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Eileerean Saga
Of Sorrow and Ashes
What would you sacrifice for peace?
Deremir Seanatyr wishes for nothing more than to leave his past behind and start a new life.
As he sails away from Atheatis with no plans to return, he meets with an old childhood friend who bears a tragic past.
Sea Captain Lenna Yelmaris is on a secret quest to find a mysterious sorceress who may grant her the deepest wish of her heart, but she needs Deremir’s help to face untold dangers.
But is he truly prepared to face what he has buried in his own heart?
Can one truly run away from fate?
Deremir Seanatyr wishes for nothing more than to leave his past behind and start a new life.
As he sails away from Atheatis with no plans to return, he meets with an old childhood friend who bears a tragic past.
Sea Captain Lenna Yelmaris is on a secret quest to find a mysterious sorceress who may grant her the deepest wish of her heart, but she needs Deremir’s help to face untold dangers.
But is he truly prepared to face what he has buried in his own heart?
Can one truly run away from fate?
ebook
Published September 27, 2025
8 people want to read
About the author
Bella Dunn
7 books38 followersWhen she was a child, Bella believed she could control the wind.
One day, when she was about 6 years old, she read The Snow Queen and fell in love with books. She wrote her first “award winning” story in 2nd class (her teacher used her story as a reading test. Not sure her peers were very happy…)
After that, she never stopped writing.
Bella graduated in Biology, joined a postgraduate school, and decided to pursue a career in Science, but her passion for the written word never dimmed and she continued to scribble here and there, drafting several novels and short stories in the past years. Although her preferred genre is fantasy, she dips into other genres as the stories "finds her".
Check out Bella’s website and social platforms, where you can sign up for her mailing list to receive a sample of her published works, monthly newsletters, and be the first to hear about promos and new publications!
One day, when she was about 6 years old, she read The Snow Queen and fell in love with books. She wrote her first “award winning” story in 2nd class (her teacher used her story as a reading test. Not sure her peers were very happy…)
After that, she never stopped writing.
Bella graduated in Biology, joined a postgraduate school, and decided to pursue a career in Science, but her passion for the written word never dimmed and she continued to scribble here and there, drafting several novels and short stories in the past years. Although her preferred genre is fantasy, she dips into other genres as the stories "finds her".
Check out Bella’s website and social platforms, where you can sign up for her mailing list to receive a sample of her published works, monthly newsletters, and be the first to hear about promos and new publications!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 7, 2025
ARC review.
When reading The Sorrow of the Wise Man I found myself wanting to learn more about Deremir’s past. Bella is clearly a mind reader!
This is only a quick story but boy does it pack a punch! So beautifully written, but so heartbreaking as well.
Deremir is trying to run away from his old life. Away from the one person he wants to be with the most. But she cannot be with him. It is not in her destiny to be with a man like him. On his journey to leave his old life behind, his journey intertwines with an old friend, Lenna. She has her own tragic backstory that she is struggling to come to terms with. When she asks for Deremir’s help to find closure, he begrudgingly agrees. The journey they embark on will keep you guessing and the pain they are both about to go through will break your heart.
One thing is for certain, I need to read the next installment of The Eileerean Saga!
Thank you once again, Bella for allowing me to read an advanced copy of your book!
When reading The Sorrow of the Wise Man I found myself wanting to learn more about Deremir’s past. Bella is clearly a mind reader!
This is only a quick story but boy does it pack a punch! So beautifully written, but so heartbreaking as well.
Deremir is trying to run away from his old life. Away from the one person he wants to be with the most. But she cannot be with him. It is not in her destiny to be with a man like him. On his journey to leave his old life behind, his journey intertwines with an old friend, Lenna. She has her own tragic backstory that she is struggling to come to terms with. When she asks for Deremir’s help to find closure, he begrudgingly agrees. The journey they embark on will keep you guessing and the pain they are both about to go through will break your heart.
One thing is for certain, I need to read the next installment of The Eileerean Saga!
Thank you once again, Bella for allowing me to read an advanced copy of your book!
October 9, 2025
A classic feel with modern writing
I first discovered Bella's works in the "Locks & Keys" Anthology, where the Secret Scribes wrote small stories, and there and then I loved her work in it.
Then I discovered this little novella was free, and that was all I needed to jump on it and read it in a jiffy. At 118 pages total, it's quite a fast read.
The story explores grief, sadness, guilt, and the paths those weave in a person's heart. And what choices a person makes when those paths are laid out in front of them.
This book feels like a hug for lovers of the classic stories with wizards and sorcerers. There are tests, trials, and tribulations. And the teasing mysteries of a grander story.
It serves perfectly to scratch that itch of a fast read but with plenty of meat, making it a very satisfying book.
I first discovered Bella's works in the "Locks & Keys" Anthology, where the Secret Scribes wrote small stories, and there and then I loved her work in it.
Then I discovered this little novella was free, and that was all I needed to jump on it and read it in a jiffy. At 118 pages total, it's quite a fast read.
The story explores grief, sadness, guilt, and the paths those weave in a person's heart. And what choices a person makes when those paths are laid out in front of them.
This book feels like a hug for lovers of the classic stories with wizards and sorcerers. There are tests, trials, and tribulations. And the teasing mysteries of a grander story.
It serves perfectly to scratch that itch of a fast read but with plenty of meat, making it a very satisfying book.
October 21, 2025
This is an enjoyable read. If I had enough time in hand, I could have finished this in one or two seating max!
Of Sorrow and Ashes is part of Eileerean Saga. A novella on how a wizard left his past behind to start a new life and new beginnings where no one knows him. He met his childhood friend by chance, the Captain of the boat he hired and together they adjourned to an island nobody has come out alive.
I have not read the first book of the saga and yet I was not lost in this! Well written, easy to move on and imagined, it did piqued my interest in what goes on in book 1!
Thanks to the author and @librarythingofficial for this copy 😘
Of Sorrow and Ashes is part of Eileerean Saga. A novella on how a wizard left his past behind to start a new life and new beginnings where no one knows him. He met his childhood friend by chance, the Captain of the boat he hired and together they adjourned to an island nobody has come out alive.
I have not read the first book of the saga and yet I was not lost in this! Well written, easy to move on and imagined, it did piqued my interest in what goes on in book 1!
Thanks to the author and @librarythingofficial for this copy 😘
October 26, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐ It was nice to get some perspective into Deremir's journey after he was exiled and how he started becoming who he was meant to be. He is a compelling character in the first book of the Eileerean Saga and this novella only expanded on my love for him.
I would have liked a bit more exposition into the timeline. I had to reread the beginning of Sorrow of the Wise Man to place it, but that was only because it had been a while since I had read it. Just a tiny bit more information would have made it easier to recall without ruining the secret and larger story only hinted at here.
Thank you to Bella Dunn, once again, for a lovely ARC opportunity.
I would have liked a bit more exposition into the timeline. I had to reread the beginning of Sorrow of the Wise Man to place it, but that was only because it had been a while since I had read it. Just a tiny bit more information would have made it easier to recall without ruining the secret and larger story only hinted at here.
Thank you to Bella Dunn, once again, for a lovely ARC opportunity.
September 7, 2025
A fun prequel to the Eileerean Saga series, and a great jumping off point for a new fan. A fantasy world of magic strictly controlled by women (think Wheel of Time) and Big Prophetic Events coming down. Deftly written, enjoyable and easy to follow. I particularly liked the world Dunn has created, the characters intrigued me, and plenty of mysteries remain to be uncovered in the next books (I already grabbed #1). I'm looking forward to Deremir's travels and adventures in Yastela, Isthiaros and ultimately back to his homeland of Atheatis.
August 26, 2025
A short but amazingly beautiful story, with magic, sorcery and a bit of swashbuckling antics, this wonderful Novella highlights the importance and depth of skill the author brings into her writing, the ability to make everything wonderful.
As an Arc reader, this storyline is well worth reading, it’s a unique masterpiece.
As an Arc reader, this storyline is well worth reading, it’s a unique masterpiece.
August 22, 2025
Short, but oh, so amazing.
It was great getting to step into one of the key characters lives, I could have stayed there happily for another 100 or so pages. I was relieved to read book 2 is out in November & I can't wait.
It was great getting to step into one of the key characters lives, I could have stayed there happily for another 100 or so pages. I was relieved to read book 2 is out in November & I can't wait.
September 7, 2025
Of Sorrow and Ashes by Bella Dunn packs quite the emotional punch for such a short book. I loved the first book of her Eileerean Saga, The Sorrow of the Wise Man, so when I learned that there was a novella that featured one of the most interesting characters from that book, I couldn't wait to read it and it did not disappoint.
Deremir is trying to run away from his past, a mission that is surely doomed to failure, when he meets an old friend who is struggling to come to terms with a tragedy from her own past. When she asks him to attempt a dangerous quest on her behalf he reluctantly agrees, though the offer is sweetened by the chance that he may learn more about the magic of the world the story is set in, something that he longs to understand. This quest will force both of them to confront their pain and their pasts in ways that neither of them expect.
It was fascinating to see this side of Deremir's character, it fit well with the character that I knew from the first book while adding more to his story, and overall I felt like the novella helped me to better understand both him and the world the author has created. I am always impressed when an author can tell such a well thought out story in such a short book and have it feel so complete, and Bella Dunn does exactly that here and does it so well that I think the book could easily be read and enjoyed by those who have never read the earlier book. The way this author can set a scene so vividly that I can imagine it clearly as I read is something I always admire, even when some of those scenes are genuinely disturbing and had me on edge while I read, though I can't say more because of spoilers. I can't wait to see where the story goes next, and I am glad I have only a few months to wait for the next release.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.
Deremir is trying to run away from his past, a mission that is surely doomed to failure, when he meets an old friend who is struggling to come to terms with a tragedy from her own past. When she asks him to attempt a dangerous quest on her behalf he reluctantly agrees, though the offer is sweetened by the chance that he may learn more about the magic of the world the story is set in, something that he longs to understand. This quest will force both of them to confront their pain and their pasts in ways that neither of them expect.
It was fascinating to see this side of Deremir's character, it fit well with the character that I knew from the first book while adding more to his story, and overall I felt like the novella helped me to better understand both him and the world the author has created. I am always impressed when an author can tell such a well thought out story in such a short book and have it feel so complete, and Bella Dunn does exactly that here and does it so well that I think the book could easily be read and enjoyed by those who have never read the earlier book. The way this author can set a scene so vividly that I can imagine it clearly as I read is something I always admire, even when some of those scenes are genuinely disturbing and had me on edge while I read, though I can't say more because of spoilers. I can't wait to see where the story goes next, and I am glad I have only a few months to wait for the next release.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.
August 21, 2025
Of Sorrow and Ashes by Bella Dunn, was such an enjoyable story to read. This novella delved into the psychology of its characters. Which I really enjoyed!
I found myself really feeling for Deremir, the main character. He’s a good man who is filled with pain and sadness. But his sadness didn’t overshadow the story, it added to it. I found myself really enjoying his POV. He was an amazing character to root for. Lenna, who is also a great character, is nuanced and their dynamic was actually a relationship I felt was healthy in many ways. They both respected each other and weren’t bickering all the time. Definitely my kind of characters!
I felt the world was so alive and had some amazing story ideas in it. The magic felt very fleshed out, and characters felt like they belonged in this world. The whole story was enchanting, fun, and clever. Exactly what you would want for a story like this. Oh, and don’t get me started on the writing, beautiful! The author really knows how to immerse you in the world.
Honestly, I could go on and on. But then I’d get into spoilers. This novella could be a great discussion piece for a book club or reading group.
If your looking for a novella that is real and full of heart, make sure to get Of Sorrow and Ashes. You won’t regret it.
I found myself really feeling for Deremir, the main character. He’s a good man who is filled with pain and sadness. But his sadness didn’t overshadow the story, it added to it. I found myself really enjoying his POV. He was an amazing character to root for. Lenna, who is also a great character, is nuanced and their dynamic was actually a relationship I felt was healthy in many ways. They both respected each other and weren’t bickering all the time. Definitely my kind of characters!
I felt the world was so alive and had some amazing story ideas in it. The magic felt very fleshed out, and characters felt like they belonged in this world. The whole story was enchanting, fun, and clever. Exactly what you would want for a story like this. Oh, and don’t get me started on the writing, beautiful! The author really knows how to immerse you in the world.
Honestly, I could go on and on. But then I’d get into spoilers. This novella could be a great discussion piece for a book club or reading group.
If your looking for a novella that is real and full of heart, make sure to get Of Sorrow and Ashes. You won’t regret it.
August 20, 2025
What Bella Dunn accomplishes in this short novella is truly magical. I don’t often use the word gripping, but that’s exactly what this story is.
Deremir, a wizard and self-described empty shell, sets sail determined to get as far from home as possible. On board, he discovers he actually knows the captain, Lenna, who has a task for him. The more he learns, the more skeptical he becomes, but intrigue wins out. Despite his trepidation, Deremir agrees.
Together, they face a series of three challenges, each forcing them to admit what they truly want, desire, and hope for. For Lenna, the answers are simple because she has known them for years. For Deremir, each question pushes him to confront truths that he has long avoided. In the end, he is given a choice: remain in a new land and study magic under a banished priestess, or return to his old life in search of redemption.
The revelation of Deremir’s choice left me certain of one thing—I have to read the rest of Bella Dunn’s books. The ending is anything but short on mystery.
Deremir, a wizard and self-described empty shell, sets sail determined to get as far from home as possible. On board, he discovers he actually knows the captain, Lenna, who has a task for him. The more he learns, the more skeptical he becomes, but intrigue wins out. Despite his trepidation, Deremir agrees.
Together, they face a series of three challenges, each forcing them to admit what they truly want, desire, and hope for. For Lenna, the answers are simple because she has known them for years. For Deremir, each question pushes him to confront truths that he has long avoided. In the end, he is given a choice: remain in a new land and study magic under a banished priestess, or return to his old life in search of redemption.
The revelation of Deremir’s choice left me certain of one thing—I have to read the rest of Bella Dunn’s books. The ending is anything but short on mystery.
August 23, 2025
A short and engaging read, it gets into some of the back story of Deremir. I haven't read the other books in the series, but this one makes me curious to see what becomes of him. It explores the how the darkness of his past has effected him as he strives to overcome his grief. I'm curious to see how he and Leena fair in the rest of the series I like how it features an interesting and unique magic system that's deeply tied (and restricted) by the political environment. This series has potential.
September 28, 2025
I found Deremir‘s story very enthralling. I have not read book one in the series so I am sure having this bit of background will help going further. I especially liked the bind between Deremi and Lenna.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
September 20, 2025
Bella does it again! This is another great read that I couldn't put down. This is the origin story of Deremir. Can be stand alone, but it will make you want to read more of the Eileerean saga.
October 20, 2025
This novella was interesting and in-depth on the characters. The story flowed well and integrated with the main series. I enjoyed having knowledge of the main character in this book.
(Reviewed as SweetEchoJenn on Amazon)
(Reviewed as SweetEchoJenn on Amazon)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews