The Ashes of Ackonir

by Jennifer Cody, Shannon Gunn (Narrator), Jason Takumi Lee (Narrator)

Life beyond the walls of Eoam, the commune where my mother raised me, has never tempted me. My needs are fulfilled as long as I work, and if my life is full of more sorrow than most, it’s because I was born for it. But even I have my limits, and when the people who’ve raised me do the unthinkable, I burn the walls down and walk away.

My first steps away from the commune lead me straight into the company of someone I barely knew existed. Edrick was once married to my mother, but the life she lived in the palace never touched me, and I’m surprised when Edrick brings me there.

I thought I’d be walking into a world similar to what I’d been taught, but the more I see of Maldrin, the more I realize that I was made powerless by the people who were meant to love me. As my anger stirs, so does Edrick’s, and he decides to empower me with a title, tutors, spies, and maybe even real, actual love.

I’ve never known what love is, but if anyone can convince me I was born for more than sorrow, it’s Edrick Dastropha, the Emperor of Maldrin.



I never got to live in my wife’s company more than a few months at a time, and as much as I wanted her to myself, I couldn’t keep her wild heart caged in the palace. She lived in a commune with her other lovers when she wasn’t with me or traveling, but she kept that part of her life private because she knew my ability to control my jealousy had limits. Now, more than a decade after she’s gone, she has one last surprise for me.

Sparrow is as beautiful as his mother was and far more tempting. I invited him to live with me to honor her, but when the first thing I notice about the young man is how needy he is and how beautifully he fits in my arms, the best I can offer is my solemn oath that he will always have a place under the wing of my protection.

Preparing him for life in the palace requires more than I expected, and as I spend time with him, it becomes clear that the commune I allowed to exist because my wife loved it hurt him in infuriating ways. I will do everything in my power to give him what he needs, even if that means making another sacrifice to the god of blood and seduction.

If anyone can rise from the ashes of Ackonir, Sparrow was born for it.

The Ashes of Ackonir is a MM steampunk fantasy romance between an emperor with vampiric tendencies and the tempting little lost lamb with blood that sings to him. This book includes a heavily imbalanced power-dynamic, political intrigue, war, and other complex tropes. Readers should consult the content warning at the beginning of this book before reading.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Royalty

10 pages, Audiobook

First published March 19, 2024

About the author

Jennifer Cody lives in Small Midwestern Town, USA, aka the sticks of Kansas. She has three kids and a Beardo she loves. Her sleep schedule is weird, so messages sent at midnight usually get answered relatively promptly. She reads all kinds of mm romance and urban fantasy, but her favorites are gay-for-you, small-town romances and over the top urban fantasy romances. Her own writing doesn’t always reflect her reading preferences, but mostly it does. She writes what she wants to read and reads extensively because she’s an addict. To books, obviously. And caffeine because sleep is for other people.

Reviews

[E Varady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I had high hopes but found myself disappointed. The plot was slow to start, not really moving until about 60% into the book. Prior to that, the book was sweeping g statements on leadership and sex scenes, both of which failed to keep my interest. After the 60% mark, the plot picked up a bit but remained pretty thin. The resolution happened too fast, in my opinion, and the number of sex scenes bogged the story down.

Overall this book feels much less developed and focused than her other universes.

[Kelan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like porn, this is for you. I did get a good laugh at most of it (thusthe two), but the preachy nature of it and the weird character choices without any real reason is just way too much. It feels very stylised 80s porn. Also: at no point in the beginning, do they address the fact that the two sleeping with each other could be biologically father and son. They start sleeping with each other before anything about parentage even partially shows up. Only reason you know they aren't is because it's not in the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book

[winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

It took me a moment to get used to the writing style, but this fantasy steampunk MM book was melt-my-face-off hot. It’s almost in “dead dove” territory with the controlling age gap, vampiric sex magic, and the “you were my mom’s lover and now you’re mine” storyline, plus there’s a traumatic cult upbringing, so skip this if you want vanilla green flag stuff.

As for me, I enjoyed it so much I was honestly bummed when it ended. Hooo boy that spice!! I need even more from this world, especially with whatever was going on in that last chapter. 👀

The worldbuilding was neat, especially the queer normative and feminist society with a government that enshrines human rights. I’m skeptical of the use of kings and emperors in such a world, but hey it’s fantasy.

I hope this becomes a series, or at least has some short stories released. I still have questions about Sparrow’s life before and after this book’s events, and I love the friends he made along the way.

Spice: 5/5
Angst: 3/5

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Time of death: 79%. I just could not drag myself through this mess of a book any longer. I thought I could tough out the last 20%, I was so close, but I found that I had absolutely zero curiosity about how it ends, so why torture myself?

The overarching problem with this book is that it's just too much. Too much plot, too many characters (most of them completely insignificant to the story), too many fantasy elements, all crammed into what is actually quite a short book by standalone fantasy standards. It was just a giant L in editing.

The premise of the story is that the ruler of the continent (an emperor who is also a vampire and demi-god) becomes obsessed with the son of his dead fae wife (a person who is not his son and whom he didn't know about) and then kind of adopts him into the palace. There's no daylight between them meeting and developing an intense, cheesy sexual relationship. The orphan, Sparrow, is a super naive boy who grew up in what is seems to be some kind of cult/commune, and I found the mix of childish and slutty very uncomfortable. The sex was so cringe. The story kind of muddles along with Sparrow being taught the ways of the court, and then randomly in the last quarter, we get a new villain and new drama that literally came out of nowhere, as if there wasn't enough going on. It was just so OTT. I literally did not care what happens to our MCs at this point. The world-building was pretty shaggy as well. With confusing fantasy and modern elements that didn't gel well and weren't well explained.

Honestly, this book was missing a kind of coherence that makes a story tight and readable. The author clearly created this entire universe and then tried to include every single facet of it in a sub-300 page book. It was just not for me.

[Dreamcatcher]

DNF @ 24%

[Shibumi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never been a fan of romance posing as erotica. I feel like this may have done better maybe as a podcast on porn***? I can't imagine what this reads like I started with the audiobook... definitely porn. and definitely disappointed from what I usually would expect from this author. not sure if they're trying out something new which is fine because no one should be put in a box however this is not working.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Cody is a master when it comes to intricate plots and characterizations and "The Ashes of Ackonir' has those. The characters are fully formed and realized, the world is rich and nuanced, and the plot has many twists and turns. The best thing is that this is a fully formed world and the reader is introduced to it and characters as the plot develops. There are no info-dumps and it makes the pace of the book flow and feel fast. There is a glossary at the beginning lising places and characters as well as triggers and some of the details that are important in this world.

Edrick and Sparrow have an instant connection and their relationship starts almost immediately and with high heat. There is an instant possessiveness on the part of Edrick that eventually does develop for Sparrow as well. Their relationship and is a huge part of this story but a large focus is on everything else going on in the world and the empire. There are plots, conspiracies and shenanigans afoot and things do become tense and perilous for all those involved.

The author has stated that she wants this to be a stand alone book but there are several areas where things are left open a bit and could be openings for further books or novellas featuring other characters in this world. The world if so fully realized and intricate and interesting that it is a place that would be great to visit again.

Copy provided by author and this in my honest opinion and review.

[Audiobook S1ut · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. If you like queer paranormal, fantasy or sci fi romances with a decidedly naughty twist, you will find some enjoyment from this.

With a few tweaks this could have been a winner; I think the author should have either leaned into the eroticism of the novel or the political intrigue aspect rather than balancing somewhere in the middle.

The world building felt a little incomplete; I never felt sure of the rules that regulated magic or society at large.

I also never grew attached to any side characters, which is something I expect from a fantasy/romance and didn't. We also didn't get much relationship building between the MCs other than hard and fast fucking. Which was fun, but not fulfilling emotionally.

Good effort either way, I won't discount novels from this author in the future.

[Elyse · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Review to come
I lost interest toward the end of this book.

[T.A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edrick and Sparrow

Edrick is the emperor and Sparrow is the son of his late wife.

The books is set in an interesting and detailed world. While I enjoyed parts of the story, some I had a bit of trouble with, there's a lot of sex scenes with Edrick being possessive of Sparrow from the start, the dynamic was heavily one sided, with Edrick being in charge, though Sparrow did prefer it.

I did enjoy the plot but I think for me the amount of sex scene detracted from the story a bit, plus I had trouble that Sparrow was his wife's son and he was having sex with him, and that Edrick had been in his fathers harem at one time. (to each their own, I wont kink shame anyone). I would have prefer more of the story plot to the sex scenes.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Kasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I have read this author before and loved the books this one left much to be desired.
Sparrow was supposed to be this depraved broken character that submitted to Edrick. He has a cock sucker because he can't suck his thumb anymore, but it is never explained beyond that. It makes it seem like the author wanted him to have this sucker so they made up a story for it. Sparrow also has to sleep with something in his ass but he slept with his parents. The author makes it seem like he loves sex so much he is only comfortable with something in him. If his parents didn't abuse him than how does that work? We barely get into his time at the commune but it doesn't sound so bad as to make him broken. Also for someone who likes sex so much then to complain about people being too attracted to him. Generally that attraction leads to abuse and the hatred of touch.
As for Edrick who claimed to love his mother he sure jumped into bed with Sparrow quickly, like the same night. It would have been better if Edrick had fought the attraction more. This book seems to revolve around the sex of the MCs and the rest is just bad explanations to justify the different kinds of sex they have.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very odd indeed

This is a serious wild ride. It really tight rope walks if this is an ok relationship? Even till now, I'm not really sure myself. The sexual nature of the book is somehow off putting. It not just one thing either, there is just so much about the sexual encounters that feel a bit "ick"? This book Also had a lot going on. It had a big world, with no real world building. So it gets to be a lot after a while. its like the author just expected us to know this world in and out. Wanted us to know everyones story/ backstory. I made it to about 70% and the story just seemed to continue to stretch with more information then I was willing to take this far.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic standalone novel that has the breadth and depth to be the foundation of a great series

Rating: 4.75 🌈

The Ashes of Ackonir by Jennifer Cody is a fantastic standalone novel that has the breadth and depth to be the foundation of a great series.

The author has gone to incredible detail in creating the world of Maldrin. Cody has referenced at the beginning of the book a glossary of terminology, cultural references, historical and geographic information. It’s astonishing. Right after this comes a list of the Deities, starting with Ackonir, god of blood, seduction and immortality. A god worshiped by vampires.

Then, equally important, comes a list of trigger warnings. They’re too complicated and long to repeat. But do read them carefully before making your decision to continue on.

The story is a two person narrative, which is hugely important as there’s a purposeful power imbalance from the beginning to the relationship of the main characters. It’s implicit in their political stations and more importantly, in their personal dynamics.

Sparrow, whose painful adolescence is slowly revealed over the course of the story, is the son of King Edrick’s roaming late wife and Consort, Mara.

Both Sparrow and his mother share a complex relationship and labyrinthine history that weaves together cult like religious beliefs, hidden ancestry, and, heinously, an abandonment that left Sparrow to his father’s cult members for raising. A child raised within such an environment has no connection to the outside world or any idea that some of the rules or practices aren’t common elsewhere. That’s Sparrow. And sexual activity was practiced by all members .

Edrick is a son of Ackonir. What exactly that means will become clear later on in the narrative. However, what Cody’s story brings is an immediate, and perhaps inevitable mating between the two men.

Edrick’s character is powerful, supernatural, explicitly sexual in nature, with that base of seduction and dominant sexuality laid out everywhere, from the clothes he’s wearing to the designs within the palace. Their sexual dynamics is layered with the dominance and submission that’s part of each man’s nature, carved into them by their past history, and current roles. Cody has built a very strong and compelling relationship. One that reveals itself to be even more complex than it initially appears.

The narrative is equally complicated, containing multiple storylines and all woven together to create a mystical experience and unforgettable tale of love, death, and gods.

I’m highly recommending this and hoping that Cody continues on with this universe and characters with another story.

[JM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stopped at the 60% point. I’m no prude—I read M/M romance after all—but this just feels a little gross and dirty for no reason. I mean, sucking the emperor's dick while he has a meeting with his chancellor? Licking his dripping slit while hanging out with his spymaster? And what’s the story about anyway? Sparrow becomes the emperor’s consort and devotes himself to helping all the abused children in the realm? There’s precious little progress on that front. This book begs for a good editor.

[Bookreader87(Amanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Sparrow is the son of the late wife of Edrick, Emperor of Maldrin. Sparrow grew up in a community outside of Maldrin with his mother as she left Edrick. Their relationship was unique, although she was his wife he did not force her to stay with him. He allowed her to create and live in the small community. She would visit him a few times a year but had another husband within the community.

The community had nothing to do with Maldrin and kept to themselves. When Maya passed Sparrow remained in the community with his step-father. However, the community was not kind and in order to survive you had to work for your keep. If you could not work you would not eat. It was a hard life. It did not teach it's people anything but how to perform hard labor. Sparrow was the youngest within this community and when it burned to the ground, Sparrow was the only one to Survive. He was brought to Edrick.

Edrick knew nothing of Sparrow. He loved Sparrow's mother Maya but did not know she had a child (not his child). When Sparrow comes into Edrick's life he reminds him much of his former wife. The attraction the two have is instant. Edrick takes Sparrow in and initially plans to have him become one of his heirs. He sets Sparrow up with tutors to help him learn how to become such. This is already more than anyone has done for Sparrow. The more time spent together the deeper the connection. Consort becomes more of an option than an heir. Edrick gives Sparrow options something which he was never given before. The more Edrick learns of Sparrow's treatment the more he is glad his community no longer exists. All seems to be well until Sparrow's true origin comes to light and an outside source threatens Maldrin and their happiness.

I would advise reading the author's introduction at the beginning of the story. It was really helpful. I am a fan of Jennifer Cody. When I pick up one of her books I know that her creative mind is going to take me on a ride. This book did just that.

Although everything between Edrick and Sparrow happened fast it did not bother me. They were very 🔥🔥🔥 together. Trust me there is not a lack of scenes with them. This story had a lot going on in it. I would say more so in the background, especially with all the different types of characters and the species they fell under. I do feel like more explanation of their backgrounds could have been used. She says this book may only be a standalone but I feel like it just scratches the surface of this world and would be a disservice to the readers to not expand on it. Maybe fewer sexy times and more character development could have been used. I am not complaining too much though lol. Overall, this story was intriguing and obviously has me wanting more.

[J.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody is one of the most imaginative authors I know, so I already knew I was in for a wild ride when I learned she was working on a romance set in a steampunk/fantasy world. The notes at the front of the text are useful, but Cody also includes enough useful details in the first chapters to immerse us into this unique setting without significant “info-dumping.” I appreciate authors who trust their readers to pick up on context clues when they are dropped into things slightly beyond what could have been considered the inciting incident if this had not also been a romance arc. Instead, the bond that develops between Edrick and Sparrow becomes the root from which the rest of the plot expands.

The relationship between Edrick and Sparrow is immediately possessive, which Cody justifies via both men’s characterizations, but is initially based more on complementary needs than love or romance. Things between them get surprisingly sexual fast, which may turn off some readers, but I found it easy to roll with since Edrick and Sparrow are both up-front with their desires and Edrick regularly emphasizes consent. The significant external plot involving political unrest in Edrick’s empire feels like the book’s primary focus while affection blossoms under the influence of the men’s undeniable chemistry. I did look forward to learning more about the context that led to their easy sexuality; however, while we get plenty of delicious worldbuilding to explain Edrick, the same doesn’t necessarily hold for Sparrow.

The eventual reveal of how Sparrow leaves the commune where he is raised and comes to live with Edrick is shocking but ultimately undramatic, leaving me with just as many questions as answers. Conversely, the bigger reveal of the true nature of Sparrow’s origins is handled dramatically and leads to escalating conflict, but I never did figure out the motivation between the villain’s long-term goals or his connection with another political plot point. This didn’t make the ending less satisfying, simply left room for Cody to expand on the story.

Of course, I have no idea whether Cody plans to do that. This book works well enough as a stand-alone, especially regarding the relationship arc between Edrick and Sparrow, but I’d happily let my final questions be answered by another novel set in this world. As usual, Cody surrounds her heroes with plenty of unique side characters who I’d more than enjoy in their own adventure.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.

[Collyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,25

I just finish it, and i am left with a lot of question. There was a lot question in this, that i let slide, because i thought that they would be answer in the end, they (author didn't answer them). I didn't like this. I had some problem with, the language that the emperor used to describe Sparrow or talk about him, i did find it a bit problematic, even thought there was consent conversation happening all the time. I found that at time, the language was very repetitive, the word "possessive " was used all the time to explain emperor feelings, and i would say that was the main "feeling" he had toward Sparrow, i just wish the author had use different words, or wording, but that was the one word i read again and again, and at some point, you just go "i get it, he is possessive", it was just a lot, especially because i didn't feel like it did something for the plot or for the relationship, i feel like it was suppose to make us feel like he want him that much, that it just a yearning and angst and tension feeling, but for me it just gave lust, and boner. It didn't give the dept, that it was suppose to give. I really love the world in this, at time it was a bit difficult to imagine, but i love the technology and i did wish we could have gotten more event outside the castle, like visiting the city or something like. I generally wish, i could have gotten more dates, that didn't end in sex or started with it, don't know if i am asking to much, but at the end, it felt like they were going at all the time. The end was confusing and totally random. That took me bye surprise. I was introduce to a new person, who was the villain, and it just felt very much who are you??? Like why are you here??? It felt rush and like a second thought, like the author had thought "and now i will end it with a bang". It didn't felt naturally and was just weird in my opinion.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, fascinating, wild ride of a story with an epic love at its heart

Woah. Honestly, that was my first thought when I finished because this book is amazing. It’s an incredible mix of sweet and filthy romance, intricate political intrigue and fighting the big bad. The world Cody created is captivating. It’s contains masses of details yet never feels overwhelming or dry in explaining how things work. The secondary characters are true, well-crafted characters who are intriguing and leave you wanting to know more without feeling vague. The romance is, despite the blood and sex surrounding it, incredibly sweet and somehow also gentle. The political intrigue is genuinely interesting; there’s always a risk with political intrigue that it will make the book dry and dull but I genuinely found it interesting and it added so many layers to Sparrow and Edrick’s story. I really enjoyed the big bad plot - it’s got a hint of mystery and you don’t even realise that things you e seen along the way all play into the end fight. At the same time though, there’s not an overwhelming focus on the BB that detracts from other elements of the story; it’s balanced really well and in a way that each element compliments the other to take you on an epic adventure and romance. I know this is a stand-alone and it is genuinely enjoyable as such, but I do hope that we can see some more from this world in the future here and there. I’d particularly like to know more about the giant twins Friedrich and Heinrich and see some more from Sage, Nijus and Kragen. Even if we don’t ever see more from this world, I know this is going to be a favourite reread and I will always enjoy seeing Sparrow and Edrick find their future in one another.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has fantastic world-building and interesting characters in a world of magic, fickle gods, mythical creatures, and steampunk technology. It also has deceit, betrayal, fortitude, loyalty, and love. Sparrow spends his childhood in a remote, sheltered commune, learning a life of agriculture. When his entire village is killed and destroyed, Sparrow finds that his only option is to live with his mother's husband, Edrick. Although neither man knew of the other before, their fates are now combined.

Edrick is Emperor, a man possessing extraordinary magic, gifted by the God of Ackonir, of passion and control. He rules a network of kingdoms with fairness and transparency. When he becomes aware of Sparrow, he knows that he would never relegate him to some distant part of his kingdom. Instead, he welcomes Sparrow into his palace, instantly drawn to the young man as a remembrance of his mother, who Edrick once loved. Edrick and Sparrow experience a strong attraction. In addition, Sparrow realizes how sheltered and mislead he has been and embarks on work with a tutor to become educated to the world. Still, dangers lurk and threats emerge.

Can Edrick and Sparrow face their challenges and become victorious? This book has a strong, passionate relationship and a love that transcends time and realms.

[Chetana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

I went in to this book knowing absolutely nothing. And for a while I knew very little about what was happening in the book as the author (wisely) didn't info-dump on us about everything in this fantastical world. She chose to give us a glossary and a content warning in the beginning and let us learn about Eochis and its inhabitants throughout the course of the book. It was the best way for the most part.

I liked the interactions between the Emperor and the Prince and the issue of the power imbalance between the two was addressed fairly well within the story. Another sticking point would have been the dubious consent that Sparrow would provide while under the thrall of Edrick's magic and that was addressed to my liking too. My problem was probably that I was a little dumb. I just could not wrap my head around the magic that Sparrow held and how the antagonist wished to use it. Actually I got that part but i just was not sure about how he wanted to use it and why.

There were parts of the story that left me mystified and I felt like I was reading a second book in an ongoing series, but that did not stop me from enjoying the book. Though I have stalled my reading of new to me books, I have been reading books that I have loved and I am glad that I was able to read 2 new books that I have enjoyed amongst my perennial faves.

[Second Life Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This book was such an interesting surprise. The world is incredibly well built and my only complaint really would be that it was slightly hard to keep with with and remember everything. However honestly I’m not sure I would change how much detail we were given though.

Sparrow was such a dichotomy of a character. He was soft and allowed Edrick to take care of him but also full of strength and did not have any issue pushing back right from the beginning which I loved. Edrick was possessive in the all the right ways and I enjoyed every intersection they had together. Special mention of Sage as he was probably my favorite side character and I’d love a bonue epilogue involving him.

Overall this is a book I could see myself rereading which I almost never do. I liked the characters as much as I liked the storyline and while this was meant to be a standalone I absolutely wouldn’t be upset if we ended up with a series with a few of the side characters getting their own books. Jennifer Cody is quickly becoming a one click read for me.

✨ I have received an ARC in exchange for this review but all thoughts are my own and honest.✨

[JEST · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This book was such an interesting surprise. The world is incredibly well built and my only complaint really would be that it was slightly hard to keep with with and remember everything. However honestly I’m not sure I would change how much detail we were given though.

Sparrow was such a dichotomy of a character. He was soft and allowed Edrick to take care of him but also full of strength and did not have any issue pushing back right from the beginning which I loved. Edrick was possessive in the all the right ways and I enjoyed every intersection they had together. Special mention of Sage as he was probably my favorite side character and I’d love a bonue epilogue involving him.

Overall this is a book I could see myself rereading which I almost never do. I liked the characters as much as I liked the storyline and while this was meant to be a standalone I absolutely wouldn’t be upset if we ended up with a series with a few of the side characters getting their own books. Jennifer Cody is quickly becoming a one click read for me.

✨ I have received an ARC in exchange for this review but all thoughts are my own and honest.✨

[Scatteredashes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Cody knows how to write interesting, well detailed world with lots of different types of people. Her stories are always smart and this one is no different. I really enjoyed Sparrow and Edrick's story. Sparrow needs physical intimacy due to the way he was raised, and Edrick indulges for sure. These two are pretty hot together, but I say that this sometimes takes a backseat to the happenings of the events going on around them and Sparrow learning all about court and other necessary information that was kept from him. I will say that I think this story at times may have gone over my head. There are political intrigues and Edrick explains but there were times I didn't quite get the ramifications of certain events. That's the beauty though as it's an incredibly complex system and just highlights how much though Jennifer put into this.

There is a good balance between plot and spice that I just really loved this story. All of the characters are unique and I wouldn't mind delving back into this world more. Seeing Sparrow make friends was really special and I'm glad that a boy born to sorrow could find his happiness.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had incredible world building, interesting and developed lore, fascinating social and political dynamics, steampunk elements, and fantasy. All that, and a well paced story with great characters. There's some great storylines woven in here, but you really do have to read the warnings on this one - the depth of abuse suffered by the main characters is only hinted at, and beyond that there are power imbalances and a bunch of other stuff - so yeah, read with care. Having said that, there's a real emphasis on consent throughout the story, and the building relationship between Sparrow and Eldrick is sweet alongside all the sex, blood, and D/s. I also liked the political aspect, because it showed a level of management that really cares for the wellbeing of the citizenry. Sparrow's mysterious background and links to Eldrick provides a further element of this story with a bad guy out for power. This pushed the last third of the book along and made for an exciting ending before a sweet epilogue. Even though this is a standalone... I wouldn't be mad at reading more stories in this universe.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read,I voluntarily give this book an honest review. I laughed so hard when Sparrow just came right withn his first day but Edrick is right ablut use of word filters!  Sparrow touches places deeper inside Edrick then anyone ever has, which is dangerous in ways. But how could someone even consider turning away from that sweet sheltered boy.
 
The passing of Maya bring Sparrow to the palace and into Edrick's life. Sparrows life was simple until he landed into a whirlwind, the Emperor not to mention the ever presences of brothers Friedrich and Heinrich. Even when thrusting a Shep In his direction on day one was a little mind boggling but was a blessing to ease his nerves?  Sparrow is getting more of an eye opener about his small world at commune.
After the existences of what lays in Sparrow the young man must be protected. When they are attacked and memory altered  find Sparrow before it's to late not just for the sake of the known magical realm but also for Edrick sanity.

[Fernanda Fatio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the world building and how different it was. I was confused in the beginning over the “my wife’s son” because it wasn’t clear if Sparrow was actually his son or if his wife was pregnant from someone else. The fact that no one was actually wondering who the father was bothered me a bit.
I liked how, despite the sheltered life he had in the commune, Sparrow was sharp and made good decisions while acknowledging his lack of education. I love when my characters are mature and know their limitations.
Edrick instant connection to Sparrow was interesting to see. He didn’t use his position to create a power imbalance between them and, instead, encourages Sparrow to learn, to grown and makes his own network of friends and work associates.
As a woman, I can’t imagine how it is for him to have hard-on 24/7. I know Ackonir is the God of Sex and everything but that surely must hurt, no? Did the same thing happened to Sparrow when he got his blessing? I don’t remember if it’s mentioned in the page.
Now, can we talk about the super cum jet-propelling scene that made absolutely no sense? I was torn between feeling cringe and horror at that.

[Ann Name · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my kind of book. Nope. Nopenopenope.

I totally get why someone would like it, but to me this book had zero good sides and all bad sides. Which is not to say that the book is bad, it's just completely not the type I like. And even though I tried to be objective, the bad things may have overshadowed the good things? I don't know, I did not really see any good things. Hence the low rating.

The characters felt like cardboard cutouts or puppets acting out a play.
The writing was pompous, sometimes so ridiculous I would snort at some phrases.
The worldbuilding - would have been good perhaps, if it wasn't for a ton of exposition - in the beginning you're immediately assaulted by a forweord with all intricacies of the world explained. I'd rather learn that, y'know, by reading the actual book. Also, characters have a tendency to launch into expository speeches, or you get paragraphs and paragraphs of explanatory info mid-scene.

So yeah, just not a book for me.

[Cee Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappointed

There has not been any instance where I’ve not liked a story by Jennifer Cody, and Ashes of Akonir is no exception. I don’t generally stick with steampunk, but since it was Jennifer, I had no reservations about reading. I am SO glad I read this! The story and universe is well-built and steamy AF. Sparrow is sweet, but practical. Edrick from the beginning is captivated and captivating in his own right. I like how the story progresses and even turns off the beaten path of hero saving distressed “damsel”. I really enjoyed the descriptions but there are some characters that I’d love to know more about (ahem, Friedrich and Kragen). The mysteries are interesting and the ending is wrapped up while allowing the story to continue if that’s what the author chooses.
Tl;dr Pick up this book, even if it’s outside of your norm.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ashes of Ackonir is an epic story of possession and power. Sparrow was raised in an isolated commune where he was used and left in the dark about the rest of the world. When his home burns to the ground, he finds himself taken from the farms to the palace. His transition is smoothed immeasurably when he catches the heart and obsession of the emperor.

The author builds an elaborate world. The culture and political maneuvering is detailed and authentic. The heat between Sparrow and Edrick is instant. Sparrow is charming and eager to learn. He's guileless and yet still manages to move through a court full of powerseekers. Edrick would burn down more to keep him safe. And his close group of other confidants will see him learning everything he needs to.