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The Order #1
Kingdom of Fallen Ash
In the dystopian realm of "New Haven," society is eternally divided between the privileged Untouchables and the struggling Unfortunates. The Untouchables, draped in opulence and power, govern the city with an iron fist, casting long shadows over the impoverished Unfortunates who toil beneath in the murky depths.As the ruling elite revel in excess and luxury, the Unfortunates navigate a world stacked against them, grappling with meager resources and restricted opportunities. The social chasm widens daily as the Untouchables tighten their grip on wealth and influence, leaving the Unfortunates to navigate the shadows cast upon their lives.Against this backdrop, "The Kingdom of Fallen Ash" follows the intertwining fates of two individuals—one an ambitious Untouchable seeking to challenge the system from within, the other an Unfortunate yearning for a chance to escape the shackles of his social c.lass in order to get revenge. Their stories unfold against a backdrop of intrigue, rebellion, and the unyielding determination to break free from the oppressive shackles of a society defined by its merciless class divisions.In this thought-provoking tale of power, privilege, and defiance, "The Kingdom of Fallen Ash" explores the profound impact of societal structures on the human spirit and poses questions about the price of conformity and the possibility of change in a world where the shadows of inequality loom large.
513 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2024
1294 people are currently reading
21963 people want to read
About the author
Katerina St. Clair
9 books886 followersKaterina St Clair is an international best-selling author of fantasy, dark romance, and dystopian stories. She loves creating rich, immersive worlds where her readers can get lost in adventure, drama, and intrigue. Her books are filled with unforgettable characters, gripping twists, and the kind of storytelling that keeps fans coming back for more. Writing is her way of bringing new worlds to life and sharing them with readers who love finding an escape.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews
April 22, 2025
This book needs more HYPE!
I absolutely devoured every page of this and did not want to put it down.
I am so incredibly invested in all the characters and I need so many questions answered. We get multiple POVs, a gripping plot and an intense SLOW burn romance between our two MCs.
OBSESSED.
"Does my heart still beat?" Fallan questions down the bond, his voice low and solemn.
I nod, not needing to say anything else.
"Then you will never be alone."
I absolutely devoured every page of this and did not want to put it down.
I am so incredibly invested in all the characters and I need so many questions answered. We get multiple POVs, a gripping plot and an intense SLOW burn romance between our two MCs.
OBSESSED.
"Does my heart still beat?" Fallan questions down the bond, his voice low and solemn.
I nod, not needing to say anything else.
"Then you will never be alone."
July 29, 2024
✿NO SPOILERS✿
✦For the last 3 months I haven’t been able to finish a book or feel much while reading. But this book cured all that. I saw a video showing quotes and aesthetic on Tik tok and had to run to KU. To see if it was available. And it was, so I downloaded it immediately.
✾This is a dystopian story filled with love, betrayal and so much emotions. I was kicking my feet and screeching like a banshee! These characters made me feel all the emotions. I can’t tell you how many times I gasped! I was invested in the character and the plot. I will be starting book 2 immediately.
♡Tropes♡
-Dystopian
-Slow burn
-Secrets
-Forbidden Romance
-Secret Identities
✦For the last 3 months I haven’t been able to finish a book or feel much while reading. But this book cured all that. I saw a video showing quotes and aesthetic on Tik tok and had to run to KU. To see if it was available. And it was, so I downloaded it immediately.
✾This is a dystopian story filled with love, betrayal and so much emotions. I was kicking my feet and screeching like a banshee! These characters made me feel all the emotions. I can’t tell you how many times I gasped! I was invested in the character and the plot. I will be starting book 2 immediately.
♡Tropes♡
-Dystopian
-Slow burn
-Secrets
-Forbidden Romance
-Secret Identities
December 20, 2024
Excuse me??? Did I just read this 740 page book in one day? Yes I did. This is possibly my new favourite dystopia book EVER.
If Divergent/shatter me/hunger games had a baby - this would be it - but adult version🤌
The fact this series is a prequel of x 4 AND we are getting another series of x 6. Make it my whole personality please & thank you.
Firstly.. the first chapter had me HOOKED & trust me, you’ll be glad it starts this way. A smooth small info dump.
Multiple POV’s throughout. Easy to follow & short fast paced chapters.
SLOW BURN. This whole book is so action packed when we finally get to see some spice I was kind of like oh shit it’s happening! Because I was so invested in the story but boyyyyyyy it was hot🤭
I loved the whole ‘dystopian’ world vibe. The separation between the untouchables & the unfortunates. There is so much more to the story & how the world comes together and it’s such an easy understanding part. Little things when they get onto the tram to get to places & to the academy? I love that.
Twists & turns to make you gasp!!!! So much happens in the second half of the book!! It really goes from one thing to another?
The pit scenes? Glass surrounded with them covered in golden masks looking down?! Shifters? I absolutely loved this detail!!! The DNA changing?
I will protect Fallan with my heart. Xavier though?! Interesting. I’m very invested to see where my heart goes throughout the rest of the books?! Like I can’t cope!!
Honestly.. I could say so much but I don’t want to spoil anything. I LOVED how this ended. I had a feeling something like this was brewing. The ash? Make this a movie series people.
Infinity stars👏🏽
‘You’re special to him,’ she starts. ‘And that is a weapon.’ She continues, holding out the gear to me. ‘So put this on and make him regret dragging any of us down here.’ - ALL I COULD HEAR IN MY HEAD WAS JOHANNA MASON - HUNGER GAMES
If Divergent/shatter me/hunger games had a baby - this would be it - but adult version🤌
The fact this series is a prequel of x 4 AND we are getting another series of x 6. Make it my whole personality please & thank you.
Firstly.. the first chapter had me HOOKED & trust me, you’ll be glad it starts this way. A smooth small info dump.
Multiple POV’s throughout. Easy to follow & short fast paced chapters.
SLOW BURN. This whole book is so action packed when we finally get to see some spice I was kind of like oh shit it’s happening! Because I was so invested in the story but boyyyyyyy it was hot🤭
I loved the whole ‘dystopian’ world vibe. The separation between the untouchables & the unfortunates. There is so much more to the story & how the world comes together and it’s such an easy understanding part. Little things when they get onto the tram to get to places & to the academy? I love that.
Twists & turns to make you gasp!!!! So much happens in the second half of the book!! It really goes from one thing to another?
The pit scenes? Glass surrounded with them covered in golden masks looking down?! Shifters? I absolutely loved this detail!!! The DNA changing?
I will protect Fallan with my heart. Xavier though?! Interesting. I’m very invested to see where my heart goes throughout the rest of the books?! Like I can’t cope!!
Honestly.. I could say so much but I don’t want to spoil anything. I LOVED how this ended. I had a feeling something like this was brewing. The ash? Make this a movie series people.
Infinity stars👏🏽
‘You’re special to him,’ she starts. ‘And that is a weapon.’ She continues, holding out the gear to me. ‘So put this on and make him regret dragging any of us down here.’ - ALL I COULD HEAR IN MY HEAD WAS JOHANNA MASON - HUNGER GAMES
June 1, 2024
if you’re a divergent girlie i need you to pick up ur kindle and read this rn … it’s what you deserve
January 16, 2024
Oh my gosh.
This book was amazing. My only critique is I have to wait for the rest of the series.
I looooove dystopian, it’s one of my favorite genres. Along with fantasy, and of course, romance. All of which this book has.
All the characters were so enjoyable, which I feel is hard to do. You usually have that annoying side character that has no substance, but not in this book. Each character has meaning and goals and actual personalities. Everyone is so well thought out, and it’s so appreciated from me. I love the unique storyline. I love the world building. I love it all.
Also, the author posts really cool AI photos on TikTok she made of the characters which makes it even cooler to fall in love with these characters and see them how the author saw them.
Please read this if you haven’t. If you need me, I’ll be rocking back in forth in a corner in a straight jacket until all the books are released.
This book was amazing. My only critique is I have to wait for the rest of the series.
I looooove dystopian, it’s one of my favorite genres. Along with fantasy, and of course, romance. All of which this book has.
All the characters were so enjoyable, which I feel is hard to do. You usually have that annoying side character that has no substance, but not in this book. Each character has meaning and goals and actual personalities. Everyone is so well thought out, and it’s so appreciated from me. I love the unique storyline. I love the world building. I love it all.
Also, the author posts really cool AI photos on TikTok she made of the characters which makes it even cooler to fall in love with these characters and see them how the author saw them.
Please read this if you haven’t. If you need me, I’ll be rocking back in forth in a corner in a straight jacket until all the books are released.
December 20, 2024
Sheesh. THIS WAS GOOD!! I had little expectations and now I’m wholly invested. The 5 stars are earned with a gripping plot, engaging characters, and a world that sucks you in! The suspense dripped from page to page. There’s extremely similar Divergent vibes, but it still felt like a story of its own. The twists are never ending. The secrets are plentiful. The tension is thick. I’m definitely reading the rest of the series!
Editing my rating to 5 stars since my only complaint was the editing and that has since been fixed!
Editing my rating to 5 stars since my only complaint was the editing and that has since been fixed!
February 6, 2024
The Order by Katerina St. Clair
This is another book I found while scrolling on TikTok, it peeked my interest being a Dystopian story.
In a world divided by social classes and ruled by regulation chips, Forest, an Untouchable, finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew. Secretly medicated for being Marked, she senses the lies woven into the fabric of her reality.
Enter Fallan, an Unfortunate from the lowest echelons of society, whose mere existence challenges the rigid norms that govern their city. As Forest and Fallan's paths intertwine, a forbidden connection blooms against the backdrop of a society that thrives on division. Bound by a shared desire for freedom and vengeance, Forest and Fallan navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and oppression.
This book definitely takes you back to past dystopian series. There are secrets and mysteries to uncover that keep you reading, but at the same time it felt unnecessarily drawn out. I liked Forest, she wants the truth, no lies and is trying to figure everything out. She loves her family, especially her brother Kaiden. Their relationship was a high point in the book. She doesn’t just accept things, she fights, which in my opinion is a very likable quality. She’s drawn to Fallan, even though she’s supposed to hate him, it made for some good romantic angst. However the push/pull with Forest and Fallan did get to be redundant. I thought for a minute there might be a love triangle with Xavier, but I never had a good feeling about him.
Sometimes I struggled with the believability of the society, but that might be from how mysterious the author wanted the shadowy elements of society to be. I think a peer author or a good editor might be able to shave some of the story into a more enjoyable book. If the author decides to continue the series I would read next book.
Genre: New Adult Dystopian Fantasy
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Slow Burn 🔥🔥
POV: Multiple, First person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 569 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Series/Stand Alone: Series
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes: New Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Powers, Forced Amnesia, Past Trauma, Different Societal Classes, Afraid to Commit
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
This is another book I found while scrolling on TikTok, it peeked my interest being a Dystopian story.
In a world divided by social classes and ruled by regulation chips, Forest, an Untouchable, finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew. Secretly medicated for being Marked, she senses the lies woven into the fabric of her reality.
Enter Fallan, an Unfortunate from the lowest echelons of society, whose mere existence challenges the rigid norms that govern their city. As Forest and Fallan's paths intertwine, a forbidden connection blooms against the backdrop of a society that thrives on division. Bound by a shared desire for freedom and vengeance, Forest and Fallan navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and oppression.
This book definitely takes you back to past dystopian series. There are secrets and mysteries to uncover that keep you reading, but at the same time it felt unnecessarily drawn out. I liked Forest, she wants the truth, no lies and is trying to figure everything out. She loves her family, especially her brother Kaiden. Their relationship was a high point in the book. She doesn’t just accept things, she fights, which in my opinion is a very likable quality. She’s drawn to Fallan, even though she’s supposed to hate him, it made for some good romantic angst. However the push/pull with Forest and Fallan did get to be redundant. I thought for a minute there might be a love triangle with Xavier, but I never had a good feeling about him.
Sometimes I struggled with the believability of the society, but that might be from how mysterious the author wanted the shadowy elements of society to be. I think a peer author or a good editor might be able to shave some of the story into a more enjoyable book. If the author decides to continue the series I would read next book.
Genre: New Adult Dystopian Fantasy
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Slow Burn 🔥🔥
POV: Multiple, First person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 569 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Series/Stand Alone: Series
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes: New Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Powers, Forced Amnesia, Past Trauma, Different Societal Classes, Afraid to Commit
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
May 5, 2024
Okay, this book had the potential to be really great, but it fell flat due to [no?] editing.
I want to say I found grammatical issues, spelling issues and missing quotations in over half of the book. I started highlighting them after a time.
"Individuality seized to exist." Ceased?
“I thought Unfortunates was supposed to be mean,”
“You're brother, and you can't hide away forever,” he says, his voice broken. [[was supposed to be your]]
“and he’s using his knowledge of that to care to keep me away,” ??
“and it's come for blood,” he gasps, guiding us in a dead sprint down the alleyway, [[its]]
"Black ink marks his skin, the clear image of an unknown image encasing his chest." what the heck is this supposed to mean?
"Just as he had before, he holds the pistil to them."
The good:
I LOVE that there was art throughout the book. Omg, can we please start doing this in more fantasies? That was incredible.
“Everything after that night was only her. I will live for her, and I will die for her, as long as it means she gets some peace in this world,” and “One kiss and I can never walk away. One kiss and I am yours until the day my heart stops,” SWOON
The bad:
I feel like the characters lacked depth. The world was really great, and the premise of the story feels cool and unique, but again it just fell flat by not enough explanation. I was so confused by a lot of the dialogue in this book too. I could rant forever but I think I'm just going to go read other low star reviews to feel seen.
-spoilers below-
The amount of times she called a character "the blonde" "the dark haired man" when they know each other. At that point, it doesn't really make sense to keep calling them "the blonde".
"I grab the blonde's shoulder,"
"watching the dark-haired man pause, his jaw clenched."
"I turn to face the blonde, watching his kind expression pan down to me."
"I force my hand up to the blonde, mocking my hand into the form of a gun,"
Just to name a few... there's a lot more.
Lastly, at 98% the term "winnowed" gets thrown into the book with no explanation. Forest, who's somebody who shouldn't know much about Marked powers, is like "omg, he winnowed! He used the last of his power to take us somewhere else". Like girl, how do you know that? Also, I was like, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Is this is a fanfiction? How the heck are you going to throw a term from ACOTAR, winnowed, into this book like that. Come on. Couldn't think of any other word????
I want to say I found grammatical issues, spelling issues and missing quotations in over half of the book. I started highlighting them after a time.
"Individuality seized to exist." Ceased?
“I thought Unfortunates was supposed to be mean,”
“You're brother, and you can't hide away forever,” he says, his voice broken. [[was supposed to be your]]
“and he’s using his knowledge of that to care to keep me away,” ??
“and it's come for blood,” he gasps, guiding us in a dead sprint down the alleyway, [[its]]
"Black ink marks his skin, the clear image of an unknown image encasing his chest." what the heck is this supposed to mean?
"Just as he had before, he holds the pistil to them."
The good:
I LOVE that there was art throughout the book. Omg, can we please start doing this in more fantasies? That was incredible.
“Everything after that night was only her. I will live for her, and I will die for her, as long as it means she gets some peace in this world,” and “One kiss and I can never walk away. One kiss and I am yours until the day my heart stops,” SWOON
The bad:
I feel like the characters lacked depth. The world was really great, and the premise of the story feels cool and unique, but again it just fell flat by not enough explanation. I was so confused by a lot of the dialogue in this book too. I could rant forever but I think I'm just going to go read other low star reviews to feel seen.
-spoilers below-
The amount of times she called a character "the blonde" "the dark haired man" when they know each other. At that point, it doesn't really make sense to keep calling them "the blonde".
"I grab the blonde's shoulder,"
"watching the dark-haired man pause, his jaw clenched."
"I turn to face the blonde, watching his kind expression pan down to me."
"I force my hand up to the blonde, mocking my hand into the form of a gun,"
Just to name a few... there's a lot more.
Lastly, at 98% the term "winnowed" gets thrown into the book with no explanation. Forest, who's somebody who shouldn't know much about Marked powers, is like "omg, he winnowed! He used the last of his power to take us somewhere else". Like girl, how do you know that? Also, I was like, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Is this is a fanfiction? How the heck are you going to throw a term from ACOTAR, winnowed, into this book like that. Come on. Couldn't think of any other word????
June 19, 2024
This book needs to be edited about 5 times. The grammatical errors run rampant through the pages, the plot holes are basically plot canyons, and the prose is…non existent.
I understand having grace for a self published author, but when a book is 750 pages I at least expect it to be proofread. If you’re just looking for a fun read, go anywhere else. This book is unnecessarily drawn out, makes little to no sense, and provides no answers to any of the questions it leaves you with. You can find better world building in a children’s book.
Also, if you found this book on tik tok (like me) don’t let the videos fool you. This book is TRULY not worth your time. The romantic aspects in the story also fell so flat. Going from longing stares and stolen touches reminiscent of an 1800s period piece to a full on sex scene was so crazy. Perhaps this one should’ve stayed on AO3/Wattpad.
And one final note to the author, if you’re going to splatter random AI generated art of your characters throughout your book at least choose images where your lead charterer doesn’t have 6 fingers.
The two stars I gave this book are earned by the intriguing characters and potential for a fun story.
I understand having grace for a self published author, but when a book is 750 pages I at least expect it to be proofread. If you’re just looking for a fun read, go anywhere else. This book is unnecessarily drawn out, makes little to no sense, and provides no answers to any of the questions it leaves you with. You can find better world building in a children’s book.
Also, if you found this book on tik tok (like me) don’t let the videos fool you. This book is TRULY not worth your time. The romantic aspects in the story also fell so flat. Going from longing stares and stolen touches reminiscent of an 1800s period piece to a full on sex scene was so crazy. Perhaps this one should’ve stayed on AO3/Wattpad.
And one final note to the author, if you’re going to splatter random AI generated art of your characters throughout your book at least choose images where your lead charterer doesn’t have 6 fingers.
The two stars I gave this book are earned by the intriguing characters and potential for a fun story.
May 15, 2024
DNF @ 70%. Tried to push through because the premise and characters are so great, however there way too many grammatical errors that pull you from the story. For example, an entire passage discussing how a character doesn’t do something , and then says ‘ I have done this’ where it should’ve been ‘I haven’t done this’. There’s also a good amount of spelling errors, ‘Gatsyby’ and then properly spelling ‘Gatsby’ on the same page. It made the story confusing and really messed with the flow. It’s disappointing, I’m hoping this book will be picked up by a publisher so an editor can go through and clean it up a bit because I would love to love this book.
April 3, 2025
Good reads lied to me. Or Kindle gave me an old edition because this book was a solid SEVEN-HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE FUCKING PAGES.
*Spoilers and Ranting*
There must have been zero editing in this book. We circle the same pattern of plot over and over again for 500+ pages. No real new information or world building, no character development, just an endless cycle of we want to be together, but we hate each other. The writing was confusing and I was constantly having to reread pages because I couldn't quite figure out what was happening.
The beginning of this was pretty strong. I love a good dystopian story line. Then the world building just stopped. We got very very basic info on this society and how it came to be. The citizens literally have chips in their brain but for some reason they're hardly ever used? They made parents forget their entire life with their 5 year old daughter but you can't keep your citizens/slaves in control? That seemed like a huge plot hole to me.
The two main characters are constantly yearning for each other. Though Fallan keeps pretending he hates forest. Her father at one time hints her and Fallan have been constantly going back to each other but it's not really clarified what actual history they have together. I kept waiting for some kind of flashback of them having a relationship and then officials making them forget over and over. But no. It sounds like they met once, one time at bonfire and this endless attraction started. Forest's Mother spent "hours" with her on a operating table trying to clear Fallan from her mind. Hours? For one interaction at a bonfire. Okay then.... Maybe it has something to do with them mixing blood as children. But again, no further information is given.
Untouchables and undesirables. Those two words are too close to each other and I kept getting them confused.
Forest figures out she's "marked". Which means she has some kind of power. Though never really explained how her powers work. She can draw energy from other? Again never fully fleshed out. The chips somewhat work on her but also don't work on her? Your telling me this girl, who apparently has had some behavioral issues, went her entire life without having her chipped messed with until she was in early adulthood? Fallan literally has to teach her how to fake being affect by her chip. Her mother and father know she is in huge danger because of being marked but NEVER give her any sort of warning about it. They just keep her completely in the dark and hope she never says something or does something that would point out how different she is? Also, why did Fallan keep his memories when Forest didn't? Why did he get beat. Was it because they found out about his relationship with her? Her father just beat the shit out of him and let him keep his memories? Hoping he wouldn't be a problem?
Then there is the whole untouchable fiasco of a storyline. The elite are told untouchables are given good accommodations and deserve to be treated like shit. Why? It's never really clarified how they're different from the Untouchables. Everyone just hates them and that's that. Come to find out the undesirables lives in horrible conditions. Emaciated children, dirt, death, ect. The official literally give no shits about these people. At one point they killed a bunch of them because resources were running low. But then they allow a couple undesirable students to come the elite side to go to school? Why? They treat these people worse than animals. Why would they even allow that? Also they just happen to let one of those students be Fallan who was literally punished for having a relationship of some sort with an untouchable. Sure, that feels totally realistic.
Oh and Forest Dad was an undesirable. How the hell did he make his way into the Untouchable side of life. Somehow killing his best friend bumped him up to Untouchable? How? Then they let him hold a high ranking government position. Seriously? OH and they let him reproduce. This all seems insanely unrealistic of the world the author put us in.
Anyways. Forest has this "other side" of herself. Who she talks to... but is herself. I don't know. This other side is in love with Xavier while Forest is in love with Fallan. It seems all like a really unnecessary love triangle. I have no idea why Xavier is so fucking obsessed with Forest. He just is. Then he ends up arresting Forest and all her friends and throwing her into a hunger games type situation. They have collars on them that are suppose to stop their power but they don't? Like Forest can still use some of her powers even with the collar on. Then Xavier who I'm actually rooting for was like, No one hurt Forest, but then still sends her in to fight the weird monster nuclear thingys. Oh and magically Fallan can winnow them out? That would've been a nice power to be aware of.
They escape into the nuclear dessert and are found by the "rebellion". I just don't know if I can push through another book. Part of me wants to see Xavier get his day in the sun. But I don't know if I can stomach the lack of plot and the huge plot holes.
*Spoilers and Ranting*
There must have been zero editing in this book. We circle the same pattern of plot over and over again for 500+ pages. No real new information or world building, no character development, just an endless cycle of we want to be together, but we hate each other. The writing was confusing and I was constantly having to reread pages because I couldn't quite figure out what was happening.
The beginning of this was pretty strong. I love a good dystopian story line. Then the world building just stopped. We got very very basic info on this society and how it came to be. The citizens literally have chips in their brain but for some reason they're hardly ever used? They made parents forget their entire life with their 5 year old daughter but you can't keep your citizens/slaves in control? That seemed like a huge plot hole to me.
The two main characters are constantly yearning for each other. Though Fallan keeps pretending he hates forest. Her father at one time hints her and Fallan have been constantly going back to each other but it's not really clarified what actual history they have together. I kept waiting for some kind of flashback of them having a relationship and then officials making them forget over and over. But no. It sounds like they met once, one time at bonfire and this endless attraction started. Forest's Mother spent "hours" with her on a operating table trying to clear Fallan from her mind. Hours? For one interaction at a bonfire. Okay then.... Maybe it has something to do with them mixing blood as children. But again, no further information is given.
Untouchables and undesirables. Those two words are too close to each other and I kept getting them confused.
Forest figures out she's "marked". Which means she has some kind of power. Though never really explained how her powers work. She can draw energy from other? Again never fully fleshed out. The chips somewhat work on her but also don't work on her? Your telling me this girl, who apparently has had some behavioral issues, went her entire life without having her chipped messed with until she was in early adulthood? Fallan literally has to teach her how to fake being affect by her chip. Her mother and father know she is in huge danger because of being marked but NEVER give her any sort of warning about it. They just keep her completely in the dark and hope she never says something or does something that would point out how different she is? Also, why did Fallan keep his memories when Forest didn't? Why did he get beat. Was it because they found out about his relationship with her? Her father just beat the shit out of him and let him keep his memories? Hoping he wouldn't be a problem?
Then there is the whole untouchable fiasco of a storyline. The elite are told untouchables are given good accommodations and deserve to be treated like shit. Why? It's never really clarified how they're different from the Untouchables. Everyone just hates them and that's that. Come to find out the undesirables lives in horrible conditions. Emaciated children, dirt, death, ect. The official literally give no shits about these people. At one point they killed a bunch of them because resources were running low. But then they allow a couple undesirable students to come the elite side to go to school? Why? They treat these people worse than animals. Why would they even allow that? Also they just happen to let one of those students be Fallan who was literally punished for having a relationship of some sort with an untouchable. Sure, that feels totally realistic.
Oh and Forest Dad was an undesirable. How the hell did he make his way into the Untouchable side of life. Somehow killing his best friend bumped him up to Untouchable? How? Then they let him hold a high ranking government position. Seriously? OH and they let him reproduce. This all seems insanely unrealistic of the world the author put us in.
Anyways. Forest has this "other side" of herself. Who she talks to... but is herself. I don't know. This other side is in love with Xavier while Forest is in love with Fallan. It seems all like a really unnecessary love triangle. I have no idea why Xavier is so fucking obsessed with Forest. He just is. Then he ends up arresting Forest and all her friends and throwing her into a hunger games type situation. They have collars on them that are suppose to stop their power but they don't? Like Forest can still use some of her powers even with the collar on. Then Xavier who I'm actually rooting for was like, No one hurt Forest, but then still sends her in to fight the weird monster nuclear thingys. Oh and magically Fallan can winnow them out? That would've been a nice power to be aware of.
They escape into the nuclear dessert and are found by the "rebellion". I just don't know if I can push through another book. Part of me wants to see Xavier get his day in the sun. But I don't know if I can stomach the lack of plot and the huge plot holes.
October 19, 2024
I had to DNF at 8%. The prologue was good and the idea intrigued me, but there were so many inconsistencies in just the first few chapters. Even missed periods in sentences.
- Why can’t they wear makeup or jewelry but they can have the nails done & wear perfume?
- Why are there 4 year olds coming in for Judgement Day but other kids wait until they’re adults?
- there was a phrase about the receptionist having a half smile, but literally the next sentence said her mouth was thin and in a straight line.
- then it described how the left of reception was the elective wing, and right of reception was primary classes. The FMC then said she took a sharp right towards the elective wing.
The list of inconsistencies goes on and on.
I’d be willing to try it again if there’s a big overhaul. I see that it’s currently in a re-edit & revision stage, so perhaps these issues will be corrected.
- Why can’t they wear makeup or jewelry but they can have the nails done & wear perfume?
- Why are there 4 year olds coming in for Judgement Day but other kids wait until they’re adults?
- there was a phrase about the receptionist having a half smile, but literally the next sentence said her mouth was thin and in a straight line.
- then it described how the left of reception was the elective wing, and right of reception was primary classes. The FMC then said she took a sharp right towards the elective wing.
The list of inconsistencies goes on and on.
I’d be willing to try it again if there’s a big overhaul. I see that it’s currently in a re-edit & revision stage, so perhaps these issues will be corrected.
September 24, 2025
Is it rlly bad I want her w Xavier
June 23, 2025
I am actually disappointed in this book, I went in for the love triangle and dystopian feel but was met with way more than I was not asking for. I am honestly not that invested in the series and if the next book is just as bad I will DNF and find something to cleanse my soul from this. Most of this will be spoilers because I need to share what I went throught, the only reason I have this a 3 star ratinng was because of the entertainment from it being so crazy and me playing my favorite guessing game of "is this plot point going to come back later or be droped and never talking about again?".
_______SPOILERS_______
We start off strong with the FMC's mother murdering a four year old child while pregnant with the FMC, just a wold thought. The first part of the book was good, past the child murder, with a secret blossoming love for Fallen while learning she isnt' actually crazy but when Xavier got involoved I was lost. Like she couldn't pick a man and it left a bad taste in my mouth which was worse than Twilight's "love trainagle". The nickname "Little Dove" haunts my dreams and event if the hottest man called me that , I would laugh at him.The way the FMC makes me think she is just a hoe and never actually addresses her feelings, just kisses whoever is in her sight is wild. This book took plot points and ideas from Shatter Me, Hunger Games, and Divergent, which are all better books than this one, and smooshed them all together. The 2D love interests made me feel like this was an uncreative fan fiction, especially when the naturally odd colored hair and never before seen super powers came into play. Also I knew Kai was gay from the get go and why is EVERYONE attracted to the FMC. Like Valerie having a crush on her too is just leaving me rolling my eyes. Things are just too convenient and what happened in the second to last chapter will haunt my soul forever. <3
_______SPOILERS_______
We start off strong with the FMC's mother murdering a four year old child while pregnant with the FMC, just a wold thought. The first part of the book was good, past the child murder, with a secret blossoming love for Fallen while learning she isnt' actually crazy but when Xavier got involoved I was lost. Like she couldn't pick a man and it left a bad taste in my mouth which was worse than Twilight's "love trainagle". The nickname "Little Dove" haunts my dreams and event if the hottest man called me that , I would laugh at him.The way the FMC makes me think she is just a hoe and never actually addresses her feelings, just kisses whoever is in her sight is wild. This book took plot points and ideas from Shatter Me, Hunger Games, and Divergent, which are all better books than this one, and smooshed them all together. The 2D love interests made me feel like this was an uncreative fan fiction, especially when the naturally odd colored hair and never before seen super powers came into play. Also I knew Kai was gay from the get go and why is EVERYONE attracted to the FMC. Like Valerie having a crush on her too is just leaving me rolling my eyes. Things are just too convenient and what happened in the second to last chapter will haunt my soul forever. <3
January 4, 2026
EXCUSE ME??? did I just read this like nothing else mattered in my life right now? Yes I did.
Could someone tell me if it’s even possible to be admitted into hospital from a heart attack this book gave me combined with all the plot twists I couldn’t see coming from a mile away?!
This dystopian sci-fi enemies to lovers novel, will make you scream at the book, that your surrounding family will think you’ve had some strange aneurism. In a world where people are divided from the marked, untouchable and unfortunates. Lies the sheer corruption. With chips inserted into your head behind your ear to control you to fighting the difference between right and wrong. I can’t even describe a brief synopsis with how much plot and care has gone into this book - trust me, you just have to read it.
You don’t know who to trust, hell you can’t even trust yourself reading this. Literally on the edge of your seat the entire time. Mix a bit of the divergent series, In time and the hunger games you have this but EVEN BETTER.
I’ve fallen in love with every single character and I can’t wait to immediately dive into the second book. Why the heck isn’t this absolute masterpiece spoken about enough?
Things I loved
DYSTOPIAN SETTING
SCI-FI
UNIQUE MAGIC
ENEMIES TO LOVERS
TOUCH HER AND DIE
SLOW BURN
SECRETS & LIES
FORCED PROXIMITY
Could someone tell me if it’s even possible to be admitted into hospital from a heart attack this book gave me combined with all the plot twists I couldn’t see coming from a mile away?!
This dystopian sci-fi enemies to lovers novel, will make you scream at the book, that your surrounding family will think you’ve had some strange aneurism. In a world where people are divided from the marked, untouchable and unfortunates. Lies the sheer corruption. With chips inserted into your head behind your ear to control you to fighting the difference between right and wrong. I can’t even describe a brief synopsis with how much plot and care has gone into this book - trust me, you just have to read it.
You don’t know who to trust, hell you can’t even trust yourself reading this. Literally on the edge of your seat the entire time. Mix a bit of the divergent series, In time and the hunger games you have this but EVEN BETTER.
I’ve fallen in love with every single character and I can’t wait to immediately dive into the second book. Why the heck isn’t this absolute masterpiece spoken about enough?
Things I loved
DYSTOPIAN SETTING
SCI-FI
UNIQUE MAGIC
ENEMIES TO LOVERS
TOUCH HER AND DIE
SLOW BURN
SECRETS & LIES
FORCED PROXIMITY
July 8, 2025
Ahhhhh I know I’ve been tossing 5 stars out lately but this one actually is… it has 6 star god tier potential in what was built in this book EEK
Uglies x divergent x the 100
at 4 they get a microchip in their brain that keeps everyone “healthy” and no abnormalities or lack of control (from the government)
Everything is regulated and under control and monitored and official and crazy
Theres untouchables and unforgettable which is like classes of society and you get treated differently depended on who you are in a society and the society is within wards to protect from nuclear waste/ashes which caused gene mutations created shifters which haven’t been seen in so long they’re “mythical” and there is so much more I just don’t wanna spoil anything 😭😭😭😭
READ IT RIGHT NOW IM LITERALLY YELLING AT YOU POLITELY
Uglies x divergent x the 100
at 4 they get a microchip in their brain that keeps everyone “healthy” and no abnormalities or lack of control (from the government)
Everything is regulated and under control and monitored and official and crazy
Theres untouchables and unforgettable which is like classes of society and you get treated differently depended on who you are in a society and the society is within wards to protect from nuclear waste/ashes which caused gene mutations created shifters which haven’t been seen in so long they’re “mythical” and there is so much more I just don’t wanna spoil anything 😭😭😭😭
READ IT RIGHT NOW IM LITERALLY YELLING AT YOU POLITELY
August 18, 2025
alright listen….the story line is decent but gets SO muddled with all the confusing relationship dynamics, the length of this book is pretty unnecessary so you get quite fatigued towards the end. you also need to look past a lot of plot holes - defo more of a vibes read if you want to relive the 2010s dystopian novel era (2.5)
March 16, 2024
woah
Honestly, I’m not a dystopian reader. I like modern romances. But holy jesus this one took me for two whole days as I refused to do anything else can’t wait for the next one
Honestly, I’m not a dystopian reader. I like modern romances. But holy jesus this one took me for two whole days as I refused to do anything else can’t wait for the next one
May 8, 2025
Well I’m going to go stare at a wall and try to process everything I just read while deciding what I want to rate this.
******
This book was a very interesting read. This is not a romance, it is a New Adult Dystopian Fantasy, and this is the villain origin story to a series that has not been released yet so there is no HEA. It is important to know that this author originally had her books held ransom by her editor and was unable to complete the editing before their release, so when you read this be certain to look for the books that have been newly revised and edited or listen to the audio. I do believe the kindle books have not been edited, seeing as they are different than the audiobooks. Now that I talked about, let me get to the book review.
There is so much mystery and suspense that makes for a great story. The entire world system is left to be a mystery to explore further in the rest of the series. The characters have so much room for development, whether it be good or bad. Honestly, I love a good villain story, anytime I read a series with a villain I absolutely want them to be fully fleshed out and be motivated by something more than just power etc. so getting this series to explain the reasoning behind the villain is absolutely perfect to me.
I love the push and pull between the main characters and the world is very interesting. This book is full of important details from start to finish so you have to pay close attention when reading this.
This is like the Shatter Me series in a lot of ways but I like this a little bit more so far. The only reason this doesn’t get a five star rating from me is because even after the new editing of this series, I have found a few things that needed changing and a few holes here and there where scenes felt a bit choppy, but I still am really invested in this series and will be finishing it and continue to the series she is still working on that comes after this.
******
This book was a very interesting read. This is not a romance, it is a New Adult Dystopian Fantasy, and this is the villain origin story to a series that has not been released yet so there is no HEA. It is important to know that this author originally had her books held ransom by her editor and was unable to complete the editing before their release, so when you read this be certain to look for the books that have been newly revised and edited or listen to the audio. I do believe the kindle books have not been edited, seeing as they are different than the audiobooks. Now that I talked about, let me get to the book review.
There is so much mystery and suspense that makes for a great story. The entire world system is left to be a mystery to explore further in the rest of the series. The characters have so much room for development, whether it be good or bad. Honestly, I love a good villain story, anytime I read a series with a villain I absolutely want them to be fully fleshed out and be motivated by something more than just power etc. so getting this series to explain the reasoning behind the villain is absolutely perfect to me.
I love the push and pull between the main characters and the world is very interesting. This book is full of important details from start to finish so you have to pay close attention when reading this.
This is like the Shatter Me series in a lot of ways but I like this a little bit more so far. The only reason this doesn’t get a five star rating from me is because even after the new editing of this series, I have found a few things that needed changing and a few holes here and there where scenes felt a bit choppy, but I still am really invested in this series and will be finishing it and continue to the series she is still working on that comes after this.
July 24, 2024
I found this author because it was in the related section on another indie author book I absolutely HATED, and she was also listed as an Illustrator. I came into this fully expecting to hate this book. With that being said, let’s get into it.
Five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kingdom of Fallen Ash is like Divergent, Meets Hunger Games, meets FallOut. Absolutely Phenominal page after page. Are there errors? Sure. Does it really effect the book that much? No. I took this book to work with me because I could not put it down. The author has a way of writing that is unblieveable for a new young author, and a indie author at that. You will feel captivated and transported into the world of Forest and Kaiden Blackburn, feeling as if you there with them in New Haven witnessing the story as it takes place.
After seeing the authors social media posts about this series I can gladly say how glad I am to have found a new series as great as this one. With four books in the prequel series, and six coming for a MAIN series? I am floored. I enjoyed this book more than I did Sarah J Maas’s series and Rebecca Yaros series. It nice to see such a talented author bring back the nostalgia of the 2010’s dystopians, but with their own twist. She really is bringing life back into the dystopian genere.
I well starting book two as soon as I finish this review. I would also like to add that after a string of horrible indie author books from tiktok, this author has renewed my faith in indie author books and set the bar that much higher.
Five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kingdom of Fallen Ash is like Divergent, Meets Hunger Games, meets FallOut. Absolutely Phenominal page after page. Are there errors? Sure. Does it really effect the book that much? No. I took this book to work with me because I could not put it down. The author has a way of writing that is unblieveable for a new young author, and a indie author at that. You will feel captivated and transported into the world of Forest and Kaiden Blackburn, feeling as if you there with them in New Haven witnessing the story as it takes place.
After seeing the authors social media posts about this series I can gladly say how glad I am to have found a new series as great as this one. With four books in the prequel series, and six coming for a MAIN series? I am floored. I enjoyed this book more than I did Sarah J Maas’s series and Rebecca Yaros series. It nice to see such a talented author bring back the nostalgia of the 2010’s dystopians, but with their own twist. She really is bringing life back into the dystopian genere.
I well starting book two as soon as I finish this review. I would also like to add that after a string of horrible indie author books from tiktok, this author has renewed my faith in indie author books and set the bar that much higher.
Read
March 17, 2025i lost brain cells reading this😬
June 22, 2025
DNF at 15%
I feel sorry for the author that her editors/family/friends let her down so badly. A very interesting story, ruined by terrible composition
I feel sorry for the author that her editors/family/friends let her down so badly. A very interesting story, ruined by terrible composition
August 17, 2025
what the fuck was that, seriously? also, Xavier count your days bitch!!
August 25, 2025
Definitely a 4.5 star book (leaning 5 stars though)
Omg I couldn’t put this book down. I was canceling plans so I could stay home and read. Such a good dystopian book with some forbidden romance. I love any book that gives me the same feeling of first reading Divergent in middle school. The connection btwn the FMC/MMC had me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I’m excited to start the next book and see where this journey takes them.
I love the fact that the author has a Spotify playlist for you to listen to get the vibe of the book. Reading mixed with music?! I’m sold.
There were a bit of plot holes, but I’m hoping that was on purpose and we’ll get more answers in the next books. There were quite a few spelling/grammar errors, but it didn’t take me too out of it.
Omg I couldn’t put this book down. I was canceling plans so I could stay home and read. Such a good dystopian book with some forbidden romance. I love any book that gives me the same feeling of first reading Divergent in middle school. The connection btwn the FMC/MMC had me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I’m excited to start the next book and see where this journey takes them.
I love the fact that the author has a Spotify playlist for you to listen to get the vibe of the book. Reading mixed with music?! I’m sold.
There were a bit of plot holes, but I’m hoping that was on purpose and we’ll get more answers in the next books. There were quite a few spelling/grammar errors, but it didn’t take me too out of it.
June 2, 2024
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. This is fantastic and captivating! I haven’t read any books similar to this plot and system. It’s amazing. Cannot wait to see what the rest of the series holds! 🤩
August 18, 2025
3.5
the writing 🫠🫠
the writing 🫠🫠
March 1, 2026
Dystopian fantasy? Yes please. This scratched the itch for sure. I am excited to continue in this series. It was a fun time, hard to predict, and kept me engaged the entire time.
May 1, 2024
Wow, ok...where to start!
Fav Quote:
"It is within ourselves we will find the strength to set us free and unbind ourselves from the wickedness that scorches this earth"
But I have to add a second one:
"Hate you?"..."Forest, I'm in love with you"
There is spice! I would rate it three chilly peppers. It took awhile to get to there, but when we get there...it's spicy in the best way!
At first, I had a really hard time reading this book.
The writing style isn't my fav. I actually spoke to the author about some issues, and they are very open (in dm's and their social media) about how they didn't have an editor for this book.
But let me tell you! Put aside the writing style...this book pulled me in immediately.
Told in multiple POV's but mostly Forest's.
Forest, the FMC, is VERY wish washy. At times I wanted to just slap her...but I couldn't stop reading. When I had to stop to complete some ARC's, my mind wondered back to The Order.
I wanted, no, I needed to know what would happen. If it weren't for the ARC's, I would've finished this book ages ago, it's so good!
We have a dystopian world where the Untouchables live the life, while the unfortunates live not so great. But honestly, are the untouchables really living good? It's a dystopian, so you know something sketchy is behind the scenes.
Usually in Dystopian, or one's I've read, we are usually reading the POV from someone on the bottom. Like Hunger games.
But here, Forest is an Untouchable. This was a refreshing take to see this side.
It was confusing at times because she's hating on unfortunates one moment but then kind the next.
At one point I yelled at her to-
In comes Fallen, he's a delicious unfortunate.
Let me tell you, I love Fallen. He also drove me nuts with his wish washy ways...but don't worry...it's worth it! Not going to say too much due to spoilers , but gosh I have so much to say about him!
Xavier...Oh, Xavier... I was always team Fallen
I've never struggled so hard with a triangle before. While I leaned toward Fallen the whole time, Xavier had a type of allure that strung you in, and made you want him too. He is smooth and sexy.
The whole time I thought something was up with this person...
They exuded power. So, when the ending came I was surprised but not shocked.
Even so, my heart was sad and my stomach dropped.
The quick change in behavior was crushing :(
There's a lot to say, but I don't want to make a huge review! Just go pick up the book!
So glad I purchased book two before finishing the first one...phew
August 30, 2025
I really really wish we could have .5 stars. I'm teetering between 2 stars and 3. Is this book bad? No. However, is this book as good as everyone thinks it is? I honestly don't think so. I think the plot itself is interesting and leaves you wanting more but the execution desperately needs help. For being edited (supposedly) multiple times there are way to many errors.
What to expect:
✨Multi POV
✨Hidden Identities
✨Mystery
✨Dystopian World
✨Spicy 1/5
What I liked:
✅I get the world that St. Clair is trying to make, and I actually appreciate it. It's got its own unique spin and I liked the magic that is laid out.
✅Knowing that this is a villain origin story I can see the way this is set up and I am curious about how it's laid out but I'm unsure if I will continue.
✅I do like the art in the book!
🆗Forest is a fine FMC.
What I didn't like:
❌GRAMMAR. Grammar is big for me. The fact that this is a new version of the original published series and still has this many grammar errors kills me! A whole star is knocked down just for this because this is not acceptable for a second time around.
❌This book is LONG. It got repetitive and dragged on. I'm okay with character focused books but when similar actions keep happening it takes away from the book and makes for a not enjoyable experience. This book could have cut down 200 pages and still been impactful.
❌I feel like people move around and we jump ahead in the story but don't always understand how they got there??
What to expect:
✨Multi POV
✨Hidden Identities
✨Mystery
✨Dystopian World
✨Spicy 1/5
What I liked:
✅I get the world that St. Clair is trying to make, and I actually appreciate it. It's got its own unique spin and I liked the magic that is laid out.
✅Knowing that this is a villain origin story I can see the way this is set up and I am curious about how it's laid out but I'm unsure if I will continue.
✅I do like the art in the book!
🆗Forest is a fine FMC.
What I didn't like:
❌GRAMMAR. Grammar is big for me. The fact that this is a new version of the original published series and still has this many grammar errors kills me! A whole star is knocked down just for this because this is not acceptable for a second time around.
❌This book is LONG. It got repetitive and dragged on. I'm okay with character focused books but when similar actions keep happening it takes away from the book and makes for a not enjoyable experience. This book could have cut down 200 pages and still been impactful.
❌I feel like people move around and we jump ahead in the story but don't always understand how they got there??
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