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Ashes of Ruin
Born with a knife to his neck, Joshua Mason was sent to live without understanding his importance. Part of the royal family, he was sent to labor on the farm, never to break free and subject to oppression in fear of what he could become. But Joshua learns that he commands a celestial element, one that can save the nation from the clutches of his family. But his unlearned background has caused difficulties in the acceptance of his power, and when he meets Victoria, a burnish-haired monk obligated to teach him, he must choose between learning his power and tempering his desires. As a power shift in the form of a cult attempts to destabilize the nation, Joshua must choose between embracing his full power, or feeding his passionate yearning.
- GenresFantasy
358 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 8, 2024
For transparency's sake, I am the author's wife, and I am also Victoria. IYKYK
Thomas started this journey back in 2015 after the recommendation of his therapist, who suggested journaling. Thomas was in the deepest part of his depression, and needed a productive outlet to channel his emotions.
What came of it was this book, initially written as a multi-volume series that was completed back in 2020. What you have today is the newly revised version, with a beautiful cover.
The central issue of Matt's book is this: what happens when one child is cast aside, and the rest of the family glorified? Why would a person do this, and what are the ramifications of this?
This brings us to Joshua, the main character of this book, raised by his father, the King, essentially as a farm hand. Joshua is a Prince, but because of prophecy that occurred when he was born that stated he would overthrow his mother and the Eagle would rise again, his mother, the Queen, has cast him aside.
In this realm, there are Alphas, who are given elemental and celestial powers in the power of animal magic, and are sworn to protect the land. What happens when one, the Queen, who is the Alpha of the Raven, given the power of the dead, ignores her sworn duty and turns to the side of darkness?
In this novel, the first in an epic fantasy romance series, you'll encounter:
Family drama
Family politics
Animal magic
Student/Mentor > Lovers
Found Family
Spice rating: 3 peppers out of 5.
Please refer to the opening pages of the book for content warnings.
I appreciate all who have read this book, reviewed this book, and gone on this journey with Thomas. All authors want is for someone to read their books, and hopefully have something resonate with them- a character, a scene, a world. Authors need readers, and I thank you for reading his book, and maybe continuing on to see what happens next.
Thomas started this journey back in 2015 after the recommendation of his therapist, who suggested journaling. Thomas was in the deepest part of his depression, and needed a productive outlet to channel his emotions.
What came of it was this book, initially written as a multi-volume series that was completed back in 2020. What you have today is the newly revised version, with a beautiful cover.
The central issue of Matt's book is this: what happens when one child is cast aside, and the rest of the family glorified? Why would a person do this, and what are the ramifications of this?
This brings us to Joshua, the main character of this book, raised by his father, the King, essentially as a farm hand. Joshua is a Prince, but because of prophecy that occurred when he was born that stated he would overthrow his mother and the Eagle would rise again, his mother, the Queen, has cast him aside.
In this realm, there are Alphas, who are given elemental and celestial powers in the power of animal magic, and are sworn to protect the land. What happens when one, the Queen, who is the Alpha of the Raven, given the power of the dead, ignores her sworn duty and turns to the side of darkness?
In this novel, the first in an epic fantasy romance series, you'll encounter:
Family drama
Family politics
Animal magic
Student/Mentor > Lovers
Found Family
Spice rating: 3 peppers out of 5.
Please refer to the opening pages of the book for content warnings.
I appreciate all who have read this book, reviewed this book, and gone on this journey with Thomas. All authors want is for someone to read their books, and hopefully have something resonate with them- a character, a scene, a world. Authors need readers, and I thank you for reading his book, and maybe continuing on to see what happens next.
August 29, 2024
Trigger Warnings:
physical abuse
torture and mutilation
attempted s*xual assault
Tropes:
elemental magic
student/mentor to lovers
family drama
animal based magic
hidden identity
I read Ashes of Ruin as a buddy read and boy was it a trip! The story takes place in Octava, which is ruled by Queen Hephata the last 500 years. She's a man-hating, blood thirsty awful woman who happens to also be the Alpha of the Ravens, ruler of the Underworld. Her son, Prince Joshua, learns he is the missing Alpha of the Eagle and the story follows his journey of learning his rightful place, how to get there, and being educated.
*The Alphas are people picked by the Architect, creator of Octava, to help the people. They have special granted powers.
I really enjoyed this story. Book 1 is a lot of world building in the first half, but you'll need it to understand what's coming. I really enjoyed the side characters the most.
Alpha Eve and Alexander- they're my favorite. They're married and just spicy and I love them lol
Victoria- she's Joshua's mentor. I love a strong woman and she's it! She's living in a predominately man's world and she's taking over.
Princess Genoa- she's the only sister of Joshua's who's not on a murderous rampage like his mother. I need to know what's going to happen with her next!
Definitely the beginning of an epic fantasy for me and I can't wait for the next book. It's well written and will have you smiling, cringing, and all the emotions! Which is exactly why this is a good book.
physical abuse
torture and mutilation
attempted s*xual assault
Tropes:
elemental magic
student/mentor to lovers
family drama
animal based magic
hidden identity
I read Ashes of Ruin as a buddy read and boy was it a trip! The story takes place in Octava, which is ruled by Queen Hephata the last 500 years. She's a man-hating, blood thirsty awful woman who happens to also be the Alpha of the Ravens, ruler of the Underworld. Her son, Prince Joshua, learns he is the missing Alpha of the Eagle and the story follows his journey of learning his rightful place, how to get there, and being educated.
*The Alphas are people picked by the Architect, creator of Octava, to help the people. They have special granted powers.
I really enjoyed this story. Book 1 is a lot of world building in the first half, but you'll need it to understand what's coming. I really enjoyed the side characters the most.
Alpha Eve and Alexander- they're my favorite. They're married and just spicy and I love them lol
Victoria- she's Joshua's mentor. I love a strong woman and she's it! She's living in a predominately man's world and she's taking over.
Princess Genoa- she's the only sister of Joshua's who's not on a murderous rampage like his mother. I need to know what's going to happen with her next!
Definitely the beginning of an epic fantasy for me and I can't wait for the next book. It's well written and will have you smiling, cringing, and all the emotions! Which is exactly why this is a good book.
June 9, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for my Kindle to read and review. :)
Writing Fantasy is harder than it looks and no stone is left unturned when it comes to planning such a story out, especially one destined as a series and not a stand alone. "Ashes of Ruin", the first book in its series, does a great job starting the journey and introducing us to all of the characters that play a key role. Getting to know each character and the motives for his or her behavior was fun and, while I still feel there is a lot of mystery surrounding each of them, what we get to know about them was enough to keep me interested and has led to many questions I hope are answered in subsequent books. I'm also really interested to learn more about each of the elements of the Alpha's and the Omega's and how they tie into the bigger picture.
World building is a big part of any Fantasy story and I feel Mr. Matthews did a wonderful job in helping me to understand the realm of the story (The included map helped!). I could see myself standing in the throne room in Queen Hephata's castle and the Monastery of Odinshire. I'm interested to travel through and learn more about the Octava in the sequel!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to see where the story goes and if any of my character predictions come true!
Writing Fantasy is harder than it looks and no stone is left unturned when it comes to planning such a story out, especially one destined as a series and not a stand alone. "Ashes of Ruin", the first book in its series, does a great job starting the journey and introducing us to all of the characters that play a key role. Getting to know each character and the motives for his or her behavior was fun and, while I still feel there is a lot of mystery surrounding each of them, what we get to know about them was enough to keep me interested and has led to many questions I hope are answered in subsequent books. I'm also really interested to learn more about each of the elements of the Alpha's and the Omega's and how they tie into the bigger picture.
World building is a big part of any Fantasy story and I feel Mr. Matthews did a wonderful job in helping me to understand the realm of the story (The included map helped!). I could see myself standing in the throne room in Queen Hephata's castle and the Monastery of Odinshire. I'm interested to travel through and learn more about the Octava in the sequel!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to see where the story goes and if any of my character predictions come true!
July 12, 2024
Ashes of Ruin is the first book in the Rise of Ashryn series by Thomas B Matthews. After reading, I am officially hooked. This fantasy novel sucked me in and continued to hold my attention right through to the end.
As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to a plethora of characters who manage to drag out a varying number of emotions. Familial strife, thirst for power, and internal reflection are all key points to this novel, with magical elements, romance, and spice sprinkled tastefully throughout.
Thomas B Matthews clearly put a lot of thought and care into the development and storytelling, and I have now doubt as the series unfolds readers will be in for a wild ride. There are some moments that might be hard to read, so please mind the content warnings. It is very much a tale steeped in self discovery and healing.
As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to a plethora of characters who manage to drag out a varying number of emotions. Familial strife, thirst for power, and internal reflection are all key points to this novel, with magical elements, romance, and spice sprinkled tastefully throughout.
Thomas B Matthews clearly put a lot of thought and care into the development and storytelling, and I have now doubt as the series unfolds readers will be in for a wild ride. There are some moments that might be hard to read, so please mind the content warnings. It is very much a tale steeped in self discovery and healing.
August 24, 2024
Ashes of Ruin by @author.thomasbmatthews included the most interesting and intricate magic system I’ve ever read about. The characters had depth that had me loving them one chapter and distrusting them the next. I’m very much looking forward to what comes next in this series. I hope we learn more backstory for some of the other alphas as the story progresses!
August 10, 2025
It took me a bit to get into - more me and my headspace but WOW!
January 15, 2025
This was fantastic! It is the first book in the three book Ashryn series!
It’s fantasy-like but not in the way of fae and dragons, there’s a lot of lore of power and balance of elements.
Each Alpha is basically like a god in an element: fire, wind, water etc and is complimented by a contrasting Alpha, and kept in check by an omega.
The balance of power is off, the Queen has found a way to cheat and keep power far longer than she should. She is the Alpha of the Raven, ruler of the underworld and has found a way to exist without her complimentary component; The Eagle, or Alpha of Heavens.
I don’t want to go into it too much but I am fully immersed in this world. The way Thomas introduces it all is so evenly paced, easy to understand, but keeps enough secrets that you can’t stop reading.
It’s got all the things I love, a little romance, some mystery and secrets, gore and torture. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read! I cannot wait to start book 2 and get more answers!
It’s fantasy-like but not in the way of fae and dragons, there’s a lot of lore of power and balance of elements.
Each Alpha is basically like a god in an element: fire, wind, water etc and is complimented by a contrasting Alpha, and kept in check by an omega.
The balance of power is off, the Queen has found a way to cheat and keep power far longer than she should. She is the Alpha of the Raven, ruler of the underworld and has found a way to exist without her complimentary component; The Eagle, or Alpha of Heavens.
I don’t want to go into it too much but I am fully immersed in this world. The way Thomas introduces it all is so evenly paced, easy to understand, but keeps enough secrets that you can’t stop reading.
It’s got all the things I love, a little romance, some mystery and secrets, gore and torture. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read! I cannot wait to start book 2 and get more answers!
May 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I had the pleasure of being an arc reader. I think what I liked best is how different it is from a lot of the fantasy novels I have read previously. The concept felt really fresh. I really enjoyed the world building and learning more about the characters.
August 1, 2024
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Ashes of Ruin… and then life sadly got in the way and I restarted it on KU! The concept of Ashes of Ruin harkens to both classic and modern fantasy, with the author’s own twists added in to make the book wholly his own. The characters were well thought out and engaging, and I honestly am looking forward to seeing where they go next!
I am very stingy with my 5 stars, and I did deduct one star for the writing style - it was just not my favorite, and I found myself getting hung up on some of the word or structure choices. However, books are all subjective, and this was merely my personal opinion.
Looking forward to book 2!
I am very stingy with my 5 stars, and I did deduct one star for the writing style - it was just not my favorite, and I found myself getting hung up on some of the word or structure choices. However, books are all subjective, and this was merely my personal opinion.
Looking forward to book 2!
August 9, 2025
Joshua Mason, Prince of Octava, is living a quiet life on his father’s farm—until a Monk arrives to take him to the Monastery in Odinshire for Alpha training. But before they arrive, a Searcher named Thomas intercepts them, whisking Joshua away to his sister, Micha. In Octava, the Queen, Hephata, and her daughters—Joshua’s own sisters—believe men should never hold positions of power. While his sisters each rule a province from their own castles, Joshua and his father remain on the farm… until fate decides otherwise.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The story sets the scene beautifully, moves at a brisk pace, and is packed with intrigue. It’s easy to read yet layered with depth, and the plot is truly unique. More than once, I caught myself gasping and thinking, What is going on?!
The characters are a standout. Joshua’s journey from humble farm boy to Alpha of the Eagles is inspiring and full of growth. Genoa, fierce and loyal, refuses to let anyone harm her brother. The Alphas—Eve and Alexander—bring a perfect touch of spice and tension, while Launius adds depth and mystery. Every character feels alive, with genuine emotion and complexity.
The world-building is magnificent. Octava feels real—its landscapes, politics, and magic system are so vivid I felt like I was right there alongside the characters. The blend of epic fantasy, elemental magic, and animal-based magic is one of my favorite combinations, and this book nails it. I also love the classic good versus evil theme woven into a fresh, engaging narrative.
If you love epic fantasy, elemental magic, or richly imagined worlds, this book is a must-read. The pacing, the twists, the characters—everything was chef’s kiss perfection. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and see where Joshua’s path leads.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The story sets the scene beautifully, moves at a brisk pace, and is packed with intrigue. It’s easy to read yet layered with depth, and the plot is truly unique. More than once, I caught myself gasping and thinking, What is going on?!
The characters are a standout. Joshua’s journey from humble farm boy to Alpha of the Eagles is inspiring and full of growth. Genoa, fierce and loyal, refuses to let anyone harm her brother. The Alphas—Eve and Alexander—bring a perfect touch of spice and tension, while Launius adds depth and mystery. Every character feels alive, with genuine emotion and complexity.
The world-building is magnificent. Octava feels real—its landscapes, politics, and magic system are so vivid I felt like I was right there alongside the characters. The blend of epic fantasy, elemental magic, and animal-based magic is one of my favorite combinations, and this book nails it. I also love the classic good versus evil theme woven into a fresh, engaging narrative.
If you love epic fantasy, elemental magic, or richly imagined worlds, this book is a must-read. The pacing, the twists, the characters—everything was chef’s kiss perfection. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and see where Joshua’s path leads.
May 31, 2026
This was such a PHENOMENAL book. There were so many layers to the story. You can tell the author was very diligent in his writing and took his time with world building, character creation, and the lore.
The prologue had me intrigued and the more I read the further invested I became in the story. The book touches on things that really make you think. Why would a mother disown her son but praise her daughters? How far would someone go for the ultimate power? Can you still love even when everyone tells you not to?
The world building was rich and immersive. I was able to vividly paint a picture of the settings and environment. The characters were well thought out and unique in their own ways. Each character had their own flaws and struggles they had to work through.
I absolutely loved the lore and magic system! I enjoyed getting to read about the history and how things started compared to what was currently happening.
One of my favorite parts of the whole book was getting to see so many different perspectives. While majority of the focus is on the main character Joshua, we also get to see other side characters and how they intertwine with the story.
I highly recommend this for readers who love fantasy, unique magic systems, and a book you’ll never forget!
The prologue had me intrigued and the more I read the further invested I became in the story. The book touches on things that really make you think. Why would a mother disown her son but praise her daughters? How far would someone go for the ultimate power? Can you still love even when everyone tells you not to?
The world building was rich and immersive. I was able to vividly paint a picture of the settings and environment. The characters were well thought out and unique in their own ways. Each character had their own flaws and struggles they had to work through.
I absolutely loved the lore and magic system! I enjoyed getting to read about the history and how things started compared to what was currently happening.
One of my favorite parts of the whole book was getting to see so many different perspectives. While majority of the focus is on the main character Joshua, we also get to see other side characters and how they intertwine with the story.
I highly recommend this for readers who love fantasy, unique magic systems, and a book you’ll never forget!
January 14, 2025
I can't believe it's taken my this long to share my review for this book given I finished it ages ago - but OMG this shit was magical and fantastic.
First of all, thank you for our MMC, Joshua. I'm obsessed with him - he's so freakin sassy and I enjoyed watching his growth throughout the book as he learns new things and accepts his role in the world. Yes, he was a little shit at times, but he's young and was thrown into a mess he never realized existed. Cast aside from his family, it makes sense that he was in denial during the beginning of the book because I would have acted the same way.
This is the first book in the series and we get so much information thrown our way, yet it's easy to understand and follow. The world building is simple yet so detailed that even I
- who cannot picture things in my head - was still able to have a general idea of what things looked like and had a decent understanding of the world. The twists and turns you get throughout the book have you at the edge of your seat and each charachter has their own uniqueness that everyone could easily find someone who they love. From Joshua - the hero in denial-, Victoria - the mentor turned lover-, Genoa - the only sibling who seems to be on Joshua's side-, there are so many roles in here that you simply will be reading in wonder!
We are left with so many questions at the end of this book, but thankfully book two is out: Ravens of Death.
First of all, thank you for our MMC, Joshua. I'm obsessed with him - he's so freakin sassy and I enjoyed watching his growth throughout the book as he learns new things and accepts his role in the world. Yes, he was a little shit at times, but he's young and was thrown into a mess he never realized existed. Cast aside from his family, it makes sense that he was in denial during the beginning of the book because I would have acted the same way.
This is the first book in the series and we get so much information thrown our way, yet it's easy to understand and follow. The world building is simple yet so detailed that even I
- who cannot picture things in my head - was still able to have a general idea of what things looked like and had a decent understanding of the world. The twists and turns you get throughout the book have you at the edge of your seat and each charachter has their own uniqueness that everyone could easily find someone who they love. From Joshua - the hero in denial-, Victoria - the mentor turned lover-, Genoa - the only sibling who seems to be on Joshua's side-, there are so many roles in here that you simply will be reading in wonder!
We are left with so many questions at the end of this book, but thankfully book two is out: Ravens of Death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
Finished the book immediately needing the next one!! It took me a while to get through the first few chapters but once I got going I couldn’t put it down. Great world building and characters! I need to know more!!
January 23, 2025
Excellent world development, can’t wait to read the next book!
March 2, 2025
Loved the world building and characters!
August 25, 2024
Such a unique fantasy story!
I love how this is presented as lost history in the prologue. I mean, who’s to say it isn’t? 😉 We get a prophecy and our chosen one with a little info-dump to explain some history and how this prophecy affects our characters.
I love the interesting mix of characters we get throughout the story. While we have our obvious good guys and bad guys, everyone is complex and no one is 100% good. And while I love the girl power, the queen in this story takes that waaay too far. And while we get occasional info-dumps, the way that this information is presented and deepens our understanding of what has been going on is brilliantly executed.
Joshua is a great protagonist, going from denial at the beginning to accepting his power and growing. He is still young and makes some dumb decisions. Victoria is such a lovely mentor turned lover for him. She also grows into more power at the end of this story.
The end of this story is very ominous though. Joshua is hurt and unable to heal, Victoria is hurt and in hiding. The Queen seems to be succeeding in her plans. Just what will book 2 bring?
Check this story out if you love epic fantasy, student/mentor to lovers, blood family drama, found family, and an animal-based magic system!
My rating: 4.25 stars
I received a review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
I love how this is presented as lost history in the prologue. I mean, who’s to say it isn’t? 😉 We get a prophecy and our chosen one with a little info-dump to explain some history and how this prophecy affects our characters.
I love the interesting mix of characters we get throughout the story. While we have our obvious good guys and bad guys, everyone is complex and no one is 100% good. And while I love the girl power, the queen in this story takes that waaay too far. And while we get occasional info-dumps, the way that this information is presented and deepens our understanding of what has been going on is brilliantly executed.
Joshua is a great protagonist, going from denial at the beginning to accepting his power and growing. He is still young and makes some dumb decisions. Victoria is such a lovely mentor turned lover for him. She also grows into more power at the end of this story.
The end of this story is very ominous though. Joshua is hurt and unable to heal, Victoria is hurt and in hiding. The Queen seems to be succeeding in her plans. Just what will book 2 bring?
Check this story out if you love epic fantasy, student/mentor to lovers, blood family drama, found family, and an animal-based magic system!
My rating: 4.25 stars
I received a review copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
I can't believe I forgot to post a review on this. I am always scatterbrained. I did a buddy read with some friends from Instagram for this book. It was incredible. The magic system and world-building were among the most unique I have encountered in all my fantasy reading. This was a page-turner for sure. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series. I highly recommend checking out this book. It is available on KU.
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