Bride of Ashena and the 2nd Son

Bride of Ashena Duology #2

by Agneeshikha .

500 years before Theo and Neith, a forbidden love blooms under the blood moon's crimson gaze...

Zina, a young widow haunted by her past, returns to the town of her childhood, only to become entangled with Damian, the second son of the powerful Ashenford family. As Damian grapples with the demands of his family legacy and the weight of duty to his brother, Lucas, the Ashena alpha, an ancient prophecy stirs, threatening to upend their lives.

Caught between clan politics and the forces of fate, Zina and Damian's deepening bond faces its ultimate test. Will Damian choose love over duty, or does fate have other plans?

In this spellbinding prequel to Bride of Ashena, passion and peril intertwine as love, destiny, and magic collide under the watchful eye of the blood moon.

Genres: Novella, Historical Fiction

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

Agneeshikha is a published author, mostly of peer-reviewed research papers and academic book chapters, where the drama is strictly theoretical. Born and raised in India, she pursued her postgraduate studies in England before moving to Italy for her PhD. By day, she is a researcher, navigating the world of academia with citations and conference deadlines. By night (and after at least five cups of coffee), she trades footnotes for fiction, writing stories filled with slow-burn romance, goofy MMCs, witty banter, and characters who may or may not suffer from existential crisis.

Reviews

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Blend of Magic, Mystery, and Emotion

This novel is part of a fantasy romance genre and features a rich, immersive world, a story about a woman who becomes entangled in the complex politics, mysticism, and power struggles of the world of Ashena. The book centers around the protagonist being selected as a bride for a powerful and an enigmatic figure. Themes of destiny, love and sacrifice are at the forefront, as the heroine must navigate her role in a world where she has little control over her future. The romance is central to the plot, but it is not just a straightforward love story—there’s significant focus on the tension between her duty towards a family but equally to her personal desires as well. Anyone who read this will surely find this book compelling because of its intricate world-building, character development, and the emotional complexity of the relationships. The blend of romance with elements of power dynamics and mysticism adds layers of intrigue, making it appealing to readers who enjoy fantasy romance with strong emotional stakes.
This Duology’s part #2 “Bride of Ashena and the Second Son” follows the journey of a second-born son, a character who is often overshadowed by his older sibling and must carve out his own path in the world, Damian. The book explores themes of identity, legacy and personal growth. It is also a story about a young man who is trying to break free from the expectations placed upon him by his family, society (or fate) and wanted to find his own voice in the world around him. There are strong elements of fantasy and perhaps some dystopian or historical undertones too but that is depending on what one sees under their perspective of the world Agneeshikha has created in this story.
The protagonist’s struggle with being the second son of a powerful family, where his older sibling is destined for greatness, creates emotional tension throughout the first part of the novel. There was an ambition, competition in self-desires for discovering one’s true calling, societal pressures and family legacy of a different species among humans. The book appeals to readers who enjoy such stories about personal discovery, sibling relationships and the complexity of family legacies.
I found Damian ‘Reserved and Stoic’ but equally Strong-Willed, Loyal and Protective. His struggles with Identity continues however his romantic side contrasts with his more somber, serious nature. And then there was Zena who had complex emotions like other usual girls of her age but she was compassionate and empathetic with being, in parallel, strong and independent too. But I feel her romantic character made her vulnerable too. Her interactions with Damian revealed a softer & more emotionally opened side of her outwardly tough personality.
For side characters, Isabel was the true love, for being such a lovely sister. She was gentle and caring. She had an innocence and purity but beneath her that gentle exterior, she possessed, or say held, a surprising inner strength. Her journey involved finding her own voice and becoming a key player in the story's resolution, showing that even those who appear passive can be crucial in shaping outcomes. She acted as the voice of reason or moral compass.
Both Zena and Isabel served differently but in complementary roles in the narrative as siblings, where Zena was bold, an independent heroine and Isabel was more reserved yet emotionally intelligent counterpart, offering balance to Zena’s strength which was coming from her only leftover family. Zena’s relationship with the Damian further develop her personality with possibly grappling, with a more complex and intense romance and Isabel on other hand serving as a stabilizing element in her supporting presence in this story being a nurturer and a close confidante, an emotional and kind support for Zena.
Mary was a mentor and a wise figure. Role of Mary made a steady presence in Zena’s life, someone who helped her rediscover her own strength and purpose. Mary was a symbol of hope and stability for both Isabel and Zena, as she never thought of a difference between either of them, even when Isabel was her own daughter and Zena, a niece.
Bride of Ashena and Second Son by Agneeshikha offered a captivating journey into a world full of rich lore, complex relationships, and compelling characters. The author does an excellent job of binding together elements of fantasy, culture and personal struggle, creating a narrative that’s both immersive and thought-provoking. Her protagonists were likely to be emotionally composite, facing internal and external struggles that challenged them to evolve. Agneeshikha’s characters seem to reflect not just their external situations, but their inner dilemmas and desires, making them relatable and compelling. This novel is deeply rooted in fantasy and romance, but in its own unique premise. It focuses more on personal growth and the complexities of familial relationships, particularly in a world where destiny and expectations collide. Agneeshikha weaved a cultural and social myth with threads of history.

The world-building in Bride of Ashena is one of its strongest aspects. Author crafted a vibrant setting that feels alive and grounded, full of intricate details that pull the reader deeper into the story. The magical elements are well thought out and the mythological influences are both fresh and familiar, making her woven world feel both unique and inviting.
The characters, particularly both the protagonists were very well developed, each scuffle with their own internal conflicts and motivations. The emotional depth in Second Son is also notable, as the characters navigate their personal battles against the backdrop of a larger, more dangerous world. While the plot occasionally moves a bit slowly, the author’s exploration of themes like duty, love and sacrifice more than makes up for it. The relationships between the characters, especially the central romance, Zena and Damian was complex and heartfelt, which adds a rich delightful layer of emotional investment to this beautiful rendering.
The pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections dragging but it never takes away from the overall enjoyment of the book. The author’s prose is generally smooth and engaging, though there are moments when the dialogue or descriptions could have been bit tightened up to avoid some minor lulls in the story.
Overall, this is an impressive book that showcase Agneeshikha’s talent for storytelling. If you’re a fan of well-crafted fantasy with an deeply emotional and coiled world-building, not just this but both these books of duology are definitely worth a read. While not flawless, this duology is an enjoyable and stimulating and will leave you eagerly anticipating for more from this author.
For those who enjoy historical incorporation of emotional depth and a blend of fantasy with clean romance, Agneeshikha will definitely appeal to you.

For me it is : 4.5/5.0

My Amazon review

[Sam.the_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was a light fast read. I loved reading the beginning of it all. The story of Zina and Damion was cute and sweet I defiantly didn’t see some of the events coming which made it so entertaining. There are lots of cosy vibes in this book. I enjoy werewolves stories. The tragedy of Zina’s husband made her feel so broken in a way but I loved how she learned to stand tall and take care of herself and be strong. It was a cute slow burn. But if you are looking for spice there is none here. I think the author did a great job crafting this story and now I can’t wait to read the next book.

Some of my favorite quotes

“I don’t wish for love.”

“What, don’t recognize me unless I have a black eye?”

“I see that you advanced your level in teasing the opposite gender.”

“It’s only fair. It seems you advanced in your beauty as well.”

“You mustn’t when there is another destined for you.”

“Marry now and you will suffer.”

“Blue Iris is a flower that reminds us to embrace our emotions, no matter how difficult they might be.”

“ life has a way of giving us new challenges, ones we never expected,”

“The problem with love, my boy, is that once you feel it for someone, your heart becomes incapable of finding perfection in anyone else.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance at love.”

“The only thing- the only person- that makes me simile, makes me want to breathe, is you.”

“The prophecy is not clear, and we cannot let tradition blind us to the possibility.”

“I want our history to be preserved.”

[Brianna Shrout · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up.

Thank you so much Agneeshikha for allowing me to be apart of this journey!

Full review over on Medium - https://medium.com/@briannashrout/bri...

[Riya Chouhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good that I finished this book in just one day ❤️
This book is the coziest book i ever read after book 1 of this series 😍❤️
The moment i read the prologue i knew that it was going to be my favourite read of the month 😍
This book is the prequel of the bride of ashena book 1 and i love the first book too so i was so excited to read the prequel and it did live up to my expectations ❤️
it satisfied my soul 🥰

This book is so  cozy 😊 that  it melts my heart ❤️ i love every word of this amazing book
Love the characters 🤩 the storyline was so good and at the  point
the writing was excellent 👌🏼
the book is so fast paced and well written that it kept me hooked till the ending .

I love the MMC 🥰 he is giving me DAMON SALVATORE vibes ❤️🤌🏼 and he ia an Alfa too 😍
And the banter between the MMC and FMC was so good ✨ it makes me giggle 🤭so many times . 
  And i am happy that this book contains some action and has shown some  werewolves ancient legacy( which i was missing in book 1) and have some vintage folklore vibes ✨
This author is now one of my favorite author and I am excited to read more of her works in the future 😌❤️
If you love some quick and cozy read do check this book  out 😍

[Readingwithrids · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agneeshikha's "The Second Son" is a masterpiece, with Damian and Zina's epic love story at its core. This breathtaking novel exceeds expectations, weaving a tale of forbidden passion, loyalty, and self-discovery.

Damian, the enigmatic werewolf, and Zina, the resilient heroine, embark on a slow-burning, emotionally charged romance that defies societal norms. Their love becomes a powerful force, transforming their lives and shaping the fate of Ashena.

Agneeshikha's writing is elegant and rich. Vivid descriptions transport readers to Ashena's world. It is
emotional with heart-wrenching moments, tender intimacy, and authentic characters.
The unpredictable twists and turns keep you enthralled till the very end.

Damian and Zina's chemistry was filled with sizzling tension, tender moments, and profound connection.
Damian's vulnerability and Zina's quiet strength was a perfect balance for the book.

"The Second Son" is a must-read for:

- Fans of epic romance, royal dramas, and fantasy.
- Fans of fast paced romances
- Anyone seeking a timeless, unforgettable love story.

Agneeshikha's "Bride of Ashena: The Second Son" has secured a permanent place on my book shelf.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick read and have previously read the first book then this is the read for you. This is the second book in the Ashena Duology series and takes place five hundred years before the first book. The first book was really good so I was very impressed with what the second book had in store.

We are introduced to Zina and Damian who both seem to be very unlucky. Zina is being forced to marry a man she doesn't and Damian is a second born son with very few prospects. When these two come together they are in for the adventure of a lifetime.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged to Beta read Bride of Ashena and the Second Son and immediately knew that this story had a lot of potential as a prequel novella.
As a result, I was so excited to see how the story would flourish in the ARC read.
The book didn't disappoint. Agneeshikha's prequel novella has bloomed beautifully into a paranormal romance about fate, honour, and following your heart. It deepened the lore of the Ashena clan in a really interesting way, building seamlessly on what we knew from Bride of Ashena.
It's perfect for a quick, cosy weekend read with a cup of tea and a blanket!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first of this duology, Bride of Ashena, I was more than pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the book. It's been months and I still think about this story! I had an opportunity to read the prequel, Bride of Ashena and the Second Son, and was so, so excited to dive back into the world! 


In the second of the duology, which is actually the prequel, we meet one of the two couples of prophecy that predated Theo and Neith from the first book. If you've read Bride of Ashena, you know why this is so critical and what the prophecy entails. If you haven't, you're missing out and you should go read it. Zina and Damien were childhood friends who reconnect after Zina returns to her hometown following the untimely death of her husband, which remains under the protection of the Ashenford clan, of which Damien is the second son. Lucas, the current alpha and Damien's older brother, meets an ironic demise, leaving Damien as the alpha of the Ashena pack. With the need for prophetic marriage that impacts the entire clan only months away, Damien must wed a human and fulfill the prophecy that occurs only every 500 years under the blood moon. Although Damien and Zina seemingly have a second chance at love in their small hometown, destiny, passion, magic, and political angst fuel conflict that threaten not only the lives of Damien and Zina, but the entire clan, town, and generations to come. 


Agneeshikha's second novel exceeded my expectations. Not only is the book on the shorter side, which makes it quick and easy to consume, it is written in a way that misses no necessary details and continues the magical, deep world that she began in Bride of Ashena. This story, and the writing, were even more enjoyable (not that the first book wasn't, as evidenced by my months-long connection to it), and led me into a fantasy realm that I didn't need to spend weeks to understand. If you're a fan of destiny, romance, fantasy, werewolves, prophecy, second chance romance, and opposites attract, this is a wonderful story!

[yawning & reading & learning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay here it is:
(screaming crying cause I finished the book today)

I honestly didn’t think I’d get this obsessed, but here I am totally in love. Lucas, Damian, and Zina felt so real, like I was actually living in Livanbridge with them.

When I was reading I imagine my favorite actors playing them, and it made everything more magical. This book gave me the comfort and creative spark I didn’t even know I was missing.It felt like the book was hugging me :)

And most importantly — I LOVE YOU,
my new favorite author <3
You gave me new fictional love interests and
casually raised my standards.

[Shivani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! The plot twists made it so interesting! And its the perfect size to finish in one sitting.

[Savannah Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, sweet, quick read! And the prequel I didn’t know I needed!

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to like this book because I loved the first one so much but this exceeded my expectations! I absolutely ate through this story!

I loved how we got to see the present tense in the last book and the past tense that kept being referenced in this one!

Absolutely love this book! Perfect for anyone who enjoys learning the lore, shifters, and a wonderful story!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Maddy Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t thank Agneeshikha enough for sending me this! I read Bride of Ashena a couple months ago and loved it, but I was obsessed Bride of Ashena and the Second Son!

It’s a prequel book to the Bride of Ashena and is set in the 1500s. I’m a sucker for a medieval romance and this just hit! I loved the romance between Zina and Damian was my favorite, and I loved the political aspect of the different family groups!

I’m so excited for the next book!