The Wrath of Ashes

by Lilo Quie

Asha is a kind young man, the bastard firstborn of the earl of a once-thriving valley kingdom. As war has torn his country apart, the earldom has grown poorer by the year, and his father meaner. In a land where man loving man is relegated to the dragons and their lands, Asha vows to be celibate, to earn his keep and flee to live a better life anywhere but there. But when a letter arrives to his father telling him that a dragon comes to claim him—everything changes.

Mezerath, king of Sauria, the Sin’s prince of wrath, has heard his mate for the first time in his dreams. His mate cries in pain, but he wonders if it would be kinder to let him pass than to prolong his suffering. When his loyal bed servant demands he pursue his mate and end their arrangement, Rath does just that. He loves his mate, but he hopes he is strong enough to become a dragon, to live like one and to extend his life for as long as the kingdom needs them.

Genres: Dragons, Shapeshifters, Royalty, Fantasy, Romance, M M Romance, M M Paranormal

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

About the author

https://liloquie.net
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Reviews

[Kelly Gress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Start to New Series

I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed learning about the brothers. I hope to see more of them in the future. I didn't want this story to end and wished it was longer.

[tysephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This definitely needs editing. There were several times where sentences almost made sense, but we're just off enough to be weird. I think the world is interesting, and I'm interested in reading the next book when it comes out to see where it goes.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤 MM Paranormal Romance | Fated Mates | Hurt/Comfort | Dragon Shifters | Queer Royalty | Slow Burn | Deep Bonding
📚 Book 1 of Sins of Balthier

Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

This book caught me completely off guard. I was worried at first because of how the characters spoke in the opening chapters—some of the phrasing in Asha’s kingdom felt borderline foreign and I was like “Can I read an entire book like this?” But PUSH THROUGH because once Asha leaves and goes with Mezerath, everything evens out—and from there, I was hooked.

Asha broke my heart over and over. The emotional abuse he faced, especially from his so-called “father,” made me want to scream. And yet he stayed kind. Gentle. Hopeful. I just wanted to protect him in every scene.

Mezerath?? Obsessed. His devotion to Asha—without ever crossing a line or pushing before Asha was ready—was incredibly satisfying. It’s not your typical smutty fated-mates book where they can’t keep their hands off each other on page two. This one is slow burn longing, aching need, and a soul-deep connection. When they do finally come together—🔥 perfection. But the tension building up to it was just as powerful.

The world-building was so good. I loved the reincarnated dragons, the royal brotherhood, and how the mating dynamic felt new and different compared to other omegaverse or dragon books. Also… can we talk about the names of the brothers?? Obsessed. I want all of their stories immediately.

If you love hurt/comfort, unique world-building, and deep emotional payoff with earned spice—read this.

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Fated mates
Paranormal romance
Dragon shifters
Royalty
Slow burn
Mpreg
Soulbond
Queer fantasy
Reincarnation themes
Power imbalance
Abuse recovery
Protective alpha
Mate pull

🌶️ Spice menu 🌶️
Slow build tension
First time
Mutual devotion
Mating sex
Marking
Soft dom energy
Spice is earned, not frequent—but worth it

🚨 Content Warnings 🚨
Emotional/verbal abuse (parental)
Neglect and mistreatment by family
Mentions of starvation
Mentions of past death
Power dynamics
Themes of trauma and recovery
Spiritual/supernatural elements
Violence (low to moderate).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another Great Story to Read written by Lilo Quie. This is the start of a new series. This is a story that has Dragons that rule, and help when needed. Asha always thought that he was the first born bastard child of the Earl of Tippin. The Earl would constantly whip him with silver beads on the tips of the whip to leave marks. Asha slept in the dungeon and worked as a Footman and Groundskeeper. He dug graves when needed and tended to the Earls carriages and took care of the estate. Bel and Leza are his half brothers and born pure blood from the earls wife. In the Kingdom of Monsmount it is forbidden for a man to love another man. Mezerath is King of Sauria and a dragon. Dragons have bed servants to help control their dragon until they are mated. Dragons can mate male or female. When Rath can since his prince is in trouble he is unsure whether or not to call to him. Jeron, Rath's bed servant tries to console him and get him to call for his mate. Rath calls for Asha in his dreams. Asha tells Rath about himself, who he is and where he lives. Rath decides to get his mate the next day. The King grants him passage for a token, he sends it to the King of Monsmount. The Earl is asking for a fodder of gold, Rath takes three casks of gold. Rath sets out to get his Prince and bring him home where he belongs. Asha is woken up by the Countess crying, she tells him that she is his real mother and they are about to have guests. When Rath finds Asha he is not happy. In the courtyard of the Earl of Tippin the Earl gets one cask of gold and the Countess gets two casks of gold. The Countess goes back home with her gold and away from the Earl because she has fulfilled her contract with him. Rath takes Asha home with him. When Asha learns he is an Ashen One, chosen to be a Dragon mate, he is unsure what to do. Asha is going through changes living with Rath. Will Asha be able to handle the change to a dragon???? What happen when the moonlight hits Asha?? What will Raths wedding presents be to Asha??? What does Asha's dragon look like????.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was born into silence. He was never meant to matter.

Locked away and forgotten by the people who should have protected him, Asha survives by staying small and unseen. But when Rath, a dragon king bound by fate and ancient magic, arrives to claim what no one else valued, Asha is pulled into a world of power, heat, and truth. He isn’t just rescued. He’s recognized.

Their bond is forged through shared pain and unyielding resilience. Asha, guarded and sharp, pushes against every instinct to trust. Rath, possessive and patient, never forces, but never wavers. Together, they walk a slow-burning path from obligation to something deeper, something freely chosen.

As magic stirs and secrets rise, Asha must face the power buried in his blood. Rath learns that strength isn’t just fire or fear, but letting someone stand beside you. What begins as protection becomes partnership. What starts in silence grows into something uncontainable.

Asha transforms from a traumatized, self-protective young man into a confident consort who claims his voice, power, and worth. Rath shifts from a stoic, duty-bound king into an empathetic partner who learns patience, softness, and the strength in surrender. Their love becomes mutual, fierce, and healing, grounded in trust, vulnerability, and choice.

A steamy, MM, fated mates, dragon shifter romance, exploring love, devotion, identity, healing, found family, rebirth, and reclaiming power. It’s about surviving cruelty, choosing love, and rising from the ashes without losing yourself.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The world-building is magnificent and the story is set in a magical dragon world. It starts out in a rather difficult place, as Ashra has had a horrible childhood regularly beaten by his father, as his father's wife looks on. Now an adult, he is used to suffering, but he doesn't know what the rest of his life will be like. He's always been attracted to males, but he's never acted on it in a place where that type of love is forbidden. Still, his dreams and feelings tell him there may be something more.

Rath is the King of the dragon kingdom of Sauria. When he first feels the distant call of his mate, it is almost too much. He feels his suffering. As the call grows stronger, he knows where to find him. His mate, Ashra, has lived as a human and only recently found out that he is actually half-dragon and will be coming into the other side of him over time. He's used to poverty, pain, and despair, but now he will have to get used to the dragon world - a world where someday he will be able to take dragon form and even bear the eggs of his young.

The gradual strengthening of the mating bond, the lives of dragons, and the magic make this a special story. I especially like the idea of the sleeping dragons. Great love! I love forward to more books in this series!

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Why do you cry?” Rath stared at the tear.
Asha took a shivering breath. “I’ve spent a lifetime being told to hate dragons, and since my boyhood passed, I’ve not known why nature made me look upon men like I should women, made me look at men like I was the woman.” Asha choked down the tears that came with those words.
“When the time comes that I make you comfortable enough to explore that side of yourself, and there’s no rush with that. Do not feel obligated. I will make do and don’t let me or anyone else tell you differently. Your body is not mine, no matter how much I want it.”
“How can I move forward when I’m all wrong? I shouldn’t want this.”

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Asha and Rath. Asha has been taught what he wants is wrong all his life and that both hurts and weighs on him emotionally. Rath was the perfect match for him. He was patient, understanding, and caring, helping Asha learn what he wants and to feel comfortable in himself. That he is not wrong at all. These two were very sweet together and I loved the building of their relationship, trust, and love. I was completely hooked to their story. Another wonderful romance from Lilo Quie and a great start to a new series! I can't wait to read more. 5 stars

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous MM fantasy story from Lilo Quie

Absolutely the best thing Lilo Quie has ever written. Let me be clear that I have loved reading everything that I have from her, but this book shows how much she has upped her writing game.
Asha is a lovely character who we follow from being an outcast to being the mate of a dragon called Mezerath. Quie is known for working puns etc into her work and there will obviously be more to come because Mezerath is called Rath (wrath) and from that we can expect that there are some other sins to come. Lucky us!
The world building is marvelous and detailed, the pace is perfect(at least for me), the atmosphere is well established and the descriptions of things and people gave me a real view of what things are like there.
The story does unfold at a slightly slower pace than most of Ms Quie’s work and if you are expecting the two main characters to accept each other as Mates and get right down to it then you have a bit of a wait. I thought it was totally worth it because the overall story is much more developed and holds its own alongside the romance. More sins please!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another dragon series from Lilo to love

I adore the Empty Nests series where Lilo has gifted us so many dragons (and their babies!) to love. Here, although it's still dragons, it's completely different. Asha and Rath inhabit another world whereas the Empty Nesters exist in our world.
Lilo's imagination is a thing of beauty and wonder and I get completely caught up every time. This is a much slower burn for her dragons but there's good reason for that. Asha has not had a good life, and humans in general are taught to fear and hate dragons. Rath has much love for his mate and is so patient with him, allowing Asha to come to terms with everything he knew about himself and about dragons being lies.
I loved the dynamic that grows between them, with Asha mending and growing under Rath's care and love. Rath was sweet and so supportive of Asha at all times, I couldn't help but love him, and I adored the ruthless manner in which he got his revenge on those who hurt his beloved.
The supporting characters are fascinating, as always with Lilo, and Rath's brothers must surely be getting their own books so there will be at least another six in the series. Can't wait to see who is up next.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book and in my opinion, pretty unique. I don’t typically like books set back in a more historical era, but this was written pretty good, though there were parts that I didn’t fully understand just because of the way people talked in that time period.

I really liked Rath and Asha together. What happened with Lyss surprised me, only for her to then surprise me again later. I can’t say more than that though without spoiling it. I liked Rath’s brothers, except maybe Lapryda, he felt insensitive to me and while he seems nice, I wasn’t a big fan of his actions. I liked the ending with Galatan. The whole reincarnation storyline was interesting to me and not one that I’ve read. I’m sad we didn’t get to see the eggs hatch at the end, and while I’m sure we’ll get to see it in a future book, I’m assuming the next book will be on one of Rath’s brothers so we won’t get to see the eggs hatch from Rath and Asha’s POV.

Overall, it’s a good story and was very interesting with a unique storyline that I personally haven’t come across before.

~~~ I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ~~~

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

left bauble, dead gold, jute scrubber, honeycakes, gold magic, crispy critters, triple X!, metachrosis, opalescent & powdered scales

Asha a beautiful and sweet human, then becomes a fire opal dragon. He has no idea that he isn't a bastard son of the earl, his master. Yes, Asha is relegated to a lowly servant. His father has 2 other sons, his stepbrothers, who live as privileged. Because he is considered obstinate, he is frequently beaten by his father. What is done to Asha borders on abuse and torture.

King Mezerath of Sauria, or Rath, hears Asha calling out to him through the mate connection. But, Rath also feels the pain Asha is in. Asha was hust beaten and is in the dungeons. It's through that connection Rath discovers Asha's name and where he is. Rath is kind, attentive, and loving to Asha once he is spirited away from the earl.

The world-building is incredible, the images easy to visualize. The characters' interactions with each other and Asha are dramatic and humorous. Rath's six brothers seem close and their antics are comical. I enjoyed myself very much and happily recommend this.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, this is SO good! Lilo creates the BEST series with the most likeable characters! Asha, is the firstborn bastard son of the Earl and is greatly out of favor. He is not treated well by his Dad or his brothers. Asha is gay in a place where it's reserved for dragons. He is a nice sweet man who vows to keep his head down while working to escape as soon as he can. Mezerath, is a dragon who hears his mate in a dream and debates if he should pursue him. Rath, has many concerns about his potential mate while his servant bedmate encourages him to find Asha. Sweet story abotu owning who we are, embracing new lifestyles and acceptance. Nicely done. Very nice men and a supportive fun family. Happily looking forward to the rest of the series! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky A · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Wrath of Ashes" received TWO AND A HALF stars.

As always seems to be the case for me with a Lilo Quie book, I love the characters and the plot but get stuck on the writing. Weirdly worded sentences constantly jerk me out of the story and cause me to re-read a passage two or three times just to understand it.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

1/2 * gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a stellar book!!!

Everytime a Lilo Quie book comes out I know I'm getting something exciting, and this NEW world and characters do not disappoint.

Her take on dragons is pretty unique, her dette series is unique as well but this one is wholly different. Humans know of dragons, treating them as another nation, a powerful one but not above or below the law.
The dragons have multiple forms, the omegas aren't called omegas they have a few names and are noticable by a specific colour or once mated to their fated one.

This is a highly enjoyable book. Instant attraction, slow to act, but hot when it does!

I can wait to see what happens in the next 6, because each brother needs their own story right!!!!!

[BookLover886 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story!

Wow! This story was so good. The world building and character development were great. I was so engaged I couldn’t put it down once I started. I had to know what was going to happen! I really enjoyed both Asha and Rath. They are fated mates but they really take time to build a relationship and trust. Rath teaches Asha about dragon culture and helps Asha learn about himself. Rath is so patient and understanding which helps Asha heal and be able to build friendships. This is a low angst book, but the world around them is not a good place so there are some difficult moments. However, I loved all of Rath’s brothers! I really hope they all get stories. This is a great start to a new series and I’m so excited for more stories!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful fantasy romance with dragons and magic in a kingdom in the clouds. King Mezerath (Rath) has found his perfect mate, Asha, an Ashborne. The conditions in which he's discovered, in which he was raised, are deplorable, and unfit an Ashbornep (something Rath plans to make them sorry for). Ashe is a tender and gentle soul who has found a fierce friend in Lyss. Jeron will help ease his loss of her, hopefully. Rath will have to tread carefully to ensure his mate is accepting of not only who he is, but his place in the kingdom and even his basic desires.

This story delves into issue of self acceptance at its core, as well as blind bias and bigotry. Sit back and let Quie carry you away to the world of dragons!

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Robin T · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off i have to say the world building was good. I liked the explanation on where dragons fit in when there is war, dragon culture. Not a ton of spicy times but it fit the book. There is tons of wooing and longing, which had me sighing.

I loved our 2 mcs one is doubtful and wary of everything. And the other determined to win him over. I found this book very sweet kinda fluffy. I can't wait to read more about the other brothers.

If you like paranormal romance with mpreg this is the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydney]

Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.

This one just isn’t for me. I struggled with Rath’s bedslave becoming Asha’s valet. Despite him being nice to Asha, he still shares a deep intimacy with Rath that makes Asha uncomfortable. But it’s supposed to all be ok because Rath says he is no longer interested in him sexually? He even admits to taking comfort together in the nest but says it’s ok because they didn’t have sex. I don’t know, it’s just really off putting.

The writing is a bit off too. It’s hard to follow, things are just worded strangely at times. And there were a number of times that I didn’t have any idea who was speaking the dialogue.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asha life has not been easy and his father is a tyrannt and makes Asha sleep in the dungeon and just abuses him since he is the "bastard firstborn"
Mezerath is a dragon and the King of Sauria. When he hears his mate, he at first thinks to let him go because of the pain that he feels him. His bedservent pushes him to find his mate.
I really enjoyed this story and the main characters. A new twist on dragons and I just loved the secondary characters.
Family drama, fated mates, dragons, sassy characters and dragon eggs.

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved stories about dragons and this one is amazing.

The tale of a dragon prince that doesn't know he's one and a dragon king searching for his mate.

It's a story of trust, family and finding your place in a crazy unforgiving world.

The author gave vibrant and beautiful descriptions of everything from the landscapes to the dragons letting one imagine easily what the dragon looked like.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing well written book. It literally pulls you in from the first page. My heart broke for Asha and Lyss. I found Rath to be adorable in his overprotectiveness. When you see a big strong strapping alpha male go all mushy there's nothing better. I also loved when he got revenge for Asha. I can't wait to read the brothers books. My only complaint is I would have love for it to end after the eggs hatched.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely already addicted to this unique world. The deadly sins, the dragon hierarchy that is known by humans as they live alongside them. So much stunning world building here. A new type of dragon culture. Asha so sweet and pure of heart. He is the perfect mate for Rath. I liked that intimacy hesitantly grew into something not only hot but very special too. I am looking forward to what sin romance shall be next!

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrath of Ashes is the first book in the Sins of Balthier series by Lilo Quie. This is Asha and Mezerath's story. Hearing Asha's pain, Mezerath sets out to retrieve his woeful mate. I love Asha and Mezerath together. I was happy that their relationship didn't follow the path of instant bed hopping. This is a beautiful story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series!

I loved The Wrath of Ashes by Lilo Quie. It's the first book in the Sins of Balthier series. I loved Rath and Asha's story. I loved how Asha is a human dragon that will become a dragon when he meets his dragon mate. I hated how he was treated by his father and I'm glad his father and his half brothers got what was coming to them. I loved how they picked the names for the babies and how the dead are reincarnated.

[Heather Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I really liked this book.
The historical/fantasy setting was well done
I loved Rath and Asha especially how nieve Asha was and how Rath got his revenge

What irks me is that the mpreg is not in the book till 88% and nothing after the eggs are born. I would have loved the book to be longer or have the mpreg sooner in the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I really sympathised with Asha and how he was treated by his supposed father. As I read the book, the story unfolded into a beautiful romance between Rath and Asha. There is a lot more to unfold, but that will happen in future books in this series. I am definitely going to stay tuned for future books in this series. Highly recommend reading this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something fascinating about dragons and this story does a lovely job of setting the stage for a new series. I really liked the way Asha comes into his own when he finds his dragon mate. Asha and Rath make a good couple. Rath is a good match for Asha as he is supportive and encouraging as Asha comes into his own.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asha's story starts in a very bad place. His has been mistreated and told falsehoods his whole life. He's not sure what to think when Rath comes into his life. There is a whole deadly sins of brothers and we get to know and appreciate them all. this is the first in a new world created by this very imaginative author. Another entertaining story and I loved it!!! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Gemi Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am late to reading this one. Its a sweet love story. The characters are always incredibly written. Rath is patient loving kind and Asha heals from his past because of Raths love. Its beginning was hard seeing Asha go through so much and yet see him bloom was beautiful. Lilo Quie always goes above and beyond for her readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charline Saint-Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. It is good from the beginning to the end. I love the take on the seven deadly sins and I can't wait for what next. I also love this world and the culture Lilo created which was so unique.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.