Kyson Adelgrief’s predilection to inflict pain drives him. Rage over the murder of his brother and fury for the death of his mentor left him hungering for revenge. After a brief period of seething, he strikes where Kori Ember and the rest of The Influencers least expect—The Recruiter. Determined to bring their leader home, The Influencers risk their lives entering the inimical territory of The Society of the Blood Wind only to be thwarted again and again. How many Spellbinders will die before Kori and her team can bring Kyson to justice?
Shari Marshall grew up reading fiction with a focus on fantasy, mystery, and thriller with a good dose of humour here and there. Nowadays she reads mostly fantasy. She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, sons, and boxers. She is the award-winning author of Vizard, which is part of her debut urban fantasy series, The Ember Files. Shari’s previous publications are with Chicken Soup for the Soul, Parents Canada, Mamalode, and The RCMP Quarterly. Visit her website or follow her on Instagram (@sharimarshallauthor) to learn more.
In May 2023, Shari became a freelance reviewer for Foreward Clarion Review. Some of the novels she marks as reading/read here on Goodreads will not receive a review or star rating because she’s reading for that freelance purpose and therefore her review and star rating will be shared on the Foreward Clarion website.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but the author makes it easy to jump into this story. Shari Marshall provides detailed descriptions of the characters, making them seem like old friends.
The plot is well paced and combines sparks of romance and humor in a supernatural thriller.
I recommend this for fantasy lovers and those who like a good fight against evil.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
The final volume in The Ember Files does NOT disappoint. Shari again crafts a story with action, tragedy humour, bringing a satisfying conclusion to the series.
From the Ashes delivers a thrilling and emotional conclusion to Kori Ember’s journey, packed with the same magic, humor, and high-stakes action that made the first two books so captivating. Kori and her team face their greatest challenge yet as they confront Kyson Adelgrief’s ruthless vengeance, and the tension never lets up—every twist had me on the edge of my seat. Marshall masterfully balances heart-pounding battles with the witty banter and deep character connections that fans of the series have come to love.
The emotional weight of this finale is undeniable, as Kori’s growth from a reluctant heroine to a fierce leader shines through in every impossible choice she faces. The chemistry between Kori and Belamey remains a highlight, adding layers of passion and conflict to an already gripping plot. With its satisfying yet bittersweet conclusion, From the Ashes cements The Ember Files as a must-read for fantasy lovers who crave action, heart, and just the right touch of humor.
From the Ashes by Shari Marshall is a pretty action-packed read. The storyline of the book revolves around two conflicting sides that are at war with each other. The use of magic is evident as this is how they protect themselves and attack their enemies. The Influencers are on a mission to attack and capture Kyson Adelgrief, Nyoka and Ruck. This is because they have held captive some of their members. The Influencers find themselves caught up in a series of dangerous escapades that will definitely give you an adrenaline rush and put you on the edge. Despite losing some of their members at some point, the group was not deterred and continued to work in unity and precision. I feel that Shari has oozed creativity in the way she has weaved in different plotlines, incidents and characters in order to come up with an engaging and cohesive story. In addition, the writer uses unique character names that are not just your mainstream choices. If you love fantasy content that infuses action, tragedy and humor, this is the read for you!
Self-publishing Review provided a starred review of From the Ashes, which you can read in full on their website. I wanted to share the character description as stated in that review, “ . . . uniquely gifted but relatable protagonists . . .”
I had fun creating the characters in The Ember Files Series. However, as I wrote From the Ashes, I felt sadness because in a way I was writing a goodbye to the people who have lived in my head since the idea of writing a book formed in my brain. I had to remind myself that it wasn’t the end. These characters will live on in the pages of the novels and I can revisit them and so can you. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoyed creating them.