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Seeing Through Ashes: Why Choose Fantasy Romance
Being a War Photographer in the Demon-infested Europe is not the safest occupation, but when Herais Blackburn is deployed to desolated France to join the team of elite Demon-Hunting-Soldiers, called Purifiers, she realizes that some humans pose bigger threat than the monsters. Forced to navigate between the complicated dynamics of her new squad, the harsh life in the military compound and surviving in the post-apocalyptic world, she soon discovers that staying sane in those conditions could be tricky — and not only because of the Demon's power to send madness onto all men in their proximity.
As the threat of the enemy grows and the power struggle between soldiers and politicians on top intensifies, Herais discovers that the reality of the war is not at all as it seems, and the network of secrets surrounds her both in the world of people, and the realm of the monsters.
Seeing through ashes is the first installment of the planned EchoMind Series and it's set in the demon-infested, post-apocalyptic Europe, following the story of five soldiers and their new war-photographer.
allies to loversSlow burnPost-apocalyptic settingMilitaryWhy chooseDemons & monstersMultiple POVs
As the threat of the enemy grows and the power struggle between soldiers and politicians on top intensifies, Herais discovers that the reality of the war is not at all as it seems, and the network of secrets surrounds her both in the world of people, and the realm of the monsters.
Seeing through ashes is the first installment of the planned EchoMind Series and it's set in the demon-infested, post-apocalyptic Europe, following the story of five soldiers and their new war-photographer.
allies to loversSlow burnPost-apocalyptic settingMilitaryWhy chooseDemons & monstersMultiple POVs
729 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
About the author
Sigrun Lien
2 books35 followersSigrun Lien is an independent author writing for readers who crave complex characters, high-stakes action, and stories that embrace the darker side of fantasy and romance. Her work weaves together elements of horror, mystery, and a fusion of fantasy and science fiction, creating worlds where danger lingers beneath the surface.
Her characters are flawed yet determined to become better, and their relationships are shaped by difficult choices, hidden struggles, and the quiet weight of what remains unspoken. The author of EchoMind Series.
Her characters are flawed yet determined to become better, and their relationships are shaped by difficult choices, hidden struggles, and the quiet weight of what remains unspoken. The author of EchoMind Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 15, 2026
This is for the first two books.
Despite a desperate need for editing, this is an exceptionally good story. I can’t remember the last time I was willing to read 1300 pages of a RH straight through. I didn’t even take breaks to read other things when I was annoyed.
I listen to books via Alexa, who isn’t great at fast forwarding and cannot be sped up, so excessive wording is torture. On the positive side, I can easily jump over to visual reading and skim when I need to, and I did a lot of that. There were just so many words. It left room for my brain to run in circles, so I have a long list of specific thoughts. I’ll put them in a color coded list I think. Green- good, red- not so good, purple- acceptable but I have thoughts.
🟢 The plot itself is compelling across both books. This is the most important factor for me. I just want to be told a good story. I want to be emotionally engaged enough to stay focused outside of reality, while at the same time not emotionally triggered to the extent that I have to be pulled back into reality. It’s a balancing act that this story maintained well, which is why it gets 4 stars despite all the complaining I’m about to do.
🔴 This story comes out of the gate taking the bullying thing way overboard. It exceeds the realities of human nature. The male character literally punches the very small FMC in the face... twice? The verbal abuse goes beyond believability. The other MMCs act like it’s totally normal. None of this is justifiable. There are truly awful, nightmarish people out there. I’ve known some of them. They aren’t meant to become romantic interests in a book though. There are standards.
To be fair, 99% of RHs have this same character in them. The one that is just “untrusting” or whatever. This one goes past the threshold though. A punch in the face? Seriously?
🔴 Similarly, the OW goes past the point of acceptable evil. Her actions are just ridiculous and living through those many scenes just got exhausting.
🟢 I personally consider this book to be safe. I’m pretty touchy about this subject so I like to be specific, so this bullet point will have spoilers. In book 1, I don’t consider Seth to be a viable romantic interest. I’m not sure I ever will. So the fact that he’s having sex with the OW doesn’t bother me. None of the other guys have sex with or show physical affection to the OW. They don’t even like her. But she is upsetting. I don’t mind OW drama at all if it’s set up this way. It adds some interest.
The FMC (photographer) is entering a team that already has a sentinel. She (OW) isn’t a very good match with this group of guys, so she’s very insecure and jealous, which is perfectly believable. As previously mentioned, her other behavior is not.
** At the very end Magnus mentions that he met with Eve two days ago. I’m choosing to believe that they didn’t have sex. That wouldn’t fit his character in general. That character is written erratically though so I can’t say for sure. I’m sure that will be clarified in the next book. If they did, I would consider that cheating and it would be an automatic DNF for me. This story has been safe for over a thousand pages though so I will have faith in it for now.
🟢 All of the other females in both books are normal characters, with good and bad but mostly good.
🟢 This is a good FMC. She’s independent. She’s got a spine. She doesn’t allow herself to become emotionally dependent on any assholes. There’s an acknowledgment of how good looking the guys are, but I don’t have to listen to descriptions of how hot they are when they’re being despicable. There is an annoying obsession with height but it’s fine. She’s never used as an idiot prop (the audience is never watching her do stupid shit.. she mostly makes the same decisions the reader would).
🟣 The guys are.. less fine. Seth is unacceptable in any reality that I can imagine. Flirty guy is acceptable. Quiet guy is acceptable. Bossy guy and Sassy guy both have some very confusing scenes that made very little sense between sentences, leading to some nonsensical actions. To accept them at all you have to dismiss their complicit behavior in the beginning though, which I would never do in any reality that I can imagine. But I showed up for a good time, not a realistic one so..
🟣 What is with all the smoking?? This isn’t 1985. It’s the weirdest and most unnecessary detail that I’ve seen in quite a while.
🟣 There is a lot of hair being described for a military base.
🔴 Plot holes aren’t typically a problem for me. I just ignore them. But there are some big ones and I’ll make this my place to list them.
- There is no way that the humans of earth would make it to the point of fiscal greed BEFORE panic bombing the planet to oblivion in the event of a zombie/demon apocalypse. Panic is the only thing that can defeat greed in the general population imo. The idea that we’d be sending teams into cathedrals to defeat monsters in a dungeon setup rather than dropping a bomb on it just isn’t remotely believable. It would be less entertaining though so…
- This weirdness with the building markings and the military really doesn’t make any sense at all. You aren’t going to tell these teams that this sign doesn’t mean what they think it means anymore? Like, just let them die? There aren’t that many teams. It just doesn’t make sense even logistically. Either there are betrayals or the demons have figured out the system and can copy it.
- Magnus’ mentality is so unrealistic that it counts as a plot hole. Since psychological plot holes are the only ones I actually care about, I consider it to be the most egregious. Seth is an unrealistic bully. Ares makes some nonsensical decisions, but they stay constant as a whole. Magnus gets used as a plot pivoting point, but all believability is sacrificed to make it work. He’d have to be completely psychotic to think the way that character does. At least it isn’t the FMC acting crazy. I’ll give points for that.
🟢 As a habitually silent person, I’m really enjoying a story about those particular struggles. Silence isn’t natural for a social species, so it causes problems. People see the lack of info and rather than accept that as blank space, they write their assumptions over the top of it. Things like privacy are a top commodity. To me, that’s not the same thing as keeping stupid secrets. These aren’t common plot points and it’s very interesting.
🟢 I really really appreciate that the FMC doesn’t let the MMCs get away with shit. She tolerates a lot for too long, but she doesn’t just forgive or get over anything. She makes some excellent speeches and holds the line. On the flip side, she also isn’t too stubborn to accept groveling later in the story.
🟢 I like the complex illustration of victim blaming. It’s so well done that the audience struggles with it. Yes, we all want to strangle to the FMC for not speaking up. That’s great hypothetically. In real life? I know better than most how useless and counterproductive speaking up against men is. But I was still tempted to forget that. The point eventually comes home though.
So many authors attempt to make this sort of illustration, but they forget to bring the circle all the way back to make the point, which leaves the audience unsure. The most popular example is when Nox assaults Ollie in the Broken Bonds series. It’s absolutely assault. The audience is inside Ollie’s POV at the time. But since she has an orgasm she never fully accepts that it’s entirely his fault. The author never delivers the verdict in any way, which does more harm than good imo.
I was expecting to watch Seth’s arguments stand, because they made sense. They weren’t technically wrong. But the reality is eventually delivered by the sentinels at the outpost. I really appreciated that.
🔴 While I don’t get bothered by it, the spelling, grammar, and sentence structure were atrocious. I’m going to believe that English is not this authors first language and accept it. If English IS this authors first language, that would be.. regrettable. But honestly? If it gets the story to me faster, I don’t care.
Despite a desperate need for editing, this is an exceptionally good story. I can’t remember the last time I was willing to read 1300 pages of a RH straight through. I didn’t even take breaks to read other things when I was annoyed.
I listen to books via Alexa, who isn’t great at fast forwarding and cannot be sped up, so excessive wording is torture. On the positive side, I can easily jump over to visual reading and skim when I need to, and I did a lot of that. There were just so many words. It left room for my brain to run in circles, so I have a long list of specific thoughts. I’ll put them in a color coded list I think. Green- good, red- not so good, purple- acceptable but I have thoughts.
🟢 The plot itself is compelling across both books. This is the most important factor for me. I just want to be told a good story. I want to be emotionally engaged enough to stay focused outside of reality, while at the same time not emotionally triggered to the extent that I have to be pulled back into reality. It’s a balancing act that this story maintained well, which is why it gets 4 stars despite all the complaining I’m about to do.
🔴 This story comes out of the gate taking the bullying thing way overboard. It exceeds the realities of human nature. The male character literally punches the very small FMC in the face... twice? The verbal abuse goes beyond believability. The other MMCs act like it’s totally normal. None of this is justifiable. There are truly awful, nightmarish people out there. I’ve known some of them. They aren’t meant to become romantic interests in a book though. There are standards.
To be fair, 99% of RHs have this same character in them. The one that is just “untrusting” or whatever. This one goes past the threshold though. A punch in the face? Seriously?
🔴 Similarly, the OW goes past the point of acceptable evil. Her actions are just ridiculous and living through those many scenes just got exhausting.
🟢 I personally consider this book to be safe. I’m pretty touchy about this subject so I like to be specific, so this bullet point will have spoilers. In book 1, I don’t consider Seth to be a viable romantic interest. I’m not sure I ever will. So the fact that he’s having sex with the OW doesn’t bother me. None of the other guys have sex with or show physical affection to the OW. They don’t even like her. But she is upsetting. I don’t mind OW drama at all if it’s set up this way. It adds some interest.
The FMC (photographer) is entering a team that already has a sentinel. She (OW) isn’t a very good match with this group of guys, so she’s very insecure and jealous, which is perfectly believable. As previously mentioned, her other behavior is not.
** At the very end Magnus mentions that he met with Eve two days ago. I’m choosing to believe that they didn’t have sex. That wouldn’t fit his character in general. That character is written erratically though so I can’t say for sure. I’m sure that will be clarified in the next book. If they did, I would consider that cheating and it would be an automatic DNF for me. This story has been safe for over a thousand pages though so I will have faith in it for now.
🟢 All of the other females in both books are normal characters, with good and bad but mostly good.
🟢 This is a good FMC. She’s independent. She’s got a spine. She doesn’t allow herself to become emotionally dependent on any assholes. There’s an acknowledgment of how good looking the guys are, but I don’t have to listen to descriptions of how hot they are when they’re being despicable. There is an annoying obsession with height but it’s fine. She’s never used as an idiot prop (the audience is never watching her do stupid shit.. she mostly makes the same decisions the reader would).
🟣 The guys are.. less fine. Seth is unacceptable in any reality that I can imagine. Flirty guy is acceptable. Quiet guy is acceptable. Bossy guy and Sassy guy both have some very confusing scenes that made very little sense between sentences, leading to some nonsensical actions. To accept them at all you have to dismiss their complicit behavior in the beginning though, which I would never do in any reality that I can imagine. But I showed up for a good time, not a realistic one so..
🟣 What is with all the smoking?? This isn’t 1985. It’s the weirdest and most unnecessary detail that I’ve seen in quite a while.
🟣 There is a lot of hair being described for a military base.
🔴 Plot holes aren’t typically a problem for me. I just ignore them. But there are some big ones and I’ll make this my place to list them.
- There is no way that the humans of earth would make it to the point of fiscal greed BEFORE panic bombing the planet to oblivion in the event of a zombie/demon apocalypse. Panic is the only thing that can defeat greed in the general population imo. The idea that we’d be sending teams into cathedrals to defeat monsters in a dungeon setup rather than dropping a bomb on it just isn’t remotely believable. It would be less entertaining though so…
- This weirdness with the building markings and the military really doesn’t make any sense at all. You aren’t going to tell these teams that this sign doesn’t mean what they think it means anymore? Like, just let them die? There aren’t that many teams. It just doesn’t make sense even logistically. Either there are betrayals or the demons have figured out the system and can copy it.
- Magnus’ mentality is so unrealistic that it counts as a plot hole. Since psychological plot holes are the only ones I actually care about, I consider it to be the most egregious. Seth is an unrealistic bully. Ares makes some nonsensical decisions, but they stay constant as a whole. Magnus gets used as a plot pivoting point, but all believability is sacrificed to make it work. He’d have to be completely psychotic to think the way that character does. At least it isn’t the FMC acting crazy. I’ll give points for that.
🟢 As a habitually silent person, I’m really enjoying a story about those particular struggles. Silence isn’t natural for a social species, so it causes problems. People see the lack of info and rather than accept that as blank space, they write their assumptions over the top of it. Things like privacy are a top commodity. To me, that’s not the same thing as keeping stupid secrets. These aren’t common plot points and it’s very interesting.
🟢 I really really appreciate that the FMC doesn’t let the MMCs get away with shit. She tolerates a lot for too long, but she doesn’t just forgive or get over anything. She makes some excellent speeches and holds the line. On the flip side, she also isn’t too stubborn to accept groveling later in the story.
🟢 I like the complex illustration of victim blaming. It’s so well done that the audience struggles with it. Yes, we all want to strangle to the FMC for not speaking up. That’s great hypothetically. In real life? I know better than most how useless and counterproductive speaking up against men is. But I was still tempted to forget that. The point eventually comes home though.
So many authors attempt to make this sort of illustration, but they forget to bring the circle all the way back to make the point, which leaves the audience unsure. The most popular example is when Nox assaults Ollie in the Broken Bonds series. It’s absolutely assault. The audience is inside Ollie’s POV at the time. But since she has an orgasm she never fully accepts that it’s entirely his fault. The author never delivers the verdict in any way, which does more harm than good imo.
I was expecting to watch Seth’s arguments stand, because they made sense. They weren’t technically wrong. But the reality is eventually delivered by the sentinels at the outpost. I really appreciated that.
🔴 While I don’t get bothered by it, the spelling, grammar, and sentence structure were atrocious. I’m going to believe that English is not this authors first language and accept it. If English IS this authors first language, that would be.. regrettable. But honestly? If it gets the story to me faster, I don’t care.
May 18, 2026
Seeing Through Ashes by Sigrun Lien is not the book I expected to devour in two days. A post-apocalyptic why-choose romance with zombies sounds like a fever dream pitch and yet here we are.
Let me be upfront: this book has elements I would normally flag as problematic. One of the romantic leads is introduced through an act of physical violence toward the protagonist and remains largely unrepentant throughout. In theory, this should have sent me running. In practice? I read the whole thing in two days and gave it five stars, so clearly theory can go screw itself.
What disarmed me was the protagonist. In a genre that frequently lobotomizes its heroines in the name of romantic tension, she is neither naive nor desperate. Yes, she is surrounded by five objectively gorgeous men. Yes, she notices. She also notices that most of them are, to varying degrees, insufferable, and she does not perform blindness about either fact. She feels attraction and maintains her dignity simultaneously, which sounds like a low bar until you've read enough romances to know it absolutely is not.
The pacing is where Lien genuinely earns her stars. The rhythm is almost architectural: tension, action, character depth, emotional closeness, repeat. You don't realize you're being managed until you look up and it's 2 AM.
As for me, I started the second book before I even had time to write this review. Make of that what you will.
Let me be upfront: this book has elements I would normally flag as problematic. One of the romantic leads is introduced through an act of physical violence toward the protagonist and remains largely unrepentant throughout. In theory, this should have sent me running. In practice? I read the whole thing in two days and gave it five stars, so clearly theory can go screw itself.
What disarmed me was the protagonist. In a genre that frequently lobotomizes its heroines in the name of romantic tension, she is neither naive nor desperate. Yes, she is surrounded by five objectively gorgeous men. Yes, she notices. She also notices that most of them are, to varying degrees, insufferable, and she does not perform blindness about either fact. She feels attraction and maintains her dignity simultaneously, which sounds like a low bar until you've read enough romances to know it absolutely is not.
The pacing is where Lien genuinely earns her stars. The rhythm is almost architectural: tension, action, character depth, emotional closeness, repeat. You don't realize you're being managed until you look up and it's 2 AM.
As for me, I started the second book before I even had time to write this review. Make of that what you will.
May 12, 2026
Wow. I have no words. Okay, I have some. I wish these books have as many readers as possible. Bc they are unique and absolutely incredible.
You know when you feel dizzy and somewhat hallow after a book/movie/gig? Because it's over, now you should live in the real world but you just can't yet. Yes, that feeling.
The series is some kind of horror why-choose (MMFMMM) with Alien/One of Us/Walking Dead (you name it) setting. But it doesn't really matter because the books are great as genre-neutral work of literature. Not as endless smut, there aren't any spicy scenes in the 1st book and only one in the 2nd.
Actually it's a very rare case when the whole RH-situation kind of makes sense and not forced by some lazy tropes. Rare case when actual adult writes for actual adults and not horny teenagers.
I wonder who the author is. There's only a vague site, no social media. It's obvious they know what they are writing about (I mean military, not polyamorous units). Some personal expirience, war photography, maybe? Or deep research.
Yes, there's a lot of typos, so some spellchecking would be great. Also some editing (what with all these 'shaking heads' on every page?). But, I repeat myself, the series is fantastic as it is.
You know when you feel dizzy and somewhat hallow after a book/movie/gig? Because it's over, now you should live in the real world but you just can't yet. Yes, that feeling.
The series is some kind of horror why-choose (MMFMMM) with Alien/One of Us/Walking Dead (you name it) setting. But it doesn't really matter because the books are great as genre-neutral work of literature. Not as endless smut, there aren't any spicy scenes in the 1st book and only one in the 2nd.
Actually it's a very rare case when the whole RH-situation kind of makes sense and not forced by some lazy tropes. Rare case when actual adult writes for actual adults and not horny teenagers.
I wonder who the author is. There's only a vague site, no social media. It's obvious they know what they are writing about (I mean military, not polyamorous units). Some personal expirience, war photography, maybe? Or deep research.
Yes, there's a lot of typos, so some spellchecking would be great. Also some editing (what with all these 'shaking heads' on every page?). But, I repeat myself, the series is fantastic as it is.
Read
May 3, 2026MFMMM - bully, dystopian post apocalyptic RH. This had a lot of potential. I liked it enough that I finished it despite all the grammar mistakes and the desperate need for an edit. The word order in sentences was a constant problem. I enjoyed it anyways because I like this style of FMC who acts cold and aloof and is focused on her own goals.
May 17, 2026
Holy fuck this book is so insanely good. I can not stop thinking about it and am so relieved the next one it out!!! So unique, well paced, well thought out, amazing characters and the action literally had my heart racing. I mean a million out of 10!
It does read to me like this was translated to English from another language, and if you go into it with that mindset versus focusing on grammatical errors you will have a much better time. It reminded me of watching a dubbed international show. I actually found that thinking of it like that helped a lot of other things as well. So while yes, like everyone has mentioned, some English editing would be helpful it is truly for that only. There is not a sentence or plot that needs revisions. Gahhh so happy I get to dive right into the next one!
Very VERY dark but fun unique world where the harem makes sense as a part of the world, the OW drama makes sense, the FMC is strong, smart and likable and not a pushover. Sort of an Aliens vibe but make it demons and with amazing plot, very slow burn but like in the best way. Try it!!
It does read to me like this was translated to English from another language, and if you go into it with that mindset versus focusing on grammatical errors you will have a much better time. It reminded me of watching a dubbed international show. I actually found that thinking of it like that helped a lot of other things as well. So while yes, like everyone has mentioned, some English editing would be helpful it is truly for that only. There is not a sentence or plot that needs revisions. Gahhh so happy I get to dive right into the next one!
Very VERY dark but fun unique world where the harem makes sense as a part of the world, the OW drama makes sense, the FMC is strong, smart and likable and not a pushover. Sort of an Aliens vibe but make it demons and with amazing plot, very slow burn but like in the best way. Try it!!
May 25, 2026
The writing is a bit funky, but this book hit’s *all* the tropes, I swear. And it has everything I need and more. I’m a sucker for a post-apocalyptic zombie/sc-fi romance and man does this book fulfill that. These aren’t zombies in your traditional sense, but honestly I like those so much better. The world building is insane, and I feel like I understood the terminology at the same rate as Herais (no, I still don’t know how to pronounce that), which was super helpful.
While one character repeatedly gets on my nerves (in the way where you hate him, but also reallllly want them to get together because you just know it’s going to be epic), the longing you can already feel from the other men (even if they don’t know it yet) is just so sweet.
I’m excited for where this will go!!
While one character repeatedly gets on my nerves (in the way where you hate him, but also reallllly want them to get together because you just know it’s going to be epic), the longing you can already feel from the other men (even if they don’t know it yet) is just so sweet.
I’m excited for where this will go!!
May 22, 2026
This book is a rarity in this genre. It’s a debut novel, but a very good one. You can really see the author growing. The story is one of the best I’ve read recently. You can easily overlook the minor typos, as the rest more than makes up for them.
Especially in reverse harem stories, it happens far too often that the characters are so similar that it’s hard to match a name to a person. Not so with „Seeing Through Ashes“. And it’s incredibly nice to read a solid story with good dialogue and absolutely no smut :D
Especially in reverse harem stories, it happens far too often that the characters are so similar that it’s hard to match a name to a person. Not so with „Seeing Through Ashes“. And it’s incredibly nice to read a solid story with good dialogue and absolutely no smut :D
May 16, 2026
my obsession with cod fanfic brought me here
and i promise that i will read book 2 IMMEDIATELY after i survive my finals, wish me luck
and i promise that i will read book 2 IMMEDIATELY after i survive my finals, wish me luck
May 20, 2026
I devoured this book like a starving zombie. Seriously, it was an unexpected feast that left me breathless. The plot is so tightly woven and the action scenes are so intense that I was literally sweating with anxiety.
For years, I’ve been praying to the book gods for a RH FMC who is composed, strategic, and values the big picture over petty drama. Finally, my prayers have been answered. It’s so refreshing to see a heroine who doesn’t chase after men, refuses to be a doormat, and sticks to her principles no matter what. She is the rational anchor in a sea of chaos.
That said, this book also cured my low blood pressure—because the way the MMCs treated her made my blood boil. The insults, the slander, the sheer lack of trust... it was infuriating. I know the FMC is mature enough to handle it, and I know there's backstory involved, but I’m a petty, vengeful reader. I want to see these men bleed, cry, and crawl. Especially Seth. If he’s a love interest, he better be thrown into a metaphorical crematorium and roasted until he truly repents.
This is a gritty, realistic masterpiece that balances emotional turmoil, complex human nature, and the madness of politics and war. I am desperate for the next book!
For years, I’ve been praying to the book gods for a RH FMC who is composed, strategic, and values the big picture over petty drama. Finally, my prayers have been answered. It’s so refreshing to see a heroine who doesn’t chase after men, refuses to be a doormat, and sticks to her principles no matter what. She is the rational anchor in a sea of chaos.
That said, this book also cured my low blood pressure—because the way the MMCs treated her made my blood boil. The insults, the slander, the sheer lack of trust... it was infuriating. I know the FMC is mature enough to handle it, and I know there's backstory involved, but I’m a petty, vengeful reader. I want to see these men bleed, cry, and crawl. Especially Seth. If he’s a love interest, he better be thrown into a metaphorical crematorium and roasted until he truly repents.
This is a gritty, realistic masterpiece that balances emotional turmoil, complex human nature, and the madness of politics and war. I am desperate for the next book!
May 18, 2026
Spectacular!! Great plot, high stakes. I cant wait to finish reading the series.
April 25, 2026
This was utterly enthralling. The world building just immaculate. Talk about knocking it out of the park as a debut book. It’s very slow burn, with really complicated characters and a plot that is just as complicated.
November 23, 2025
Okay, first of all: what the…
Second of all: this book might not be perfect, but there is no way I’m willing to give it less than a five star rating, because it was perfect for me. It has been a long time since I’ve found a book that has everything I love in a why choose story combined, and I am going to ride this high for a couple more weeks. Even though not knowing when the second book will come, is breaking my heart a little too…
So, what are those things I love so much and made this book into a personal favorite of mine? The dystopian setting, the focus on military operations, the combination of true humans encountering zombies and animals that changed in some kind of paranormal-like creatures, the juicy tension between our fmc and five soldiers, the ow drama (yes, I’m a fan), and so much more. Most of all, I loved the action in this book; it’s filled to the brim with how they go out to clean the world of these creatures and I truly enjoyed watching this dystopian world through their eyes. But it’s also about secrets, a new world order, and how one young photographer finds a lot more than she bargained for.
As I said, this is a debut, and the writing in itself isn’t perfect. But the story was so captivating I couldn’t put it down for a minute, even though I was forced to a few times. I’m a dedicated reader, but over 700 pages in one go is a little much, even for me… I just hope book two won’t take too long because I truly can’t wait to see what happens next.
Second of all: this book might not be perfect, but there is no way I’m willing to give it less than a five star rating, because it was perfect for me. It has been a long time since I’ve found a book that has everything I love in a why choose story combined, and I am going to ride this high for a couple more weeks. Even though not knowing when the second book will come, is breaking my heart a little too…
So, what are those things I love so much and made this book into a personal favorite of mine? The dystopian setting, the focus on military operations, the combination of true humans encountering zombies and animals that changed in some kind of paranormal-like creatures, the juicy tension between our fmc and five soldiers, the ow drama (yes, I’m a fan), and so much more. Most of all, I loved the action in this book; it’s filled to the brim with how they go out to clean the world of these creatures and I truly enjoyed watching this dystopian world through their eyes. But it’s also about secrets, a new world order, and how one young photographer finds a lot more than she bargained for.
As I said, this is a debut, and the writing in itself isn’t perfect. But the story was so captivating I couldn’t put it down for a minute, even though I was forced to a few times. I’m a dedicated reader, but over 700 pages in one go is a little much, even for me… I just hope book two won’t take too long because I truly can’t wait to see what happens next.
April 13, 2026
Oh. My. Good. God.
This was absolutely fantastic. The post apocalyptic world building, the characters, the plot, the mystery, the SLOW BURN.
This honestly might be my best read of 2026 so far. It’s definitely NOT without moments where I wished Herias fought back harder or some moments where the MMCs were outrageously out of line.
But everything else more than made up for it.
I will update this review later but I’ve just downloaded the second book on Kindle and I NEED to get into it right now.
This was absolutely fantastic. The post apocalyptic world building, the characters, the plot, the mystery, the SLOW BURN.
This honestly might be my best read of 2026 so far. It’s definitely NOT without moments where I wished Herias fought back harder or some moments where the MMCs were outrageously out of line.
But everything else more than made up for it.
I will update this review later but I’ve just downloaded the second book on Kindle and I NEED to get into it right now.
April 7, 2026
Amazing and a must if you love dystopian
This was a perfect mash up of reverse harem and apocalyptic genres. It did not dissapoint. It's a slow burn and gives the characters time to develop and the world building and realism of a war against demons is spot on. There is no insta love in this story. There's depth, misunderstandings and slow relationship building.
This was a perfect mash up of reverse harem and apocalyptic genres. It did not dissapoint. It's a slow burn and gives the characters time to develop and the world building and realism of a war against demons is spot on. There is no insta love in this story. There's depth, misunderstandings and slow relationship building.
June 17, 2026
I randomly came across someone recommending this book. Thank God I trusted them and started reading this one. This is a post apocalypse based world. Where cities and governments fell all over the world and new order of military emerges to get rid of the zombie like demons, which are humans turned into monsters.
So the world building is quite unique and it immediately enthralled me within few chapters. The mmc all have unique characteristics that differentiates them among others without repetitive character type. There's also no unnecessary growling or eyes darkening.
It is a slow burn.. this first book has no smut, but the chemistry between all of them is undeniable except one. He feels like a tought nut to crack and acts like a psychopath and doesn't give a shit.. It has all type of mmc, broody, bossy, silent, flirty and troublemaker but they all have character depth to each individual, not just limited to being flirty or bossy as they full persona. But mostly witnessing a fmc who is calm and composed under pressure, thinks rational, and doesn't get baited easily by verbal bullying, and genius, and doesn't cause any dramas is RARE. And mostly she's not annoying. She does have a savior complex, but not like going against the odds thinking she'll make it and losing terribly and cause even more harm. NO. She knows what she's against, and if she can do it. The risks are calculated. They all are mature. Not fake pretend type. REAL MATURE.
Every mmc are rational thinkers in a serious situation, but they do bicker amongst them (not during life or death situation). The mmc's are all have gone through some traumas and it influenced their behavior but not OTT psycho macho type. The all share a brother like bond, and has a strong belief that no woman will/can come between them. It is indicated that they had someone who they trusted and believed but she betrayed them somehow. I don't know. In future it might be explained. So it is understandable when they start having some unexplainable feeling towards fmc, and it causes slight panic and distrust among them. Because during military operations when the mmc encounter trouble they all feel inclined to protect themselves, so they get scared if their feeling towards her will make their resolve waver. Since she's always with them on their mission.
It is not a book which is based on a war , but the said war happens in the background and the mmc's plot takes to spotlight. It is where both the world building happens, as well as characters develop some feelings and mutual respect, like being from foe to being tolerated. Everything happens simultaneously including the world building, because all they do Is not just fight and kill demons, but try to understand its behaviors and origins, it's weaknesses so on and on. I can't explain it in a single review. So if anyone have any doubt, throw it away and read it.
It is not a 300 pages book but 600+ pages. Many might not be into that. But given a good book and decent plot, you'll be finishing it in no time. Happend to me. I couldn't put the book down, it's so interesting and captivating. I wished it was a complete series, but only 2 books are released. I don't know how I'm going to wait for all of it to get released.
So the world building is quite unique and it immediately enthralled me within few chapters. The mmc all have unique characteristics that differentiates them among others without repetitive character type. There's also no unnecessary growling or eyes darkening.
It is a slow burn.. this first book has no smut, but the chemistry between all of them is undeniable except one. He feels like a tought nut to crack and acts like a psychopath and doesn't give a shit.. It has all type of mmc, broody, bossy, silent, flirty and troublemaker but they all have character depth to each individual, not just limited to being flirty or bossy as they full persona. But mostly witnessing a fmc who is calm and composed under pressure, thinks rational, and doesn't get baited easily by verbal bullying, and genius, and doesn't cause any dramas is RARE. And mostly she's not annoying. She does have a savior complex, but not like going against the odds thinking she'll make it and losing terribly and cause even more harm. NO. She knows what she's against, and if she can do it. The risks are calculated. They all are mature. Not fake pretend type. REAL MATURE.
Every mmc are rational thinkers in a serious situation, but they do bicker amongst them (not during life or death situation). The mmc's are all have gone through some traumas and it influenced their behavior but not OTT psycho macho type. The all share a brother like bond, and has a strong belief that no woman will/can come between them. It is indicated that they had someone who they trusted and believed but she betrayed them somehow. I don't know. In future it might be explained. So it is understandable when they start having some unexplainable feeling towards fmc, and it causes slight panic and distrust among them. Because during military operations when the mmc encounter trouble they all feel inclined to protect themselves, so they get scared if their feeling towards her will make their resolve waver. Since she's always with them on their mission.
It is not a book which is based on a war , but the said war happens in the background and the mmc's plot takes to spotlight. It is where both the world building happens, as well as characters develop some feelings and mutual respect, like being from foe to being tolerated. Everything happens simultaneously including the world building, because all they do Is not just fight and kill demons, but try to understand its behaviors and origins, it's weaknesses so on and on. I can't explain it in a single review. So if anyone have any doubt, throw it away and read it.
It is not a 300 pages book but 600+ pages. Many might not be into that. But given a good book and decent plot, you'll be finishing it in no time. Happend to me. I couldn't put the book down, it's so interesting and captivating. I wished it was a complete series, but only 2 books are released. I don't know how I'm going to wait for all of it to get released.
June 3, 2026
I agree with other reviewers that this desperately needs an editor. I also suspect that perhaps English isn't the author's first language, just due to some tense issues and some stilted wording. However, if you can get past those errors, I think this is a really interesting Why Choose dystopian romance that surprised me and has some compelling world building.
Normally I'm too impatient for a slow burn and I don't love books that have cliffhangers. I prefer series with each entry being a standalone. However, when this book ended, I immediately bought the second one. I was so attached to this group of characters by the end of it and I think Lien does a great job slowly building up the tension between Herais and the rest of the team. I'm also curious how she'll do with some of the more guarded members in future books. In terms of the slow burn - it's mostly just kissing and that doesn't even happen until the last third (or even quarter) of the book.
I always love it when books sort of challenge my dislikes in romance.
Normally I'm too impatient for a slow burn and I don't love books that have cliffhangers. I prefer series with each entry being a standalone. However, when this book ended, I immediately bought the second one. I was so attached to this group of characters by the end of it and I think Lien does a great job slowly building up the tension between Herais and the rest of the team. I'm also curious how she'll do with some of the more guarded members in future books. In terms of the slow burn - it's mostly just kissing and that doesn't even happen until the last third (or even quarter) of the book.
I always love it when books sort of challenge my dislikes in romance.
June 21, 2026
Contender for series of the year
Wow. Just, wow. I'm genuinely giddy at coming across something so real and different from everything out there. This is absolutely a contender for series of the year for me. It may take it all. We need to build some hype for getting all the reads on this gripping story. If you're looking for anything that remotely resembles your typical reverse harem plot, this is going to feel like you entered another genre entirely. Be prepared for a story that is ALL plot and character driven, and these characters are not "nice", they are not perfect, they may not all be redeemable but I guarantee you'll feel all the feelings with this apocalyptic supernatural series. I've already made it through book two and when I was halfway through book two, I stopped and purchased both books because this story needs to be mine to own. If you are ready for something that 100% different from anything else out there, read this.
Wow. Just, wow. I'm genuinely giddy at coming across something so real and different from everything out there. This is absolutely a contender for series of the year for me. It may take it all. We need to build some hype for getting all the reads on this gripping story. If you're looking for anything that remotely resembles your typical reverse harem plot, this is going to feel like you entered another genre entirely. Be prepared for a story that is ALL plot and character driven, and these characters are not "nice", they are not perfect, they may not all be redeemable but I guarantee you'll feel all the feelings with this apocalyptic supernatural series. I've already made it through book two and when I was halfway through book two, I stopped and purchased both books because this story needs to be mine to own. If you are ready for something that 100% different from anything else out there, read this.
June 3, 2026
I made it 12%, one guy knocked her down, punched, insulted & degraded her and choked her. This is absolutely disgusting?? Wtf is this, enemies to lovers bullshit, this is assault and bullying. The fact that no one else cares that a "kid" like they call her is getting beaten, just proves how horrible this book is going to be.
There should be trigger warnings for
Misogyny
Assault
Body shaming
Bullying
Abusing authority in the military
Horrible Male leads
I couldn't hate this book more if i tried, enemies to lovers are only enemies to lovers if they're on an equal standing since her superior officers are beating her because they hate her, it's abuse of power and bullying. Learn the difference author
DNF
There should be trigger warnings for
Misogyny
Assault
Body shaming
Bullying
Abusing authority in the military
Horrible Male leads
I couldn't hate this book more if i tried, enemies to lovers are only enemies to lovers if they're on an equal standing since her superior officers are beating her because they hate her, it's abuse of power and bullying. Learn the difference author
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
What a riveting read! If you're into dark, gritty books, then this one's for you.
Picture this: The world has basically ended, and what's left of humanity is fighting monsters way scarier than your average zombie. It feels like The Last of Us had a baby with a post or semi-apocalyptic military sci-fi show, but with its own super fresh and cool ideas. The action is heart-pounding, the world feels real and messed up, and I could not put my reader down! Like at all!!
I really want to know what's next! What a brilliant start to a promising series!
#Release book 2 soon, please!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Picture this: The world has basically ended, and what's left of humanity is fighting monsters way scarier than your average zombie. It feels like The Last of Us had a baby with a post or semi-apocalyptic military sci-fi show, but with its own super fresh and cool ideas. The action is heart-pounding, the world feels real and messed up, and I could not put my reader down! Like at all!!
I really want to know what's next! What a brilliant start to a promising series!
#Release book 2 soon, please!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2026
'Seeing Through Ashes is the first installment of the planned EchoMind Series and it's set in the demon-infested, post-apocalyptic Europe, following the story of five soldiers and their new war-photographer.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. A great start to the series and I look forward to more from this world. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. A great start to the series and I look forward to more from this world. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2026
Why aren’t more people talking about this series? I mean, the fact that this is why choose is almost incidental. I was somehow riveted for all 700+ pages (and I wanted more!)… you’d think that at some point it would get boring, or become tempted to skim over exposition/info dumps, but that never happened. I think someone else used the words ‘immersive’ and ‘cinematic,’ and that captures the feeling completely. To note, I’m writing this after also having read bk 2 ‘hearing through silence’, and the story only gets better. Was it perfect? No, it could probably have used a few rounds with an editor, but there’s no way this is getting anything less than 5 stars.
June 21, 2026
MMC punches FMC rest laugh....waited for the redemption arc that never came, even though there's a couple of moments where I think "finally!" But i was wrong. Then there's the constant emotional abuse. When she finally has enough and draws a line she's gaslit into believing it's all her fault, and when she capitulates she gets a "good girl" that gives her the tingles....this book is a lesson in red flags. I genuinely found it a rough read. If you can enjoy a book without getting emotionally invested in the characters other than to despise them more and more then the story is pretty compelling.
March 14, 2026
This book had me hooked pretty quickly and I hated to put it down when I needed to. This is a slow burn rh which I love as I feel like there aren't too many good ones I can think of off the top of my head head. I like the lack of insta-love and the focus being on who these characters are before romance is really brought into the picture. I love the post-apocalyptic elements of this book and there is plenty of good action. I can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2026
Phenomenal, gripping and dark. Slooow-burn RH, with only insta-hate and highly guarded and closed-up MC's. Gritty, an apocalyptical Europe flooded with monstrous creatures, soldiers teamed with sentinels to withstand and survive their terror inducing influence.
I'm still a bit shaken by this reading experience and a tad furious, because I can't find anything helpful after this cliffhanger! Is there any info out there?
Highly recommended.
I'm still a bit shaken by this reading experience and a tad furious, because I can't find anything helpful after this cliffhanger! Is there any info out there?
Highly recommended.
May 20, 2026
I’m giving this book 5 stars despite the grammatical errors because I so badly want this author to get more recognition and draw the attention of an editor. I think English is not her first language so there are some little issues throughout, but you quickly learn to ignore them because the story is THAT good! Amazing world building! Great characters. Slooow burn! I was hooked on this and the sequel! It’s a six book series, and I’m in it for the long haul.
December 3, 2025
This book definitely is interesting, definitely gives similar vibes to the guidverse genre you usually see in manwha.
It’s definitely a longer read but still intriguing to read. I’m hoping book two comes out relatively soon cause the ends a cliffhanger.
Why choose
Slowburn
Dystopian
Angst
Multiple pov
It’s definitely a longer read but still intriguing to read. I’m hoping book two comes out relatively soon cause the ends a cliffhanger.
Why choose
Slowburn
Dystopian
Angst
Multiple pov
Did Not Finish
May 15, 2026Dnf 33%
It's a shame the dystopian world is so interesting because everything else is so shitty.
The horrifying grammar, the blatant sexism, and the infuriating characters made sure I wouldn't be able to continue this book despite wanting to see how it'd turn out in the end.
It's a shame the dystopian world is so interesting because everything else is so shitty.
The horrifying grammar, the blatant sexism, and the infuriating characters made sure I wouldn't be able to continue this book despite wanting to see how it'd turn out in the end.
May 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this!
There are a lot of gramatical errors but it almost seems like maybe it was translated from a different language to english so it’s hard to be mad about it. They were easy enough to overlook because the story really sucks you in.
I can’t wait to see where this story goes in book 2.
And someone should lobotomize Seth cause he is the worsttttt.
There are a lot of gramatical errors but it almost seems like maybe it was translated from a different language to english so it’s hard to be mad about it. They were easy enough to overlook because the story really sucks you in.
I can’t wait to see where this story goes in book 2.
And someone should lobotomize Seth cause he is the worsttttt.
June 7, 2026
So this will have a little bit of everything. The characters are most definitely colorful and interesting and absolutely love this why choose romance. Can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2025
Rating: 9/10 – a must-read for fans of dark, emotional stories with a touch of fantasy
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