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Above the Ashes : A Sequel to Through the Flames
Can Kai find his aunt and get back the home he once had?
Twelve-year-old Kai Aka is having trouble moving on. After narrowly escaping the Maui wildfires that nearly took his life in Through the Flames, Kai and his family are living on another island. But surviving the fire has not healed the fear or the memories. Kai cannot stop replaying what happened in Maui or wondering where his beloved Aunt Liliana is. His trust in God feels shaken, and nothing about this new place feels like home.
When an opportunity to return to Maui arises, Kai jumps at it. With help from unexpected places, he sets out to search for his aunt and the home he lost. But Maui is not what Kai remembers. As his plans begin to slip out of his control, his faith wavers more than he ever expected. Can Kai find his aunt and the home he longs for when everything feels broken?
In this heartfelt middle-grade sequel to Through the Flames, Edwards shows that even in the hardest seasons, true resilience comes from turning back to God.
Perfect for readers ages 9-12 who
v Character-driven stories with emotional depth
v Faith-based fiction that tackles difficult topics honestly
v Books about overcoming adversity through God's strength
Twelve-year-old Kai Aka is having trouble moving on. After narrowly escaping the Maui wildfires that nearly took his life in Through the Flames, Kai and his family are living on another island. But surviving the fire has not healed the fear or the memories. Kai cannot stop replaying what happened in Maui or wondering where his beloved Aunt Liliana is. His trust in God feels shaken, and nothing about this new place feels like home.
When an opportunity to return to Maui arises, Kai jumps at it. With help from unexpected places, he sets out to search for his aunt and the home he lost. But Maui is not what Kai remembers. As his plans begin to slip out of his control, his faith wavers more than he ever expected. Can Kai find his aunt and the home he longs for when everything feels broken?
In this heartfelt middle-grade sequel to Through the Flames, Edwards shows that even in the hardest seasons, true resilience comes from turning back to God.
Perfect for readers ages 9-12 who
v Character-driven stories with emotional depth
v Faith-based fiction that tackles difficult topics honestly
v Books about overcoming adversity through God's strength
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2025
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About the author
Emani Edwards
2 books6 followersEmani Edwards is a Christian author who loves to write novels, novellas, and stories for young adults and children that cover topics such as courage, resilience, and many other themes. You can follow this author on Instagram: @talesofhopeandinspiration
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 28, 2025
"Having been completely captivated by "Through the Flames," I eagerly dove into "Above the Ashes," and I'm thrilled to say it did not disappoint! This sequel continues Kai's journey in a compelling way.
What I love most about this series, in particular, are the characters. Kai is incredibly relatable. His quest to find Aunt Liliana and his struggles with his faith are so well-portrayed, and you genuinely root for him every step of the way. The new characters introduced also fit seamlessly into the narrative, adding richness to the story.
The central theme of trusting God through difficult times is handled with such grace and genuine depth. It's woven into the fabric of the story rather than feeling preachy, making the lesson all the more impactful.
While this series is undoubtedly perfect for middle-schoolers, offering them a relatable and uplifting narrative, I, as an adult, found myself thoroughly engrossed. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, "I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children's story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children's story." "Above the Ashes" absolutely fits the bill of a top-rate story for young people that resonates with readers of all ages. I highly recommend this series!
What I love most about this series, in particular, are the characters. Kai is incredibly relatable. His quest to find Aunt Liliana and his struggles with his faith are so well-portrayed, and you genuinely root for him every step of the way. The new characters introduced also fit seamlessly into the narrative, adding richness to the story.
The central theme of trusting God through difficult times is handled with such grace and genuine depth. It's woven into the fabric of the story rather than feeling preachy, making the lesson all the more impactful.
While this series is undoubtedly perfect for middle-schoolers, offering them a relatable and uplifting narrative, I, as an adult, found myself thoroughly engrossed. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, "I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children's story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children's story." "Above the Ashes" absolutely fits the bill of a top-rate story for young people that resonates with readers of all ages. I highly recommend this series!
August 23, 2025
A Great Read!
I really enjoyed this second book in the series about the devastating Maui fires in Hawaii. It told of the family, who lost everything in this terrible fire. But, the family kept their faith in each other and the Lord, even though it was a very long journey through raw emotions and loss. The best things about this book are the miracles of survival during the fire and the strength and comfort the people found in each other and the Lord. A wonderfully written book about faith, hope and love. A great read!
I really enjoyed this second book in the series about the devastating Maui fires in Hawaii. It told of the family, who lost everything in this terrible fire. But, the family kept their faith in each other and the Lord, even though it was a very long journey through raw emotions and loss. The best things about this book are the miracles of survival during the fire and the strength and comfort the people found in each other and the Lord. A wonderfully written book about faith, hope and love. A great read!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews