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Traced in Ash
From the author that brought us Etched in Stone, Veronique Wallrapp sweeps us back into the drama of 18th century France.
For the last year, Ava has tried to integrate into a country and century not her own. She’s discovered love and friendship here; but with the arrival of her son Armand, and less than a year left before the Storming of the Bastille, crucial decisions must be made.
Every road she and Gabriel take leads to ashes; as failure, conspiracy and the insidious Commandant des Rochefort follow them from the breathtaking cliffs and beaches of Brittany to Paris; where simmering beneath the glamour of France’s capital, one can taste the acrid tang of resentment at the Ancient Regime’s legacy of tyranny.
As the shadow of the guillotine looms closer and the lives of those around her are irrevocably altered, Ava questions her ability to change the future and keep her loved ones safe. Surrounded by peril, while the Third Estate burns their oppressors’ homes to the ground, Ava must decide whether to pursue a quest that is increasingly more impossible, or focus on protecting the life of her husband and child.
For the last year, Ava has tried to integrate into a country and century not her own. She’s discovered love and friendship here; but with the arrival of her son Armand, and less than a year left before the Storming of the Bastille, crucial decisions must be made.
Every road she and Gabriel take leads to ashes; as failure, conspiracy and the insidious Commandant des Rochefort follow them from the breathtaking cliffs and beaches of Brittany to Paris; where simmering beneath the glamour of France’s capital, one can taste the acrid tang of resentment at the Ancient Regime’s legacy of tyranny.
As the shadow of the guillotine looms closer and the lives of those around her are irrevocably altered, Ava questions her ability to change the future and keep her loved ones safe. Surrounded by peril, while the Third Estate burns their oppressors’ homes to the ground, Ava must decide whether to pursue a quest that is increasingly more impossible, or focus on protecting the life of her husband and child.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 7, 2025
Veronique Wallrapp's Rise of the Guillotine is a captivating story perfect for fans of Outlander, time travel, and historical fantasy in general. We embark on a thrilling journey with Ava, a modern-day girl who finds herself inexplicably in 18th-century France during the tumultuous times of the impending French Revolution.
I loved Ava's character from the beginning of the story. Her challenging and heartbreaking past and eventual discovery of a life for herself, along with friends, family, and love, were testaments to her resilience from the moment she found herself in 18th-century France. She has remained true to herself in the sequel, Traced in Ash.
The same applies to Gabriel, her now-husband and true soulmate. His devotion and care for Ava are a joy to witness. I know we Outlander fans tend to compare everyone to Jamie Fraser, and let me assure you, Gabriel stands shoulder-to-shoulder with him. The obstacles and challenges in Veronique's story may not be as daunting, but the stakes rise with each book as we move closer to the aftermath of the French Revolution.
I adored the emotional elements of Traced in Ash; there was pain, hurt, and sorrow, but also love, devotion, and friendship. The characters and their relationships were examined more deeply, revealing their complexities and inner turmoil.
As Gabriel and Ava enter Versailles and Paris, they will find themselves enveloped in treachery, political and social unrest, and the desperation of the French populace. Ava has done an admirable job of depicting the misery radiating from Paris and the paradox of numerous nobles completely dismissing their reality. Ava and Gabriel will endure even greater hardship and suffering as France embarks on an irreversible path.
I love being a part of Veronique's journey as her ARC reader and can't wait to see where the story takes us next.
I loved Ava's character from the beginning of the story. Her challenging and heartbreaking past and eventual discovery of a life for herself, along with friends, family, and love, were testaments to her resilience from the moment she found herself in 18th-century France. She has remained true to herself in the sequel, Traced in Ash.
The same applies to Gabriel, her now-husband and true soulmate. His devotion and care for Ava are a joy to witness. I know we Outlander fans tend to compare everyone to Jamie Fraser, and let me assure you, Gabriel stands shoulder-to-shoulder with him. The obstacles and challenges in Veronique's story may not be as daunting, but the stakes rise with each book as we move closer to the aftermath of the French Revolution.
I adored the emotional elements of Traced in Ash; there was pain, hurt, and sorrow, but also love, devotion, and friendship. The characters and their relationships were examined more deeply, revealing their complexities and inner turmoil.
As Gabriel and Ava enter Versailles and Paris, they will find themselves enveloped in treachery, political and social unrest, and the desperation of the French populace. Ava has done an admirable job of depicting the misery radiating from Paris and the paradox of numerous nobles completely dismissing their reality. Ava and Gabriel will endure even greater hardship and suffering as France embarks on an irreversible path.
I love being a part of Veronique's journey as her ARC reader and can't wait to see where the story takes us next.
March 20, 2025
Historical fiction lovers, do I have a book for you! Traced in Ash by Veronique Wallrapp is a historical romance with a little bit of time travel, an immense amount of passion, and a healthy dose of action. From page one, Veronique had me thrown back in time along with Ava and Gabriel into 18th Century France.
It is 1788, Ava has found love and friendship in a world that is not her own. She is adjusting into her new roles in 18th century France, as an aristocrat, as Gabriel’s wife, and Armand’s mother. As the Third-Estate becomes restless, and the Storming of the Bastille looms closer, will Ava and Gabriel be able to use Ava’s knowledge of the historical events to change the outcome of the future? Or was Ava destined to be a part of the French Revolution all along and the future is Etched in Stone? As dangers lurk everywhere, and every path Ava and Gabriel seem to take leads to ashes and ruins, Ava must make a decision. Should she sacrifice everything and continue the quest to try and alter the future or should she abandon what seems an impossible mission and protect her husband and son?
Veronique’s masterful storytelling made me feel like I was sitting on the beaches of Brittany with the wind blowing through my hair, or galloping on the back of a beautiful stallion through the French countryside. I could smell the fires as the houses were being burned. While Traced in Ash, book two of the Guillotine series focused more on the history of the French Revolution than book one, it was extremely well-written and engaging, and left me desiring more of Ava and Gabriel’s story. Thank you Veronique Wallrapp for the opportunity to receive an Arc copy of Traced in Ash. I could not wait to share my love of Ava and Gabriel with other readers.
It is 1788, Ava has found love and friendship in a world that is not her own. She is adjusting into her new roles in 18th century France, as an aristocrat, as Gabriel’s wife, and Armand’s mother. As the Third-Estate becomes restless, and the Storming of the Bastille looms closer, will Ava and Gabriel be able to use Ava’s knowledge of the historical events to change the outcome of the future? Or was Ava destined to be a part of the French Revolution all along and the future is Etched in Stone? As dangers lurk everywhere, and every path Ava and Gabriel seem to take leads to ashes and ruins, Ava must make a decision. Should she sacrifice everything and continue the quest to try and alter the future or should she abandon what seems an impossible mission and protect her husband and son?
Veronique’s masterful storytelling made me feel like I was sitting on the beaches of Brittany with the wind blowing through my hair, or galloping on the back of a beautiful stallion through the French countryside. I could smell the fires as the houses were being burned. While Traced in Ash, book two of the Guillotine series focused more on the history of the French Revolution than book one, it was extremely well-written and engaging, and left me desiring more of Ava and Gabriel’s story. Thank you Veronique Wallrapp for the opportunity to receive an Arc copy of Traced in Ash. I could not wait to share my love of Ava and Gabriel with other readers.
March 17, 2025
I feel as if I myself am traveling through the French Revolution.
Sequel to the first book, Veronique Wallrapp was able to truly blow me away with such a beautiful book yet again.
This is another book that I feel it was so hard to put down, as every time I picked it up, stories flowed through again, ones that were too beautiful.
I feel as if this book captured the struggles of the characters extremely well. It was nice to see Ava deal with more than just her time travel woes, and more focus in on the problems of the 1700’s as some key events in history approached her.
That, ontop of struggles of loss, of wishing, and more, all displayed so tastefully where I was left feeling sympathy for these characters.
It’s something to take real events and put this modern character through the events, and yet again this author captured the modern feel of Ava perfectly, with occasional references and such which were gratefully appreciated.
Another addition I’d like to say, is how I really appreciated us looking more deeply into the life of a character who we only really saw the protagonists perspectives of. I appreciated another POV to really showcase people that were not AS well off as Ava, and their struggles displayed more.
I cannot spoil this book for you all, but I will say that I for one, need a third book right now.
Sequel to the first book, Veronique Wallrapp was able to truly blow me away with such a beautiful book yet again.
This is another book that I feel it was so hard to put down, as every time I picked it up, stories flowed through again, ones that were too beautiful.
I feel as if this book captured the struggles of the characters extremely well. It was nice to see Ava deal with more than just her time travel woes, and more focus in on the problems of the 1700’s as some key events in history approached her.
That, ontop of struggles of loss, of wishing, and more, all displayed so tastefully where I was left feeling sympathy for these characters.
It’s something to take real events and put this modern character through the events, and yet again this author captured the modern feel of Ava perfectly, with occasional references and such which were gratefully appreciated.
Another addition I’d like to say, is how I really appreciated us looking more deeply into the life of a character who we only really saw the protagonists perspectives of. I appreciated another POV to really showcase people that were not AS well off as Ava, and their struggles displayed more.
I cannot spoil this book for you all, but I will say that I for one, need a third book right now.
March 13, 2025
—Tw infant loss—
Book 2. Ava tries to help her aristocrat husband through the French Revolution.
With her knowledge of history can she make a difference?
It is mainly from Ava’s first person perspective but there are multiple POVs. The others are in the 3rd person.
I am in. I’m fully in. I need to know what happens next.
I love some time travel. Some drama. A little revolution that seems to hit a little close to current events. The doors are all closed, but I love them both for it.
I really hope there’s more to come!!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this title
Book 2. Ava tries to help her aristocrat husband through the French Revolution.
With her knowledge of history can she make a difference?
It is mainly from Ava’s first person perspective but there are multiple POVs. The others are in the 3rd person.
I am in. I’m fully in. I need to know what happens next.
I love some time travel. Some drama. A little revolution that seems to hit a little close to current events. The doors are all closed, but I love them both for it.
I really hope there’s more to come!!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this title
March 21, 2025
*Traced in Ash* was a great follow-up! The stakes were even higher, and I loved how the time travel tied into the historical events. I really loved the character growth, especially with the FMC—she was tough but had such a relatable side and the emotional moments really hit. The twists kept things interesting, and the mix of magic, romance, and history made for such an engaging read.
March 20, 2025
I did not want this book to end. In this book Ava continues to navigate in her new world. The story was beautifully written and k even learned a French word or 2. I’m hoping a book 3 is coming out!
August 18, 2025
This second installment raises the stakes in every possible way. Ava is no longer simply a woman torn between centuries she’s a mother, a wife, and a fighter trying to protect everything she’s come to cherish in a world barreling toward revolution. The historical detail is vivid and immersive: from the windswept cliffs of Brittany to the charged streets of Paris, you can almost smell the smoke of revolt and feel the tension pressing down on every decision Ava makes.
What makes this story shine is the emotional depth layered over the political unrest. Ava’s bond with Gabriel feels even richer now, but it’s her role as Armand’s mother that adds a heartbreaking urgency to her choices. Every path she considers is fraught with risk, and the looming presence of the guillotine gives the narrative a relentless momentum.
The Commandant des Rochefort makes for a chilling adversary, and his shadow across Ava’s journey kept me turning pages late into the night. By the end, I was torn apart right alongside her, questioning not just what sacrifices she can make but what sacrifices she should.
If the first book hooked me with romance and intrigue, this one cemented my investment with its breathtaking blend of history, suspense, and heart. Fans of Outlander and Philippa Gregory will devour this.
What makes this story shine is the emotional depth layered over the political unrest. Ava’s bond with Gabriel feels even richer now, but it’s her role as Armand’s mother that adds a heartbreaking urgency to her choices. Every path she considers is fraught with risk, and the looming presence of the guillotine gives the narrative a relentless momentum.
The Commandant des Rochefort makes for a chilling adversary, and his shadow across Ava’s journey kept me turning pages late into the night. By the end, I was torn apart right alongside her, questioning not just what sacrifices she can make but what sacrifices she should.
If the first book hooked me with romance and intrigue, this one cemented my investment with its breathtaking blend of history, suspense, and heart. Fans of Outlander and Philippa Gregory will devour this.
June 24, 2025
This was an action packed second book in The Rise of the Guillotine series and it did not disappoint.
Told in 1st person from the POV of the FMC, with passages in 3rd person from the MMC and one secondary female character that added insight and depth to the narrative.
The exciting story of Ava Martel, a young 20th century American woman mysteriously transported back through time to 18th century France continues in Traced in Ash. While the romance between Ava and Gabriel burns up the pages, so do the flames of the French Revolution burn through the French cities and countryside.
Things have definitely heated up in this, the second novel in the series. The action, intrigue, and suspense are off the charts in this one and there's danger around every corner.
What I love the most about this period romance is that Gabriel never questions the truth of Ava's fantastic revelations of her origins or her ability to foresee the future. This is definitely one of the most emotionally charged books that I've read in the last few years. I felt Ava and Gabriel's sorrows and losses down to my soul. Readers may need to have at least one box of tissues handing while reading this one.
Told in 1st person from the POV of the FMC, with passages in 3rd person from the MMC and one secondary female character that added insight and depth to the narrative.
The exciting story of Ava Martel, a young 20th century American woman mysteriously transported back through time to 18th century France continues in Traced in Ash. While the romance between Ava and Gabriel burns up the pages, so do the flames of the French Revolution burn through the French cities and countryside.
Things have definitely heated up in this, the second novel in the series. The action, intrigue, and suspense are off the charts in this one and there's danger around every corner.
What I love the most about this period romance is that Gabriel never questions the truth of Ava's fantastic revelations of her origins or her ability to foresee the future. This is definitely one of the most emotionally charged books that I've read in the last few years. I felt Ava and Gabriel's sorrows and losses down to my soul. Readers may need to have at least one box of tissues handing while reading this one.
April 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
- Rich descriptive prose, sometimes verbose.
- Grief is rife in this story. There's tragedy throughout, and it was interesting reading how this was taking its toll on the main characters.
- Gabriel is a walking green flag. His longing for Ava is beautifully written, he's protective, proud and loving throughout.
- There's a constant feel of unease in the book, this was extremely well done.
- 76% of the way through this book, Ava is finally taught some skills to protect herself.
- Armand being the comedic relief was so real. In Ava's Grief, she needed those innocent child moments, and they were so believable.
- It could be a bit slow at times, but otherwise, it was much darker than the first book. Intense scenes.
- Rich descriptive prose, sometimes verbose.
- Grief is rife in this story. There's tragedy throughout, and it was interesting reading how this was taking its toll on the main characters.
- Gabriel is a walking green flag. His longing for Ava is beautifully written, he's protective, proud and loving throughout.
- There's a constant feel of unease in the book, this was extremely well done.
- 76% of the way through this book, Ava is finally taught some skills to protect herself.
- Armand being the comedic relief was so real. In Ava's Grief, she needed those innocent child moments, and they were so believable.
- It could be a bit slow at times, but otherwise, it was much darker than the first book. Intense scenes.
March 20, 2025
Where do I even start? I absolutely love the time travel in this series. We continue on the journey in book 2 and it was so well done and stayed in touch with the characters basic values. There's so much character growth that is seen. The devastation of the French revolution is also very well done. I can wait to see where we are taken next.
March 21, 2025
I loved the first book, and I loved the second even more! With captivating plot lines about time travel and well developed characters, this novel is perfect for any Outlander fan. While there are similarities to Outlander, this story is truly unique in it's take on the French Revolution. I can't wait to know what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews