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She Who Was Severed (Book 1 of the Ashen Chain Trilogy): A Fantasy Romance
She was supposed to die at sixteen.
Instead, something ancient bound itself to her bones—
and now the world wants her dead for surviving.
Freya Thorne failed the sacred trial.
No bond. No beast. Just exile.
But when the blade fell, the Ashen Chain woke.
It doesn’t protect. It remembers.
And it chose her.
Now she’s hunted. Shackled. Forgotten.
Until one boy trained to obey sets the sky on fire to protect her.
And the world
She’s not a survivor. She’s a reckoning.
If Daenerys was the Mother of Dragons…
Freya is the Mother of Chains.
💥 Fourth Wing x The Poppy War
🗡️ Scarred girls. Dragon boys. Magic with memory.
🔥 Click now. The Chain is waiting.
Instead, something ancient bound itself to her bones—
and now the world wants her dead for surviving.
Freya Thorne failed the sacred trial.
No bond. No beast. Just exile.
But when the blade fell, the Ashen Chain woke.
It doesn’t protect. It remembers.
And it chose her.
Now she’s hunted. Shackled. Forgotten.
Until one boy trained to obey sets the sky on fire to protect her.
And the world
She’s not a survivor. She’s a reckoning.
If Daenerys was the Mother of Dragons…
Freya is the Mother of Chains.
💥 Fourth Wing x The Poppy War
🗡️ Scarred girls. Dragon boys. Magic with memory.
🔥 Click now. The Chain is waiting.
- GenresFantasy
313 pages, Hardcover
Published July 28, 2025
176 people are currently reading
1612 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 20, 2025
I liked the story and the characters in this book, but for some reason I found it just a bit strange to read, it felt like I was reading short statements from the characters and no real flow of words, I will read the next two when they are released, as I said previously I did enjoy the story.
August 26, 2025
The story follows Freya Thorne, a young woman condemned to the Severing, a ritual that strips the unworthy of their very identity. In Selvarra, worth is measured by the beasts you bond with and the divine magic you wield. Freya fails. She’s left unbonded, cast into the margins, and expected to fade away. But instead of vanishing, something older and darker takes root inside her. A chain that awakens when everything else has abandoned her. What unfolds is both survival and defiance as she discovers a hidden path, the Ashen Chain, and begins carving out a destiny no one planned for her.
The prose is sharp, almost like it’s meant to cut, but there’s beauty in that edge. Kaye doesn’t waste words, and the imagery lingers. Blood, ash, chains that breathe. The writing feels alive, dangerous even, and I found myself rereading sentences just to taste them again. Sometimes it was overwhelming, like being dragged under by a tide, but it always felt deliberate, like the author wanted me to breathe with Freya, to choke when she did. There were moments I felt both exhilarated and unsettled, which, honestly, is exactly what I want in a fantasy like this.
As for the characters, they don’t come polished. Freya’s anger, her hunger, her brokenness, they’re messy and raw, and that’s what made me care. Kellen is fire wrapped in restraint, and their dynamic has this slow-burning pull that had me tensing every time they shared a scene. It’s not clean romance; it’s jagged and full of what-ifs. The world itself is merciless, dressed in ceremony and illusion but rotten underneath. That contrast between beauty and brutality made me furious at times. I hated how the system treated the Severed, and yet I loved how the story leaned into that cruelty to show what resistance really looks like.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a fantasy about chains and beasts. I was sitting with questions about who gets to decide worth, about the violence of erasure, and about the power in refusing to disappear. It’s a dark book, but also strangely hopeful, like a flame in the ash that refuses to go out.
I’d recommend She Who Was Severed to readers who like their fantasy fierce and unflinching, who want characters that bleed and bite instead of saints who smile through suffering. If you liked The Poppy War or Serpent & Dove, you’ll probably love this too. It’s not for those looking for easy escapes, but if you want a story that claws at you and won’t let go, this is it.
The prose is sharp, almost like it’s meant to cut, but there’s beauty in that edge. Kaye doesn’t waste words, and the imagery lingers. Blood, ash, chains that breathe. The writing feels alive, dangerous even, and I found myself rereading sentences just to taste them again. Sometimes it was overwhelming, like being dragged under by a tide, but it always felt deliberate, like the author wanted me to breathe with Freya, to choke when she did. There were moments I felt both exhilarated and unsettled, which, honestly, is exactly what I want in a fantasy like this.
