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Origins of Wrath
It has been three years since the death of Alexander. Three years since Victoria escaped the Underworld. Three years of civil war. Queen Hephata continues her elongated troublesome reign while the Alphas and their allies establish themselves in resistance to the crown.
And beyond the Octava, Victoria hones her power to become the true Commander of Death. In that training, her history begins to show itself and she has to make a Fulfill her destiny and embrace her prophetic title, or return to the man she loves.
But in the Octava, a new enemy emerges from the west, striking a nation divided. In the face of this new foe, Hephata must face her past, not only to save her followers, but herself as well. Yet this new threat comes with further challenges because...
The Eagle is missing.
And beyond the Octava, Victoria hones her power to become the true Commander of Death. In that training, her history begins to show itself and she has to make a Fulfill her destiny and embrace her prophetic title, or return to the man she loves.
But in the Octava, a new enemy emerges from the west, striking a nation divided. In the face of this new foe, Hephata must face her past, not only to save her followers, but herself as well. Yet this new threat comes with further challenges because...
The Eagle is missing.
844 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 15, 2025
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
religious politics
civil unrest
Unique magic system
elves X humans
secrets and revelations
who did this to you
What in the name of the Architect is going on in the Octava? Shit has hit the fan, and I am here for it all! Gosh, do I love this epic fantasy series so much.... and in book 3, so much is going on! I absolutely loved that we had multiple stories going on at once. It definitely gave me later LOR vibes where new characters and stories are introduced but by the end they've all came together in a monumental way! So good!
We left off in Book 2 with Victoria as the new Alpha of the Raven and she's with Richard Mason on the other side of the continent. in book 2, we pick up with her 3 years later training in all her powers. I really enjoyed this continuation of Victoria's story, learning where she came from, who she is, the banter with the fathers in her life. It was a good time.
What surprised me the most though, that I enjoyed, was Hephata's story. We all know she's evil but her backstory was my favorite part of Origins of Wrath... oh look at that title coming into play! haha Truly, what she went through, why she became as evil as she did, I loved reading it. I felt some sympathy for her in parts (dont come at me!)
I could go on and on about all the character storylines like the pirates, Genoa, James, Iolo, the Alphas, Willow... go bless Willow... but Id write a whole short story myself. Please, if you are an epic fantasy lover, read these books!
Also, I have to mention one more thing... without any spoilers.... theres a scene in the last 10% of the book that legit made me tear up. A character I love with my whole heart was present... and let's say My heart needed more time with them.
Tropes:
religious politics
civil unrest
Unique magic system
elves X humans
secrets and revelations
who did this to you
What in the name of the Architect is going on in the Octava? Shit has hit the fan, and I am here for it all! Gosh, do I love this epic fantasy series so much.... and in book 3, so much is going on! I absolutely loved that we had multiple stories going on at once. It definitely gave me later LOR vibes where new characters and stories are introduced but by the end they've all came together in a monumental way! So good!
We left off in Book 2 with Victoria as the new Alpha of the Raven and she's with Richard Mason on the other side of the continent. in book 2, we pick up with her 3 years later training in all her powers. I really enjoyed this continuation of Victoria's story, learning where she came from, who she is, the banter with the fathers in her life. It was a good time.
What surprised me the most though, that I enjoyed, was Hephata's story. We all know she's evil but her backstory was my favorite part of Origins of Wrath... oh look at that title coming into play! haha Truly, what she went through, why she became as evil as she did, I loved reading it. I felt some sympathy for her in parts (dont come at me!)
I could go on and on about all the character storylines like the pirates, Genoa, James, Iolo, the Alphas, Willow... go bless Willow... but Id write a whole short story myself. Please, if you are an epic fantasy lover, read these books!
Also, I have to mention one more thing... without any spoilers.... theres a scene in the last 10% of the book that legit made me tear up. A character I love with my whole heart was present... and let's say My heart needed more time with them.
May 21, 2025
Origins of Wrath might just be my favorite book in the Rise of Ashryn series so far!
Thomas B. Matthews does a remarkable job at continuing the story from Ravens of Death (and Ashes of Ruin) while also diving deeper into the past AND introducing readers to new characters. I continue to be captivated by the complexities of the story, and am blown away at how refreshing this series feels as a dark high-fantasy read.
To me, Origins of Wrath brings more humor to the series, while still allowing for emotional and intense moments. I am in awe of how well-balanced the storytelling is throughout the novel. This entire series continues to be thought provoking. It shows that things are not just black and white, good and evil, right and wrong.
I absolutely recommend reading Origins of Wrath - but you will want to read the first two books first. If you are looking for a dark, challenging, emotional read in a high-fantasy genre with romance, then the Rise of Ashryn series is one for you.
**Please be mindful of TWs and CWs prior to reading to make sure this is a fit for your reading tastes**
Thomas B. Matthews does a remarkable job at continuing the story from Ravens of Death (and Ashes of Ruin) while also diving deeper into the past AND introducing readers to new characters. I continue to be captivated by the complexities of the story, and am blown away at how refreshing this series feels as a dark high-fantasy read.
To me, Origins of Wrath brings more humor to the series, while still allowing for emotional and intense moments. I am in awe of how well-balanced the storytelling is throughout the novel. This entire series continues to be thought provoking. It shows that things are not just black and white, good and evil, right and wrong.
I absolutely recommend reading Origins of Wrath - but you will want to read the first two books first. If you are looking for a dark, challenging, emotional read in a high-fantasy genre with romance, then the Rise of Ashryn series is one for you.
**Please be mindful of TWs and CWs prior to reading to make sure this is a fit for your reading tastes**
August 16, 2025
I am just about speechless. My heart is still racing from the last 80 pages. The character development? Immaculate. The plot twists? Shocking. The ending? Absolute perfection.
——
Update:
Ok I had a snack, took some deep breaths, touched some grass, and can now put some thought together.
Book 3 of the Ashes of Ruin series is a wild ride. The book is thick and it is action packed( both 🗡️and 🌶️ and even 🏴☠️) from start to finish. There are plot developments and twists that will shock you and unexpected tender moments that will have you squealing. Also… can someone please explain to me how Hephata was my favorite character for 75% of the book? That is top tier character development. 👏👏👏
This book takes on the challenge of time jumps and multiple storylines that all piece together beautifully in the end.
As someone who grew up going to church the structure the beliefs and of the warring religions is absolutely fascinating and well done. There is a deeply rooted theme of even in the purest of good there is evil and even that born of evil has good. On top of that there is the concept of blind belief and questioning the Architect’s (god’s) motives/ways.
There is elemental magic (alphas)
Multiple deities
Yearning
Lost memories
Religious politics
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Elves vs Humans
Forbidden knowledge and secrets
——
Update:
Ok I had a snack, took some deep breaths, touched some grass, and can now put some thought together.
Book 3 of the Ashes of Ruin series is a wild ride. The book is thick and it is action packed( both 🗡️and 🌶️ and even 🏴☠️) from start to finish. There are plot developments and twists that will shock you and unexpected tender moments that will have you squealing. Also… can someone please explain to me how Hephata was my favorite character for 75% of the book? That is top tier character development. 👏👏👏
This book takes on the challenge of time jumps and multiple storylines that all piece together beautifully in the end.
As someone who grew up going to church the structure the beliefs and of the warring religions is absolutely fascinating and well done. There is a deeply rooted theme of even in the purest of good there is evil and even that born of evil has good. On top of that there is the concept of blind belief and questioning the Architect’s (god’s) motives/ways.
There is elemental magic (alphas)
Multiple deities
Yearning
Lost memories
Religious politics
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Elves vs Humans
Forbidden knowledge and secrets
May 21, 2025
For transparency's sake for the third time, I am the author's wife and the inspiration for Victoria. Ta da, it's me again.
Ravens of Death leaves readers on a major cliffhanger and death and our main characters are generally in a pickle. Civil War has started in the Octava in the three years since RoD ended, Victoria is deep in her training, and what's more concerning is that Joshua, Eve, and Willow are missing.
Origins of Wrath greatly expands the map and universe of the Rise of Ashryn series, and we finally see what has been beyond the barrier that Hephata created and why she did so. The addition of the new countries, peoples, and places adds depth and variety to this series. We have elves, pirates (and oh boy will you love him) and the hint of a humanoid-amphibious race I'm sure we'll see more of in the future.
But we also see more of our favorite characters: Rollins, James, Launius, Genoa, Almira, as all as the introduction of some who will make you shout, laugh, cry, cheer on, and frankly just love.
Among the things I loved most about this book in particular are the backstories of Hephata and Victoria. Without giving much away, you can see why and how Hephata became the person she did (icky, eww, bad), and perchance you'll feel a shred of remorse for her (or maybe not, that's fine too as she deserves it).
As I mentioned above, I'm the inspiration for Victoria, and Thomas gives Victoria a backstory and ending worthy of the character. Our stories are similar in many ways, and Thomas wanted to give me the happy ending he always wanted me to have. (sob, sniff)
This final book in the first cycle is extremely fast-paced, full of emotion, and will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. This is the best thing Thomas has written and I'm very proud of his storytelling in this series, his ability to make readers think and stretch their minds, as well as his characters, who are not that much different than we are.
You'll like this book if:
1. You've read books 1 and 2 of Rise of Ashryn
2. You like animal-based magic systems
3. Student to mentor relationships
4. High, epic fantasy that is different and unique
5. A dose of romance
6. Found family
7. Family drama
8. Politicking, intrigue, high stakes
As always, please read the content warnings at the beginning of the book.
And as always, I'm deeply appreciative of readers who read Thomas' books, rate them, write reviews, tell their friends, buy the books as gifts, post about them on social media, and just enjoy his work. This is the magic folks- support a very small indie author achieve his dream. You have my gratitude now and always.
Ravens of Death leaves readers on a major cliffhanger and death and our main characters are generally in a pickle. Civil War has started in the Octava in the three years since RoD ended, Victoria is deep in her training, and what's more concerning is that Joshua, Eve, and Willow are missing.
Origins of Wrath greatly expands the map and universe of the Rise of Ashryn series, and we finally see what has been beyond the barrier that Hephata created and why she did so. The addition of the new countries, peoples, and places adds depth and variety to this series. We have elves, pirates (and oh boy will you love him) and the hint of a humanoid-amphibious race I'm sure we'll see more of in the future.
But we also see more of our favorite characters: Rollins, James, Launius, Genoa, Almira, as all as the introduction of some who will make you shout, laugh, cry, cheer on, and frankly just love.
Among the things I loved most about this book in particular are the backstories of Hephata and Victoria. Without giving much away, you can see why and how Hephata became the person she did (icky, eww, bad), and perchance you'll feel a shred of remorse for her (or maybe not, that's fine too as she deserves it).
As I mentioned above, I'm the inspiration for Victoria, and Thomas gives Victoria a backstory and ending worthy of the character. Our stories are similar in many ways, and Thomas wanted to give me the happy ending he always wanted me to have. (sob, sniff)
This final book in the first cycle is extremely fast-paced, full of emotion, and will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. This is the best thing Thomas has written and I'm very proud of his storytelling in this series, his ability to make readers think and stretch their minds, as well as his characters, who are not that much different than we are.
You'll like this book if:
1. You've read books 1 and 2 of Rise of Ashryn
2. You like animal-based magic systems
3. Student to mentor relationships
4. High, epic fantasy that is different and unique
5. A dose of romance
6. Found family
7. Family drama
8. Politicking, intrigue, high stakes
As always, please read the content warnings at the beginning of the book.
And as always, I'm deeply appreciative of readers who read Thomas' books, rate them, write reviews, tell their friends, buy the books as gifts, post about them on social media, and just enjoy his work. This is the magic folks- support a very small indie author achieve his dream. You have my gratitude now and always.
August 11, 2025
No words. The world will never be the same
The building of this book was amazing. Some of the chapters were confusing and I didn’t know what their purpose was but it all came together in the end so perfectly. There were many AHHH moments
Hephata truly is just a piece of work. Learning her backstory, I did feel bad for her. Iolo is a monster, no one who loves you treats you like that. I can kind of see why she wanted all men to suffer…a little dramatic maybe but I could feel her rage.
But then the way she was so entitled really made me mad. Everything was about her and she did no wrong. Even when Joshua gave her mercy, when she prayed to the architect for forgiveness… she did not learn a damn thing! She was just trying to save her own ugly skin
I wanted Joshua to kill her immediately. I was screaming at my book for him to finish her!!
I am so glad that this book had many solutions for me! Thank the Architect that bitch is dead
I loved Victoria’s story as well. Her many fathers and their phallic jokes 😂 it was so bittersweet when her parents finally got to meet her again after all that time.
- I do love how petty and spiteful she is. Not in the way Hephata was evil, but people in the underworld are going to get what they deserve.
I grew very fond of Willow. I was SO confused about Warren, let me tell you, I forgot completely about Joshua’s one year. Matthew totally weaved that in there and I had NO IDEA who Carson and Warren were!! Plot twist!! I did kind of guess that Willow was Iolo’s daughter, after they kept mentioning high ranking elf abd the Kinwe power. I don’t know if that was really a secret he was trying to hide from the reader. But the point where Iolo found out and he had done that to her. Just so much feeling there.
Eve and Alexander’s littler reunion too! Man the tears!! I can’t wait for their own story.
I’ll probably edit this as I think of more things I need to say, there’s a lot to process here!!! So good
If you want a high fantasy, I would say similar to Lord of the Rings, definitely this series!! I don’t know where it will go next but I am buckled up!! Let’s go defeat Ashryn!
The building of this book was amazing. Some of the chapters were confusing and I didn’t know what their purpose was but it all came together in the end so perfectly. There were many AHHH moments
Hephata truly is just a piece of work. Learning her backstory, I did feel bad for her. Iolo is a monster, no one who loves you treats you like that. I can kind of see why she wanted all men to suffer…a little dramatic maybe but I could feel her rage.
But then the way she was so entitled really made me mad. Everything was about her and she did no wrong. Even when Joshua gave her mercy, when she prayed to the architect for forgiveness… she did not learn a damn thing! She was just trying to save her own ugly skin
I wanted Joshua to kill her immediately. I was screaming at my book for him to finish her!!
I am so glad that this book had many solutions for me! Thank the Architect that bitch is dead
I loved Victoria’s story as well. Her many fathers and their phallic jokes 😂 it was so bittersweet when her parents finally got to meet her again after all that time.
- I do love how petty and spiteful she is. Not in the way Hephata was evil, but people in the underworld are going to get what they deserve.
I grew very fond of Willow. I was SO confused about Warren, let me tell you, I forgot completely about Joshua’s one year. Matthew totally weaved that in there and I had NO IDEA who Carson and Warren were!! Plot twist!! I did kind of guess that Willow was Iolo’s daughter, after they kept mentioning high ranking elf abd the Kinwe power. I don’t know if that was really a secret he was trying to hide from the reader. But the point where Iolo found out and he had done that to her. Just so much feeling there.
Eve and Alexander’s littler reunion too! Man the tears!! I can’t wait for their own story.
I’ll probably edit this as I think of more things I need to say, there’s a lot to process here!!! So good
If you want a high fantasy, I would say similar to Lord of the Rings, definitely this series!! I don’t know where it will go next but I am buckled up!! Let’s go defeat Ashryn!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
Okay I’m just going to come out and say it. This book was amazing. This series is absolutely fantastic. I had to wait to write this review because I just had so many emotions from this book.
This starts off where Ravens of Death ended, so you must read the first two books first.
There is sooo much character development! You get a sense of how some of the main characters (such as Joshua and Victoria) are dealing with a lot of stuff that happened before and how they are coming into their powers. But there are also new characters!! So of course you get to learn about them too!
There are so many emotions and so many things that happen in this book. Love, betrayal, revenge, and hope just to name a few.
I think my favorite parts of this book was the flashbacks with Hephata and Iolo. You get a sense of why she because the vile person she is, and to me it humanized her character.
I devoured this book. There’s so much adventure in this book but so much seriousness in it too. You are going to keep turning page after page to find out what happens next. This is by far my favorite book in the series and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for this series.
This starts off where Ravens of Death ended, so you must read the first two books first.
There is sooo much character development! You get a sense of how some of the main characters (such as Joshua and Victoria) are dealing with a lot of stuff that happened before and how they are coming into their powers. But there are also new characters!! So of course you get to learn about them too!
There are so many emotions and so many things that happen in this book. Love, betrayal, revenge, and hope just to name a few.
I think my favorite parts of this book was the flashbacks with Hephata and Iolo. You get a sense of why she because the vile person she is, and to me it humanized her character.
I devoured this book. There’s so much adventure in this book but so much seriousness in it too. You are going to keep turning page after page to find out what happens next. This is by far my favorite book in the series and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for this series.
June 24, 2025
This was an incredible addition to the series. It answered many questions and closed many storylines, but it also opened up many new possibilities. I can't wait to read more. This series has been such a fantastic read. I can't recommend it enough. I love reading Indie authors; Thomas has been a breath of fresh air.
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