Ash Manning (Author of Joel River and the Zombie Cheerleaders)

Ash Manning made a comment in the group Goodreads Librarians Group — This book is not mine, please move it (part 19) topic " Hello, could these books that aren't mine be removed from my profile please? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... https://www.goodreads.com/book/sho ...more "
Jun 05, 2025 02:11PM
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Ash Manning rated a book really liked it The Capital (The Knight and the Necromancer #1) by A.H. Lee	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A.H. Lee’s The Knight and the Necromancer trilogy is a delightful blend of high fantasy, slow-burn romance, and character-driven storytelling that captivated me from the first page. Set in a richly imagined world, the series follows Prince Roland, a ...more
Jun 05, 2025 02:04PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Capital by A.H. Lee. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Capital by A.H. Lee <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Ash Manning rated a book really liked it The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A Bold and Tender Medieval Romance The Scottish Boy is a striking debut novel from Alex de Campi, blending the grit of medieval warfare with the aching vulnerability of forbidden love. Set against the backdrop of 14th-century England and Scotland, the ...more
Jun 05, 2025 02:04PM · like · see review
Ash Manning rated a book really liked it Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1) by C.S. Pacat (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
C.S. Pacat’s Captive Prince is the first book in a daring and intricately plotted fantasy trilogy that defies genre expectations, offering a compelling blend of political intrigue, power dynamics, and slow-burn tension. The story follows Prince Damia ...more
Jun 05, 2025 02:04PM · like · see review
Ash Manning rated a book it was amazing Interview with the Vampire (The Vampire Chronicles, #1) by Anne Rice	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that redefined vampire fiction and left an indelible mark on gothic literature. From the very first page, Rice immerses readers in a richly atmospheric world, weaving a tale ...more
Jun 05, 2025 02:04PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Ash Manning has read The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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Ash Manning made a comment in the group Goodreads Librarians Group — This book is not mine, please move it (part 19) topic

" Hello, could these books that aren't mine be removed from my profile please?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/sho ...more "

Ash Manning joined the group Goodreads Librarians Group

Ash Manning is accepting questions on their profile page.

Ash Manning rated a book really liked it

The Capital (The Knight and the Necromancer #1)
by A.H. Lee

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A.H. Lee’s The Knight and the Necromancer trilogy is a delightful blend of high fantasy, slow-burn romance, and character-driven storytelling that captivated me from the first page. Set in a richly imagined world, the series follows Prince Roland, a A.H. Lee’s The Knight and the Necromancer trilogy is a delightful blend of high fantasy, slow-burn romance, and character-driven storytelling that captivated me from the first page. Set in a richly imagined world, the series follows Prince Roland, a noble knight returning from war, and Sairis, a reclusive necromancer with a price on his head. Their chance meeting in a tavern sets off a chain of events that intertwines their fates amidst political intrigue and looming war. Lee masterfully crafts a narrative that balances action, magic, and emotional depth, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and romance alike.([goodreads.com][1])

One of the standout aspects of the series is the nuanced development of Roland and Sairis's relationship. Their journey from wary allies to devoted partners is portrayed with authenticity and care, allowing their bond to evolve naturally over the course of the trilogy. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed with finesse, avoiding clichés and instead focusing on building trust and understanding between two individuals from vastly different backgrounds. This emotional depth adds a layer of realism to the fantasy setting, making their story all the more engaging.

The world-building in the series is both intricate and accessible. Lee introduces readers to a realm where magic, politics, and personal histories collide, creating a backdrop that is as compelling as the characters themselves. The inclusion of necromancy as a central element adds a unique twist to the traditional fantasy narrative, offering fresh perspectives and challenges for the protagonists. Moreover, the supporting cast is well-developed, each character contributing meaningfully to the overarching plot and enriching the story's tapestry.

While the series excels in many areas, there are moments where the pacing slows, particularly in the second installment, The Border. These lulls, however, are only brief and serve to deepen character development and world-building. Overall, *The Knight and the Necromancer* is a remarkable series that combines heartfelt romance with thrilling fantasy elements. It's a testament to Lee's storytelling prowess and a must-read for those seeking a tale where love and magic intertwine seamlessly. ...more

Ash Manning rated a book really liked it

The Scottish Boy
by Alex de Campi

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A Bold and Tender Medieval Romance

The Scottish Boy is a striking debut novel from Alex de Campi, blending the grit of medieval warfare with the aching vulnerability of forbidden love. Set against the backdrop of 14th-century England and Scotland, the A Bold and Tender Medieval Romance

The Scottish Boy is a striking debut novel from Alex de Campi, blending the grit of medieval warfare with the aching vulnerability of forbidden love. Set against the backdrop of 14th-century England and Scotland, the story plunges readers into a world of shifting loyalties, brutal politics, and simmering tension. At its heart is the evolving bond between Harry de Lyon, a young English knight eager to make his mark, and Iain, the mysterious, defiant Scottish prisoner turned squire. The historical detail is rich without being overwhelming, and de Campi clearly knows how to bring a period setting to life with evocative, immersive prose.

What elevates this book above many historical romances is the depth of its character work. Harry is not a flawless hero—he’s naive, impulsive, sometimes painfully uncertain—but this makes his emotional arc all the more compelling. Iain, too, is no mere love interest; he’s fierce, complex, and emotionally guarded, carrying the trauma of both personal loss and political betrayal. Their dynamic is slow-burning and often tense, layered with mistrust, yearning, and gradually growing tenderness. The emotional payoff when the two finally allow themselves to be vulnerable is beautifully written and genuinely moving.

The plot, while occasionally taking its time, balances political intrigue with personal drama in a way that feels organic. The action scenes are visceral, and the stakes—both emotional and political—feel real. De Campi does not shy away from the harshness of the medieval world, but she also never lets the brutality eclipse the hope and humanity at the novel’s core. There’s something refreshing in the way she refuses to flatten her characters into historical archetypes—they are passionate, flawed, and fully alive.

If I could wish for one thing more, it would be a slightly tighter middle section; the pacing drags in a few places where the emotional and narrative tension could have been heightened. But this is a small quibble in an otherwise deeply satisfying read. With The Scottish Boy, Alex de Campi has crafted a vivid, sensual, and emotionally intelligent love story that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and queer romance alike. ...more

Ash Manning rated a book really liked it

Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1)
by C.S. Pacat (Goodreads Author)

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C.S. Pacat’s Captive Prince is the first book in a daring and intricately plotted fantasy trilogy that defies genre expectations, offering a compelling blend of political intrigue, power dynamics, and slow-burn tension. The story follows Prince Damia C.S. Pacat’s Captive Prince is the first book in a daring and intricately plotted fantasy trilogy that defies genre expectations, offering a compelling blend of political intrigue, power dynamics, and slow-burn tension. The story follows Prince Damianos of Akielos, known as Damen, who is betrayed by his half-brother, stripped of his identity, and sent as a pleasure slave to Prince Laurent of Vere, a kingdom with a long-standing enmity toward Akielos. What unfolds is a tense, layered narrative where survival depends on wit, restraint, and navigating a court rife with cruelty and manipulation.
Pacat’s world-building is immersive and morally complex. Vere’s court is a place of decadence and danger, where appearances deceive and every gesture carries weight. Laurent, initially cold and calculating, gradually reveals himself to be a master strategist with hidden depths. The interplay between Damen and Laurent is electric, not romantic in the traditional sense, but charged with mistrust, grudging respect, and the slow erosion of assumptions. Pacat’s prose is elegant and deliberate, building tension through dialogue, and subtle shifts in power.
While the first book’s early chapters are unflinching in their depiction of slavery, violence, and sexual exploitation, these elements serve to underscore the brutal realities of the world Pacat has created. Importantly, the narrative does not romanticize abuse; instead, it uses these circumstances to explore themes of agency, resilience, and the complexities of consent. Damen’s internal struggle to maintain his dignity and moral compass in the face of dehumanization is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Captive Prince is not a standalone romance, and readers seeking immediate gratification may find the first instalment more of a slow burn. However, for those willing to invest in a character-driven story that challenges conventions and rewards patience, this book offers a rich and thought-provoking experience. It sets the stage for deeper emotional and political stakes in the sequels, making it a must-read for fans of intricate fantasy and complex character dynamics. ...more

Ash Manning rated a book it was amazing

Interview with the Vampire (The Vampire Chronicles, #1)
by Anne Rice

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Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that redefined vampire fiction and left an indelible mark on gothic literature. From the very first page, Rice immerses readers in a richly atmospheric world, weaving a tale ...more