝚆𝙴'𝚁𝙴 𝙶𝙴𝚃𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝙴 𝚂𝙸𝙶𝙷)
★𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘: ❌
★𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 𝙵/𝙼
★𝗥𝗘𝗣: 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙼𝙼𝙲'𝚂 𝙱𝙴𝚂𝚃 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚂 𝙷𝙰𝚂 𝙰 𝙷𝚄𝚂𝙱𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚂𝙾 𝙸 𝙰𝚂𝚂𝚄𝙼𝙴 𝙷𝙴'𝚂 𝙰𝚃 𝙻𝙴𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝙶𝙰𝚈 - 𝙿𝚃𝚂𝙳★𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦-𝗧𝗢-𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🖤🖤/5
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰
I'll be as honest as I can be and admit that, while I've had this in my tbr and on my Kindle for the past eleven months, I had no intention of reading it anytime soon.
I then found myself in the position where I needed to pick up something short so that I could finish it before a new month started.
that's why I went into this with zero expectations and was instead rewarded with one of the funniest and most entertaining books I've read this January.
PoAaS is so fast-paced it leaves no space for dull moments; you blink, you'll miss something important. It's got everything I love in this kind of novels: action, an interesting backstory, flowy writing, humor galore, fantastic main characters and equally cool side characters, faerie creatures with a taste for erotic novels, an accidental marriage, a blooming swoon-worthy romance and enough spice to fill a restaurant.
I'm not a fan of insta-love romance, so I'll give the author credit for not turning the bond between Evie and Rayden into a cringe-fest considering the little space she had to lay down all the elements she needed to make the attraction believable.
I loved this soooo much!
I'm not giving it 5 stars because some parts felt a bit approximate, but I guess the lenght of the entire book is to blame. I wish the author knew she could do magic if she dared push her limits up by at least 50 pages.
But overall, this was a surprise that I've throughly enjoyed, one I wanted to start over again the moment it was over.
I can't believe there's no pubblication date for the sequel. Because there needs to be a sequel. Or I'll riot.
February 2, 2022
Note: Thank you to K.A. Erickson for an arc copy of this book! Please note that all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Holy. Crap. I was NOT prepared to be hooked right away when I picked up this book. I read the entire book in two short sittings (I only stopped because I was reading at 3 in the morning and knew my daughter would be awake before 9). The prologue is gory and intriguing, and I can't even begin to describe my excitement once I finished it. Overall, the story is thrilling, the characters and interesting and well-written, and the book in its entirety is a fast-paced read, fitting of a fantasy. Highly recommend!
To read a more extensive review of this book, please visit my blog:
https://kayssecretlibrary.wixsite.com...
Holy. Crap. I was NOT prepared to be hooked right away when I picked up this book. I read the entire book in two short sittings (I only stopped because I was reading at 3 in the morning and knew my daughter would be awake before 9). The prologue is gory and intriguing, and I can't even begin to describe my excitement once I finished it. Overall, the story is thrilling, the characters and interesting and well-written, and the book in its entirety is a fast-paced read, fitting of a fantasy. Highly recommend!
To read a more extensive review of this book, please visit my blog:
https://kayssecretlibrary.wixsite.com...
February 8, 2022
Doomed MCs, Fast-paced, and Spicy!
A healer/necromancer and a deposed prince strike a magic bargain that unexpectedly ties them together and dooms them both. 'A life for a life' indeed!
Evie (the FMC) goes on the run along side her new fae allies from the powerful Autumn King. The chase moves the story along very quickly, and was rounded out with smooth (often funny) dialogue, interesting side characters, and beautiful yet rapidly changing scenery. Oh, and did I mention spice? There's some of that too!
I'll be picking up the next in series!
A healer/necromancer and a deposed prince strike a magic bargain that unexpectedly ties them together and dooms them both. 'A life for a life' indeed!
Evie (the FMC) goes on the run along side her new fae allies from the powerful Autumn King. The chase moves the story along very quickly, and was rounded out with smooth (often funny) dialogue, interesting side characters, and beautiful yet rapidly changing scenery. Oh, and did I mention spice? There's some of that too!
I'll be picking up the next in series!
February 19, 2022
Disclaimer: I am the author's mother
I have read many books of fantasy and Fae and this book ranks highly on my list! Not only does this book take you into the darkness and make you feel the emotions that the characters are feeling, it makes you feel them on a visceral level. You also have moments of levity and steamy scenes to balance the soul crushing sadness! I am a fast reader and I felt this book kept a good pace for me throughout! I am looking forward to reading each and every book in this series! I highly recommend this to anyone that likes a fast paced, soul searing read!
I have read many books of fantasy and Fae and this book ranks highly on my list! Not only does this book take you into the darkness and make you feel the emotions that the characters are feeling, it makes you feel them on a visceral level. You also have moments of levity and steamy scenes to balance the soul crushing sadness! I am a fast reader and I felt this book kept a good pace for me throughout! I am looking forward to reading each and every book in this series! I highly recommend this to anyone that likes a fast paced, soul searing read!
February 2, 2022
Prince of Ash and Shadow had me on the edge of my seat from the first line to the last. This book is so incredibly well written and is extremely captivating. You'll never be able to guess what is going to happen next! Super excited for the next books! I need to know what happens next!
January 27, 2022
Ahh, finally published.
Urban Fantasy, feelings and elements of high fantasy M/F
Evie(Talia)/Rayden
So, from beginning to end, this book leaves an impression. It gets dark at times, but there's wonderful humor mixed all throughout and a splash of chemistry and spice to get you hooked. I'm going to give a run down reaction, but keep it vague enough as to not spoil anything.🥰
The FMC is memorable and interesting from the first paragraphs she is strong and quirky, but relatable. Her cat, helper (a pooka named Kat) and continous visitor, Jerry are also adorable and easy to enjoy.
Then comes the Prince of Ash and Shadow himself, Rayden. He comes crashing into her life, sent by one of Talia's oldest friends and companions, and he's hanging on the brink of death. They become inexplicably connected while she's healing him (OMG, that scene was EVERYTHING).
Suddenly her apartment is under attack and they find themselves on the run... from her greatest enemy. The entire time she's having an internal battle of sorts, because a great power lies within her and the cage that holds it in place is slowly deteriorating. They all take off as one, and head to one of the only places she can turn.... her mother's house. But her mother isn't just anyone, nay nay. Her mom is a power unto herself, and once Rayden and his companions know who she is, they question their decision to follow Talia blindly.
I'm not giving anymore away, but the character development and the magics that are spoken of are intriguing and the ending leaves you reeling and excited to know what comes next.
This is an exceptional new book by a new author, and I find myself holding her in the highest regard. 😊
Urban Fantasy, feelings and elements of high fantasy M/F
Evie(Talia)/Rayden
So, from beginning to end, this book leaves an impression. It gets dark at times, but there's wonderful humor mixed all throughout and a splash of chemistry and spice to get you hooked. I'm going to give a run down reaction, but keep it vague enough as to not spoil anything.🥰
The FMC is memorable and interesting from the first paragraphs she is strong and quirky, but relatable. Her cat, helper (a pooka named Kat) and continous visitor, Jerry are also adorable and easy to enjoy.
Then comes the Prince of Ash and Shadow himself, Rayden. He comes crashing into her life, sent by one of Talia's oldest friends and companions, and he's hanging on the brink of death. They become inexplicably connected while she's healing him (OMG, that scene was EVERYTHING).
Suddenly her apartment is under attack and they find themselves on the run... from her greatest enemy. The entire time she's having an internal battle of sorts, because a great power lies within her and the cage that holds it in place is slowly deteriorating. They all take off as one, and head to one of the only places she can turn.... her mother's house. But her mother isn't just anyone, nay nay. Her mom is a power unto herself, and once Rayden and his companions know who she is, they question their decision to follow Talia blindly.
I'm not giving anymore away, but the character development and the magics that are spoken of are intriguing and the ending leaves you reeling and excited to know what comes next.
This is an exceptional new book by a new author, and I find myself holding her in the highest regard. 😊
February 1, 2022
Fast-paced, magical, imaginative tale
Urban fantasy with high fantasy feel. This book is unique for many reason, not least of all it takes place on Earth but has major epic fantasy elements, including lore, major character arc setups, gods/goddess and a huge possibility of war.
Evie is a strong, deeply flawed FMC, trying to hide from her nemesis and past but it's all quickly catching up to her. She jumps off the page as soon as you meet her and has a huge presence and quirky companions, including a sassy cat and a gnome named Jerry who's into romance novels and ice cream. She was getting by, healing local magical creatures and trading for information on the current new
Urban fantasy with high fantasy feel. This book is unique for many reason, not least of all it takes place on Earth but has major epic fantasy elements, including lore, major character arc setups, gods/goddess and a huge possibility of war.
Evie is a strong, deeply flawed FMC, trying to hide from her nemesis and past but it's all quickly catching up to her. She jumps off the page as soon as you meet her and has a huge presence and quirky companions, including a sassy cat and a gnome named Jerry who's into romance novels and ice cream. She was getting by, healing local magical creatures and trading for information on the current new
January 30, 2022
Rayden: Dethroned Prince of the Autumn Court, the Prince of Ash and Shadow.
Evie: Former Priestess of the Necromancer Queen, on the run from the Autumn Court.
She had to heal him, but neither expected the magic to work in its own destiny for these enemies.
“Stubble grazes my cheek as Prince Rayden Darkbringer brings his face to mine. "Hello, wife."”
Even though this is a shorter story, it's packed with all sorts of Faeries, A werewolf, gods and goddesses, and familial conflicts.
The setting for this story is interesting. It takes place in our world but it doesn't really mention humans really, and it reads as though you get to find out how this world fits within ours as you read.
I laughed at so many little scenes within this story. The humor added to the reality of the story and the characters' connection to the human world. As always, you have to have characters in the group who have never been to the human world, just for their reactions to the crazy things humans do!
But, along with the humor, is the intricate magical world and the rules by which all the magical beings and gods/goddesses have to follow.
I am hoping for more as the backstories of these characters unfold, and as Raydon and Evie continue their adventure to unbind the magic keeping them together before they lose themselves, to rid the Autumn Court of Tristan, and to find some way to keep Evie from being possessed by Lady Carnage.
Evie: Former Priestess of the Necromancer Queen, on the run from the Autumn Court.
She had to heal him, but neither expected the magic to work in its own destiny for these enemies.
“Stubble grazes my cheek as Prince Rayden Darkbringer brings his face to mine. "Hello, wife."”
Even though this is a shorter story, it's packed with all sorts of Faeries, A werewolf, gods and goddesses, and familial conflicts.
The setting for this story is interesting. It takes place in our world but it doesn't really mention humans really, and it reads as though you get to find out how this world fits within ours as you read.
I laughed at so many little scenes within this story. The humor added to the reality of the story and the characters' connection to the human world. As always, you have to have characters in the group who have never been to the human world, just for their reactions to the crazy things humans do!
But, along with the humor, is the intricate magical world and the rules by which all the magical beings and gods/goddesses have to follow.
I am hoping for more as the backstories of these characters unfold, and as Raydon and Evie continue their adventure to unbind the magic keeping them together before they lose themselves, to rid the Autumn Court of Tristan, and to find some way to keep Evie from being possessed by Lady Carnage.
June 13, 2022
****THIS BOOK IS BEING REWRITTEN AND REPUBLISHED CURRENTLY******
February 6, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read the whole book in a single evening because I just couldn't put it down! The cast of characters are so unique to each other and I was laughing out loud from some of their interactions because this group just bleeds that chaotic friend-family vibe that leads to really well-done character interaction.
If you are considering reading this I would highly recommend giving this book a shot and supporting this small author's dreams.
--Slightly Spoilery Beyond this Point--
I would have loved to see more how Rayden's point of view since very late in the story he concludes the tale which in a way made me feel dissatisfied with the ending because I hadn't really gotten to know his internal voice until that point and it makes the final paragraphs not hold as much water for me because as a reader I hadn't yet connected to his internal voice and had only seen him from Evie's POV.
It does make me hopeful going in to the next novel (and also the novellas teased in the back) that readers can see more from his POV and understand more of his drive and motivation for saving his people and Evie.
My two favorite quotes:
#1
#2
Both the quotes really set a tone of both charcters' voices that was very well done. I can't wait to see how these ideologies play a role in the story going forward.
Side Note 1: (Also I hope we can see more of Evie's love of music!! Because I felt it was only barely teased with the car scene in the beginning)
Side Note 2: (I also can't wait to see how this 'I won't compromise myself' belief becomes a struggle for Evie as the bond becomes stronger and their thoughts become tangled.)
Can't wait to see the next installment and more work from K.A. Erikson!
If you are considering reading this I would highly recommend giving this book a shot and supporting this small author's dreams.
--Slightly Spoilery Beyond this Point--
I would have loved to see more how Rayden's point of view since very late in the story he concludes the tale which in a way made me feel dissatisfied with the ending because I hadn't really gotten to know his internal voice until that point and it makes the final paragraphs not hold as much water for me because as a reader I hadn't yet connected to his internal voice and had only seen him from Evie's POV.
It does make me hopeful going in to the next novel (and also the novellas teased in the back) that readers can see more from his POV and understand more of his drive and motivation for saving his people and Evie.
My two favorite quotes:
#1
There are some things, though, that are intrinsic to my nature--my style, my personality, my love of music--things that I cannot give up, no matter how desperately I might want to. There are pieces of me I will not compromise.
#2
Choice is the most powerful thing in the world. More powerful, even, than fate.
Both the quotes really set a tone of both charcters' voices that was very well done. I can't wait to see how these ideologies play a role in the story going forward.
Side Note 1: (Also I hope we can see more of Evie's love of music!! Because I felt it was only barely teased with the car scene in the beginning)
Side Note 2: (I also can't wait to see how this 'I won't compromise myself' belief becomes a struggle for Evie as the bond becomes stronger and their thoughts become tangled.)
Can't wait to see the next installment and more work from K.A. Erikson!
February 1, 2022
I just want to start off by saying thank you so much K. A. Erickson for this stunning story!
When I read the synopsis of this book, it got me hooked line and sinker. I was a gonner the minute I knew this existed!
Prince of Ash and Shadow was absolutely, positively amazing! I have been gushing over this book for weeks. Absolutely loved the plot and the characters. I have never read anything quite like this before and I'm so glad that I came across it.
Prince of Ash and Shadow is not your ordinary fantasy romance. Completely fell in love with the story and it's Celtic folklore origins. I thought it was a beautiful addition to the story and loved that I got to learn more about another culture while getting lost in another fantasy world.
It's been ages since I've been so excited to read a fantasy novel and this book definitely understood the assignment 🤩 I was completely blown away by how good this book was. Loved how each of the characters friendships were written and it really felt, they all came together as a little family. And omg love Jerry and his 'cold cream' 😂 was absolutely adorable! And Ren, I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Never failed to make me laugh 😂
I loved how surprised I was throughout this book. It takes alot to get me completely lost within a story and to get surprised by the plot. And this book did that for me! Can definitely tell there is more to discover and it keeps you hooked throughout the book.
I could not, I repeat, COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN!!
Even when I knew the ending was near I was so devastated that I couldn't read the next book!!
Which is why I normally wait until all the books of a series come out first before I start reading so I don't have to wait especially if it ends on a cliffhanger!
But I REALLY couldn't wait to read this one!
I highly, highly recommended this book especially for those that love fantasy with it's own unique little twist.
When I read the synopsis of this book, it got me hooked line and sinker. I was a gonner the minute I knew this existed!
Prince of Ash and Shadow was absolutely, positively amazing! I have been gushing over this book for weeks. Absolutely loved the plot and the characters. I have never read anything quite like this before and I'm so glad that I came across it.
Prince of Ash and Shadow is not your ordinary fantasy romance. Completely fell in love with the story and it's Celtic folklore origins. I thought it was a beautiful addition to the story and loved that I got to learn more about another culture while getting lost in another fantasy world.
It's been ages since I've been so excited to read a fantasy novel and this book definitely understood the assignment 🤩 I was completely blown away by how good this book was. Loved how each of the characters friendships were written and it really felt, they all came together as a little family. And omg love Jerry and his 'cold cream' 😂 was absolutely adorable! And Ren, I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Never failed to make me laugh 😂
I loved how surprised I was throughout this book. It takes alot to get me completely lost within a story and to get surprised by the plot. And this book did that for me! Can definitely tell there is more to discover and it keeps you hooked throughout the book.
I could not, I repeat, COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN!!
Even when I knew the ending was near I was so devastated that I couldn't read the next book!!
Which is why I normally wait until all the books of a series come out first before I start reading so I don't have to wait especially if it ends on a cliffhanger!
But I REALLY couldn't wait to read this one!
I highly, highly recommended this book especially for those that love fantasy with it's own unique little twist.
February 24, 2023
Couldn't finish this book for the life of me
DNF 80% in
Seeing as it's being rewritten and I did like the overall story idea I'm going to come back and give this book a 2nd chance if I remember at all.
DNF 80% in
Seeing as it's being rewritten and I did like the overall story idea I'm going to come back and give this book a 2nd chance if I remember at all.
February 5, 2022
Note: The author had given me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow!!! So, this book has opened a new world for me. Fantasy isn't my typical genre, but this book had me excited and completely enraptured. It kept me on my toes from start to finish. For such a short read, it is well-written and kept me wanting more with each chapter. I haven't read a fantasy novel in a while, but reading this one leaves me itching for more!
It contains some gore and some spice that feels authentic and suits the book perfectly. Highly recommend!
Wow!!! So, this book has opened a new world for me. Fantasy isn't my typical genre, but this book had me excited and completely enraptured. It kept me on my toes from start to finish. For such a short read, it is well-written and kept me wanting more with each chapter. I haven't read a fantasy novel in a while, but reading this one leaves me itching for more!
It contains some gore and some spice that feels authentic and suits the book perfectly. Highly recommend!
February 26, 2022
I chuckled to myself a little when I got to the the end of the book and read the acknowledgements. In the words of the author herself:
“It isn’t perfect. It isn’t Sarah J. Maas level amazing.
But it’s here. I did it. I made it.
And there will be many, many more.
Each one will be better."
What a beautiful mentality to have. If the author’s reading this, I want you to know I will be with you on your journey. Prince of Ash and Shadow was a solid start to your writing career. You did this. And it only goes up from here. I liked this book, it was the beginning of what feels like an epic story. However, I found it to fall short in a few vital aspects of the storytelling.
What I liked about this book:
-There is an intriguing conflict set up right away in the prologue.
-It wastes no time in introducing the key players in the game. The connections between Tristan, Evie and Rayden are clearly explained.
-The characterizations are strong. Evie is snarky and fun but underneath there is a person burdened with powers she cannot control. Ren and Evander fit the buddy sidekick archetypes well. Even Evie's pet cat has a bit of attitude.
-No info dumps. The details are written within the plot and we are spared characters sitting there explaining things through either thoughts or internal dialogue. However, this also means you should already be familiar with these supernatural creatures before reading.
-Cliffhanger ending. Yes, please torture me and make me wait in anticipation for the next one. I love that every chapter until the conclusion held me captivated for more.
What I felt this book lacked:
-Pacing. Everything in this book happens a bit too fast. With all the action happening in every chapter, there was no opportunity for the worldbuilding to expand or the characters to form bonds that I could get invested in.
-In terms of worldbuilding, we are told there is a distinction between the “topside” where humans and some Fae live in the modern world, and I guess the other groups of Fae live underground? It’s not really clear where these seasonal courts are located. But given their clothing sense and way of speaking, they definitely sound old-fashioned. This offers two different worlds and cultures to play around in.
-Also going along with that is the basis of magic and how it works. As someone that has read a few Fae themed novels, I understood the concepts of not being able to lie and glamours, as well as the powers of highborn Fae in season courts. A first time reader of Faerie books would have a hard time following along. However, this criticism is more about Evie and how her abilities work. They are described but in the vaguest sense. Because Evie is one of a kind in this constructed world, there is a pass for not going into detail and I hoping that it gets expanded on in the coming books.
-In book time, I believe everything happens within approximately one week. Despite them being on the run from the villain, I think it needed moments where it slowed down a bit and everyone just talked to each other. The opportunity to expose more of the backstories of each characters was missed. We do not know what Evander, Ren and Rayden have been through together, and therefore I wasn’t really invested in their friendship. Sharra does not even show up until the end and barely gets any interaction with Evie in present day. In terms of Evie and Rayden, we are just told they spent a night swapping stories about their childhood. As a reader, if those stories had been written out, I might have felt romantic chemistry between the two. Instead, I only felt forced sexual tension. On the topic of Rayden, I really couldn’t connect to him. His motivations are clear cut, however, even though he has POV chapters it was a struggle to understand his personality and what his plans are.
This book felt like a skeleton. The bones were there; it just needed to be fleshed out a bit more. Like I mentioned in the beginning of this review, K.A. Erikson says it herself. Each one from here on will be better. I’m counting on it and I’m eagerly waiting for the next one.
“It isn’t perfect. It isn’t Sarah J. Maas level amazing.
But it’s here. I did it. I made it.
And there will be many, many more.
Each one will be better."
What a beautiful mentality to have. If the author’s reading this, I want you to know I will be with you on your journey. Prince of Ash and Shadow was a solid start to your writing career. You did this. And it only goes up from here. I liked this book, it was the beginning of what feels like an epic story. However, I found it to fall short in a few vital aspects of the storytelling.
What I liked about this book:
-There is an intriguing conflict set up right away in the prologue.
-It wastes no time in introducing the key players in the game. The connections between Tristan, Evie and Rayden are clearly explained.
-The characterizations are strong. Evie is snarky and fun but underneath there is a person burdened with powers she cannot control. Ren and Evander fit the buddy sidekick archetypes well. Even Evie's pet cat has a bit of attitude.
-No info dumps. The details are written within the plot and we are spared characters sitting there explaining things through either thoughts or internal dialogue. However, this also means you should already be familiar with these supernatural creatures before reading.
-Cliffhanger ending. Yes, please torture me and make me wait in anticipation for the next one. I love that every chapter until the conclusion held me captivated for more.
What I felt this book lacked:
-Pacing. Everything in this book happens a bit too fast. With all the action happening in every chapter, there was no opportunity for the worldbuilding to expand or the characters to form bonds that I could get invested in.
-In terms of worldbuilding, we are told there is a distinction between the “topside” where humans and some Fae live in the modern world, and I guess the other groups of Fae live underground? It’s not really clear where these seasonal courts are located. But given their clothing sense and way of speaking, they definitely sound old-fashioned. This offers two different worlds and cultures to play around in.
-Also going along with that is the basis of magic and how it works. As someone that has read a few Fae themed novels, I understood the concepts of not being able to lie and glamours, as well as the powers of highborn Fae in season courts. A first time reader of Faerie books would have a hard time following along. However, this criticism is more about Evie and how her abilities work. They are described but in the vaguest sense. Because Evie is one of a kind in this constructed world, there is a pass for not going into detail and I hoping that it gets expanded on in the coming books.
-In book time, I believe everything happens within approximately one week. Despite them being on the run from the villain, I think it needed moments where it slowed down a bit and everyone just talked to each other. The opportunity to expose more of the backstories of each characters was missed. We do not know what Evander, Ren and Rayden have been through together, and therefore I wasn’t really invested in their friendship. Sharra does not even show up until the end and barely gets any interaction with Evie in present day. In terms of Evie and Rayden, we are just told they spent a night swapping stories about their childhood. As a reader, if those stories had been written out, I might have felt romantic chemistry between the two. Instead, I only felt forced sexual tension. On the topic of Rayden, I really couldn’t connect to him. His motivations are clear cut, however, even though he has POV chapters it was a struggle to understand his personality and what his plans are.
This book felt like a skeleton. The bones were there; it just needed to be fleshed out a bit more. Like I mentioned in the beginning of this review, K.A. Erikson says it herself. Each one from here on will be better. I’m counting on it and I’m eagerly waiting for the next one.
February 26, 2022
Prince of Ash and Shadow is K.A. Erickson's debut novel, and honestly, it was a really strong start!
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced world building that the novel is set in, and I appreciated how it was interspersed throughout the story. I didn't need to wait two books to understand character motivations, and everything was clear cut without any extra frill to cover up what's going on. So many times high fantasy novels rely on the suspense, the thrill of finding out exactly what is going on that authors tend to give us all world information first (aka info dump and then you retain nothing) and then start building on the story. That didn't happen in this novel which I really quite enjoyed. We're introduced to the villains immediately, along with our main characters, and even though the book is fairly short, you get a really good sense of who these characters are. They jump out off the page, and there's aspects to their lives that the reader can immediately relate to (ehem, Evie's hatred for exercise is well understood)
That being said, I just wish the characters had been more fleshed out over a longer period of time. We know Evie is a necromancer who heals Fae in exchange for favors as she keeps her true identity a secret, but there wasn't nearly enough about these interactions to see how she barters information, and how she keeps her own identity a secret. While there was just enough to understand the gist of it, I would always love to see more about her abilities to heal beyond what she does to save Rayden's life.
I wanted to see more interactions, more scenes to be developed, and just more in general from this specific book. Yes, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, but Prince of Ash and Shadow took me less than a day to get through. While each individual character is alright on their own, I wished there was more of a focus on how each character interacted with one another, what made them work together, what made the relationships work and what make the relationships fall apart.
I hope there's more about Evie and Rayden in terms of their lineage, their connections to Ren and Evander, and definitely looking for more action and romance.
All in all, a really solid start and I look forward to more!
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced world building that the novel is set in, and I appreciated how it was interspersed throughout the story. I didn't need to wait two books to understand character motivations, and everything was clear cut without any extra frill to cover up what's going on. So many times high fantasy novels rely on the suspense, the thrill of finding out exactly what is going on that authors tend to give us all world information first (aka info dump and then you retain nothing) and then start building on the story. That didn't happen in this novel which I really quite enjoyed. We're introduced to the villains immediately, along with our main characters, and even though the book is fairly short, you get a really good sense of who these characters are. They jump out off the page, and there's aspects to their lives that the reader can immediately relate to (ehem, Evie's hatred for exercise is well understood)
That being said, I just wish the characters had been more fleshed out over a longer period of time. We know Evie is a necromancer who heals Fae in exchange for favors as she keeps her true identity a secret, but there wasn't nearly enough about these interactions to see how she barters information, and how she keeps her own identity a secret. While there was just enough to understand the gist of it, I would always love to see more about her abilities to heal beyond what she does to save Rayden's life.
I wanted to see more interactions, more scenes to be developed, and just more in general from this specific book. Yes, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, but Prince of Ash and Shadow took me less than a day to get through. While each individual character is alright on their own, I wished there was more of a focus on how each character interacted with one another, what made them work together, what made the relationships work and what make the relationships fall apart.
I hope there's more about Evie and Rayden in terms of their lineage, their connections to Ren and Evander, and definitely looking for more action and romance.
All in all, a really solid start and I look forward to more!
February 6, 2023
** update: apparently it’s being rewritten & republished so there is HOPE **
I forced myself to finish. I feel like it’s a rough draft that had a Due Date and the author just said “good enough.” Which, in the Acknowledgement section, the author states: “This novel—aka, The Book Written Solely To Finish—…” so.
It’s a good skeleton, but it’s too much forced into too short a story.
Also:
- too many grammatical errors.
- insta-lovey just makes me angry. why do you wanna worship at her altar? you haven’t even exchanged 100 words with the gal.
- expressed emotions & feelings just seem to be thrown in there with no build-up.
- my face made too many annoyed cringing motions to not be stated.
If this was a rough draft, I would be excited!! Like yes, this is a great start! Now start flushing out the ideas. You need to build up to these moments, and these emotions & feelings, and also please fix “Rayden comes to stand before us, his heat at my back” because it makes nO sense!
But for a published work? It misses the mark.
Not my cuppa.
I forced myself to finish. I feel like it’s a rough draft that had a Due Date and the author just said “good enough.” Which, in the Acknowledgement section, the author states: “This novel—aka, The Book Written Solely To Finish—…” so.
It’s a good skeleton, but it’s too much forced into too short a story.
Also:
- too many grammatical errors.
- insta-lovey just makes me angry. why do you wanna worship at her altar? you haven’t even exchanged 100 words with the gal.
- expressed emotions & feelings just seem to be thrown in there with no build-up.
- my face made too many annoyed cringing motions to not be stated.
If this was a rough draft, I would be excited!! Like yes, this is a great start! Now start flushing out the ideas. You need to build up to these moments, and these emotions & feelings, and also please fix “Rayden comes to stand before us, his heat at my back” because it makes nO sense!
But for a published work? It misses the mark.
Not my cuppa.
February 3, 2022
Evie's characterization of a woman who has had all choices taken from her is very authentic in the way she reacts to enemies and friends alike. Her internal monologue and struggles make for an interesting character story.
The distinction between the modern world and magic could have been more heavily explained. When jumping into a fantasy magic novel, I wasn't expecting characters to have alarm clocks or cars and whatnot. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I think the history of magic and modern technologies meshing together could have been more developed.
Overall, this was a quick and captivating read with magic, tension, and secrets. The pacing was a little too fast for my taste but it managed to move the plot along instead of dragging like many other fantasy books tend to do.
The distinction between the modern world and magic could have been more heavily explained. When jumping into a fantasy magic novel, I wasn't expecting characters to have alarm clocks or cars and whatnot. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I think the history of magic and modern technologies meshing together could have been more developed.
Overall, this was a quick and captivating read with magic, tension, and secrets. The pacing was a little too fast for my taste but it managed to move the plot along instead of dragging like many other fantasy books tend to do.
February 10, 2022
This author has ambition and character which is definitely portrayed in her writing. This story is quick but keeps me entertained all the way through. I can't wait for more books!
February 18, 2022
First off, I'd like to say that I pre-ordered PRINCE OF ASH AND SHADOW a few months before it came out and once it hit my kindle, I was SO excited and started reading it immediately and read it within 24 hours! Once I started, I couldn't stop!
The prologue drags you in immediately and starts with some awesome action and gore, setting you up for when some creepy creatures are brought into the story later on. And then chapter one starts and you meet the main character, Evie, who is hilarious! Along with most of the characters!
This book is truly an awesome world of fantasy and paranormal beings that exist with the REAL world! Which made some scenes even more hilarious when some of the characters weren't used to everyday human objects.
Evie was a great main character! Caring, strong, quirky, and a total bad ass! And don't get me started on Rayden! *drools* He became my book boyfriend at "Hello, Wife." The supporting characters were amazing too! I usually have at least someone to complain about, but I don't with this book. If I had to complain about one, I'd go with Evie's mom, but even then a lot of the scenes she was in had me laughing so much!
Overall, this book has it all and I can't wait for more! If you're looking for a unique, fast-paced, hot new fantasy book. GET THIS NOW!
The prologue drags you in immediately and starts with some awesome action and gore, setting you up for when some creepy creatures are brought into the story later on. And then chapter one starts and you meet the main character, Evie, who is hilarious! Along with most of the characters!
This book is truly an awesome world of fantasy and paranormal beings that exist with the REAL world! Which made some scenes even more hilarious when some of the characters weren't used to everyday human objects.
Evie was a great main character! Caring, strong, quirky, and a total bad ass! And don't get me started on Rayden! *drools* He became my book boyfriend at "Hello, Wife." The supporting characters were amazing too! I usually have at least someone to complain about, but I don't with this book. If I had to complain about one, I'd go with Evie's mom, but even then a lot of the scenes she was in had me laughing so much!
Overall, this book has it all and I can't wait for more! If you're looking for a unique, fast-paced, hot new fantasy book. GET THIS NOW!
February 4, 2022
Fast paced, fun read! Keeps me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
February 4, 2022
Innovative story.
February 4, 2022
Wow! An amazing tale!
I read this book in one day. It has plenty of action, good character development, and leaves you wanting more. I can not wait for the next book!
I read this book in one day. It has plenty of action, good character development, and leaves you wanting more. I can not wait for the next book!
February 3, 2022
I'm not much for reading, but this book rocks my world!!!!
February 10, 2022
This book started off great. It was bloody, there was the mysterious backstory with Evie, then they went over to her mother for protection and it lost me there. My interest took a nose dive, I left the story, ignored the book, then I came back today to finish it off because there was very little left to warrant a DNF and I was confused because I'd forgotten who the cave enemy was.
It was an okay read. However, it didn't hold my interest enough for me to feel compelled to go on with subsequent books. The long, internal monologues also killed the story for me. Then, the major thing bugging me is what will Evie be once Celestia is essentially "gone" as 98% of what she is/can do is Celestia? I loved Celestia's persona, minus the gloom and doom.
It was an okay read. However, it didn't hold my interest enough for me to feel compelled to go on with subsequent books. The long, internal monologues also killed the story for me. Then, the major thing bugging me is what will Evie be once Celestia is essentially "gone" as 98% of what she is/can do is Celestia? I loved Celestia's persona, minus the gloom and doom.
February 9, 2022
what was that?
Given that I am not a fan of Raven Kennedy, I picked up this book with fairly low expectations. However, the title reminded me of Jennifer Armentrout, so I decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, I found the book to have a disembodied sense about the AU. I couldn’t help but feel that I was missing something important - like an earlier book or previous series that might shed light onto who, what, when, where, why, or how regarding the plot and the characters.
Given that I am not a fan of Raven Kennedy, I picked up this book with fairly low expectations. However, the title reminded me of Jennifer Armentrout, so I decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, I found the book to have a disembodied sense about the AU. I couldn’t help but feel that I was missing something important - like an earlier book or previous series that might shed light onto who, what, when, where, why, or how regarding the plot and the characters.
March 8, 2022
This book was fine. The synopsis sounded interesting so I immediately started reading it and I was pretty excited. But I have to say it lost my interest around the fifty percent mark. I liked the fast paced plot but what really didn't work for me was the romance. It was just too quick. I feel like Evie and Rayden hadn't even had a proper conversation before they tumbled into bed together. The characters themselves didn't leave a mark on me. It's not bad but not my favourite book.
April 19, 2022
I am intrigued by this book. I like the characters, and I will probably purchase at least the sequel… see if Rayden and Evie can dig themselves out of the mess they are in. I feel as if the author started with the idea she would be changing perspectives more than she actually did. Mostly the story is told from Evie’s point of view. Although I like the premise a great deal, I feel as if the book is lacking details that would help give the characters more meat. Some events seem rushed. Still, an interesting read from this new author.
February 18, 2022
Stopped reading
Bizarre amount of foul Language and taking Christ’s name in vain that isn’t applicable to the situation, doesn’t add to the plot or character building. It doesn’t communicate anything extra, it’s just foul for the sake of foulness. I don’t find vapid emotional nastiness appealing and I don’t have to put up with it. I have better things to do with my time. Returned the book.
Bizarre amount of foul Language and taking Christ’s name in vain that isn’t applicable to the situation, doesn’t add to the plot or character building. It doesn’t communicate anything extra, it’s just foul for the sake of foulness. I don’t find vapid emotional nastiness appealing and I don’t have to put up with it. I have better things to do with my time. Returned the book.
February 17, 2022
Amazing, I loved this book. waiting patiently for the others x
February 28, 2022
It needs a lot of work but the concep is there. I liked the story. But I will not continue to read this saga.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews