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Ishness
One tragic night, Ashley is caught in the grip of something evil. After a life of loneliness and isolation, she believes this is the end. But salvation comes from the last place she ever imagined… the shadows.
As she begins to recover, strange faces emerge from the darkness. Can she trust what she sees? Should she accept help from these mysterious beings? Will she ever be the same?
Walk beside Ashley as she heals, as worlds collide, and reality bends. Meet the eerie, yet strangely endearing, creatures who walk with her. The question what will you believe?
As she begins to recover, strange faces emerge from the darkness. Can she trust what she sees? Should she accept help from these mysterious beings? Will she ever be the same?
Walk beside Ashley as she heals, as worlds collide, and reality bends. Meet the eerie, yet strangely endearing, creatures who walk with her. The question what will you believe?
- GenresFantasy
365 pages, Hardcover
Published June 26, 2025
102 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 29, 2025
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. As a longtime follower of Ishness on TikTok, it was phenomenal to watch the characters come to life in the pages of a book. Though I’ve followed these characters on TikTok for the last five years, I did not know the finer details of their individual origin. The amount of times that I got excited because I knew exactly which character was being described before they said their name is insane. When I got to the description of Karsh, I could barely contain myself! He has been my favorite character, and my husband’s, in the Land of Ishness these past five years. I was honestly shocked that this had some spice to it, but at the same time, not that shocked. Overall, I am so happy that this world exists, that these characters exist, because who has never felt alone at least once in their life?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
5 stars for an epic book from an indie author. The story is sweet, even if just a little generic. Romance was lacking so it's more of a fantasy thriller than an urban horror romance. Can definitely use trigger warnings for what happens to the main character and for the mentioned drug abuse and mental health themes. The romance also felt a little on the off side due to the characters' relationship to each other. Ending also felt a bit rushed and the epilog felt out of place and unexplained after the ending. Still, a great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but it hit all of the right boxes for me. I didn’t even know I needed something paranormal, but it’s… so much more than just a paranormal story.
It’s a story about loneliness—about longing for connection, and finding it in places you least expect. It’s a story about love, and the lengths we’ll go to to protect it. It’s a story about healing, and finding ourselves in the process of returning to our own natural light.
There’s a paranormal romance aspect to this story, which I found incredibly sexy. The author did such a great job of making the FMC feel connected and loved, despite it all.
The found family aspect is also well done, and I found myself loving most of the characters throughout.
There are themes of depression, drug addiction, and mental health mistreatment (for lack of a better way to identify it), so if that makes you uneasy, you might not enjoy it as much as I did. But it’s such a great story, and I hope you’ll give it a try.
4.5/5 stars (there were some formatting things that threw me off at times)
It’s a story about loneliness—about longing for connection, and finding it in places you least expect. It’s a story about love, and the lengths we’ll go to to protect it. It’s a story about healing, and finding ourselves in the process of returning to our own natural light.
There’s a paranormal romance aspect to this story, which I found incredibly sexy. The author did such a great job of making the FMC feel connected and loved, despite it all.
The found family aspect is also well done, and I found myself loving most of the characters throughout.
There are themes of depression, drug addiction, and mental health mistreatment (for lack of a better way to identify it), so if that makes you uneasy, you might not enjoy it as much as I did. But it’s such a great story, and I hope you’ll give it a try.
4.5/5 stars (there were some formatting things that threw me off at times)
July 5, 2025
Couldn't put it down
Every now and then, I come across a story that totally and completely captures my imagination. Ishness by A. K. Aston is one such book. You can feel the love he put into the development of each character and the world of Ishness. As an empath, I can feel the empathy and compassion his characters feel for Host. I will say no more on the storyline. You must explore the land of Ishness for yourself. If you like creative fantasy, you will love this book. I am hoping for a sequel or prequel or a totally different story from this talented author. Bravo, Mr. Aston.
Every now and then, I come across a story that totally and completely captures my imagination. Ishness by A. K. Aston is one such book. You can feel the love he put into the development of each character and the world of Ishness. As an empath, I can feel the empathy and compassion his characters feel for Host. I will say no more on the storyline. You must explore the land of Ishness for yourself. If you like creative fantasy, you will love this book. I am hoping for a sequel or prequel or a totally different story from this talented author. Bravo, Mr. Aston.
July 11, 2025
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
What a wonderfully unique world! I 100% want to explore more of it, so I hope there will be more books in the world of Ishness in the future.
It does appear to be a stand alone, but there’s room to expand.
I love how it dances along the edges of imagination along with dealing kindly with mental illness.
Friendship is a strong theme throughout.
There is one open door scene that is more suggestive than voyeuristic. The romance is part of the story, not the focus.
You will absolutely fall in love with Zyggy and wish you had your very own emotional support skeleton. And maybe a Munk to take you dancing.
What a wonderfully unique world! I 100% want to explore more of it, so I hope there will be more books in the world of Ishness in the future.
It does appear to be a stand alone, but there’s room to expand.
I love how it dances along the edges of imagination along with dealing kindly with mental illness.
Friendship is a strong theme throughout.
There is one open door scene that is more suggestive than voyeuristic. The romance is part of the story, not the focus.
You will absolutely fall in love with Zyggy and wish you had your very own emotional support skeleton. And maybe a Munk to take you dancing.
July 5, 2025
Normally I am a dark romance and mafia romance reader. But I follow the author on social media and wanted to show my support quietly by picking his book to read. It did not let me down. Detailed to a point where I felt like I could see the characters in real life. Very relatable storyline. There’s a difference between feeling alone and physically being alone. This book captures it all. It gets you in the feelers... But I would definitely read from this author again.
December 11, 2025
I first found out about this book from just watching a tik-tik..during Halloween because I liked the whole “dark, slightly skate/punk/gothic thing” the author had going on…then I started seeing him in character and wondered what was all of this about and then realized he was writing a book and creating his World of Ishness…and after reading, really liked this. Character development was exceptional and the plot moved along pretty well with lots of entertaining moments.
October 7, 2025
all the feelings
I chuckled, I cried I felt my heart breaking and the spicy scene had me in its control. I thoroughly enjoyed this book I related to some bits and my heart goes out to those that can relate to some of the characters I don’t relate to. I could definitely use a hug after reading this.
I chuckled, I cried I felt my heart breaking and the spicy scene had me in its control. I thoroughly enjoyed this book I related to some bits and my heart goes out to those that can relate to some of the characters I don’t relate to. I could definitely use a hug after reading this.
November 4, 2025
a whirlwind of magical education
I was not prepared for the number of mental “illnesses” that would be touched on in this book. This is for any fantasy reader that wants to learn but in a fun way! Ashley is so relatable and all her friends have their own quirks. I loved each character. Her shadow and her plot, twist! Did not see that coming. Absolutely a must read.
I was not prepared for the number of mental “illnesses” that would be touched on in this book. This is for any fantasy reader that wants to learn but in a fun way! Ashley is so relatable and all her friends have their own quirks. I loved each character. Her shadow and her plot, twist! Did not see that coming. Absolutely a must read.
December 19, 2025
Struggled to get through this book. The plot concept and characters are a great idea but the way it novel is written its hard to follow 😔. if you don't already know the characters, the descriptions are lacking and the layout of the book reads like a script. I wish the author had written the book differently. I wanted to love the book but for now it'll sit in my kindle at 60% read.
July 2, 2025
This was amazing!!
I couldn't put it down! I laughed, I cried! I was on the edge of my seat! This book was amazing. The creatures were just truly relatable and loveable! And the story was really brought to life! I recommend this book 1000%
I couldn't put it down! I laughed, I cried! I was on the edge of my seat! This book was amazing. The creatures were just truly relatable and loveable! And the story was really brought to life! I recommend this book 1000%
July 24, 2025
Fantastic, must read
Read in one night as I just couldn't put the book down.
It really felt connected to the main character "host" the writing was great and really put you there with all the characters.
Must read!
Read in one night as I just couldn't put the book down.
It really felt connected to the main character "host" the writing was great and really put you there with all the characters.
Must read!
August 12, 2025
I can't tell you how amazing it is to see this book done and being read by so many people. Ishness is engraved in my heart and soul. It is a must read for all. I had the privilege to be on A.K. Aston's patreon to see this book come to life. Amazing story. A heartfelt adventure. Ish, Yer did it!!
August 18, 2025
So many feels
What can I say? This book captivated me in so many ways. I cried. I was anxious. I felt what Ashley was feeling. I'm so proud to know the author of this book, and to be a part of the ishness community.
What can I say? This book captivated me in so many ways. I cried. I was anxious. I felt what Ashley was feeling. I'm so proud to know the author of this book, and to be a part of the ishness community.
October 20, 2025
Amazing 1st time Author
I have watched these characters evolve on tic tok (Ish). To be able to read about them, their world, and who they are individually opened up an amazing world for me. Thank u so much for writing such an inspiring and relatable fantasy.
I have watched these characters evolve on tic tok (Ish). To be able to read about them, their world, and who they are individually opened up an amazing world for me. Thank u so much for writing such an inspiring and relatable fantasy.
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June 30, 2025Beautifully written
I would definitely recommend this book. It is a beautifully told story. I loved it from front to back .
I would definitely recommend this book. It is a beautifully told story. I loved it from front to back .
July 9, 2025
Ishness
This is one of those books I will come back to just to reread every time. LOVED and highly recommend this book
This is one of those books I will come back to just to reread every time. LOVED and highly recommend this book
July 14, 2025
Ishness peace,love home
I am in awe this is wonderful I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished, thank you for sharing your story
I am in awe this is wonderful I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished, thank you for sharing your story
July 31, 2025
love this author!! was amazing to get to glimpse into their mind a Lil. great read!!
October 19, 2025
Couldn't stop reading!
It is so well written, I could feel the emotion (I bawled like a friggin baby, okay?), and I absolutely loved it!🥰🫶
Hoping for more in the future.💀🫶
It is so well written, I could feel the emotion (I bawled like a friggin baby, okay?), and I absolutely loved it!🥰🫶
Hoping for more in the future.💀🫶
October 23, 2025
great book with a unique spin on reality, pretty easy read
August 20, 2025
📕 This is a book that moved me, changed me, encouraged me … resonated with me.
🥀 🌹 I won’t give a long review. i will simply say I cannot remember a time in my thirty years of reading everything from romance in my teens to fantasy, mystery and more, that a book ever effected me as much as Ishness did.
🦋 Simply go read the book! Your Welcome!
🥀 🌹 I won’t give a long review. i will simply say I cannot remember a time in my thirty years of reading everything from romance in my teens to fantasy, mystery and more, that a book ever effected me as much as Ishness did.
🦋 Simply go read the book! Your Welcome!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews