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Rising Ashes
Six months has passed since Arlo vanished, and Mars feels like they’re the only person left who cares to find him. Marianne has locked herself away, Rani doesn’t remember, and The Thorns have all but vanished. Nothing feels like it will ever be the same again.
But time is running out. Whoever came for Arlo is close to their goal of a humanity defining event… one that must be stopped before it’s too late.
Arlo is not himself, he embraced the creature within him and followed his new leader into the darkness. But he’s also not alone. His father, whom he believed to be missing, is in the same situation as he is, and has been for a very long time. Will they be able to work together to fight the monsters within before they lose themselves forever, leaving the fate of humanity undecided?
Secrets are revealed, pasts are uncovered and relationships are tested in the final instalment to the Fallen Thorns duology.
But time is running out. Whoever came for Arlo is close to their goal of a humanity defining event… one that must be stopped before it’s too late.
Arlo is not himself, he embraced the creature within him and followed his new leader into the darkness. But he’s also not alone. His father, whom he believed to be missing, is in the same situation as he is, and has been for a very long time. Will they be able to work together to fight the monsters within before they lose themselves forever, leaving the fate of humanity undecided?
Secrets are revealed, pasts are uncovered and relationships are tested in the final instalment to the Fallen Thorns duology.
Paperback
Published July 15, 2025
4 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Harvey Oliver Baxter
5 books108 followersHarvey Oliver Baxter is the author of dark queer fiction, their debut series Fallen Thorns out now.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 1, 2025
‧₊˚ 🍂 ᭪ started 03.06.25
˖ finished 09.06.25
❝we're not lovers, not just friends,
but a rare third thing that we haven't
quite invented a word for yet[...]
it is beyond just love in what we
understand it as, but it's everything.❞
˖ finished 09.06.25
❝we're not lovers, not just friends,
but a rare third thing that we haven't
quite invented a word for yet[...]
it is beyond just love in what we
understand it as, but it's everything.❞
June 22, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I'm quite frankly not sure how to review this, partly because it's a sequel, but I also just have to say; Harvey Oliver Baxter, how fucking dare you, you better sleep with one eye open because I will come for you (/silly)
The book is split between Mars' POV in present day, outtakes from Marianne's diary, both past and present, Arlo's POV, both past and present, and a 4th POV I'm not going to specify because spoilers, but holy shit. This way of telling the story was so well done, and incredibly addicting, as it kept me hooked all the way through.
I already loved Marianne as a character because of how badass, and how much of a leader she is (and because she's aroace like me lol), but the diary chapters just added a whole other layer to her character, and made her so much more human. It showed how much she's been through, and what made her create the Thorns.
I, very platonically, fell in love with Arlo the second we met him back in Fallen Thorns, as I just felt so seen in him; from him being aroace to some of his neurodivergent traits being similar to my own, so the dedication being "to Arlo" made me cry. He's been through so much, and all I wanna do is comfort him and give him a goddamn break. He's selfless, just wanted to help everyone, and not burden them and VFHGHDVDHSHCUJHDB. yeah, I'm very normal about him, and am definitely able to express how much I love him, yup.
Again, I loved Mars from the moment we met them, but I now love them even more after this. They care so much about their friends and the Thorns, and were so fiercely protective. Not only that, but throughout the entire book, they were so determined to help Arlo, which I just found so sweet. They cared so much, and was willing to do anything to keep him in their life, despite it not being romantic. Mars knew about Arlo being aroace, and how their feelings are unrequited, and they respected that. Kept reminding themself that it could never be, which is just so important to me. They didn't try to change him or anything, they just accepted Arlo's identity, as a good friend would. It was nice seeing that perspective as well, as I can very well imagine how much it sucks being in love with someone who'll never feel the same way. (Though *cough cough* Mars and Arlo QPR would be very nice *cough cough*). But also Rani, dear sweet Rani, Arlo's best friend who's very much not a vampire putting herself in danger for him, god I wanna cry. I love those two so much, everyone should have a Rani in their life.
Now, I'm a masochist, and an avid angst enjoyer, but my GOD this book was dark. Not ONE single moment of happiness, just heartbreak upon heartbreak upon heartbreak. I'm pretty sure I went through all the stages of grief, and I've lost count on how many times I cried. The only reason I didn't throw it across the room was because I read it on my kobo e-reader, but otherwise I would've done it. I will be sending Baxter my therapy bill, and will need a million business days to recover. I'm not even sure why I'm surprised, I read both Fallen Thorns and Forever Red, I knew what I got myself into, but omg ya,ll.
Everything aside, I do just really really like Baxter's writing style, and how well and DIFFERENT they write their characters. I'm not sure how to explain it, but while his writing style obviously stays the same, he stays so true to their characters, that the language used in the Mars chapters is so MARS, the language in the Arlo chapters is so ARLO, etc. Idk it might be the most obvious thing in the world, but I admired it.
Also, a quick little side note, but Casper *hugs* iykyk.
I have a handful of friends say they can't read anything with vampires because they had a bad experience with Twilight, but I am BEGGING everyone who feels the same to pick up this series, because it's about so much more than just vampires. And this is not me comparing it to Twilight, by the way, because they have nothing in common besides both having vampires in them, but I hope ya'll get what I'm trying to say. It's genuinely one of my favourite fantasy series, and is very dear to me. I feel so honoured that I've been able to ARC-read all 3 books, and help hype it up like it deserves. There's so much I haven't been able to talk about without having to tag this whole review as spoilers, but believe me, it's so worth it.
I'm quite frankly not sure how to review this, partly because it's a sequel, but I also just have to say; Harvey Oliver Baxter, how fucking dare you, you better sleep with one eye open because I will come for you (/silly)
The book is split between Mars' POV in present day, outtakes from Marianne's diary, both past and present, Arlo's POV, both past and present, and a 4th POV I'm not going to specify because spoilers, but holy shit. This way of telling the story was so well done, and incredibly addicting, as it kept me hooked all the way through.
I already loved Marianne as a character because of how badass, and how much of a leader she is (and because she's aroace like me lol), but the diary chapters just added a whole other layer to her character, and made her so much more human. It showed how much she's been through, and what made her create the Thorns.
I, very platonically, fell in love with Arlo the second we met him back in Fallen Thorns, as I just felt so seen in him; from him being aroace to some of his neurodivergent traits being similar to my own, so the dedication being "to Arlo" made me cry. He's been through so much, and all I wanna do is comfort him and give him a goddamn break. He's selfless, just wanted to help everyone, and not burden them and VFHGHDVDHSHCUJHDB. yeah, I'm very normal about him, and am definitely able to express how much I love him, yup.
Again, I loved Mars from the moment we met them, but I now love them even more after this. They care so much about their friends and the Thorns, and were so fiercely protective. Not only that, but throughout the entire book, they were so determined to help Arlo, which I just found so sweet. They cared so much, and was willing to do anything to keep him in their life, despite it not being romantic. Mars knew about Arlo being aroace, and how their feelings are unrequited, and they respected that. Kept reminding themself that it could never be, which is just so important to me. They didn't try to change him or anything, they just accepted Arlo's identity, as a good friend would. It was nice seeing that perspective as well, as I can very well imagine how much it sucks being in love with someone who'll never feel the same way. (Though *cough cough* Mars and Arlo QPR would be very nice *cough cough*). But also Rani, dear sweet Rani, Arlo's best friend who's very much not a vampire putting herself in danger for him, god I wanna cry. I love those two so much, everyone should have a Rani in their life.
Now, I'm a masochist, and an avid angst enjoyer, but my GOD this book was dark. Not ONE single moment of happiness, just heartbreak upon heartbreak upon heartbreak. I'm pretty sure I went through all the stages of grief, and I've lost count on how many times I cried. The only reason I didn't throw it across the room was because I read it on my kobo e-reader, but otherwise I would've done it. I will be sending Baxter my therapy bill, and will need a million business days to recover. I'm not even sure why I'm surprised, I read both Fallen Thorns and Forever Red, I knew what I got myself into, but omg ya,ll.
Everything aside, I do just really really like Baxter's writing style, and how well and DIFFERENT they write their characters. I'm not sure how to explain it, but while his writing style obviously stays the same, he stays so true to their characters, that the language used in the Mars chapters is so MARS, the language in the Arlo chapters is so ARLO, etc. Idk it might be the most obvious thing in the world, but I admired it.
Also, a quick little side note, but Casper *hugs* iykyk.
I have a handful of friends say they can't read anything with vampires because they had a bad experience with Twilight, but I am BEGGING everyone who feels the same to pick up this series, because it's about so much more than just vampires. And this is not me comparing it to Twilight, by the way, because they have nothing in common besides both having vampires in them, but I hope ya'll get what I'm trying to say. It's genuinely one of my favourite fantasy series, and is very dear to me. I feel so honoured that I've been able to ARC-read all 3 books, and help hype it up like it deserves. There's so much I haven't been able to talk about without having to tag this whole review as spoilers, but believe me, it's so worth it.
July 11, 2025
Rising Ashes completely destroyed me emotionally, and I have no idea how to put into words what it did to me - but trying!
We get to follow Mars six months after the end of Fallen Thorns, trying to cope with everything that happened. They were my favorite character from the moment they popped up in book 1, and their POV delivered. There's such a clear distinction to Arlo's voice, and difference in how they see and interact with the world. Getting more insight into their emotions and struggles, as well as interactions with other people like Marianne and Rani (loved their budding friendship!) made Mars feel even more alive. Also made me love them even more. Didn't know that's possible.
The second POV is Arlo, of course, both present and past. Again, his voice is perfect, still has the same dark academia vibes and worries, often leaving me wondering what the hell just happened.
I didn't expect Marianne's diary to get such a big part of the book, but it was a wonderful addition in getting to know her, and her past, which makes up a lot of important parts of the story.
Overall, there was a lot of emotional deep diving and character growth, less action until the last part - which felt just right. There are so many reveals and intense tear-jerking moments between characters, especially on Arlo's side, I couldn't put Rising Ashes down.
I'd happily read five more books of Mars, Arlo and the rest of the gang, and I'm saddened the duology's finished.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy but I'm freely leaving this review. All opinions are my own
We get to follow Mars six months after the end of Fallen Thorns, trying to cope with everything that happened. They were my favorite character from the moment they popped up in book 1, and their POV delivered. There's such a clear distinction to Arlo's voice, and difference in how they see and interact with the world. Getting more insight into their emotions and struggles, as well as interactions with other people like Marianne and Rani (loved their budding friendship!) made Mars feel even more alive. Also made me love them even more. Didn't know that's possible.
The second POV is Arlo, of course, both present and past. Again, his voice is perfect, still has the same dark academia vibes and worries, often leaving me wondering what the hell just happened.
I didn't expect Marianne's diary to get such a big part of the book, but it was a wonderful addition in getting to know her, and her past, which makes up a lot of important parts of the story.
Overall, there was a lot of emotional deep diving and character growth, less action until the last part - which felt just right. There are so many reveals and intense tear-jerking moments between characters, especially on Arlo's side, I couldn't put Rising Ashes down.
I'd happily read five more books of Mars, Arlo and the rest of the gang, and I'm saddened the duology's finished.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy but I'm freely leaving this review. All opinions are my own
July 13, 2025
Harvey Oliver Baxter does it again.
After reading and loving Fallen Thorns this May, I knew I would have to continue the series.
Fallen Thorns broke my heart, Forever Red ruined me, and this one (somehow) fixed me.
If you’re a fan of characters that jump off the page and stay with you, found family, and evolving sense of self and the perseverance to dust yourself off and do what must be done, this now completed series is for you.
The author pulls no punches, but that to me is the essence of tragic writing and the emotional depth is very real. Don’t walk into this looking for a happy ending, but I can promise you there is a PURPOSE to every sad and tragic thing. Everything holds meaning and it was such a well-executed finale.
The three POVs were beautiful, each unique, and I loved the diary style of the third POV. It was unexpected and an amazing way to get to know such an instrumental character. The timelines were handled impeccably and the merging felt just right.
I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. Five stars every single time.
*I received an ARC of this book. I leave this review freely and all opinions are my own*
After reading and loving Fallen Thorns this May, I knew I would have to continue the series.
Fallen Thorns broke my heart, Forever Red ruined me, and this one (somehow) fixed me.
If you’re a fan of characters that jump off the page and stay with you, found family, and evolving sense of self and the perseverance to dust yourself off and do what must be done, this now completed series is for you.
The author pulls no punches, but that to me is the essence of tragic writing and the emotional depth is very real. Don’t walk into this looking for a happy ending, but I can promise you there is a PURPOSE to every sad and tragic thing. Everything holds meaning and it was such a well-executed finale.
The three POVs were beautiful, each unique, and I loved the diary style of the third POV. It was unexpected and an amazing way to get to know such an instrumental character. The timelines were handled impeccably and the merging felt just right.
I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. Five stars every single time.
*I received an ARC of this book. I leave this review freely and all opinions are my own*
September 21, 2025
cried through 80% of this book, thanks
December 30, 2025
honestly, i liked the first volume better but this one was really good too 😋
July 17, 2025
(I have been given an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. )
After Fallen Thorns, THIS WAS QUITE SOMETHING!!!
Rising Ashes doesn't entirely diverge from the vibe of Fallen Thorns, but follow along with a much different take in a quite refreshing way.
I really liked the addition of Marianne's diary entries alonside the regular P.O.V. chapters. It feels exciting to change timelines and learn more about Marianne and all the horrors that took place back then. The sequel follows in with the sides of two of the most striking characters from the first book, Mars and Marianne, alongside Arlo. Seeing Mars' doomed love and respect towards Arlo and the events that made Marianne to the mother vampire that we know her to be was very emotionally striking in the best way possible.
It picks the feelings left by Fallen Thorns and builds on it.We get to expand more on characters that weren't as prominent but had potential in the first book.
The beginning to the end, I was in for it and couldn't stop till I finished the book. I didn't even realise the length as I read. The language and the story flies along the time.
Yet the middle part left a very light taste in my reading mouth that I am not sure I was super into. To keep it spoiler-free, let me word it like this, the family reveal when Arlo gets to talk about someone he's close to felt a little too cliché to me. That and the storyline that followed with it kinda made me lose my pace with the book. This peppered in with some other small bits that felt a little too trope-ish. With those little bits here and there and the storylines, they entail, it felt too light in comparison to the first book.
Overall, I had so much painful fun reading Rising Ashes. I can't wait to see what Harvey Oliver Baxter has next in line!!!
After Fallen Thorns, THIS WAS QUITE SOMETHING!!!
Rising Ashes doesn't entirely diverge from the vibe of Fallen Thorns, but follow along with a much different take in a quite refreshing way.
I really liked the addition of Marianne's diary entries alonside the regular P.O.V. chapters. It feels exciting to change timelines and learn more about Marianne and all the horrors that took place back then. The sequel follows in with the sides of two of the most striking characters from the first book, Mars and Marianne, alongside Arlo. Seeing Mars' doomed love and respect towards Arlo and the events that made Marianne to the mother vampire that we know her to be was very emotionally striking in the best way possible.
It picks the feelings left by Fallen Thorns and builds on it.We get to expand more on characters that weren't as prominent but had potential in the first book.
The beginning to the end, I was in for it and couldn't stop till I finished the book. I didn't even realise the length as I read. The language and the story flies along the time.
Yet the middle part left a very light taste in my reading mouth that I am not sure I was super into. To keep it spoiler-free, let me word it like this, the family reveal when Arlo gets to talk about someone he's close to felt a little too cliché to me. That and the storyline that followed with it kinda made me lose my pace with the book. This peppered in with some other small bits that felt a little too trope-ish. With those little bits here and there and the storylines, they entail, it felt too light in comparison to the first book.
Overall, I had so much painful fun reading Rising Ashes. I can't wait to see what Harvey Oliver Baxter has next in line!!!
July 1, 2025
Many many thanks for the author for giving me a e-arc in exchange for a honest review!
Review to come! Wtf? 😭 OMG
Review to come! Wtf? 😭 OMG
featured
August 18, 2025Arlo from Fallen Thorns is aromantic asexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
October 24, 2025
Man. I am going to need time to process this one, too.
Mars is still the best.
Mars is still the best.
November 19, 2025
harvey WHY
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