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The Iolite Academy #1
Forgotten Ashes
“Asking someone to keep one deadly secret is selfish. Asking them to keep a second is unforgivable.”
Briar Lennox enters the Iolite Academy ready to take her place as Luna of the shifter pack. Instead, she’s left reeling when the Alpha, a man she’d vowed not to let break her heart a second time, demands she renounce her position.
The sting of Grayson’s rejection exposes still-raw wounds, but a larger threat to her newfound life haunts her. The blood in her veins marks Briar as the only elemental to escape extinction a decade prior. A moment’s loss of control could mean her discovery and death.
As she works to avoid detection and reclaim her rightful place at the head of the pack, signs pointing to the return of her kind become impossible to ignore. With more lives than her own hanging in the balance, Briar hedges the line between her duty and downfall.
Isolated and betrayed, Briar must navigate the politics and perils of the Academy, where every whisper may hold a threat and every step may mean her undoing. She must protect not only her right to lead but her right to live.
Briar Lennox enters the Iolite Academy ready to take her place as Luna of the shifter pack. Instead, she’s left reeling when the Alpha, a man she’d vowed not to let break her heart a second time, demands she renounce her position.
The sting of Grayson’s rejection exposes still-raw wounds, but a larger threat to her newfound life haunts her. The blood in her veins marks Briar as the only elemental to escape extinction a decade prior. A moment’s loss of control could mean her discovery and death.
As she works to avoid detection and reclaim her rightful place at the head of the pack, signs pointing to the return of her kind become impossible to ignore. With more lives than her own hanging in the balance, Briar hedges the line between her duty and downfall.
Isolated and betrayed, Briar must navigate the politics and perils of the Academy, where every whisper may hold a threat and every step may mean her undoing. She must protect not only her right to lead but her right to live.
362 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2024
25 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
September 24, 2024
Do you know when you get in an ARC application haze, and all the sudden one pops up that you don’t remember? That was my surprise when Forgotten Ashes by Kathryn Covens popped up in my inbox. This YA fantasy had so many elements from other series I love in it, which made it feel familiar and easy to speed through. It still managed to feel fresh and surprising, but the familiar plot elements felt welcoming and the cliffhanger had my jaw dropped. What started off initially as a 4⭐️ read for me through the first 60% quickly morphed into a 5⭐️ read in the back half. If you are struggling with the volume of characters to keep track of at the beginning like I did, it is worth it to push through to get to a conclusion that will leave you wanting more! Now I can only wait (im)patiently for the sequel. Thanks to Kathryn Covens and Bookfunnel for this ARC! Just ran off to Etsy to buy the paperback for a special bonus chapter to hold me over 😧
December 8, 2024
╭ ✦ •
│
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
│
╰ ✦ •
IM SORRY WHAT?? THAT ENDING😭😭 book 2 when? I need to know more about this Bloodstone and Briar's past!!
This was refreshing and unique. I enjoyed it!!
I loved the found family aspect of this, but I felt like there should have been more tension between Kenna and Briar given that they are technically rivals and had to fight in the Pack Rite (a battle for pack leader/a ranked position)
Briar is a Beta Luna in her current pack (Beta Luna = second in command)
Kenna is Luna of the Academy Pack (Luna = Leader)
Briar was basically sent there to take over the pack
full review soon (with better explanations)!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥Shifters
❥Strong FMC
❥Stabby side characters
❥Betrayal
❥Enemies to Lovers (kinda complicated tho)
❥Demons & Destruction
❥Magical Academy
❥Secrets & Deception
❥Found Family
❥Elemental Magic
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
│
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
│
╰ ✦ •
IM SORRY WHAT?? THAT ENDING😭😭 book 2 when? I need to know more about this Bloodstone and Briar's past!!
This was refreshing and unique. I enjoyed it!!
I loved the found family aspect of this, but I felt like there should have been more tension between Kenna and Briar given that they are technically rivals and had to fight in the Pack Rite (a battle for pack leader/a ranked position)
Briar is a Beta Luna in her current pack (Beta Luna = second in command)
Kenna is Luna of the Academy Pack (Luna = Leader)
Briar was basically sent there to take over the pack
full review soon (with better explanations)!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥Shifters
❥Strong FMC
❥Stabby side characters
❥Betrayal
❥Enemies to Lovers (kinda complicated tho)
❥Demons & Destruction
❥Magical Academy
❥Secrets & Deception
❥Found Family
❥Elemental Magic
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
September 22, 2024
Wow! Now that was an amazing debut!
We have shifters, faes, demons, a prince/ God of Death and a Badass FMC who hides a secret, one that could put her and those privy to it in danger.
It kinda gave me Zodiac Academy vibes but with a better writing and a heroine who can hold her own. I loved Briar, her fierceness and loyalty and the banter was so great!
And Asher!!! That guy is hot AF! (Might be a new book boyfriend) and I’m excited to see more of him in the next book.
I can already see the main love interest forming and I’m so here for it.
And that cliffhanger ending omg! I don’t think I can’t wait until 2025 to know what happens 😩
Thank you so much Kathryn Covens for the ARC!
We have shifters, faes, demons, a prince/ God of Death and a Badass FMC who hides a secret, one that could put her and those privy to it in danger.
It kinda gave me Zodiac Academy vibes but with a better writing and a heroine who can hold her own. I loved Briar, her fierceness and loyalty and the banter was so great!
And Asher!!! That guy is hot AF! (Might be a new book boyfriend) and I’m excited to see more of him in the next book.
I can already see the main love interest forming and I’m so here for it.
And that cliffhanger ending omg! I don’t think I can’t wait until 2025 to know what happens 😩
Thank you so much Kathryn Covens for the ARC!
September 14, 2024
Forgotten Ashes by Kathryn Covens 🖤
The Iolite Academy, Book 1
Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️
Upper Young Adult/NA • Fantasy Romance
ARC Review
293 pages
🗓️ September 24
•someone falls first
•academic setting
•found family
•shifters, fae, demons and a ☠️ god
•secret identity
📌“And who said our dreams can’t shape our reality?”
“Were you hiding this side of you from me, or have you always been this blo0dth!rsty?”
“Don’t blame me for your own poor observations.” I threw back, “I am who I’ve always been.”
📌“She wasn’t mine. I knew it was impossible, that she couldn’t be, but goddess help me if she didn’t look like she was.”
Forgotten Ashes started off good. ✋🏼 don’t make assumptions on what I’m going to write next 🤨 Forgotten Ashes started off good until the moon rose and it became the only thing to exist at 12am on a Friday night.
In one single chapter I knew. I knew the brilliance of Kathryn’s mind. I knew this would consume me like paper to fire. Even if I had wanted to stop reading at a reasonable time last night, I wouldn’t be able to do so. I had to keep going. And no bloodstone would help me control this need.
So I did. And she did. And we all did. And now me, rose and moon are all depressed because our lives will be buffering until book 2 comes out.
This is one of the best debuts I’ve ever read. Honestly, this is one of the best fantasy romances I’ve read in a very long time. I’m not sure you’re ready for Kathryn’s writing but I’ll be here to witness your obsession 😜
Thank you so much for this ARC. Please take care of my Briar 😭
The Iolite Academy, Book 1
Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️
Upper Young Adult/NA • Fantasy Romance
ARC Review
293 pages
🗓️ September 24
•someone falls first
•academic setting
•found family
•shifters, fae, demons and a ☠️ god
•secret identity
📌“And who said our dreams can’t shape our reality?”
“Were you hiding this side of you from me, or have you always been this blo0dth!rsty?”
“Don’t blame me for your own poor observations.” I threw back, “I am who I’ve always been.”
📌“She wasn’t mine. I knew it was impossible, that she couldn’t be, but goddess help me if she didn’t look like she was.”
Forgotten Ashes started off good. ✋🏼 don’t make assumptions on what I’m going to write next 🤨 Forgotten Ashes started off good until the moon rose and it became the only thing to exist at 12am on a Friday night.
In one single chapter I knew. I knew the brilliance of Kathryn’s mind. I knew this would consume me like paper to fire. Even if I had wanted to stop reading at a reasonable time last night, I wouldn’t be able to do so. I had to keep going. And no bloodstone would help me control this need.
So I did. And she did. And we all did. And now me, rose and moon are all depressed because our lives will be buffering until book 2 comes out.
This is one of the best debuts I’ve ever read. Honestly, this is one of the best fantasy romances I’ve read in a very long time. I’m not sure you’re ready for Kathryn’s writing but I’ll be here to witness your obsession 😜
Thank you so much for this ARC. Please take care of my Briar 😭
August 28, 2024
Alpha read.
4.5 stars.
Forgotten Ashes has this nostalgic feel for me. Shifters, magical mystery, and a cliffhanger that leaves me wanting more. It’s like the author can read my mind and know all my favorite things (spoiler alert: she can).
Briar is such a strong FMC. She’s harboring a secret, one that could be the death of her (and her friends) so she’s understandably uptight. For those of you new to shifter romance, there’s usually a hierarchy of power. Briar is pretty close to the top (you go girl!) but discovers a usurper in her place when she enters the Iolite Academy. Basically what ensues is a power struggle, including one between her and her crush, the alpha, Grayson.
Full of witty banter, will they/won’t they angst, and moments you want to punch a certain wolf in the face, you can’t help but turn the pages for more. The variable cast of characters will hook you with the found family trope and the mystery will keep you up reading—just one more chapter.
I was an alpha reader on this story and even I was shocked by the twist at the end (do I actually know anything???). It really made me rethink the whole book and want to start all over again. A great debut from this new author and I’m all set and ready for book two.
4.5 stars.
Forgotten Ashes has this nostalgic feel for me. Shifters, magical mystery, and a cliffhanger that leaves me wanting more. It’s like the author can read my mind and know all my favorite things (spoiler alert: she can).
Briar is such a strong FMC. She’s harboring a secret, one that could be the death of her (and her friends) so she’s understandably uptight. For those of you new to shifter romance, there’s usually a hierarchy of power. Briar is pretty close to the top (you go girl!) but discovers a usurper in her place when she enters the Iolite Academy. Basically what ensues is a power struggle, including one between her and her crush, the alpha, Grayson.
Full of witty banter, will they/won’t they angst, and moments you want to punch a certain wolf in the face, you can’t help but turn the pages for more. The variable cast of characters will hook you with the found family trope and the mystery will keep you up reading—just one more chapter.
I was an alpha reader on this story and even I was shocked by the twist at the end (do I actually know anything???). It really made me rethink the whole book and want to start all over again. A great debut from this new author and I’m all set and ready for book two.
October 2, 2025
Fantasy Romance
3 Stars ✨
🐺No Spice
🐺Duel POV
🐺Academy setting
🐺Hidden Identity
🐺Shifters
🐺Elemental Magic
🐺Shifters
🐺Fae and Demons
“Asking someone to keep one deadly secret is selfish. Asking them to keep a second is unforgivable.”
📚 Book Source 📚
Kindle Unlimited
Briar Lennox enters Iolite Academy expecting to take her place as Luna- head of her shifter pack. Isolated and betrayed by her oldest friend, she must learn how to navigate the political landscape of the Academy, by herself- where every whisper, holds a threat.
Forgotten Ashes started with an intriguing mystery, holding my attention enough to want to see what would happen next. Although, I was quickly turned off by the FMC. Briar has some issues, because she has a secret and can’t do what others in her pack can do, making her have to work that much harder. I enjoy a strong female lead, but she was very over the top for me, and I just don’t like when females try to be so masculine. That’s just my personal preference 🤷🏻♀️. As the book went on, I did enjoy her growth, but only when she wasn’t acting like Miss. Tough Guy. There were also some side characters that I enjoyed and can’t wait to see what happens to them in the next book.
The world building was ok, I had some questions about the roles of each pack and felt like there were some holes. There wasn’t any real romance - just some tension but the emotional stakes were solid- and what mainly kept me pressing forward. I also enjoyed the found family aspect with the different packs. I would like to learn more about the “threat” and the magic system.
Overall, I am glad I ended up finishing this one, because the cliffhanger made it all worth it- to the point, I immediately wanted to reread the whole book!! And I did skim through it all over again since it had me so shook! I am definitely looking forward to the next one to see how everything unfolds.
3 Stars ✨
🐺No Spice
🐺Duel POV
🐺Academy setting
🐺Hidden Identity
🐺Shifters
🐺Elemental Magic
🐺Shifters
🐺Fae and Demons
“Asking someone to keep one deadly secret is selfish. Asking them to keep a second is unforgivable.”
📚 Book Source 📚
Kindle Unlimited
Briar Lennox enters Iolite Academy expecting to take her place as Luna- head of her shifter pack. Isolated and betrayed by her oldest friend, she must learn how to navigate the political landscape of the Academy, by herself- where every whisper, holds a threat.
Forgotten Ashes started with an intriguing mystery, holding my attention enough to want to see what would happen next. Although, I was quickly turned off by the FMC. Briar has some issues, because she has a secret and can’t do what others in her pack can do, making her have to work that much harder. I enjoy a strong female lead, but she was very over the top for me, and I just don’t like when females try to be so masculine. That’s just my personal preference 🤷🏻♀️. As the book went on, I did enjoy her growth, but only when she wasn’t acting like Miss. Tough Guy. There were also some side characters that I enjoyed and can’t wait to see what happens to them in the next book.
The world building was ok, I had some questions about the roles of each pack and felt like there were some holes. There wasn’t any real romance - just some tension but the emotional stakes were solid- and what mainly kept me pressing forward. I also enjoyed the found family aspect with the different packs. I would like to learn more about the “threat” and the magic system.
Overall, I am glad I ended up finishing this one, because the cliffhanger made it all worth it- to the point, I immediately wanted to reread the whole book!! And I did skim through it all over again since it had me so shook! I am definitely looking forward to the next one to see how everything unfolds.
September 9, 2024
Honestly, I loved every moment of Forgotten Ashes. It was one of those books that even when I stepped away, I was constantly thinking about when I could get back to it. The characters are all unique and compelling, making it easy to get lost in their world.
The main character, Briar, is someone you find yourself rooting for from the beginning. She has layers—smart, strong, fast, and fierce. Her journey is both captivating and inspiring. However, for me, the standout character was Kenna. A rival turned ally, Kenna is a fantastic counterbalance to Briar with her ferocity, humor, and quirks. She left me wanting to cheer for her just as much.
The world-building in Forgotten Ashes is excellent. Kathryn Covens provides insight into the history, factions, and leadership hierarchy, creating a rich and immersive setting. The pacing is impeccable; you’re drawn into this world from the start and never experience an undue drop in tempo. The twists are well-executed and serve to further build the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
All in all, this book has everything I want and love about fantasy. And did I mention this is just the first book in a new series? I can’t recommend Forgotten Ashes enough. It’s a must-read for any fantasy lover.
The main character, Briar, is someone you find yourself rooting for from the beginning. She has layers—smart, strong, fast, and fierce. Her journey is both captivating and inspiring. However, for me, the standout character was Kenna. A rival turned ally, Kenna is a fantastic counterbalance to Briar with her ferocity, humor, and quirks. She left me wanting to cheer for her just as much.
The world-building in Forgotten Ashes is excellent. Kathryn Covens provides insight into the history, factions, and leadership hierarchy, creating a rich and immersive setting. The pacing is impeccable; you’re drawn into this world from the start and never experience an undue drop in tempo. The twists are well-executed and serve to further build the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
All in all, this book has everything I want and love about fantasy. And did I mention this is just the first book in a new series? I can’t recommend Forgotten Ashes enough. It’s a must-read for any fantasy lover.
September 9, 2024
This was upper YA fantasy and while I don’t read a lot of YA fantasy there have been a few times I’ve come across a book or series that takes me by surprise and this was definitely one of them. The world building was interesting including shifters, pack hierarchies, elementals, demons, and even fae. The plot pacing was great with investigative intrigue, dark academia vibes and secret identities that left me questioning what was coming next. I will definitely be continuing with the series!
September 18, 2024
✨5 🌶️ 0
First I want to thank the author so much for allowing me to read this ARC I thoroughly enjoyed every second.
The ending…. Oh. My. Word.
Wait let me back up.
✨ the plot creativity
✨ the banter
✨ Multiple POV’s
✨ the angst
✨ the characters
Favorite quote from FA “what in the freaky fox proposals was that?”
Briar is an awesome FMC. She is so relatable because of the weight she carries, but well balanced and good humored.
Kenna is my absolute favorite because she is totally unhinged and freaking hilarious despite so much pressure and potential risk surrounding her position at the academy.
No spice is also nice! This book is the whole package for me owing to all the reason above making it a 5/5 read for me. I will be reading this again which is another marker for a perfect reading experience in my library. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2…
First I want to thank the author so much for allowing me to read this ARC I thoroughly enjoyed every second.
The ending…. Oh. My. Word.
Wait let me back up.
✨ the plot creativity
✨ the banter
✨ Multiple POV’s
✨ the angst
✨ the characters
Favorite quote from FA “what in the freaky fox proposals was that?”
Briar is an awesome FMC. She is so relatable because of the weight she carries, but well balanced and good humored.
Kenna is my absolute favorite because she is totally unhinged and freaking hilarious despite so much pressure and potential risk surrounding her position at the academy.
No spice is also nice! This book is the whole package for me owing to all the reason above making it a 5/5 read for me. I will be reading this again which is another marker for a perfect reading experience in my library. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2…
September 7, 2024
A stellar debut upper YA novel! Left me pining for book 2! That cliff hanger?!
✅ Straight-forward and digestible fantasy world building
✅ Magic and shifting and an academia setting OH MY
✅ Ruthless FMC that doesn’t. Back. Down.
✅ Unexpected twists
A book that absolutely found its own legs to stand on while incorporating my favorite tropes and elements from the genre. The scene is set in book one, and I can’t wait for all that is to come!
✅ Straight-forward and digestible fantasy world building
✅ Magic and shifting and an academia setting OH MY
✅ Ruthless FMC that doesn’t. Back. Down.
✅ Unexpected twists
A book that absolutely found its own legs to stand on while incorporating my favorite tropes and elements from the genre. The scene is set in book one, and I can’t wait for all that is to come!
September 22, 2024
Thank you so much for letting me ARC read this for my honest review!
This book was so good! I honestly went in blind as i do most of my ARCS and i was instantly intrigued.
I don’t read much Paranormal and i don’t know why! This is making me want to just jump into that genre.
All the mystical creatures in here were so fascinating. Between the different kind of shifters and it not just being like who set animal i guess. Extremely cool.
I loved how it wasn’t hard to keep up with everything very well. It was fast paced and i didn’t want to put it down!
I was so hooked! And if you were able to already read this…. Can we talk about the ending? I had to go back and read certain chapters because i was like what a minute… wait a damn minute. I felt so stupid 😂😂😂😂 not really but you know. Whyyyyyyyy?!
I’m so excited for this book to hit the world readers! It was so good and I’m so excited for book two!! Fingers crossed i get to ARC read it again!
This book was so good! I honestly went in blind as i do most of my ARCS and i was instantly intrigued.
I don’t read much Paranormal and i don’t know why! This is making me want to just jump into that genre.
All the mystical creatures in here were so fascinating. Between the different kind of shifters and it not just being like who set animal i guess. Extremely cool.
I loved how it wasn’t hard to keep up with everything very well. It was fast paced and i didn’t want to put it down!
I was so hooked! And if you were able to already read this…. Can we talk about the ending? I had to go back and read certain chapters because i was like what a minute… wait a damn minute. I felt so stupid 😂😂😂😂 not really but you know. Whyyyyyyyy?!
I’m so excited for this book to hit the world readers! It was so good and I’m so excited for book two!! Fingers crossed i get to ARC read it again!
September 24, 2024
When the only thing you want to roast about the book is that there was not MORE! Guys please go add this book to your TBR, or better yet, go read it right now because it comes out today!! I was fortunate enough to receive an eARC of this book and once I started reading…I devoured it.
This upper level YA paranormal fantasy brings everything I love. Shifters. Magic. Romance. A strong FMC. Secrets. A school full of paranormal beings. Stab First Ask Questions Later Vibes.
These characters feel so real and I am obsessed with the banter that is on almost every page! The back and forth between all the characters makes for a story that has you laughing and smirking page after page! I can not wait for you to get to meet Briar & Kenna and see what all the ARC readers are going on and on about!
And man OH man that ending! I am dying to get my physical copy in the mail with the bonus chapter for more time with these characters.
Congrats to Kathryn Covers and a KILLER debut novel!
This upper level YA paranormal fantasy brings everything I love. Shifters. Magic. Romance. A strong FMC. Secrets. A school full of paranormal beings. Stab First Ask Questions Later Vibes.
These characters feel so real and I am obsessed with the banter that is on almost every page! The back and forth between all the characters makes for a story that has you laughing and smirking page after page! I can not wait for you to get to meet Briar & Kenna and see what all the ARC readers are going on and on about!
And man OH man that ending! I am dying to get my physical copy in the mail with the bonus chapter for more time with these characters.
Congrats to Kathryn Covers and a KILLER debut novel!
September 8, 2024
Ooookkkkk let’s add this to one of my favourite reads of the year! I was hooked from the first chapter.
Bri is an absolute badass but not in that ‘I’m different from other girls’ way like a ‘I worked insanely hard to get here and you will respect it’ kinda way. I like that she stands up for herself and her pals and knows what she’s worth. I mean she is also hiding a huge secret but you know, she can’t be 100% perfect 😂 I really liked her as a main character, completely unhinged at times with a weakness for cake. In saying this I also loved every other character you meet, I’m scared for the next book tbh, I need this to be a series where everyone survives til the happy end… please? Although maybe Grayson can get roughed around a bit….
There’s a bit of will they, won’t they? A whole lot of maybe they shouldn’t. Honestly how it ended (and confirmation of my suspicions) perfectly set up the next book in regard to romance. There’s suspense, tension, so many magical beings, cute friendships, fierce loyalty and twists that absolutely delight. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next!
Thanks Kathryn Covens for the eARC, I am without a doubt going to need a physical copy to add to my shelf💞
P.S don’t hurt my babies, my heart can’t take it
Bri is an absolute badass but not in that ‘I’m different from other girls’ way like a ‘I worked insanely hard to get here and you will respect it’ kinda way. I like that she stands up for herself and her pals and knows what she’s worth. I mean she is also hiding a huge secret but you know, she can’t be 100% perfect 😂 I really liked her as a main character, completely unhinged at times with a weakness for cake. In saying this I also loved every other character you meet, I’m scared for the next book tbh, I need this to be a series where everyone survives til the happy end… please? Although maybe Grayson can get roughed around a bit….
There’s a bit of will they, won’t they? A whole lot of maybe they shouldn’t. Honestly how it ended (and confirmation of my suspicions) perfectly set up the next book in regard to romance. There’s suspense, tension, so many magical beings, cute friendships, fierce loyalty and twists that absolutely delight. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next!
Thanks Kathryn Covens for the eARC, I am without a doubt going to need a physical copy to add to my shelf💞
P.S don’t hurt my babies, my heart can’t take it
September 17, 2024
This was an ARC read for me which was really cool!!
I thought this was really fun and I’m excited to read the next one to find out what happens
I thought this was really fun and I’m excited to read the next one to find out what happens
October 17, 2024
“Just because something appears harmless doesn’t mean it can’t do harm.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forgotten Ashes - Book 1 of the Iolite Academy is a paranormal romance of shifters and elemental magic with fast paced action, swoonworthy romance, witty banter, and a badfass FMC. I absolutely could not put this book down! It had everything I wanted, and more!
The world building was easy to follow yet complex with a hierarchy of power of Alphas and Lunas (Lucas/Ivy) along with their second in command, Beta-Alpha/Luna (Grayson/Briar). Firstly can we talk about the chapter titles?! “The Rose” 🌹 and “The Moon” 🌕 - I absolutely loved the subtleness in these titles defining the dual POV between the 2 characters. The magic system is pretty neat - the book revolving around shifters is so awesome, each animal gave the characters so much personality (shoutout to Isaac ⛄️🐆 and Marcus 🐍, and heeeelllooo ASHER 👀). OFC we basically have a history of light vs dark going on - shifter packs vs demons/elementals and some hidden identities. TBH, all the plot twists for me were unpredictable, but I also wasn’t trying to predict anything - I utterly was just enjoying the ride, and devoured this book so fast.
The character development was sooo strong! I normally hate an overly confident MC, but Briar🌹 was PERFECTION - her constant want to be the best she could be and maintaining her power and strength, but she was also so humble and recognized and acknowledged others’ strength when credit was due (aka Kenna🦁). I adore her relationship with Isaac and Marcus 🥹, they were perfect st*bby side characters. Grayson can go in the Tamlin category of walking red flags and “needing to make up your gah damn mind”.
The romance was swoon-worthy, and light - just the perfect amount if you ask me. There were scenes that had me giggling and sighing, even squealing. I loved it when Briar was caught off guard in more ways than another. Her feelings were raw and relatable, which made it easy to sympathize with her and feel what she was going through. I still want some kind of confrontation though from Briar to Grayson to clear up the eavesdropped convo b/t Grayson and his father though… I would loooove to hear Grayson’s excuse of an answer 🤨
The plot was heavy throughout the book. It was action packed, had me on the edge of my seat and intrigued the whole way through. The buildup was perfect, the cliffhanger had me on a chokehold. I read the last page and a quarter 3 times to make sure I knew what in the world was going on. I felt disbelief, shock, and absolute depression (bc I have to now wait till 2025 for Book 2). ☹️ - will be impatiently waiting, Kathryn 🥹
TROPES:
🌹Found Family
🌖Dark Academia
🌹Enchanted Forest
🌖Shifters
🌹Enemies to Lovers
🌖Demons & Carnage
🌹Secret & Deception
🌖Elemental Magic
FAVE QUOTES:
“Even the strongest predator is vulnerable alone”
“Sometimes violence was the only universal language in the realm.”
“The darkness would not steal my last breath today”
Thank you so much to Kathryn Covens for the chance the read this! I have pre-ordered my signed copy and cannot wait to get my hands on it! Hands down one of my fave books of 2024, and of all time!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forgotten Ashes - Book 1 of the Iolite Academy is a paranormal romance of shifters and elemental magic with fast paced action, swoonworthy romance, witty banter, and a badfass FMC. I absolutely could not put this book down! It had everything I wanted, and more!
The world building was easy to follow yet complex with a hierarchy of power of Alphas and Lunas (Lucas/Ivy) along with their second in command, Beta-Alpha/Luna (Grayson/Briar). Firstly can we talk about the chapter titles?! “The Rose” 🌹 and “The Moon” 🌕 - I absolutely loved the subtleness in these titles defining the dual POV between the 2 characters. The magic system is pretty neat - the book revolving around shifters is so awesome, each animal gave the characters so much personality (shoutout to Isaac ⛄️🐆 and Marcus 🐍, and heeeelllooo ASHER 👀). OFC we basically have a history of light vs dark going on - shifter packs vs demons/elementals and some hidden identities. TBH, all the plot twists for me were unpredictable, but I also wasn’t trying to predict anything - I utterly was just enjoying the ride, and devoured this book so fast.
The character development was sooo strong! I normally hate an overly confident MC, but Briar🌹 was PERFECTION - her constant want to be the best she could be and maintaining her power and strength, but she was also so humble and recognized and acknowledged others’ strength when credit was due (aka Kenna🦁). I adore her relationship with Isaac and Marcus 🥹, they were perfect st*bby side characters. Grayson can go in the Tamlin category of walking red flags and “needing to make up your gah damn mind”.
The romance was swoon-worthy, and light - just the perfect amount if you ask me. There were scenes that had me giggling and sighing, even squealing. I loved it when Briar was caught off guard in more ways than another. Her feelings were raw and relatable, which made it easy to sympathize with her and feel what she was going through. I still want some kind of confrontation though from Briar to Grayson to clear up the eavesdropped convo b/t Grayson and his father though… I would loooove to hear Grayson’s excuse of an answer 🤨
The plot was heavy throughout the book. It was action packed, had me on the edge of my seat and intrigued the whole way through. The buildup was perfect, the cliffhanger had me on a chokehold. I read the last page and a quarter 3 times to make sure I knew what in the world was going on. I felt disbelief, shock, and absolute depression (bc I have to now wait till 2025 for Book 2). ☹️ - will be impatiently waiting, Kathryn 🥹
TROPES:
🌹Found Family
🌖Dark Academia
🌹Enchanted Forest
🌖Shifters
🌹Enemies to Lovers
🌖Demons & Carnage
🌹Secret & Deception
🌖Elemental Magic
FAVE QUOTES:
“Even the strongest predator is vulnerable alone”
“Sometimes violence was the only universal language in the realm.”
“The darkness would not steal my last breath today”
Thank you so much to Kathryn Covens for the chance the read this! I have pre-ordered my signed copy and cannot wait to get my hands on it! Hands down one of my fave books of 2024, and of all time!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
Forgotten Ashes will probably make my list of favorite reads for 2024. I went into it not really remembering the blurb about it so I went blind, but was instantly drawn in by Briar. I stayed for the strong female characters, the banter, the dark academia vibes, the shifters, the creatures from other realms…The relationships between all the characters were so well written. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. I can’t wait for the second book to come out. That ending! I love when a book can still surprise me.
September 9, 2024
The only thing I disliked about this book is that now I have to wait for the next book to come out! This is one of those books that keep you up until 3AM.
How refreshing to read such a well written fantasy novel about shifters that has enough world building and suspense to stay interesting from beginning to end.
I loved Briar. She is a strong character, and I am fully invested in seeing what happens with her in the next release.
How refreshing to read such a well written fantasy novel about shifters that has enough world building and suspense to stay interesting from beginning to end.
I loved Briar. She is a strong character, and I am fully invested in seeing what happens with her in the next release.
September 10, 2024
What a ride! Kathryn, this is an incredible book.
I finished this in less than a day! It was such an easy read. It flowed perfectly, and it was amazingly paced.
The characters were all written great.
The FMC is a bad**s, she is strong and independent. Proving she doesn't need no man, but she would still like a man.
The main love interest well. He needs to grow up and realise our FMC is super strong on her own and to stop putting her down.
Now the plot 🤯. The plot was fast-paced and super interesting from the start. And that ending?! I am ready for more.
I finished this in less than a day! It was such an easy read. It flowed perfectly, and it was amazingly paced.
The characters were all written great.
The FMC is a bad**s, she is strong and independent. Proving she doesn't need no man, but she would still like a man.
The main love interest well. He needs to grow up and realise our FMC is super strong on her own and to stop putting her down.
Now the plot 🤯. The plot was fast-paced and super interesting from the start. And that ending?! I am ready for more.
September 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
🫑
My mind is blown by this arc.
Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege to read this before it comes out. Holy crap on a cracker this book, first book in this *one day* 🤞🏻 will be series is .. phenomenal!!
Picture this:
An Academy like Hogwarts, minus the witchcraft, add in shifters that fight demons instead of death eaters.
Now let’s sprinkle it with the love triangle of Fourth Wing.
Holy crap on a cracker … AGAIN. Hooked.
That ending.. like honestly. Didn’t see it coming. Is book 2 out yet?!
Perfection. Loved it. Highly recommend.
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy Romance
Publication Day: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
🫑
My mind is blown by this arc.
Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege to read this before it comes out. Holy crap on a cracker this book, first book in this *one day* 🤞🏻 will be series is .. phenomenal!!
Picture this:
An Academy like Hogwarts, minus the witchcraft, add in shifters that fight demons instead of death eaters.
Now let’s sprinkle it with the love triangle of Fourth Wing.
Holy crap on a cracker … AGAIN. Hooked.
That ending.. like honestly. Didn’t see it coming. Is book 2 out yet?!
Perfection. Loved it. Highly recommend.
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy Romance
Publication Day: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
November 5, 2024
Wow! Wonderful debut upper YA novel!
The story was original, intriguing, and entertaining. There were a couple of twists - one I did not see coming and the other I was pretty sure would happen. The FMC is top-notch.
I would definitely recommend this book for a fun, quick read, and I can't wait to read book two!
The story was original, intriguing, and entertaining. There were a couple of twists - one I did not see coming and the other I was pretty sure would happen. The FMC is top-notch.
I would definitely recommend this book for a fun, quick read, and I can't wait to read book two!
October 18, 2025
I’m gonna go ahead and save you time, stop reading the reviews. Go read this book because it really is THAT good.
This is easily my favorite book this year and one of my top five reads of all time.
The story is exciting and engaging and the characters are top notch. I’m beyond ready for book 2.
Please go read it right now so we can talk theories.
This is easily my favorite book this year and one of my top five reads of all time.
The story is exciting and engaging and the characters are top notch. I’m beyond ready for book 2.
Please go read it right now so we can talk theories.
September 25, 2024
Thank you Kathryn for the ARC!! I loved it!
Wow!!! I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. The fucking plot twist wrecked me!!!! Did NOT expect that last chapter🥲I haven’t been this surprised in a long time!
I loved the story, as well as the easy world building and the character development, especially in such a short book! It was so well written and original. Basically what ZA wanted to accomplish, but way less cringe and not as horrifyingly long.
I’m gonna need book 2 asap!!!
Wow!!! I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. The fucking plot twist wrecked me!!!! Did NOT expect that last chapter🥲I haven’t been this surprised in a long time!
I loved the story, as well as the easy world building and the character development, especially in such a short book! It was so well written and original. Basically what ZA wanted to accomplish, but way less cringe and not as horrifyingly long.
I’m gonna need book 2 asap!!!
September 24, 2024
This was an ARC I honestly forgot signing up for and damn I've never been more glad to have been selected. I'm obsessed. Literally could NOT put this down...probably one of my favorite reads of this year and I'm already wishing for book 2. Definitely worth picking up!!
There's shifters, demons, fae...basically everything that I like and it did not disappoint
There's shifters, demons, fae...basically everything that I like and it did not disappoint
Read
September 8, 2024Review coming soon
September 16, 2024
Maravilloso🤌 Al principio estaba insegura de ciertas cosas, pero PERO
Me he quedado loca, necesito el siguiente libro para ayer
Me he quedado loca, necesito el siguiente libro para ayer
December 2, 2024
4.5🌟
Me han mentido durante todo el libro y yo de estupida me lo creía
Me han mentido durante todo el libro y yo de estupida me lo creía
September 29, 2024
Just finished the book and honestly, I don’t know where to begin.
This was a fast read for me. Took me two days and that was surprisingly fast for me.
I can’t put the book down!
I’ve been a fan of shifter stories but this one was to another level. It was not hard for me to enter the world of the Othniel Pack along with Iolite Academy. It was simple and yet there were still intricate descriptions that made it different.
The story revolves around a shifter named Briar Lennox who can’t really fully shift. But despite what others think is her weakness, there is a secret that she tries to hide carefully, or else the home she loves will be taken away from her, including the people who had saved her and protected her secret. She had already lost one, Grayson, the boy she grew up with and the boy she would follow to the ends of the world with. Well, that was before she found out what she really meant to him.
But then her world changed when creatures that were supposed to cease to exist showed up right in front of her which made her save one of the royals, earning her the trust of a brooding dark daddy in the form of the Moon Fox Prince, named Asher.
I wanted to say more but that would be spoiling things to you, which of course I wouldn’t dare do.
This is a great introduction in a series and trust me when I say that there’s no dull moment. I was surprised at how engrossed I was with the book that I didn’t notice I was almost at 90% of it.
I have so many questions and book two isn’t coming fast enough.
But then again, I just know that it was worth the wait!
There are moments when I feel like seeing Dain Aetos in the form of Grayson and I wanted to hurt him in many possible ways but I stopped myself.
This is definitely a book that you shouldn’t miss.
If you love shifter stories with a mix of demons and fae professors who hold grudges. And love a shadow daddy with an overprotective unsure Alpha who can’t really decide if he is protecting you or distrusting your life choices, then you came to the right book. Trust me you will love this story.
This was a fast read for me. Took me two days and that was surprisingly fast for me.
I can’t put the book down!
I’ve been a fan of shifter stories but this one was to another level. It was not hard for me to enter the world of the Othniel Pack along with Iolite Academy. It was simple and yet there were still intricate descriptions that made it different.
The story revolves around a shifter named Briar Lennox who can’t really fully shift. But despite what others think is her weakness, there is a secret that she tries to hide carefully, or else the home she loves will be taken away from her, including the people who had saved her and protected her secret. She had already lost one, Grayson, the boy she grew up with and the boy she would follow to the ends of the world with. Well, that was before she found out what she really meant to him.
But then her world changed when creatures that were supposed to cease to exist showed up right in front of her which made her save one of the royals, earning her the trust of a brooding dark daddy in the form of the Moon Fox Prince, named Asher.
I wanted to say more but that would be spoiling things to you, which of course I wouldn’t dare do.
This is a great introduction in a series and trust me when I say that there’s no dull moment. I was surprised at how engrossed I was with the book that I didn’t notice I was almost at 90% of it.
I have so many questions and book two isn’t coming fast enough.
But then again, I just know that it was worth the wait!
There are moments when I feel like seeing Dain Aetos in the form of Grayson and I wanted to hurt him in many possible ways but I stopped myself.
This is definitely a book that you shouldn’t miss.
If you love shifter stories with a mix of demons and fae professors who hold grudges. And love a shadow daddy with an overprotective unsure Alpha who can’t really decide if he is protecting you or distrusting your life choices, then you came to the right book. Trust me you will love this story.
September 27, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up ✨
I honestly couldn’t put Forgotten Ashes down once I started it, and read most of it in one sitting until the early hours of the morning.
The majority of the book is set at Iolite Academy, which is a magical school for all sorts of magical beings (think fae, shifters, sirens, and foxes etc). The FMC, Briar, is starting at Iolite Academy, and must fight for her hard-earned place as Luna of the Shifter pack there. I really loved Briar’s determination, attitude, and strength despite having her apparent ‘weaknesses’ thrown in her face by others. Briar’s confidence in herself is definitely something I wish I have. The banter between herself and her Pack Rite rival, Kenna, was hilarious and really refreshing to see as well!
I found the pacing to be perfect, and the plot moved along without stalling or dragging. As book 1 in a series, Forgotten Ashes sets up the foundation without giving too much away to begin with. Just enough of Briar’s dangerous secret and little crumbs about her past to keep the reader intrigued. I definitely cannot wait for the next one, especially after the ending of book 1. As soon as I finished it I had to go back and read certain parts again!
Forgotten Ashes is an Upper YA fantasy novel from debut author, Kathryn Covens. If you love found family, magic academies, secrets and deception, and elemental magic you should definitely add this to your TBR!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion.
I honestly couldn’t put Forgotten Ashes down once I started it, and read most of it in one sitting until the early hours of the morning.
The majority of the book is set at Iolite Academy, which is a magical school for all sorts of magical beings (think fae, shifters, sirens, and foxes etc). The FMC, Briar, is starting at Iolite Academy, and must fight for her hard-earned place as Luna of the Shifter pack there. I really loved Briar’s determination, attitude, and strength despite having her apparent ‘weaknesses’ thrown in her face by others. Briar’s confidence in herself is definitely something I wish I have. The banter between herself and her Pack Rite rival, Kenna, was hilarious and really refreshing to see as well!
I found the pacing to be perfect, and the plot moved along without stalling or dragging. As book 1 in a series, Forgotten Ashes sets up the foundation without giving too much away to begin with. Just enough of Briar’s dangerous secret and little crumbs about her past to keep the reader intrigued. I definitely cannot wait for the next one, especially after the ending of book 1. As soon as I finished it I had to go back and read certain parts again!
Forgotten Ashes is an Upper YA fantasy novel from debut author, Kathryn Covens. If you love found family, magic academies, secrets and deception, and elemental magic you should definitely add this to your TBR!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion.
September 28, 2024
Thank you so much to Kathryn Covens for the ARC copy of Forgotten Ashes!
I really enjoyed the world, and it’s been so long since I’ve read a shifter book. I liked that while they all belong in a pack, they’re not necessarily all the same animal! I also liked the blend of Solar and Lunar courts, as well as Fae, Demons, and other races/species while those weren’t the main focus.
Once the FMC meets the rest of the cast I was hooked!
The addition of Grayson, Issac, Kenna, and Asher truly gave the book everything I needed. The banter between Kenna and Briar was great, and I absolutely loved the dynamic between them- from beginning to end.
I have entirely mixed feelings about everyone else and I won’t expand on that because of potential spoilers, but I have a feeling that it’s not going to go how we think it is set up to.
I loved Briar as an FMC- strong, cunning, with a take no shit attitude that I truly appreciate in a main character.
I’ll be not so patiently waiting for Abandoned Bonds, because the cliffhanger got me good and I really need to all my questions answered and I need to see where these relationships go!
I really enjoyed the world, and it’s been so long since I’ve read a shifter book. I liked that while they all belong in a pack, they’re not necessarily all the same animal! I also liked the blend of Solar and Lunar courts, as well as Fae, Demons, and other races/species while those weren’t the main focus.
Once the FMC meets the rest of the cast I was hooked!
The addition of Grayson, Issac, Kenna, and Asher truly gave the book everything I needed. The banter between Kenna and Briar was great, and I absolutely loved the dynamic between them- from beginning to end.
I have entirely mixed feelings about everyone else and I won’t expand on that because of potential spoilers, but I have a feeling that it’s not going to go how we think it is set up to.
I loved Briar as an FMC- strong, cunning, with a take no shit attitude that I truly appreciate in a main character.
I’ll be not so patiently waiting for Abandoned Bonds, because the cliffhanger got me good and I really need to all my questions answered and I need to see where these relationships go!
September 24, 2024
If I could give this more than five stars I definitely would!!
I finished this book in ONE DAY!!
That’s how good it was (to me at least)
I got hooked from the very beginning!! I even forgot I was reading a YA
Honestly I loved the vibes, the story plot, the omg wtf is going on moments, & the feels this book had me feeling.
Brair is a bad as$ FMC I LOVED HER!!
& I also really liked Kenna I felt bad for her towards the end.. & the fact that they clicked soo well Brair could do something about it or at least TRY!!
Anyways I loved how Brair had some people that really respected her and took her side!
Grayson pissed me off like he always seemed to doubt Brair he had no confidence in her..
This book was really good & I 10/10 recommend this one!
🖤shifters/demons/fae
🖤dark academia
🖤found family
🖤elemental magic
🖤secrets / deception
🖤st^bby side characters
🖤bad freaking as$ FMC
Can’t wait for book two!! ABANDONED BONDS 😬😬
Here are some of my fave quotes🖤
“Someone who sees their friend under attack and does nothing is the very worst kind of person. If the threat of defeat or failure stops you from taking action in service of the people you care about, you’re nothing but a coward.”
“Just because something appears harmless doesn’t mean it can’t do harm.”
“Sometimes violence was the only universal language in the realm.”
“Even the strongest predator is vulnerable alone.”
I finished this book in ONE DAY!!
That’s how good it was (to me at least)
I got hooked from the very beginning!! I even forgot I was reading a YA
Honestly I loved the vibes, the story plot, the omg wtf is going on moments, & the feels this book had me feeling.
Brair is a bad as$ FMC I LOVED HER!!
& I also really liked Kenna I felt bad for her towards the end.. & the fact that they clicked soo well Brair could do something about it or at least TRY!!
Anyways I loved how Brair had some people that really respected her and took her side!
Grayson pissed me off like he always seemed to doubt Brair he had no confidence in her..
This book was really good & I 10/10 recommend this one!
🖤shifters/demons/fae
🖤dark academia
🖤found family
🖤elemental magic
🖤secrets / deception
🖤st^bby side characters
🖤bad freaking as$ FMC
Can’t wait for book two!! ABANDONED BONDS 😬😬
Here are some of my fave quotes🖤
“Someone who sees their friend under attack and does nothing is the very worst kind of person. If the threat of defeat or failure stops you from taking action in service of the people you care about, you’re nothing but a coward.”
“Just because something appears harmless doesn’t mean it can’t do harm.”
“Sometimes violence was the only universal language in the realm.”
“Even the strongest predator is vulnerable alone.”
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