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The Ash Trials
The deadliest game is remembering who you are.
In the isolated prison of Ashguard where the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals await judgment, one yearly event offers both salvation and The Ash Trials.
Saffron Vale awakens in an Ashguard cell wearing a ruined wedding dress with no memory of who she is. As the only powerless human competing against murderous shifters and spellcasters, she must survive the six otherworldly trials that transform villains into legends—or she’ll die trying.
Her only allies? A childhood friend turned royal commander and a mysterious assassin who claims she’s the real monster in the prison. As competitors fall and ancient magic stirs, Saffron must uncover the was she truly an innocent bride, or something far more dangerous?
In the isolated prison of Ashguard where the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals await judgment, one yearly event offers both salvation and The Ash Trials.
Saffron Vale awakens in an Ashguard cell wearing a ruined wedding dress with no memory of who she is. As the only powerless human competing against murderous shifters and spellcasters, she must survive the six otherworldly trials that transform villains into legends—or she’ll die trying.
Her only allies? A childhood friend turned royal commander and a mysterious assassin who claims she’s the real monster in the prison. As competitors fall and ancient magic stirs, Saffron must uncover the was she truly an innocent bride, or something far more dangerous?
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
50 people are currently reading
2719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 13, 2025
This was a great intro book to what I think has potential to be a great fantasy series! This has gods, Brightborne (magic wielders that contain a drop of a gods magic), a sentient island that’s out for blood, witches who claim to be priestesses, and deadly trials.
When Saffron wakes up in a prison full of the most dangerous magic wielding criminals in a wedding dress, with no memories (not even her own name)…as a human. She learns she is to participate in the deadly Ash Trials. However, only one will survive to earn their freedom and the kings favor. With one ally who says he knows her from their past, but how much can she really trust someone she doesn’t remember. Is she just a hollow (a human) or something far worse.
As Saffron partakes in these deadly trials she finds unexpected allies, including a shadow fire assassin who she can’t quite seem to figure out whether he’s trying to kill her or help her. He also claims she’s the most dangerous prisoner in all of Ashguard. There is a love triangle and Saffron tries to remember her past, one childhood friend who claims to be her former betrothed, and someone she least expects to be drawn to, but with a pull she can’t deny.
The isle of Embermere is a burial ground of the 6 gods that used to rule, only to be contained, and they demand sacrifice. Whether it be at the hand of the trials, each other or the gods themselves. This world is full of monstrous creatures straight from the gods themselves.
This book is great for those who are looking for an easy fantasy read, if you’re looking for some epic high fantasy this probably isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a good fun time romantic fantasy read however, I think you will love this. The world building was easy to follow, unique magic, a touch her and die MMC x2 (this is not why choose however), and a story that will keep you turning pages. This does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s not one that will leave you staring at the wall for book 2.
When Saffron wakes up in a prison full of the most dangerous magic wielding criminals in a wedding dress, with no memories (not even her own name)…as a human. She learns she is to participate in the deadly Ash Trials. However, only one will survive to earn their freedom and the kings favor. With one ally who says he knows her from their past, but how much can she really trust someone she doesn’t remember. Is she just a hollow (a human) or something far worse.
As Saffron partakes in these deadly trials she finds unexpected allies, including a shadow fire assassin who she can’t quite seem to figure out whether he’s trying to kill her or help her. He also claims she’s the most dangerous prisoner in all of Ashguard. There is a love triangle and Saffron tries to remember her past, one childhood friend who claims to be her former betrothed, and someone she least expects to be drawn to, but with a pull she can’t deny.
The isle of Embermere is a burial ground of the 6 gods that used to rule, only to be contained, and they demand sacrifice. Whether it be at the hand of the trials, each other or the gods themselves. This world is full of monstrous creatures straight from the gods themselves.
This book is great for those who are looking for an easy fantasy read, if you’re looking for some epic high fantasy this probably isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a good fun time romantic fantasy read however, I think you will love this. The world building was easy to follow, unique magic, a touch her and die MMC x2 (this is not why choose however), and a story that will keep you turning pages. This does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s not one that will leave you staring at the wall for book 2.
February 24, 2025
OK, I'm ready to review this. I think. This was pretty bad, to be brutally honest. And I feel terrible saying that because I was provided with a free advance readers' copy, plus I've been following the author online for a couple of years now and she is such a nice person. But I do want to be honest, and I really didn't enjoy this book!
The premise is intriguing—a girl wakes up in a prison cell, in a wedding dress, with no memories, and is told she has to compete in these magical trials. Oh, and apparently she has no magic. Like I said, definitely intriguing.
The execution was poor, though. There were some typos here and there, but nothing TOO horrible. Here's what annoyed me:
1. Lack of accuracy/precision in the language used. I'm a bit surprised the author is a freelance writer (who seems to do pretty well for herself!) because there were definitely spots where I knew what she was trying to say, but she wasn't using the right word. For instance: "As he laughed at me, I felt an overwhelming urge to ring his neck." (That should be wring.) Or, "Near me, I heard a high-pitch cry." (Should be high-pitched.) Or, "Rachelle's expression harded." (Should be hardened.) Or, "And he would use Tristen and I like pawns on his chessboard." (Should be Tristen and me because the pronoun is the direct object of the sentence, and therefore needs to be in the objective case. Note: I observed this error A LOT.) And, finally, characters' eyes are described as "flickered" (as in, "His eyes flickered to Callum") when it should be flicked, as flickered makes no sense.
2. Poor flow. Characters were introduced without a name, which is fine, because the book is told in first person, so if the main character doesn't know the new person's name, that makes sense. However, the author would just randomly drop the character's name in without our main character having learnt it. Such as in the beginning, when introducing a high priestess. She's described as "she," then all of a sudden the story leaps into "Cassandra waved the priestess away..." Then, a few moments later, she introduces herself to the main character as "High Priestess Cassandra Wraithborn." So yeah, scenes like that happen a couple of times. (I think it happened with a character named Henry towards the end.) Very jarring and confusing.
3. Poor description and repeated words. I almost quit reading in the beginning when a certain character is described, twice within a minute of my reading, as having "dark black hair." Uh, there isn't really such a thing as light black. Black is black. It could be shiny, dull, matte, etc. But dark isn't the best adjective to pair with it. The book also opens with some repetition of the word "suffocating," and it was jarring.
4. Stuff that just plain didn't make sense. Look, I know this is a fantasy world, with magic and creatures that don't exist and such. But it's never okay to talk about hawks having teeth. BIRDS DO NOT HAVE TEETH! Especially birds of prey! Birds of prey have extremely sharp talons and hooked beaks that can rip meat. BUT THEY HAVE NO TEETH. Yet, this happens: "She shifted into a hawk, flapping powerful wings as she leapt into the sky and then dove after smaller birds with her razor-sharp teeth." AS A BIRD LOVER, THIS PAINS ME TO READ, MY FRIENDS. Also, I don't know many hawks who "caw." "Rachelle cawed from above, continuing to hunt birds with a vengeance." Seriously, has the author never heard a hawk? No shame to anyone who hasn't, but Cornell University has recordings online you can listen to!
5. Bad phrasing in general. I'll just leave you with this sentence for this point: "His green eyes landed on mine, pools of verdant gems." Yeah.
6. Introducing certain character elements too late.
7. Random capitalization. Why, oh why, is it always written "The Ash Trials" or "The Foggy Forest"? Capitalize the second and third words, if you must, but we don't need to have the capitalized in the middle of a sentence. Just saying.
So yes, unfortunately not one of my favorite reads, to put it mildly. I do feel bad for writing this review—I'm a fiction writer myself, so I know this stuff is hard to get right! But I do feel that this book would have benefitted from a little more attention before it was released into the world.
The premise is intriguing—a girl wakes up in a prison cell, in a wedding dress, with no memories, and is told she has to compete in these magical trials. Oh, and apparently she has no magic. Like I said, definitely intriguing.
The execution was poor, though. There were some typos here and there, but nothing TOO horrible. Here's what annoyed me:
1. Lack of accuracy/precision in the language used. I'm a bit surprised the author is a freelance writer (who seems to do pretty well for herself!) because there were definitely spots where I knew what she was trying to say, but she wasn't using the right word. For instance: "As he laughed at me, I felt an overwhelming urge to ring his neck." (That should be wring.) Or, "Near me, I heard a high-pitch cry." (Should be high-pitched.) Or, "Rachelle's expression harded." (Should be hardened.) Or, "And he would use Tristen and I like pawns on his chessboard." (Should be Tristen and me because the pronoun is the direct object of the sentence, and therefore needs to be in the objective case. Note: I observed this error A LOT.) And, finally, characters' eyes are described as "flickered" (as in, "His eyes flickered to Callum") when it should be flicked, as flickered makes no sense.
2. Poor flow. Characters were introduced without a name, which is fine, because the book is told in first person, so if the main character doesn't know the new person's name, that makes sense. However, the author would just randomly drop the character's name in without our main character having learnt it. Such as in the beginning, when introducing a high priestess. She's described as "she," then all of a sudden the story leaps into "Cassandra waved the priestess away..." Then, a few moments later, she introduces herself to the main character as "High Priestess Cassandra Wraithborn." So yeah, scenes like that happen a couple of times. (I think it happened with a character named Henry towards the end.) Very jarring and confusing.
3. Poor description and repeated words. I almost quit reading in the beginning when a certain character is described, twice within a minute of my reading, as having "dark black hair." Uh, there isn't really such a thing as light black. Black is black. It could be shiny, dull, matte, etc. But dark isn't the best adjective to pair with it. The book also opens with some repetition of the word "suffocating," and it was jarring.
4. Stuff that just plain didn't make sense. Look, I know this is a fantasy world, with magic and creatures that don't exist and such. But it's never okay to talk about hawks having teeth. BIRDS DO NOT HAVE TEETH! Especially birds of prey! Birds of prey have extremely sharp talons and hooked beaks that can rip meat. BUT THEY HAVE NO TEETH. Yet, this happens: "She shifted into a hawk, flapping powerful wings as she leapt into the sky and then dove after smaller birds with her razor-sharp teeth." AS A BIRD LOVER, THIS PAINS ME TO READ, MY FRIENDS. Also, I don't know many hawks who "caw." "Rachelle cawed from above, continuing to hunt birds with a vengeance." Seriously, has the author never heard a hawk? No shame to anyone who hasn't, but Cornell University has recordings online you can listen to!
5. Bad phrasing in general. I'll just leave you with this sentence for this point: "His green eyes landed on mine, pools of verdant gems." Yeah.
6. Introducing certain character elements too late.
7. Random capitalization. Why, oh why, is it always written "The Ash Trials" or "The Foggy Forest"? Capitalize the second and third words, if you must, but we don't need to have the capitalized in the middle of a sentence. Just saying.
So yes, unfortunately not one of my favorite reads, to put it mildly. I do feel bad for writing this review—I'm a fiction writer myself, so I know this stuff is hard to get right! But I do feel that this book would have benefitted from a little more attention before it was released into the world.
July 4, 2025
Firstly, thank you to the author for sending me a copy! I give this 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 4 star idea & story with a 2 star execution so averaging out in the middle at 3. This was a somehow still rather addicting story despite its many issues & deep need for an editor. It gives Lightlark vibes quite a bit & if you loved that you may love this! I enjoyed both, & for the most part with this I had a good time, but for me it wasn’t without its issues. I am a maybe on if I’ll continue the series. I think I’ll need to see reviews to see if the editing improved. But, let’s get into it. 👇🏼
PLOT
Saffron wakes up in a prison cell wearing a wedding gown but with no memory of who she is. Not only that but she’s been entered into The Ash Trials, deadly trials held as sacrifice for the gods on this mysterious island. There are 2 men involved in the trials that seem to know her but she doesn’t know why & answers aren’t easy to get. This book has
- deadly trials on magical island
- mysterious gods, mermaids, shifters, loads of human magic
- love triangle with 2 solid options
- memory loss trope
- lower spice
PROS
- Solid love triangle!
- The premise of this book is really cool. I like a slowly unraveling mystery.
- Really liked Rachelle as a side character.
- It was addictive. Like I definitely wanted to keep going & figure out what happened to Saffron’s magic, why Tristen knew her, what her relationship was with Callum, etc. so that def kept me turning pages.
- Tristen & Callum were both good love interests for different reasons & it kept me wondering who she was going to choose.
- A very obvious plot twist got sort of diverted for a moment that had me like “wait wait what” so that was fun.
- Lots of different types of magic & some of them were pretty unique!
MIDS
- Our lead’s name being Saffron was a little distracting sometimes. It felt out of place in this world.
- Saffron was inconsistent as a character. She would be really thoughtful, then kind of manipulative in ways that seemed not aligned with her thus far. I went from really liking her to disliking her a lot. So I’m settling on mid for her.
- This premise is very similar to Lightlark. Def not saying it copied it, but there are a lot of shared elements/stories. So that’s more of a note than anything.
CONS
- This DESPERATELY needed an editor. I’m not usually too harsh on this because everyone’s writing vibes are different but there were spelling errors & inconsistencies GALORE that pulled me out of my reading. An example is “he brought up a beautiful black stallion *2 sentences later* so we jumped on his mare” — it got to a point where I was getting distracted & having to reread over & over. IMO the editing was objectively, not good.
- Everything was very convenient. We got out of danger with random plot devices that either seemingly contradicted what we knew or were brand new.
- Characters & magic rules seemed rather inconsistent.
- Half of the character conflict could have been resolved if Saffron had just asked “why?” to Callum or Tristen. It was really frustrating.
- Info dumpy & choppy world building.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
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.
.
.
:
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.
.
.
.
Honestly
.
.
.
:
.
.
.
.
.
- I know this is fantasy but somehow the least believable thing was that C built her a replica of her parents’ bakery at the prison? Like that seemed really odd & unlikely to have been done without question from other guards.
- The dragon boneyard. Had we even talked about dragons having existed? Feels like they’re going to be important & for all the info dumping I don’t feel like we talked dragons?
PLOT
Saffron wakes up in a prison cell wearing a wedding gown but with no memory of who she is. Not only that but she’s been entered into The Ash Trials, deadly trials held as sacrifice for the gods on this mysterious island. There are 2 men involved in the trials that seem to know her but she doesn’t know why & answers aren’t easy to get. This book has
- deadly trials on magical island
- mysterious gods, mermaids, shifters, loads of human magic
- love triangle with 2 solid options
- memory loss trope
- lower spice
PROS
- Solid love triangle!
- The premise of this book is really cool. I like a slowly unraveling mystery.
- Really liked Rachelle as a side character.
- It was addictive. Like I definitely wanted to keep going & figure out what happened to Saffron’s magic, why Tristen knew her, what her relationship was with Callum, etc. so that def kept me turning pages.
- Tristen & Callum were both good love interests for different reasons & it kept me wondering who she was going to choose.
- A very obvious plot twist got sort of diverted for a moment that had me like “wait wait what” so that was fun.
- Lots of different types of magic & some of them were pretty unique!
MIDS
- Our lead’s name being Saffron was a little distracting sometimes. It felt out of place in this world.
- Saffron was inconsistent as a character. She would be really thoughtful, then kind of manipulative in ways that seemed not aligned with her thus far. I went from really liking her to disliking her a lot. So I’m settling on mid for her.
- This premise is very similar to Lightlark. Def not saying it copied it, but there are a lot of shared elements/stories. So that’s more of a note than anything.
CONS
- This DESPERATELY needed an editor. I’m not usually too harsh on this because everyone’s writing vibes are different but there were spelling errors & inconsistencies GALORE that pulled me out of my reading. An example is “he brought up a beautiful black stallion *2 sentences later* so we jumped on his mare” — it got to a point where I was getting distracted & having to reread over & over. IMO the editing was objectively, not good.
- Everything was very convenient. We got out of danger with random plot devices that either seemingly contradicted what we knew or were brand new.
- Characters & magic rules seemed rather inconsistent.
- Half of the character conflict could have been resolved if Saffron had just asked “why?” to Callum or Tristen. It was really frustrating.
- Info dumpy & choppy world building.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
:
.
.
.
.
.
Honestly
.
.
.
:
.
.
.
.
.
- I know this is fantasy but somehow the least believable thing was that C built her a replica of her parents’ bakery at the prison? Like that seemed really odd & unlikely to have been done without question from other guards.
- The dragon boneyard. Had we even talked about dragons having existed? Feels like they’re going to be important & for all the info dumping I don’t feel like we talked dragons?
March 30, 2025
I won this in a GR giveaway
This would be a good book for someone who's just starting off in fantasy since it's very easy to follow the magic system.
At first, this book had me hooked, but about 30% through it kinda got boring for me.
The scenes felt rushed and some things felt awkwardly placed in the book
I also wish that there was a little more world building, but that's where the beginner fantasy readers would probably do well
All in all, it was a pretty good book, but it just needed a better execution
This would be a good book for someone who's just starting off in fantasy since it's very easy to follow the magic system.
At first, this book had me hooked, but about 30% through it kinda got boring for me.
The scenes felt rushed and some things felt awkwardly placed in the book
I also wish that there was a little more world building, but that's where the beginner fantasy readers would probably do well
All in all, it was a pretty good book, but it just needed a better execution
March 29, 2025
I am
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K
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How does this book not have more reads/reviews?!
That was such an enjoyable fast past read. It was like ACOTAR, Hunger games and one dark window mixed for the perfect blend of fantasy and world building. Some of it was predictable but actually so well done I didn't mind it. The trials were neat and not too complicated to follow along for the world development. I looooooooved Tristen as a character. I felt the ending was a little rushed but prepped for another book so I'll take it. Overall I would give it a 4.75✨
S
H
O
C
K
E
D
How does this book not have more reads/reviews?!
That was such an enjoyable fast past read. It was like ACOTAR, Hunger games and one dark window mixed for the perfect blend of fantasy and world building. Some of it was predictable but actually so well done I didn't mind it. The trials were neat and not too complicated to follow along for the world development. I looooooooved Tristen as a character. I felt the ending was a little rushed but prepped for another book so I'll take it. Overall I would give it a 4.75✨
February 26, 2025
I am a total mood reader. And when I picked up The Ash Trials, I wasn't really feeling like reading a fantasy story - I'm glad I did though. I loved this book. I was hooked in the first chapter. Waking up in a destroyed wedding dress with no memories. Hello! Yes please.
The world and character building was really good, and detailed - but didn't feel like a typical heavy fantasy world building while reading. I didn't need to keep referring back to things when new details were given, and my brain didn't turn to mush trying to remember it all.
I loved the storyline, the twists and the ending - even if it was a cliff hanger.
Will definitely read any follow up books in this series.
The world and character building was really good, and detailed - but didn't feel like a typical heavy fantasy world building while reading. I didn't need to keep referring back to things when new details were given, and my brain didn't turn to mush trying to remember it all.
I loved the storyline, the twists and the ending - even if it was a cliff hanger.
Will definitely read any follow up books in this series.
February 25, 2025
Won my free copy from Goodreads’ Giveaways!
March 2, 2025
I loved it! I thought the magic system was really unique and I loved that Saffron was such an unbreakable warrior! I thought all of the trials were really cool! I loved all the characters except for Cassandra and King West! I was so glad that King West died! I would’ve been happy if Cassandra died too! But she didn’t. I loved Rachelle and her loyalty and friendship to Saffron. I really liked Callum. I was sad when he died or I thought he died. But I’m so happy he’s not dead. I give this book 10/10 stars. There were a few typos, but the story was still good and very unique. I loved that Saffron was the Siphon and that she came into herself and her power. It makes so much more sense now because now we know that Saffron was the one who told Tristen to erase her memories. I loved Tristen and his shadow wielding abilities. He is one of my favorite shadow daddies now. I highly recommend reading this book if you love Fantasy Romance. I’m so excited for book 2 to come out. I will be reading it when it gets released.
March 9, 2025
For my first ARC and by a debut author, this was just incredible. The characters, the world building, the dialogue and character dynamic. YES, YES, and YES. A true romantasy and a really damn good on at that. Bring on the next, Amy! Thank you for gifting me this 🩷
February 23, 2025
In The Ash Trials by Amy Suto crafts a mesmerizing fantasy tale set in an unforgettable world—a sprawling island that doubles as the graveyard of fallen gods. With its haunting atmosphere and relentless pace, this novel is an exhilarating journey of survival, sacrifice, and ambition.
The story’s setting is nothing short of breathtaking. The island is vividly described as both awe-inspiring and oppressive, with remnants of ancient power shaping the landscape. The island itself feels alive, imbued with a sense of mystery and danger that keeps readers on edge. Amy Suto masterfully balances rich, atmospheric descriptions with an undercurrent of tension, ensuring the setting is as much a character as the contestants themselves.
The narrative centers on a brutal series of six trials, designed to test the strength, wit, and morality of the nearly 100 participants. The stakes couldn’t be higher: only one winner will earn their freedom, while the others face inevitable doom. Each trial is unique and harrowing, pushing the contestants to their physical and mental limits. The pacing is relentless, with barely enough breathing room between challenges to delve into the characters’ motivations and alliances. Twists abound, and the outcome of each trial feels unpredictable yet inevitable in hindsight, a testament to the author’s skill.
The large cast is handled deftly, with a focus on a handful of key players. The protagonist, Saffron is a compelling mix of determination and vulnerability. Their relationships with other contestants—from uneasy alliances to bitter rivalries—add depth and complexity to the story. While some characters are more archetypal, they serve the narrative well, and the emotional stakes feel genuine.
At its core, The Ash Trials explores themes of freedom, morality, and the cost of ambition. The trials force contestants to confront not only external challenges but also their own inner demons. As the story progresses, the ethical dilemmas become increasingly intense, leaving readers questioning what they would do in the same situation. The emotional highs and lows are powerful, ranging from heartbreak to triumph, and the ending—bittersweet and thought-provoking—lingers long after the final page.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its world-building and tension-filled plot. Every aspect of The Ash Trials feels meticulously crafted, and the trials themselves are ingenious in their design. However, the sheer number of contestants can make it difficult to keep track of everyone, especially in the early chapters. Some readers might also find the relentless pace overwhelming, though others will relish the unyielding intensity.
The story’s setting is nothing short of breathtaking. The island is vividly described as both awe-inspiring and oppressive, with remnants of ancient power shaping the landscape. The island itself feels alive, imbued with a sense of mystery and danger that keeps readers on edge. Amy Suto masterfully balances rich, atmospheric descriptions with an undercurrent of tension, ensuring the setting is as much a character as the contestants themselves.
The narrative centers on a brutal series of six trials, designed to test the strength, wit, and morality of the nearly 100 participants. The stakes couldn’t be higher: only one winner will earn their freedom, while the others face inevitable doom. Each trial is unique and harrowing, pushing the contestants to their physical and mental limits. The pacing is relentless, with barely enough breathing room between challenges to delve into the characters’ motivations and alliances. Twists abound, and the outcome of each trial feels unpredictable yet inevitable in hindsight, a testament to the author’s skill.
The large cast is handled deftly, with a focus on a handful of key players. The protagonist, Saffron is a compelling mix of determination and vulnerability. Their relationships with other contestants—from uneasy alliances to bitter rivalries—add depth and complexity to the story. While some characters are more archetypal, they serve the narrative well, and the emotional stakes feel genuine.
At its core, The Ash Trials explores themes of freedom, morality, and the cost of ambition. The trials force contestants to confront not only external challenges but also their own inner demons. As the story progresses, the ethical dilemmas become increasingly intense, leaving readers questioning what they would do in the same situation. The emotional highs and lows are powerful, ranging from heartbreak to triumph, and the ending—bittersweet and thought-provoking—lingers long after the final page.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its world-building and tension-filled plot. Every aspect of The Ash Trials feels meticulously crafted, and the trials themselves are ingenious in their design. However, the sheer number of contestants can make it difficult to keep track of everyone, especially in the early chapters. Some readers might also find the relentless pace overwhelming, though others will relish the unyielding intensity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
At first I wasn't completely sure about this one and didn't know if I was going to finish it. I wanted to give it a chance though, and I'm glad I did. It got a lot better as it went on, and by the end I was really enjoying it. I'm looking forward to see where she goes with the story in the next book. :)
July 23, 2025
I honestly really enjoyed this book. I was captivated by the trials and couldn’t put it down in anticipation of what happened next. The plot and character development was amazing. The cliffhanger ending has me ready for the next book to come out already. can’t wait for the next one in the series!!
March 22, 2025
Firstly, I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book.
The Ash Trials is a great mix of narratives and tropes. To put it simply, it's the result you would get if you mixed The Hunger Games, Powerless, and Percy Jackson.
A mystery plot packed with action? Check. A dark-haired villain who answers only to the FMC? Check. A rich universe with a lavish magic system? Check.
I did keep in mind that this is Amy Suto's debut novel. Although I think she did a great job, I also found small inconsistencies within the story. The pacing wasn't my cup of tea. I can see the intention of keeping the reader's attention through the action, scene after scene. But at times I felt like there was no build-up to the action. It was missing tension because problems arose and were resolved within just a few lines, and the mood changed from one page to the next very drastically.
Other than that, I have to congratulate the author. The ending was exciting, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
The Ash Trials is a great mix of narratives and tropes. To put it simply, it's the result you would get if you mixed The Hunger Games, Powerless, and Percy Jackson.
A mystery plot packed with action? Check. A dark-haired villain who answers only to the FMC? Check. A rich universe with a lavish magic system? Check.
I did keep in mind that this is Amy Suto's debut novel. Although I think she did a great job, I also found small inconsistencies within the story. The pacing wasn't my cup of tea. I can see the intention of keeping the reader's attention through the action, scene after scene. But at times I felt like there was no build-up to the action. It was missing tension because problems arose and were resolved within just a few lines, and the mood changed from one page to the next very drastically.
Other than that, I have to congratulate the author. The ending was exciting, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
February 15, 2025
Romantasy is a genre that I want to explore more in 2025, so I was excited to see that Amy Suto was publishing The Ash Trials on February 14, 2025. I'm not super active on substack but I've always enjoyed reading Amy's work on there. I had high hopes for this new fiction release!
The Ash Trials (which is book #1 of The Septerra Series) is a romantasy novel filled with secrets, violence, and lust. Plus a lot of blood. So if you’re looking for a book with a feisty heroine who takes shit from no one, I'd recommend checking this book out.
The Ash Trials tells the tale of Saffron Vale, who wakes up in prison with no memory of how she got there. Her confusion grows as she realizes she’s wearing a wedding dress. How did she get here? Who can she trust? She at least has one confidante in Callum, a royal commander who says he knew her in her prior life.
But Callum can only protect her from so much. The Ash Trials are announced, and Saffron and her fellow prisoners are pitted against each other. She befriends Rachelle, a shifter who agrees to help her survive for as long as possible.
Not if fellow prisoner Tristin has anything to do with it. He’s violent. He’s arrogant. And he seems to know more about Saffron than he’s letting on. How does he know her? And why does she feel such a pull toward him?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I was totally enchanted from chapter 1. I stayed up late a couple of nights because I wanted to try to finish it by the pub date. There are so many twists and turns and I was totally enthralled by Saffron's story. Plus... I love a good love triangle. And as she got to know both Callum and Tristin I had no idea who would be a better match for her.
I'll be patiently awaiting the next book in the series.
The Ash Trials (which is book #1 of The Septerra Series) is a romantasy novel filled with secrets, violence, and lust. Plus a lot of blood. So if you’re looking for a book with a feisty heroine who takes shit from no one, I'd recommend checking this book out.
The Ash Trials tells the tale of Saffron Vale, who wakes up in prison with no memory of how she got there. Her confusion grows as she realizes she’s wearing a wedding dress. How did she get here? Who can she trust? She at least has one confidante in Callum, a royal commander who says he knew her in her prior life.
But Callum can only protect her from so much. The Ash Trials are announced, and Saffron and her fellow prisoners are pitted against each other. She befriends Rachelle, a shifter who agrees to help her survive for as long as possible.
Not if fellow prisoner Tristin has anything to do with it. He’s violent. He’s arrogant. And he seems to know more about Saffron than he’s letting on. How does he know her? And why does she feel such a pull toward him?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I was totally enchanted from chapter 1. I stayed up late a couple of nights because I wanted to try to finish it by the pub date. There are so many twists and turns and I was totally enthralled by Saffron's story. Plus... I love a good love triangle. And as she got to know both Callum and Tristin I had no idea who would be a better match for her.
I'll be patiently awaiting the next book in the series.
November 5, 2025
The Ash Trials was a great read full of magic, fighting, love, secrets, betrayal, surprise and even a dragon. It reminded me of the 1st Throne of Glass book mixed with later magic from the series and some character resemblance to Fourth Wing. A lot happened in one book which made it fun to read!
October 1, 2025
I’ve never liked memory loss tropes, but I thought maybe it’ll be okay if it starts with memory loss but I just found it really frustrating and difficult to connect to the characters. I didn’t really feel the connections between the FMC and her friends or potential lovers. I think the memory loss start just made it all feel a bit empty to me.
It was an easy read though, a bit of fun and it was satisfying when everything finally started to unfold! I feel pretty content with how the story wrapped up even though it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and there will be more books.
It was an easy read though, a bit of fun and it was satisfying when everything finally started to unfold! I feel pretty content with how the story wrapped up even though it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and there will be more books.
February 25, 2025
The premise of this book was interesting and the plot kept me engaged. It was generally a pretty fun read with all of your standard romantasy tropes, plus a few more.
However, I thought that the pacing was rushed and the characters were underdeveloped. Things happened too quickly, were glanced over, and generally weren’t given enough time to build suspense or make me truly invested. Likewise, the characters felt surface level and even in moments of mortal peril I felt very little attachment to any of them and the chemistry between characters was lacking.
My other complaint is that the writing often came across as repetitive due to a tendency to repeat the same verbs and adjectives in close succession.
Overall, it’s a decent romantasy. I enjoyed reading it, but I’m not waiting with bated breath for a sequel.
However, I thought that the pacing was rushed and the characters were underdeveloped. Things happened too quickly, were glanced over, and generally weren’t given enough time to build suspense or make me truly invested. Likewise, the characters felt surface level and even in moments of mortal peril I felt very little attachment to any of them and the chemistry between characters was lacking.
My other complaint is that the writing often came across as repetitive due to a tendency to repeat the same verbs and adjectives in close succession.
Overall, it’s a decent romantasy. I enjoyed reading it, but I’m not waiting with bated breath for a sequel.
February 21, 2025
This initially grabbed, and held, my attention but after a while, it started to feel repetitive and elements of some old YA favorites. I liked the story but I don’t think I’d rush out for a sequel, or even pick this up for a reread anytime soon.
February 17, 2025
I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. It’s like hunger games meets fantasy. Definitely will help get you out of a reading slump. I loved the character building and the wording! Can’t wait for the next book
February 14, 2025
The Ash Trials is absolutely a must-read romantasy of 2025! Amy has the unique ability of making me care about all the characters, even the more minor ones! And the romance? Just out of this world, constant tension in the best way! I cannot WAIT for the sequel!!
March 12, 2025
*ARC Review*
The Ash Trials plunges readers into a dark, suspenseful fantasy realm where the stakes are life and death, and nothing is as it seems. Set in the isolated prison of Ashguard, a place where the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals are held, the story follows Saffron Vale, a woman who awakens in a ruined wedding dress with no memory of her past. This gripping tale mixes survival, mystery, and ancient magic as Saffron competes in the brutal Ash Trials alongside other deadly shifters and spellcasters, all while she struggles to piece together the truth of who she really is.
Saffron Vale’s journey is one of survival and self-discovery. As the only powerless human in a competition of superhuman opponents, her fight to survive the trials is just the beginning. With the help of her childhood friend, Commander Callum Wells, and the morally grey assassin Tristen Greywood, Saffron must navigate not only the deadly challenges but also the treacherous politics of the world around her. The stakes are high—if she fails, death is certain. But if she succeeds, salvation and redemption might just be within her grasp.
The book's themes of rebellion, identity, justice, and survival are woven seamlessly into its fast-paced plot. The Ash Trials themselves are brilliantly designed, offering a mix of physical challenges and psychological warfare that keeps the tension building to a fever pitch. The ancient gods of Embermere, who play a lurking role throughout the story, add an extra layer of danger and intrigue to the already high-stakes narrative.
Saffron's relationships are integral to the story's emotional depth. The love triangle between her, the overbearing but protective Callum, and the enigmatic and self-sacrificing Tristen is fraught with tension, distrust, and unexpected moments of connection. While Callum represents the idea of a hero, Tristen brings a much-needed moral complexity, making him an irresistible character despite his secrets. Rachelle, Saffron’s supportive friend, is a standout—her loyalty and belief in Saffron’s potential provide a crucial emotional anchor in a story filled with doubt and treachery.
The world-building in The Ash Trials is exceptional. The author immerses readers in the prison of Ashguard, where every corner feels charged with danger, mystery, and magic. The descriptions are vivid, drawing readers into the harsh, unforgiving environment, while the plot offers plenty of twists and foreshadowing to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final trial.
What truly stands out in this book is the emotional growth of Saffron herself. She evolves from a woman with no memory into a powerful, determined character, discovering not only her strength but the complexity of her past. Her perseverance is inspiring, and her internal struggles resonate deeply, making her journey all the more compelling.
The pacing of the book is a perfect balance—while the romance builds slowly, the rest of the story is fast-paced, leaving no room for boredom. The trials themselves are as much about strategy and wit as they are about physical endurance, which keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The ending of The Ash Trials is satisfying, bringing closure to the immediate trials while opening up a host of exciting possibilities for future installments. Questions about the unleashed gods, the fate of Stormgard, and the larger political dynamics of the kingdom leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
In conclusion, The Ash Trials is a captivating and thrilling fantasy novel that combines high-stakes action, emotional depth, and a compelling mystery. With richly developed characters and a world that feels alive, it is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and survival stories. The twists, betrayals, and moral dilemmas will keep readers hooked, while the slow-burn romance adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you turning pages late into the night, The Ash Trials is the one for you.
The Ash Trials plunges readers into a dark, suspenseful fantasy realm where the stakes are life and death, and nothing is as it seems. Set in the isolated prison of Ashguard, a place where the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals are held, the story follows Saffron Vale, a woman who awakens in a ruined wedding dress with no memory of her past. This gripping tale mixes survival, mystery, and ancient magic as Saffron competes in the brutal Ash Trials alongside other deadly shifters and spellcasters, all while she struggles to piece together the truth of who she really is.
Saffron Vale’s journey is one of survival and self-discovery. As the only powerless human in a competition of superhuman opponents, her fight to survive the trials is just the beginning. With the help of her childhood friend, Commander Callum Wells, and the morally grey assassin Tristen Greywood, Saffron must navigate not only the deadly challenges but also the treacherous politics of the world around her. The stakes are high—if she fails, death is certain. But if she succeeds, salvation and redemption might just be within her grasp.
The book's themes of rebellion, identity, justice, and survival are woven seamlessly into its fast-paced plot. The Ash Trials themselves are brilliantly designed, offering a mix of physical challenges and psychological warfare that keeps the tension building to a fever pitch. The ancient gods of Embermere, who play a lurking role throughout the story, add an extra layer of danger and intrigue to the already high-stakes narrative.
Saffron's relationships are integral to the story's emotional depth. The love triangle between her, the overbearing but protective Callum, and the enigmatic and self-sacrificing Tristen is fraught with tension, distrust, and unexpected moments of connection. While Callum represents the idea of a hero, Tristen brings a much-needed moral complexity, making him an irresistible character despite his secrets. Rachelle, Saffron’s supportive friend, is a standout—her loyalty and belief in Saffron’s potential provide a crucial emotional anchor in a story filled with doubt and treachery.
The world-building in The Ash Trials is exceptional. The author immerses readers in the prison of Ashguard, where every corner feels charged with danger, mystery, and magic. The descriptions are vivid, drawing readers into the harsh, unforgiving environment, while the plot offers plenty of twists and foreshadowing to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final trial.
What truly stands out in this book is the emotional growth of Saffron herself. She evolves from a woman with no memory into a powerful, determined character, discovering not only her strength but the complexity of her past. Her perseverance is inspiring, and her internal struggles resonate deeply, making her journey all the more compelling.
The pacing of the book is a perfect balance—while the romance builds slowly, the rest of the story is fast-paced, leaving no room for boredom. The trials themselves are as much about strategy and wit as they are about physical endurance, which keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The ending of The Ash Trials is satisfying, bringing closure to the immediate trials while opening up a host of exciting possibilities for future installments. Questions about the unleashed gods, the fate of Stormgard, and the larger political dynamics of the kingdom leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
In conclusion, The Ash Trials is a captivating and thrilling fantasy novel that combines high-stakes action, emotional depth, and a compelling mystery. With richly developed characters and a world that feels alive, it is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and survival stories. The twists, betrayals, and moral dilemmas will keep readers hooked, while the slow-burn romance adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you turning pages late into the night, The Ash Trials is the one for you.
February 23, 2025
This debut romantasy novel by Amy Suto takes us through a gripping story full of love and action in the fantasy realm of Septerra. It has an unpredictable love triangle and magic, shadowed by a bit of darkness, definitely some secrets, and a heroine who is unbreakable.
It is an enjoyable read (with a touch of spice) and has an easy plot that does not drain you. I loved the magical world of Septerra and the living and breathing Isle of Embermere with its dark yet beautiful nature commanded and controlled by the bloodthirsty and frenzied gods. (Resonates with this world). The story moves at a dynamic pace. The imagination and descriptions make it captivating, while the twists retain the suspense throughout.
What stands out
I love the way the story unfolds, the way Saffron wakes up to find herself in a prison with no memory but a gnawing void. She has neither any past nor any identity but only a future to build.
It is not just a romantic story but a journey of self-discovery as she collects the pieces of the puzzle and puts them together to realise her endless capabilities. Unlike any simple love story, the author has contrasted selfish love and selfless love– the difference between sacrificing for one's love and fighting for the ones you love.
The concept of the Ash Trial is interesting. These are deadly battles but they are much more than just clashes of armour. It tests your skills, wit, perseverance, stamina and restraint. One must confront oneself and conquer one's greatest fears to be victorious.
The love triangle is sure to sway the audience and this one ends with a marriage instead of heartbreak (a relief for me!).
However, a few words felt out of place in the fantasy realm like “teleport” and “Jesus”. Also, some of the intimate moments felt unnecessary and a distraction from the trials.
Who is it for?
I will recommend it to anyone who likes romantasy, a bit of darkness, suspense and a positive ending love story. Though I am not a huge fan of this genre, this book definitely hooked me (I was up late nights to finish this actually) and I am excited for the next part!
"Win and become a hero for Luminaria, or die on this island and become worm food."
It is an enjoyable read (with a touch of spice) and has an easy plot that does not drain you. I loved the magical world of Septerra and the living and breathing Isle of Embermere with its dark yet beautiful nature commanded and controlled by the bloodthirsty and frenzied gods. (Resonates with this world). The story moves at a dynamic pace. The imagination and descriptions make it captivating, while the twists retain the suspense throughout.
What stands out
I love the way the story unfolds, the way Saffron wakes up to find herself in a prison with no memory but a gnawing void. She has neither any past nor any identity but only a future to build.
It is not just a romantic story but a journey of self-discovery as she collects the pieces of the puzzle and puts them together to realise her endless capabilities. Unlike any simple love story, the author has contrasted selfish love and selfless love– the difference between sacrificing for one's love and fighting for the ones you love.
The concept of the Ash Trial is interesting. These are deadly battles but they are much more than just clashes of armour. It tests your skills, wit, perseverance, stamina and restraint. One must confront oneself and conquer one's greatest fears to be victorious.
The love triangle is sure to sway the audience and this one ends with a marriage instead of heartbreak (a relief for me!).
"You take all of the power in the world and use it as the ink to wet your quill and write the story of your life in a way that serves you. Not him. Not anyone else."
However, a few words felt out of place in the fantasy realm like “teleport” and “Jesus”. Also, some of the intimate moments felt unnecessary and a distraction from the trials.
Who is it for?
I will recommend it to anyone who likes romantasy, a bit of darkness, suspense and a positive ending love story. Though I am not a huge fan of this genre, this book definitely hooked me (I was up late nights to finish this actually) and I am excited for the next part!
June 3, 2025
4.5/5
Alright, I first wanna say I loved the plot-line of this book. Truly confused me at first and the pieces came together very well.
That being said, I really struggled with the writing in the beginning. It felt kind of lacking in a way? (I say this as someone who does not write so what do I know?) but it was hard to connect to Saffron. Maybe that’s the point? Because as we progressed we truly grew with her. There were times where it felt like a YA novel, which there is nothing wrong with. But I was expecting a different level I guess?
Anyway, let me say I freaking loved the characters. Callum was an ass but I understood where he was coming from, which is VERY hard to do. Tristen (the new love of my life) was incredible. The author found a way to write him in such a way that pissed me off and wanting to know more. Incredible. Saffron was the relatable queen (literally) that we all love. The struggle of her feelings between Callum and Tristen was intriguing and fun to read. Rachelle was also super cool, just a great person and friend through and through. And frankly, screw Cassandra.
I appreciate the respect they showed for Callum at the end, even if I was annoyed at him most of the book. It’s so hard to write complex characters and I think the author did a very good job.
As far as pacing, it was ok. Towards the third trial, things felt weirdly fast and sort of forced. They had to throw a lot of information at us quickly, so I understand why.
The one thing I will say is I struggled with writing, there were some misspellings. Some really bad grammar, and just things that didn’t make sense. My worry was that some of it was AI because a few of the explanations of things were too similar or felt like saying the same thing in very odd words. After some time I realized, I don’t think this was written by AI and maybe I’m just trained to spot things too often. So I apologize to the writer for thinking that, my bad. I do wish there would be more colorful imagery and maybe some changing of adjective use. But overall it was ok, writing wise.
Overall, this book was a great rivalry romantasy. I loved the touch her and die trope, and even more so loved the found family dynamics. A great read and I cannot wait for more!!
Alright, I first wanna say I loved the plot-line of this book. Truly confused me at first and the pieces came together very well.
That being said, I really struggled with the writing in the beginning. It felt kind of lacking in a way? (I say this as someone who does not write so what do I know?) but it was hard to connect to Saffron. Maybe that’s the point? Because as we progressed we truly grew with her. There were times where it felt like a YA novel, which there is nothing wrong with. But I was expecting a different level I guess?
Anyway, let me say I freaking loved the characters. Callum was an ass but I understood where he was coming from, which is VERY hard to do. Tristen (the new love of my life) was incredible. The author found a way to write him in such a way that pissed me off and wanting to know more. Incredible. Saffron was the relatable queen (literally) that we all love. The struggle of her feelings between Callum and Tristen was intriguing and fun to read. Rachelle was also super cool, just a great person and friend through and through. And frankly, screw Cassandra.
I appreciate the respect they showed for Callum at the end, even if I was annoyed at him most of the book. It’s so hard to write complex characters and I think the author did a very good job.
As far as pacing, it was ok. Towards the third trial, things felt weirdly fast and sort of forced. They had to throw a lot of information at us quickly, so I understand why.
The one thing I will say is I struggled with writing, there were some misspellings. Some really bad grammar, and just things that didn’t make sense. My worry was that some of it was AI because a few of the explanations of things were too similar or felt like saying the same thing in very odd words. After some time I realized, I don’t think this was written by AI and maybe I’m just trained to spot things too often. So I apologize to the writer for thinking that, my bad. I do wish there would be more colorful imagery and maybe some changing of adjective use. But overall it was ok, writing wise.
Overall, this book was a great rivalry romantasy. I loved the touch her and die trope, and even more so loved the found family dynamics. A great read and I cannot wait for more!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
Even though the story itself had so much promise to be interesting, the writing just made this book unbearable. Was it even edited? So many contradictory sentences right after another. (He pulled his sword, then a few sentences later, he pulled his sheathed sword; his bare chest, and then she's gripping a shirt and then the character is bare chested again? She knew Cassandras name and then a few paragraphs later, the characters introduces herself with her name.) And a lot of the language was modern, but then fantasy, but then modern, but then fantasy.
Also, Saffon was so idiotic. Like she had no memories, but EVERYTHING was right in front of her if she just paid attention, like it was RIGHT THERE but no, she was fine being naive and in her head all la de da da. Giving me whiplash about how often she changed her mind and seesawed back and forth every decision she made. She was just annoying and really
I
N
S
U
F
F
E
R
A
B
L
E
*her memories written like this at the beginning? Just, why?
Not just her though, because of the writing, all the characters fell flat, I didn't like any of them. There was no chemistry between her and any of the romantic partners. None of the villains struck me as very threatening either.
Again, because of the writing, all the ideas were pushed together so badly, it was like all the YA books rolled into one. Like a tournament and prisoners and mermaids, and dragons and dark haired men with shadow and mind powers, just being thrown in for the sake of it.
This book had no right to be this long.
Also, Saffon was so idiotic. Like she had no memories, but EVERYTHING was right in front of her if she just paid attention, like it was RIGHT THERE but no, she was fine being naive and in her head all la de da da. Giving me whiplash about how often she changed her mind and seesawed back and forth every decision she made. She was just annoying and really
I
N
S
U
F
F
E
R
A
B
L
E
*her memories written like this at the beginning? Just, why?
Not just her though, because of the writing, all the characters fell flat, I didn't like any of them. There was no chemistry between her and any of the romantic partners. None of the villains struck me as very threatening either.
Again, because of the writing, all the ideas were pushed together so badly, it was like all the YA books rolled into one. Like a tournament and prisoners and mermaids, and dragons and dark haired men with shadow and mind powers, just being thrown in for the sake of it.
This book had no right to be this long.
February 20, 2025
A Thrilling and Darkly Enchanting Romantasy
Amy Suto’s The Ash Trials delivers an immersive and high-stakes fantasy adventure filled with danger, intrigue, and a touch of romance. The story follows Saffron Vale, who wakes up in a mysterious prison with no memory, only to find herself thrown into deadly trials where survival is anything but guaranteed. Fans of intense competitions and perilous journeys will find echoes of The Hunger Games and The Triwizard Tournament, but with even sharper edges and darker secrets.
Suto’s writing is engaging, making it easy to connect with both main and side characters. The love triangle between Saffron, Callum, and Tristen adds an interesting emotional layer to the story, with both love interests bringing compelling tension and depth to her journey. The world-building is intriguing, and the trials themselves keep the tension high, ensuring the pages turn quickly. While some moments feel a bit rushed and certain character developments could have been explored further, the overall experience is gripping and rewarding.
The ending packs in some unexpected twists and leaves a strong impact, making for a satisfying conclusion while still leaving room for future possibilities. For readers who love romantasy with high stakes, complex secrets, and morally gray choices, The Ash Trials is a must-read.
Amy Suto’s The Ash Trials delivers an immersive and high-stakes fantasy adventure filled with danger, intrigue, and a touch of romance. The story follows Saffron Vale, who wakes up in a mysterious prison with no memory, only to find herself thrown into deadly trials where survival is anything but guaranteed. Fans of intense competitions and perilous journeys will find echoes of The Hunger Games and The Triwizard Tournament, but with even sharper edges and darker secrets.
Suto’s writing is engaging, making it easy to connect with both main and side characters. The love triangle between Saffron, Callum, and Tristen adds an interesting emotional layer to the story, with both love interests bringing compelling tension and depth to her journey. The world-building is intriguing, and the trials themselves keep the tension high, ensuring the pages turn quickly. While some moments feel a bit rushed and certain character developments could have been explored further, the overall experience is gripping and rewarding.
The ending packs in some unexpected twists and leaves a strong impact, making for a satisfying conclusion while still leaving room for future possibilities. For readers who love romantasy with high stakes, complex secrets, and morally gray choices, The Ash Trials is a must-read.
February 14, 2025
I'm a bit biased because I was the editor on it, but I wanted to post about what a fun read this is. I read a lot of romantasy over the past year wanting to get up to speed to help Amy on this book and this is freshly different, but honoring the elements she loved most about the genre. It's about struggle, triumph, and belief. It's about which sexy guy to listen to that feels they know you when you no longer know yourself. It's full of heart and beautifully woven descriptions of men's tousled hair. It has a type of spirit that celebrates women and their passions. It's about having a true love triangle rather than the obvious pick. It's about choosing who you want to be despite forgetting your past and whether you'll pick up where you left off or try something different. If you desire to kick your feet under your bedsheets at night when someone asks, "Who hurt you?" This is the book for you. And I just request a small little thing on your end if you decide to read it. Could you leave a review? It helps self-published authors like Amy get found and it makes her happy :) Enjoy the Ash Trials!
February 20, 2025
ARC review! No spoilers
This debut fantasy novel for Amy Suto had interesting characters, good world-building and an easy-to follow plot. Pacing was a tad bit long, but I would rather have a longer book that one that feels too short. Fans of Quicksilver, ACOTAR and FBAA will enjoy soothing their reading hangovers with a new morally grey shadow-daddy. I appreciated the plot to smut ratio, and the fact there's actually a *wedding* and not just casual magical smashing (sometimes that's great too, but this was a nice change of pace...). The ending was suspenseful but not a Six Flags worthy cliffhanger. Sometimes my soul needs to not be left in agony at the end of a book (I'm look at YOU, Yarros). There were a few odd moments that stuck out to me as not being in character with the fantasy aspect of the novel but they were brief: for instance, one character says "Jesus!" as a expletive when I would expect a "gods!" or "By Dunne" type phrase. A pinkie promise happens, instead of a grand "clasping of forearms" or "touching of foreheads". Overall, a well written fantasy novel and I would read the next one!
This debut fantasy novel for Amy Suto had interesting characters, good world-building and an easy-to follow plot. Pacing was a tad bit long, but I would rather have a longer book that one that feels too short. Fans of Quicksilver, ACOTAR and FBAA will enjoy soothing their reading hangovers with a new morally grey shadow-daddy. I appreciated the plot to smut ratio, and the fact there's actually a *wedding* and not just casual magical smashing (sometimes that's great too, but this was a nice change of pace...). The ending was suspenseful but not a Six Flags worthy cliffhanger. Sometimes my soul needs to not be left in agony at the end of a book (I'm look at YOU, Yarros). There were a few odd moments that stuck out to me as not being in character with the fantasy aspect of the novel but they were brief: for instance, one character says "Jesus!" as a expletive when I would expect a "gods!" or "By Dunne" type phrase. A pinkie promise happens, instead of a grand "clasping of forearms" or "touching of foreheads". Overall, a well written fantasy novel and I would read the next one!
April 2, 2025
In the voice of SNL's Stefon:
This book has everything. If you're feeling nostalgic for all the hits in your YA library but need a something that will cover all the bases, then the Ash Trials are for you. Do you want a magical prison? How about an island with it's own desires? What about X-men? Dream worlds? Cosmic magic? Baby dragons? Amnesia? Quirky best friends and moody lovers? Over-complicated love triangles? Make that quadthrupples? A scathing war a pervert kings? Witches?
This was a good first entry for the author, and while it wasn't my favorite writing style, I was still super into it. If you're a grammar snob, this ain't going to be it, but if you're here to exist in the tropes, it's going to be a good time. I didn't think I would enjoy it, but I very much looked forward to reading it again every time I set it down, which has got to be the best compliment. Keep going Amy Suto, we want to see what's next! Oh! And I actually think the author did a FANTASTIC job writing horror moments in this book - so I look forward to seeing the evolution of horror in this romantacy series as well ;)
This book has everything. If you're feeling nostalgic for all the hits in your YA library but need a something that will cover all the bases, then the Ash Trials are for you. Do you want a magical prison? How about an island with it's own desires? What about X-men? Dream worlds? Cosmic magic? Baby dragons? Amnesia? Quirky best friends and moody lovers? Over-complicated love triangles? Make that quadthrupples? A scathing war a pervert kings? Witches?
This was a good first entry for the author, and while it wasn't my favorite writing style, I was still super into it. If you're a grammar snob, this ain't going to be it, but if you're here to exist in the tropes, it's going to be a good time. I didn't think I would enjoy it, but I very much looked forward to reading it again every time I set it down, which has got to be the best compliment. Keep going Amy Suto, we want to see what's next! Oh! And I actually think the author did a FANTASTIC job writing horror moments in this book - so I look forward to seeing the evolution of horror in this romantacy series as well ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
Solid 2.5 read.
While I appreciated the storyline and the intrigue with that, overall there were too many errors in this book for me to mark it any higher.
I feel like I noticed spelling or sentence errors every single chapter of this book. From one of the first instances of ‘Rachelle’ being introduced, her name was misspelled as ‘Raachelle’. There was also a scene where a monster “retracted his claws” prior to attacking. So you’re telling me the monster put his claws away before attacking…? Okay..
there were also just a lot of plot inconsistencies that made me have to reread to see if I was missing something. For example, one of the trials had the characters riding horses to a temple, where they were told the journey would take them two months. But on the same night (presumably) that they set off on horseback they were already set to reach the temple in the morning. Like what?? Make it make sense.
I just feel like overall the concept of this book was intriguing, but the execution was too poor to make it an actual good read. I don’t feel any sort of pull to continue this series further.
While I appreciated the storyline and the intrigue with that, overall there were too many errors in this book for me to mark it any higher.
I feel like I noticed spelling or sentence errors every single chapter of this book. From one of the first instances of ‘Rachelle’ being introduced, her name was misspelled as ‘Raachelle’. There was also a scene where a monster “retracted his claws” prior to attacking. So you’re telling me the monster put his claws away before attacking…? Okay..
there were also just a lot of plot inconsistencies that made me have to reread to see if I was missing something. For example, one of the trials had the characters riding horses to a temple, where they were told the journey would take them two months. But on the same night (presumably) that they set off on horseback they were already set to reach the temple in the morning. Like what?? Make it make sense.
I just feel like overall the concept of this book was intriguing, but the execution was too poor to make it an actual good read. I don’t feel any sort of pull to continue this series further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2025
This story was not in my comfort genre, but it was enjoyable. It's a very easy read, and it's a good choice for anyone stuck in a slump, searching for THE book to pull them out of it. This book isn't emotionally draining. With predictable characters and tropes, you don't have to take that emotional risk as you progress. As someone who can struggle recovering from an emotionally tiring story, this was a breath of fresh air. Fight scenes are interesting, the magic system and worldbuilding implications are fascinating, and the spicy scenes are a delightful touch.
My one and only complaint? The push and pull of the romantic plotlines. For a love triangle, this is completely normal. The question of who will end up with who is always fun, but it became a bit overbearing at times, with romance making its way into moments that I personally believed it to be unnecessary.
However, this is not said to discourage anyone from reading the novel. It's truly a pleasant read, and I definitely recommend it for anyone who's a dark romantasy kind of person, and/or anyone trying to get out of a slump.
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