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From Ashes: Book one of the Illuminator Saga
When tragedy strikes her quiet home in Bellaneau, Quistix, an elf blacksmith loses everything the night a bandit invades in search of something called “The Illuminator.” After months of crushing loneliness, disheveled Quistix wants to rise from the ashes of her torched life and seek revenge on the man who took everything from her. A wounded wyl, a hunted esteg, and child-like dragonling soon join her on her trek, banding in a riotous misfit crew. But Destoria is a dangerous place. The isle is bursting with mystical hybrid creatures, floating magical cities, and a sadistic, dikeeka-peddling new Exos Tempest.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2023
47 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Heather Wohl
21 books8 followersAward-winning author, Heather Wohl, coordinates a growing oil field laboratory based in Casper, Wyoming. While her job is straightforward and clinical, she enjoys letting her mind wander into creative outlets. An avid storyteller since childhood, she has always enjoyed spinning fantastical tales. She is a proud supporter of chronic illness support, mental health awareness, and pitbull advocacy, considering the latter to be her furry muses. Heart and soul are poured into every page of her work, and she looks forward to the opportunity to entertain you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 17, 2023
GRAB IT NOW! I was lucky enough to read this book awhile and when I tell you it left me wanting…. I was immediately engrossed in this book; it started off with a bang 🤯 and then the world Wohl weaves is so beautifully described it’s entirely immersive. Everything around me quieted and my face was BURIED IN the book. This story is just filled with tests of will, tests of loyalty, tests of family and friendship. I cried, I laughed, I said wtf. I giggled and I gasped. We meet some of the most amazing and most abhorrent creatures and we are forced to feel along with them, hate them and love them. I fully recommend this book!
December 1, 2025
Heather Wohl! How dare you start the book with such an emotional hit to our hearts. I loved it! I mean I don’t love what happened but I love that it was a gut punch that left you aching to know what happens.
Quistix falls into a depression and isolation after the loss her child and she wont be the same until she exacts her revenge. She sets out on a journey that will not only soothe that ache she’s feelings but also bring her something she didn’t realize she needed, family. With her band of misfits she knows that she needs to find the person responsible but she soon finds out that she was the actual target and the stakes are raised.
i absolutely loved the descriptions that were used for Destoria. It helped visualize and bring it to life and I must say, it’s a place that I would want to visit. The character development and the world building were top tier. I can’t wait to jump into book 2.
Quistix falls into a depression and isolation after the loss her child and she wont be the same until she exacts her revenge. She sets out on a journey that will not only soothe that ache she’s feelings but also bring her something she didn’t realize she needed, family. With her band of misfits she knows that she needs to find the person responsible but she soon finds out that she was the actual target and the stakes are raised.
i absolutely loved the descriptions that were used for Destoria. It helped visualize and bring it to life and I must say, it’s a place that I would want to visit. The character development and the world building were top tier. I can’t wait to jump into book 2.
July 4, 2023
Fast pace with action and mystery, you will be gripping the pages to find out what happens next. I need to second book now! I need to know what happens next.
After a strange man breaks into Quistix’s home in Bellaneau in search of the illuminator and an unfortunate event accords.
Now, she’s ready to seek revenge. Saving Twitch, he ends up joining her on her journey. Twitch was one of my favorite characters! I can’t wait to read more about him.
Quistix’s powers were pretty amazing and I could totally picture how she looked like. Vervaine and Arias are so cute together. I hope everything works out and there is more to their story.
I enjoyed this book a lot and all the different creatures. Fun, interesting, and stands out a lot from the other books I’ve read. I’m already a big fan of this series and author!
Some fave quotes:
“Never seen an elf wield an Emerald Bandit blade against an Emerald Bandit before”
“Aww, see, at least she finds me attractive!”
I laughed so loud at this part!
Twitch: “Little spoon or big spoon?”
Quistix: “Knife. Big knife”
Thank you Heather Wohl for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram (@Alexandriavwilliams_) shortly.
After a strange man breaks into Quistix’s home in Bellaneau in search of the illuminator and an unfortunate event accords.
Now, she’s ready to seek revenge. Saving Twitch, he ends up joining her on her journey. Twitch was one of my favorite characters! I can’t wait to read more about him.
Quistix’s powers were pretty amazing and I could totally picture how she looked like. Vervaine and Arias are so cute together. I hope everything works out and there is more to their story.
I enjoyed this book a lot and all the different creatures. Fun, interesting, and stands out a lot from the other books I’ve read. I’m already a big fan of this series and author!
Some fave quotes:
“Never seen an elf wield an Emerald Bandit blade against an Emerald Bandit before”
“Aww, see, at least she finds me attractive!”
I laughed so loud at this part!
Twitch: “Little spoon or big spoon?”
Quistix: “Knife. Big knife”
Thank you Heather Wohl for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram (@Alexandriavwilliams_) shortly.
June 18, 2023
I don't read a ton of fantasy but this is such a fun story. I was excited to be an ARC reader for this. I love the lead character Quistix and the world that Wohl has built for us, namely on the Isle of Destoria. The anthropomorphic characters are my favorites, especially Twitch, the hilarious and flirty wyl that befriends her. It deals with themes of loss, friendship, family in many forms, and finding a true calling. I can't wait to see what the author cooks up in book two. You had better BET I will be coming back for the future installments of the saga. 5 out of 5.
October 25, 2023
This book is amazing l. Heather's would debut book with all the wonderful elements made me laugh.
August 11, 2024
Lots of Sentient Creatures … and Violence
A lot is going on in this first book of the Illuminator Saga! So much, in fact, that it feels a little confusing at first as you're introduced to separate sets of characters who sometimes interact, but rarely. The book opens with a heart-rending scene of a mother and her 6-year-old son being attacked. She witnesses his brutal, senseless murder, setting off an arc for her that will continue into the next book; she first seeks revenge in this one. However, the attack was not random; she was specifically targeted for knowledge or an artifact others believe she has.
I listen to a fair amount of fantasy, and I was surprised at the level of violence in this book, starting with this opening scene. Several times, people or creatures are slaughtered in this book, and the author describes it and the aftermath in sometimes gory detail. I think I've had about enough discussion of entrails to last me a few days!
This book has a surprising cast of characters, not just the typical ones you see in fantasy. This world is full of sentient creatures. Imagine being able to talk with a young dragon without needing a bond, or sitting in a pub drinking and chatting with various furry critters. The young dragonling is absolutely adorable, acting much like a young child with high energy and great curiosity. The narrator did a great job voicing it and distinguishing the various characters. I loved it when the dragonling had on-screen time. One odd thing I wasn't particularly wild about, aside from the violence, was there was constant mention of farts. One particular species was known for its ripe farts, and they seem to happen often in this relatively short book. Just not a fan of fart jokes or mentions, in real life or fiction.
I don't want to give too much away about the plot or further characterization, as it is best to discover these things for yourself. This book does end on a cliffhanger, with one character's fate hanging in the balance. Again, I'm not wild about books ending in cliffhangers, but at least you’ve been warned!
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
A lot is going on in this first book of the Illuminator Saga! So much, in fact, that it feels a little confusing at first as you're introduced to separate sets of characters who sometimes interact, but rarely. The book opens with a heart-rending scene of a mother and her 6-year-old son being attacked. She witnesses his brutal, senseless murder, setting off an arc for her that will continue into the next book; she first seeks revenge in this one. However, the attack was not random; she was specifically targeted for knowledge or an artifact others believe she has.
I listen to a fair amount of fantasy, and I was surprised at the level of violence in this book, starting with this opening scene. Several times, people or creatures are slaughtered in this book, and the author describes it and the aftermath in sometimes gory detail. I think I've had about enough discussion of entrails to last me a few days!
This book has a surprising cast of characters, not just the typical ones you see in fantasy. This world is full of sentient creatures. Imagine being able to talk with a young dragon without needing a bond, or sitting in a pub drinking and chatting with various furry critters. The young dragonling is absolutely adorable, acting much like a young child with high energy and great curiosity. The narrator did a great job voicing it and distinguishing the various characters. I loved it when the dragonling had on-screen time. One odd thing I wasn't particularly wild about, aside from the violence, was there was constant mention of farts. One particular species was known for its ripe farts, and they seem to happen often in this relatively short book. Just not a fan of fart jokes or mentions, in real life or fiction.
I don't want to give too much away about the plot or further characterization, as it is best to discover these things for yourself. This book does end on a cliffhanger, with one character's fate hanging in the balance. Again, I'm not wild about books ending in cliffhangers, but at least you’ve been warned!
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
November 23, 2025
from ashes by heather wohl ★★★★½
this debut fantasy is a fiery, emotional whirlwind. quistix, an elf blacksmith, loses everything in a brutal attack and sets off on a harsh quest for revenge. along the way, she builds a ragtag crew including a wounded wyl, a hunted esteg, and a dragonling, and together they navigate a vividly strange and dangerous world.
what really makes it shine is the worldbuilding. destoria feels alive, full of mystical hybrid creatures, floating magical cities, and lush, unpredictable magic. quistix is a deeply sympathetic character, full of pain and determination, and her journey had me rooting for her the entire time.
my only small complaint is that there are a lot of characters to juggle. the cast is fun and chaotic, but sometimes i lost track of who was who during the big moments. still, the emotional stakes and the bond between this misfit crew more than made up for it.
overall, from ashes is a bold and ambitious first book. gritty, magical, and full of heart. 4.5 stars.
this debut fantasy is a fiery, emotional whirlwind. quistix, an elf blacksmith, loses everything in a brutal attack and sets off on a harsh quest for revenge. along the way, she builds a ragtag crew including a wounded wyl, a hunted esteg, and a dragonling, and together they navigate a vividly strange and dangerous world.
what really makes it shine is the worldbuilding. destoria feels alive, full of mystical hybrid creatures, floating magical cities, and lush, unpredictable magic. quistix is a deeply sympathetic character, full of pain and determination, and her journey had me rooting for her the entire time.
my only small complaint is that there are a lot of characters to juggle. the cast is fun and chaotic, but sometimes i lost track of who was who during the big moments. still, the emotional stakes and the bond between this misfit crew more than made up for it.
overall, from ashes is a bold and ambitious first book. gritty, magical, and full of heart. 4.5 stars.
July 17, 2023
From Ashes by Heather Wohl is a beautifully written fantasy novel about a group of "misfits" banding together and helping Quistix seek her revenge. I thought the characters were well thought out, and Heather spent a lot of time and detail describing them. I could imagine each and every one of them like I've seen them in real life! However, there were A LOT of characters, and I got lost at times trying to remember who they were. The plot was very original. I love reading fantasy and she created so many new mythical creatures which made me very excited. I was super bummed the book was short, but I am excited to read the second one.
Also, I'm hoping Quistix and Twitch end up as an item in the second book ;)
Also, I'm hoping Quistix and Twitch end up as an item in the second book ;)
May 10, 2024
Quistix, a fierce redheaded elve, a wife, a mother, a blacksmith who produces the most sort after wears..
One night, a tragic turn of events takes everything from her...
Follow her journey as she seeks revenge from the man responsible for her loss.. and as she meets the cutest and craziest bunch of misfits that become friends on her way..
(I won't write more on the story as no one likes spoilers )
I do believe personally this book has the potential to make a great show/series/movie
Read Time
Rating 4 stars.. 4 hours 55 minutes
(Unfortunately, I've been really sick, so I've been reading slowly over 4 days )
This is book 1 in the series..
I will be reading the series to find out what happens next as I really enjoyed the story ❤️
One night, a tragic turn of events takes everything from her...
Follow her journey as she seeks revenge from the man responsible for her loss.. and as she meets the cutest and craziest bunch of misfits that become friends on her way..
(I won't write more on the story as no one likes spoilers )
I do believe personally this book has the potential to make a great show/series/movie
Read Time
Rating 4 stars.. 4 hours 55 minutes
(Unfortunately, I've been really sick, so I've been reading slowly over 4 days )
This is book 1 in the series..
I will be reading the series to find out what happens next as I really enjoyed the story ❤️
November 10, 2025
Heartbroken less than 10 minutes in.
Quistix is such a compelling character! She starts off broken and grieving, but you can really feel her strength and determination shining through. That emotional start pulled me right in. The whole theme of loss and rising from the ashes is done so well—it totally fits the title From Ashes.
The pacing was great too. Things start happening pretty quickly, and the story doesn’t drag with too much background info. My only small gripe was that there were a lot of characters, and I got a little mixed up trying to remember who everyone was.
Overall, it was a great read—emotional, fast-paced, and full of hope. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Quistix is such a compelling character! She starts off broken and grieving, but you can really feel her strength and determination shining through. That emotional start pulled me right in. The whole theme of loss and rising from the ashes is done so well—it totally fits the title From Ashes.
The pacing was great too. Things start happening pretty quickly, and the story doesn’t drag with too much background info. My only small gripe was that there were a lot of characters, and I got a little mixed up trying to remember who everyone was.
Overall, it was a great read—emotional, fast-paced, and full of hope. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
November 19, 2025
From Ashes is a dark, emotional fantasy about an elf blacksmith whose entire world burns down in one violent night, forcing her to rise from the ruins and chase the truth behind a stolen secret. What starts as a lonely, grief-heavy journey slowly grows into a wild, chaotic adventure when she’s joined by a mismatched group of magical companions — each carrying their own wounds, mysteries, and reasons to run. Together they cross a dangerous world filled with hybrid creatures, floating cities, and a growing threat tied to a powerful force known only as the Illuminator. It’s a story about loss, vengeance, unlikely bonds, and rebuilding a sense of purpose in a world that keeps shifting under their feet.
November 2, 2025
My rate is 4 1/2 ⭐️ . The book starts off with Quistix painting a scene of her weapons & forging them with a outwardly description of the surrounding environment. At first I got the hobbit vibes; especially with the elf human blend description. It shows the creation of what a chosen family looks like. Going through descriptive worlds, challenges & journeys.
Definitely trigger warning with harm to minor should be taken in advisement. I had to pause; it’s fitting in the race of creating the point of who can destroy who her of the Queen. This is not resolved in the ending. Just in case you’re are hoping for a finished story in each book of the series. This is not it.
Definitely trigger warning with harm to minor should be taken in advisement. I had to pause; it’s fitting in the race of creating the point of who can destroy who her of the Queen. This is not resolved in the ending. Just in case you’re are hoping for a finished story in each book of the series. This is not it.
December 4, 2023
This book is fabulous. I cried, I laughed, I gasped, but most importantly... I was left wanting more. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. Heather Wohl, the author, did such an amazing job creating a whole new world to become engulfed in. I feel like the fantasy book world is full of stories and worlds that are familiar. This one was different, it was entirely new, while feeling like home. If you are looking for a new fantasy world to step into and fall in love with, let this be your next read!
June 29, 2024
I love twitch.... He makes me laugh, and makes this book really! I need more of him.
Storyline: quistix had a quest to kill the person that killed her son. But the queen wants her dead as well. Who will kill each other first.
This story started off with the biggest opening. I was crying within the first 10 minutes. My heart was pulled out of my chest and I really felt for quistix as a mother myself. I also love the monster in the story. Especially the river one. And how you went into detail about that. I need more about twitch and quistix!!! 4📚/ 5
Storyline: quistix had a quest to kill the person that killed her son. But the queen wants her dead as well. Who will kill each other first.
This story started off with the biggest opening. I was crying within the first 10 minutes. My heart was pulled out of my chest and I really felt for quistix as a mother myself. I also love the monster in the story. Especially the river one. And how you went into detail about that. I need more about twitch and quistix!!! 4📚/ 5
February 17, 2024
From Ashes: Book One by Heather Wohl is a wonderful read that just kept surprising me. The author did a great job with the writing style and flow of the plot, I was waiting for it to let up and slow down but shockingly it didn't. The characters are well thought out and add so much to the story, driving it along getting you caught up in the moments. I recommend this book over and over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2025
What a great story!
