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4. The number of times my delicate wings have been broken and clamped behind my back.
68. The number inked upon my skin, marking me the sixty-eighth pixie to be stolen.
87. The number of days I’ve been wrongfully imprisoned.
88. The first day the faeries will regret stealing me.
Healthy. Cheery. Vivacious. All traits Rosalie has before becoming enslaved by the faeries to make an endless supply of pixie dust. Now that Rosalie has been traumatized by slave labor, extreme desolate conditions and multiple deaths, this hardened pixie is anything but. When this rebellious teenager attempts an escape, she’s isolated in cramped quarters until she learns her place. Just as she begins to let go of all that hope, she finds an unlikely friend in Jack, the faerie assigned to guard her. Interspecies dating is forbidden in the fae world, so their growing attraction is unacceptable. And even if Jack can find a way to free her, they know the prison is the only place they can truly be together.
Clean YA Fantasy.
Official Book Page: http://devonashleyauthor.com/books/of...
68. The number inked upon my skin, marking me the sixty-eighth pixie to be stolen.
87. The number of days I’ve been wrongfully imprisoned.
88. The first day the faeries will regret stealing me.
Healthy. Cheery. Vivacious. All traits Rosalie has before becoming enslaved by the faeries to make an endless supply of pixie dust. Now that Rosalie has been traumatized by slave labor, extreme desolate conditions and multiple deaths, this hardened pixie is anything but. When this rebellious teenager attempts an escape, she’s isolated in cramped quarters until she learns her place. Just as she begins to let go of all that hope, she finds an unlikely friend in Jack, the faerie assigned to guard her. Interspecies dating is forbidden in the fae world, so their growing attraction is unacceptable. And even if Jack can find a way to free her, they know the prison is the only place they can truly be together.
Clean YA Fantasy.
Official Book Page: http://devonashleyauthor.com/books/of...
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2012
35 people are currently reading
5011 people want to read
About the author
Devon Ashley
24 books986 followersI'm a mom, a lover and a fighter, a coffee addict, a total smartass, wicked knitster, a Microbiologist, a baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to the death for that last Twinkie bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, my addiction is that important to me. Oh, and I say seriously way too much. Seriously…
Ordained awarded 2011 Reader Views First Place for Best Fantasy
Favorite Silly Quote: Cedric didn't die. Carlisle found him and turned him into Edward.
Interesting Fact: I share my birthday - December 16th - with my favorite author, Jane Austen. And Theo James. That's right. Be jealous. :D
Ordained awarded 2011 Reader Views First Place for Best Fantasy
Favorite Silly Quote: Cedric didn't die. Carlisle found him and turned him into Edward.
Interesting Fact: I share my birthday - December 16th - with my favorite author, Jane Austen. And Theo James. That's right. Be jealous. :D
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October 30, 2014Who would I cast?
Rosalie: Sierra Kusterbeck of VersaEmerge, who coincidentally sings Fixed at Zero , which is the perfect theme song for Dust.
Excited for Dust? Help promote it with a sidebar banner. Code available on my site.
I might as well use this space to clear the air about Day 88 being the first day the faeries will regret stealing Rosalie. There are 88 days in Dust, and it's what Rosalie does on that final day that's gonna cause the faeries grief; hence, the first day of the nightmare that's about to come their way, but the actual regret won't be seen in book one.
Cheers! Hope you enjoy Rosalie's story as much as I do!
Rosalie: Sierra Kusterbeck of VersaEmerge, who coincidentally sings Fixed at Zero , which is the perfect theme song for Dust.
Excited for Dust? Help promote it with a sidebar banner. Code available on my site.
I might as well use this space to clear the air about Day 88 being the first day the faeries will regret stealing Rosalie. There are 88 days in Dust, and it's what Rosalie does on that final day that's gonna cause the faeries grief; hence, the first day of the nightmare that's about to come their way, but the actual regret won't be seen in book one.
Cheers! Hope you enjoy Rosalie's story as much as I do!
November 6, 2012
[image error]
Due to copy and paste formatting has been lost.
I want you all to know that I loved Dust. I couldn't get enough of the vivid imagery, the amazing creativity, or the awesome characters. I had to know what was happening, so I had to keep reading. I forced myself to stop reading last night, because I needed to get some sleep.
I thought that Rosalie was an amazing character. She was full of spunk, and I just didn't want her to fail. I wanted her to live, and to be free, and to never have to listen to anyone ever again. I didn't want her to lose her spark--her true muchness, because her muchness made the book. She is the reason that the book is so great. She's so freaking awesome, I can't put it all into words.
I also liked all the imagery--the explanations of "glamours" and how pixie dust is made, how the fairies were treated--the author didn't leave anything important out, which is usually my problem with fantasy. I just don't understand all the references. But because of Devon Ashley's awesome storytelling skills, I understood. She didn't leave out any of the appalling parts--the awful treatment of pixies by the fairies--and she definitely made it clear about what was going on.
I also really enjoyed the bit of romance that was going on, because it wasn't insta-love, nor was it all "physical". It was just good, clean romance. And I loved it--but I'm not going to tell you anymore about it. Or about the guy who she's in love with. Even though I really, really want to.
So, all in all, I enjoyed Dust, and I'll definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series--in a hyperventilating kind of way. I want it now. This is all I shall say on the subject!
Favorite Quote:
But I fear I've been left here to rot until I'm ashes and bones, so I'm starting to think that I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if it means suffering from a fall.
Due to copy and paste formatting has been lost.
I want you all to know that I loved Dust. I couldn't get enough of the vivid imagery, the amazing creativity, or the awesome characters. I had to know what was happening, so I had to keep reading. I forced myself to stop reading last night, because I needed to get some sleep.
I thought that Rosalie was an amazing character. She was full of spunk, and I just didn't want her to fail. I wanted her to live, and to be free, and to never have to listen to anyone ever again. I didn't want her to lose her spark--her true muchness, because her muchness made the book. She is the reason that the book is so great. She's so freaking awesome, I can't put it all into words.
I also liked all the imagery--the explanations of "glamours" and how pixie dust is made, how the fairies were treated--the author didn't leave anything important out, which is usually my problem with fantasy. I just don't understand all the references. But because of Devon Ashley's awesome storytelling skills, I understood. She didn't leave out any of the appalling parts--the awful treatment of pixies by the fairies--and she definitely made it clear about what was going on.
I also really enjoyed the bit of romance that was going on, because it wasn't insta-love, nor was it all "physical". It was just good, clean romance. And I loved it--but I'm not going to tell you anymore about it. Or about the guy who she's in love with. Even though I really, really want to.
So, all in all, I enjoyed Dust, and I'll definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series--in a hyperventilating kind of way. I want it now. This is all I shall say on the subject!
Favorite Quote:
But I fear I've been left here to rot until I'm ashes and bones, so I'm starting to think that I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if it means suffering from a fall.
October 20, 2012
Dust
“Why can’t our existence be like the stars? Happily twinkling and dancing in the night sky, bringing light and entertainment to all who see?” – Rosalie, Dust.
Poor Rosalie.
That was the one constant thought going through my head throughout this whole story. Rosalie is a Pixie who is stolen from her home and forced into slave labor. Devon Ashley, author of Dust, does a remarkable job of getting inside Rosalie’s head and showing the reader what the torture and torment is doing to her inner self and her faith. I’ve got to say that as far as female characters go, while Rosalie is a bit naïve she makes up for it with heart.
She is a strong female character who is used to living a carefree life. But once she’s a slave her spirit, her heart doesn’t fade and the way she stands up to the Spriggins and Finley is truly inspired. Despite the constant beat downs, the fact that they starve her and lock her away in a dark hole, she still fights for her life and for her freedom. This book is dark and full of violence, which I think makes it that much better. It proves how much a person can really live through when they are fighting for their life.
Ashley delivers a very gritty story that captures you and pulls you in. It was hard to read them breaking Rosalie’s wings and it was hard to read about how she had to defecate on the ground and eat mashed up food in rations not fit for any living creature, but it also made me see how determined she is. The conditions that Rosalie and the other Pixies were in broke my heart. It makes my heart hurt to see anyone being treated this way even and the fact that I was so emotional about it goes to show what a great job Ashley did with creating a world people could fall in love with.
My favorite part of the book though has to be when Jack was introduced. Sure he was a bit of an ass at first, but that all changed after he saw how they treated Rosalie. He took care of her, he helped her, he loved her. Watching them get to know each other and grow closer over the days she was imprisoned was a beautiful story all on its own. I seriously want to hug Jack for everything he did for Rosalie you know it’s probably going to come back and bite him in the ass, but it was so worth it. Their connection makes me let out these happy sighs.
I don’t want to give too much away about what happens with them, because I absolutely think you should read Dust and form your own opinion, but I would highly recommend this book. If you’re looking for some light fluffy read this isn’t the book for you, but if you’re looking for a book of substance with constant character growth, full of hope and courage then you’ve come to the right place.
“Why can’t our existence be like the stars? Happily twinkling and dancing in the night sky, bringing light and entertainment to all who see?” – Rosalie, Dust.
Poor Rosalie.
That was the one constant thought going through my head throughout this whole story. Rosalie is a Pixie who is stolen from her home and forced into slave labor. Devon Ashley, author of Dust, does a remarkable job of getting inside Rosalie’s head and showing the reader what the torture and torment is doing to her inner self and her faith. I’ve got to say that as far as female characters go, while Rosalie is a bit naïve she makes up for it with heart.
She is a strong female character who is used to living a carefree life. But once she’s a slave her spirit, her heart doesn’t fade and the way she stands up to the Spriggins and Finley is truly inspired. Despite the constant beat downs, the fact that they starve her and lock her away in a dark hole, she still fights for her life and for her freedom. This book is dark and full of violence, which I think makes it that much better. It proves how much a person can really live through when they are fighting for their life.
Ashley delivers a very gritty story that captures you and pulls you in. It was hard to read them breaking Rosalie’s wings and it was hard to read about how she had to defecate on the ground and eat mashed up food in rations not fit for any living creature, but it also made me see how determined she is. The conditions that Rosalie and the other Pixies were in broke my heart. It makes my heart hurt to see anyone being treated this way even and the fact that I was so emotional about it goes to show what a great job Ashley did with creating a world people could fall in love with.
My favorite part of the book though has to be when Jack was introduced. Sure he was a bit of an ass at first, but that all changed after he saw how they treated Rosalie. He took care of her, he helped her, he loved her. Watching them get to know each other and grow closer over the days she was imprisoned was a beautiful story all on its own. I seriously want to hug Jack for everything he did for Rosalie you know it’s probably going to come back and bite him in the ass, but it was so worth it. Their connection makes me let out these happy sighs.
I don’t want to give too much away about what happens with them, because I absolutely think you should read Dust and form your own opinion, but I would highly recommend this book. If you’re looking for some light fluffy read this isn’t the book for you, but if you’re looking for a book of substance with constant character growth, full of hope and courage then you’ve come to the right place.
July 20, 2014
Originally posted on my blog Where the Mome Raths Outgrabe
Disclaimer: I’m rather hungry, so I’m going to use a lot of food analogies and metaphors. Dust was delicious. I was taken in at first bite and it left me licking my plate clean, ravenous for more. I need more fae on my plate…okay that came out weird, no more food talk.
From the first page, we are vividly introduced to Devon Ashley’s world of pint sized fae. We get a sense of the true freedom Rosalie has as she flies through the forest canopy that is painted in such detail that the reader can just feel the wind rushing through her hair as Rosalie dives through the sky. But! these feelings of weightlessness are ripped away from Rosalie and the reader; she is stolen from her home, has her wings bound and broken, and is forced to make pixie dust for faeries (who in this book are their own race along with pixies and spriggans).
Rosalie’s account of survival in the faerie’s work camp is heart-wrenching -- working long days with very little food and in miserable heat. I found myself very emotionally involved in Rosalie’s journey; I would despair with her at her situation and cheer for her as she tried to overcome it. I may have even audibly ‘wooted’ when she repeatedly insists on being called her name by her captors, and not the number they assign her. Within the camp, Rosalie and the reader learn bits about her world together, and along with that, find Rosalie’s inner strength. Watching her grow into the survivor she didn’t know she was at first was beautifully and expertly done.
Dust is the first fae book I’ve read in a long time that was told by a fae. Not one that didn’t know what it was yet, not a half faerie, not a human who half-wittingly stumbled into the faerie world -- no, Rosalie is a normal pixie. Standing tall at six inches, it was pleasure to read how her small stature changed the normal forests we know into a brand new world. For example, a berry was almost a whole meal and a raccoon, instead of just being a menace, was an actual threat.
As I awkwardly noted above, I am desperate for the sequel. I need it.
Dust was received and reviewed as part of an ARC tour
[image error]
Disclaimer: I’m rather hungry, so I’m going to use a lot of food analogies and metaphors. Dust was delicious. I was taken in at first bite and it left me licking my plate clean, ravenous for more. I need more fae on my plate…okay that came out weird, no more food talk.
From the first page, we are vividly introduced to Devon Ashley’s world of pint sized fae. We get a sense of the true freedom Rosalie has as she flies through the forest canopy that is painted in such detail that the reader can just feel the wind rushing through her hair as Rosalie dives through the sky. But! these feelings of weightlessness are ripped away from Rosalie and the reader; she is stolen from her home, has her wings bound and broken, and is forced to make pixie dust for faeries (who in this book are their own race along with pixies and spriggans).
Rosalie’s account of survival in the faerie’s work camp is heart-wrenching -- working long days with very little food and in miserable heat. I found myself very emotionally involved in Rosalie’s journey; I would despair with her at her situation and cheer for her as she tried to overcome it. I may have even audibly ‘wooted’ when she repeatedly insists on being called her name by her captors, and not the number they assign her. Within the camp, Rosalie and the reader learn bits about her world together, and along with that, find Rosalie’s inner strength. Watching her grow into the survivor she didn’t know she was at first was beautifully and expertly done.
Dust is the first fae book I’ve read in a long time that was told by a fae. Not one that didn’t know what it was yet, not a half faerie, not a human who half-wittingly stumbled into the faerie world -- no, Rosalie is a normal pixie. Standing tall at six inches, it was pleasure to read how her small stature changed the normal forests we know into a brand new world. For example, a berry was almost a whole meal and a raccoon, instead of just being a menace, was an actual threat.
As I awkwardly noted above, I am desperate for the sequel. I need it.
Dust was received and reviewed as part of an ARC tour
[image error]
September 8, 2012
***Spoiler Alert***
When I first started reading Dust, I thought I had just entered the magical world of Pixie Hollow and Tinker Bell was my best friend, however, that was short lived and I soon found out that was not what Dust was about at all. Devon Ashley is an amazing author who knows how to captivate her readers and she has done it once again. I love her work and was really surprised by Dust.
Rosalie is a pixie with spunk and she inst about to let anyone take that away from her. When she is captured from her Hollow and forced into slavery by the faeries to make pixie dust, she fights them all the way. Rosalie can't understand why nobody tried to fight and escape the faeries instead most of the pixies either give up and just live in a mess day by day or they literally give up and commit suicide feeling that would be better than slavery.
After a close friend dies, Rosalie tries to plan an escape to save all the pixies however, when she does try to escape she is caught and thrown in the hole, where she is tortured repeatedly. This doesnt stop her, she keeps fighting even after her wings have been severely broken and she can't move to save her own life.
When Jack is assigned to guard Rosalie as his own punishment, he is devastated to find out that she isn't a criminal as he was led to believe and when he goes to his father who is on the council he is even more shocked to find out that he is already aware and isn't doing anything to stop it. Jack helps Rosalie to heal from her beatings and the more time he spends with her, he starts to have feelings for her and vice verse, but they can't be together mixing faerie and pixie just doesnt happen anymore so they try to hide their feelings for one another, until they just cant any more.
Thats when Jack decides it is time to find away to help Rosalie escape, however their is just too may guards to get out of the city.
And that's pretty much how Devon Ashley leaves it, not knowing whether or not they escape and if they can ever be together. She leaves audience wanting more. Dust is so enticing its hard not to get swept into it and want to continue the story. I can't wait for their to be a sequel to Dust, I will definitely read it and I highly recommend Dust to all.
When I first started reading Dust, I thought I had just entered the magical world of Pixie Hollow and Tinker Bell was my best friend, however, that was short lived and I soon found out that was not what Dust was about at all. Devon Ashley is an amazing author who knows how to captivate her readers and she has done it once again. I love her work and was really surprised by Dust.
Rosalie is a pixie with spunk and she inst about to let anyone take that away from her. When she is captured from her Hollow and forced into slavery by the faeries to make pixie dust, she fights them all the way. Rosalie can't understand why nobody tried to fight and escape the faeries instead most of the pixies either give up and just live in a mess day by day or they literally give up and commit suicide feeling that would be better than slavery.
After a close friend dies, Rosalie tries to plan an escape to save all the pixies however, when she does try to escape she is caught and thrown in the hole, where she is tortured repeatedly. This doesnt stop her, she keeps fighting even after her wings have been severely broken and she can't move to save her own life.
When Jack is assigned to guard Rosalie as his own punishment, he is devastated to find out that she isn't a criminal as he was led to believe and when he goes to his father who is on the council he is even more shocked to find out that he is already aware and isn't doing anything to stop it. Jack helps Rosalie to heal from her beatings and the more time he spends with her, he starts to have feelings for her and vice verse, but they can't be together mixing faerie and pixie just doesnt happen anymore so they try to hide their feelings for one another, until they just cant any more.
Thats when Jack decides it is time to find away to help Rosalie escape, however their is just too may guards to get out of the city.
And that's pretty much how Devon Ashley leaves it, not knowing whether or not they escape and if they can ever be together. She leaves audience wanting more. Dust is so enticing its hard not to get swept into it and want to continue the story. I can't wait for their to be a sequel to Dust, I will definitely read it and I highly recommend Dust to all.
October 9, 2012
Review of Dust by Devon Ashley
I warn you, don't stop reading this book because the beginning is all Disney fairies-like in pixie hollow kind of thing. It is so misleading; I cannot state that more strongly. Keep reading, it is over so fast that you are left with mouth agape and wondering, what just happened? Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet opening, I love any kind of fairy story, even the perfect world Tinkerbell kind of stories. This is just not that, which was awesome! So, fair warning.
The rest of the story finds Rosalie, the main fairy character in this story, kidnapped and possibly left for dead in deep, dark, rank hole of a cave. Who did this to her? More importantly, why? She discovers she has been snatched to work as a slave making pixie dust for the larger Faeries in this magical world. They are left with near nothing to eat and long hours of arduous work. How can anyone last that long in such horrible conditions? Plus, being a flying fairy, she gets to experience the horrendous pain of having her wings broken and weighted as a way to keep them from escaping.
I was shocked. Poor Rosalie! She is so likable in her determination to make it out of that hell hole alive. But there are others there, others she befriends and worries about. Can she escape and get them out too? With the help of a new Faery guard Jack, who finds this prison beyond his morals and finds himself falling hard for the little pixie, help her make it back home?
I loved this story! It was so sad in some parts that I found myself teary eyed and just wanting to cry. I felt for the characters and enjoyed the vivid imagery, though most of it takes part in a dark, dirty prison cell. I absolutely adored Jack! He was so dreamy and a gentleman, who can’t help but fall for him? He is a huge part of her life now and I want to see what happens in book 2 with these two. The story gets you sucked into the emotions and lives of these fairies, you won’t want it to end.
Totally get en-snarled in this fantasy full of magic, love and some shockers.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I warn you, don't stop reading this book because the beginning is all Disney fairies-like in pixie hollow kind of thing. It is so misleading; I cannot state that more strongly. Keep reading, it is over so fast that you are left with mouth agape and wondering, what just happened? Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet opening, I love any kind of fairy story, even the perfect world Tinkerbell kind of stories. This is just not that, which was awesome! So, fair warning.
The rest of the story finds Rosalie, the main fairy character in this story, kidnapped and possibly left for dead in deep, dark, rank hole of a cave. Who did this to her? More importantly, why? She discovers she has been snatched to work as a slave making pixie dust for the larger Faeries in this magical world. They are left with near nothing to eat and long hours of arduous work. How can anyone last that long in such horrible conditions? Plus, being a flying fairy, she gets to experience the horrendous pain of having her wings broken and weighted as a way to keep them from escaping.
I was shocked. Poor Rosalie! She is so likable in her determination to make it out of that hell hole alive. But there are others there, others she befriends and worries about. Can she escape and get them out too? With the help of a new Faery guard Jack, who finds this prison beyond his morals and finds himself falling hard for the little pixie, help her make it back home?
I loved this story! It was so sad in some parts that I found myself teary eyed and just wanting to cry. I felt for the characters and enjoyed the vivid imagery, though most of it takes part in a dark, dirty prison cell. I absolutely adored Jack! He was so dreamy and a gentleman, who can’t help but fall for him? He is a huge part of her life now and I want to see what happens in book 2 with these two. The story gets you sucked into the emotions and lives of these fairies, you won’t want it to end.
Totally get en-snarled in this fantasy full of magic, love and some shockers.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
September 12, 2012
My rating: 4/5 stars
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Pixies and pixie dust. First thing you think is Tinkerbell, right? And the story starts pretty much the bubbly and happy pixie way, but soon turn into something completely different.
I did expect something pretty dark based on the synopsis, but I was still pretty surprised. Because.. Who would ever think about torturing Tinkerbell?! Well, Devon did, and I wasn't disappointed! In a good way ;)
Rosalie lives her life somewhat happily, until someone takes her. She ends up enslaved by the faeries and her only purpose is to make pixie dust for them.
But since she got some serious attitude, she ends up spending a lot of time in a prison. Where she meets Jack, surprisingly kind faerie. They bond and even though they know they can't be together, they can't really help how they feel.
I'm pretty sure this was my first pixie read and this wasn't what I expected! As I mentioned, this was pretty dark read. But thanks to Devon, you don't end up depressed but hopeful and happy, even under the circumstances. Characters and emotions were believable, and Devon did absolutely brilliant job at those!
My absolutely favorite part was the romance. When Rosalie ends up in prison, you just start hoping she'll get her prince in shining armor, and there he is! Not only were they sweet and adorable, but also funny, since there's some really humorous parts in the story.
And the first thought after finishing this was.. O-M-G, this rocks, I want more! Now I've had some time to digest the story, and I actually start loving it even more. It's unique, funny and vivid and you can't help but fall in love with the characters. And don't be scared, there's so much more than just torturing Tinkerbel! ;)
Huge thanks to author for providing a review copy!
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Pixies and pixie dust. First thing you think is Tinkerbell, right? And the story starts pretty much the bubbly and happy pixie way, but soon turn into something completely different.
I did expect something pretty dark based on the synopsis, but I was still pretty surprised. Because.. Who would ever think about torturing Tinkerbell?! Well, Devon did, and I wasn't disappointed! In a good way ;)
Rosalie lives her life somewhat happily, until someone takes her. She ends up enslaved by the faeries and her only purpose is to make pixie dust for them.
But since she got some serious attitude, she ends up spending a lot of time in a prison. Where she meets Jack, surprisingly kind faerie. They bond and even though they know they can't be together, they can't really help how they feel.
I'm pretty sure this was my first pixie read and this wasn't what I expected! As I mentioned, this was pretty dark read. But thanks to Devon, you don't end up depressed but hopeful and happy, even under the circumstances. Characters and emotions were believable, and Devon did absolutely brilliant job at those!
My absolutely favorite part was the romance. When Rosalie ends up in prison, you just start hoping she'll get her prince in shining armor, and there he is! Not only were they sweet and adorable, but also funny, since there's some really humorous parts in the story.
And the first thought after finishing this was.. O-M-G, this rocks, I want more! Now I've had some time to digest the story, and I actually start loving it even more. It's unique, funny and vivid and you can't help but fall in love with the characters. And don't be scared, there's so much more than just torturing Tinkerbel! ;)
Huge thanks to author for providing a review copy!
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
November 28, 2012
First Thoughts:
I absolutely love the cover of this book! It is whimsical and just plain awesomeness. I most likely would not have picked this book up if not for the Dust ARC Tour hosted by The Book Babe. Although I am super glad that I joined the tour and had the chance to read this wonderful story.
And Then:
When I first started this book, I honestly didn't think it was going to be for me. It starts off pretty cutesy. The main character, Rosalie, is in her hollow where she lives, she is talking about the other pixies that live there, how they live, the pranks they play, ect. It is all very nice and well, cute. I need some dark to my stories...and boy did I get it! Devon Ashley was not afraid to go there. She really showed the horrible side to this beautiful world. The suffering was so sad, but it was what made the story real. This was unlike any book about fairies that I have ever read. The plot was completely unique and beautifully written. The imagery was vivid and memorable. I have a perfect picture in my mind of what Rosalie's world looks like, hell, I think I even know what it smells like! Rosalie is a strong and determined little pixie! The girl has fight for days, and the biggest heart. I was rooting for her the whole way. The romance in this story was unexpected and really sweet. It was not love at first sight like so many other YA novels. I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop. There was an exciting cliff-hanger ending, so I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
This is a truly heartfelt and touching book. I was amazed at the way Devon Ashley brought light to so many human issues, but from the point of view of the fae. It is a fun book with so many beautiful moments. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy and is looking for a quick read. ( I read this book in one sitting.)
Rating: 4/5 Stars
I absolutely love the cover of this book! It is whimsical and just plain awesomeness. I most likely would not have picked this book up if not for the Dust ARC Tour hosted by The Book Babe. Although I am super glad that I joined the tour and had the chance to read this wonderful story.
And Then:
When I first started this book, I honestly didn't think it was going to be for me. It starts off pretty cutesy. The main character, Rosalie, is in her hollow where she lives, she is talking about the other pixies that live there, how they live, the pranks they play, ect. It is all very nice and well, cute. I need some dark to my stories...and boy did I get it! Devon Ashley was not afraid to go there. She really showed the horrible side to this beautiful world. The suffering was so sad, but it was what made the story real. This was unlike any book about fairies that I have ever read. The plot was completely unique and beautifully written. The imagery was vivid and memorable. I have a perfect picture in my mind of what Rosalie's world looks like, hell, I think I even know what it smells like! Rosalie is a strong and determined little pixie! The girl has fight for days, and the biggest heart. I was rooting for her the whole way. The romance in this story was unexpected and really sweet. It was not love at first sight like so many other YA novels. I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop. There was an exciting cliff-hanger ending, so I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
This is a truly heartfelt and touching book. I was amazed at the way Devon Ashley brought light to so many human issues, but from the point of view of the fae. It is a fun book with so many beautiful moments. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy and is looking for a quick read. ( I read this book in one sitting.)
Rating: 4/5 Stars
December 9, 2012
Dust is a fresh new take on pixies and faeries. We meet a strong pixie named Rosalie who's tough and determined and a hunky faerie named Jack. I loved everything about Dust.
September 15, 2012
My review can also be found on Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.ca/2012/0...
Anyone who knows my taste in books knows I love reading about the fey...and I usually love each author's unique take based on this magical world. I've always been intrigued by the fey's capriciousness, their passion, their otherworldliness, their hierarchies, and I even have a bit of a fascination with their cruelty. Dust by Devon Ashley encompasses all these things in an interesting way and packages it up in a grim little tale that had me totally sucked in.
However, I will confess that I was quite worried at the beginning...and must have let out an audible groan when I began the first chapter where we're introduced to Rosalie and her Hollow...a small population made up entirely of PIXIES...as in the 6", and sometimes mischievous, variety! I already knew the story was about a pixie and pixie dust but I have to confess that I wasn't thinking Tinkerbell size little faeries...but here they were. But I also know from experience that you have to give a book more time than just the first chapter before drawing conclusions so I sat back and patiently carried on. Before too long, I forgot Rosalie's diminutive size and the small world around her and was totally pulled in to the story and her plight...and Rosalie and her fellow pixies became life-size with their monumental struggles.
And I have to give kudos to the author for pulling me in and getting me past the initial wariness I had with a story about little pixies, too. Her world building and character development was wonderfully entwined in the story. We first learn about Rosalie through her simple, care-free life in the Hollow before her little world comes crashing down around her when she's stolen by the more powerful fae, and kept isolated and starved before she is forced into a pixie slave-labour camp. To the powerful fae, pixies are at the bottom of the totempole. Above them are the spriggans who are considered the enforcers for the fae and then the true faeries themselves are at the top of the food chain where they have been capturing pixies for years, using them till there is nothing left but a hollow husk, to manufacture pixie dust used to create their illusions.
This is so NOT a Tinkerbell tale...as this story is dark and illustrates the cruelty faeries are often capable of. And they can be very cruel!
As I mentioned, we follow the story through Rosalie. To say that this little pixie is small and sweet would be a terrible injustice! Sure, she started off that way -- initially, she didn't have a care in the world except the peer pressure she felt from her best friend to start 'courting'. Rosalie is a bit of a loner and appreciates nature more than anyone in her Hollow. But when she is stolen away into the cruel life forced upon her, she literally becomes larger than life. I can't under-emphasize the lengths of cruelty the fae put upon her with the intention of breaking her spirit...and at many times, they nearly succeeded but she found the strength deep within herself and became all the stronger for it. She managed to keep her insecurities hidden when required and kept her snarky personality at the forefront, which sometimes got the better of her and subjected her to even more tortures. But her strength was so admirable that there was no way that I could not root for Rosalie!
During one of Rosalie's bouts of imprisonment, she finds an unlikely ally in Jack, a faerie who is sent to guard her as his own punishment for playing one too many pranks. There is an obvious and expected contentiousness between them at first, but through the horrors of Rosalie's captivity at the hands of Finley and his brute spriggans, a friendship blossoms, which eventually becomes something much more and I was a total sap for it.
I adored Jack! He showed another side of the fae that gave us hope that not ALL of them are capable of such evilness. The things he did for Rosalie, often humiliating at times for her, just made me appreciate him all the more. And as their relationship grew...so did the realization that their being together is absolutely forbidden. But Jack was unselfishly bound and determined to free Rosalie from her imprisonment.
If I had one complaint, it would be that this story suffered from a little TMI (too much information) at times. While I'll admit that I have sometimes wondered in other stories what the characters do when 'nature calls' while being kept in a crude prison, this story didn't leave anything to the imagination. However, I believe that the author intended it to be that way because it resulted in me feeling so bad for Rosalie having to suffer the humiliation of such issues in front of Jack...and he definitely saw her at her worst.
The ending does wrap up on a bit of a cliffhanger, and left me wanting more...so you can bet that I'm on board for the sequel!!
Finally, I'd like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to it's release.
January 1, 2013
From http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
3.5 stars
At A Glance
I loved the unique concept and dark feel to Dust. I was glued to the pages, I just wish more happened.
The Good
Here's The Story...
Rosalie is a young, energetic pixie who loves to spend her time with mother earth. That is until she is enslaved by fairies and used for free labor making pixie dust. In this pixie prison, Rosalie sees horrors and desolation beyond comprehension. Almost driven to the point of madness, Rosalie attempts to escape. But is soon captured and punished with isolation and torture. But Jack, her fairy guard, is different from the other fairies. He's kind and supportive and cares for Rosalie more than he would like to admit. He is resolute in helping her escape but Rosalie's growing feelings for Jack make her hesitant to leave him behind.
From Darkness to Light...
I read the summary of this book and was like, "Fairies? Pixies? Am all over it." And yes, they were all only inches tall. So. Cute. But then I started reading the book and I was like, "Oh, not so cute. More like dark, sinister, and heart-breaking." And I liked the book so much more for it. This is not a fairytale, this is a story about slavery, pain, endurance and love. Strange combination, right? But it worked. And though this story is dark, it also has light. Jack and Rosalie build this relationship in a dark hole of despair and find solace in one another.
Rosalie...
Rosalie was so spirited and energetic in the beginning. She didn't quite fit in with the rest of her people, but she found a place for herself within the plants and flowers. Her world was ripped from her when she was taken. She had known nothing but friendship and peace until she was introduced to starvation, non-stop manual labor, and death. The pixies in the prison die often from overwork and desolation. Rosalie held out for a long time. I was proud of her, but the air of hopelessness does finally catch up with her. It broke my heart to see her become like the rest of the catatonic pixies. Then the motherly figure, Juniper, builds Rosalie back up. I loved Juniper, she was so gentle and kind. She gave Rosalie her will to live back.
What Happens in the Hole, Stays in the Hole...
It was even more heartbreaking when Rosalie was thrown in a dark, deep hole where she was tortured repeatedly with the breaking of her wings. I could feel the pain she was going through with Ashley's descriptive writing. I was so relieved when Jack came into the picture. It seemed like there was no hope before him. At first, Jack was not very likable. He was a spoiled brat who treated Rosalie like trash. But we soon learn the truth behind his bad behavior and his caring for her makes the reader start to love him. Jack and Rosalie go through things no one should have to go through. Ashley did not hold back on the indignities of imprisonment, which made the whole experience that much more realistic.
So Much More...
The writing was mesmerizing and detailed. I could picture every scene in great detail be it beautiful or horrible. The pixie/fairy aspect was so fun. It changes a lot of the dynamics because these people are no more than 7 inches tall. The the ending was both heart-breaking and exhilarating. And it stressed the crap out of me. I was so nervous and then Ashley had to end it at a vital part, so you can't wait to read the second book. There is so much of the story left to be written. I can't wait for book two.
The Bad
There is nothing big that I didn't like about this book. But there was a sense of...lacking. As if something was missing. I think not enough happened to wow me. For me, something substantial must happen to make me say a book is amazing. But Dust focuses on the day to day happenings of an imprisoned pixie...and that's it. I'm hoping the second book really picks up.
The Snuggly
This is a very clean book. The relationship between Jack and Rosalie hasn't even scratched the surface in Dust.
Final Thoughts
Dust is like no other fairy book I have read. It's a perfect mixture of dark and light. It takes you down a dismal path that will leave you aching for the characters, but you know there has to be a happy ending somewhere. Or at least we can hope. A very recommended read.
Quotes
“Why can't our existence be like the stars? Happily twinkling and dancing in the night sky, bringing light and entertainment to all who see? The stars make everyone ponder unanswered questions, makes everyone smile. And no matter who you are, where you are or what you've done, they're always there for you. No matter what.”
*****
“My name is Rosalie. I may be smaller, I may be weaker, but I was born free, should die free. You will not take this from me.”
3.5 stars
At A Glance
I loved the unique concept and dark feel to Dust. I was glued to the pages, I just wish more happened.
The Good
Here's The Story...
Rosalie is a young, energetic pixie who loves to spend her time with mother earth. That is until she is enslaved by fairies and used for free labor making pixie dust. In this pixie prison, Rosalie sees horrors and desolation beyond comprehension. Almost driven to the point of madness, Rosalie attempts to escape. But is soon captured and punished with isolation and torture. But Jack, her fairy guard, is different from the other fairies. He's kind and supportive and cares for Rosalie more than he would like to admit. He is resolute in helping her escape but Rosalie's growing feelings for Jack make her hesitant to leave him behind.
From Darkness to Light...
I read the summary of this book and was like, "Fairies? Pixies? Am all over it." And yes, they were all only inches tall. So. Cute. But then I started reading the book and I was like, "Oh, not so cute. More like dark, sinister, and heart-breaking." And I liked the book so much more for it. This is not a fairytale, this is a story about slavery, pain, endurance and love. Strange combination, right? But it worked. And though this story is dark, it also has light. Jack and Rosalie build this relationship in a dark hole of despair and find solace in one another.
Rosalie...
Rosalie was so spirited and energetic in the beginning. She didn't quite fit in with the rest of her people, but she found a place for herself within the plants and flowers. Her world was ripped from her when she was taken. She had known nothing but friendship and peace until she was introduced to starvation, non-stop manual labor, and death. The pixies in the prison die often from overwork and desolation. Rosalie held out for a long time. I was proud of her, but the air of hopelessness does finally catch up with her. It broke my heart to see her become like the rest of the catatonic pixies. Then the motherly figure, Juniper, builds Rosalie back up. I loved Juniper, she was so gentle and kind. She gave Rosalie her will to live back.
What Happens in the Hole, Stays in the Hole...
It was even more heartbreaking when Rosalie was thrown in a dark, deep hole where she was tortured repeatedly with the breaking of her wings. I could feel the pain she was going through with Ashley's descriptive writing. I was so relieved when Jack came into the picture. It seemed like there was no hope before him. At first, Jack was not very likable. He was a spoiled brat who treated Rosalie like trash. But we soon learn the truth behind his bad behavior and his caring for her makes the reader start to love him. Jack and Rosalie go through things no one should have to go through. Ashley did not hold back on the indignities of imprisonment, which made the whole experience that much more realistic.
So Much More...
The writing was mesmerizing and detailed. I could picture every scene in great detail be it beautiful or horrible. The pixie/fairy aspect was so fun. It changes a lot of the dynamics because these people are no more than 7 inches tall. The the ending was both heart-breaking and exhilarating. And it stressed the crap out of me. I was so nervous and then Ashley had to end it at a vital part, so you can't wait to read the second book. There is so much of the story left to be written. I can't wait for book two.
The Bad
There is nothing big that I didn't like about this book. But there was a sense of...lacking. As if something was missing. I think not enough happened to wow me. For me, something substantial must happen to make me say a book is amazing. But Dust focuses on the day to day happenings of an imprisoned pixie...and that's it. I'm hoping the second book really picks up.
The Snuggly
This is a very clean book. The relationship between Jack and Rosalie hasn't even scratched the surface in Dust.
Final Thoughts
Dust is like no other fairy book I have read. It's a perfect mixture of dark and light. It takes you down a dismal path that will leave you aching for the characters, but you know there has to be a happy ending somewhere. Or at least we can hope. A very recommended read.
Quotes
“Why can't our existence be like the stars? Happily twinkling and dancing in the night sky, bringing light and entertainment to all who see? The stars make everyone ponder unanswered questions, makes everyone smile. And no matter who you are, where you are or what you've done, they're always there for you. No matter what.”
*****
“My name is Rosalie. I may be smaller, I may be weaker, but I was born free, should die free. You will not take this from me.”
April 7, 2013
5 out of 5 stars
Looky! Looky! Santa/Daddy decided I’d been good last year and got me exactly what I asked for! It was such a great read that I finished it on Christmas day.
This story was an engaging, fascinating tale and Ms. Ashley certainly isn’t afraid of making her characters endure hell. Though this was a wonderful book and I enjoyed it immensely, as noted by the five sparkling stars, there was one thing I had a problem with.
The plot:
In a world of faeries, pixies, and spriggans, young Rosalie is different from the other young pixlings. She prefers the presence of nature to that of her hyper-active roommate and the quiet of the trees to the chatter of her friends. Then one day she is abducted and made into a slave for the faeries along with dozens of other pixies to make an endless supply of pixie dust. There she witnesses and suffers terrible conditions and brutal treatment of her and her kind while trying to stay alive and maintain her sanity. Then, after the death of a close friend, Rosalie snaps and attempts an escape. She fails and is thrown in prison where a boyish young faerie is assigned to break her, but ends up falling in love with her instead.
Now, here’s my problem—this story is labeled “romance” and, once that element got going, it was incredibly sweet, touching, and heart-melting. However, there are 336 pages in this book and we get to page 171 before we actually meet Jack, our love interest. I’ve contemplated this problem, wondering if the author could have cut down on the beginning portion, the part where Rosalie is imprisoned and working as a slave, and came to the conclusion that a good deal of it was necessary to the development of the plot. Yet I think about a hundred pages of the “hardship” sequence could have done with snipping or been condensed or perhaps the “romance” sequence been lengthened. As it is, it felt a bit lopsided.
The characters:
Okay, so I seriously considered taking down my star rating by one, but I enjoyed this book way too much to do that. Rosalie is compassionate, kind, and yet has enough steel in her to keep from buckling under the horrible conditions she and the others are subjected to. Her relationship with Jack was my kind of love story—sweet with heaps of difficulty for good measure. It was interesting to see her begin to question the social convention of her pixie hollow and even wonder if some parts of faerie family structure were better.
Jack was adorable. In the beginning, he’s a bit of a spoiled brat and more than a little mad at Rosalie because he thinks she’s a criminal and blames her for having to watch her instead of running around with his friends. But as time goes on and Jack realizes that Rosalie was kidnapped and forced into bondage for no reason, he becomes more empathetic and even protective. He cares for her wounds and begins to make plans to free her, even though that will probably mean never seeing her again.
There were several other characters we are introduced to in the first 171 pages of the book—Poppy, Rosalie’s roommate; Holly, the matriarch of the captive pixies; Willow, the sardonic, kind of mean pixie who is softer on the inside, but with an understandably prickly exterior; and Finley, the sadistic, narcissistic faerie who assigns Jack to Rosalie in the first place. The supporting cast was diverse and interesting and each served their purpose in the story. But I must admit, I got kind of impatient for the romance element to get going and didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to them.
In conclusion, I am very much looking forward to the next installment of the Of Dust and Darkness series and I recommend it to fans of clean, sweet, YA romance who don’t mind a 171-page wait for the romance to start. I do think it’s worth a try!
Looky! Looky! Santa/Daddy decided I’d been good last year and got me exactly what I asked for! It was such a great read that I finished it on Christmas day.
This story was an engaging, fascinating tale and Ms. Ashley certainly isn’t afraid of making her characters endure hell. Though this was a wonderful book and I enjoyed it immensely, as noted by the five sparkling stars, there was one thing I had a problem with.
The plot:
In a world of faeries, pixies, and spriggans, young Rosalie is different from the other young pixlings. She prefers the presence of nature to that of her hyper-active roommate and the quiet of the trees to the chatter of her friends. Then one day she is abducted and made into a slave for the faeries along with dozens of other pixies to make an endless supply of pixie dust. There she witnesses and suffers terrible conditions and brutal treatment of her and her kind while trying to stay alive and maintain her sanity. Then, after the death of a close friend, Rosalie snaps and attempts an escape. She fails and is thrown in prison where a boyish young faerie is assigned to break her, but ends up falling in love with her instead.
Now, here’s my problem—this story is labeled “romance” and, once that element got going, it was incredibly sweet, touching, and heart-melting. However, there are 336 pages in this book and we get to page 171 before we actually meet Jack, our love interest. I’ve contemplated this problem, wondering if the author could have cut down on the beginning portion, the part where Rosalie is imprisoned and working as a slave, and came to the conclusion that a good deal of it was necessary to the development of the plot. Yet I think about a hundred pages of the “hardship” sequence could have done with snipping or been condensed or perhaps the “romance” sequence been lengthened. As it is, it felt a bit lopsided.
The characters:
Okay, so I seriously considered taking down my star rating by one, but I enjoyed this book way too much to do that. Rosalie is compassionate, kind, and yet has enough steel in her to keep from buckling under the horrible conditions she and the others are subjected to. Her relationship with Jack was my kind of love story—sweet with heaps of difficulty for good measure. It was interesting to see her begin to question the social convention of her pixie hollow and even wonder if some parts of faerie family structure were better.
Jack was adorable. In the beginning, he’s a bit of a spoiled brat and more than a little mad at Rosalie because he thinks she’s a criminal and blames her for having to watch her instead of running around with his friends. But as time goes on and Jack realizes that Rosalie was kidnapped and forced into bondage for no reason, he becomes more empathetic and even protective. He cares for her wounds and begins to make plans to free her, even though that will probably mean never seeing her again.
There were several other characters we are introduced to in the first 171 pages of the book—Poppy, Rosalie’s roommate; Holly, the matriarch of the captive pixies; Willow, the sardonic, kind of mean pixie who is softer on the inside, but with an understandably prickly exterior; and Finley, the sadistic, narcissistic faerie who assigns Jack to Rosalie in the first place. The supporting cast was diverse and interesting and each served their purpose in the story. But I must admit, I got kind of impatient for the romance element to get going and didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to them.
In conclusion, I am very much looking forward to the next installment of the Of Dust and Darkness series and I recommend it to fans of clean, sweet, YA romance who don’t mind a 171-page wait for the romance to start. I do think it’s worth a try!
September 11, 2012
I don't normally judge a book by its cover, but the gorgeous look of DUST made me want to read it. I'm not a fan of faeries or pixies whatsoever, but the summary of this book was so enticing that at the moment I wanted to grab a copy and devour it.
DUST reminds me Tinkerbell and the Pixie Hallow. It reminds me of those cute and adorable Disney fairies which I loved and enjoyed watching. Though this book isn't entirely about fairy tales and happy endings, I think it's beautiful and inspiring.
Before the Spriggans captured Rosalie, she was living with her roommate Poppy in their Hollow. She was an adventurous, free-spirited little pixie who finds happiness and comfort in her humble little tree-house. Now, she's living in a pit away from home with fellow slaves who have broken wings and deteriorating bodies. They are forced to work long hours making magic dusts--deprived of food and most of all, freedom. This isn't that Rosalie wish for and she will do her best to get her freedom back and save the other pixies from forced labor and near death. But in her attempt to escape, she was caught and put back into prison for torture and breaking of her wings. She prepared herself for the worst, but what she didn't expect was to become friends with the suddenly nice, gorgeous faerie who is assigned to guard her.
The story is interesting and might as well unique since I haven't read any stories like this one before. I'd say though, that the first half of the book was a little slow for me and I was fighting the urge to skip a few lines just to get to the part where the action and romance will happen. During the first part of the story, I felt mixture of emotions, most of them sadness and pity for those poor pixies that were deprived of their freedom and soon die without hope. It was a bit emotional for me too, especially when it comes to the characters I began to care for. I just think that it could have been more exciting if we could see more than just glimpses of the other characters in the story. I can see big potentials for some of those minor characters and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in the next installments.
Even though the first half was a little slow for me, I'd say that my favorite part happened in the second half of the book. When I pictured Jack descending from the top of the prison down to the hole where Rosalie was, I finally see myself smiling and dreaming for that love story that I was waiting for since the beginning of the book. It wasn't love at first sight but their chemistry has been obvious to me ever since. I know that some may find their romantic relationship a bit rushed but I still enjoy it and the fact that these two characters finally found each other made me giddy and excited. I know there are more to anticipate in their relationship and I want to see how everything will work out for the two of them.
Some books know how to make their readers hanging by the end of the story, and this book did it BIG time! I wasn't expecting something like that. And I wasn't prepared for such a cliffhanger ending. This book surprised me! After the ending I was left open-mouthed. I didn't know how to react at first. It wasn't something I expected but I believe it's good that the readers have something more to anticipate in the coming sequel.
If you're looking for a fast and enjoyable read that will touch your imagination as well as your heart, read this book. It has a promising plot, interesting storyline, and likable characters. I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward for the next book.
DUST reminds me Tinkerbell and the Pixie Hallow. It reminds me of those cute and adorable Disney fairies which I loved and enjoyed watching. Though this book isn't entirely about fairy tales and happy endings, I think it's beautiful and inspiring.
Before the Spriggans captured Rosalie, she was living with her roommate Poppy in their Hollow. She was an adventurous, free-spirited little pixie who finds happiness and comfort in her humble little tree-house. Now, she's living in a pit away from home with fellow slaves who have broken wings and deteriorating bodies. They are forced to work long hours making magic dusts--deprived of food and most of all, freedom. This isn't that Rosalie wish for and she will do her best to get her freedom back and save the other pixies from forced labor and near death. But in her attempt to escape, she was caught and put back into prison for torture and breaking of her wings. She prepared herself for the worst, but what she didn't expect was to become friends with the suddenly nice, gorgeous faerie who is assigned to guard her.
The story is interesting and might as well unique since I haven't read any stories like this one before. I'd say though, that the first half of the book was a little slow for me and I was fighting the urge to skip a few lines just to get to the part where the action and romance will happen. During the first part of the story, I felt mixture of emotions, most of them sadness and pity for those poor pixies that were deprived of their freedom and soon die without hope. It was a bit emotional for me too, especially when it comes to the characters I began to care for. I just think that it could have been more exciting if we could see more than just glimpses of the other characters in the story. I can see big potentials for some of those minor characters and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in the next installments.
Even though the first half was a little slow for me, I'd say that my favorite part happened in the second half of the book. When I pictured Jack descending from the top of the prison down to the hole where Rosalie was, I finally see myself smiling and dreaming for that love story that I was waiting for since the beginning of the book. It wasn't love at first sight but their chemistry has been obvious to me ever since. I know that some may find their romantic relationship a bit rushed but I still enjoy it and the fact that these two characters finally found each other made me giddy and excited. I know there are more to anticipate in their relationship and I want to see how everything will work out for the two of them.
Some books know how to make their readers hanging by the end of the story, and this book did it BIG time! I wasn't expecting something like that. And I wasn't prepared for such a cliffhanger ending. This book surprised me! After the ending I was left open-mouthed. I didn't know how to react at first. It wasn't something I expected but I believe it's good that the readers have something more to anticipate in the coming sequel.
If you're looking for a fast and enjoyable read that will touch your imagination as well as your heart, read this book. It has a promising plot, interesting storyline, and likable characters. I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward for the next book.
October 15, 2012
I got this book for review from the author, Devon Ashley. I've seen this book around before and I've always thought it sounded amazing. The cover is just gorgeous and so magical looking. I also love the catchphrase on the left up corner; With broken wings we fly. It fits perfectly with this fantastic story. The first part of the synopsis is very alluring to me because of the numbers. It just totally catches the attention of the reader in my opinion. The other half of the synopsis suck the reader also right in. Pixies enslaved by faeries? Sounds fascinating, right? Well, it didn't only sound that way, it was also pretty darn good!
Dust is a very original fae story that sets around a sixteen-year-old pixie girl named Rosalie. She lives in her Hollow with other pixies. She loves is there and yet she seems to be kind of an outsider. Even so, she would never have dreamed about leaving her home. One thing she hadn't count on was getting kidnapped to be forced into slavery. It's where this tale gets a darker twist. And I just loved it!
I was hooked instantly by this story. The writing, I mean, wow! It was amazing. So detailed and simply mesmerizing to read. I can say that this is one of the best books I've read writing-wise. I could simply not stop reading! So, it's not surprising at all that I finished this book in less than two days. So good!
I'm also very excited to check out some more of Devon Ashley's books. I have a feeling they'll also be brillant as Dust is.
I loved Rosalie. She's truly one of the best main characters I have read about. I had never read about pixies except for Tinker Bell. Rosalie is so damn brave, spunky, smart and absolutely not a quitter. We need more of this kind of female main characters ASAP!
I also loved Juniper and Willow, pretty much the two only pixies also trapped in the slavery with Rosalie that still could think straight. Juniper was so sweet, such a mother figure. I was pretty much crying when she died. It was so terribly sad. Willow on the other hand was more of a tough, don't get in my face kinda girl, but when Juniper died she and Rosalie got a little closer. I liked that.
I loved this entire fae world. I've always loved books like that but this one is absolutely, without a doubt high on my favorite list. There were some dark scenes, where I could almost feel Rosalie's torment, especially when they broke her wings over and over again. But it's dark YA books like these that I find amazing.
It took a little while before Jack came into the story. But once he did, I knew right away that I would love him. He's so darn cute. And so sweet to Rosalie, once he got over being stuck with her for punishment. Slowly but surely I saw their feelings for one another grow. It was so refreshing to read something like this for a change, where love slowly grows instead of the insta-love you read almost in every YA book nowadays. And did I mention it's forbidden love? Who can resist that!
The end was heartbreaking and so hard for me to read. I just wanted for Rosalie and Jack to stay together and be happy even though I knew it had to happen like this. Thank god there will be a second book! I, for one cannot wait to get my hands on it. I can only hope it'll be as mind blowing as this one.
Dust is a captivating fae tale with a dash of romance that will entertain any reader who is remotely interested in reading young adult fantasy, paranormal or just any books that's simply astonishing to read with its richly detailed writing.
Dust is a very original fae story that sets around a sixteen-year-old pixie girl named Rosalie. She lives in her Hollow with other pixies. She loves is there and yet she seems to be kind of an outsider. Even so, she would never have dreamed about leaving her home. One thing she hadn't count on was getting kidnapped to be forced into slavery. It's where this tale gets a darker twist. And I just loved it!
I was hooked instantly by this story. The writing, I mean, wow! It was amazing. So detailed and simply mesmerizing to read. I can say that this is one of the best books I've read writing-wise. I could simply not stop reading! So, it's not surprising at all that I finished this book in less than two days. So good!
I'm also very excited to check out some more of Devon Ashley's books. I have a feeling they'll also be brillant as Dust is.
I loved Rosalie. She's truly one of the best main characters I have read about. I had never read about pixies except for Tinker Bell. Rosalie is so damn brave, spunky, smart and absolutely not a quitter. We need more of this kind of female main characters ASAP!
I also loved Juniper and Willow, pretty much the two only pixies also trapped in the slavery with Rosalie that still could think straight. Juniper was so sweet, such a mother figure. I was pretty much crying when she died. It was so terribly sad. Willow on the other hand was more of a tough, don't get in my face kinda girl, but when Juniper died she and Rosalie got a little closer. I liked that.
I loved this entire fae world. I've always loved books like that but this one is absolutely, without a doubt high on my favorite list. There were some dark scenes, where I could almost feel Rosalie's torment, especially when they broke her wings over and over again. But it's dark YA books like these that I find amazing.
It took a little while before Jack came into the story. But once he did, I knew right away that I would love him. He's so darn cute. And so sweet to Rosalie, once he got over being stuck with her for punishment. Slowly but surely I saw their feelings for one another grow. It was so refreshing to read something like this for a change, where love slowly grows instead of the insta-love you read almost in every YA book nowadays. And did I mention it's forbidden love? Who can resist that!
The end was heartbreaking and so hard for me to read. I just wanted for Rosalie and Jack to stay together and be happy even though I knew it had to happen like this. Thank god there will be a second book! I, for one cannot wait to get my hands on it. I can only hope it'll be as mind blowing as this one.
Dust is a captivating fae tale with a dash of romance that will entertain any reader who is remotely interested in reading young adult fantasy, paranormal or just any books that's simply astonishing to read with its richly detailed writing.
December 8, 2012
I received Dust for review from the author Devon Ashley in return for a honest review. Rosalie grew up in a Hallow where are the Pixie children are raised together by the village. While the other pixies are teens are thinking about courting and finding mates all Rosalie wants to do is enjoy her time in the forest. On a night when a storm is brewing Rosalie is attacked taken from her home only to wake up in a hole in the ground. After several days of being neglected she's moved into the pit with the other pixies, where they are forced to make pixie dust for the fairies.
All pixies have their wings broken and iron clamped on them to keep them at their backs, they are fed minimal food and forced to work sun up to sun down. When the leader of the little group dies from the abuse Rosalie has enough and takes the chance to make a break for it when she sees that the place they are kept is glamoured. However she doesn't make it far before she's captured and put back into the dark hole. The warden of the prison visits her in attempt to break her will but Rosalie is stronger then most and won't give up, he even has her wings broken 68 times. When Jack gets in trouble at home for a prank he's in put in charge of breaking Rosalie but he's not like the warden.
Instead of beating Rosalie he brings her more food, medicine to help her wings. The once severely malnourished pixie starts to get put some weight on looking more like her own self. The more time the pair spends together they find themselves developing feelings for each other. Yet Fairies and Pixies are two different species and aren't meant to be together. When the warden shows up and has Rosalie’s wings broken again because Jack isn't beating her down, he decides it's time to get her out.
Dust is about Rosalie after she's taken from the hollow her experiences while living as a prisoner of the fairies. I really loved Rosalie as a character she's unique unlike the other pixies in her hollow she's strong willed and fighter. No matter how bad her time is in the hole she's still a fighter and I admire how she doesn't give up. I like the relationship between Jack and Rosalie she needs someone who is like her and willing to protect her even if it risks himself. The story-line is fast paced full of action, emotions, trials and tribulations that kept me drawn in right from the start. I had a really hard time putting Dust down and frankly I didn't till I finished. Only to find I have to wait till the next one comes out. I wish I had it now or maybe yesterday so I could start it. I want to know what's going to happen in the next chapter of Rosalie's life. I don't want to spoil the book but one of the best books I've read this year for sure. It has everything I could of asked for, plus characters I connected with a really loved.
September 20, 2012
The introduction of this book was a pleasant surprise. I was so caught up in the Pixies and their own little world. I loved how Rosalie described her home and her friends Poppy, Mustard, and Tin. Everything just felt so real. Devon writes in a different style and it is one that I can appreciate. She makes sure to leave out no detail at all, no matter if it is big or small. When you introduce a new world like this, as a writer, you almost have to pretend that you are writing to an audience of people who have no knowledge of fantastical worlds so that you don’t leave anything out.
Rosalie’s character is courageous and I knew from the start that she has a slight desire to leave the fae world and see what else was out there. I almost wanted her to stay and explore the world of the fae more just so I could meet other Pixies and Fairies for myself; I know totally selfish of me. The imagery is beautiful and the descriptions from Rosalie led me to believe that I was going to be reading a book that was light and fun and would explore this fairy world more and more. I didn’t get very far into the book before I realized that I had made the wrong assumption.
This book takes a drastic turn near the very start. Rosalie is captured and is taken into what seems to me like a slave labor ring. Her wings are broken and her life has been changed in a way that she never saw coming. It almost made me feel bad for Rosalie because only a few pages prior to this she made a few comments about wanting more. She got out of the confined like fairy realm that she was living in, but this one is vial and cruel and I did not like it at all. I was taken aback by what happened and I just couldn’t help but picture these tiny little fairies laboring away all day without decent sleep or food.
I loved the writing of the book and I think Devon does a great job of taking you, as the reader, on an incredible journey where you will meet some inspiring and rough around the edges characters. I just did not like all the torture and suffering that these captured fairies faced. I was so sad for most of the book and I wanted to be happy about something. I felt like I did grow closer to Rosalie and I loved her character more at the end of the book than at the beginning.
***An e-copy of this book was provided to me by the author in participation with her blog tour***
Rosalie’s character is courageous and I knew from the start that she has a slight desire to leave the fae world and see what else was out there. I almost wanted her to stay and explore the world of the fae more just so I could meet other Pixies and Fairies for myself; I know totally selfish of me. The imagery is beautiful and the descriptions from Rosalie led me to believe that I was going to be reading a book that was light and fun and would explore this fairy world more and more. I didn’t get very far into the book before I realized that I had made the wrong assumption.
This book takes a drastic turn near the very start. Rosalie is captured and is taken into what seems to me like a slave labor ring. Her wings are broken and her life has been changed in a way that she never saw coming. It almost made me feel bad for Rosalie because only a few pages prior to this she made a few comments about wanting more. She got out of the confined like fairy realm that she was living in, but this one is vial and cruel and I did not like it at all. I was taken aback by what happened and I just couldn’t help but picture these tiny little fairies laboring away all day without decent sleep or food.
I loved the writing of the book and I think Devon does a great job of taking you, as the reader, on an incredible journey where you will meet some inspiring and rough around the edges characters. I just did not like all the torture and suffering that these captured fairies faced. I was so sad for most of the book and I wanted to be happy about something. I felt like I did grow closer to Rosalie and I loved her character more at the end of the book than at the beginning.
***An e-copy of this book was provided to me by the author in participation with her blog tour***
September 13, 2012
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis as part of the Dust blog tour. Thanks to Devon Ashley.)
Rosalie is a pixie who likes nothing more than sleeping in a bed of leaves in her old tree-house (much to her housemate’s disgust). She likes to be left alone, and is a bit of a free spirit. Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to face though.
Drugged, kidnapped, and nearly killed, Rosalie finds herself imprisoned by fairies, branded with a number, and forced into a fairy dust production line. Rosalie isn’t going to go down without a fight though, and is determined to escape.
A failed attempt leaves her imprisoned in a pit with a fairy guard (Jack), who seem to care about her more than he should, and even though relationships between pixies and fairies is against the rules, Rosalie finds herself falling for Jack.
Can Rosalie ever hope to escape the fairy dust factory though? Can she rescue all the other kidnapped pixies? And can a relationship between a pixie and a fairy ever be allowed?
This was a sweet fairy tale, with a bit of a bite! Poor Rosalie is wrongfully imprisoned and used as a slave, and she’s the only one with the spunk to try and escape. She’s a strong character, and doesn’t just want to save herself, but to save all the other pixies too, even the ones she doesn’t really like.
Jack is such a sweet character also, and shows such caring and consideration for Rosalie even when she is imprisoned and not looking her best. I also liked some of the other pixies that Rosalie meets in the prison and the relationships she forms with them.
The story had a lot of different elements to it, and flowed nicely, and I liked the descriptions of the pixies village and communities and stuff, as well as the way that Rosalie felt about them.
Overall; this was an interesting and different fairy tale, and I’m interested to see what happens in the next instalment!
7.5 out of 10.
Rosalie is a pixie who likes nothing more than sleeping in a bed of leaves in her old tree-house (much to her housemate’s disgust). She likes to be left alone, and is a bit of a free spirit. Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to face though.
Drugged, kidnapped, and nearly killed, Rosalie finds herself imprisoned by fairies, branded with a number, and forced into a fairy dust production line. Rosalie isn’t going to go down without a fight though, and is determined to escape.
A failed attempt leaves her imprisoned in a pit with a fairy guard (Jack), who seem to care about her more than he should, and even though relationships between pixies and fairies is against the rules, Rosalie finds herself falling for Jack.
Can Rosalie ever hope to escape the fairy dust factory though? Can she rescue all the other kidnapped pixies? And can a relationship between a pixie and a fairy ever be allowed?
This was a sweet fairy tale, with a bit of a bite! Poor Rosalie is wrongfully imprisoned and used as a slave, and she’s the only one with the spunk to try and escape. She’s a strong character, and doesn’t just want to save herself, but to save all the other pixies too, even the ones she doesn’t really like.
Jack is such a sweet character also, and shows such caring and consideration for Rosalie even when she is imprisoned and not looking her best. I also liked some of the other pixies that Rosalie meets in the prison and the relationships she forms with them.
The story had a lot of different elements to it, and flowed nicely, and I liked the descriptions of the pixies village and communities and stuff, as well as the way that Rosalie felt about them.
Overall; this was an interesting and different fairy tale, and I’m interested to see what happens in the next instalment!
7.5 out of 10.
December 20, 2013
This review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com!
“I realize with each passing second how difficult it’ll be to escape this nightmare.”
Are you looking for a story that’s unique and original, that transports the reader to another place, an escape from your own reality? This book is it. That’s not to say that this book is a light and easy read. Some of it is even quite difficult and harrowing: even though the characters are of the fae, the author makes the pain and torture of their slavery feel quite real.
The world building is beautifully detailed, but not overly so, never interfering with the flow of the plot. It’s just enough to draw the reader in; I feel like I now know what it looks and feels like to be a pixie, albeit a tortured and enslaved but very strong and brave pixie. Rosalie, our heroine, is a survivor and a leader. She endures the extreme pain of having her wings broken, slave labor, starvation, and torture. But, she still holds on to the hope that there is an escape, and she is determined to save all of the other pixies, those that are not as strong as herself. Any reader can’t help but feel for and cheer for this sassy, spunky, and incredibly courageous character.
I enjoyed the chaste, though forbidden romance between Rosalie and Jack. There’s something about relationships formed in extreme circumstances an in the face of extreme characters: a connection and understanding based on a shared experience and such a strong bond. Even in the darkness of their circumstances, there was lightness and even moments of humor in their romance.
This book is appropriate for YA readers but is certainly a book for adults as well. I loved the entire journey, the immersive storytelling, and the fae characters that feel human in their own way. This first book in the series left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
“I realize with each passing second how difficult it’ll be to escape this nightmare.”
Are you looking for a story that’s unique and original, that transports the reader to another place, an escape from your own reality? This book is it. That’s not to say that this book is a light and easy read. Some of it is even quite difficult and harrowing: even though the characters are of the fae, the author makes the pain and torture of their slavery feel quite real.
The world building is beautifully detailed, but not overly so, never interfering with the flow of the plot. It’s just enough to draw the reader in; I feel like I now know what it looks and feels like to be a pixie, albeit a tortured and enslaved but very strong and brave pixie. Rosalie, our heroine, is a survivor and a leader. She endures the extreme pain of having her wings broken, slave labor, starvation, and torture. But, she still holds on to the hope that there is an escape, and she is determined to save all of the other pixies, those that are not as strong as herself. Any reader can’t help but feel for and cheer for this sassy, spunky, and incredibly courageous character.
I enjoyed the chaste, though forbidden romance between Rosalie and Jack. There’s something about relationships formed in extreme circumstances an in the face of extreme characters: a connection and understanding based on a shared experience and such a strong bond. Even in the darkness of their circumstances, there was lightness and even moments of humor in their romance.
This book is appropriate for YA readers but is certainly a book for adults as well. I loved the entire journey, the immersive storytelling, and the fae characters that feel human in their own way. This first book in the series left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 29, 2012
This book should be given a reward for how amazing it is, I think this is the best book I've read and I've read hundreds of books.I wont lie I may have cried once or twice ( maybe five times, but who's counting?).
Okay, lets get serious now, I'm not going to give anything away on how this ends or any juicy detail, but if you like books about pixies with romance and some violence in it you'll love this. There is nothing about this book that I would want changed, though I wished the pixies and fairies were taller, there size in this though doesn't even matter really and it fits in with the story.
About the book, the main character is Rosalie, Rosalie is a fierce, strong-willed and extremely determined female pixie, I prefer main female characters to be strong and independent, and boy was Rosalie all that and more! Back on track, Rosalie was taken from her Hollow ( where she lives) and was brought to a place run by fairies, to be a slave and make pixie dust. While there she meets other pixie slaves, makes friends and see's some die. After a close friends death, Rosalie sees a way out, but gets caught trying to escape. She's put into a pit and has her wings broken and is starved until Jack is forced to watch her and punish her until she's broken. Jack at first seems like a real spoiled ass, but as the story goes on you can see that he really starts to care about Rosalie and takes care of her, after he watches the Warden break Rosalie's wings in sixty-eight spots because Jack wasn't torturing her.
I'm going to stop there because anything else might give it away, but this book is truly amazing and had me hooked from the first few chapters in, and I didn't stop reading until I finished it. This was a fast read, and I will definitely read the next one when it comes.
Okay, lets get serious now, I'm not going to give anything away on how this ends or any juicy detail, but if you like books about pixies with romance and some violence in it you'll love this. There is nothing about this book that I would want changed, though I wished the pixies and fairies were taller, there size in this though doesn't even matter really and it fits in with the story.
About the book, the main character is Rosalie, Rosalie is a fierce, strong-willed and extremely determined female pixie, I prefer main female characters to be strong and independent, and boy was Rosalie all that and more! Back on track, Rosalie was taken from her Hollow ( where she lives) and was brought to a place run by fairies, to be a slave and make pixie dust. While there she meets other pixie slaves, makes friends and see's some die. After a close friends death, Rosalie sees a way out, but gets caught trying to escape. She's put into a pit and has her wings broken and is starved until Jack is forced to watch her and punish her until she's broken. Jack at first seems like a real spoiled ass, but as the story goes on you can see that he really starts to care about Rosalie and takes care of her, after he watches the Warden break Rosalie's wings in sixty-eight spots because Jack wasn't torturing her.
I'm going to stop there because anything else might give it away, but this book is truly amazing and had me hooked from the first few chapters in, and I didn't stop reading until I finished it. This was a fast read, and I will definitely read the next one when it comes.
December 21, 2012
When I first started reading dust I really wasn't sure if it was going to be something I enjoyed. It was definitely different from a lot of books i have been reading lately. Pixies are not creatures i have read a lot of books about, which was a refreshing change of pace! The first 50 pages, nothing was really peeking my interest. Then as I continued things really got going. After awhile you couldn't do anything but feel sorry for poor Rosalie. She continued to wedge her way into my heart the more I read on.
I really liked how realistic the whole imprisonment was. I have read plenty of damsel in distress books in the past where these women are being held captive and have been mistreated but they have rarely come across as real dire situations. There was no doubt in Dust how dire Rosalie's situation was. Devon Ashley really left nothing for you to assume was going on. She painted a very hopeless picture for these pixies and left no little detail out. I really enjoyed that. It wasn't your typical paranormal romance where the prince comes storming in to save a beautiful women who looked no worse for wear after extreme torture. Rosalie was truly what you would expect to see after all the brutalizing she endured.
I also liked the dynamic between Rosalie and Jack. There was no insta love between them, their relationship slowly progressed with the book. Their love was not the main focus of everything, which was nice too. It left me wanting more which is what a good first book in a series does! I look forward to book 2 coming out so I can see where Rosalie's journey takes her next.
I really liked how realistic the whole imprisonment was. I have read plenty of damsel in distress books in the past where these women are being held captive and have been mistreated but they have rarely come across as real dire situations. There was no doubt in Dust how dire Rosalie's situation was. Devon Ashley really left nothing for you to assume was going on. She painted a very hopeless picture for these pixies and left no little detail out. I really enjoyed that. It wasn't your typical paranormal romance where the prince comes storming in to save a beautiful women who looked no worse for wear after extreme torture. Rosalie was truly what you would expect to see after all the brutalizing she endured.
I also liked the dynamic between Rosalie and Jack. There was no insta love between them, their relationship slowly progressed with the book. Their love was not the main focus of everything, which was nice too. It left me wanting more which is what a good first book in a series does! I look forward to book 2 coming out so I can see where Rosalie's journey takes her next.
April 15, 2013
3.5 stars
I am constantly searching for new stories and diamonds in the rough, and I think that Devon Ashley's Dust was both. The book is not divided by chapters, but by the number of days Rosalie spends in captivity. The first half of the book is written mostly in Rosalie's head and though there are others around, the pixie slaves don't talk much. Around the midway point Rosalie tries to escape and is thrown in solitude for her efforts. That is when the male love interest comes into play. Jack is there to break Rosalie's spirt, but for the first week he only ignores her. Slowly Jack starts to give Rosalie extra food, water and healing ointment, and through his kindness friendship between the two grows and toward the end love. I think that the love element was nice, it wasn't rushed or forced because the meet for the first time halfway through the book. Rosalie isn't like other female characters when presented with a love interest, she doesn't fall for him immediately, there is no instant attraction that causes fire in her blood, their love comes from friendships. I thought that the characters were believable and relatable and the story just flowed nicely. I would recommend this book more to a younger audience than a mature one, because though the book flows, it flows plainly and continuously with no big cliffhangers. The synopsis of the book really lays the cards on the table for the book, if you aren't intrigued by the synopsis, then most likely this book will bore you. I think if you are just looking for a light, quick read, with no soul mates or vampires, then pick up Dust and give it a try.
I am constantly searching for new stories and diamonds in the rough, and I think that Devon Ashley's Dust was both. The book is not divided by chapters, but by the number of days Rosalie spends in captivity. The first half of the book is written mostly in Rosalie's head and though there are others around, the pixie slaves don't talk much. Around the midway point Rosalie tries to escape and is thrown in solitude for her efforts. That is when the male love interest comes into play. Jack is there to break Rosalie's spirt, but for the first week he only ignores her. Slowly Jack starts to give Rosalie extra food, water and healing ointment, and through his kindness friendship between the two grows and toward the end love. I think that the love element was nice, it wasn't rushed or forced because the meet for the first time halfway through the book. Rosalie isn't like other female characters when presented with a love interest, she doesn't fall for him immediately, there is no instant attraction that causes fire in her blood, their love comes from friendships. I thought that the characters were believable and relatable and the story just flowed nicely. I would recommend this book more to a younger audience than a mature one, because though the book flows, it flows plainly and continuously with no big cliffhangers. The synopsis of the book really lays the cards on the table for the book, if you aren't intrigued by the synopsis, then most likely this book will bore you. I think if you are just looking for a light, quick read, with no soul mates or vampires, then pick up Dust and give it a try.
January 2, 2013
See the full review at Short & Sweet Reviews!
I haven't read too many books about fae in the past, so I didn't really know what to expect out of this book, especially one where there are absolutely no humans present. Rosalie doesn't interact with the human world at all, and in fact doesn't even mention them at all. So it was neat to read something that focused entirely on the world of pixie, faeries, and other woodland creatures. The author does some pretty cool worldbuilding that is presented in a way that usually doesn't feel like an "info-dump" whenever Rosalie is explaining certain things about hierarchy, expectations, community life, and different species of fae.
I do wish that we'd gotten to learn more about Jack and his personality. We see him for only brief periods of time whenever he is checking on Rosalie, so she herself is still learning about him. I suspect we'll learn more about him in the next books. I did expect more of the book to be devoted to her revenge against her captors, given the line of "the first day the faeries will regret stealing me" in the summary. Instead, the book is all about her captivity, so I'm guessing the other books in the series will be about her exposing her captors.
The book was a quick read and while there was some level of violence towards Rosalie and the other captive pixies, the romance aspect was very clean. For the first book in a series it did its job very well - it introduced the major players, made me care about Rosalie and what happened to her, and made you want to read more!
I haven't read too many books about fae in the past, so I didn't really know what to expect out of this book, especially one where there are absolutely no humans present. Rosalie doesn't interact with the human world at all, and in fact doesn't even mention them at all. So it was neat to read something that focused entirely on the world of pixie, faeries, and other woodland creatures. The author does some pretty cool worldbuilding that is presented in a way that usually doesn't feel like an "info-dump" whenever Rosalie is explaining certain things about hierarchy, expectations, community life, and different species of fae.
I do wish that we'd gotten to learn more about Jack and his personality. We see him for only brief periods of time whenever he is checking on Rosalie, so she herself is still learning about him. I suspect we'll learn more about him in the next books. I did expect more of the book to be devoted to her revenge against her captors, given the line of "the first day the faeries will regret stealing me" in the summary. Instead, the book is all about her captivity, so I'm guessing the other books in the series will be about her exposing her captors.
The book was a quick read and while there was some level of violence towards Rosalie and the other captive pixies, the romance aspect was very clean. For the first book in a series it did its job very well - it introduced the major players, made me care about Rosalie and what happened to her, and made you want to read more!
February 3, 2014
I was excited about the prospect of reading Dust because I have read stories about Faeries yet until now I have not read any about pixies. The cover is also beautiful, although as I soon discovered the color and beauty it promises is very misleading.
Devon Ashley introduces the reader to Rosalie, an adventurous pixie who is unhappy with the mundane life in her village. Yet before she has time to say "I really am grateful" she is kidnapped, her wings are broken, her magic taken and she is forced into slave labour.
Rosalie and her fellow prison mates are making pixie-dust for faeries from dawn until dusk, then living in cramped conditions, with minimum food rations, all stolen from their homes and families and some pixies choosing suicide as a better way.
As Rosalie is such a passionate pixie Devon Ashley is able to communicate her emotions clearly, helping the reader to sympathize with her situation.
After a rescue attempt Rosalie is taken to the faerie dungeons where she is tortured, until she is given Jack as a guard. Jack approaches his new charge differently, leaving her food and water, especially when he discovers the truth about the pixies. The relationship between Jack and Rosalie is slow-burning, particularly as cross-species dating is forbidden, but there is a sweetness in the way Devon Ashley describes a look, a touch, or even the way one of the pair responds to a comment.
The ending of Dust both leaves the reader on the edge of their seat and hopeful for the next installment of the Of Dust and Darkness series, and despite this being an emotional read I can now officially say Dust has left me a pixie fan!!
Devon Ashley introduces the reader to Rosalie, an adventurous pixie who is unhappy with the mundane life in her village. Yet before she has time to say "I really am grateful" she is kidnapped, her wings are broken, her magic taken and she is forced into slave labour.
Rosalie and her fellow prison mates are making pixie-dust for faeries from dawn until dusk, then living in cramped conditions, with minimum food rations, all stolen from their homes and families and some pixies choosing suicide as a better way.
As Rosalie is such a passionate pixie Devon Ashley is able to communicate her emotions clearly, helping the reader to sympathize with her situation.
After a rescue attempt Rosalie is taken to the faerie dungeons where she is tortured, until she is given Jack as a guard. Jack approaches his new charge differently, leaving her food and water, especially when he discovers the truth about the pixies. The relationship between Jack and Rosalie is slow-burning, particularly as cross-species dating is forbidden, but there is a sweetness in the way Devon Ashley describes a look, a touch, or even the way one of the pair responds to a comment.
The ending of Dust both leaves the reader on the edge of their seat and hopeful for the next installment of the Of Dust and Darkness series, and despite this being an emotional read I can now officially say Dust has left me a pixie fan!!
December 15, 2013
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.
Firstly I would like to thank the author, the publisher and the tour organizing company for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.
This really was a fantastic read and I really enjoyed it very much. It's an unique take on Fae fantasy where we got to get a glimpse of a pixie's life and also got to experience the world through her eyes and words. I love first person POV and I enjoyed it a lot in here.
Coming to the characters, well they were just awesome and well developed. My personal favourite is Rosalie obviously and I adored her strength and resolve. She is confident and can think a way out in dire situations as well. The romance is cute and I love forbidden romances so it was a treat for me.
I loved the writing style of the author as well. It's so descriptive and full of details that you will be able to visualize the entire story while reading it and this was really necessary to make the readers a part of this new and unique world that the author created so beautifully. Making the readers enjoy the story through Rosalie's POV really was hard to pull but the author pulled that up and made me really connected to Rosalie emotionally and my heart wrenched witnessing her miserable conditions.
I'm really looking forward to the sequel and really excited to carry on experiencing the upcoming challenges and opportunities that Rosalie would come along. A great read with a totally new and unique Fae world that will totally impress you and you'll find it hard to put this book down, it's so addictive !!! Enjoy guys !!!
Firstly I would like to thank the author, the publisher and the tour organizing company for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.
This really was a fantastic read and I really enjoyed it very much. It's an unique take on Fae fantasy where we got to get a glimpse of a pixie's life and also got to experience the world through her eyes and words. I love first person POV and I enjoyed it a lot in here.
Coming to the characters, well they were just awesome and well developed. My personal favourite is Rosalie obviously and I adored her strength and resolve. She is confident and can think a way out in dire situations as well. The romance is cute and I love forbidden romances so it was a treat for me.
I loved the writing style of the author as well. It's so descriptive and full of details that you will be able to visualize the entire story while reading it and this was really necessary to make the readers a part of this new and unique world that the author created so beautifully. Making the readers enjoy the story through Rosalie's POV really was hard to pull but the author pulled that up and made me really connected to Rosalie emotionally and my heart wrenched witnessing her miserable conditions.
I'm really looking forward to the sequel and really excited to carry on experiencing the upcoming challenges and opportunities that Rosalie would come along. A great read with a totally new and unique Fae world that will totally impress you and you'll find it hard to put this book down, it's so addictive !!! Enjoy guys !!!
January 6, 2013
I am a huge faery fan, so I was so excited to be asked to review DUST. On my nook, the book is only a mere 150 pages. Dust is a fairly short read and I easily knocked it out pretty quickly. What I loved about the book was the plot: a pixie that gets wrongfully imprisoned and seeks for a way out. Another thing I liked about it is that these pint size faeries and pixies are the sole characters; not a single human to be found. To me, I find that is rare. So many books today are about fae and humans and the fae are usually human size. I was actually pleased with this twist and think it was so well done.
DUST is a clean YA book but there are several areas in the story that are kind of hard to read about. Rosalie is no longer in her familiar Hollow where she is safe and protected. She gets thrown into horrible living conditions and nearly starved to death by her captors. The torture they inflict on her is beyond disgusting and hurtful. I found myself having to skip over a few parts just because reading about it was just too hard.
Things did get better as we near the last third of the book when we get introduced to a new character: Jack. I actually really enjoyed him and loved when they were spending time together. I loved Ashley’s take on the romance…we slowly see the feelings grow between the two without it being rushed. But when the end comes we are left with a major cliffhanger; not knowing what happens to Rosalie and Jack. I really look forward to reading the next book and more of Ashley’s work. I love her writing style and think she is just an amazing author.
DUST is a clean YA book but there are several areas in the story that are kind of hard to read about. Rosalie is no longer in her familiar Hollow where she is safe and protected. She gets thrown into horrible living conditions and nearly starved to death by her captors. The torture they inflict on her is beyond disgusting and hurtful. I found myself having to skip over a few parts just because reading about it was just too hard.
Things did get better as we near the last third of the book when we get introduced to a new character: Jack. I actually really enjoyed him and loved when they were spending time together. I loved Ashley’s take on the romance…we slowly see the feelings grow between the two without it being rushed. But when the end comes we are left with a major cliffhanger; not knowing what happens to Rosalie and Jack. I really look forward to reading the next book and more of Ashley’s work. I love her writing style and think she is just an amazing author.
September 21, 2012
Thank you Devon for giving me the opportunity to read and review Dust! It was an awesome book. Hearing that this book was about pixies I didnt know what to expect, wondering if it was going to be more like the pixie's in the need series or the fae in one of the many fae books out there. I was pleasantly surprised that it was kind of dark to be a pixie story. It starts off with Rosalie in her homemade tree house in the Hollow. I love the way Devon was with her imagery throughout the book. When Rosalie gets taken and stuck in the hole its awful, Just the way Devon paints the picture for our imagination makes me cringe and feel sorry for poor Rosalie. I am happy to see that the pixies atleast in some aspects still try to stick it to the man(well faeries in this case) by not caring how pure the mushroom particles are to make the pixie dust. Rosalie was a great MC, She had spunk even though she was being abused and starved she still tried to keep faith with the other pixies to escape. When she gets caught and stuck back in the hole I didnt know what to expect to happen. I am glad Jack came along even though he was kind of immature in the beginning he kind of grew on me towards the end. I cannot wait for the second book to be released so I can devour it just like I did with Dust. Readers who enjoy stories with strong willed MC's will enjoy Dust.
December 17, 2012
This is actually the first book about Pixies I've ever read. My initial reaction to the beautiful cover and ever so enticing summary, convinced me almost instantly, this was a book I just had to pick up. I was not disappointed, not in the least! Dust is different, it’s a take on pixies that I honestly never thought to imagine. In my mind, when I think “Pixie”, I think Tinkerbell. Yes I know, that’s totally cliché. But my mind went there. Couldn’t help it.
So here I am imagining Tinkerbell kidnapped and chained up, starved and tortured. It was an unforgettable story, that’s for sure. It was something new. Something different to add to my pile of books that all fall into a category somewhat the same.
For all that was in me, I couldn’t stop reading. I kept turning pages in hopes that the main character would eventually break free of her shackles and find her way. Then we're introduced to Jack and suddenly I see hope for our little pixie friend! All the more reason to keep reading! All in all, I'd say this was a pretty great read. I really enjoyed this peak into the world of pixie, and look forward to reading more from the author as well! I'm definitely a fan of her writing.
Four stars from me!
So here I am imagining Tinkerbell kidnapped and chained up, starved and tortured. It was an unforgettable story, that’s for sure. It was something new. Something different to add to my pile of books that all fall into a category somewhat the same.
For all that was in me, I couldn’t stop reading. I kept turning pages in hopes that the main character would eventually break free of her shackles and find her way. Then we're introduced to Jack and suddenly I see hope for our little pixie friend! All the more reason to keep reading! All in all, I'd say this was a pretty great read. I really enjoyed this peak into the world of pixie, and look forward to reading more from the author as well! I'm definitely a fan of her writing.
Four stars from me!
November 22, 2013
4.5 Stars
Rosalie was happy with her life in her Hallow. Taking care of nature and enjoying life as a regular Pixie, until the day she viciously kidnapped and thrown in a hole for four days. When she's released from the pit she's thrust into a new life as a slave to faries forced into making pixi dust for her captors. But she's strong and she's not gonna take captivity lightly, so when she tries to escape and is caught she thrust into the pit once again. This time though they won't let her out until she's well and truely broken, she wasn't expecting Jack. Jack got into trouble for a little prank and his punishment is reforming a stubborn Pixie, but when he finds out the truth of her enslavement he determines to help her. But what will happen along the way?
It took a little while to get into this Pixie world, but once there I was completly sucked in. Rosalie's independance and strength shine throughout the story and you root for her the whole time. Jack, once he found out what was really going on, is a real rock for Rose and I loved seeing his determation to help her out. Great read no matter what age you are.
Rosalie was happy with her life in her Hallow. Taking care of nature and enjoying life as a regular Pixie, until the day she viciously kidnapped and thrown in a hole for four days. When she's released from the pit she's thrust into a new life as a slave to faries forced into making pixi dust for her captors. But she's strong and she's not gonna take captivity lightly, so when she tries to escape and is caught she thrust into the pit once again. This time though they won't let her out until she's well and truely broken, she wasn't expecting Jack. Jack got into trouble for a little prank and his punishment is reforming a stubborn Pixie, but when he finds out the truth of her enslavement he determines to help her. But what will happen along the way?
It took a little while to get into this Pixie world, but once there I was completly sucked in. Rosalie's independance and strength shine throughout the story and you root for her the whole time. Jack, once he found out what was really going on, is a real rock for Rose and I loved seeing his determation to help her out. Great read no matter what age you are.
September 19, 2012
Dust is an original tale of the fae world in which one girl is kidnapped and forced into slave labor, constantly looking for a way out. I’ve never been much of a fan of fairies or pixies, but Devon brings a new spin to a tired genre.
Rosalie enjoys her pixie family, but she’s always felt as if there’s something more for her beyond the trees. Being kidnapped, however, is not what she had in mind. Forced into mining for pixie dust, Rosalie realizes she’s definitely in for a new life, and new friends. Along the way, she discovers there’s more to the mines, and area where she’s kept, than meets the eye. But is escape a possibility, or will she learn that the only way out is death?
Overall, if you’re looking for a fantasy read involving the fae world, with a little dash of romance on the side, then I’d recommend picking up this book. Devon has created a world you can fully immerse yourself in, and probably won’t ever want to leave.
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Rosalie enjoys her pixie family, but she’s always felt as if there’s something more for her beyond the trees. Being kidnapped, however, is not what she had in mind. Forced into mining for pixie dust, Rosalie realizes she’s definitely in for a new life, and new friends. Along the way, she discovers there’s more to the mines, and area where she’s kept, than meets the eye. But is escape a possibility, or will she learn that the only way out is death?
Overall, if you’re looking for a fantasy read involving the fae world, with a little dash of romance on the side, then I’d recommend picking up this book. Devon has created a world you can fully immerse yourself in, and probably won’t ever want to leave.
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2012
So this should have been posted sooner but (1) I'm not a morning person so I refused to wake myself up to post it and (2) RL called me into work.
So what did I think about Dust? FANTASTIC! I felt Rosalie's pain everytime they broke her wings. Felt her longing to go home. Felt her love for Jack. I'm a sap for romance, I really am, and Devon sure knows how to write it well. Dust was absolutely amazing that I seriously read it in about 24 hours. I couldn't even put it down. It was so very descriptive I could picture Rosalie's world and let me tell you, I want to live there in the Hollow. Rosalie is an amazingly badass character and extremely determined to get back home she doesn't let her cockiness shy away from her captors. I loved watching Jack and Rosalie's relationship grow each day she was imprisoned. I won't give away the ending but just know I smiled sooo big but still got heartbroken. I can't wait for the sequel to come out! I want to give Dust like a twenty star rating but since that's not a valid rating, it gets five stars from me!
So what did I think about Dust? FANTASTIC! I felt Rosalie's pain everytime they broke her wings. Felt her longing to go home. Felt her love for Jack. I'm a sap for romance, I really am, and Devon sure knows how to write it well. Dust was absolutely amazing that I seriously read it in about 24 hours. I couldn't even put it down. It was so very descriptive I could picture Rosalie's world and let me tell you, I want to live there in the Hollow. Rosalie is an amazingly badass character and extremely determined to get back home she doesn't let her cockiness shy away from her captors. I loved watching Jack and Rosalie's relationship grow each day she was imprisoned. I won't give away the ending but just know I smiled sooo big but still got heartbroken. I can't wait for the sequel to come out! I want to give Dust like a twenty star rating but since that's not a valid rating, it gets five stars from me!
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