As for the characters, they don’t come polished. Freya’s anger, her hunger, her brokenness, they’re messy and raw, and that’s what made me care. Kellen is fire wrapped in restraint, and their dynamic has this slow-burning pull that had me tensing every time they shared a scene. It’s not clean romance; it’s jagged and full of what-ifs. The world itself is merciless, dressed in ceremony and illusion but rotten underneath. That contrast between beauty and brutality made me furious at times. I hated how the system treated the Severed, and yet I loved how the story leaned into that cruelty to show what resistance really looks like.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a fantasy about chains and beasts. I was sitting with questions about who gets to decide worth, about the violence of erasure, and about the power in refusing to disappear. It’s a dark book, but also strangely hopeful, like a flame in the ash that refuses to go out.
I’d recommend She Who Was Severed to readers who like their fantasy fierce and unflinching, who want characters that bleed and bite instead of saints who smile through suffering. If you liked The Poppy War or Serpent & Dove, you’ll probably love this too. It’s not for those looking for easy escapes, but if you want a story that claws at you and won’t let go, this is it.
October 10, 2025
Mother of Chains
So, the good first. I really liked this book. It's got a deep, gritty, dark, and very Gothic feel to it that I enjoy. The lack of dialogue adds to this for me, not detracts. The writing is good and the story is great. I like the descriptive nature of the writing, and the prose for me, is a plus. Vale is fantastic, we'll see where Owen shakes out...
What I didn't like. I didn't realize this must be YA? Had I known the MC was so young, I'd have skipped it. I have no idea how old Kellen is, my guess is that he's a year or 2 older, but maybe not. The writing gets very repetitive in places and I started editing out the Author's Not, Not, Just formula in my head. It detracts. Her writing is so descriptive in places then she drops a billion of Not this. Not that. Just blank. It was overdone. When talking about the chain's actions, the writing is again repetitive, and I skipped a lot of that. Yes, the chain is waiting, yes the chain is watching. That was overdone too. I would have LOVED to know why Inqas rooting against the Council and Kier. What's this society like? What's the hierarchy? Why do they allow children to bond with these creatures and what is the magic of this place? The world building could be better.
THAT said. The book was solid for me. I have a 300 book DNF list and I never considered stopping this one once because the story itself is riveting.
So, the good first. I really liked this book. It's got a deep, gritty, dark, and very Gothic feel to it that I enjoy. The lack of dialogue adds to this for me, not detracts. The writing is good and the story is great. I like the descriptive nature of the writing, and the prose for me, is a plus. Vale is fantastic, we'll see where Owen shakes out...
What I didn't like. I didn't realize this must be YA? Had I known the MC was so young, I'd have skipped it. I have no idea how old Kellen is, my guess is that he's a year or 2 older, but maybe not. The writing gets very repetitive in places and I started editing out the Author's Not, Not, Just formula in my head. It detracts. Her writing is so descriptive in places then she drops a billion of Not this. Not that. Just blank. It was overdone. When talking about the chain's actions, the writing is again repetitive, and I skipped a lot of that. Yes, the chain is waiting, yes the chain is watching. That was overdone too. I would have LOVED to know why Inqas rooting against the Council and Kier. What's this society like? What's the hierarchy? Why do they allow children to bond with these creatures and what is the magic of this place? The world building could be better.
THAT said. The book was solid for me. I have a 300 book DNF list and I never considered stopping this one once because the story itself is riveting.
September 19, 2025
I only read the free sample on Amazon - I'm not going to make AI slop peddlers any money from their attempts to sell us "books" they can't be bothered to write - and my verdict is:
I'm 99.9999% certain this is, again, AI generated slop. I'm not sure an actual author could put any more AI tells into the first few pages if they tried.
Also, for those unaware, this "Literary Titan Book Award" is something you really should google. It's an "award" you can buy; it's totally and utterly useless in regard to telling you anything about the quality of a book. I think you should be aware of this as a reader, as those who promote their books with this so-called "award" usually "forget" to tell you - the same way they also keep conveniently "forgetting" to tell you that their books are AI generated drivel.
Unless you fancy supporting "authors" who can't be arsed to write their books but rather let AI spit some drivel out: Stay clear!
I'm 99.9999% certain this is, again, AI generated slop. I'm not sure an actual author could put any more AI tells into the first few pages if they tried.
Also, for those unaware, this "Literary Titan Book Award" is something you really should google. It's an "award" you can buy; it's totally and utterly useless in regard to telling you anything about the quality of a book. I think you should be aware of this as a reader, as those who promote their books with this so-called "award" usually "forget" to tell you - the same way they also keep conveniently "forgetting" to tell you that their books are AI generated drivel.
Unless you fancy supporting "authors" who can't be arsed to write their books but rather let AI spit some drivel out: Stay clear!
October 3, 2025
I don’t even remember what made me download this book from Kindle Unlimited, but I’m so glad I did! The story follows Freya’s journey as an unbonded and explores what happens to those who don’t bond with the approved magical beasts. Along the way, she’s joined by other outcasts—plus one who is bonded but chooses Freya.
This book has it all: rich world-building, deep friendship, a touch of romance (just enough, not too syrupy), and unshakable loyalty. The prose is sharp, sometimes unsettling, and always powerful. Best of all, it doesn’t get bogged down in politics or preachy undertones - it just makes you think.
It’s not a “fluff” read - you’ll want to slow down and really pay attention, but it’s worth it. I can’t recommend it enough. Read it!
This book has it all: rich world-building, deep friendship, a touch of romance (just enough, not too syrupy), and unshakable loyalty. The prose is sharp, sometimes unsettling, and always powerful. Best of all, it doesn’t get bogged down in politics or preachy undertones - it just makes you think.
It’s not a “fluff” read - you’ll want to slow down and really pay attention, but it’s worth it. I can’t recommend it enough. Read it!
August 27, 2025
This book is my first romantasy, and I must say it doesn't disappoint. The characters seem to consistently fight against their own internal restraints while the world crumbles around them. Unlocking hidden potential is a key theme for the main character. She does this while going through the emotional ups and downs of coming together and being pulled apart from the man she loves. The author does an excellent job conveying the characters thought process in a truly engaging way, and I look forward to seeing how the story proceeds in future books. Well done!
September 17, 2025
This is a gripping fantasy romance about Freya Thorne, a girl condemned to die after failing a magical trial, until an ancient force called the Ashen Chain awakens within her. Marked by forgotten power and hunted by those who fear it, Freya becomes a symbol of rebellion and reckoning. As she battles for survival, a boy trained to obey risks everything to protect her, igniting a bond that defies fate. Blending emotional depth, fierce magic, and slow-burn romance, this story explores what happens when the girl who was meant to die becomes the one who changes everything.
November 14, 2025
I found the premise interesting, but the MC reads as far older than she is. I think it was a mistake to make her 16. My biggest critique: The author doesn’t say enough. From detail, and world building to back story. There isn’t foreshadowing or clues, the reader is flying blind. The most used words are not/doesn’t/don’t and by the end of the book you’ll want the burn the whole thing. It was so annoying “it doesn’t strike, it waits” “not reflection, but memory”. A few times is fine but it’s the entire book. Honestly would have been better to just DNF.
November 17, 2025
confusing to say the least
Real story does not start till half way thru book. Nothing is explained. Why is there ash everywhere? Why was Ashmore deserted? Where are her parents? Etc.
Real story does not start till half way thru book. Nothing is explained. Why is there ash everywhere? Why was Ashmore deserted? Where are her parents? Etc.
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November 19, 2025DNF. I really couldn’t get on with the writing style. It was really distracting and I couldn’t follow what was going on very well
November 19, 2025
Wow. Deserves more than 5 stars. I don't think I have ever read a book like this one. And I read A LOT! Sooo many books were I get bored of reading because I feel like I have already read it even though it's new. Goodreads doesn't get half of my apps info like Libby, GraphicAudio, Soundbooth, Chirp, Audible and reg books. I do roughly 300 a year. So reading my usual "dark" PNR or Romantasy books can get repetitive.
Why did I wait so long. I NEED book 2.
This is definitely a book labeled dark Correctly. Very interesting intense ride. Always has me thinking and trying to figure out. I mean EVERYTHING is INTENSE about this book. Even the spice. And it is classy intense spice. That look into your soul, eyes and body feel the moment with them spice. Not just some slopped together smut.
Why did I wait so long. I NEED book 2.
This is definitely a book labeled dark Correctly. Very interesting intense ride. Always has me thinking and trying to figure out. I mean EVERYTHING is INTENSE about this book. Even the spice. And it is classy intense spice. That look into your soul, eyes and body feel the moment with them spice. Not just some slopped together smut.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews