What do you think?
Rate this book
Across Time #2
Ashes of the Earth
Earth’s last hope has anxiety, a lethal power, and absolutely no idea what she’s doing.
Addie is having a colossally bad year. She’s stuck in a bullshit biblical war, her friends keep dying, and her newfound power might be slowly eating her alive.
At least she has Cheriour, the gruff, battle-scarred commander of the human army, who is secretly a teddy bear hiding beneath a grumpy face. But even their budding relationship is threatened as the war rages.
With Wraiths scavenging the ailing country of Sakar, and the Celestials tightening their grip, Addie must lead a desperate mission to save what’s left of this world. But the deeper she dives into the secrets of Sakar—and the reason she was brought here—the more she realizes some truths should stay buried.
Gritty, emotional, and packed with sharp humor, Ashes of the Earth is a thrilling grimdark romantasy perfect for fans of Game of Thrones, Deadpool and Supernatural.
Addie is having a colossally bad year. She’s stuck in a bullshit biblical war, her friends keep dying, and her newfound power might be slowly eating her alive.
At least she has Cheriour, the gruff, battle-scarred commander of the human army, who is secretly a teddy bear hiding beneath a grumpy face. But even their budding relationship is threatened as the war rages.
With Wraiths scavenging the ailing country of Sakar, and the Celestials tightening their grip, Addie must lead a desperate mission to save what’s left of this world. But the deeper she dives into the secrets of Sakar—and the reason she was brought here—the more she realizes some truths should stay buried.
Gritty, emotional, and packed with sharp humor, Ashes of the Earth is a thrilling grimdark romantasy perfect for fans of Game of Thrones, Deadpool and Supernatural.
- GenresFantasy Romance
574 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2024
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie E. Donohue
7 books46 followersAdequate author. Amateur graphic designer. Awesome cat mom.
Stephanie enjoys writing stories that take readers on gritty, exciting and dangerous adventures (with some swoon-worthy romance, of course!)
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her two cats, obsessively re-watching The Office, or rocking out to a Pound Fitness class.
Stephanie enjoys writing stories that take readers on gritty, exciting and dangerous adventures (with some swoon-worthy romance, of course!)
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her two cats, obsessively re-watching The Office, or rocking out to a Pound Fitness class.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 27, 2024
WOW! Stephanie you did me in with this one! I could not put this book down and at times i felt like i was in the book seeing everything with my own eyes!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE THIRD BOOK as well as the next Novella!!! I want to see how everything comes together, who wins, who lives, who unalives!!
December 27, 2024
{4.75/5}
CW: gore, violence, war/battles, loss, trauma, some others
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! “Ashes of the Earth” is available now!
I’ve decided it should be a crime to make your readers cry in the first three chapters, particularly if it’s a sequel.
In the wake of Seruf’s attack on Niall, the remaining survivors have taken shelter in one of the last refuges still standing. The attack was not without casualties though, and the number of dead vastly outmatches that of the living. With a new power she never wanted and her friends dropping like flies, Addie is rapidly running out of options, and she’s going to have to do something soon if there is to be any hope of surviving.
I’m not kidding; I had actual tears in my eyes within minutes of starting this book. It was, frankly, an unwarranted and completely unprovoked attack on my well being and I will be seeking compensation for my suffering (in the form of screaming my fool head off until we get the next book). All that to say that the book was incredible and I loved every page.
This installment in the “Across Time” series was definitely less ‘bubbly’ than book 1. It still had that classic Addie humor, but it was less fun and more “the trauma gave me an excellent sense of humor.” Completely fitting for the story, but it also really cements the fact that things are getting *so* real for Addie and Co. They’re actively fighting in what’s very clearly a losing battle, and it’s starting to show (especially for Addie, who started this whole thing off just wanting her pizza, dammit). Everything from the writing to the plot works in perfect sync to give us this dark, depressing story with just enough levity to help us get through. It’s marvelously well-done, and I don’t think we see this combination often enough.
This book also feels like it has more depth, more ‘oomph,’ behind it than book 1, and at least a little of that is because we get to see even more of the world where our story takes place. Addie, much to her dismay, is going on lots and lots of (highly dangerous and moderately bloody) adventures here, and we get to follow along. There are no punches pulled here. It smells, it’s lethal, it’s depressing, but it’s also got a lot of history behind it. I think reading “Hunted by Fire,” which is a prequel novel about another character, between books 1 and 2 was the perfect choice, because we get to see bits and pieces from all the stories play out here.
For all the blood and guts (and other equally nasty things), this is a marvelous book. If you have a queasy stomach, this might not be your jam, but if you like stories where the FMC is really doing her best (and her best often involves screaming and profanity), the love interest is so incredibly sweet and calm, and the side characters (and creatures) are nothing short of delightful, then this is the series for you.
CW: gore, violence, war/battles, loss, trauma, some others
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! “Ashes of the Earth” is available now!
I’ve decided it should be a crime to make your readers cry in the first three chapters, particularly if it’s a sequel.
In the wake of Seruf’s attack on Niall, the remaining survivors have taken shelter in one of the last refuges still standing. The attack was not without casualties though, and the number of dead vastly outmatches that of the living. With a new power she never wanted and her friends dropping like flies, Addie is rapidly running out of options, and she’s going to have to do something soon if there is to be any hope of surviving.
I’m not kidding; I had actual tears in my eyes within minutes of starting this book. It was, frankly, an unwarranted and completely unprovoked attack on my well being and I will be seeking compensation for my suffering (in the form of screaming my fool head off until we get the next book). All that to say that the book was incredible and I loved every page.
This installment in the “Across Time” series was definitely less ‘bubbly’ than book 1. It still had that classic Addie humor, but it was less fun and more “the trauma gave me an excellent sense of humor.” Completely fitting for the story, but it also really cements the fact that things are getting *so* real for Addie and Co. They’re actively fighting in what’s very clearly a losing battle, and it’s starting to show (especially for Addie, who started this whole thing off just wanting her pizza, dammit). Everything from the writing to the plot works in perfect sync to give us this dark, depressing story with just enough levity to help us get through. It’s marvelously well-done, and I don’t think we see this combination often enough.
This book also feels like it has more depth, more ‘oomph,’ behind it than book 1, and at least a little of that is because we get to see even more of the world where our story takes place. Addie, much to her dismay, is going on lots and lots of (highly dangerous and moderately bloody) adventures here, and we get to follow along. There are no punches pulled here. It smells, it’s lethal, it’s depressing, but it’s also got a lot of history behind it. I think reading “Hunted by Fire,” which is a prequel novel about another character, between books 1 and 2 was the perfect choice, because we get to see bits and pieces from all the stories play out here.
For all the blood and guts (and other equally nasty things), this is a marvelous book. If you have a queasy stomach, this might not be your jam, but if you like stories where the FMC is really doing her best (and her best often involves screaming and profanity), the love interest is so incredibly sweet and calm, and the side characters (and creatures) are nothing short of delightful, then this is the series for you.
December 14, 2024
Ashes of the Earth by Stephanie E. Donohue ✨️arc review✨️
I have so many thoughts about this book that I can't even formulate them into thoughts (twinning with Addie, I suppose 🤣)
For all my many MANY fantasy loving bookish babes or just comedy loving anyone, I truly believe you'd love this book. This book in my opinion is probably one of the most unique fantasy books because IT 👏 WAS 👏 HYSTERICAL 👏👏👏 most of the fantasy books I've read tend to be much more tense due to *insert whatever fantasy catastrophe here* and yes there were tensions in this book but the FMC (Addie) was so quirky and sarcastically funny the whole time I genuinely couldn't help but laugh through some of them. This book was like Deadpool, and an isekai anime smashed into 400 pages. It was quite literally the best thing ever, and I adore and devoured every second of it 🤣🤣
This book also contains the most hilarious spice scene I have ever read in my life 🤣 like OH 👏 MY 👏 GOSH 🤣🤣
✨️Example from the book:✨️
But my stomach contorted with nerves, my heart walloped my breastbone in rapid, unsteady beats, and a morbid thought bounced around in my head, one that brought my teeth slamming onto my tongue before I could vocalize it: Halle-freaking-lujah. I’m gonna get to see this man naked before one (or both) of us dies.
The ENTIRE CHAPTER was like this, and it was the best thing ever. I loved it 🤣🤣
Honestly, I absolutely adored this book, and I am extremely excited to read the third book. Addie's comedy and Cherior's stoic exterior have trail blazed into my list of top couples, and I'm absolutely living for it 😆
🌟 4.5
I have so many thoughts about this book that I can't even formulate them into thoughts (twinning with Addie, I suppose 🤣)
For all my many MANY fantasy loving bookish babes or just comedy loving anyone, I truly believe you'd love this book. This book in my opinion is probably one of the most unique fantasy books because IT 👏 WAS 👏 HYSTERICAL 👏👏👏 most of the fantasy books I've read tend to be much more tense due to *insert whatever fantasy catastrophe here* and yes there were tensions in this book but the FMC (Addie) was so quirky and sarcastically funny the whole time I genuinely couldn't help but laugh through some of them. This book was like Deadpool, and an isekai anime smashed into 400 pages. It was quite literally the best thing ever, and I adore and devoured every second of it 🤣🤣
This book also contains the most hilarious spice scene I have ever read in my life 🤣 like OH 👏 MY 👏 GOSH 🤣🤣
✨️Example from the book:✨️
But my stomach contorted with nerves, my heart walloped my breastbone in rapid, unsteady beats, and a morbid thought bounced around in my head, one that brought my teeth slamming onto my tongue before I could vocalize it: Halle-freaking-lujah. I’m gonna get to see this man naked before one (or both) of us dies.
The ENTIRE CHAPTER was like this, and it was the best thing ever. I loved it 🤣🤣
Honestly, I absolutely adored this book, and I am extremely excited to read the third book. Addie's comedy and Cherior's stoic exterior have trail blazed into my list of top couples, and I'm absolutely living for it 😆
🌟 4.5
August 27, 2025
If you enjoyed Neverthorn by Shannon Mayer, this series will absolutely grab you by the throat and not let go. I guarantee it.
This book left me speechless. I knew that the first was something special, but this one was even better... somehow?!? I rated the first one five stars, so this is ten stars. 10/5 stars. Ten million out of five stars.
This world is so dark, so sad, so brutal, and yet I could not pull myself away. I cried, I laughed, I worried, I fretted… and I fell even harder for these characters. I’m not kidding when I say I’m obsessed.
Addie continues to be a fantastic narrator. She is hilarious, relatable, and somehow able to lighten the bleakest of moments. Her commentary is what makes this story bearable amidst all the grief and devastation, and I love her all the more for it. And Cheriour? He’s the man of my dreams: grumpy exterior, wounded soul, SO much softness. He's a teddy bear who loves romance despite being an incredibly capable warrior. He is such a different kind of love interest, and I adored every single scene with these two. And the side characters are exceptionally written as well. I get SO attached, SO quickly to them all. HOW?? What is this sorcery?!
This is grimdark at its core: sad, violent, and merciless, but it’s also deeply emotional and character-driven. That combination made me feel like this book was written just for me; especially with the humor thrown in here. I am so attached to these characters, it’s not even funny. And honestly? I’ll be reading every single thing this author writes. Ever. Auto buy author for sure.
Thank you so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is completely voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This book left me speechless. I knew that the first was something special, but this one was even better... somehow?!? I rated the first one five stars, so this is ten stars. 10/5 stars. Ten million out of five stars.
This world is so dark, so sad, so brutal, and yet I could not pull myself away. I cried, I laughed, I worried, I fretted… and I fell even harder for these characters. I’m not kidding when I say I’m obsessed.
Addie continues to be a fantastic narrator. She is hilarious, relatable, and somehow able to lighten the bleakest of moments. Her commentary is what makes this story bearable amidst all the grief and devastation, and I love her all the more for it. And Cheriour? He’s the man of my dreams: grumpy exterior, wounded soul, SO much softness. He's a teddy bear who loves romance despite being an incredibly capable warrior. He is such a different kind of love interest, and I adored every single scene with these two. And the side characters are exceptionally written as well. I get SO attached, SO quickly to them all. HOW?? What is this sorcery?!
This is grimdark at its core: sad, violent, and merciless, but it’s also deeply emotional and character-driven. That combination made me feel like this book was written just for me; especially with the humor thrown in here. I am so attached to these characters, it’s not even funny. And honestly? I’ll be reading every single thing this author writes. Ever. Auto buy author for sure.
Thank you so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is completely voluntary and all opinions are my own.
November 26, 2024
I came for the laugh out loud moments and snarky sidekick animals (because let’s be honest, everyone wants a sassy animal sidekick) and stayed for witty banter, heat that thrived in emotion as well as the physical, epic quests and my personal favorite… found family. Top it off with an FMC that is fluent with movie and pop culture quotes who is fueled by sarcasm, and this series will be my whole personality for the foreseeable future!!
This story continues with Addie’s new found life in the end of days war. With her new powers and her list of allies growing thin, she will do whatever she can to save those she has come to love, even if it means unraveling secrets and mysteries that are better left where they are. Meanwhile, she can’t help but grow to enjoy her beau’s company more and more. The more she learns about Cheriour, the more she finds herself wrapped up in him. Will this war end? Will she survive? Will she find out why she was sent to Sakar?
Book 2 in Stephanie E. Donohue’s Across Time series, Ashes of the Earth does not have the dreaded second book syndrome. After book 1, I could not run fast enough to book 2. The Raunchy humor, epic fantasy, spectacular world building, beautiful writing and relatable characters that I loved in the first book was continued and I absolutely loved it.
This story continues with Addie’s new found life in the end of days war. With her new powers and her list of allies growing thin, she will do whatever she can to save those she has come to love, even if it means unraveling secrets and mysteries that are better left where they are. Meanwhile, she can’t help but grow to enjoy her beau’s company more and more. The more she learns about Cheriour, the more she finds herself wrapped up in him. Will this war end? Will she survive? Will she find out why she was sent to Sakar?
Book 2 in Stephanie E. Donohue’s Across Time series, Ashes of the Earth does not have the dreaded second book syndrome. After book 1, I could not run fast enough to book 2. The Raunchy humor, epic fantasy, spectacular world building, beautiful writing and relatable characters that I loved in the first book was continued and I absolutely loved it.
December 3, 2024
✨Ashes of the Earth✨
We are back at it with Addie and Cheriour in book TWO by Steph! This picks up right where we left off after Fire of the Forsaken in a war-ravaged and death-riddled country full of meddling celestials, Fallen, Wraiths, humans and nightmare horses.
Once again following the 1st person POV of our silly, campy quoting, atypical FMC hero, we get to see her bravery really come forth in this book. Nowhere is safe and the only option of survival is a minuscule chance that a hidden celestial will help out the humans. So, Addie is suited up in Wraith garb, saddled onto her nightmare horse, Abby Normal, and sent off on basically a suicide mission. But in spite of the gore, horror, loss, and fear, Addie’s sense of humor and compassion continues to shine through.
In this sequel, we get deeper world building and lore, character building for our lovely loud and foul-mouthed FMC, and a sweet romance subplot with our favorite quiet Viking warrior.
Tropes you may find in AOTE are medium spice, pet sidekicks, fun and hilarious movie/TV/music quotes, reluctant hero, 30+ FMC, gore and horror mixed with humor, grumpy x sunshine, post apocalyptic world, and alllllll the banter.
It was such a pleasure to read this gifted arc from Steph. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait for book three!
We are back at it with Addie and Cheriour in book TWO by Steph! This picks up right where we left off after Fire of the Forsaken in a war-ravaged and death-riddled country full of meddling celestials, Fallen, Wraiths, humans and nightmare horses.
Once again following the 1st person POV of our silly, campy quoting, atypical FMC hero, we get to see her bravery really come forth in this book. Nowhere is safe and the only option of survival is a minuscule chance that a hidden celestial will help out the humans. So, Addie is suited up in Wraith garb, saddled onto her nightmare horse, Abby Normal, and sent off on basically a suicide mission. But in spite of the gore, horror, loss, and fear, Addie’s sense of humor and compassion continues to shine through.
In this sequel, we get deeper world building and lore, character building for our lovely loud and foul-mouthed FMC, and a sweet romance subplot with our favorite quiet Viking warrior.
Tropes you may find in AOTE are medium spice, pet sidekicks, fun and hilarious movie/TV/music quotes, reluctant hero, 30+ FMC, gore and horror mixed with humor, grumpy x sunshine, post apocalyptic world, and alllllll the banter.
It was such a pleasure to read this gifted arc from Steph. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait for book three!
December 26, 2024
I couldn't wait to get back to the world of Sakar, I was immediately intrigued to find out what would happen to our gang from book 1. I love Addie, her character is so relatable and I loved how she developed in this story, her development is so realistic and I love how she doesn't automatically become the willing hero, she she has her reservations even when she's up the creek -so to speak.
Ashes of the fire have us more battles and a lot of deaths. I spent the first chapters with a lump in my throat and tears threatening to spill.... I really liked that character.
The rest of the chapters had me in a choke hold, I wasn't sure if everyone would die before the end. I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the action keeps us on our toes too, I did find myself getting impatient towards the end chapters though... A lot was going on and Addie was being her normal self but I felt a lot of information was being given and I just wanted to know the outcome of our friends.... Nb when I say this, the information helps the storyline so it's not the author, it's me, my impatience. I devoured this novel and I'm so happy to see there's a book 3 because I need to know how it all ends.
Ashes of the fire have us more battles and a lot of deaths. I spent the first chapters with a lump in my throat and tears threatening to spill.... I really liked that character.
The rest of the chapters had me in a choke hold, I wasn't sure if everyone would die before the end. I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the action keeps us on our toes too, I did find myself getting impatient towards the end chapters though... A lot was going on and Addie was being her normal self but I felt a lot of information was being given and I just wanted to know the outcome of our friends.... Nb when I say this, the information helps the storyline so it's not the author, it's me, my impatience. I devoured this novel and I'm so happy to see there's a book 3 because I need to know how it all ends.
December 22, 2024
In all transparency, Stephanie’s writing takes some getting used to. But once you get through the “har har har”’s and drawn out sound effects written on the page, the story is quite good! She has created a world full of angst, anxiety and dread, but inserted fun-loving characters that lighten the feel of this dark and epic romantacy.
I liked this one more than the first book, and look forward to the next in the series. I neeeed to see Abbie kick butt and take names because these Celestials are pissing ME off!
Also… will we see her develop her fire power? Because I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for her to shoot fireballs at a bad-guy…
I liked this one more than the first book, and look forward to the next in the series. I neeeed to see Abbie kick butt and take names because these Celestials are pissing ME off!
Also… will we see her develop her fire power? Because I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for her to shoot fireballs at a bad-guy…
December 8, 2024
Ok so I didnt read the first book before reading this one, so at the beginning I was kind of lost. But not for long. This book was awesome, however, I will say some of the gore got me in the beginning until I got used to it. That's the only reason for the 4 stars. I really like the pop culture references. It made the FMC very relatable for me. I also love that their is romance, but it's not the main story. I will be reading the first book and can't wait for the third!
April 23, 2025
This book gets a lot more intense then the first one and the gore also goes up a notch, right from the start. We still have the fantastic banter and the amazing pop culture reference that will have you cracking up. Oh and I just love the animal side kick in this one. This is definitely action packed but with that little bit of romance from the grumpy Viking.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews