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Rising From Ash Saga: Shadowed Secrets

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My mind is still very much a prison, and the walls are creeping in.

After a witch tampers with my memories – not just any witch, my imposter of a mother – all my previous lives, lovers, and powers are all forgotten. Now people are being tortured left and right for my whereabouts.

Victor is scheming with the Militia. My own brother. Trying to kill me.

Centuries swirl around in my memories now that the poison I was being fed has worn off. The me from those memories isn’t the person I am today. What if the woman they need is the one who died all those years ago? Cassiopeia is the only one who can give me answers. Maybe Kieran can help me find her.

As new people, battles, and abilities line this path forward, the pressure from others to use these newfound powers for their gain has me questioning who to trust.

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read

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M.L. Barrie

4 books38 followers

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5 stars
34 (44%)
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42 (54%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren's  Library.
69 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2024
ARC review!!


Omg I need book 3 now!!!
Kieran has my heart ❤️
Ava is going to be a badass in book 3 I know it!
Aiden just ughhh!
This series is up there in my top 5 😁
Plot twists everywhere
Profile Image for Allyson Ward.
59 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2024
4🌟
ARC review
What a ride! This sequel picks up right where the first book ended. I think this was a solid sequel! The last half of the book I was constantly on the edge of my seat.

I’m thankful that we got more answers in this book! I felt constantly frustrated in the first one because Ava/we knew basically nothing and didn’t learn enough.

As for the love triangle in this series, I love how it developed into the book. I wish Ava had picked someone by the end of this book so hopefully in the next book she will! I will be devastated if she doesn’t choose Kieran 😆

Can’t wait for #3!
Profile Image for Amanda Kleinjan.
26 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MOIRA BARRIE. YOU CANNOT END BOOK 2 LIKE THIS AND BREAK MY HEART WITHOUT ANSWERS 😭😭😭😭

This is book 2 of the Rising from Ash Saga, and because it’s face paced, you get pulled into Ava’s world quickly. Honestly I didn’t even realize I was reading it as fast as I did, because it played like a romance/fantasy/action movie in my head!

I love that we got to see Ava grow into her powers more as well as grow closer to certain people she didn’t expect would mean so much to her, but there’s a lot of twists and turns that come out of nowhere and keep you guessing!

The ending was a whirlwind, but totally amazing and I was rooting for Ava the entire time, and now that we know she gets most of her memories back, book 3 will probably be the most intense read of the series, because she will have to make a choice between Aiden and Kieran knowing what will happen to the one she doesn’t choose. 🫢

I’m truly invested in this series, and I will legitimately sell you my kidney for book 3 immediately. I have so many questions and I am ready to cry from the bonus chapter. 😭

#TeamIce 😤🧊❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bethany Cole.
30 reviews
November 13, 2024
ACR review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕕 𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤
Rising From Ash Saga book 2
By @m.l.berrie

I love when there’s no beating around the bush and the second book in a series takes right off from where we left book one! So many questions were answered from Lost in Embers but now I have so many more 😂🙃 The slow burn is burning and I neeeeed to know who Ava chooses!! 😫 So ready for book 3!!

Shadowed Secrets releases Nov 15!

•Fated Mates
•Family secrets
•Slow Burn
•Past lives
•Magic systems

*He grabs my arms and places them above my head. “I said STAY. Don’t make me tell you again.”* 🫡🫡🫡👀🫠
Profile Image for Jerri Boley.
3 reviews
November 10, 2024
Good, solid follow up to book one. Many questions answered and many more created! Loved finding out who was bad/good (maybe?). The story is developing into an interesting read for sure!
Profile Image for Bella Powers.
58 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2024
Shadowed Secrets is an action-packed thrill ride that had me hooked from start to finish! The pacing is relentless, and the stakes keep getting higher with each chapter. I especially loved Kieran—such a complex and compelling character who brings depth to every scene. He’s definitely the standout for me. On the flip side, Aidan has quickly become the character I love to hate; he's infuriating in all the worst ways.
Ava, though... I absolutely adore her, but sometimes I just want to shake her silly! She keeps running back to Aidan when Kieran is RIGHT THERE. It’s maddening, but I can’t help rooting for her anyway.
Overall, this sequel does not disappoint, and I’m already counting down the days until Book 3! M.L. Barrie knows how to keep readers on edge.

4⭐️
2.5 🌶 (not many scenes, but they are well done)
98 reviews
October 21, 2024
Shadowed Secrets is the second book in the Rising From Ash series. In this book we finally get to see most of the secrets that have been hidden from Ava. We get to learn more about Aiden and Kieran and the others. We get to meet new friends. There are twists and turns and betrayals. I loved this book, more so than I loved the first book even.

I'm honestly glad that M.L. Barrie didn't disclose all the information in the first book. It was so frustrating but figuring things out right along with Ava made it so much greater of a read. I am so torn for Ava and the choice she has to make between Aiden and Kieran. They are both so different and so great in their own ways. My heart broke right along with Ava over the "death" of Leila.

I absolutely love Ava's sense of humor. Some of the things she says in her inner monologue are hilarious! I love that she can keep a positive attitude no matter the circumstances. There were times that I was thinking "how on Earth is she over that already" but I think that's just the way Ava is and it makes her so wonderful.

The only thing I wish for this book is that we could feel their emotions a bit more. It didn't have that emotional grip on me like other books I've read (except for a couple parts) It didn't take away from the book at all, just made it a little less heart wrenching at times. Don't get me wrong, I loved this book, I just wish I could have went inside Ava, Aiden and Kieran's head a bit more.

Overall this is an excellent book with romance, a little spice and it's action packed. I was never bored reading this either, it held my attention and I had a hard time putting it down to get back to real life responsibilities! I really hope we don't have to wait too long for book three, I can't wait to see what happens next!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for lizface.
190 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2024
Starting right where things ended in Lost In Embers.
Ava is still stuck between her two loves, Aiden and Kieran. As she struggles to understand her pull to each of them more powers come to surface and she must learn to control them.
While some memories begin to surface Ava still has some of the most important ones blocked from her. How can she understand everything if she’s missing those pieces?
All the while her own brother is working with the militia to find her. And end her and anyone who stands in their way.


Book 2 in the Rising From Ash Saga gave a whole bunch of backstory for our characters. And for that it took me much longer to read than the first book. I think it was all necessary to understand what is to come. I love that Aiden & Kieran each love Ava in their own ways. The ending was by far my favorite part. You get so much understanding in Ava and Aiden’s relationship in their past lives. 💔
Profile Image for Samantha Thompson.
28 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2024
Arc Review ahead:

My second great read from author M.L. Barrie with a solid 4🌟’s. This one took me a little to get a groove with. Honestly, I think many second books in a series can do that. A lot of details, more of the how and why. We had to sift our way through what I felt were many poor choices made by Ava, our FMC and mystery bringer. While she does continue to have a heart of gold, what is motivating her leads others to confusion. I’m still trying to figure out Aiden’s true motives. Did he love Ava with his whole heart and soul at some point? Absolutely, yes! Is there to more to what driving him now? I think it’s a great possibility! And what about Kieran? What I first thought was pure love and adornment is giving me vibes of obsession and possible heartbreak or more. Many other new characters making their entrance and of course Ava’s trusty sidekick Layla but, I think there is more to her 4 legged friend than we know yet.
11 reviews
November 25, 2024
Book 2 is so far better than book 1. I haven't yet finished this but that's only because I'm a bit of a slow reader and haven't given myself time to read this.
Characters, I prefer Kieran to Aidan as he sees Ava whereas at the moment Aiden doesn't. He still just sees what is missing whereas Kieran wants to help her move forward. To be honest if Aidan dropped down dead I wouldn't mind at all.
This one flows better even though a lot happens at the beginning, it's not confusing and you don't lose the flow. It works. There is also a lot more revealed in this one in terms of what is going on. Which is good, not being left in the dark is good. I've heard the ending is quite something which I will eventually get to.
So far overall definitely better than the first but only time will tell how it pans out in the end.
Profile Image for Samantha Mannone.
70 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2024
Book 2 of this series picks up where book 1 ends. The men are still aggravating and keeping information from Ava. Ava continues to come into more of her power, and with that, more of her memories start to surface. We start to meet some more characters that take on more active roles in the storyline. Zalethia is a fave of mine. Shamus is starting to grow on me while Kai has golden retriever vibes to me. The battle of who Ava should and shouldn't trust is definitely a major theme in this book and I feel for her as she's trying to navigate all these huge changes in her life while trying to keep herself alive. She has to make a choice, Aidan or Kieran, which is not an easy one for her. Especially when so much information is being kept from her. There's a lot that goes on in this part of the series, and I can't wait to read the 3rd book and find out how it ends!
272 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2024
OMG can the third book be out now please?! At first it was a little slow, but I knew it would get really good. I think after about 100 pages, it really picked up and I just couldn't put it down. Not going to lie I am not a fan of Aidan at all! Way too possessive and bossy, I get why but come on! I am absolutely team Kieran, total sweetheart! I was so pissed off about Dino and Sofia, I just didn't see that coming. The story got soooo good and I just feel so bad that Ava just couldn't get a break at all! But I know everything will work out for her in the end. All of the characters are just so great in this book! I would recommend this to anyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marissa Lynn - -The Bookish Horsegirl-.
88 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2024
Shadowed Secrets is book 2 of the Rising From Ash Saga
We are following our FMC Ava, through her live triangle with our MMCs Kieran and Aidan.
This book picks up where we left off in book 1 And immediately dives back into the action of Ava’s struggles as she continues to uncover the secrets of her past lives as well as her power And destiny.
I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout this book as well as the guest over and I NEED TO KNOW who she will choose!
Can’t wait for book 3!

If you love a refreshing take on fantasy romance, with a fabulous good slow burn along with lots of twists and turns, go add these now!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Brittany Nicole.
5 reviews
November 15, 2024
Rating: 5/5 Stars

I devoured Shadowed Secrets, the captivating second installment in M.L. Barrie's series, and I'm still reeling from the experience! Book one set the bar high, but this one surpassed my expectations.

The love triangle intensifies, and I'm unabashedly Team Kieran! The tension between the characters is palpable, and I'm invested in the emotional rollercoaster.

What stood out:

- Deeper backstories: Richer character development and intriguing revelations.
- Spicy twists: Steamy moments that left me breathless!

M.L. Barrie masterfully weaves suspense, romance, and drama, leaving me eagerly anticipating book three!

Don't miss this series!
Profile Image for Cathleen.
15 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2024
I received my copy as part of an ARC group.

The story picks up nicely where book 1 left off. We see Ava come more into her powers in this book. I like that a lot of questions are answered in this one. We find out how Kieran and Ava are tied together.

I did find myself annoyed at Ava’s repeated decisions to ignore that she has no idea what’s going on but still plowing headfirst into stupid situations. There’s being annoyed at being lied to and then there’s just stubborn stupidity.

Overall, the story itself is enjoyable and I am both eager to see who she chooses, and sad to know one of them must go. Looking forward to book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cassidy Untiedt.
66 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2024
Book 2 of the Rising From Ash Saga follows Ava, Kieran and Aidan through a “love triangle”. A story line of struggle, struggle to find memories, make Hard decisions, and conflict. Who will she choose? This book put me through all of the emotions and motions. I wanted to roll my eyes with along with the FMC, throw my kindle and cry. ML Barrie how dare you mess with me like that LOL! I cannot wait
to read book 3. if you have not already read book 1 Lost in Embers, and then snag this book, Shadowed Secrets. She has done a good job with the story lines and I didn’t want to put this one down!
Profile Image for Dani.
11 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2024
This sequel was action packed, lots of twists and turns and I now have a full blown book hangover. I love watching the FMC become strong and independent after being a very confused girl in the first book. I’m fully invested in the love triangle going on. Im so anxious to see who Ava chooses! There was a lot of information in this book and I’m so glad that a lot of questions I had after reading the first book were answered. Although the next and final book can go in so many different directions I truly can’t wait to read it!
22 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2024
ARC review

This is the second book In the series and it starts from the ending of the first book. In this book we got to know Ava more and uncover more about her. Much like the first book this had me hooked and on the edge of my seat at some moments when the action and uncovering parts of the past of the main characters.

The love triangle, really developed in this book and I can’t wait to see who Ava ends up and who she will choose. My personal favourite is Kieran at the moment. Can’t wait for book 3 really enjoying this series.
Profile Image for jessi_reading_corner .
149 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2024
I love Ava!!!

From the very first page I was hooked, again! M.L. Barrie just has a way with words1

Even with the book being a sequel, it was just as good, if not better then book one!!

I was so desperate to find out who Ava picked and if she was going to get her memories back!!

The cliff hanger was absolutely brutal!!!!!

I do feel Ava needs to believe in herself more, she would be truly unstoppable then!
Beautiful fantasy romance with a fantastic plot twist with lots of turns to keep you on your toes.
3 reviews
November 19, 2024
This is Book 2 of the Rising From Ash Saga.

This book picks up where we left off in book 1 and immediately dives right back into the action of Ava’s life as she continues to uncover the secrets of her past lives as well as her power and destiny.

I was just as captivated by book two as I was with book one and I cannot wait for book three! I need to know who she ends up picking!

If you love a fresh take on romance fantasy with a slow burn with more twists then you can count this is for you!
2 reviews
November 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book much more than the first! It draws you in as a reader from the beginning to the end. We continue to learn about this magical world while Ava continues to develop as a character. As the story progresses we get more action, more insight into Ava’s past, and deeper into a love triangle. She is faced with an impossible choice with damning consequences. I cannot wait to see what she decides and how everyone will affected!
Profile Image for Kathryn C.
20 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2024
Just when you thought the FIRST book was good, Ms Barrie turns around and hits us with a GEM! I was a little sad at the beginning of the book, but that turned around before the halfway point, so all was “forgiven” (lol). I am also OBSESSED with this love triangle that she has woven. The FMC is still just as awesome, if not more so, than in the first book and the two MMCs each have their own pros. Cannot WAIT to read the next!
Profile Image for Sarah Wakeman.
70 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2024
Got things going right where we left off with Ava and she is really stepping into this new role! I loved diving deeper into the magic and background of what happened and how she got here.

What about a love triangle gets us going so much? Growing up on Twilight I guess 😂😂.

I can’t wait to see where we end up with this series. I loved getting to know the characters and understanding the plot more! Can’t wait for book three!
Profile Image for Katie Hogle.
11 reviews
November 2, 2024
Man this book has a lot going on. I am not sure my brain has processed all the revelations that took place. Lots to unpack, we get to see even more into the magical word Ava finds herself in. Lots more action than the first one (heck yes blow some stuff up!) and tons more adorable moments between Ava and Kieran. Aiden has some good moments but I am firmly team Kieran after this book!
Profile Image for Eva Lima.
2 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2024
✨ ARC review! ✨

Man I need the 3rd book so badly!!! Shadowed Secrets, second book in the Rising From Ash Saga was full of plot twists and kept us on the edge of are seats.

Ava are FMC is still learning the ways of this new world but finally finds some of the answers she has been searching for.

The big answer is who will she pick? Kieran or Aidan!!
(I am totally team Kieran!!❤️)
14 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2024
great sequel

Often you get a sequel and it doesn’t live up to the first book and you feel like it’s a space filler until the final book. That was not the case here. This book had everything and it has me so excited for the next. The next book can’t get here fast enough bc I need to see what happens to our girl and see who she ends up with!!!#teamkirean
7 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2024
LOVED how this picked up where it left off and dived right in! I am ready for book 3 and too see where Ava lands in her love triangle!
This is definitely a slow burn romance fantasy buuuut will keep you on your toes with the twists and turns. So many questions were answered but created a lot of new ones for me! This has left me in a book hangover! I’m ready for book 3!
19 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2024
The second book of the series was a strong addition! You dive deeper into Ava’s world. She is torn between Aiden and Kieran. Some of your questions are answered and new questions arise. We are still in the dark with some things (which I don’t mind! It makes me want to continue the series!) Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am so excited for the next one!
7 reviews
November 22, 2024
Second in a slow burn series. More info this time but still lots of mystery to solve. Ava is coming into her own more in this book and will be even more bada$$ in the third one. Totally Team Ice! And will Layla end up being something more than her loyal dog? I have my own theories but can't wait to find out what ML Barrie has in store for us!
2 reviews
December 3, 2024
solid follow up to book one and continued flow of the storyline!
Many questions were answered but so many more to find the answers too!
Loved seeing the different side of some characters and making you wonder who was bad/good (maybe?). The story is developing into an interesting read for sure!
Cannot wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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