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Dragonesse #1
House of Ashes
No one burns for revenge like a dragon.
I lost everything when my mother and I were sentenced to exile by my own father.
My home, my throne, my promised prince… all of it stolen for a crime I didn’t commit.
Now my father is dead without a lawful heir, and the dragon Houses are at war for the vacant throne. Only a mate-bonded dragon and his rider can ascend to it—and without a dragon I have no claim.
Until Rhylan blazes back into my life with a proposition.
He’s deadly, alluring, the prince of a powerful House… and the one responsible for my exile.
But now he offers me a way out of pretend to be mates, and seize the throne together.
Accepting the aid of my enemy means I finally have a chance to bring my life back from the ashes of the past. To take the throne that was meant to be mine, with the very dragon who once burned down my world.
If the deception of our mate-bond is ever discovered, we’ll be executed for defying draconic law.
Yet that isn’t the deadliest part in this game of war and revenge.
The longer we pretend we’re in love, the less I believe it’s a lie.
House of Ashes is the first book in a new MF dragon shifter/rider fantasy romance series, with a possessive dragon, an unbreakable heroine, steamy intrigue and adventure. Perfect for fans of NA/adult epic romantasy. *Please note the release date will be moved up.*
I lost everything when my mother and I were sentenced to exile by my own father.
My home, my throne, my promised prince… all of it stolen for a crime I didn’t commit.
Now my father is dead without a lawful heir, and the dragon Houses are at war for the vacant throne. Only a mate-bonded dragon and his rider can ascend to it—and without a dragon I have no claim.
Until Rhylan blazes back into my life with a proposition.
He’s deadly, alluring, the prince of a powerful House… and the one responsible for my exile.
But now he offers me a way out of pretend to be mates, and seize the throne together.
Accepting the aid of my enemy means I finally have a chance to bring my life back from the ashes of the past. To take the throne that was meant to be mine, with the very dragon who once burned down my world.
If the deception of our mate-bond is ever discovered, we’ll be executed for defying draconic law.
Yet that isn’t the deadliest part in this game of war and revenge.
The longer we pretend we’re in love, the less I believe it’s a lie.
House of Ashes is the first book in a new MF dragon shifter/rider fantasy romance series, with a possessive dragon, an unbreakable heroine, steamy intrigue and adventure. Perfect for fans of NA/adult epic romantasy. *Please note the release date will be moved up.*
666 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2024
475 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
Cate Corvin
46 books1,093 followersCate is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves all things passionate and paranormal with a side of horror. She lives in the South with her family and pets, and loves every kind of coffee, horror and fantasy movies, and cats. Reading is her favorite hobby when she’s not writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 13, 2024
DNF at 87%. I wasted an entire 12 hour night shift reading most of this book. And I just got so fed up with the constant WHINING by the FMC. Like we get it, you think you’re the worst person ever and don’t deserve anything good— please shut up. And her stupidity omg I can’t I refuse. 2 stars only bc I love dragons 😤
May 27, 2025
Honestly, I don’t know why I pushed on reading this whole book, but hey I did! I did not like the FMC mostly because based on the blurb about the book I was like oh she’s a badass frfr and uh no. Not that it’s a bad thing, buuuuutttt with what she’s planning to do I’m like uhhh I don’t think you’re fit for the job my love.
Also for such a long book I feel as if it did not accomplish much at all. The world building was okay but also a bit confusing. It seems like there was like maybe 100 people in the world total based on what we see and who all is in charge but are meant to believe there’s millions of people relying on a new ruler? Also why the hell is it down to these young people? Like where are the 30&40 year olds? It just doesn’t make sense to me.
Also the romance was a bit lack luster in my opinion. I didn’t really care about them and their romance nor did I fully believe it.
It was an easy read and like not horrible, but it still had problem.
2/5⭐️
Also for such a long book I feel as if it did not accomplish much at all. The world building was okay but also a bit confusing. It seems like there was like maybe 100 people in the world total based on what we see and who all is in charge but are meant to believe there’s millions of people relying on a new ruler? Also why the hell is it down to these young people? Like where are the 30&40 year olds? It just doesn’t make sense to me.
Also the romance was a bit lack luster in my opinion. I didn’t really care about them and their romance nor did I fully believe it.
It was an easy read and like not horrible, but it still had problem.
2/5⭐️
June 13, 2024
I'm so upset that I've finished this book already, especially with how it ended .This is exactly why I usually wait for a series to be complete or have more books out.
I desperately want to know what happens next! The world-building and characters were fantastic, and the story made me feel everything—empathy, sadness, anger, disgust, happiness. Please don't tell me I'll have to wait years to find out what happens! Ughhh
I desperately want to know what happens next! The world-building and characters were fantastic, and the story made me feel everything—empathy, sadness, anger, disgust, happiness. Please don't tell me I'll have to wait years to find out what happens! Ughhh
December 25, 2024
don’t talk to me about the cover
September 8, 2024
SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER THAN TO PICK UP A BOOK WITH A CLIFFHANGER....
The story was enjoyable, even if it wasn't epic. I stayed long enough to finish it, didn't I? There's potential, but I honestly am not a fan of all that war and politicking in a fantasy romance. Clearly, that's my problem, I find it difficult to invest in a committed/convoluted novel. Nevertheless, I liked how it started off, but not everyone would be a fan of the heroine. I assume this story would be a trilogy, and perhaps SERA would grow into her own powers and worth later.
The first book is always the build up to more things, so I'll reserve final judgement for now.
SERA was exiled for dead, paying for her mother's sins and the story begins with her being "rescued" by the male who aided in her demise. Rich people problems at it is, Sera's life was ruled by a perfection obsessed mother who didn't truly love her child and neglected by a father who clearly never loved them both. Her life was sad and having to fend for it at 16, now possibly in her early 20s, well, that kind of trauma carves a wound into body and soul.
I didn't mind for Sera to start off weak, because it wouldn't be real had she suddenly become all-powerful without achieving anything through hardships. Due to her upbringing and later exile, with no allies or warmth of love, Sera's not the brightest pea in the pod, and often puts herself down. I hope she'll grown into her own strength and self-confidence in Book 2. She wasn't weak, but she needed a push to be stronger, to seize power and to know her worth. She was a good blend of vulnerable, stubborn and hopefully strong.
Obviously, Sera has A LOT of growing and maturing to do, especially if she intends to wrestle the crown back from her conniving, evil sister. From the start, the MMCs were already overwhelmed by their enemies.
RHYLAN was merely a cog in this story; felt that way to me. The coolest and cutest part about him? His dragon form. While he was the main love interest, I felt Rhylan was more of a buffer to help Sera in ways that she couldn't. The concept of the Drakkon and Dragonesse was pretty cool - with the male being the shifted beast, while his mate can be the only one to ride him. A rather intimate process. It was obvious that he might have harbored a crush on Sera before her exile, and his actions failed to prove that he truly loathed her even if he approached her with an agenda. While I enjoyed his protectiveness and possessiveness, I won't forget that Rhylan's main purpose was to avenge his dead sister, via Sera. This wasn't an enemies to lovers, seeing how he fell for her rather fast and easily, but what the heck, the both of them HAD BEEN CRUSHING ON EACH OTHER way before this story ever began....so yeah...the romance was quite dull and predictable, if Sera ever decided to stop being a coward and just seize the love.
OVERALL I'm uncertain if I will pick up Book 2, only because I already know where their romance is headed, but if you're invested in the plot itself (war, politics etc), then it would be quite interesting to see how Sera and Rhylan would gather their allies and finally best the villainess, leading to their HEA.
The story was enjoyable, even if it wasn't epic. I stayed long enough to finish it, didn't I? There's potential, but I honestly am not a fan of all that war and politicking in a fantasy romance. Clearly, that's my problem, I find it difficult to invest in a committed/convoluted novel. Nevertheless, I liked how it started off, but not everyone would be a fan of the heroine. I assume this story would be a trilogy, and perhaps SERA would grow into her own powers and worth later.
The first book is always the build up to more things, so I'll reserve final judgement for now.
SERA was exiled for dead, paying for her mother's sins and the story begins with her being "rescued" by the male who aided in her demise. Rich people problems at it is, Sera's life was ruled by a perfection obsessed mother who didn't truly love her child and neglected by a father who clearly never loved them both. Her life was sad and having to fend for it at 16, now possibly in her early 20s, well, that kind of trauma carves a wound into body and soul.
I didn't mind for Sera to start off weak, because it wouldn't be real had she suddenly become all-powerful without achieving anything through hardships. Due to her upbringing and later exile, with no allies or warmth of love, Sera's not the brightest pea in the pod, and often puts herself down. I hope she'll grown into her own strength and self-confidence in Book 2. She wasn't weak, but she needed a push to be stronger, to seize power and to know her worth. She was a good blend of vulnerable, stubborn and hopefully strong.
Obviously, Sera has A LOT of growing and maturing to do, especially if she intends to wrestle the crown back from her conniving, evil sister. From the start, the MMCs were already overwhelmed by their enemies.
RHYLAN was merely a cog in this story; felt that way to me. The coolest and cutest part about him? His dragon form. While he was the main love interest, I felt Rhylan was more of a buffer to help Sera in ways that she couldn't. The concept of the Drakkon and Dragonesse was pretty cool - with the male being the shifted beast, while his mate can be the only one to ride him. A rather intimate process. It was obvious that he might have harbored a crush on Sera before her exile, and his actions failed to prove that he truly loathed her even if he approached her with an agenda. While I enjoyed his protectiveness and possessiveness, I won't forget that Rhylan's main purpose was to avenge his dead sister, via Sera. This wasn't an enemies to lovers, seeing how he fell for her rather fast and easily, but what the heck, the both of them HAD BEEN CRUSHING ON EACH OTHER way before this story ever began....so yeah...the romance was quite dull and predictable, if Sera ever decided to stop being a coward and just seize the love.
OVERALL I'm uncertain if I will pick up Book 2, only because I already know where their romance is headed, but if you're invested in the plot itself (war, politics etc), then it would be quite interesting to see how Sera and Rhylan would gather their allies and finally best the villainess, leading to their HEA.
January 27, 2026
3 ⭐️
I wanted fire, rage, and dragon-fueled chaos, but House of Ashes mostly gave me polite simmering and “wait for the next book” energy. The hook is strong - a wrongfully exiled dragon princess, an illegal fake mate bond, warring Houses, and an MMC who helped burn her life to the ground - and I genuinely liked the political setup, throne stakes, and the Sera’s quiet resilience. Rhylan brings broody, possessive dragon prince vibes, but the pacing dragged in the first half and the romance never fully delivered on the enemies-to-lovers promise. For a fake mates situation with execution-level consequences, I wanted sharper tension, messier feelings, and a bigger emotional payoff. The chemistry simmered instead of snapping, and while the story clearly builds toward something bigger, it ends on a cliffhanger that felt more frustrating than thrilling given how restrained the payoff already was. Overall, the setup promised chaos, the execution stayed cautious, and the cliffhanger did more teasing than thrilling.
I wanted fire, rage, and dragon-fueled chaos, but House of Ashes mostly gave me polite simmering and “wait for the next book” energy. The hook is strong - a wrongfully exiled dragon princess, an illegal fake mate bond, warring Houses, and an MMC who helped burn her life to the ground - and I genuinely liked the political setup, throne stakes, and the Sera’s quiet resilience. Rhylan brings broody, possessive dragon prince vibes, but the pacing dragged in the first half and the romance never fully delivered on the enemies-to-lovers promise. For a fake mates situation with execution-level consequences, I wanted sharper tension, messier feelings, and a bigger emotional payoff. The chemistry simmered instead of snapping, and while the story clearly builds toward something bigger, it ends on a cliffhanger that felt more frustrating than thrilling given how restrained the payoff already was. Overall, the setup promised chaos, the execution stayed cautious, and the cliffhanger did more teasing than thrilling.
August 29, 2024
The ending gave me nightmares.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to Tantor Audio for entrusting me with an early copy!
House of Ashes by Cate Corvin
Dragonesse series book 1
Narration by Brittany Goodwin
Brittany did a great job with this and I liked the different voices she used for the characters! She brought a lot of emotion to the story and sounded wonderful doing it. The recording still sounded great at the faster speeds my brain needs for audiobooks!
Faking a mating bond, hate (for her) to love, male dragon shifters with female dragon riders, quest to take over the throne, possessive dragon MMC, strong FMC, battles, trying to get alliances, only one bed, who did this, cliffhanger!
Sera has been living in exile, barely surviving until one day the last person she wants to see shows up in time to save her. But Rhylan is the reason she is here in the first place. Which makes it hard to hear out his plan he is trying to convince her to take part in. To pretend to be mates to put themselves in the running for the vacant throne. Deciding anything is better than where she is, she goes for it. And soon finds there is more to the story. Can she trust him? And can they pull off their ruse?
I enjoyed this story, though wish there would have been some better communication earlier on in the book. There were definitely some moments where I was just wanted to knock their heads together. But the world was fun and I love dragons so much! The ending was QUITE the cliffhanger - I may not be able to wait for the next audiobook because I already checked and book 2 is available on ebook! Who am I kidding? I'm definitely on my way to go get the ebook which sounds like it is the finale of this story from the description!
House of Ashes by Cate Corvin
Dragonesse series book 1
Narration by Brittany Goodwin
Brittany did a great job with this and I liked the different voices she used for the characters! She brought a lot of emotion to the story and sounded wonderful doing it. The recording still sounded great at the faster speeds my brain needs for audiobooks!
Faking a mating bond, hate (for her) to love, male dragon shifters with female dragon riders, quest to take over the throne, possessive dragon MMC, strong FMC, battles, trying to get alliances, only one bed, who did this, cliffhanger!
Sera has been living in exile, barely surviving until one day the last person she wants to see shows up in time to save her. But Rhylan is the reason she is here in the first place. Which makes it hard to hear out his plan he is trying to convince her to take part in. To pretend to be mates to put themselves in the running for the vacant throne. Deciding anything is better than where she is, she goes for it. And soon finds there is more to the story. Can she trust him? And can they pull off their ruse?
I enjoyed this story, though wish there would have been some better communication earlier on in the book. There were definitely some moments where I was just wanted to knock their heads together. But the world was fun and I love dragons so much! The ending was QUITE the cliffhanger - I may not be able to wait for the next audiobook because I already checked and book 2 is available on ebook! Who am I kidding? I'm definitely on my way to go get the ebook which sounds like it is the finale of this story from the description!
July 4, 2024
Omg this was amazing!
Seriously cannot write down all the feelings I went through while and after reading this but all I have to say is that I cannot wait for the next book!
The characters grow on you, they’re so spectacularly written, you cannot help yourself from feeling empathy towards them while also mutually supporting whatever they might feel.
The setting is extremely intricate and fabulously descriptive.
It has everything you need, mystery, murder, enemies to lovers, found family.
Seriously, amazing!
Seriously cannot write down all the feelings I went through while and after reading this but all I have to say is that I cannot wait for the next book!
The characters grow on you, they’re so spectacularly written, you cannot help yourself from feeling empathy towards them while also mutually supporting whatever they might feel.
The setting is extremely intricate and fabulously descriptive.
It has everything you need, mystery, murder, enemies to lovers, found family.
Seriously, amazing!
June 10, 2024
My-flaming-god was this book one hell of a start to this series!! With the exile of both her mother and her -Sera (FMC) found herself left to survive on an island of criminals. Years later alone and starving her old life comes crashing back into this one when Rhylan came looking for her. Bringing with him more complications. Secrets, lies and underhand people this book had all of that and more. With that cliff-hanger ending I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book will lead.
June 10, 2024
phenomenal beginning
That ending threw me right off the cliff, I still haven’t caught my thoughts up to believe where this magnificent author is leaving us. I loved every moment of this book, it is nicely paced with bits of steam here and there as a tease until we cheer for our princess and then want to throttle her for being so silly and in her head that she’s missing what all the signs are telling her. There are some darker themes so check trigger warnings before diving in if you have triggers. I loved the action and how real Sera is, even in this fantasy world I could connect with her on such a deep level. I’m not sure how I can move past this book hangover as I wait for the next installment and I hope so much for a full story on the little spy. If you like fantasy, dragons, unique stories, the best cliffhangers, or enemies to lovers - you’ll love this one!
That ending threw me right off the cliff, I still haven’t caught my thoughts up to believe where this magnificent author is leaving us. I loved every moment of this book, it is nicely paced with bits of steam here and there as a tease until we cheer for our princess and then want to throttle her for being so silly and in her head that she’s missing what all the signs are telling her. There are some darker themes so check trigger warnings before diving in if you have triggers. I loved the action and how real Sera is, even in this fantasy world I could connect with her on such a deep level. I’m not sure how I can move past this book hangover as I wait for the next installment and I hope so much for a full story on the little spy. If you like fantasy, dragons, unique stories, the best cliffhangers, or enemies to lovers - you’ll love this one!
June 11, 2024
Cliffhanger and weak heroine..
This was too predictable and another weak heroine. Don't care for the storyline that makes the heroine weak and pathetic with the world against type of angst. The ending was predictable as being a trap. Major cliffhanger and don't care for the MC being constantly being powerless and beaten. Don't care for this series.
This was too predictable and another weak heroine. Don't care for the storyline that makes the heroine weak and pathetic with the world against type of angst. The ending was predictable as being a trap. Major cliffhanger and don't care for the MC being constantly being powerless and beaten. Don't care for this series.
July 18, 2024
Look, I can see why this is rated so highly. It's well-written, the prose is thoughtful, and the set-up of dragons and draga is unique.
Y'all, I just cannot get behind this heroine. She doesn't show any side effects from surviving years in a high-stress environment—no explosive anger, viciousness, or reckless behaviors. She must have left her self-esteem behind on the island because she has absolutely zero faith in herself. She needs saving constantly. If you are looking for an empowered woman, you will not find that here.
It took me until 70% for her character to lose all credibility for me Frankly, I was pretty disgusted with her reaction and could not believe what I was reading.
If she were used to surviving in a violent world, then the only response I would believe would be her crushing her enemy like a bug in retaliation, perhaps to an extreme degree. Sure, I could believe she retaliated out of fear instead of anger—but the result is the same. People that freeze are people that die. You cannot convince me somebody with this reaction is a survivor. And frankly, I would not want somebody like that at my side during war. (Actually, that entire scenario annoyed me. Aren't the FMC and MMC supposed to be clever? And yet, THIS is how they are found out? By being idiots that didn't even do basic security for themselves in a hostile environment? They're doomed.)
As for the actual story, I ended up wanting a lot more from it. More dialogue and tension between the romantic leads, more political maneuvering, more complex side characters that showed inner turmoil or contradictory feelings and actions, more flashbacks to explain the FMC's past. I could probably forgive a lot more if I felt like the FMC and MMC had good chemistry, but they both kind of objectify each other and "grow closer" after just existing near each other rather than having good discourse or meaningful experiences together (although they do end up going through some awful stuff together in the last 10%, and I find it way more believable ).
Y'all, I just cannot get behind this heroine. She doesn't show any side effects from surviving years in a high-stress environment—no explosive anger, viciousness, or reckless behaviors. She must have left her self-esteem behind on the island because she has absolutely zero faith in herself. She needs saving constantly. If you are looking for an empowered woman, you will not find that here.
It took me until 70% for her character to lose all credibility for me Frankly, I was pretty disgusted with her reaction and could not believe what I was reading.
If she were used to surviving in a violent world, then the only response I would believe would be her crushing her enemy like a bug in retaliation, perhaps to an extreme degree. Sure, I could believe she retaliated out of fear instead of anger—but the result is the same. People that freeze are people that die. You cannot convince me somebody with this reaction is a survivor. And frankly, I would not want somebody like that at my side during war. (Actually, that entire scenario annoyed me. Aren't the FMC and MMC supposed to be clever? And yet, THIS is how they are found out? By being idiots that didn't even do basic security for themselves in a hostile environment? They're doomed.)
As for the actual story, I ended up wanting a lot more from it. More dialogue and tension between the romantic leads, more political maneuvering, more complex side characters that showed inner turmoil or contradictory feelings and actions, more flashbacks to explain the FMC's past. I could probably forgive a lot more if I felt like the FMC and MMC had good chemistry, but they both kind of objectify each other and "grow closer" after just existing near each other rather than having good discourse or meaningful experiences together (although they do end up going through some awful stuff together in the last 10%, and I find it way more believable ).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
DNF 74% (but was ready to bail a few chapters in)
End of review mentions the 🌶️ rating opinion.
Look, I really wanted to love this book. I gave it a solid genuine try. The concept is great. Hypothetically it’s right up my lane.
(Kind of spoilers mostly opinions)
However, this is too much for an “enemies to lovers” trope. First of all, all the guy did was tell the truth. MAYBE that gets revealed to be false in the end, but it’s still never specially dissected even this far in so idk. Unfair to constantly specifically hate on him when she wasn’t even there. Second, oh my fucking god this character who is supposed to be a super strong and in control of the dragon future queen is SUCH a cry sack. Yes I get it she had a terrible thing happen to her but it drives me up a wall how she is talking herself up constantly about being strong and a true draga and this and that and then barely has an encounter and she just crumbles while also being completely cold and almost cruel when it doesn’t matter. I get in real life that when a trauma happens to you at a young age you tend to keep a mentality at/near that age but this is fantasy and their dynamic goes against everything that is constantly talked about in this book. Thirdly, I hate miscommunication tropes and this is probably the worst most annoying one I have encountered. A literal sentence could fix the biggest issue here which would then make everything else snap into place. Literally anything that mentions the “her” again. Finally, the straw that broke the camels back for me was the sudden change in opinion from “wyvern rider” who I will leave unnamed for spoiler free…. Like what!? Its been less than 3 weeks….. maybe only a week of even being on friendly terms with so and so and you’re just going to say everything is fine now and you’re changing your mind on this major thing???? What!? ALSO crazy amount of annoying errors the deeper in you get. Sometimes I genuinely wondered if AI wrote this or some parts because some of the errors were just SO weird. Crap, ALSO this book is maybe 🌶️/5 spiceness which sadly includes the dreaded virgin trope and gross losing the virginity with a very poorly written description brief scene
End of review mentions the 🌶️ rating opinion.
Look, I really wanted to love this book. I gave it a solid genuine try. The concept is great. Hypothetically it’s right up my lane.
(Kind of spoilers mostly opinions)
However, this is too much for an “enemies to lovers” trope. First of all, all the guy did was tell the truth. MAYBE that gets revealed to be false in the end, but it’s still never specially dissected even this far in so idk. Unfair to constantly specifically hate on him when she wasn’t even there. Second, oh my fucking god this character who is supposed to be a super strong and in control of the dragon future queen is SUCH a cry sack. Yes I get it she had a terrible thing happen to her but it drives me up a wall how she is talking herself up constantly about being strong and a true draga and this and that and then barely has an encounter and she just crumbles while also being completely cold and almost cruel when it doesn’t matter. I get in real life that when a trauma happens to you at a young age you tend to keep a mentality at/near that age but this is fantasy and their dynamic goes against everything that is constantly talked about in this book. Thirdly, I hate miscommunication tropes and this is probably the worst most annoying one I have encountered. A literal sentence could fix the biggest issue here which would then make everything else snap into place. Literally anything that mentions the “her” again. Finally, the straw that broke the camels back for me was the sudden change in opinion from “wyvern rider” who I will leave unnamed for spoiler free…. Like what!? Its been less than 3 weeks….. maybe only a week of even being on friendly terms with so and so and you’re just going to say everything is fine now and you’re changing your mind on this major thing???? What!? ALSO crazy amount of annoying errors the deeper in you get. Sometimes I genuinely wondered if AI wrote this or some parts because some of the errors were just SO weird. Crap, ALSO this book is maybe 🌶️/5 spiceness which sadly includes the dreaded virgin trope and gross losing the virginity with a very poorly written description brief scene
March 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ for my enjoyment.
The writing could really use work…
It needed more details on the surroundings & where the characters were physically. Transitions within scenes could’ve been smoother. Dialogues were interrupted with too much monologue in-between. Could’ve used more world-building, especially when it came to the dragon religion, politics & dragon houses. Certain moments could’ve been sprung up less abruptly, like their first kiss. And other moments, like Sera’s surprise introduction, should’ve felt more intense & given me goosebumps. Several decisions from the mcs did not have the urgency or strategy needed given they were in the middle of a war.
Would’ve been immensely better with less monotonous monologues from Sera, where she is extremely self-critical, including for things she shouldn’t be, & in ways that felt too back-&-forth. Would’ve loved to see a more gradual transition from her being angry towards Rhylan, to warming up to him. Honestly, she should’ve been way angrier at everything than what she was. She would say she wanted revenge, but then get consumed with thoughts of not deserving anything. And why did she always need help, even with dealing with her period? Didn’t she survive on the prison isle alone for a few years? I would think she could handle some cramps. I was waiting to see “that fire” Yura claimed she had. At some point her denial of the bond was so weak, & the moment she chose not to deny it any longer made me want to scream.
And yet…
Even with ALL that I mentioned above, I devoured this. I loved the premise, the dragons & the romantic setup. Yes, I wanted more details & background for this world, but I enjoyed everything I did learn about it. The relationship between the mcs was a bit choppy, but it did have tension & longing I felt while reading. As obnoxious as Sera’s self-deprecation was, I understood that her immense trauma was the source.
Would’ve been amazing if better written, but I still got an engaging story with main characters I was rooting for.
Ends in a cliffhanger & I’m anxious for the second book!
The writing could really use work…
It needed more details on the surroundings & where the characters were physically. Transitions within scenes could’ve been smoother. Dialogues were interrupted with too much monologue in-between. Could’ve used more world-building, especially when it came to the dragon religion, politics & dragon houses. Certain moments could’ve been sprung up less abruptly, like their first kiss. And other moments, like Sera’s surprise introduction, should’ve felt more intense & given me goosebumps. Several decisions from the mcs did not have the urgency or strategy needed given they were in the middle of a war.
Would’ve been immensely better with less monotonous monologues from Sera, where she is extremely self-critical, including for things she shouldn’t be, & in ways that felt too back-&-forth. Would’ve loved to see a more gradual transition from her being angry towards Rhylan, to warming up to him. Honestly, she should’ve been way angrier at everything than what she was. She would say she wanted revenge, but then get consumed with thoughts of not deserving anything. And why did she always need help, even with dealing with her period? Didn’t she survive on the prison isle alone for a few years? I would think she could handle some cramps. I was waiting to see “that fire” Yura claimed she had. At some point her denial of the bond was so weak, & the moment she chose not to deny it any longer made me want to scream.
And yet…
Even with ALL that I mentioned above, I devoured this. I loved the premise, the dragons & the romantic setup. Yes, I wanted more details & background for this world, but I enjoyed everything I did learn about it. The relationship between the mcs was a bit choppy, but it did have tension & longing I felt while reading. As obnoxious as Sera’s self-deprecation was, I understood that her immense trauma was the source.
Would’ve been amazing if better written, but I still got an engaging story with main characters I was rooting for.
Ends in a cliffhanger & I’m anxious for the second book!
June 19, 2024
Being in a fantasy slump while wanting to read fantasy is a nightmare, so it was a surprise how quick I read this one when i sat down to actually finish it. The world building, fantastic, there are courts, and royal matters like claims to a throne, DRAMA, dragons (mind you, male dragon shifters... been waiting to read something like this since a lot time ago), backstabbing alliance (f*ck u girl, never liked you), a "what the hell are you going to do now" type of villainess, and obviously a "enemies" to lovers romance hehe i love it when they try to fight their feelings and it doesn't work (it becomes really good when there is also a bond involve).
Nonetheless, I give it 4.2 stars, mainly for two reasons, one of them being the ending: the audacity of that cliffhanger, and the fact that there isn't a second book like officially announced, it could be more than a year before we read what happens jesus, me dio un piqueeee esa baina, toy loca porque se jodan todos lit; the second reason was Sera herself, she started really good, likeable and she appeared with a purpose but while the story was evolving she turned a little bit to whiny for my liking, and the fact that for her communication was like a form of torture for her (i get her background and what she experienced but we have a limit) made for problems that could have been avoided, blessed Rhylan for putting up with her, I don't blame him that much for how things turn out because it seems there a lot of secrets to uncover (important ones that i hope don't drag) that can affect future paths going forward.
Overall I liked most of the books, and the writing was easy to follow and understand, like the explaining of the geography, of the origin of dragons and how the houses were ruled, it wasn't confusing to read. I hope to continue being excited to read the second book when it comes out (my problems not the author 😂)
Nonetheless, I give it 4.2 stars, mainly for two reasons, one of them being the ending: the audacity of that cliffhanger, and the fact that there isn't a second book like officially announced, it could be more than a year before we read what happens jesus, me dio un piqueeee esa baina, toy loca porque se jodan todos lit; the second reason was Sera herself, she started really good, likeable and she appeared with a purpose but while the story was evolving she turned a little bit to whiny for my liking, and the fact that for her communication was like a form of torture for her (i get her background and what she experienced but we have a limit) made for problems that could have been avoided, blessed Rhylan for putting up with her, I don't blame him that much for how things turn out because it seems there a lot of secrets to uncover (important ones that i hope don't drag) that can affect future paths going forward.
Overall I liked most of the books, and the writing was easy to follow and understand, like the explaining of the geography, of the origin of dragons and how the houses were ruled, it wasn't confusing to read. I hope to continue being excited to read the second book when it comes out (my problems not the author 😂)
December 6, 2025
Okay listen.... I regret to inform you that I am now emotionally compromised by a vengeful dragon prince and the princess he once yeeted into exile.
House of Ashes is basically:
🔥 “What if my worst enemy, who also ruined my entire life, came back hotter, broodier, and offering a fake mate alliance to seize the throne?”
And the heroine said: “Sure :) let’s commit co bold and co treason.”
The DRAMA. The ANGST. The “we’re fake mates but oops my heart is real.”
I was thriving!
The narrator delivered Rhylan’s lines with such sinful, smoky menace that I almost dropped my phone. If he asked me to fake mate for political gain, I'd be like, “Yeah okay absolutely, where do I sign, your highness?”
Loved the casting decision. Truly elite.
Things I loved:
🐉 Peak “revenge but make it romantic” energy
🐉 A heroine who refuses to stay down even when the universe keeps throwing flaming nonsense at her
🐉 Rhylan being a menace with wings
🐉 Political chaos, scheming Houses, and secrets everywhere
🐉 “Oops we’re fake mates but actually I’d burn the world down for you now” vibes
Things I did not love:
✨ The way I kept shouting “OH HE IS SO TOXIC I LOVE HIM???”
✨ The fact that I now need book two immediately.
This book feels like someone mixed:
– draconic court intrigue
– a little enemies to lovers spice
– a fake bond gone too real
– and the emotional chaos of a telenovela
…then set it on fire.
In the best way.
If you like your romantasy with flying death lizards, scheming nobles, betrayal, feral tension, and an MC who is done with everyone else's nonsense, this is your book.
And if you do the audiobook?
Prepare your heart. And your headphones.
House of Ashes is basically:
🔥 “What if my worst enemy, who also ruined my entire life, came back hotter, broodier, and offering a fake mate alliance to seize the throne?”
And the heroine said: “Sure :) let’s commit co bold and co treason.”
The DRAMA. The ANGST. The “we’re fake mates but oops my heart is real.”
I was thriving!
The narrator delivered Rhylan’s lines with such sinful, smoky menace that I almost dropped my phone. If he asked me to fake mate for political gain, I'd be like, “Yeah okay absolutely, where do I sign, your highness?”
Loved the casting decision. Truly elite.
Things I loved:
🐉 Peak “revenge but make it romantic” energy
🐉 A heroine who refuses to stay down even when the universe keeps throwing flaming nonsense at her
🐉 Rhylan being a menace with wings
🐉 Political chaos, scheming Houses, and secrets everywhere
🐉 “Oops we’re fake mates but actually I’d burn the world down for you now” vibes
Things I did not love:
✨ The way I kept shouting “OH HE IS SO TOXIC I LOVE HIM???”
✨ The fact that I now need book two immediately.
This book feels like someone mixed:
– draconic court intrigue
– a little enemies to lovers spice
– a fake bond gone too real
– and the emotional chaos of a telenovela
…then set it on fire.
In the best way.
If you like your romantasy with flying death lizards, scheming nobles, betrayal, feral tension, and an MC who is done with everyone else's nonsense, this is your book.
And if you do the audiobook?
Prepare your heart. And your headphones.
October 16, 2024
I’m going to be honest, I would give this book a 3.5 and I only give it a 4 because of Erebos. I low key struggled half way into this book due to both the FMC and MMC. A lot of people hated on Sera (the FMC) due to her complaining. In this case, there were times of complaining but it was mostly her self-depreciation of her character that I found annoying. This girl went the whole book and then some talking about how she is worthless and she can’t add up to anything. She wasn’t worth it for the MMC and blah blah blah. There’s a lot of things she called herself and even up to the end she still called herself stupid and just hopeless honestly. I found the things she did complain about completely valid. The reason the MMC pissed me off was because at the beginning he just seemed so selfish and indifferent towards the FMC situation, later down the road it’s known that he knew what she went through and he still felt the need to not recognize the struggles she also went through. I understood that they didn’t see eye to eye and Sera was also a bitch too in the beginning. I just think it was valid of her because she was kidnapped by the MMC and regardless of what others say she was FORCED to basically help him. There’s a lot more to it so I opened my highlights and notes for everyone to read them if you wanted to truly understand how I felt throughout the book. This was the first time I truly sat down and read a book and noted everything I thought in that moment. I’m a little goofy so I hope you can excuse my unprofessional notes lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
Didn’t realize this was the first in a new series, from this year at that, and it ends in a major cliffhanger. Despite that, this was entertaining and the author managed to make me sufficiently invested in the mysteries. We’re left with a lot of unanswered questions that I hope the rest of the series will resolve.
For a book centered around mates, FL & ML’s chemistry left a lot to be desired. Also, their interactions suffer from this thing where a lot of the angst is driven by a lack of communication—it’s 2024, I thought we weren’t doing that anymore.
The driving premise of the world building is that there are dragon houses, each house has an ascendant dragon and these dragons gave their blood to an original human who then created dragonblooded descendants. The dragonblooded have dragon powers that kinda suck tbh. Basically the male dragonblooded get to turn into dragons and fly. They can mate with female dragonblood, creating a mind link and allowing her to ride him safely or whatever. Oh, and their human forms have sparkly scales and shit. Like, first of all, why can’t the homegirls grow wings too? There are female ascendants…There are other weird plots regarding dragon blood that I find questionable, but don’t feel like getting into.
Anyway, if you like dragons and mates, and whatnot, I’d recommend.
For a book centered around mates, FL & ML’s chemistry left a lot to be desired. Also, their interactions suffer from this thing where a lot of the angst is driven by a lack of communication—it’s 2024, I thought we weren’t doing that anymore.
The driving premise of the world building is that there are dragon houses, each house has an ascendant dragon and these dragons gave their blood to an original human who then created dragonblooded descendants. The dragonblooded have dragon powers that kinda suck tbh. Basically the male dragonblooded get to turn into dragons and fly. They can mate with female dragonblood, creating a mind link and allowing her to ride him safely or whatever. Oh, and their human forms have sparkly scales and shit. Like, first of all, why can’t the homegirls grow wings too? There are female ascendants…There are other weird plots regarding dragon blood that I find questionable, but don’t feel like getting into.
Anyway, if you like dragons and mates, and whatnot, I’d recommend.
March 4, 2026
So, this is the second book I have read by this author, the first being A Vow of Blood & Tears, and let me sat, that book was phenomenal. That said, this took me longer than usual to really get into the story and become immersed in this world.
The very beginning, where we are introduced to the heroine, Sera, was great. It pulled me in right away. I thought here we have a strong FMC, who has managed to survive being exiled, being alone and now the action will really get into gear and we’ll get into the meat of this world.
But it didn’t go that way. It was hard at times to remain interested, in understanding the world Sera comes from, how it works, the part Ascendants play, etc. That seemed a bit underdeveloped.
Rhylan’s part in this story seemed rather perfunctory at times. I think in regard to revealing certain events that happened to Rhylan and his family, the timing was a bit off. It didn’t add the weight it should have. Which did make it difficult to really become emotionally invested.
By the time I finished this, I still wanted to see what comes next, but yet I was still left underwhelmed with Sera and her lack of growth as a character. While I thought she started strong, she seemed to then devolve, remaining so unsure of herself, not finding herself worthy.
Overall, I enjoyed the general arc of the story, but I was hoping for a bit more. I hope book two delivers.
The very beginning, where we are introduced to the heroine, Sera, was great. It pulled me in right away. I thought here we have a strong FMC, who has managed to survive being exiled, being alone and now the action will really get into gear and we’ll get into the meat of this world.
But it didn’t go that way. It was hard at times to remain interested, in understanding the world Sera comes from, how it works, the part Ascendants play, etc. That seemed a bit underdeveloped.
Rhylan’s part in this story seemed rather perfunctory at times. I think in regard to revealing certain events that happened to Rhylan and his family, the timing was a bit off. It didn’t add the weight it should have. Which did make it difficult to really become emotionally invested.
By the time I finished this, I still wanted to see what comes next, but yet I was still left underwhelmed with Sera and her lack of growth as a character. While I thought she started strong, she seemed to then devolve, remaining so unsure of herself, not finding herself worthy.
Overall, I enjoyed the general arc of the story, but I was hoping for a bit more. I hope book two delivers.
June 13, 2024
Was a 3 star lost star in last chapter. Great start engaging story had some plot questions..left a lot of questions on how her father exiled her with her mother. If her father loved her then exiled her to protect her? Why not bring her back after her mother died. Other than Rhyan saying her saw her mother with his mother…maybe it was the wrong mistress sounds like Yura is a cannibal.. Also sounds like Yura ate Lorelei.. Sera and her mother paid for their crimes? Why didnt Sera mom plead her case better. Just seemed kind of sudden. Also it was portrayed that Sera had to be perfect and the best, then how did her younger sister kick her ass. Sera is suppose to be a badass, that survived on a prison island for 4 years, yeah super weak character who gets her ass handed to her. Then there the angst of he does not want to bond with me he already has another draga picked out blah blah….the angst crap needs to be eliminated from the trope checklist..even thought character is 20ish she was written as way more mature until the angst crap..
July 17, 2024
If you enjoy dragons, shifters, and mid-to-slow burn romantasy, House of Ashes by Cate Corvin is a worthwhile read. Corvin has crafted an intriguing world filled with political intrigue, dark fantasy elements, and a cast of characters you’ll quickly come to care about. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the MMC, Rhylan, and by the end of the book, I was a diehard fan. Typically, I’m neutral towards dragons, but this world’s take on them was engaging, especially the bond dynamics between male shifters and female draga.
The stakes are high as our main characters battle against cruel forces vying for the highest throne in the land while they also seek personal vengeance. Although I didn’t always find the FMC easy to like, and her character development sometimes felt disjointed, I can see how her struggles will make more sense in the context of the whole story. Be warned: this book ends on a cliffhanger that had me a little agonized. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment to find out what happens next!
The stakes are high as our main characters battle against cruel forces vying for the highest throne in the land while they also seek personal vengeance. Although I didn’t always find the FMC easy to like, and her character development sometimes felt disjointed, I can see how her struggles will make more sense in the context of the whole story. Be warned: this book ends on a cliffhanger that had me a little agonized. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment to find out what happens next!
August 20, 2025
Really enjoyed this story! Serafina, a crown dragon Princess, has been exiled for 4 years by her father, after her mother was accused of killing another and they were both sent to the Isle of Mistward. There, she has to fight for survival amongst the lowest of the low while hiding her identity. Rhylan, her mortal enemy, the dragon shifter and heir to the throne, comes searching for her as he wants her to work with him to regain the throne now that her father is dead and usurp her sister Yura from her quest to be Dragonesse. There is a lot of political unrest as Sera and Rhylan work through their hatred for one another and pretend to be bonded mates so they can put forward their quest. This was filled with intrigue and I loved the enemies to lovers trope done well. A different slant on Dragon shifting, this kept me interested throughout. Spice was also done well, without it taking over the story as some fantasy authors spoil a good story with pages of smut! This end on a cliffhanger which had me holding my breath longing to know what happens next!
June 28, 2024
Wow, I was taken by surprise by this book, in a good way. I love Cate Corvin's books, but I'll admit I'm not a huge dragon shifter fan. There's usually not much difference shown between them and other animal shifters despite them being fantasy characters.
However, this book has everything: unique lore, world building, fleshed out characters, & their backstory. Even the names are unique to this alternate world. Sera & Rhylan take a believeable amount of time to overcome the enemies to lovers trope (though ofc he never hated her), and Sera is tough and ready to reclaim her lost birthright.
This is one of Corvin's more brutal stories, as well. The villains are truly disgusting and are responsible for heinous acts both in the past and present. Not for the squeamish. The penultimate twist was almost too much even for me, but I also know because of it, the villain couple's downfall will be even sweeter. And I hope to see more of Kirana & Cai in the next installment, too.
However, this book has everything: unique lore, world building, fleshed out characters, & their backstory. Even the names are unique to this alternate world. Sera & Rhylan take a believeable amount of time to overcome the enemies to lovers trope (though ofc he never hated her), and Sera is tough and ready to reclaim her lost birthright.
This is one of Corvin's more brutal stories, as well. The villains are truly disgusting and are responsible for heinous acts both in the past and present. Not for the squeamish. The penultimate twist was almost too much even for me, but I also know because of it, the villain couple's downfall will be even sweeter. And I hope to see more of Kirana & Cai in the next installment, too.
August 23, 2025
house of ashes
This was an action packed story that I struggled to put down. Right from the start you are thrown into Sera’s story as she struggles on the prison island. Saved from the clutches of a nasty male by an old crush she then finds herself forming new alliances while trying to get back to health after four years of starvation. Working with Rhylan to claim the throne after her father’s passing is no easy feat since he was the reason for her imprisonment but as the story evolves so do relationships and previously unrequited feelings.
The world building was great along with the development of side characters. I am now invested in Kirana story as well as the growing relationship between Sera and Rhylan.
Now on to see what happens in the next book
This was an action packed story that I struggled to put down. Right from the start you are thrown into Sera’s story as she struggles on the prison island. Saved from the clutches of a nasty male by an old crush she then finds herself forming new alliances while trying to get back to health after four years of starvation. Working with Rhylan to claim the throne after her father’s passing is no easy feat since he was the reason for her imprisonment but as the story evolves so do relationships and previously unrequited feelings.
The world building was great along with the development of side characters. I am now invested in Kirana story as well as the growing relationship between Sera and Rhylan.
Now on to see what happens in the next book
September 20, 2024
Decent
I didn't mind the whining for most of it because it was mostly related to things that Sera actually needed to work through.
That said, this was a long book. And it got old by about 60% and then it was tedious noise. Resisting the bond at that point wasn't really tenable. It became a carrot you no longer cared to chase. Especially because we all know it's inevitable. There are enough other things going on that could've replaced that nonsense. And that's really why this can't be more than 3 stars.
I love Seras ascendant. She's delightful.
And I can't say that I was expecting the darkness that came toward the end here.
It's enough to read the next one.
I didn't mind the whining for most of it because it was mostly related to things that Sera actually needed to work through.
That said, this was a long book. And it got old by about 60% and then it was tedious noise. Resisting the bond at that point wasn't really tenable. It became a carrot you no longer cared to chase. Especially because we all know it's inevitable. There are enough other things going on that could've replaced that nonsense. And that's really why this can't be more than 3 stars.
I love Seras ascendant. She's delightful.
And I can't say that I was expecting the darkness that came toward the end here.
It's enough to read the next one.
June 2, 2024
I don’t read a lot of fantasy but I will ALWAYS read Cate Corvin! This book was so good! And I wasn’t even 100% sure what I was going in to! It was fantastic! Sera was exiled with her mother to the island the put all the criminals on. Sera is the daughter of the Drakkon. Basically the Dragon King. So her dad exiled her for a crime her mom supposedly committed. The isle for the criminals is horrendous and Sera’s mom doesn’t survive very long. So as a young girl she has to figure out how to survive on her own. She finds out the Drakkon died and an old “friend” came to the isle to find her and that’s where we meet Rhylan. I love Rhylan! He was broody but determined. He had a goal in mind and he found Sera so that she could help him execute his plan. Sera has a lot of resentment and she takes it out on Rhylan but Rhylan hasn’t lived an easy life. They end up bonding over their grief. I don’t wanna give the whole premise of the story away but Rhylan is a ginormous dragon. A hot dragon at that. Sera is the rightful heir to the throne. And there is DRAMA. Drama with Sera’s half sister and the dragon she was arranged to be married to before exile. And other Houses too. It was so good. It ended on a huge cliffhanger and I’m dying for the next book. Like I said, I don’t read a whole lot of fantasy but I will ALWAYS read fantasy by Cate Corvin! This series will be so good!
September 7, 2024
Crying for book 2
How do I wait for book 2??? I almost DNF’ed this book in the first chapter, and I am so glad I kept reading. Sera is such a complex FMC and she is so loyal to her fight. She’s loving, caring and strong with what she believes. A survivor through and through. I was screaming in my head at her the last half of the book. Rhylan absolutely stole my heart. This book builds up from the start. It has mystery, suspense, and so much drama. If you think you want to stop, just keep reading.
How do I wait for book 2??? I almost DNF’ed this book in the first chapter, and I am so glad I kept reading. Sera is such a complex FMC and she is so loyal to her fight. She’s loving, caring and strong with what she believes. A survivor through and through. I was screaming in my head at her the last half of the book. Rhylan absolutely stole my heart. This book builds up from the start. It has mystery, suspense, and so much drama. If you think you want to stop, just keep reading.
April 22, 2025
Loved this book so much!! This pulled me out of my reading slump and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for Court of Embers.
This was such a unique plot, a spin on dragons I have never encountered which fully satisfied my need for dragons + romance post Onyx Storm. The entire concept of this book was so unique and fresh, I couldn’t put the book down. It had all the tropes I absolutely adore, MMC yearning and spice, UGH I loved it.
I would recommend this book to anyone, especially a romantasy lover that needs something new and exciting.
This was such a unique plot, a spin on dragons I have never encountered which fully satisfied my need for dragons + romance post Onyx Storm. The entire concept of this book was so unique and fresh, I couldn’t put the book down. It had all the tropes I absolutely adore, MMC yearning and spice, UGH I loved it.
I would recommend this book to anyone, especially a romantasy lover that needs something new and exciting.
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