What do you think?
Rate this book
Queen of All Fae #2
A Dream of Earth and Ash
Fire is not the only thing that haunts her dreams.
Aurelia made some difficult decisions as part of her work for the resistance to the wicked Unseelie King, and Aspen may never forgive her. But when emissaries come asking for her queen's aid, Aurelia and Aspen are forced to work together to discover the cause of a mysterious blight and gain an ally in their war against the Unseelie King.
Sent deep into the Dwarven realm on behalf of their queen, this mission could be a second chance for Aurelia and Aspen, as long as the dangers they discover there don’t destroy them first.
A Dream of Earth and Ash is a loose romantasy retelling of Persuasion featuring second chance romance, spice, and redemption. It is the second of the three interconnected romances in the Queen of All Fae series told primarily from Aurelia’s point of view.
Aurelia made some difficult decisions as part of her work for the resistance to the wicked Unseelie King, and Aspen may never forgive her. But when emissaries come asking for her queen's aid, Aurelia and Aspen are forced to work together to discover the cause of a mysterious blight and gain an ally in their war against the Unseelie King.
Sent deep into the Dwarven realm on behalf of their queen, this mission could be a second chance for Aurelia and Aspen, as long as the dangers they discover there don’t destroy them first.
A Dream of Earth and Ash is a loose romantasy retelling of Persuasion featuring second chance romance, spice, and redemption. It is the second of the three interconnected romances in the Queen of All Fae series told primarily from Aurelia’s point of view.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
130 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Eliot
18 books529 followersMadeleine Eliot loves to read and write spicy romantasy with all of the best tropes. Dubbed the “Queen of Cozy” by her readers, Madeleine enjoys writing romantasy that is all vibes and spice, with a dash of adventure and world-building. She is always working on her next book, which is probably another spicy romantasy. Follow her adventures and latest works at instagram.com/madeleineeliotwrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 5, 2023
4.5 Honeysuckle Stars ⭐️
OMG!!! This was utterly amazing, glorious, wonderful and still FLUFFY, but I quite frankly could not put this instalment down! I loved seeing the new parts of the world we didn't see in book one. I love the POV of Aurelia and MY GOD....the banter was just so good...
**Please note: this is Book 2 in a series that cannot be read as a standalone even if the main love interests have changed. As a result, there might be spoilers for Book 1 - so if you do not want to see those, I might advise not reading the rest of the review until you have completed A Dream of Stars and Darkness.
I am not going to lie and say I wasn't DYING for this story during A Dream of Stars and Darkness. I fell in love with Aurelia and Aspen when I met them in book 1 and it broke my heart in utter pieces to see that they were basically enemies at the end. I felt Aspen's behaviour towards her was uncalled for and very selfish, so to see how broken Aurelia was at the start of this book while he kept her at an arm's length and didn't forgive her actions was difficult. All I wanted to do was hug her like Ember and tell her Aspen is an ass and he will come around eventually.
This is a second-chance romance immediately following the events of Book 1. Ember is now Queen of all Fae and married and bonded to Hadrian. Soon emissaries of the Dwarven King approach offering help in the Seelie and Unseelie war if they can offer aid against a blight damaging their crops. Aspen is sent due to his nature magic and Aurelia joins him as his protector.
This book has the following tropes which are sweet as candy!
▶ Second Chance Romance
▶Enemies Hate to Lovers
▶ OneHorse Bird
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Fated Mates
▶ Love Triangle (kinda)
What I loved about this was that the world-building was taken up by a few notches but it was still easy to understand and beautifully described. I felt like in book 1 that the worldbuilding lent itself to "general knowledge" of Seelie/Unseelie Fae so we didn't see as much of the world explored. This book introduces new magic, new creatures (most of which are given names by Aurelia after flowers), and new races and takes place for the majority of the book in the gorgeous underground Dwarven Cave system!
The relationship dynamic between Aurelia and Aspen was perfect and I completely prefer them over Ember and Hadrian (Sorry, Not Sorry). Mostly because Aspen seems to draw on his "hidden" jovial spirit (which he lost after Aurelia broke his heart) in sarcastic comments that made me giggle like a teenager. Their relationship felt so real, and to see the transition of the relationship bloom from anger to jealousy to almost "angry attraction" to "no man will ever touch you again" was just what I needed for my heart to melt!!!
The steam was also taken up by a few notches and this seemed a little kinkier. All I can say is Aspen has an AMAZINGLY useful power that can summon binding vines when he needs them...
There were a few things that kept this from being a full 5 stars.
1. Whilst I love Aspen's Power he mentioned that he can only grow things from seeds, and I am not sure how he made vines sprout when they were having some naughty time...Did he just carry them in his pocket???
2. Madeleine Eliot has proven she can write and she can write a good book, but her action scenes are VERY rushed and over very very quickly. I am not sure if she is saving the action for the "war" coming in book three but I felt that some of these scenes were over too soon.
3. Even though Aurelia's magic was small, the plot felt a little repetitive for her to experience the "unlocking her power" as much as Ember did.
4.
Overall you would do yourself a disservice not reading this especially if you love Fae Fantasy Romance Books! Madeleine Eliot has added herself to my auto-buy author list and I cannot wait for the final book where Seline should get her happy ending!!!
OMG!!! This was utterly amazing, glorious, wonderful and still FLUFFY, but I quite frankly could not put this instalment down! I loved seeing the new parts of the world we didn't see in book one. I love the POV of Aurelia and MY GOD....the banter was just so good...
**Please note: this is Book 2 in a series that cannot be read as a standalone even if the main love interests have changed. As a result, there might be spoilers for Book 1 - so if you do not want to see those, I might advise not reading the rest of the review until you have completed A Dream of Stars and Darkness.
I am not going to lie and say I wasn't DYING for this story during A Dream of Stars and Darkness. I fell in love with Aurelia and Aspen when I met them in book 1 and it broke my heart in utter pieces to see that they were basically enemies at the end. I felt Aspen's behaviour towards her was uncalled for and very selfish, so to see how broken Aurelia was at the start of this book while he kept her at an arm's length and didn't forgive her actions was difficult. All I wanted to do was hug her like Ember and tell her Aspen is an ass and he will come around eventually.
This is a second-chance romance immediately following the events of Book 1. Ember is now Queen of all Fae and married and bonded to Hadrian. Soon emissaries of the Dwarven King approach offering help in the Seelie and Unseelie war if they can offer aid against a blight damaging their crops. Aspen is sent due to his nature magic and Aurelia joins him as his protector.
This book has the following tropes which are sweet as candy!
▶ Second Chance Romance
▶
▶ One
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Fated Mates
▶ Love Triangle (kinda)
What I loved about this was that the world-building was taken up by a few notches but it was still easy to understand and beautifully described. I felt like in book 1 that the worldbuilding lent itself to "general knowledge" of Seelie/Unseelie Fae so we didn't see as much of the world explored. This book introduces new magic, new creatures (most of which are given names by Aurelia after flowers), and new races and takes place for the majority of the book in the gorgeous underground Dwarven Cave system!
The relationship dynamic between Aurelia and Aspen was perfect and I completely prefer them over Ember and Hadrian (Sorry, Not Sorry). Mostly because Aspen seems to draw on his "hidden" jovial spirit (which he lost after Aurelia broke his heart) in sarcastic comments that made me giggle like a teenager. Their relationship felt so real, and to see the transition of the relationship bloom from anger to jealousy to almost "angry attraction" to "no man will ever touch you again" was just what I needed for my heart to melt!!!
The steam was also taken up by a few notches and this seemed a little kinkier. All I can say is Aspen has an AMAZINGLY useful power that can summon binding vines when he needs them...
There were a few things that kept this from being a full 5 stars.
1. Whilst I love Aspen's Power he mentioned that he can only grow things from seeds, and I am not sure how he made vines sprout when they were having some naughty time...Did he just carry them in his pocket???
2. Madeleine Eliot has proven she can write and she can write a good book, but her action scenes are VERY rushed and over very very quickly. I am not sure if she is saving the action for the "war" coming in book three but I felt that some of these scenes were over too soon.
3. Even though Aurelia's magic was small, the plot felt a little repetitive for her to experience the "unlocking her power" as much as Ember did.
4.
Overall you would do yourself a disservice not reading this especially if you love Fae Fantasy Romance Books! Madeleine Eliot has added herself to my auto-buy author list and I cannot wait for the final book where Seline should get her happy ending!!!
January 14, 2023
My heart, my soul. I just love this book and this series so much!! A wonderful follow up to the first!!
TROPES 🐍
✔️ fated freakin MATES 💃🏻💃🏻
✔️ forced proximity 😏
✔️ second chance romance (new favorite trope)
✔️ angsty angst/broodiness 🤌🏽🤌🏽
✔️more world building, easy to follow!
✔️ dialed up the spice, and it was PERFECT 🔥
This book picks up literally right after the events that happened in the first book. This book however doesn’t follow Ember (as much - we still get some POVs though!) we instead follow her gorgeous assassin of a friend, Aurelia. She and Ember’s cousin Aspen had a thing going on. But bc of their near death experience last year with a mission gone awry and Aurelia marrying the turd nugget Lord Thorn, Aspen is friggen mad.
dwarf prince Rourke and his buddy Knox who is an unseelie but was raised by dwarves - stop by the seelie castle to request aid in solving the issue of their crops dying mysteriously and worried it may not be enough for winter. And in turn, mauve form an alliance to finally take down the old bat, Unseelie King. Ember can’t leave, so she sends Aurelia and Aspen to go. Aspen as sort of emissary and Aurelia as his body guard of sorts. Cause she is fierce! So they hop on top of a ROC (think giant eagles from LOTR 😍) to fly to the dwarf kingdom to cautiously feel out what’s going on, and who is really on their side.
Aspen and Aurelia go from anger, to low key jealously, to suuuuper jealous of the other getting attention, to rage kissing and then they decide to stop being in their own way and KISS AND MAKE UP! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 then they do more than kiss. 👁️👄👁️ The steam kicked up to a definite extra chili pepper 🌶️ in this one - but it was balanced out between plot so perfectly and flowed nicely.
Not a huge cliff hanger, but the next one picks up with two other favorite couples of ours that I can’t WAIT to read about. 👀👀👀 Also like… I would low key want to read about Knox?? I was ready to hate him but now I’m intrigued. I also can’t WAIT to explore the wild fae lands omgggg. I can’t get my hands on book 3 fast enough!! 😂 All the star ratings!! 🖤🖤🖤
TROPES 🐍
✔️ fated freakin MATES 💃🏻💃🏻
✔️ forced proximity 😏
✔️ second chance romance (new favorite trope)
✔️ angsty angst/broodiness 🤌🏽🤌🏽
✔️more world building, easy to follow!
✔️ dialed up the spice, and it was PERFECT 🔥
This book picks up literally right after the events that happened in the first book. This book however doesn’t follow Ember (as much - we still get some POVs though!) we instead follow her gorgeous assassin of a friend, Aurelia. She and Ember’s cousin Aspen had a thing going on. But bc of their near death experience last year with a mission gone awry and Aurelia marrying the turd nugget Lord Thorn, Aspen is friggen mad.
dwarf prince Rourke and his buddy Knox who is an unseelie but was raised by dwarves - stop by the seelie castle to request aid in solving the issue of their crops dying mysteriously and worried it may not be enough for winter. And in turn, mauve form an alliance to finally take down the old bat, Unseelie King. Ember can’t leave, so she sends Aurelia and Aspen to go. Aspen as sort of emissary and Aurelia as his body guard of sorts. Cause she is fierce! So they hop on top of a ROC (think giant eagles from LOTR 😍) to fly to the dwarf kingdom to cautiously feel out what’s going on, and who is really on their side.
Aspen and Aurelia go from anger, to low key jealously, to suuuuper jealous of the other getting attention, to rage kissing and then they decide to stop being in their own way and KISS AND MAKE UP! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 then they do more than kiss. 👁️👄👁️ The steam kicked up to a definite extra chili pepper 🌶️ in this one - but it was balanced out between plot so perfectly and flowed nicely.
Not a huge cliff hanger, but the next one picks up with two other favorite couples of ours that I can’t WAIT to read about. 👀👀👀 Also like… I would low key want to read about Knox?? I was ready to hate him but now I’m intrigued. I also can’t WAIT to explore the wild fae lands omgggg. I can’t get my hands on book 3 fast enough!! 😂 All the star ratings!! 🖤🖤🖤
May 16, 2023
This is book two in Eliot's Queen of All Fae (QoAF) series and I really enjoyed it. It started out a little slow but I loved Aurelia and Aspen's character development, exploring more of the QoAF world; especially the Crystal City, and the plot twists in this book as I honestly didn't see some of them coming.
I also really enjoyed being able to go back to Ember and Hadrian's POV for a chapter or two here and there. I fell in love with their characters in Book 1 so I was happy to see them again and read about how they're doing.
All in all, this was a great continuation of the story. The pacing for the most part was very balanced but there were a few parts that I felt were rushed and could have used more action or explanation. I can't wait to start Book 3 and finish the QoAF series!
I also really enjoyed being able to go back to Ember and Hadrian's POV for a chapter or two here and there. I fell in love with their characters in Book 1 so I was happy to see them again and read about how they're doing.
All in all, this was a great continuation of the story. The pacing for the most part was very balanced but there were a few parts that I felt were rushed and could have used more action or explanation. I can't wait to start Book 3 and finish the QoAF series!
September 18, 2024
Oh so that is why I haven’t continued on with this series before lol
December 21, 2022
I received the ARC version of a Dream of Earth and Ash in exchange for an honest review. Once again I was drawn into the world of the Seelie and Unseelie Fae, now trying to navigate life with their new Queen, Ember. The world building continued to be exquisite and the attention to detail really allowed the reader to feel as if they were there with the characters. This story follows Aspen and Aurelia’s love and redemption story which was beautifully told and wonderful to read. The plot to spice🌶️ to romance ratio was perfectly balanced. The emergence of everyone’s magic was a fun twist for this book that added depth to each of the characters. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for any reader who loves fantasy, just the right amount of spice🌶️, redemption stories, mating bonds, lovers to enemies back to lovers.
January 4, 2023
4.5 /5
Thank you Madeleine Eliot for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Dream of Earth and Ash is a wonderful continuation of the Queen of all Fae series.
The story opens following Ember and co fleeing to the Seelie realm and in this novel we focus on Aurelia and Aspen. The two are currently at odds with each other after Aspen felt betrayed by Aurelia’s mission in the previous book.
Soon however the two must travel together to the Dwarvern kingdom as representatives of the Queen to aid the Dwarves combat a blight that is destroying their food crops.
This is a fantastic second chance, close proximity, touch her and die fantasy trope with further world building and character development from the first novel. I really enjoyed the introduction of the Dwarfs and their people/culture and magic.
I loved seeing Aurelia and Aspen’s characters come into there own and it was a good natural development from the first book.
All in all another fabulous fantasy offering from Eliot and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
Thank you Madeleine Eliot for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Dream of Earth and Ash is a wonderful continuation of the Queen of all Fae series.
The story opens following Ember and co fleeing to the Seelie realm and in this novel we focus on Aurelia and Aspen. The two are currently at odds with each other after Aspen felt betrayed by Aurelia’s mission in the previous book.
Soon however the two must travel together to the Dwarvern kingdom as representatives of the Queen to aid the Dwarves combat a blight that is destroying their food crops.
This is a fantastic second chance, close proximity, touch her and die fantasy trope with further world building and character development from the first novel. I really enjoyed the introduction of the Dwarfs and their people/culture and magic.
I loved seeing Aurelia and Aspen’s characters come into there own and it was a good natural development from the first book.
All in all another fabulous fantasy offering from Eliot and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
March 8, 2023
Ooooh I liked this one even more than A Dream of Stars and Darkness! I loved Aurelia and Aspen in the first book, and I was so sad when things started to fall apart between them at the end. This book is kind of a friends to lovers/second chance romance, and it was just so sweet and satisfying.
Aspen and Aurelia have been in love with each other since they were children; their only obstacle was Aspen's wealthy social-climbing father refusing the match. After the events at the end of ADOSAD (I won't get into to avoid spoilers), Aspen feels totally betrayed and refuses to forgive Aurelia. When a mysterious blight begins to affect the neighboring Dwarven realm, Ember and Hadrian decide to send Aspen and Aurelia as emissaries to help. There's a lot of awkwardness as both characters attempt to contain their feelings - and then later some SERIOUS heat when they are still mad but cannot keep their hands off each other. This book has a bittersweet ending, but I love where Aurelia and Aspen end up.
A Dream of Earth and Ash had a lot more spice than ADOSAD and it is GOOD. All that jealously and forced proximity results in some serious sexual tension that is palpable. I also liked that this wasn't an insta-love situation, since Aurelia and Aspen have always wanted to be together.
Totally enjoying this world and working my way through all the couples involved. I cannot wait to see where the story goes next with Seline and Vanth!
Aspen and Aurelia have been in love with each other since they were children; their only obstacle was Aspen's wealthy social-climbing father refusing the match. After the events at the end of ADOSAD (I won't get into to avoid spoilers), Aspen feels totally betrayed and refuses to forgive Aurelia. When a mysterious blight begins to affect the neighboring Dwarven realm, Ember and Hadrian decide to send Aspen and Aurelia as emissaries to help. There's a lot of awkwardness as both characters attempt to contain their feelings - and then later some SERIOUS heat when they are still mad but cannot keep their hands off each other. This book has a bittersweet ending, but I love where Aurelia and Aspen end up.
A Dream of Earth and Ash had a lot more spice than ADOSAD and it is GOOD. All that jealously and forced proximity results in some serious sexual tension that is palpable. I also liked that this wasn't an insta-love situation, since Aurelia and Aspen have always wanted to be together.
Totally enjoying this world and working my way through all the couples involved. I cannot wait to see where the story goes next with Seline and Vanth!
February 2, 2023
I wasn't sure going into book 2 how I would feel about the couple change, but I'm happy to report that I loved Audriel & Aspen, too!
Their friends to lovers to enemies to lovers story was so good. Their chemistry together, even when angry with each other, was obvious, and I LOVE that we did not have to wait long for their romance to progress.
Audriel is feisty, strong, and fiery, and the foreshadowing of her powers was SO good.
Aspen is tough, complicated , tender, and sweet. I love his fae alpha tendencies 😂
I really enjoyed getting to see new parts of the world and how the Dwarvin kingdom was described with the crystals, glow worms, dragons, and greenery. The world building was so rich that you could easily picture yourself there.
The plot also had me on my toes. I love that it picks up right where books 1 ended and continues progressing the main story. And we also get a few Ember pov chapters, which really just enhanced everything.
Spice was 🌶🌶🌶
I can't wait for book 3!
Their friends to lovers to enemies to lovers story was so good. Their chemistry together, even when angry with each other, was obvious, and I LOVE that we did not have to wait long for their romance to progress.
Audriel is feisty, strong, and fiery, and the foreshadowing of her powers was SO good.
Aspen is tough, complicated , tender, and sweet. I love his fae alpha tendencies 😂
I really enjoyed getting to see new parts of the world and how the Dwarvin kingdom was described with the crystals, glow worms, dragons, and greenery. The world building was so rich that you could easily picture yourself there.
The plot also had me on my toes. I love that it picks up right where books 1 ended and continues progressing the main story. And we also get a few Ember pov chapters, which really just enhanced everything.
Spice was 🌶🌶🌶
I can't wait for book 3!
February 20, 2023
Madeleine Eliot does it again! 👏🏼 this was book 2 of The Queen of All Fae series and it was just as delicious as the first! We have an alternate POV in this book as the story continues forward. We also get to see the wondrous Dwarven Kingdom which is so magical and sounds breathtaking! These lands that Madeline has created are so alluring. I won’t spoil anything for you future readers but I just have to say that the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance in this is so well done! There’s even a love triangle at play and I loved it. We also have some mysterious and edgy new characters introduced 😏 What I love even more about this series is that it’s a fantasy with just the right amount of romance and plot throughout. You don’t feel like you’re getting overpowered with smut or going through heaps of just the plot. It’s perfectly balanced for me! And the crazy plot twist toward the end - ugh Madeline does it again with the twists I don’t see coming!! 👏🏼👏🏼 Well done ma’am!!
Synopsis in my own words:
War is on the horizon and The Queen Of All Fae needs as many allies as she can get. So when an opportunity comes to trade her aid for the Dwarven kingdoms allegiance, Ember must send her most trusted confidants - Aspen and Aurelia to the Dwarven realm on a dire mission. But no one can fathom just how deep the corruption goes in this new realm. Now, stuck underground in a place surrounded by potential enemies, Aspen and Aurelia must decide who they can trust and complete the mission, all while struggling to reconcile their own complicated past.
This book has:
💞 Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
🔥 Magic
🍄 Magical vivid lands + creatures
✨ Dwarves & Fae (Seelie/Unseelie)
💘 Love triangle
⚔️ Court politics/intrigue
🌶️ Spice spice spice
I have no doubt book 3 is going to be fantastic!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Synopsis in my own words:
War is on the horizon and The Queen Of All Fae needs as many allies as she can get. So when an opportunity comes to trade her aid for the Dwarven kingdoms allegiance, Ember must send her most trusted confidants - Aspen and Aurelia to the Dwarven realm on a dire mission. But no one can fathom just how deep the corruption goes in this new realm. Now, stuck underground in a place surrounded by potential enemies, Aspen and Aurelia must decide who they can trust and complete the mission, all while struggling to reconcile their own complicated past.
This book has:
💞 Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
🔥 Magic
🍄 Magical vivid lands + creatures
✨ Dwarves & Fae (Seelie/Unseelie)
💘 Love triangle
⚔️ Court politics/intrigue
🌶️ Spice spice spice
I have no doubt book 3 is going to be fantastic!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
January 17, 2023
Angst, new kingdom, new magic, more spice… sign me up! This 2nd book in the Queen of All Fae series picks up right where we left off in book 1, but from the perspective of different characters. Our FMC is Aurelia, the Queen’s best friend and love interest of Aspen, the Queen’s cousin. Due to the events of book 1, our FMC and MMC are going through a really difficult stage when they are sent to another Kingdom on a mission.
I like that this is a continuous story told through different perspectives throughout the books. Aurelia is a bad ass with a big heart, and Aspen evolves from golden retriever to angry boy, which I’m here for! There’s some fun world building in this book, along with some new magic and characters. The pace picks up quite a bit in the last 3rd and I enjoyed all the action and high stakes.
🧚 Fantasy Romance
🧚 Forced Proximity
🧚 Angst
🧚 Fated Mates
🧚 Second Chance Romance
Looking forward to seeing what happens next! Thanks to the author for the ARC!
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
I like that this is a continuous story told through different perspectives throughout the books. Aurelia is a bad ass with a big heart, and Aspen evolves from golden retriever to angry boy, which I’m here for! There’s some fun world building in this book, along with some new magic and characters. The pace picks up quite a bit in the last 3rd and I enjoyed all the action and high stakes.
🧚 Fantasy Romance
🧚 Forced Proximity
🧚 Angst
🧚 Fated Mates
🧚 Second Chance Romance
Looking forward to seeing what happens next! Thanks to the author for the ARC!
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
February 13, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐
🌶️🌶️
Book 2 picks up a few weeks after book 1 ends. I loved seeing all the characters grow into their powers and how each power matches them so well.
Madeleine does such a great job with world building and the magic system. Keeping it simple but engaging, detailed enough that you can imagine it, but you're not overwhelmed and it doesn't take away from the story. This book takes place in the Dwarvan kingdom and it's a nice change of pace.
I love Aurelia. She is strong but sweet. She knows who she is and she's conscious of what she wants to become and she never gets lost in the story. I loved the foreshadowing of her emerging power, I thought it was well done and I love how it was interwoven to show Aspen taking care of her and nurturing her into it since it's in line with his earth power. Also, who would have thought Aspen would be the big aggressive alpha male type. I wasn't expecting it but I was totally here for it. And his boyish qualities work so well with it.
The plot was good. It was different than the first and it never dragged but it really picked up in the last 25% of the book. It kept me guessing until the end. Also, there is a bit more spice in this book than the first one but it is so, so good! Also, I loved that we still got some of Ember's POV. I think that really helped make the stories feel connected.
Also, something that was really important to me was that they acknowledge the pain that they caused each other, apologize for it, and talk about it so that there was closure and I do feel like that happened. There are several conversations and a lot of growth between the two of them. It does not happen immediately. It happens throughout the course of the later part of the story when they can no longer deny the connection and love that they've always had for each other. It was good and I enjoyed their character growth together.
Overall, I really liked it and I can't wait for book 3!
🌶️🌶️
Book 2 picks up a few weeks after book 1 ends. I loved seeing all the characters grow into their powers and how each power matches them so well.
Madeleine does such a great job with world building and the magic system. Keeping it simple but engaging, detailed enough that you can imagine it, but you're not overwhelmed and it doesn't take away from the story. This book takes place in the Dwarvan kingdom and it's a nice change of pace.
I love Aurelia. She is strong but sweet. She knows who she is and she's conscious of what she wants to become and she never gets lost in the story. I loved the foreshadowing of her emerging power, I thought it was well done and I love how it was interwoven to show Aspen taking care of her and nurturing her into it since it's in line with his earth power. Also, who would have thought Aspen would be the big aggressive alpha male type. I wasn't expecting it but I was totally here for it. And his boyish qualities work so well with it.
The plot was good. It was different than the first and it never dragged but it really picked up in the last 25% of the book. It kept me guessing until the end. Also, there is a bit more spice in this book than the first one but it is so, so good! Also, I loved that we still got some of Ember's POV. I think that really helped make the stories feel connected.
Also, something that was really important to me was that they acknowledge the pain that they caused each other, apologize for it, and talk about it so that there was closure and I do feel like that happened. There are several conversations and a lot of growth between the two of them. It does not happen immediately. It happens throughout the course of the later part of the story when they can no longer deny the connection and love that they've always had for each other. It was good and I enjoyed their character growth together.
Overall, I really liked it and I can't wait for book 3!
December 22, 2024
I finished this in one sitting. If you want some cozy fantasy that still feels goal oriented and advances a larger plotline while being fulfilling, Madeleine Eliot is your girl. I really enjoyed the expansion of the world in this book from the first book in the series, as well as the differences in the characters we focus on here. Some of the action felt slightly rushed, but given whose point of view we’re looking through it was understandable. I appreciate that these are relatively easy to read and still feel immersive. I enjoy her books immensely and am already diving into the third book!
January 16, 2023
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED it! I didn’t know how I’d feel with the shift to Aurelia and Aspen for my the original MC’s, but I may have loved this one more than the first. Great world building, character development, plot was great and spicy scenes were great! I was glad to see some reciprocation happening in this book if you know what I mean.
IG: scatteredthistle
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CneoMw...
IG: scatteredthistle
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CneoMw...
February 26, 2023
I love the way this series goes from one couple to the next without the overall plot being impacted.
We still get some Ember POV chapters but this book follows Aurelia & Aspen and their second chance love story!
Aurelia is such a badass assassin and I love how brave she is while still being feminine and soft.
I also love a jealous fae male & Aspen delivers.
I can’t wait for book 3!
We still get some Ember POV chapters but this book follows Aurelia & Aspen and their second chance love story!
Aurelia is such a badass assassin and I love how brave she is while still being feminine and soft.
I also love a jealous fae male & Aspen delivers.
I can’t wait for book 3!
April 14, 2023
4.5
Wow! That was not what I expected but I loved it! It had a bit of a slow start but it had an ending that I didnt see coming in the best possible way.
Ps. Knox was my favorite, I wouldn't mind a Knox story someday 😉
Wow! That was not what I expected but I loved it! It had a bit of a slow start but it had an ending that I didnt see coming in the best possible way.
Ps. Knox was my favorite, I wouldn't mind a Knox story someday 😉
December 16, 2023
Review? To? Come?
February 20, 2023
I am once again reporting for review duty. I am thoroughly enjoying this author and her books. Her writing does a great job of helping you fall in love with her characters. The stories have a great balance of plot and spice. It made me happy to see so much of the characters I grew to love from the first book still in the second book even though the story primarily follows a new couple.
Please give these books a chance. Aside from being gorgeous, I wholeheartedly think they deserve to get more recognition. They’re easy to get through in a day or two and aren’t super high stress like some other books I read.
Excited for the next book to come out.
Please give these books a chance. Aside from being gorgeous, I wholeheartedly think they deserve to get more recognition. They’re easy to get through in a day or two and aren’t super high stress like some other books I read.
Excited for the next book to come out.
May 20, 2023
✨Book 11 of 2023✨
✨4.5⭐️/ 5✨
✨Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️✨
✨ Thank you so much @madeleineeliotwrites for a copy of the audiobook! ✨
✨Audiobook narrated by @alexa_narrates ✨
Review:
I love audiobooks y’all. I can listen to books faster than I can read them. Most days I have the attention span of goldfish, so audiobooks are a good alternative for me.
This is the second book in the Queen of All Fae series and I really enjoyed the first one (I read the eBook version of that one). So, when @madeleineeliotwrites offered me the audiobook book version of this book, you bet I jumped all over it! 😂 I’m picky with my audiobooks and if I don’t like a narrator I will nope out so fast. With that being said, @alexa_narrates does a really good job narrating this book! I really enjoyed her accents and the way she made the characters come to life.
This book was so much fun y’all! The storyline follows two characters that are introduced in the first book, Aurelia and Aspen. They were friends who became lovers who become enemies who become lovers again. There is magic, adventure, mystery, romance, and spice. I mean there was a lot of spicy scenes in this book and it was amazing! 🥵 Highly enjoyed those parts. 😉🌶️
I also really enjoyed how the book picks up right after the first one and keeps us in the loop with on the other characters that are in the first book. I’m really enjoying this series so far!
✨4.5⭐️/ 5✨
✨Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️✨
✨ Thank you so much @madeleineeliotwrites for a copy of the audiobook! ✨
✨Audiobook narrated by @alexa_narrates ✨
Review:
I love audiobooks y’all. I can listen to books faster than I can read them. Most days I have the attention span of goldfish, so audiobooks are a good alternative for me.
This is the second book in the Queen of All Fae series and I really enjoyed the first one (I read the eBook version of that one). So, when @madeleineeliotwrites offered me the audiobook book version of this book, you bet I jumped all over it! 😂 I’m picky with my audiobooks and if I don’t like a narrator I will nope out so fast. With that being said, @alexa_narrates does a really good job narrating this book! I really enjoyed her accents and the way she made the characters come to life.
This book was so much fun y’all! The storyline follows two characters that are introduced in the first book, Aurelia and Aspen. They were friends who became lovers who become enemies who become lovers again. There is magic, adventure, mystery, romance, and spice. I mean there was a lot of spicy scenes in this book and it was amazing! 🥵 Highly enjoyed those parts. 😉🌶️
I also really enjoyed how the book picks up right after the first one and keeps us in the loop with on the other characters that are in the first book. I’m really enjoying this series so far!
February 21, 2023
I loved it as much as I loved the first book. I really enjoyed seeing the new locations in this book and meeting new characters. I was so hooked and didn’t want to put it down.
December 16, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really loved this! As soon as I finished Stars and Darkness, I was ready to read Aurelia and Aspen's story. I love her stabbiness, but how she still retains her innocence. And Aspen is just like shaded sunshine! He is broody and mad for the first part of this book because of Aurelia's choices in the last one, but he still loves her.
I'm not as frustrated with Aspen as I thought I would be at the end of the first book. I thought I would dislike him because he was being unreasonable about her choice to marry Thorn for the cause, but I really felt for him. Especially seeing it from her eyes and how bad she felt about her actions, even when she was mad at him, made that decision seem even more serious than it did before.
I enjoyed all of the new characters and animals that were introduced in this book. Aurelua's interactions with and reactiosn to the rocks and the cave dragons made my day, as well as Aspen's responses to her love for them. 😂 I loved the dwarf city being underground and all of the detail that went into creating this world with the crystals and the mushrooms and the underground fields. It sounded like such a beautiful place, and I just want to go there to live!
**SPOILERS INCOMING***
I didn't trust Knox at first, but I really wanted to! I'm so glad he didn't turn out to be the bad guy! And I'm glad that it ended up being the King and not Rourke. That twist made the story for me because it wasn't the predictable "prince wants power so he undermines and kills the king" storyline that I was afraid this would end up being. Though I knew one of the three were lying at that first meeting when the stolen iron weapons were brought up.
I'm also glad the it wasn't an Unseelie who was causing the blight because that also would have been the predictable choice. I like how the plot played out with the Unseelie being suspected and pretty much imprisoned until the truth comes out. And as much as I hated Aspen's father, I'm glad he was able to sort of redeem himself in the end.
I'm so looking forward to the next book with Vanth and Seline being the main characters! I have been waiting for that dark spice since their very first interaction in the first book! I can't wait to see how Seline is able to overcome her fear and emotions surrounding her lost mate to finally give in to her feelings for Vanth. I just love them both so much!
Rating: 4.5⭐
I really loved this! As soon as I finished Stars and Darkness, I was ready to read Aurelia and Aspen's story. I love her stabbiness, but how she still retains her innocence. And Aspen is just like shaded sunshine! He is broody and mad for the first part of this book because of Aurelia's choices in the last one, but he still loves her.
I'm not as frustrated with Aspen as I thought I would be at the end of the first book. I thought I would dislike him because he was being unreasonable about her choice to marry Thorn for the cause, but I really felt for him. Especially seeing it from her eyes and how bad she felt about her actions, even when she was mad at him, made that decision seem even more serious than it did before.
I enjoyed all of the new characters and animals that were introduced in this book. Aurelua's interactions with and reactiosn to the rocks and the cave dragons made my day, as well as Aspen's responses to her love for them. 😂 I loved the dwarf city being underground and all of the detail that went into creating this world with the crystals and the mushrooms and the underground fields. It sounded like such a beautiful place, and I just want to go there to live!
**SPOILERS INCOMING***
I didn't trust Knox at first, but I really wanted to! I'm so glad he didn't turn out to be the bad guy! And I'm glad that it ended up being the King and not Rourke. That twist made the story for me because it wasn't the predictable "prince wants power so he undermines and kills the king" storyline that I was afraid this would end up being. Though I knew one of the three were lying at that first meeting when the stolen iron weapons were brought up.
I'm also glad the it wasn't an Unseelie who was causing the blight because that also would have been the predictable choice. I like how the plot played out with the Unseelie being suspected and pretty much imprisoned until the truth comes out. And as much as I hated Aspen's father, I'm glad he was able to sort of redeem himself in the end.
I'm so looking forward to the next book with Vanth and Seline being the main characters! I have been waiting for that dark spice since their very first interaction in the first book! I can't wait to see how Seline is able to overcome her fear and emotions surrounding her lost mate to finally give in to her feelings for Vanth. I just love them both so much!
Rating: 4.5⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
This sequel starts a little bit after Ember and Hadrian married and rule the Seelie Kingdom. It’s from Aurelia’s POV this time as her and Aspen go to the Dwarven Kingdom to assist with a blight on the crops in exchange for their alliance against the Unseelie King.
There is definitely some increased spice 🥵and I absolutely love how to rough and passionate Aurelia and Aspens relationship is. It’s also fun trying to come to your own conclusion about who started the blight.
I wish there was more Ember and Hadrian since they were my fave in A Dream of Stars and Darkness, but they were still included in parts.
If you love second chance romance, enemies(ish) to lovers, forced proximity, stories with Fae, and some 🌶-this is the story for you!
Thank you Madeleine for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
This sequel starts a little bit after Ember and Hadrian married and rule the Seelie Kingdom. It’s from Aurelia’s POV this time as her and Aspen go to the Dwarven Kingdom to assist with a blight on the crops in exchange for their alliance against the Unseelie King.
There is definitely some increased spice 🥵and I absolutely love how to rough and passionate Aurelia and Aspens relationship is. It’s also fun trying to come to your own conclusion about who started the blight.
I wish there was more Ember and Hadrian since they were my fave in A Dream of Stars and Darkness, but they were still included in parts.
If you love second chance romance, enemies(ish) to lovers, forced proximity, stories with Fae, and some 🌶-this is the story for you!
Thank you Madeleine for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
March 26, 2023
Aurelia & Aspen’s journey had me invested from the moment I started this book! This book has it all- a great fantasy setting, mystery & intrigue, two awesome leads, supporting characters you care about, and can we say extra spicy scenes?
I enjoyed book 1 and wasn’t sure how joining a new POV character would be… I can honestly say I think A&A have become my favorite couple! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3. In the meantime I’m already planning a reread of books 1 & 2!
I enjoyed book 1 and wasn’t sure how joining a new POV character would be… I can honestly say I think A&A have become my favorite couple! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3. In the meantime I’m already planning a reread of books 1 & 2!
January 29, 2023
I finished this book satisfied, but the first 50-60% of it was a little bit disappointing, hence the 3.75/5 rating I'm giving it.
Let's start from the beginning.
"It's time to let it go, Ember. He doesn't want me anymore." Maybe because you threatened to kill him, Aurelia? Even though he was trying to talk to you? I was a bit confused, because at the end of book 1, Aspen was the one who was mad at Aurelia. The start of book 2, it was suddenly the other way around. There was a small explanation about why Aurelia started hating Aspen back and I thought it all made sense, and then she cries herself to sleep and feels her heart breaking because he's not interested? Aurelia kept denying what was right in front of her and it was infuriating. She wanted Aspen to take her back, though she was trying to convince herself that that was never going to happen, but at the same time, she never gave him more than 30 seconds to think and have a proper conversation before storming away angrily and giving poor Aspen the cold shoulder for no good reason. Aurelia is a very stubborn person and it is definitely a character fault I could've done without (at least, I could've done with it being a little less extreme).
..."fury building at the hypocrisy of him warning me off a male only to drape himself all over another female." Except he literally just told you that it was the female who was all over him (Aspen)? I get some guys would lie about that but I can tell Aspen isn't one of those guys and Aurelia is just plain selfish and blind.
There was a bit of repetition; my arch-nemesis. Aurelia mentioned more than once that she wished she were able to remove her t-shirt while she worked alongside men who could. She also mentioned more than once that she felt guilty about eating a full meal, knowing the circumstances. I also really don't like the "I'm yours; you're mine" possessive male characters. The possessiveness itself can be portrayed perfectly if it's done right but Aspen's insistence to reassure himself that Aurelia belongs to him and vice versa ruined every smutty moment they had together.
The last 40% was great! There were several plot twists that had me on the edge of my seat. Characters such as Rourke and Knox really got my attention, and I am very excited to read Seline and Vanth's story now, I have high expectations for it.
Let's start from the beginning.
"It's time to let it go, Ember. He doesn't want me anymore." Maybe because you threatened to kill him, Aurelia? Even though he was trying to talk to you? I was a bit confused, because at the end of book 1, Aspen was the one who was mad at Aurelia. The start of book 2, it was suddenly the other way around. There was a small explanation about why Aurelia started hating Aspen back and I thought it all made sense, and then she cries herself to sleep and feels her heart breaking because he's not interested? Aurelia kept denying what was right in front of her and it was infuriating. She wanted Aspen to take her back, though she was trying to convince herself that that was never going to happen, but at the same time, she never gave him more than 30 seconds to think and have a proper conversation before storming away angrily and giving poor Aspen the cold shoulder for no good reason. Aurelia is a very stubborn person and it is definitely a character fault I could've done without (at least, I could've done with it being a little less extreme).
..."fury building at the hypocrisy of him warning me off a male only to drape himself all over another female." Except he literally just told you that it was the female who was all over him (Aspen)? I get some guys would lie about that but I can tell Aspen isn't one of those guys and Aurelia is just plain selfish and blind.
There was a bit of repetition; my arch-nemesis. Aurelia mentioned more than once that she wished she were able to remove her t-shirt while she worked alongside men who could. She also mentioned more than once that she felt guilty about eating a full meal, knowing the circumstances. I also really don't like the "I'm yours; you're mine" possessive male characters. The possessiveness itself can be portrayed perfectly if it's done right but Aspen's insistence to reassure himself that Aurelia belongs to him and vice versa ruined every smutty moment they had together.
The last 40% was great! There were several plot twists that had me on the edge of my seat. Characters such as Rourke and Knox really got my attention, and I am very excited to read Seline and Vanth's story now, I have high expectations for it.
March 17, 2023
A Dream of Earth and Stars Review
Couple: Aurelia & Aspen
Author: Madeleine Eliott
Tropes: Fae romance, fantasy romance, second chance romance, frenemy to lovers
Review: Welcome back to the realm of the Fae! In book 2 of the Queen of All Fae series we get to read the second chance romance between Aurelia and Aspen. Book 2 begins where we ended book1 and is written from Aurelia’s POV with a few chapters from Ember’s POV. This book is a little darker than book 1 in the sense that Aspen has changed from the sweet cousin to Ember to an angered male who feels cheated by his first and only love.
We learn more about Aurelia’s forced marriage and the events that lead them to rescue her from the mansion where she waws at door’s death. This story is tragic and heartbreaking since the sweet and naïve love between Aspen and Aurelia is now broken after events in book 1. The development of the characters and the betrayals they both feel towards each other was achingly real to read and be warned you will need tissues at times!
Aurelia is a master spy and assassin for the rebels who plan to overthrow the old Unseelie King. The biggest conflict in the book was her deception towards Aspen and not telling him about the resistance. This made him feel unworthy and not trusted so when he was unaware for the true reasons of her marriage, he was angry and resentful.
Book 2 focuses on the developing strife and tension within the realm and leads to Ember sending Aurelia and Aspen to seek out the dwarves for help. The journey is harrowing and tests their relationship even more. While both harbor distrust they are also unable to stay away from watch other. The bounds of sanity are tested and force them to rely on each other when old villains return to reck havoc.
I enjoyed Aspen’s character in this book. I felt like his heartache was tragic but also honest. The fact that they had to learn how to communicate and Aurelia had to earn his trust back made it more intense to read. This book has a lot of heat and “hate to love” feelings. It was a great second book that ties these new events to past ones and sets the stage for the final book.
I recommend this book to all Fae lovers and fantasy enthusiasts.
Rating: 10/10, the second book was what we wanted and soo much more!
Couple: Aurelia & Aspen
Author: Madeleine Eliott
Tropes: Fae romance, fantasy romance, second chance romance, frenemy to lovers
Review: Welcome back to the realm of the Fae! In book 2 of the Queen of All Fae series we get to read the second chance romance between Aurelia and Aspen. Book 2 begins where we ended book1 and is written from Aurelia’s POV with a few chapters from Ember’s POV. This book is a little darker than book 1 in the sense that Aspen has changed from the sweet cousin to Ember to an angered male who feels cheated by his first and only love.
We learn more about Aurelia’s forced marriage and the events that lead them to rescue her from the mansion where she waws at door’s death. This story is tragic and heartbreaking since the sweet and naïve love between Aspen and Aurelia is now broken after events in book 1. The development of the characters and the betrayals they both feel towards each other was achingly real to read and be warned you will need tissues at times!
Aurelia is a master spy and assassin for the rebels who plan to overthrow the old Unseelie King. The biggest conflict in the book was her deception towards Aspen and not telling him about the resistance. This made him feel unworthy and not trusted so when he was unaware for the true reasons of her marriage, he was angry and resentful.
Book 2 focuses on the developing strife and tension within the realm and leads to Ember sending Aurelia and Aspen to seek out the dwarves for help. The journey is harrowing and tests their relationship even more. While both harbor distrust they are also unable to stay away from watch other. The bounds of sanity are tested and force them to rely on each other when old villains return to reck havoc.
I enjoyed Aspen’s character in this book. I felt like his heartache was tragic but also honest. The fact that they had to learn how to communicate and Aurelia had to earn his trust back made it more intense to read. This book has a lot of heat and “hate to love” feelings. It was a great second book that ties these new events to past ones and sets the stage for the final book.
I recommend this book to all Fae lovers and fantasy enthusiasts.
Rating: 10/10, the second book was what we wanted and soo much more!
April 8, 2023
🔥 A Dream of Earth and Ash 🐍
Genre: Dark(ish) Fantasy Romance
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn’t sure if this was a 4.5 or a 5 for me but in the end I feel the things holding me back were just personal preference not elemental. So 5 it is!
Tropes: Forced proximity, second chance, fated mate, friends to angry exs to lovers
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I need to find myself a pink dress! 🥵
What it’s about:
Secrets and trauma have soured a once budding love, even if those secrets were to save the realm. Now the Queen needs both Aurelia and Aspen for a mission to aid the dwarves and hopefully gain support in the upcoming war. But will these two be able to work together or will the past ruin any chance of healing?
Why you will like: Magical animals, protective MMC, strong FMM
Why you might dislike: There is a bit of a love triangle for a short time. And Aspen was an a** for a bit. 🤨 Its ok though, we made up.
Notes:
Oh Aspen, I know you were hurt but I still wanted to push you into a pond in the beginning of the book. Aurelia you go girl, your heart was shattered but you put it back together and made in stronger. This is a really great example of people growing and a relationship adjusting and taking on a new shape. Sometimes things we go through change us, and that’s ok. This all played out so smoothly, like how people would truly react in a second chance scenario. And I love that. I felt the hurt and struggle, it was portrayed in a way that didn’t end up being one of those horrible miscommunication situations (gosh I hate miscommunication). And though sometimes I was scowling at the book I was completely immersed in it. I felt the middle focused more on the couple and then at the end you were slapped with more of the plot elements where everything tied together with their mission. And well, I didn’t see that coming. 😂 💕 You get POV from Ember which was cool, I liked how it checked in with the other characters throughout. Oh and Bisera 😂👏🏼 Haaaaa. I’m soooo excited for Seline and Vanth next. 🤩
TW: Infertility, violence, murder, mention of SA (forced kiss), sexually explicit content. 18+
Genre: Dark(ish) Fantasy Romance
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn’t sure if this was a 4.5 or a 5 for me but in the end I feel the things holding me back were just personal preference not elemental. So 5 it is!
Tropes: Forced proximity, second chance, fated mate, friends to angry exs to lovers
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I need to find myself a pink dress! 🥵
What it’s about:
Secrets and trauma have soured a once budding love, even if those secrets were to save the realm. Now the Queen needs both Aurelia and Aspen for a mission to aid the dwarves and hopefully gain support in the upcoming war. But will these two be able to work together or will the past ruin any chance of healing?
Why you will like: Magical animals, protective MMC, strong FMM
Why you might dislike: There is a bit of a love triangle for a short time. And Aspen was an a** for a bit. 🤨 Its ok though, we made up.
Notes:
Oh Aspen, I know you were hurt but I still wanted to push you into a pond in the beginning of the book. Aurelia you go girl, your heart was shattered but you put it back together and made in stronger. This is a really great example of people growing and a relationship adjusting and taking on a new shape. Sometimes things we go through change us, and that’s ok. This all played out so smoothly, like how people would truly react in a second chance scenario. And I love that. I felt the hurt and struggle, it was portrayed in a way that didn’t end up being one of those horrible miscommunication situations (gosh I hate miscommunication). And though sometimes I was scowling at the book I was completely immersed in it. I felt the middle focused more on the couple and then at the end you were slapped with more of the plot elements where everything tied together with their mission. And well, I didn’t see that coming. 😂 💕 You get POV from Ember which was cool, I liked how it checked in with the other characters throughout. Oh and Bisera 😂👏🏼 Haaaaa. I’m soooo excited for Seline and Vanth next. 🤩
TW: Infertility, violence, murder, mention of SA (forced kiss), sexually explicit content. 18+
April 1, 2023
This story now follows Aurelia, assassin and best friend to the newly revealed Queen of All Fae, Ember. She struggles to find her purpose now that her situation has changed; in her role, her magic, and in love. She has kept her work as an assassin but feels like something is missing, she feels her magic burning deep inside wanting to get out but it refuses to show, and she still deeply loves a man who now wants nothing to do with her.
It’s not until she and Aspen are chosen for a long and dangerous mission, that she can address her magic, future, and of course her heart; while also trying to solve the dark mysteries affecting the Dwarven realm in exchange for their alliance in the upcoming war. All as she dreams of earth and ash…
It has a elemental magical system, rocs, dragons, dwarves, mystery, deception, impending war, missions, bargains, political alliances, magic and dreams.
The world building, especially of the Dwarven Realm, was beautifully done. The plot was engaging and mysterious, keeping you on your toes, and had dwarves and magical flying creatures, which I loved!
Aurelia is a badass with a broken heart. But she’s not a delicate flower who needs to be coddled. Piece by piece she puts her heart back together, finds what she’s capable of and what she wants…and it starts with Aspen.
Aspen has leveled up to a spy with some magic and muscles. Now with a little more edge, he’s aggressive, passionate and possessive; but still sweet when he needs to be.
Their lovers to enemies to lovers romance starts with a game of jealousy, but then takes their once sweet and tender love and spices it up. They rebuild the trust that was broken and rekindle the flame that never fully went out.
I really enjoyed the story overall but liked Hadrian and Embers romance a little more. The ending really sets you up for the war that is coming and I’m anxious to see what happens when it does.
“I want it to be real. And raw, and messy, and honest. Even if it hurts”
It’s not until she and Aspen are chosen for a long and dangerous mission, that she can address her magic, future, and of course her heart; while also trying to solve the dark mysteries affecting the Dwarven realm in exchange for their alliance in the upcoming war. All as she dreams of earth and ash…
It has a elemental magical system, rocs, dragons, dwarves, mystery, deception, impending war, missions, bargains, political alliances, magic and dreams.
The world building, especially of the Dwarven Realm, was beautifully done. The plot was engaging and mysterious, keeping you on your toes, and had dwarves and magical flying creatures, which I loved!
Aurelia is a badass with a broken heart. But she’s not a delicate flower who needs to be coddled. Piece by piece she puts her heart back together, finds what she’s capable of and what she wants…and it starts with Aspen.
Aspen has leveled up to a spy with some magic and muscles. Now with a little more edge, he’s aggressive, passionate and possessive; but still sweet when he needs to be.
Their lovers to enemies to lovers romance starts with a game of jealousy, but then takes their once sweet and tender love and spices it up. They rebuild the trust that was broken and rekindle the flame that never fully went out.
I really enjoyed the story overall but liked Hadrian and Embers romance a little more. The ending really sets you up for the war that is coming and I’m anxious to see what happens when it does.
“I want it to be real. And raw, and messy, and honest. Even if it hurts”
November 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
So I can confirm that book two in the series was just as good as book one. I think I read this again in less than 24 hours, I loved it.
This book explores Aurelia and Aspen's story rather than Ember and Hadrian's which provided a refreshing change, what I didn't realise is each book focuses on a different couple, but the overarching narrative stays the same, and progresses throughout the books, meaning you'd struggle if you read them as standalones!
For background - we have Aurelia and Aspen, childhood sweethearts, however at the end of book 1 she betrays (I mean Aspen is very dramatic, we're in war for christ sake!) Aspen, and honestly, I've never wanted to reach into a book and punch someone more. I usually don't like second chance romance, however I loved this one!
So in this book we now find Hadrian and Ember to be married (yay!) and emissaries from the Dwarven Kingdom come begging aid from the new Seelie Queen, their crops have been blighted and nothing they can do will stop it, meaning their kingdom could soon be no more. Aspen is sent, not only because he magic is perfect for this but also as he is the emissary for Ember and Aurelia is sent as his protector. An alliance is promised if the crops can be fixed and obviously Ember jumps at the chance. What we get is a whirlwind, spicy love triangle which is full of twists and turns, it left me gasping for more and I couldn't wait to start book three, ya girl needed to know what's going on everywhere else!
My only slight qualm with this book is a spoiler, so I've blocked it just in case!
What to expect;
• second chance romance
• lovers to enemies to lovers(!!)
• love triangle
• forced proximity
• amazing world building
• fated mates!
🌶️.5
So I can confirm that book two in the series was just as good as book one. I think I read this again in less than 24 hours, I loved it.
This book explores Aurelia and Aspen's story rather than Ember and Hadrian's which provided a refreshing change, what I didn't realise is each book focuses on a different couple, but the overarching narrative stays the same, and progresses throughout the books, meaning you'd struggle if you read them as standalones!
For background - we have Aurelia and Aspen, childhood sweethearts, however at the end of book 1 she betrays (I mean Aspen is very dramatic, we're in war for christ sake!) Aspen, and honestly, I've never wanted to reach into a book and punch someone more. I usually don't like second chance romance, however I loved this one!
So in this book we now find Hadrian and Ember to be married (yay!) and emissaries from the Dwarven Kingdom come begging aid from the new Seelie Queen, their crops have been blighted and nothing they can do will stop it, meaning their kingdom could soon be no more. Aspen is sent, not only because he magic is perfect for this but also as he is the emissary for Ember and Aurelia is sent as his protector. An alliance is promised if the crops can be fixed and obviously Ember jumps at the chance. What we get is a whirlwind, spicy love triangle which is full of twists and turns, it left me gasping for more and I couldn't wait to start book three, ya girl needed to know what's going on everywhere else!
My only slight qualm with this book is a spoiler, so I've blocked it just in case!
What to expect;
• second chance romance
• lovers to enemies to lovers(!!)
• love triangle
• forced proximity
• amazing world building
• fated mates!
January 21, 2023
I was super excited for the next installment of this series. I really liked the character of Aurelia in this first book so the story from her perspective was highly anticipated when I started ADOEAA.
There’s a lot more political intrigue in this book, Aspen and Aurelia have been sent to a dwarf kingdom to help with a blight plaguing their lands. Spoilers here but there’s a lot of drama and you don’t know till the very end who’s responsible. I had a little trouble staying focused, most of the major action picks up in the last hundred pages or so.
Loves: The spice was good, Aspen is very aggressive with Aurelia and keeps apologizing for it lol. I’m with Aurelia here, like “boy don’t apologize, go harder!” I liked getting glimpses of Ember’s POV, it kept the overall connection between books but I would have preferred Aspen’s POV over hers.
Loathes: warning this section is full spoiler; we had the same trope as the first book where she has to wait to find out her magic. I just hoped for something different. And surprise pregnancy trope which is a no from me, but to each their own. It was cute that is was kind of Aspen’s fault, since he made the contraceptive tea wrong. But we already have a mating bond do we need pregnancy too?
Overall I rate this ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for plot and story and 🥵🥵🥵/5 for spice.
There’s a lot more political intrigue in this book, Aspen and Aurelia have been sent to a dwarf kingdom to help with a blight plaguing their lands. Spoilers here but there’s a lot of drama and you don’t know till the very end who’s responsible. I had a little trouble staying focused, most of the major action picks up in the last hundred pages or so.
Loves: The spice was good, Aspen is very aggressive with Aurelia and keeps apologizing for it lol. I’m with Aurelia here, like “boy don’t apologize, go harder!” I liked getting glimpses of Ember’s POV, it kept the overall connection between books but I would have preferred Aspen’s POV over hers.
Loathes: warning this section is full spoiler; we had the same trope as the first book where she has to wait to find out her magic. I just hoped for something different. And surprise pregnancy trope which is a no from me, but to each their own. It was cute that is was kind of Aspen’s fault, since he made the contraceptive tea wrong. But we already have a mating bond do we need pregnancy too?
Overall I rate this ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for plot and story and 🥵🥵🥵/5 for spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2023
Thank you to Madeleine Eliot for the opportunity to read A DREAM OF EARTH AND ASH as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC). Book two of the series, it continues to follow Aurelia and Aspen in their Fae world and how they navigate love, danger, and forgiveness.
Aurelia, the strong female main character, doesn't disappoint with her character development, keen sense of strategy, and emotional connection to Aspen. Her counterpart, Aspen, develops further in this novel and is reminiscent of other male Fae that we all love and wish we knew in real life.
As Aspen and Aurelia navigate the tension in their relationship, they discover a world they're trying to save is not as it seems. They’re thrusted into dangerous situations sure to make any Fae couple remember what truly matters in their lives: each other. Told mostly in Aurelia’s POV, Eliot includes chapters with Ember’s POV to help tie loose threads together, creating a beautiful narrative with strong females at its center.
The novel includes action, steamy scenes, and solid characters that will not disappoint. Fans of fantasy, SJM, and all things Fae will love A DREAM OF EARTH AND ASH that can easily be devoured in one sitting.
Rating: 5/5
Aurelia, the strong female main character, doesn't disappoint with her character development, keen sense of strategy, and emotional connection to Aspen. Her counterpart, Aspen, develops further in this novel and is reminiscent of other male Fae that we all love and wish we knew in real life.
As Aspen and Aurelia navigate the tension in their relationship, they discover a world they're trying to save is not as it seems. They’re thrusted into dangerous situations sure to make any Fae couple remember what truly matters in their lives: each other. Told mostly in Aurelia’s POV, Eliot includes chapters with Ember’s POV to help tie loose threads together, creating a beautiful narrative with strong females at its center.
The novel includes action, steamy scenes, and solid characters that will not disappoint. Fans of fantasy, SJM, and all things Fae will love A DREAM OF EARTH AND ASH that can easily be devoured in one sitting.
Rating: 5/5
April 17, 2023
“You and I both know, that nothing combats mutual dislike better than forced proximity on a long and dangerous mission.”
The quote above basically sums this story up 😅 I loved this book as much (if not more) as the first! I cant believe I put off so long reading it! Though Ember and Hadrian (book 1 MCs), are still prominent characters, Earth and Ash focuses on Aurelia and Aspen’s journey. Especially considering the ending of the first book I loved getting this POV. The angst, the pining, and the payoff; their story was heart wrenching in all the best ways.
As I stated in my review of Stars and Darkness, Madeline Eliot does not disappoint in the romance area of romantasy! And she definitely knows her tropes! The world building? Great. The magic system? Stellar. But the romance? Omg. Ms Eliot knows how to write a romance! I just ate it up. All jokes aside, I did really enjoy the mystery and court intrigue aspects in this one too. I loved learning about the dwarven kingdom and the new characters that came with that as well!
As I’ve said before I definitely recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a book with a bit of extra romance in the fantasy romance genre! These books are enjoyable and quick reads and I can’t wait to read the third and final book to this story!
The quote above basically sums this story up 😅 I loved this book as much (if not more) as the first! I cant believe I put off so long reading it! Though Ember and Hadrian (book 1 MCs), are still prominent characters, Earth and Ash focuses on Aurelia and Aspen’s journey. Especially considering the ending of the first book I loved getting this POV. The angst, the pining, and the payoff; their story was heart wrenching in all the best ways.
As I stated in my review of Stars and Darkness, Madeline Eliot does not disappoint in the romance area of romantasy! And she definitely knows her tropes! The world building? Great. The magic system? Stellar. But the romance? Omg. Ms Eliot knows how to write a romance! I just ate it up. All jokes aside, I did really enjoy the mystery and court intrigue aspects in this one too. I loved learning about the dwarven kingdom and the new characters that came with that as well!
As I’ve said before I definitely recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a book with a bit of extra romance in the fantasy romance genre! These books are enjoyable and quick reads and I can’t wait to read the third and final book to this story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews