IronEvergreen

Solid 4/5. Or 4.5? Hot damn. That was a great little read.

Over the last week, I’ve picked up a few fantasy romance books, hoping for something that would click, hoping to find something I wouldn’t want to put down. I’m grateful for my failed attempts, because it landed me here.

This book offers such a refreshing introduction to a series about warring sides of magic. I thought I’d grow tired and impatient being confined within the walls of the prison for the entirety of a book, that it would lack action and interest. But boy, was I proved wrong. I loved how the narrative both keeps you in the loop, and just enough outside of it to leave a few revelations for the reader to either be picked up on, or be shocked as hell when things click into place. (This was me, I was the shocked one, as I certainly did not pick up on everything lol).

But the best part? I stayed immersed the whole way through because of Kiva and the many others I fell in love with (Tipp, Naari, Jaren, her father and even little ‘ol Mot). Kiva inspired me endlessly through her selflessness, but more than anything she felt real - in her reactions and responses to all the cards she’s dealt. You can’t help but emphasize because she feels so human - in her fear, in her strength, and in her will to survive.

This book feels small and intricate because of its narrowed lens on life in a shameless prison and its focus on a few raw and delicate relationships we see tentatively formed. These are its greatest strengths. But by the end, the story takes on a new life and an exciting trajectory in anticipation of all that’s to come. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Couldn’t recommend enough.

After reading the series' first book, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. I wasn't a huge fan of Silla or the turn of events regarding Jonas in The Road of Bones. HOWEVER, I'm so, so glad I did! This book is a solid 4.25. The Ashen series could easily turn out to be a top series for me, depending on the next three books to be released.

I'll start with the world-building, first and foremost. Set in a world inspired by Iceland and Norse mythology, the author builds a rich culture and history of the people of Íseldur, crafted through all the details. From the geography and the unique languages to the little offerings and prayers, to the slow piecing together of the world history and its Gods, it's a world easily envisioned and made real. I also love the various creatures (especially the little spirits) and the unique expressions of Galdra (magic) in the characters. Considering the scope of the second book, the potential for this world as it continues to expand and encompass other lands and cultures has me incredibly excited.

The writing. I'm not sure what else to say about the writing, other than it couldn't have been done any better. It's mature. It's purposeful. There's no silly fluff. Never once was I confused. The various POVs make things even more interesting. It's a beautiful, easy reading experience. Please read this book. Lol.

Now, the characters. The second book is certainly on the slower side, but this is a strength as it pertains to Silla's development. In the first book, I found her to be irritating and unlikeable, even if I could understand some of her actions. But in the second book, she faces her many faults and slowly grows out of her naivety. It's not a matter of suddenly being the strongest, best female character like, ever, who has the coolest power in the land and can defeat everyone because she is simply the best (as in many fantasy books which obviously I cannot stand). Rather, the entirety of the second book seemed dedicated to her growth, as we see Silla work incredibly hard to increase her skills and strength and her Galdra, all while trying to face her guilt and fear head-on. You can't help but be proud of her. And I just know she is going to kick-ass in the next installments, not because she is the fated "best of the best", but because she's actually worked for it.

Man, then there's Rey. Winters does such an incredible job with her MMCs. And the romance? 10/10. It's a slow burn, resulting in a relationship founded on something other than Insta-lust. What a power couple. I also enjoyed discovering his backstory, meeting the fam in his hometown, and watching him slowly come to accept his own pain and open up. Gotta love Rey.

And then there's Saga. I loved the introduction to Saga's character, who, although she has many struggles of her own, slowly comes into her own strength too. I also really love the sister bond that forms and how they become each other's saving grace in many ways. That being said, I hope that going forward Winters will be able to differentiate the two sisters more, as I found a lot of similarities between them and how they act. We'll see! Finally, Kass (what don't we love about Kass?) and his customs and culture and magic are an exciting new addition to this world, especially regarding the development of the plot.

I could keep going on and on and on. But I need to end somewhere, and here's as good as any. I eagerly and impatiently await the next books, while crying a little inside as I come to terms with the fact of waiting potentially years to learn the ending of this seriously awesome series. Lol.

I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.