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Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #4
Ashes of Roses
The Emperor of Sirlende finds himself without a bride when his betrothed, a princess of a neighboring kingdom, dies unexpectedly in a terrible accident. Weary of the unacceptable but "royal" alternatives his advisors suggest, he instead decides to take matters into his own hands. All ladies of gentle birth between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two are invited to five days of grand feasts, hunts, tournaments, and balls so the Emperor might choose the lady of his heart, and not an unknown foreign princess.
Ashara Millende was born the only daughter of a landed gentleman, but had her inheritance stolen from her by her unscrupulous stepmother. A servant in the house that should have been hers, she dreams of escaping the drudgery of her life and finding someone who will love her for who she truly is. She is offered assistance by a woman hiding a few secrets of her own, a woman who will give Ashara the chance to win her heart's desire — if only she is bold enough to take the first step.
The story of Cinderella takes on fresh new life in this retelling, set in the world of the Latter Kingdoms. (Book 4 of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms)
Ashara Millende was born the only daughter of a landed gentleman, but had her inheritance stolen from her by her unscrupulous stepmother. A servant in the house that should have been hers, she dreams of escaping the drudgery of her life and finding someone who will love her for who she truly is. She is offered assistance by a woman hiding a few secrets of her own, a woman who will give Ashara the chance to win her heart's desire — if only she is bold enough to take the first step.
The story of Cinderella takes on fresh new life in this retelling, set in the world of the Latter Kingdoms. (Book 4 of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms)
360 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2013
39 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
216 books1,095 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 3, 2014
The Emperor of Sirlende is willing to break protocol and traditions to find a bride who he can love. Most marriages in the kingdoms are arranged before the intended can even talk, but after his intended dies, Torric knows he does not want a loveless like his parents had.
Embarking on a five day event that will surely bring suitable candidates to the forefront, but Torric never expected to fall for the red headed beauty instantly. Torric knows he can't show her favor, he is just biding his time.
Ashara Millende has been given an unexpected gift by an Aunt she never knew existed, a chance to maybe change her path in life. After her father passed away, she was left under he stepmothers care, she was treated none better than a stray dog for years. When she meets Torric, she has the first glimpse at hope, and when she realizes he intends to make her his bride she is hoping it is sooner than later.
A retelling of Cinderella. I liked that this story delved a bit into the politics that Torric faced. I thought this was thoroughly enjoyable.
Embarking on a five day event that will surely bring suitable candidates to the forefront, but Torric never expected to fall for the red headed beauty instantly. Torric knows he can't show her favor, he is just biding his time.
Ashara Millende has been given an unexpected gift by an Aunt she never knew existed, a chance to maybe change her path in life. After her father passed away, she was left under he stepmothers care, she was treated none better than a stray dog for years. When she meets Torric, she has the first glimpse at hope, and when she realizes he intends to make her his bride she is hoping it is sooner than later.
A retelling of Cinderella. I liked that this story delved a bit into the politics that Torric faced. I thought this was thoroughly enjoyable.
November 30, 2017
After reading the Beauty and the Beast version by Pope this was disappointing. It was the story of Cinderella and it followed the fairy tale a little too closely. I was also disappointed in the interaction of the love interests. It was insta love with a lot of lust in the mix. Just not my cup of tea but I did finish it, it was all wrapping up too nicely and I wanted to see the wrench that would get thrown in and it was a good one. This has more talk of sex then the other and the makeout scene was a little more detailed but the sex scene were fade to black. Adult fairy tale for sure.
February 9, 2018
I read Dragon Rose, book 2 in this series, and really loved it. Unfortunately I didn't find this one nearly as good. My biggest issue was probably the Emperor. I just didn't like him, so as a love interest I couldn't see what the MC saw in him. The way he treated his officials and threw his position around all the time was distasteful. I can understand his pride, he was raised in a palace, but he was just pompous. This is a re-telling of Cinderella which isn't my favorite fairy tale, so that was also a factor. At any rate I still plan on reading more from this series, hopefully I like the others as much as Dragon Rose.
January 26, 2020
An unrefreshing, insta-love Cinderella story.
The Emperor of Sirlende finds himself without a bride when his betrothed, a princess of a neighboring kingdom, dies unexpectedly in a terrible accident. Weary of the unacceptable but "royal" alternatives his advisors suggest, he instead decides to take matters into his own hands. All ladies of gentle birth between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two are invited to five days of grand feasts, hunts, tournaments, and balls so the Emperor might choose the lady of his heart, and not an unknown foreign princess.
Ashara Millende was born the only daughter of a landed gentleman, but had her inheritance stolen from her by her unscrupulous stepmother. A servant in the house that should have been hers, she dreams of escaping the drudgery of her life and finding someone who will love her for who she truly is. She is offered assistance by a woman hiding a few secrets of her own, a woman who will give Ashara the chance to win her heart's desire — if only she is bold enough to take the first step.
DNF @ 40%
I got bored. So very, very bored. The dialogue was written well enough but it just wasn't engaging. I kept trying to find things that would perk my interest or show that the characters had more depth than the cookie-cutter remake. And the insta-love! The prince spied her hair and decided that she was enchanting and the one for him. I just. No.
Read Cinderella and the Colonel or Ella Enchanted instead.
May 28, 2020
Well, this was a ... disappointment. The first third was really enjoyable and I flew threw it because it reminded me of The Selection by Kiera Cass. But the similarities quickly vanished.
Spoilers ahead
The ending especially was very problematic in my eyes. You have an Emporer who suddenly hates this girl he's claimed to have loved (we all knew it was just insta-lust but really??), followed by him cutting her off from her only family and people she has known her whole life which seems like a huge red flag to me. Banishes her aunt even though she's the reason they are together?? and doesn't even try to change the law against magic DOESNT EVEN TRY. Then you have Ashara only allowing her sisters a decent livelihood if they cut off all communication with their mother for the rest of their lives. Okay hold up, what is with all this toxic ripping apart of relationships? And then you have the Emporer admitting that "it is finally here" every moment was simply so they could have sex. Welp alright. Nothing says insta-love more than that.
I just need to stop reading Cinderella retellings because they all just have way too much insta-lust that they try to pretend is love and its nauseating.
Spoilers ahead
The ending especially was very problematic in my eyes. You have an Emporer who suddenly hates this girl he's claimed to have loved (we all knew it was just insta-lust but really??), followed by him cutting her off from her only family and people she has known her whole life which seems like a huge red flag to me. Banishes her aunt even though she's the reason they are together?? and doesn't even try to change the law against magic DOESNT EVEN TRY. Then you have Ashara only allowing her sisters a decent livelihood if they cut off all communication with their mother for the rest of their lives. Okay hold up, what is with all this toxic ripping apart of relationships? And then you have the Emporer admitting that "it is finally here" every moment was simply so they could have sex. Welp alright. Nothing says insta-love more than that.
I just need to stop reading Cinderella retellings because they all just have way too much insta-lust that they try to pretend is love and its nauseating.
May 14, 2018
There was nothing wrong with this book. And sometimes you want to read a story where everything is exactly what you expect. But this didn't do anything with the Cinderella story, at all, and the ending was foreshadowed both by the fairy tale and the beginning. So I'd probably only recommend this to people who love the Cinderella fairy tale, or to someone looking for a book with absolutely no surprises (which does happen to me sometimes).
October 4, 2021
This was an interesting take on Cinderella where the fairy godmother is "Cinderella's" aunt. Also "Cinderella" and "Prince Charming" got a bit more time to develop a relationship with each other even if it was a love at first sight sort of meeting. It's not my absolute favorite version, but an enjoyable one I would re-read.
September 12, 2017
2.5 Not a bad story, I just didn't particularly feel anything for it; doesn't divert from the original Cinderella tale that much.
September 23, 2017
Captivating
A retelling of a classic fairytale with all the main elements, but told in a brand new way in an imaginary land complete with its own history and legends.
A retelling of a classic fairytale with all the main elements, but told in a brand new way in an imaginary land complete with its own history and legends.
July 6, 2018
Loved this take on one of my childhood favourites “Cinderella”.
December 6, 2018
Looking at Cinderella differently.
October 6, 2025
How is this book four?
This is a nice retelling of Cinderella. Much better than the Disney version. Young Adult Romance with mild sexy times.
This is a nice retelling of Cinderella. Much better than the Disney version. Young Adult Romance with mild sexy times.
November 17, 2021
This was such a light and fun retelling of Cinderella! I loved the romance and how realistic the world felt for the time period.
February 6, 2017
Audiobook Review:
I thought this may be another ‘Cinderella’ tale, which I’d readily read, because it is a tale hard to grow tired of. However, it has its own unique twists and is truly very glorious, leaving me with an afterglow of extreme satisfaction where good does prevail over wicked.
I enjoyed listening to this story, told in first person, some chapters told in first person by Ashara Millende, others told by the Emperor of Selende, Torric Deveras. Both these individuals are in cages, one gilded and one of drudgery and hopelessness.
Narrator Valerie Gilbert is terrific in her depiction of the step-mother, her moments of hysteria and her harsh treatment of Ashara are over the top. Additionally, a very memorable moment is when the emperor’s representative spoke with Ashara questioned about where Ashara worked previous to her present station. This is when the emperor is searches for Ashara all over the kingdom. No, there is no glass slipper here.
Torric and Ashara were smittened at first sight. Torric has always wanted to marry for love, but when an emperor is it even possible? The story is sweet when he quickly makes his mind up after meeting some 400 women of eligibility in his realm she is the one to grace his arm as queen. But then, she disappears!
Narrator Valerie Gilbert does such justice to this tale. She tells a tale of a man living in a gilded cage, yearning to be free and learns much from his sister to guide him to the path of happiness.
We see the palace through Ashara’s eyes. She hasn’t seen such opulence in her life. Author Pope creates the wonderland we dreamers wish to discover.
Ashara’s life with her step-mother and two step-sisters is nothing but drudgery. She is ill-used where in fact, she should be mistress of their town-dwelling, for the property is left to her by her father.
The emperor is looking for a bride. Ashara’s long lost aunt suddenly appears, who happens to have some very unusual magic at her fingertips. (Has no one told her magic is a criminal act in the kingdom?) Will Ashara take the risk to change the misery of her life?
If you are one who loves endings full of happiness, without too much agony getting there, you’ll love this story. It is made more perfect by its narration by Gilbert. Her understanding of the tone of wickedness, arrogance, purity of spirit and charming princes, makes this listen even more enticing. I, for one, would love to continue reading the rest of the series.
I thought this may be another ‘Cinderella’ tale, which I’d readily read, because it is a tale hard to grow tired of. However, it has its own unique twists and is truly very glorious, leaving me with an afterglow of extreme satisfaction where good does prevail over wicked.
I enjoyed listening to this story, told in first person, some chapters told in first person by Ashara Millende, others told by the Emperor of Selende, Torric Deveras. Both these individuals are in cages, one gilded and one of drudgery and hopelessness.
Narrator Valerie Gilbert is terrific in her depiction of the step-mother, her moments of hysteria and her harsh treatment of Ashara are over the top. Additionally, a very memorable moment is when the emperor’s representative spoke with Ashara questioned about where Ashara worked previous to her present station. This is when the emperor is searches for Ashara all over the kingdom. No, there is no glass slipper here.
Torric and Ashara were smittened at first sight. Torric has always wanted to marry for love, but when an emperor is it even possible? The story is sweet when he quickly makes his mind up after meeting some 400 women of eligibility in his realm she is the one to grace his arm as queen. But then, she disappears!
Narrator Valerie Gilbert does such justice to this tale. She tells a tale of a man living in a gilded cage, yearning to be free and learns much from his sister to guide him to the path of happiness.
We see the palace through Ashara’s eyes. She hasn’t seen such opulence in her life. Author Pope creates the wonderland we dreamers wish to discover.
Ashara’s life with her step-mother and two step-sisters is nothing but drudgery. She is ill-used where in fact, she should be mistress of their town-dwelling, for the property is left to her by her father.
The emperor is looking for a bride. Ashara’s long lost aunt suddenly appears, who happens to have some very unusual magic at her fingertips. (Has no one told her magic is a criminal act in the kingdom?) Will Ashara take the risk to change the misery of her life?
If you are one who loves endings full of happiness, without too much agony getting there, you’ll love this story. It is made more perfect by its narration by Gilbert. Her understanding of the tone of wickedness, arrogance, purity of spirit and charming princes, makes this listen even more enticing. I, for one, would love to continue reading the rest of the series.
September 8, 2014
Ashara Millende is everything you would expect Cinderella to be: patient, kind and hardworking. She’s also smart and resourceful. Instead of a prince, her love is Emperor of Sirlende, Torric Deveras. Torric has been emperor ever since his father’s death, and he is fortunate to have a confidant in his sister, Lyarris.
Strong, wise, and compassionate, Lyarris is my favorite character in the book. It is her idea to have a five-day series of events, during which her brother can find a suitable empress. Given Ash’s Cinderella status in her stepmother’s home, she never imagined she’d be able to meet the emperor, but instead of a fairy godmother, she has an aunt with a talent for illusion. Among Ash’s female allies, she even finds a friend in an earl’s daughter, the resourceful Gabrinne.
Although I generally cringe at the love-at-first-sight trope, I thought this was done well. The characters are sometimes smarter than average, but still make mistakes. The dialog kept the story moving, and it’s an easy read that can be enjoyed in a weekend.
Ashes of Roses is a smart re-telling of the fairy tale. The culture of the Latter Kingdoms is interesting, and I am looking forward to reading more stories in the setting.
Strong, wise, and compassionate, Lyarris is my favorite character in the book. It is her idea to have a five-day series of events, during which her brother can find a suitable empress. Given Ash’s Cinderella status in her stepmother’s home, she never imagined she’d be able to meet the emperor, but instead of a fairy godmother, she has an aunt with a talent for illusion. Among Ash’s female allies, she even finds a friend in an earl’s daughter, the resourceful Gabrinne.
Although I generally cringe at the love-at-first-sight trope, I thought this was done well. The characters are sometimes smarter than average, but still make mistakes. The dialog kept the story moving, and it’s an easy read that can be enjoyed in a weekend.
Ashes of Roses is a smart re-telling of the fairy tale. The culture of the Latter Kingdoms is interesting, and I am looking forward to reading more stories in the setting.
December 24, 2013
Having loved fairy tales as a child, and still owning many of my childhood favorites, I looked forward to receiving a copy of Ashes of Roses and reading the retelling of the tale of Cinderella. This book is told from both the viewpoint of Prince Torric of Sirlende and Ashara Millende with some overlapping at times. The plot follows the story of Cinderella fairly accurately with a few twists including the fact that the fairy godmother is a maternal aunt who left the kingdom due to magic being outlawed and her abilities for glamour being a problem that could have led to her death. Prince Torric has five days of events to look through over 400 marriageable women to find his bride. The descriptions of location, clothing, and interactions are detailed. I enjoyed the some of the side characters as much as those of the two main characters. I did find it difficult at the beginning of some chapters to know which person was telling the story but it was not a huge drawback. If you like descriptive love stories (without explicit sex scenes) that are set in the past you will probably enjoy this book.
September 5, 2016
a new take on Cinderella when her step mother forces her to be a servant in her own Home Ashara doesn't see any point in trying to argue with her stepmother and assert her rightful place at the same time The Emperor of their kingdoms fiancee the crowned princess of a neighboring country had died a year ago and the only available royal was 12 not wanting to marry a little girl The emperor decides to look with in his own boarders for a bride from the nobility and has five days in which to do so by meeting the young ladies for an event each day and seeing if possibly one strikes his fancy The celebrations are to end with a grand ball on the fifth night IN this kingdom using Magic is punishable by death but to Ashara The risk is worth it for her self and her "fairy God mother" as The emperor will surely never notice her but their is the chance and that's all she can hope for as the story unfolds you meet several characters many of whom i Enjoyed some of whom i didnt like at all and throughly love how Ms Pope interweives her characters for You meet up with The emperors sister and Cinderellas "Fairy Godmother" Again in another tale.
November 5, 2016
Illusions, a emperor, a servant and 5 days to win the ultimate prize
Ashara is the servant to her step mother and step sisters although thew house and money which they use is hers by right, one day her fortunes change when her aunt on her mother's side comes to say that Ashara will attend the ball... Or more accurately the week long festivities the Emperor is throwing to find a bride.
Emperor Torric has had a misfortune in the marriage game when his betrothed dies suddenly. He faces trying to find a suitable bride among the aristocratic families daughters, although his advisers aren't totally happy about the way he decides to do it... 5 days of events to find him someone. On first sight (all be it at a distance) he is drawn to Ashara at the first event. From then it's a matter of when and not if.
This tale is so lovely and innocent that I can't wait to read more from this author and this series. It also shows that only a hint of magic is needed to make the frosting for the cake that is already made.
Ashara is the servant to her step mother and step sisters although thew house and money which they use is hers by right, one day her fortunes change when her aunt on her mother's side comes to say that Ashara will attend the ball... Or more accurately the week long festivities the Emperor is throwing to find a bride.
Emperor Torric has had a misfortune in the marriage game when his betrothed dies suddenly. He faces trying to find a suitable bride among the aristocratic families daughters, although his advisers aren't totally happy about the way he decides to do it... 5 days of events to find him someone. On first sight (all be it at a distance) he is drawn to Ashara at the first event. From then it's a matter of when and not if.
This tale is so lovely and innocent that I can't wait to read more from this author and this series. It also shows that only a hint of magic is needed to make the frosting for the cake that is already made.
Read
January 29, 2014Classic
I enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella very much. Ashara Mellende is our Cinderella character and I really enjoyed listening to her story. It was a breath of fresh air. I also really enjoyed hearing the Prince's sow of the story which is not as common and made the story that much better. The author does wonderfully with crafting a complete . story that doesn't leave you hanging and with no questions at the end. But this tale isn't exactly straight forward. There it's action, trickery, lies and story of a plot twist. I look forward to reading other books by this author very soon.
I enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella very much. Ashara Mellende is our Cinderella character and I really enjoyed listening to her story. It was a breath of fresh air. I also really enjoyed hearing the Prince's sow of the story which is not as common and made the story that much better. The author does wonderfully with crafting a complete . story that doesn't leave you hanging and with no questions at the end. But this tale isn't exactly straight forward. There it's action, trickery, lies and story of a plot twist. I look forward to reading other books by this author very soon.
September 7, 2014
Retelling of Cinderella
When I first started reading this, I thought that perhaps the author had borrowed too much from Ever After, however the further into the story I got, the more I realised that it was more of her own twist on several versions of Cinderella.
A simple sweet romance set in another land, one where magic has been banished, but Ashara's Aunt returns foreign lands to learn that her unfortunate niece hasten orphaned and treated atomically buyer stepmother.
The characters are well written, and sympathetic, and the Emperor's seasonings are sound.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
When I first started reading this, I thought that perhaps the author had borrowed too much from Ever After, however the further into the story I got, the more I realised that it was more of her own twist on several versions of Cinderella.
A simple sweet romance set in another land, one where magic has been banished, but Ashara's Aunt returns foreign lands to learn that her unfortunate niece hasten orphaned and treated atomically buyer stepmother.
The characters are well written, and sympathetic, and the Emperor's seasonings are sound.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 9, 2014
Quite francly for me too weak heroine, too fast "fall-in-love" making in not so believable (since no magic involved), only one "action" scene, wich consisted of running and nothing else and no depth.
But the upsides were, the writing style. I really did like the "fairy-tale" sort of feeling, it just didn't capture my heart, or bring forth any emotions from me as a reader.
But the upsides were, the writing style. I really did like the "fairy-tale" sort of feeling, it just didn't capture my heart, or bring forth any emotions from me as a reader.
March 28, 2014
A beautiful love story in a Cinderella fashion. I liked the somehow solo development of their attraction and love for each other. Torricelli and Ashara were very interesting characters to discover and follow. The fact that w had both side of the story made it even better.
One never get tired of a happy ending.
One never get tired of a happy ending.
August 6, 2015
This is a Cinderella/donkey skin retelling...a bad one. Totally insta-love, love-at-first-sight. He sees her red hair across a field filled with 400 women and knows she's the one. They literally share maybe 6 sentences for the first 3/4ths of the book yet they know they are meant to be together. And that's just the beginning of the eye rolls...
February 5, 2014
Cute spin on Cinderella. I liked how they stretched out the acquaintance HOWEVER they didn't take the opportunity to make their relationship seem real or believable, it was all instant attraction crap. Also the adult content at the end was completely unnecessary. left a lot to be desired still.
July 28, 2014
Oh its another Cinderella tale. There are just so many of them! I liked this one well enough. I liked the idea behind it and the little twist of it with the aunt. Though I kind of felt that there was more to the story with the Aunt. Oh well. Happy endings and all that jazz.
August 16, 2014
This book could have been so much more. The was no connection with the main characters because little time was spent on their development. I wanted to love the story but there wasn't enough substance there for that to happen.
Finished Reading:
1st Time: August 14, 2014
Finished Reading:
1st Time: August 14, 2014
October 24, 2015
This is book 4 in the Latter Kingdom series. I LOVED this book. This is a good take on the Cinderella tale. I just really enjoyed this story a great deal. I loved the romance and just about everything about it. I cannot wait for the next one!
Read
May 9, 2016Enjoyable Cinderella Story
This was a 'nice' retake on the Cinderella story. However although it was a nice sweet romance, I was never truly sold on the romance. I've thoroughly enjoyed the other stories in this series, however, so I will continue to the next.
This was a 'nice' retake on the Cinderella story. However although it was a nice sweet romance, I was never truly sold on the romance. I've thoroughly enjoyed the other stories in this series, however, so I will continue to the next.
June 27, 2016
Meh.
Inferior retelling of Cinderella (the author has done so much better with other books), and I think that there were equipment problems for the narrator (who I normally enjoy!)
Wish I could say something nicer, but.....
Inferior retelling of Cinderella (the author has done so much better with other books), and I think that there were equipment problems for the narrator (who I normally enjoy!)
Wish I could say something nicer, but.....
November 25, 2013
I didn't get into the story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews