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Under Moonlit Ashes
Two kingdoms stand on the brink of annihilation, their fates entwined in a centuries-old hatred. Seraphina, the fierce yet haunted heiress to the Kingdom of Eldoria, is bound by duty to protect her people. But when she encounters Kael, the enigmatic leader of the rival Kingdom of Morvath, her resolve begins to fracture. Drawn to him in a way she cannot explain, Seraphina finds herself spiraling into an obsession that threatens to unravel everything she’s ever known. As love blooms in the shadow of betrayal, their forbidden romance ignites a firestorm of rebellion, deceit, and sacrifice. Torn between her kingdom and her heart, Seraphina must make an impossible choice. Will she betray her duty to stand beside the man she loves—or perish beneath the weight of her destiny?
350 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Thornwell
3 books6 followersT.A. Thornwell is an emerging voice in dark fantasy romance, known for crafting emotionally raw, morally gray stories that straddle the line between heartbreak and obsession. With a background in blue-collar grit and a pen dipped in shadow, Thornwell brings a fresh, unapologetic edge to the indie publishing scene.A lifelong storyteller and fierce advocate for indie authors, Thornwell doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths of love, power, or sacrifice. His dark fantasy romance genre debut Under Moonlit Ashes weaves a haunting tale of forbidden love, betrayal, and the cost of defying fate. It is set in the cursed realm of Eldoria; a world as dangerous as it is seductive.Outside of writing, T.A. Thornwell is the founder of Ashen Veil Publishing, a brand built on the belief that authors deserve the spotlight; not influencers, algorithms, or empty industry praise. With a growing community of readers, Thornwell is leading a quiet revolution. One Story, One reader and one brutally honest moment at a time.When not immersed in world-building or breaking readers' hearts, Thornwell can be found working with his hands, thinking ten steps ahead, and refusing to play nice in an industry that's overdue for change.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 3, 2025
Many emotions came out in this book, the humour was fantastic and Nibbles just had me cackling.
The concept of the way this whole story works is brilliant and Elysandra is an excellent character. Overall I would say this book sets the scene for the epic fantasy to come. I enjoyed it and found it easy to read, and I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to T.A. Thornwell for the ARC.
The concept of the way this whole story works is brilliant and Elysandra is an excellent character. Overall I would say this book sets the scene for the epic fantasy to come. I enjoyed it and found it easy to read, and I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to T.A. Thornwell for the ARC.
November 5, 2025
I couldn't believe how well written this book was and how the characters came to lice as one
August 27, 2025
I couldn't put the book down. It is enemies to lovers, betrayal, friendship, etc. Under Moonlit ashes just had me reading more! It also made me laugh and cry. But I give Under Moonlit ashes a five star. It will have you guessing of what will happen next!
October 25, 2025
This is a gritty, roller-coaster ride through an emotional mine field!
The characters are deep, aggressive, calculating, and so interwoven that together they create a beautiful tapestry of love, devotion, power, and loss.
The trigger warnings are REAL and you should definitely review them before you dive in! All that being said, I would absolutely re-read this!!!
I recommend that you read the TW before picking up this book. It is not for the faint of heart
The characters are deep, aggressive, calculating, and so interwoven that together they create a beautiful tapestry of love, devotion, power, and loss.
The trigger warnings are REAL and you should definitely review them before you dive in! All that being said, I would absolutely re-read this!!!
I recommend that you read the TW before picking up this book. It is not for the faint of heart
November 21, 2025
Can I just say, WOW! This book exceeded all my expectations. I read it in 7 hours in one sitting. I loved that it had a playlist to listen to while reading !! I loved all the detail throughout and the spice ! I also loved how it went into POVS of each character but it flowed perfectly. And Bethany and seraphinas relationship is goals ! My favorite character is nibbles ! I love his banter and how random he is ! A couple of my favorite quotes are, “even shadows are born of something real.” and “trust was a fragile thing, easily shattered.” The ending had me crying and yelling at the book! It totally threw me off and I was not expecting it ! But 10/10 recommend ! EVERYONE READ THIS BOOK!!
September 5, 2025
It was heartbreaking, uplifting soulmates ripped apart. It gutted me, then tried to sew me back together. It didn’t succeed . I still weep from the damage. The politics, the passion, the betrayal, the heroine rising from the ashes like a phoenix it all consumed me.
The end of the book, when the author speaks of there being a character for everybody, is painfully and sometimes hilariously accurate. I can’t wait for book two.
So thankful to be a part of the ARC team on this amazing book 🖤🖤🐝💋
The end of the book, when the author speaks of there being a character for everybody, is painfully and sometimes hilariously accurate. I can’t wait for book two.
So thankful to be a part of the ARC team on this amazing book 🖤🖤🐝💋
October 2, 2025
This book is more then just pages in a book it’s a journey that you have to take there blood, tears, pain and happiness all in one and the comic relief nibbles himself this book isn’t for the faint of heart but it the best one you’ll read I didn’t just read this I devoured it an it left me wanting more
October 3, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
A gripping epic romantasy perfect for fans of immersive world-building, gothic atmosphere, and sweeping, slow burn romance!
A gripping epic romantasy perfect for fans of immersive world-building, gothic atmosphere, and sweeping, slow burn romance!
November 16, 2025
Where to begin. I think this book broke part of me. It feels like it reached into my soul, laughed, then took a bit of it with me. Already I’m wishing for book two, if for nothing else than to see if it can heal the missing piece.
There are characters that made me laugh, and characters that made me want to sob. Nibbles brought some dark comedy to the book, Alaric brought out anger, and Elysandra brought sadness. The main characters Kael and Seraphina brought an array of emotions to the surface.
In the afterword, T.A. notes that he doesn’t write books that vanish when you’re done, he writes books that haunt. If I had read that before reading the book I may have rolled my eyes, but after reading Under Moonlit Ashes, I agree with the statement.
There aren’t a lot of books that I can say left me feeling hollowed out after I finished reading them. Books where I know I need to switch to a light hearted romcom where I won’t have to do much thinking so I can process the book. This is definately one where I feel hollow.
I feel like I need to go have a good cry, and I need to listen or read something happy to soothe my soul. This book will live rent free in my head, always in the back of my mind.
There are characters that made me laugh, and characters that made me want to sob. Nibbles brought some dark comedy to the book, Alaric brought out anger, and Elysandra brought sadness. The main characters Kael and Seraphina brought an array of emotions to the surface.
In the afterword, T.A. notes that he doesn’t write books that vanish when you’re done, he writes books that haunt. If I had read that before reading the book I may have rolled my eyes, but after reading Under Moonlit Ashes, I agree with the statement.
There aren’t a lot of books that I can say left me feeling hollowed out after I finished reading them. Books where I know I need to switch to a light hearted romcom where I won’t have to do much thinking so I can process the book. This is definately one where I feel hollow.
I feel like I need to go have a good cry, and I need to listen or read something happy to soothe my soul. This book will live rent free in my head, always in the back of my mind.
November 18, 2025
If you are looking for an emotional roller-coaster, this is it. 350 pages that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down and haven't stopped recommending it since. TA did an amazing job dragging you into the world of Eldoria.
The only downside: TA is a very descriptive writer. He has the ability to make you see everything as he intended including Nibbles (IYKYK). BUUUUT personally, there are some scenes that aren't quite as descriptive as others. Still really good!
The only downside: TA is a very descriptive writer. He has the ability to make you see everything as he intended including Nibbles (IYKYK). BUUUUT personally, there are some scenes that aren't quite as descriptive as others. Still really good!
November 21, 2025
This book is amazing. Its top 3 dark romance fantasy I've read all year. If youre looking for a book to tear you apart and then put you back together the way it wants to, this is your book. If youre obsessed with dark romance, this is your book. If you like romantasy, THIS IS YOUR BOOK. Check your tw as this book has lots of them. There's something about the way this author writes thats like hes truly painting a picture with his words. Its perfect, and dark, and should be at the top of your tbr, immediately.
November 16, 2025
This book makes you feel every emotion that you don’t think you can feel. I fell in love with Seraphina and every single emotion she goes through I felt! I embrace, myself in this book, people like who they like people hate who they hate! Mind you I love trash pandas but nibbles no thank you!!! He drives me crazy and people wanted more of him and traumatized me in the process!! So thanks all. Kail the Ruthless what a dream boat hate that her is so feared but man oh man!!!
What this town goes through what Seraphina goes through will leave you breathless!!! You will want to hold this book tight, throw the book thru a window but the end of the day the journey is what you will fall in love with!!
So who is your favorite character?
Who do you dislike?
What’s your favorite scene?
What this town goes through what Seraphina goes through will leave you breathless!!! You will want to hold this book tight, throw the book thru a window but the end of the day the journey is what you will fall in love with!!
So who is your favorite character?
Who do you dislike?
What’s your favorite scene?
October 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Under Moonlit Ashes completely swept me away. From the very first page, Thornwell builds a world that feels both haunting and alive, layered with mystery, emotion, and just the right amount of tension. The writing is atmospheric and lyrical, pulling me deeper with every chapter until I felt like I was standing in the shadows alongside the characters.
What I loved most was how the story balances darkness with beauty. The characters are complex, flawed, and so vividly real that I found myself invested in their choices and fates. Every twist landed with impact, and the slow unraveling of secrets kept me turning pages long into the night.
This isn’t just a story—it’s an experience. It lingers in your thoughts even after the last page, making you reflect on love, loss, and resilience in the face of fire and ruin.
If you’re looking for a book that will captivate you, break your heart, and leave you in awe of its worldbuilding and prose, Under Moonlit Ashes is it. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Under Moonlit Ashes completely swept me away. From the very first page, Thornwell builds a world that feels both haunting and alive, layered with mystery, emotion, and just the right amount of tension. The writing is atmospheric and lyrical, pulling me deeper with every chapter until I felt like I was standing in the shadows alongside the characters.
What I loved most was how the story balances darkness with beauty. The characters are complex, flawed, and so vividly real that I found myself invested in their choices and fates. Every twist landed with impact, and the slow unraveling of secrets kept me turning pages long into the night.
This isn’t just a story—it’s an experience. It lingers in your thoughts even after the last page, making you reflect on love, loss, and resilience in the face of fire and ruin.
If you’re looking for a book that will captivate you, break your heart, and leave you in awe of its worldbuilding and prose, Under Moonlit Ashes is it. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews