Through the Embers: Volume One

by Adriana Sargent

The Lost Princess.

For 10 years Titaia secretly took refuge in the Palace of the King who killed her family and stole their crown. She had been safe, until the Prophecy that made her the most dangerous person in the Realm was discovered. Now the Kings deadliest assassin is in the Kingdom and Titaia fears she’s being hunted. However, when secrets are exchanged, and truths revealed new fears set in. Titaia had been hiding from her birthright, but it has come to the point that she has no choice but to fight. The King has set his sights beyond their Realm with plans to conquer and rewrite the world and she is the only one with the power to stop him. With the help of someone who is not what she seems Titaia faces two questions, can she win? Can she keep her heart safe?

The Assassin.

Aife is the Realms most accomplished assassin. It is no surprise that she is brought in to eradicate the traitor believed to have infiltrated the King and Emperor’s circle. But that’s not her only job. Aife secretly works with the Rebellion fighting against the Kings reign and is tasked to obtain information on what the circle knows about the Druids and Rebellion. Secrets have littered Aife’s entire life, world changing and insignificant alike. What she finds out in her search is enough to change her motivations and loyalty. After twenty years of torture, Aife finally has something to fight for. Nothing comes without a cost, will that cost be her life, her heart, or both?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2023

About the author

Long-time writer and full-time bourbon connoisseur Adriana Sargent creates character-driven, emotion-inducing, fantasy novels that are guaranteed to transport you to another world. Her characters, while clever and cunning, will enthrall you with raw reactions, desperate decisions, and foolish fearlessness.

In her spare time, you can find Adriana curled up with a good book, practicing tarot, or judging wine while binge-watching Supernatural.

Instagram: adrianasargentauthor
TikTok: @adrianasargentauthor

Reviews

[Tegan Rosenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️! - omg, where to start! Lost princesses, magic, sapphic lust and pining, strong FMC, intricate world building, political and omega verse strife, good / evil and shadow / light, assassins ... the list goes on and on.

I was really swept away with this book. It was the best epic fantasy that I have read in some time ... on par with like a sapphic Sarah Maas or Melissa Roehrich (Lady of Darkness) and the best part was - it was SAPPHIC!!!

You will fall in love with the 3 primary FMCs (Aife, Titaia, and Katrina - arguably a supporting FMC). The thriller, anticipation, connection, love, grief, and fear factors are palpable throughout and the world building is excellent.

Two tiny little nits .... 1) at some point the overload of city, territory, and names is a bit overwhelming so it is hard to keep everything straight in moments, and 2) there are several editing blips (wrong word exchanges, or extra nonsensical words) ... not enough to take away from the overall greatness of the book, but enough to make me cringe just a touch.

All in all - fabulous book!! If you love epic fantasy, you will adore this book ♥️. HIGHLY Recommend it!

[CNE0205 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will start off by saying this book ends on a cliffhanger. I like how the author took the time to world build and spend time on character development. I wouldn’t classify as spicy book however the author make a comment that there will definitely be spice in book 2. I had some trouble with the character names. Example: the two main characters Titaia and Aife. I loved the villains and secret. If you like action, murder, secrets and passion tension this book is definitely for you. Go check it out.

[Sabrina Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and Beautiful

I was so eager to read this book after hearing so many great teasers on tiktok. This book was so fun to read. I was enthralled by the strong and powerful female characters. And we are only just beginning to know them. I cannot wait to find out what happens next!!

[Nicolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Y’all Adriana brought the unhinged chaos I absolutely love in this story. I would definitely classify this as a dark fantasy, please check your TWs.

For 10 years, the true heir of the realm has been in hiding. Her family betrayed by those they trusted the most and slaughtered in an instance. Titaia has been in hiding under the very nose of the evil King who turned her world upside down at such a young age. Under the guise of a glamour courtesy of her best friend Katrina, who I absolutely love, she has kept her true identity a secret. But, as the rebellions of the people that want her to take the throne escalate, Titaia must make a choice; continue to hide or rise like the Phoenix she is. In doing so, she must rely on the infamous Assassin to bring the prophecy of her rising to fruition.
Aife, was taken from her home at 9 yrs old and has spent 20 years being trained as a deadly assassin through methods of torture and pain.She is feared throughout all the land but, secretly she’s been helping the rebellion. When fate brings her together with the long lost heir, she finds that her cold, dark heart is not completely lost and for Titaia she will burn this world to save her.

The slow burn between Aife and Titaia was 🥵…Titaia was this sassy, take no shit from no one, but I can still be a lady FMC and I was here for it. When I tell you Aife, can leave some of these fictional men in the dust 😮‍💨 mama, can get it. I’d happily let her torture me.

The characters in this book are meant to be loved or hated, there really is no in between. Gregodick and Herpes (Gregorovich and Heptus) are the absolute vilest of villains and my anger for them grew and grew as I kept reading.

This was a complex world building read, we are introduced to many different parts of the realm and to all kinds of magical creatures and their powers.

THIS ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER. But I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 and see what’s in store next for Aife and Titaia.

[D.W. Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Through the Embers
Author:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Strong FMC’s ✅
Diverse Characters ✅
LBGTQA ✅

Review:
Adriana Sargent gives us an exquisitely written novel with her debut that takes readers on a captivating journey of love, loss, self-discovery and redemption.

Sargent's prose is beautiful with her addition of painting vivid pictures and evoking a range of emotions with her words. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs. I found myself deeply invested in their lives, rooting for them, and feeling their joys and sorrows as if they were my own.

The plot of Through the Embers is intricately woven, effortlessly blending elements of romance, fantasy, mystery, and personal growth. The story unfolds at a perfect pace, keeping me engaged at every turn.

One aspect of the book that particularly stood out to me was the rich and atmospheric setting. Sargent's descriptions of the landscapes and surroundings transported me to the world she created, making me feel as though I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing everything they did. I struggle with the names of places and keeping it all organized, but that is a me problem.

I highly recommend Adriana Sargent's Through the Embers and I can’t wait for book two!!

[Faye Drawdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a Morally Grey Love interest? Or a little Political intrigue?

If you love:
-Strangers to lovers
-"The chosen one" trope
-Sapphic Romance
-Slow burn
-Fantasy
-Low Spice Levels
-Morally Grey Love interests
-"Touch her and ☠️"
-Banter


I absolutely LOVE this book if for no other reason Aife, our brooding, morally grey, cocky, sexy Elf Assassin. I was instantly drawn to her and it was amazing to see what her motivations were.

Through the Embers follows Aife, and Titiana. Aife is an assassin that is only alive because an Emperors adviser thought she'd be useful. She was forced to train, to prove her loyalty to a man who slaughtered her family, and become his weapon. Titiana is a missing Princess hiding in plain sight.

They come together in the most unexpected way and end up joining forces to right the wrongs of their pasts. Trouble is how will they escape their various prisons without one or both of them ending up dead?

Now all I want is someone to call me their "little Minx" Cause OMG it brought the swoons out.

[Bretnie Shep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay okay okay, so can we take a moment to truly appreciate Aife? Like oh my gawwdddddd she is absolutely everything. Her past is sad, and heart breaking. Joyce being the only family like person in her life, and to have to say goodbye to her as well?? Lorddddd. I like Ti until she said what she said to my Aife. Like girl… you’re hiding, letting people get hurt and die because of you, and you want to cut down Aife because she did what she did to protect your friend? Who she doesn’t even know? And to protect you? Yeahhhhh I’m def not team Tit pfftttttt Aife deserves someone who isn’t a coward *clears throat loudly* well anyways, what a cliffhanger tho!!!!! About to run and get book 2 so I can get my next fix . Meanwhile , if anyone know of a 6’ black hair black eyes sexy assassin elf, send her my way 😉

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this story, and cannot wait for the next book. This is a book I received as an ARC and this is my honest review.

Through the Embers follows two main characters Titaia (Elle) who is a princess in hiding, and Aife an assassin. This story is dual pov and a sapphic romance. There isn't really any spice in this book (there is a good amount of sexual tension though), but the author has stated that there will definitely be some in the next. If you like evil rulers, a building rebellion, secrets, danger and murder then I think this book will be for you. As stated above, I cannot wait for the next book and the continuation of this story. I was pulled in so quickly, and everything is just so well fleshed out. Definitely a top read of the year for me.

[Kate Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well done, I enjoyed the world building and the magic system but it's the characters that really caught my heart. I adore the dynamic between Aifi and Titaia, that they are so evenly matched, their first meeting was so cute and so funny, and how they are both jealous over the other. The side characters are well fleshed out, none are there just to be there and you become as invested in them as you do Aifi and Titaia. I liked reading about their struggles and I can not wait to see where this series goes next

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adriana Sargent is a new author for me and i have to say I really liked this! The MC's where flawed in there own way (do like flawed humans lol) and i couldnt help being drawn to them. Both had well developed backgrounds and their connection was sooo good. The world building was interesting and didnt bog you down with lots of new info all at once. Pace never stalled. The only real issue i would say was the names of the MC's, I had trouble reading and even pronoucing those in my head or even outloud lol. But it in no way took away from what was a great read and im excited for #2

[Britt Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT!!!!! you’re gonna leave me in that cliffy!!!

The world building AMAZING!
Characters- WOW!
I was completely inside of the world that Adriana created… I almost forgot that I was reading! I’m so happy that book 2 is already out bc I can’t believe the cliffhanger that you left me on!!! SO SO GOOD!

[VelvetReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced, sapphic romance that is packed with action and thrilling moments. I found myself incredibly immersed in this fantasy and was ready to throw hands with a few of these characters (@Heptus). And the tension between Aife and Titaia?! 🤌🏾😩

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so impressed by the energetic, mysterious story of Titaia and where her secrets would guide her. Sargent very has created a world she clearly has gotten to know well as she writes so naturally, matter of factly.

As I became more familiar with the people and places at play, my intrigue stirred for not only Titaia’s story, but Aife’s as well. When their lives crossed paths, I began my own hunt for answers. Sargent leaves us on a love/hate cliffhanger. Very well written but leaves you dying for book two.

For all the mystique and fantasy within this novel, I found the characters relatable in their emotions and where they’re at in their lives. I think any reader will find a home in how some of the characters feel and women, especially, will connect with setting all else aside to recognize a woman in need, uplifting her up and standing together.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent

Enthralling and enigmatic.
Fear and longing for what is right. To fight for freedom and break the bonds of tyranny and evil.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

I love this book and love the storyline I can't get enough of it if u are 18 and older go read this book ASAP I would give this book 200 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Christina _readingwhilewet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome

I loved this book. The slow burn had me so invested. I will say I loved that the storyline development was told through the characters.

Spice 🌶

[M.L. Eaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the second book!

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Embers Volume One is definitely a 3.5 stars for me. I devoured it the weekend after my ARC came in and I've had my review ready for release day since.

Overall vibes: this was definitely what I would class as a dark romance due to the heavy themes and graphic violence that occur through the story. Definitely mind the TWs if you get squicked out or triggered by graphic violence. There is a lot of action that occurs and plot that's driven forward due to fear of violence and violence enacted. There's a strong burn for the romance, and it ends on a cliffhanger (totally understandable since this is a series).

Some things I loved:
The relationships the MCs have with the people in their lives. Titaia was able to hide due to her friend's help and Aife has her own share of interactions with other people due to her history as an assassin.
The main pairings' relationship. I loved the way they were brought together by circumstance and then continued to choose each other's proximity and deepen that bond through all of the drama that happened around them.
It's sapphic! Live love sapphic recommendations, so when I got the opportunity to ARC read in exchange for an honest review, I was frothing at the mouth in the best of ways.
I think Adriana did a great job managing a potentially unbalanced dynamic (protector and protectee) quite well without sliding too far into that thanks to having , as power imbalances are just personally not something I'm comfortable with, so I was excited to find that. It helped that Titaia was no wilting violet and pushed back when she didn't like something, and wasn't afraid of going and getting what she did want. Likewise, Aife didn't hesitate to speak openly, singlehandedly outstripping most of the male leads in stories that typically feature a princess and an assassin.
The world building. I'm weak for good world building, and I really loved the complex but not overwhelming manner in which it was delivered. I felt like I knew what was going on and not like I needed to build a glossary just to keep my head on.

Some things I didn't love: The story was advertised as spicy, but while there was (incredible) tension, it was largely unresolved. This is likely due to it being split into two despite originally being written as a long single story, but I was a little surprised waiting for it to happen. Again, that's definitely more on the way the story was split after advertising had begun than anything else, but don't expect a lot on that front until the next book.
There were some typesetting and grammar issues. A few instances had a sentence ending in a proper noun address that didn't have a comma and a few of the chapters in the table of contents weren't all caps despite all the others being so. That might just be for my ARC, but I did want to mention it. If, when I buy the book (and I will be because it's just a handful of minor errors and not anything that impacts readability) they're not there, I'll remove it from my comment.

Overall, this was a really good read and I might raise the stars to a solid 4 when the second one comes out and I can read the whole thing in one sitting. If you like action, strong sapphic leads, and dual POV, you'll definitely like this book!


Edit: reread for funsies over a long weekend and oh man it was even better on the reread. Bumped it up to 4 stars because being able to see things as they were planned and then revealed to have been set up later. Highly recommend!

[Maggie Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars!
The world building was great! And I also love the political aspect!
I’m a sucker for a good dual POV too!! I think Adrianna definitely made this story come to life in a digestible way!
Also I loved that both the female main characters were bad as**** and one didn’t need to really save the other!
Overall great fast read and i will definitely need to pick up the second book!