Fantasy is one of my favorite genres and this story is a perfect example of why. We have strangers coming together in a quest, we have danger, we definitely have loss and we also have friendship. This is a wonderful escape, which is sorely needed in this day and age. I cannot thank Heather Wohl enough for taking me away from reality and letting me escape into her world and I can’t wait for the Book Two of the Illuminator Saga!
Fantasy is one of my favorite genres and this story is a perfect example of why. We have strangers coming together in a quest, we have danger, we definitely have loss and we also have friendship. This is a wonderful escape, which is sorely needed in this day and age. I cannot thank Heather Wohl enough for taking me away from reality and letting me escape into her world and I can’t wait for the Book Two of the Illuminator Saga!
June 29, 2023
Quiztix (first off love the name) seeks revenge after going through so much. But I have to say I love Twitch!! I don’t fully know what a wyl is but yes. This world building.. I actually could picture the Isle of Destoria. I am ready for the next book! Please let there be one!
Thank you to the author for gifting this ebook and all thoughts/opinions above and my own!
Thank you to the author for gifting this ebook and all thoughts/opinions above and my own!
November 30, 2023
Good
I tried to get into it, it's very well written, with fantastic characters.. but i felt like i got dropped into the middle of a story with a whole dump of characters with little to distinguish them and just as you were starting to figure it out, the point of view shifted to another set.
I tried to get into it, it's very well written, with fantastic characters.. but i felt like i got dropped into the middle of a story with a whole dump of characters with little to distinguish them and just as you were starting to figure it out, the point of view shifted to another set.
November 11, 2025
Quistix has a sad story, but she eventually meets up with her band of misfits as they travel through Destoria. The characters are fun in ther travels and commentary. I think the dragonling is my favorite character so fast. This book had me from the start and I cannot wait for more to come out in their travels.
November 16, 2025
It was a great book! It didn't take long for the adventure to start. It was a bit confusing keepi g track of all the characters, so I had to make a list of all the characters to keep track of them all 😅. Twitch is by far my most favorite character. I can't wait to read the rest of the Illuminator Saga.
January 25, 2024
This was a really fun first book in the Illuminator Saga! I enjoyed it as it was an entertaining story with great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2024
Thank you, Heather Wohl
Lovers of High Fantasy will love this story. I want to read more about this alternative world. The characters are so relatable that I cared what happened to them. High Fantasy is one of my favorite genres. I highly recommend this story.
Lovers of High Fantasy will love this story. I want to read more about this alternative world. The characters are so relatable that I cared what happened to them. High Fantasy is one of my favorite genres. I highly recommend this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2024
Revenge! This book was very difficult to read, several parts needed to be re-read for it jumps quite around.There was a lot of fear, violence and hate, where any means to an end are welcome. Not really my cup of tee.
The narrator delivered it well
The narrator delivered it well
November 23, 2025
I’m still dipping my toes into fantasy. I find fantasy can grab me and then it can loose me while reading it. Wohl was able to keep my attention through the whole book. I loved the characters. I also believe because it was a shorter fantasy novel this helped me being a beginner fantasy person.
January 29, 2026
From Ashes by Heather Wohl delivers strong emotions, character growth, and a gripping storyline. I stayed invested in the journey and the payoff was satisfying. A few small pacing bumps, but overall a powerful and worthwhile read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 16, 2023
Not the biggest fan of how much this story jumps around. Makes it hard to really get into the story/characters. But, with how it ended, I have to read the second book 👀
March 4, 2024
Heather Wohl is a great author. She has a good imagination to be able to write like this. I can't wait to read the next book in this Saga.
March 17, 2024
I love this series!
December 20, 2025
It has a lot going on for me, it's a wonderful book good writing.
December 31, 2025
Brilliant
Such a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. Love all the different creatures especially the little fat dragon Frok. Totally engaging, can't wait to read the next one.
Such a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. Love all the different creatures especially the little fat dragon Frok. Totally engaging, can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews