After years of physical and emotional torment, Asia has decided to take her own life. The only problem is that someone else has planned to take their life as well - at the same time, and in the same place. Her final act has been thwarted, and worst of Someone now knows her most intimate secret.
Haunting nightmares, of a past he has yet to bury, lead Aiden to conclude that suicide is his only option. But, after stumbling upon a stranger in his darkest hour, he is forced to finally confront the painful truth he’s been running from his entire life.
After their plans to end it all are inadvertently foiled, Asia and Aiden embark on a complicated journey of self-discovery that neither of them could have foreseen. It seems that fate has saved them - but can it free them? Can they find healing from their pain, or will their past demons strip away any hope of living a normal life?
Written from a dual perspective, The Space Between Fire and Ashes delves into the deepest recesses of the adolescent mind to explore the power of human connection, and the essence of what wills our spirits to endure against all odds.
Stephen McClellan is a multi-genre author who explores themes of faith, hope, loss, and love. His vision for publishing books from the beginning has included taking a portion of the royalties he earns and reinvesting it into humanitarian organizations to support them financially and help raise awareness for their causes. If he's not reading or writing, then he's most likely enjoying movie nights at the house, pursuing life together with friends, or traveling with his incredible wife, Megan. They are both Southern born and bred and live in Tennessee.
The Space Between Fire and Ashes is a riveting story that should be ready by young adults and their parents!
This story starts off with two teens at a crossroads in life but the full story itself explores more than adolescents! It touches on family, faith and the strength to keep going in the face of adversity!
There is so much to unpack in this story but one part that stuck out to me and that should be read with the utmost attention is where Asia talks avian the chameleon effect! I feel it will resonate with most young people and even older generations because it’s something we are seeing more and more today!
If there is one book I highly recommend this year it’s this one! I know most of my reviews are on romance but once in awhile a story comes to me that isn’t and this book is one of those! It’s one that I have to scream about because more people need to read this story!!
“There is a war that rages in all of us, as you know. Everyone faces choices that will define their lives. And their ability to make right choices in those moments will have been developed by how they managed the millions of seconds they experienced before them.”—The Space Between Fire and Ashes by Stephen McClellan 〰️ I finished this book a few days ago and it’s still on my mind. That’s what kind of book this is. I had a hard time finding a quote to reference because there’s so many good ones! The Space Between Fire and Ashes was incredibly inspirational, poignant, and raw…and it WILL stay with you. The two main characters wrestle with ideas of suicide but when they meet one another, their lives take drastic turns that open windows of hope. How McClellan tackles the touchy subjects of depression and suicide is carefully and skillfully done. How he instills values and the journey to faith are nothing short of brilliant and my heart was moved for the duration of the book. This is an important read and one I highly recommend if you like contemporary novels that are relatable, moving, and give you the feeling you’re a fly on the wall in the character’s realistically depicted lives.
I knew going into this book, it was going to be an emotional read. So, I would say for any new readers here are some trigger warnings: Suicide (discussions of), mental health, death, substance abuse, etc.
First, I want to say, WOW. At the core of this book, you have deep-rooted messages of faith that are beautifully intertwined with literary references that create a backdrop for the characters to work through such physical and emotional hardships. Considering they are so young, pulls at the heartstrings even more while you watch their emotional isolation and pain fester without much of a release or an understanding, emphatic hand.
Coming from two different worlds of suffering, both Aiden and Asia find a much-needed friendship. Through cultivating that bond, it's only a matter of time before love steps in and provides a light through all the darkness.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It's one that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
▪︎"The very thoughts that lead to your victory or your defeat, to your hurt or your healing, to your bondage or your freedom, will be birthed seconds at a time."▪︎
The Space Between Fire and Ashes by @stephenmcclellanbooks is a beautiful story of hope and the power of love. Diving into the tough topics of mental health, suicide, family issues, and bullying, this book illustrates the importance of being there for people. Aiden and Asia's tale is gripping and touching in so many ways. Above all, it reminds us never to give up hope. The thoughts we think now will affect our future later. We have to hold on to the light, even when the darkness feels unbearable. Things can get better.
Such a relevant and meaningful book. Stephen McClellan does an excellent job of creating characters that are endearing and make you want to cheer for their success and survival. Everyone deserves: "to have someone who is simply interested in your existence." I think this book will resonate with young adults and help everyone to understand just how difficult and wonderful life can be. I also feel everyone who works with young adults would benefit from reading this book. It's tough being a kid and this book helps with understanding so much from the view point of a young person just trying to cope, fit in, and survive.
This book catches you from its first few words. It's a story about the real questions of life, and the real hardships that face young people everyday. This is a story that needs to be told. Stephen approaches issues like depression, suicide, and the need for belonging in an open honest and vulnerable way. I love the journey we get to go on with the two main characters Aiden and Asia. We get to experience their hardships, but we also get to experience the hope that they discover through the unlikely friendship they develop. Truly a beautiful story!
This is a very compelling story with a very powerful topic in mind. Stephen writes with an engaging style that will appeal to many ages and types of readers. The dialogue is very good, and keeps the action moving. It is very believable and approachable. I commend his books to you, as I know his heart for truth and for people through our shared family experiences with him and through his teaching. And with proceeds from sales going to important causes, you literally cannot make a better investment of time and money. Happy reading, order a copy!
“yet, tomorrow, the sun will rise.” — the space between fire and ashes by stephen mcclellan.
this book was a wonder, a breath of fresh air to read. tackling the important subject of mental health as well as falling in love and the hope that forever lies beyond any situation, mcclellan writes with such ease and heart. you cannot help but to root for aiden and anastasia. this has been a truly enjoyable read.
This book covers a very difficult topic in a very respectful and beautiful way! This would be a great book for teens struggling with self deprecating thoughts or struggling with suicidal thoughts although it transcends to any age. The characters are well developed and the plot keeps you from putting this book down. Another great book written by this author.
This book is so important. As someone who has experienced depression and found myself in that dark place often, this story really resonated with me. It was beautiful, raw, and didn't skim around the truth but rather gave suffering people a voice. I felt seen and I'm sure others will as well. Thank you for writing this story @stephenmcclellanbooks and for sharing it with us!
First, I have to say my high school teacher wrote this book and I’m really proud of him! I devoured this book in one sitting, though I will say it was hard to read at times because of how much I related with the issues this book tackles. great book and would recommend it to all my friends!
Stephen has a gift of storytelling. He draws you in and writes in a way in which the feelings the characters are going through, you understand. It draws you in and keeps you involved in the story. Great read and great story of hope and friendship!
Stephen McClellan does it again! A powerful book about an important issue in today’s society. He skillfully discusses the topics of depression and suicide, helping us better understand the topic. I highly recommend this book if you want to be moved and feel all of the feels.
Incredibly moving and inspirational. A beautiful perspective on two unlikely teens who meet at a divine time in their lives. The two person POV makes for a deep connection into both character’s lives.
This book is just beyond wonderful! It captivates you from page one! Stephen never disappoints in his writings and this one follows that path! Can’t recommend enough!
I really appreciated that this book tackled a topic that many adults shy away from: teen suicide. As a secondary educator, I’ve experienced two student deaths by suicide in just as many years. This is a very real thing that teenagers are struggling with, and I give kudos to Stephen for jumping right into the conversation.
Books that approach this topic and bring hope for brighter futures are important and necessary. Themes of love, healing, and spirituality are strong throughout the entire book.
This book didn’t quite end how I thought it would, so that was a nice surprise!
I will say that I found the characters to be a little too philosophical for their age, making them slightly unbelievable, and since the book is written from a dual perspective, some parts of the book felt repetitive.
My absolute favorite part of this book is that the money earned from book sales will be reinvested to help the @thejasonfoundation1997 which serves to raise awareness of, and prevent, teen suicide ❤️
This book was amazing. The way it was written, the characters, the little stories within the book. Crazy. This book is definitely for teen and young adults. It's a very heavy book. I mean all books are that have depression, suicide, and the thought of hurting themselves. This book shows that there is more to life, you are worth it, you're not alone, and other people could be going through the same thing. I love the kindness that he had for her, he wanted to reach out and learn more about her. Overall, this was an amazing book. It was a great read, made me feel like I got to really know the characters, and definitely in some parts I cried.
This story was an inspiring telling, an emotional story that covered all the feels. Highly recommend & strongly considering using this story as a book to use in my middle school leadership class that I teach. It covers very authentic feelings that kids deal with and are ashamed of uncovering. It's raw and relevant. A necessary read for anyone!