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From Ash & Darkness
After banishing the evil djinn, Bax's life has returned to normal-almost. His guilt-fueled nightmares won't relent until he musters the courage to return Ifrit's artifact and finally lay the demon to rest. But nothing in the djinn-verse is ever easy. Someone has summoned Ifrit back into the world, placing Bax at the center of the swirling dark wishes the djinn is fulfilling for his new master. As Ifrit's attacks grow deadlier, Bax and his friends must uncover the identity of Ifrit's new master and convince them to banish the evil spirit. But with no high-powered lunar eclipse for another one hundred and fifty years, banishment might be impossible.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
332 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2025
5 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Sullivan
2 books34 followersJ. L. Sullivan writes young adult novels inspired by gritty urban environments and the fantastical tales that percolate within abandoned buildings and desolate alleys. He began his writing journey in high school with a local newspaper before venturing into creating writing in college where he found himself lost in contemporary stories with magic summering just underneath the surface. His debut novel, From Brick & Darkness, is a dark reimagining of an ancient myth that won multiple awards following its spring 2022 release, with its sequel, From Ash & Darkness, out in 2025. He currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Princess Penelope Picklesworth.
He loves to connect with readers on social media or by email at contact@jlsullivan.net.
He loves to connect with readers on social media or by email at contact@jlsullivan.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 15, 2025
From Ash and Darkness is an action-packed act two for J.L. Sullivan’s YA fantasy series. When a dangerous djinn escapes again, Bax and his friends barely have time to recover before jumping into the chaos. To fight the powerful, deceptive djinn, the brave teens are faced with escalating danger. Unfortunately, their friends and family members get snagged in the web, too, complicated by romances and family dramas. Readers who appreciate a level of sophistication, both in writing and concepts, will dig this second, high-energy djinn battle.
March 24, 2025
4 stars
An engrossing and fun read From Ash & Darkness carries on from where From Brick & Darkness left off. It is an engaging dark and twisted YA urban fantasy with dark magic, djinns, a mysterious evil and adventure filled with tension and suspense.
Bax thought they had left the evil djinn behind for good, but a mysterious deadly darkness soon builds, and he learns it’s not as easy as he would like. This cleverly woven mystical world is a page turner as you want to rush to the finish line to see how it all plays out.
I’m 63 and I enjoyed this tale so I know that YA fantasy lovers will enjoy it too.
An engrossing and fun read From Ash & Darkness carries on from where From Brick & Darkness left off. It is an engaging dark and twisted YA urban fantasy with dark magic, djinns, a mysterious evil and adventure filled with tension and suspense.
Bax thought they had left the evil djinn behind for good, but a mysterious deadly darkness soon builds, and he learns it’s not as easy as he would like. This cleverly woven mystical world is a page turner as you want to rush to the finish line to see how it all plays out.
I’m 63 and I enjoyed this tale so I know that YA fantasy lovers will enjoy it too.
June 20, 2025
This is an excellent follow-up to book 1. When Bax loses Ifrit's box, he is continually stalked by the evil djinn. He and his friends have to find out who has the box to re-banish it.
What I loved most about this book is the themes the author explores. Survivors guilt, friendship, teen angst. I love that he doesn't shy away from writing those high school relationships and Bax's character seems true-to-life for that age. His two best friends are essential to the story. He even gets closure with his teen crush, Scarlet. Another thing I liked.
Also, the end made me cry! No spoilers. I thought it was beautiful the way he handled Ifrit's box. We're left with a hint of what is to come. This is a well-written exciting page turner. If you've read the first book (recommend doing so before this one), you'll love this one. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
What I loved most about this book is the themes the author explores. Survivors guilt, friendship, teen angst. I love that he doesn't shy away from writing those high school relationships and Bax's character seems true-to-life for that age. His two best friends are essential to the story. He even gets closure with his teen crush, Scarlet. Another thing I liked.
Also, the end made me cry! No spoilers. I thought it was beautiful the way he handled Ifrit's box. We're left with a hint of what is to come. This is a well-written exciting page turner. If you've read the first book (recommend doing so before this one), you'll love this one. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
April 22, 2025
Ifrit’s on the Loose Again ! . . .
Bax had been able to banish the evil djinn and Bax would hopefully be able to put it all behind him once he returns Ifrit’s artifact and the demon will finally be quieted. Before he can accomplish this, it looks like someone has already set Ifrit free once again, must have stolen the box and has taken ownership to summon Ifrit back into the world. As Ifrit’s attacks become deadlier, Bax will need to find out who the new master is so the evil spirit can be banished, except that a powerful lunar eclipse will not happen for one hundred and fifty years, which means that banishment might not be possible right now. What can we expect next? Is there any hope of getting Ifrit back where he belongs? Twist and turns will keep the reader’s full attention as anything could happen! The story is well-written and the characters are intriguing, so don’t stop reading until you find out where the author will take us next!
Bax had been able to banish the evil djinn and Bax would hopefully be able to put it all behind him once he returns Ifrit’s artifact and the demon will finally be quieted. Before he can accomplish this, it looks like someone has already set Ifrit free once again, must have stolen the box and has taken ownership to summon Ifrit back into the world. As Ifrit’s attacks become deadlier, Bax will need to find out who the new master is so the evil spirit can be banished, except that a powerful lunar eclipse will not happen for one hundred and fifty years, which means that banishment might not be possible right now. What can we expect next? Is there any hope of getting Ifrit back where he belongs? Twist and turns will keep the reader’s full attention as anything could happen! The story is well-written and the characters are intriguing, so don’t stop reading until you find out where the author will take us next!
July 5, 2025
Bax is one of those kids. You know the ones: we all do. A kid who has every reason not to turn out so great, but thanks to the grounding of his single mom, he’s a great kid. Bax doesn’t know his dad. But he has his mom, who will do whatever it takes for him, a small posse of good friends, and… an evil djinn who just returned to make his life miserable in the teen/YA novel From Ash & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan.
Bax, his mom, friends, and neighbors were introduced to us in Mr. Sullivan’s stellar debut work, From Brick & Darkness, in which Bax and his friends fought to protect the world from a djinn named Ifrit who suffers from a serious dislike of humans. If an image of Aladdin’s cute blue genie just popped into your head, think again. An ifrit is a particular type of supernatural djinn that has freewill, a mile-wide rebellious streak, and a seriously bad disposition. This guy is big and scary, full of fire (literally), and he’s no one’s friend.
From Ash & Darkness picks up where the first book left us. The group of teens fought hard to return Ifrit to the box that can contain him, relying on their teamwork, loyalty, and intelligence. All they have left to do is return the box to the ground where no one will find it. Their plans are made, but before they can carry them out, someone takes the backpack containing the odd box with the evil djinn inside. Now Bax, Jason, Ashley, Scarlet, and a tiny djinn of a less-powerful sort named Janni are back in the Djinn-verse, as they refer to it. But this time, Ifrit has a new Master, and his evil deeds are escalating at an alarming rate. He also seems to be targeting the people Bax loves.
This is the perfect sequel, with pure action, volatile tension, and light-hearted humor at just the right moments.
I stood. Time to show Scarlet the actual hero of Truman High. Not some super athlete, but the guy willing to get his ass kicked by three grown men who likely carried illegal weapons in their baggy pants.
The returning characters are rich with dynamics and a shared history while displaying maturity and growth from their experiences. They think they’re better prepared this time, and in a sense, they are. But Ifrit is pure malevolence with a side of anger that seeks vengeance.
Profound “Ah-Ha! Moments” are peppered throughout this amazing read, yet in each instance they enhance the text rather than slowing down this jet-fueled storyline. Themes flow throughout the story, such as good vs. evil, guilt, loyalty, trust, strength, and especially taking responsibility for one’s actions.
The way the characters, especially the teens, show growth and advancing maturity in From Ash & Darkness is a highpoint. A great example of that is the way Bax comes to realize how much his presentation of themes in the school literature classic, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, paralleled his current situation; an amazing comparison.
This dark fantasy novel has everything readers are looking for in a teen/YA read. The fast-paced thriller will evoke moments of grim determination, pure panic, and perilous choices, as well as newfound strength, hope, and even a touch of young romance. There’s not a dull moment in this story as readers hold on tight, knowing that there just doesn’t seem to be a way out this time.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, it will be best enjoyed after the first in the series, From Brick & Darkness. Either way, I wholeheartedly recommend J.L. Sullivan’s From Ash & Darkness to readers from 12 to 112 who want a story that will grab them and hold their attention all the way through, a story with great characters and depth, and a story that will leave them wanting more from Sullivan’s Djinn-verse.
Bax, his mom, friends, and neighbors were introduced to us in Mr. Sullivan’s stellar debut work, From Brick & Darkness, in which Bax and his friends fought to protect the world from a djinn named Ifrit who suffers from a serious dislike of humans. If an image of Aladdin’s cute blue genie just popped into your head, think again. An ifrit is a particular type of supernatural djinn that has freewill, a mile-wide rebellious streak, and a seriously bad disposition. This guy is big and scary, full of fire (literally), and he’s no one’s friend.
From Ash & Darkness picks up where the first book left us. The group of teens fought hard to return Ifrit to the box that can contain him, relying on their teamwork, loyalty, and intelligence. All they have left to do is return the box to the ground where no one will find it. Their plans are made, but before they can carry them out, someone takes the backpack containing the odd box with the evil djinn inside. Now Bax, Jason, Ashley, Scarlet, and a tiny djinn of a less-powerful sort named Janni are back in the Djinn-verse, as they refer to it. But this time, Ifrit has a new Master, and his evil deeds are escalating at an alarming rate. He also seems to be targeting the people Bax loves.
This is the perfect sequel, with pure action, volatile tension, and light-hearted humor at just the right moments.
I stood. Time to show Scarlet the actual hero of Truman High. Not some super athlete, but the guy willing to get his ass kicked by three grown men who likely carried illegal weapons in their baggy pants.
The returning characters are rich with dynamics and a shared history while displaying maturity and growth from their experiences. They think they’re better prepared this time, and in a sense, they are. But Ifrit is pure malevolence with a side of anger that seeks vengeance.
Profound “Ah-Ha! Moments” are peppered throughout this amazing read, yet in each instance they enhance the text rather than slowing down this jet-fueled storyline. Themes flow throughout the story, such as good vs. evil, guilt, loyalty, trust, strength, and especially taking responsibility for one’s actions.
The way the characters, especially the teens, show growth and advancing maturity in From Ash & Darkness is a highpoint. A great example of that is the way Bax comes to realize how much his presentation of themes in the school literature classic, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, paralleled his current situation; an amazing comparison.
This dark fantasy novel has everything readers are looking for in a teen/YA read. The fast-paced thriller will evoke moments of grim determination, pure panic, and perilous choices, as well as newfound strength, hope, and even a touch of young romance. There’s not a dull moment in this story as readers hold on tight, knowing that there just doesn’t seem to be a way out this time.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, it will be best enjoyed after the first in the series, From Brick & Darkness. Either way, I wholeheartedly recommend J.L. Sullivan’s From Ash & Darkness to readers from 12 to 112 who want a story that will grab them and hold their attention all the way through, a story with great characters and depth, and a story that will leave them wanting more from Sullivan’s Djinn-verse.
April 5, 2025
Dare I Say It… I Think This Book Was Better Than The First One!!!
J.L. Sullivan and his magnificent world-building are at it again, but I loved this book and its suspenseful twists and turns, and the ending… muah, chef’s kiss! Completely leaving it open for the perfect opportunity for another book in this series… Which I’m hoping comes to fruition! In this woven tale of mysterious djinn magic, we are following Baxter and his friends again, and it perfectly picks up where we left them in the last book. Baxter is forced, whether by situations or guilt, to confess to the truth about what is going on to his crush and his mother, all while a connection to his father and the djinn he survived are continuing to play out around him. Janni still has the ability to surprise me and has become one of my favorite characters within this story! I can’t get enough of this wonderful world and can’t wait to see what Sullivan makes of the rest of it… If there’s more. I have become completely engulfed by this series and a fan of Sullivan through reading these books and I hope the journey isn’t over so soon! This book, nay, this series deserves to be read, savored, and appreciated! I loved the magic I felt flowing through this book and will be re-reading this in the near future!!!
J.L. Sullivan and his magnificent world-building are at it again, but I loved this book and its suspenseful twists and turns, and the ending… muah, chef’s kiss! Completely leaving it open for the perfect opportunity for another book in this series… Which I’m hoping comes to fruition! In this woven tale of mysterious djinn magic, we are following Baxter and his friends again, and it perfectly picks up where we left them in the last book. Baxter is forced, whether by situations or guilt, to confess to the truth about what is going on to his crush and his mother, all while a connection to his father and the djinn he survived are continuing to play out around him. Janni still has the ability to surprise me and has become one of my favorite characters within this story! I can’t get enough of this wonderful world and can’t wait to see what Sullivan makes of the rest of it… If there’s more. I have become completely engulfed by this series and a fan of Sullivan through reading these books and I hope the journey isn’t over so soon! This book, nay, this series deserves to be read, savored, and appreciated! I loved the magic I felt flowing through this book and will be re-reading this in the near future!!!
April 16, 2025
From Ash And Darkness is the follow up to From Brick And Darkness by J.L. Sullivan. I was very excited to get my hands on this, as I adored the first book. Dare I say this one was even better than the first! These books are intended for a YA audience, but I'm gonna be honest you don't really need to worry about your age as you're gonna get hooked regardless! You can truly feel the love Sullivan put into this book, and I highly recommend it!
April 14, 2025
From Ash and Darkness is a thrilling, high-stakes sequel that dives even deeper into the dark, magical undercurrents of the djinn-verse J.L. Sullivan introduced in his debut. Fast-paced, emotionally charged, and packed with supernatural suspense, this instalment sees teen hero Bax once again drawn into a dangerous world of ancient magic and deadly consequences.
After banishing the evil djinn Ifrit, Bax hoped life might finally settle. But nightmares won’t let him forget, and his guilt drives him to do the right thing: return Ifrit’s artefact and put the past behind him. Unfortunately, nothing involving djinn ever goes according to plan.
When someone summons Ifrit back from banishment, Bax finds himself at the center of a new storm—one powered by dark wishes and deadly intent. With Ifrit wreaking havoc under the control of a mysterious new master, Bax and his crew are forced into a race against time, magic, and impossible odds. Without a rare celestial event to help them, they’re left with nothing but courage, cleverness, and the strength of their friendship.
Sullivan’s writing is sharp and engaging, delivering action with clarity while also capturing the emotional weight of Bax’s journey. Themes of responsibility, redemption, and facing the consequences of past choices resonate throughout, giving the book a strong moral core beneath its supernatural sheen. Bax is a compelling protagonist—relatable, flawed, and brave in all the right ways.
What truly sets From Ash and Darkness apart is its unique take on djinn mythology. Sullivan mixes folklore with fresh twists, crafting a magical system that feels both ancient and eerily relevant. The tension builds steadily, with just enough mystery to keep readers guessing at Ifrit’s new master and their dark motivations.
After banishing the evil djinn Ifrit, Bax hoped life might finally settle. But nightmares won’t let him forget, and his guilt drives him to do the right thing: return Ifrit’s artefact and put the past behind him. Unfortunately, nothing involving djinn ever goes according to plan.
When someone summons Ifrit back from banishment, Bax finds himself at the center of a new storm—one powered by dark wishes and deadly intent. With Ifrit wreaking havoc under the control of a mysterious new master, Bax and his crew are forced into a race against time, magic, and impossible odds. Without a rare celestial event to help them, they’re left with nothing but courage, cleverness, and the strength of their friendship.
Sullivan’s writing is sharp and engaging, delivering action with clarity while also capturing the emotional weight of Bax’s journey. Themes of responsibility, redemption, and facing the consequences of past choices resonate throughout, giving the book a strong moral core beneath its supernatural sheen. Bax is a compelling protagonist—relatable, flawed, and brave in all the right ways.
What truly sets From Ash and Darkness apart is its unique take on djinn mythology. Sullivan mixes folklore with fresh twists, crafting a magical system that feels both ancient and eerily relevant. The tension builds steadily, with just enough mystery to keep readers guessing at Ifrit’s new master and their dark motivations.
September 14, 2025
Bax can’t catch a break. He tries to do the right thing by removing the evil djinn’s artifact once and for all, but when someone steals the box and releases Ifrit, the monster unleashes terrible chaos, supposedly guided by its new master. Bax and his friends race to find out who the new master is and confront the monster to protect those they care about.
Part science-fiction, part fantasy, part nail-biting thriller, part horror, part mystery, part magic, and part teenage angst, From Ash & Darkness is the utterly brilliant sequel to J. L. Sullivan’s riveting debut novel, From Brick & Darkness.
This masterpiece is a story of love and loss, regret and remorse. The tale takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a heart-pounding fight of good versus evil. J.L. Sullivan has written a YA adventure novel that is engaging enough to attract an adult audience with a cast of flawed but believable characters readers can’t help but relate to and root for.
The tautly constructed plot throws the protagonist and his friends into a life-or-death struggle, fighting for survival and protecting those they care for. The story grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go. The plot ramps up to a breakneck pace with twists and turns and a blockbuster ending that will leave readers breathless.
Brick & Darkness was one of the most imaginative and descriptive tales ever written, but From Ash & Darkness set the bar even higher. This reader could feel the heat from the sinister, demonic Ifrit breathing fire and the slash of its tail across the protagonist’s face. If you start out reading this book doubting the existence of djinns and parallel universes, you’ll be questioning your beliefs when you get to the end.
Part science-fiction, part fantasy, part nail-biting thriller, part horror, part mystery, part magic, and part teenage angst, From Ash & Darkness is the utterly brilliant sequel to J. L. Sullivan’s riveting debut novel, From Brick & Darkness.
This masterpiece is a story of love and loss, regret and remorse. The tale takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a heart-pounding fight of good versus evil. J.L. Sullivan has written a YA adventure novel that is engaging enough to attract an adult audience with a cast of flawed but believable characters readers can’t help but relate to and root for.
The tautly constructed plot throws the protagonist and his friends into a life-or-death struggle, fighting for survival and protecting those they care for. The story grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go. The plot ramps up to a breakneck pace with twists and turns and a blockbuster ending that will leave readers breathless.
Brick & Darkness was one of the most imaginative and descriptive tales ever written, but From Ash & Darkness set the bar even higher. This reader could feel the heat from the sinister, demonic Ifrit breathing fire and the slash of its tail across the protagonist’s face. If you start out reading this book doubting the existence of djinns and parallel universes, you’ll be questioning your beliefs when you get to the end.
July 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Riveting Sequel That Dares to Go Deeper and Delivers Big
From Ash and Darkness by J.L. Sullivan is exactly what a sequel should be bigger, bolder, and richer in every way. This isn’t just a continuation of Baxter Allen’s story, it’s a powerful evolution of it. Where the first book introduced us to a world twisted by the dark allure of a wish-granting djinn, this follow-up takes that premise and ignites it with even higher emotional stakes, tighter tension, and deeper character development.
Sullivan’s writing crackles with energy and confidence. He masterfully blends supernatural thrills with psychological nuance, making Bax’s guilt, fears, and growth feel deeply personal and universally relatable. The return of Ifrit is anything but expected. The plot surprised me at every turn, never leaning on cliché or predictability.
What really stood out to me was the strength of the trio Bax, Ashley, and Jason. Their dynamic feels organic, grounded in real emotion, and shaped by the aftermath of everything they’ve survived. As a reader, I wasn’t just watching their journey. I was in it. I felt the urgency, the confusion, the determination. And despite the dark turns, Sullivan threads hope through the chaos, reminding us that even broken heroes can rise.
From Ash and Darkness is both cinematic and intimate, thrilling and thought-provoking. It doesn’t just live up to its predecessor, it dares to surpass it.
J.L. Sullivan has cemented himself as a voice to watch in modern dark fantasy. If you're looking for a sequel that respects its origin while fearlessly pushing its boundaries, this is the one.
A Riveting Sequel That Dares to Go Deeper and Delivers Big
From Ash and Darkness by J.L. Sullivan is exactly what a sequel should be bigger, bolder, and richer in every way. This isn’t just a continuation of Baxter Allen’s story, it’s a powerful evolution of it. Where the first book introduced us to a world twisted by the dark allure of a wish-granting djinn, this follow-up takes that premise and ignites it with even higher emotional stakes, tighter tension, and deeper character development.
Sullivan’s writing crackles with energy and confidence. He masterfully blends supernatural thrills with psychological nuance, making Bax’s guilt, fears, and growth feel deeply personal and universally relatable. The return of Ifrit is anything but expected. The plot surprised me at every turn, never leaning on cliché or predictability.
What really stood out to me was the strength of the trio Bax, Ashley, and Jason. Their dynamic feels organic, grounded in real emotion, and shaped by the aftermath of everything they’ve survived. As a reader, I wasn’t just watching their journey. I was in it. I felt the urgency, the confusion, the determination. And despite the dark turns, Sullivan threads hope through the chaos, reminding us that even broken heroes can rise.
From Ash and Darkness is both cinematic and intimate, thrilling and thought-provoking. It doesn’t just live up to its predecessor, it dares to surpass it.
J.L. Sullivan has cemented himself as a voice to watch in modern dark fantasy. If you're looking for a sequel that respects its origin while fearlessly pushing its boundaries, this is the one.
April 23, 2025
John Sullivan’s second novel From Ash and Darkness is another YA paranormal adventure of the high impact kind. We meet Bax and his two cohorts, Ashley and Jason as they try to put the Djinn back in the bottle, or in this case, the big, bad, scary Ifrit back into the darkness.
Sullivan picks up the story two weeks after Bax and his cohorts trap Ifrit with the help of their Djinn friend, the cute and soft Janni, a friendly and much smaller Djinn. They relegate Ifrit to his old wooden box, but the box cannot live in Bax’s closet forever.
On Halloween, he and his friends plan to dispose of Ifrit, but when they get to the cellar and Bax opens his backpack, the box is gone!
He traces his steps back to the West End Coffee Shop. While he ordered, Jason took a bathroom break, and his backpack was left unattended. Someone stole the box with Ifrit inside.
Panic ensues, then a more calculated search begins for Ifrit, and the person who stole him.
I was swept away with this story from page one. Ashley and Jason are joined by Scarlett, Bax’s pretend girlfriend, and with Warren, his comic bookstore owner/friend, they all search for the Djinn thief, and plan on how to overpower Ifrit and send him away for good.
Sullivan’s novel makes good on its promise to deliver a great YA read filled with Djinn lore, family drama, girlfriend problems, and lots of action! Highly recommended five-star read!
Sullivan picks up the story two weeks after Bax and his cohorts trap Ifrit with the help of their Djinn friend, the cute and soft Janni, a friendly and much smaller Djinn. They relegate Ifrit to his old wooden box, but the box cannot live in Bax’s closet forever.
On Halloween, he and his friends plan to dispose of Ifrit, but when they get to the cellar and Bax opens his backpack, the box is gone!
He traces his steps back to the West End Coffee Shop. While he ordered, Jason took a bathroom break, and his backpack was left unattended. Someone stole the box with Ifrit inside.
Panic ensues, then a more calculated search begins for Ifrit, and the person who stole him.
I was swept away with this story from page one. Ashley and Jason are joined by Scarlett, Bax’s pretend girlfriend, and with Warren, his comic bookstore owner/friend, they all search for the Djinn thief, and plan on how to overpower Ifrit and send him away for good.
Sullivan’s novel makes good on its promise to deliver a great YA read filled with Djinn lore, family drama, girlfriend problems, and lots of action! Highly recommended five-star read!
April 13, 2025
This is the sequel to "From Bricks And Darkness" . I do really recommend reading these books in order so that you can follow the story as this book continues from the first one. This is a YA urban fantasy adventure with magic, danger, djinn, mystery, suspense, friendships and hidden agendas. The author has created a story that is both captivating and entertaining, I wasn't able to put it down until the end.
We are back with Bax and his friends. After the releasing the Djinn Ifrit in the last book and all the chaos that was caused Bax is hoping his life will return to normal again. Ifrit is captured back in his box and all that remains is to bury it where they found it safe from the hands of another unsuspecting person.
However that plan goes up in smoke when Bax realises that the box containing the Djinn has been taken from his backpack.
Who has the Djinn? What do they want with it? What damage could be caused if the Djinn is released again? And with no magical moon to help them trap the Djinn again will Bex and his friends even be able to trap him again?
Now it is a race against time to find out who had the Djinn and stop them from making the mistake of releasing him. And if they are too late what will be the consequences of releasing the evil Djinn again. Will Bex and his friends be safe?
We are back with Bax and his friends. After the releasing the Djinn Ifrit in the last book and all the chaos that was caused Bax is hoping his life will return to normal again. Ifrit is captured back in his box and all that remains is to bury it where they found it safe from the hands of another unsuspecting person.
However that plan goes up in smoke when Bax realises that the box containing the Djinn has been taken from his backpack.
Who has the Djinn? What do they want with it? What damage could be caused if the Djinn is released again? And with no magical moon to help them trap the Djinn again will Bex and his friends even be able to trap him again?
Now it is a race against time to find out who had the Djinn and stop them from making the mistake of releasing him. And if they are too late what will be the consequences of releasing the evil Djinn again. Will Bex and his friends be safe?
April 15, 2025
Bax and his friends are back and are still recovering from banishing an evil djinn, Ifrit, to the dark vortex in which they rest, but just as he thought his life was returning to normal, the unexpected happens. It is Halloween night and they are planning on laying things to rest and burying the box he resides in, however, when Bax opens his bag, the box they wanted to keep away from the light is no longer there and panic begins to set in.
Now the group of friends must try and figure out who has the evil djinn and stop them before anyone gets hurt, but soon it becomes all too real again as Bax's nightmares become more vivid and the people closest to Bax start to get hurt, and each attack is more brutal, but with no leads and multiple possible suspects, the intrepid trio have to ask for outside help.
Will Bax and his friends be able to figure out the mystery of the identity of Ifrit's new master, how to banish him without the boost of a supernatural lunar event, or will things turn deadly? This is a story full of twists, turns, magic and mystery as the three friends race against time to stop the destructive nature of a mythical entity, all while also dealing with school, life and all the mess which surrounds teens in modern day life, in this rollercoaster ride of excitement, danger and resilience.
Now the group of friends must try and figure out who has the evil djinn and stop them before anyone gets hurt, but soon it becomes all too real again as Bax's nightmares become more vivid and the people closest to Bax start to get hurt, and each attack is more brutal, but with no leads and multiple possible suspects, the intrepid trio have to ask for outside help.
Will Bax and his friends be able to figure out the mystery of the identity of Ifrit's new master, how to banish him without the boost of a supernatural lunar event, or will things turn deadly? This is a story full of twists, turns, magic and mystery as the three friends race against time to stop the destructive nature of a mythical entity, all while also dealing with school, life and all the mess which surrounds teens in modern day life, in this rollercoaster ride of excitement, danger and resilience.
December 10, 2025
From Ash & Darkness is a gripping and emotionally charged continuation of Bax’s journey into the djinn-verse a world where dark magic, impossible choices, and supernatural consequences collide. J.L. Sullivan deepens the mythology introduced in From Brick & Darkness, raising the stakes with an adventure that is as suspenseful as it is heartfelt.
Bax’s internal struggle is one of the book’s greatest strengths. His guilt, fear, and determination form the emotional backbone of the story, giving weight to the supernatural danger swirling around him. Sullivan balances thrilling action with sincere character development, offering readers a young hero who must navigate not only malevolent djinn magic but also loyalty, courage, and responsibility.
The return of Ifrit brings a sense of escalating dread, and the mystery surrounding the djinn’s new master adds an addictive layer of intrigue. The worldbuilding is imaginative and vivid, blending ancient mythology with modern teen life in a way that feels fresh and immersive. Fans of YA fantasy will appreciate the mix of fast-paced battles, supernatural lore, and the strong bond between Bax and his friends.
From Ash & Darkness is an intense, emotionally resonant, and richly imagined fantasy that will satisfy returning fans and attract new readers to Sullivan’s compelling djinn-centered universe.
Bax’s internal struggle is one of the book’s greatest strengths. His guilt, fear, and determination form the emotional backbone of the story, giving weight to the supernatural danger swirling around him. Sullivan balances thrilling action with sincere character development, offering readers a young hero who must navigate not only malevolent djinn magic but also loyalty, courage, and responsibility.
The return of Ifrit brings a sense of escalating dread, and the mystery surrounding the djinn’s new master adds an addictive layer of intrigue. The worldbuilding is imaginative and vivid, blending ancient mythology with modern teen life in a way that feels fresh and immersive. Fans of YA fantasy will appreciate the mix of fast-paced battles, supernatural lore, and the strong bond between Bax and his friends.
From Ash & Darkness is an intense, emotionally resonant, and richly imagined fantasy that will satisfy returning fans and attract new readers to Sullivan’s compelling djinn-centered universe.
March 24, 2025
There is so much to love about From Ash and Darkness! Hands down, this is a fabulous YA book.
As a Gen Xer, I grew up on those classic teen adventure movies—The Goonies, Gremlins, The NeverEnding Story, ET—and this book swept me right back to those golden days of storytelling. It’s the kind of old-school adventure the world needs right now—just pure, thrilling fun without anything getting in the way.
Bax and his friends are the kind of characters you root for, each of them feeling real and fully developed. Bax’s mom and comic shop owner, Warren, add even more depth to the story, and don’t even get me started on Janni—I want one of my own! (Uh, just as a pet! No genie wishes for me after reading this!)
With high stakes, dark twists, and a thrilling battle against Ifrit, this book delivers everything I love in a YA adventure. I couldn’t put it down! Kudos to the author for such a great read.
The happy ending is perfect, and I have the tear-stained cheeks to prove it.
5++ stars for me! Whether you’re an older “young adult” like myself or part of the target audience looking for an exciting, well-written adventure, From Ash and Darkness is an absolute must-read.
My Rating: 5++ stars
As a Gen Xer, I grew up on those classic teen adventure movies—The Goonies, Gremlins, The NeverEnding Story, ET—and this book swept me right back to those golden days of storytelling. It’s the kind of old-school adventure the world needs right now—just pure, thrilling fun without anything getting in the way.
Bax and his friends are the kind of characters you root for, each of them feeling real and fully developed. Bax’s mom and comic shop owner, Warren, add even more depth to the story, and don’t even get me started on Janni—I want one of my own! (Uh, just as a pet! No genie wishes for me after reading this!)
With high stakes, dark twists, and a thrilling battle against Ifrit, this book delivers everything I love in a YA adventure. I couldn’t put it down! Kudos to the author for such a great read.
The happy ending is perfect, and I have the tear-stained cheeks to prove it.
5++ stars for me! Whether you’re an older “young adult” like myself or part of the target audience looking for an exciting, well-written adventure, From Ash and Darkness is an absolute must-read.
My Rating: 5++ stars
March 31, 2025
Two weeks after the events at the end of J.L. Sullivan’s previous book, the reluctant teenage adventurer Bax and his two best friends are taking advantage of a dark Halloween night to get rid of the evil djinn Ifrit once and for all, by re-burying the ancient box to which they’ve banished him.
But to their horror, the box has disappeared! Someone took it from Bax’s backpack, where he was transporting it. If that person opens the box —and why would they not? — Ifrit will be released back into the world, this time with a new master and even stronger evil powers.
This book is the second in Sullivan’s excellent YA series set in a world just like ours, except that wish-granting genies (djinn) exist and can be called up by humans. Bax and his friends are appealing and believable characters, and the plot is fast-moving and adventuresome. Bax and his friends battle evil and fight for good, meanwhile coping with all the challenges of high school life.
Continuing the story of the first book, this one is captivating and well-structured. You don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, though why would you deprive yourself of the pleasure of reading both? I don't often read YA books, but I thoroughly enjoyed both of these.
But to their horror, the box has disappeared! Someone took it from Bax’s backpack, where he was transporting it. If that person opens the box —and why would they not? — Ifrit will be released back into the world, this time with a new master and even stronger evil powers.
This book is the second in Sullivan’s excellent YA series set in a world just like ours, except that wish-granting genies (djinn) exist and can be called up by humans. Bax and his friends are appealing and believable characters, and the plot is fast-moving and adventuresome. Bax and his friends battle evil and fight for good, meanwhile coping with all the challenges of high school life.
Continuing the story of the first book, this one is captivating and well-structured. You don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, though why would you deprive yourself of the pleasure of reading both? I don't often read YA books, but I thoroughly enjoyed both of these.
April 10, 2025
From Ash and Darkness picks up where From Brick and Darkness left off. Although this can be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend reading the other book prior to this one because it will give you background information on the characters as well as the storyline. It is a young adult fantasy full of action, adventure, mystery, suspense, magic, djinns, and a mysterious evil force. The story centers around the character of a teenage boy named Bax. Bax and his two best friends set out on Halloween night under the cover of darkness to rebury the ancient box, they banished the evil djinn, Ifrit in. To their shock and dismay, the box has disappeared from Bax's backpack, and it will not be as simple as banishing Ifrit. Although Bax thought he had left the evil djinn behind him that does not appear to be so when a deadly and mysterious darkness builds. It is up to Bax and his friends to stop Ifrit before those he loves to get hurt. This was a captivating read with relatable characters and a fast-moving plot. My favorite character was Janni because he is so adorable, and I wanted to hug him. I understand why they all missed him and needed to hug him when they were reunited. A great read for young and old alike.
April 6, 2025
This book is a sequel of the book ‘From Brick & Darkness’ and takes place shortly after the ending. I would recommend reading the first book before this one. Although the author does a great job at recapping that you could potentially read this as a stand alone.
Bax is back with his friends and the Djinn Janni, of course. With Ifrit, an evil Djinn, banished back into the vortex, it is time to rebury his vessel, the box. When the crew goes to uncover the box, they discover that it is gone. Someone has taken Ifrit. In the previous book, a lot of people had been hurt, one guy was even killed in the process. Bax, Jason, Ashley and now Scarlet now have a timed mission of finding Ifrit’s master and defeating him hopefully once and for all.
Bax starts seeing Ifrit and thinks that he may be the target this time. He needs to stop Ifrit before those he loves get hurt again or even worse.
I really enjoyed this book. Although from what I remember from the first book, this one seems to have less action and more sleuthing/mystery element to it. I could not put the book down. It is classified as a YA but can and will be loved by all who enjoy fantasy.
Bax is back with his friends and the Djinn Janni, of course. With Ifrit, an evil Djinn, banished back into the vortex, it is time to rebury his vessel, the box. When the crew goes to uncover the box, they discover that it is gone. Someone has taken Ifrit. In the previous book, a lot of people had been hurt, one guy was even killed in the process. Bax, Jason, Ashley and now Scarlet now have a timed mission of finding Ifrit’s master and defeating him hopefully once and for all.
Bax starts seeing Ifrit and thinks that he may be the target this time. He needs to stop Ifrit before those he loves get hurt again or even worse.
I really enjoyed this book. Although from what I remember from the first book, this one seems to have less action and more sleuthing/mystery element to it. I could not put the book down. It is classified as a YA but can and will be loved by all who enjoy fantasy.
March 24, 2025
Bax, Jason, Ashley, Scarlet and Janni are back - but so is Ifrit
While the friends and their families are still recovering from the last time Ifrit got loose, they plan to return the djinn's artifact to the ground and banish him.
But when his box goes missing, they find Ifrit has a new master--one who is after Bax and everyone around him.
As all this unravels, Bax faces the terror of a school presentation, the guilt of a friend's father still recovering from an Ifrit attack, meeting his mom's new beau, a sick friend, and the temptation of using magic for his own gain. As we all experienced as teenagers, he struggles with some of those challenges more than others. But we didn't have the added pressure of fighting an evil djinn.
This book was excellent, meeting the challenge presented by JLS's debut novel which I fell in love with. And the ending of this was *chef's kiss.*
I look forward to more by JLS!
While the friends and their families are still recovering from the last time Ifrit got loose, they plan to return the djinn's artifact to the ground and banish him.
But when his box goes missing, they find Ifrit has a new master--one who is after Bax and everyone around him.
As all this unravels, Bax faces the terror of a school presentation, the guilt of a friend's father still recovering from an Ifrit attack, meeting his mom's new beau, a sick friend, and the temptation of using magic for his own gain. As we all experienced as teenagers, he struggles with some of those challenges more than others. But we didn't have the added pressure of fighting an evil djinn.
This book was excellent, meeting the challenge presented by JLS's debut novel which I fell in love with. And the ending of this was *chef's kiss.*
I look forward to more by JLS!
April 7, 2025
I enjoyed reading this darker fantasy story. I enjoyed this author’s ability to pull me into the story and hold me there until the end. This is the second book in Bax’s adventure. It is not really necessary to read the previous book but I would suggest it to help see where Bax and his friends come from to where they are now. In this adventure someone has called the Ifrit back to the world. It is now up to Bax and his friends to figure out how to banish it. Banishing this devil may not be as easy as it sounds but it is an adventure you don’t want to miss for sure. I enjoyed Bax and his friends. They are strong, connectable characters that kept me turning pages fast. They made the story easy and entertaining to read. I enjoyed watching the growth throughout which made it fast paced and engaging. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend it.
April 13, 2025
From Ash & Darkness starts where From Brick & Darkness ends. Bax and his friends (Jason and Ashley) have vanquished Ifrit during a high powered lunar eclipse. Now they just have to get rid of box in a place no one else will accidently summon him again. Unfortunately someone steels the box from Bax and now they must figure out who has Ifrit and stop them before it is too late.
Bax is still navigating the after effects from him summoning Ifrit. And is trying to stop the next person from going too far. He also has to get through school issues such as relationships and assignments with unknown due dates. Bax is continuing to grow but still makes mistakes and is willing to take responsibility for them. I enjoyed the character development, all the twists and turns, the writing is great, and the ending is perfectly done. I'm hoping there will be another book!
Bax is still navigating the after effects from him summoning Ifrit. And is trying to stop the next person from going too far. He also has to get through school issues such as relationships and assignments with unknown due dates. Bax is continuing to grow but still makes mistakes and is willing to take responsibility for them. I enjoyed the character development, all the twists and turns, the writing is great, and the ending is perfectly done. I'm hoping there will be another book!
April 14, 2025
If you like dark YA fantasy with heart, tension, and real consequences, this series is worth picking up. Sullivan knows how to balance action and emotion in a way that sticks with you. From Ash & Darkness is a gripping and emotionally charged sequel that deepens the story introduced in From Brick & Darkness. J.L. Sullivan does a fantastic job building on the djinn mythology while pushing his characters into even more dangerous and personal territory. Bax is such a compelling protagonist flawed, determined, and constantly growing and his struggle to contain the chaos around him (and inside him) feels real and intense. I really liked how the friendships were tested but ultimately strengthened. Also The final confrontation had me fully hooked.
I would recommend reading if you haven't already.
I would recommend reading if you haven't already.
March 25, 2025
4 Stars
‘Bax Unleashed the magic. Now he must face the darkness…’
‘From Ash & Darkness’ is the sequel to ‘From Bricks & Darkness’ by J.L. Sullivan. It is another cleverly woven YA urban fantasy with action, adventure, mystery, magic, suspense, agendas, teen angst & drama, friendship, family, struggles & challenges, tension, intrigue, and more.
Bax (and Co) are just settling back into their ‘normal’ life after the dramatic and life-changing events of the first book- but fate throws a curve- ball when the sinister djinn gets summoned back and is now being controlled by a mysterious ‘new’ master. Oh no- things are about to take a dangerous new turn. What ensues makes for an engrossing read.
Looking forward to more from Mr. Sullivan.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, J.L. Sullivan!
‘Bax Unleashed the magic. Now he must face the darkness…’
‘From Ash & Darkness’ is the sequel to ‘From Bricks & Darkness’ by J.L. Sullivan. It is another cleverly woven YA urban fantasy with action, adventure, mystery, magic, suspense, agendas, teen angst & drama, friendship, family, struggles & challenges, tension, intrigue, and more.
Bax (and Co) are just settling back into their ‘normal’ life after the dramatic and life-changing events of the first book- but fate throws a curve- ball when the sinister djinn gets summoned back and is now being controlled by a mysterious ‘new’ master. Oh no- things are about to take a dangerous new turn. What ensues makes for an engrossing read.
Looking forward to more from Mr. Sullivan.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, J.L. Sullivan!
April 11, 2025
4 Stars
From Ash & Darkness By J L Sullivan
From Ash & Darkness is a Dark Fantasy that I truly enjoyed reading. This is the second book and I definitely recommend reading the first book but it can be read as standalones but reading it in order gives back story and shows you where they’ve been to where they are now. This is a fairly new author to me but this one may be my favorite yet. Bax and his friends are going to take us on yet another adventure but this time it’s up to them to to figure out how to banish the Ifrit. This is a fast paced story with twists and turns that will have you turning the pages trying to figure out what is going to happen next. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
From Ash & Darkness By J L Sullivan
From Ash & Darkness is a Dark Fantasy that I truly enjoyed reading. This is the second book and I definitely recommend reading the first book but it can be read as standalones but reading it in order gives back story and shows you where they’ve been to where they are now. This is a fairly new author to me but this one may be my favorite yet. Bax and his friends are going to take us on yet another adventure but this time it’s up to them to to figure out how to banish the Ifrit. This is a fast paced story with twists and turns that will have you turning the pages trying to figure out what is going to happen next. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
April 12, 2025
I am absolutely blown away by how much I loved this book! I didn’t believe it could get even better than the first book, but I was proven wrong. From the very first page, the author crafted such a magnificently suspenseful story that is utterly captivating. There are plenty of twists and turns that caught me off guard and added even more depth to the book. I like that the story flows smoothly which allows you to be drawn in even deeper. The characters are so perfectly developed that I found myself invested immediately and rooted for them the entire way through. It’s such a thrilling book that it’s hard to remember that it’s a YA adventure. I’m far older than the target audience but still thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 15, 2025
Bax is back for another adventure. After vanquishing evil, Bax feels like his life is mostly back to normal. He must muster up any remaining courage he has to return the artifact that belongs to Ifrit and finally put him to rest. However he is thrust back into the middle of madness again when Ifrit is set free. Bax and his friends must find the new master of Ifrit and convince whomever it is to banish him from their realm. It takes a high powered lunar eclipse to banish the likes of this evil spirt and it will be 150 years until the next one. Banishing the evil spirit may be harder than they think.So far both books of this series have been and entertaining. The author did leave an opening for another book. Could we possibly see a trilogy?
May 5, 2025
Sullivan has created an amazing sequel to his original book, FROM BRICK & DARKNESS. His continuation of the djinn saga captivates and intrigues the reader as we follow the plight of Bax, Jason, and Ashley. Once again, they take it upon themselves to save an unsuspecting world from an evil djinn. The emotional struggles mixed with the reality of teenage dilemmas make this YA book a must-read. As the teens battle to vanquish their old foe, they are assisted by the loveable good djinn, Janni, from Book 1. All the characters are well fleshed out and believable. Sullivan’s eye for detail on the settings puts the reader into the action as we follow along with this harrowing adventure. I can’t wait to see if there will be a third book continuing the saga of the djinn-verse.
March 31, 2025
From Ash & Darkness by J. L. Sullivan. This is the sequel to From Bricks & Darkness and it picks right up from the ending of that book. Everyone is still recovering from the last time the Ifrit got loose and planning to get rid of the Box and banish him. Although when they go to get the Box its missing again and Ifrit has a new master, one that is after Bax and everyone in his life. This entails dark twists and turns, wild adventures, of course a battle against Ifrit that will keep you turning pages late in the night. This is a great Young adult fantasy that is a great read for young and old adults. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 3, 2025
This book is the follow up story to From Brick and Darkness and follows the characters on their next adventure. I would recommend reading these books in order as this story follows on from the last and, for me, it will enhance the story. It was great to revisit these characters. I found it really easy to reconnect with them and quickly became invested in what was going on.
The story is an exciting YA story. It is engaging and fast paced from the moment you start reading. I loved the first book and wasn’t sure how this book would live up to that and yet the author definitely found a way. I think this was a brilliant book and I would love to see more adventures from these characters.
The story is an exciting YA story. It is engaging and fast paced from the moment you start reading. I loved the first book and wasn’t sure how this book would live up to that and yet the author definitely found a way. I think this was a brilliant book and I would love to see more adventures from these characters.
April 15, 2025
This is the sequel to From Brick and Darkness and just like the first book J.L. Sullivan does a great job at world building and character development. This story goes deeper into the world of the djinn-verse with dark magic, danger, mystery, suspense, and secrets. It has a lot of twists and turns that kept me hooked until the end. Bax and his friends are forced into an adventure when someone lifts the banishment on the evil djinn and a mysterious and deadly darkness starts to cover everything. This has been a great story so far and I would love it if the author wrote more about Bax and his friends.
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