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Ashes Of The Damned
The Scorned Maiden
For generations, my family has hunted witches, claiming to protect the world from their dark magic. I was born to follow in their footsteps — the next in line to carry on the legacy. But I am not like them. I hear the trees whisper in song, and I feel the wind pulse with energy through my veins.
Does that make me a sinner, instead of a savior?
Lately, I’m not sure what’s right anymore — or if I’ve been standing on the wrong side all along. And now, this wedding I never asked for, this life carved out for me like a cage.
What will become of me if I keep walking this path?
Will they burn me?
Or will I finally learn to live?
Does that make me a sinner, instead of a savior?
Lately, I’m not sure what’s right anymore — or if I’ve been standing on the wrong side all along. And now, this wedding I never asked for, this life carved out for me like a cage.
What will become of me if I keep walking this path?
Will they burn me?
Or will I finally learn to live?
- GenresAmazon
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
3 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Amaya Jax
9 books61 followersAmaya Jax is a dark romance and fantasy author who weaves tales of passion, danger, and intrigue.
When she's not immersed in her writing, Amaya is often found curled up with a good book or indulging in her love of historical and sci-fi movies. A proud cat mom to three furry companions, she finds inspiration in the quiet moments spent with her pets and the worlds she explores both on the page and on the screen.
When she's not immersed in her writing, Amaya is often found curled up with a good book or indulging in her love of historical and sci-fi movies. A proud cat mom to three furry companions, she finds inspiration in the quiet moments spent with her pets and the worlds she explores both on the page and on the screen.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this novella! 😍
The story was so attention grabbing and totally sucked me in from the start that at the end I didn’t even remember anymore that I was reading a novella. I got so invested into the story that I expected to read more, because it was just so interesting.
I loved absolutely everything about this novella. The characters, plot and the overall flow of the book. Amaya wrote this in a way that I felt very connected to the characters, with pangs of familiarity and pain, that I had no choice but to keep on reading. Love the witch hunter x witch trope so much, and it was executed well.
I loved the mmc’s, Morwenna and Dominic. Even if I was doubtful of Dominic’s intentions and character, I got overly swoon by him. 🥹 And poor Morwenna jist couldn’t catch a break. Felt that very much.
I don’t want to spoil from the plot, but please read this if you are at all interested. Especially from the witch x witch hunter standpoint. The ending was awaking more questions, than answers, but it was so well done. All I want now is more of them, find out what happens next. Pretty please give us moreeee! 😍
Thank you Amaya for letting me beta read. It was an honor and can’t wait to physically hold your book in my hands and reread this. 🫶🏼
Rating: 5/5
The story was so attention grabbing and totally sucked me in from the start that at the end I didn’t even remember anymore that I was reading a novella. I got so invested into the story that I expected to read more, because it was just so interesting.
I loved absolutely everything about this novella. The characters, plot and the overall flow of the book. Amaya wrote this in a way that I felt very connected to the characters, with pangs of familiarity and pain, that I had no choice but to keep on reading. Love the witch hunter x witch trope so much, and it was executed well.
I loved the mmc’s, Morwenna and Dominic. Even if I was doubtful of Dominic’s intentions and character, I got overly swoon by him. 🥹 And poor Morwenna jist couldn’t catch a break. Felt that very much.
I don’t want to spoil from the plot, but please read this if you are at all interested. Especially from the witch x witch hunter standpoint. The ending was awaking more questions, than answers, but it was so well done. All I want now is more of them, find out what happens next. Pretty please give us moreeee! 😍
Thank you Amaya for letting me beta read. It was an honor and can’t wait to physically hold your book in my hands and reread this. 🫶🏼
Rating: 5/5
November 3, 2025
Another quickie!!
So starting off I wasn’t fully sure about Dominic. But he grew on me.
Now her story, forget what’s in your head as far as the title. Yes she is scorned but not in a bad way towards Dom.. it’s for other reasons
And let me tell you, I wanna go commit all the v!olenc3 with her because WHAT?! En serio?! Yeah that happened and yeah I need what’s next because I have questions and I need answers!
Also.. DOMMMMMMMM.
So starting off I wasn’t fully sure about Dominic. But he grew on me.
Now her story, forget what’s in your head as far as the title. Yes she is scorned but not in a bad way towards Dom.. it’s for other reasons
And let me tell you, I wanna go commit all the v!olenc3 with her because WHAT?! En serio?! Yeah that happened and yeah I need what’s next because I have questions and I need answers!
Also.. DOMMMMMMMM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
This novella is very different from what I've read from Amaya previously as it leans more into a fantasy, but I am loving it! She has a way with words that truly captures the reader, pulling them into an intricate world filled with rich characters and evocative settings. Amaya's ability to weave together emotion and tension is exceptional, and I find myself eagerly anticipating what comes next in this enthralling tale.
From the moment I started reading The Scorned Maiden, I was intrigued to learn more about this world she had created. It left me wondering "when" the plot took place, and if it was around the same time as The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 (I think that's the right date 🤷♀️) but with a fantastical twist. I loved the idea of the community being quite isolated from others as it helped build the sense of mystery I got while reading this book.
I found the general population of the community to be somewhat hypocritical considering they received magical marks at the age of 25, but they hated and feared witches to the point of condemning them to torture and death.
As we follow the FMC, Morwenna, we come to realise that she isn't like the rest of the people in her community. She seems to be shunned by all, including her own family. As she is forced into a marriage she doesn't want, strange things start to happen. I cannot wait to find out more about Morwenna.
I enjoyed seeing how Morwenna became enamoured with Damien, and it's easy to see why she does! The man is an absolute swoon fest! I'm also really happy that there were a couple of chapters from his POV as well, as it answered some of the questions that readers were left with as the plot unfolded. I hope this couple get the happy ending they deserve!
Overall, I think this novella was brilliant. The plot moved along really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. I was left wanting more, like right now! I'm (not so) patiently awaiting the next installment of this series!
From the moment I started reading The Scorned Maiden, I was intrigued to learn more about this world she had created. It left me wondering "when" the plot took place, and if it was around the same time as The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 (I think that's the right date 🤷♀️) but with a fantastical twist. I loved the idea of the community being quite isolated from others as it helped build the sense of mystery I got while reading this book.
I found the general population of the community to be somewhat hypocritical considering they received magical marks at the age of 25, but they hated and feared witches to the point of condemning them to torture and death.
As we follow the FMC, Morwenna, we come to realise that she isn't like the rest of the people in her community. She seems to be shunned by all, including her own family. As she is forced into a marriage she doesn't want, strange things start to happen. I cannot wait to find out more about Morwenna.
I enjoyed seeing how Morwenna became enamoured with Damien, and it's easy to see why she does! The man is an absolute swoon fest! I'm also really happy that there were a couple of chapters from his POV as well, as it answered some of the questions that readers were left with as the plot unfolded. I hope this couple get the happy ending they deserve!
Overall, I think this novella was brilliant. The plot moved along really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. I was left wanting more, like right now! I'm (not so) patiently awaiting the next installment of this series!
December 1, 2025
Amaya hit the nail on the head with this quick, done in one sitting prequel novella! I really enjoyed how she was able to immediately catch my attention, and keep me engaged the whole way through.
Morwenna, our FMC, is a woman I can really relate to and empathize with. She's a free thinker and spirit who's in a constant war with who she really is inside, versus what her society believes and dictates she should be.
We follow along as she tries to navigate a father who looks upon her with disdain, a mother who is guarded, who she's supposed to become within her society, an arranged marriage and possibly being cursed. She's helped by her betrothed, Dominic, despite still being unsure of his real intentions, as she tries to separate the truth from the lies. I personally really adore Dominic, despite Morwenna, and think you will, too.
This book had me laughing and yelling with anxiety, teetering on the edge of my seat and oh my God the gasp I gusped right there at the end! I am definitely hooked into this series, and cannot wait for book 1 to drop. If you enjoy...
♀️ A Free Spirited FMC
♂️ A Broody & Secretive MMC
💍 Arranged Marriage
💀 Touch Them & ☠️ Vibes
👥 Forced Proximity
💔 A Good Villain Origin Story
... and more, then I think you'll definitely enjoy 'The Scorned Maiden'. There's some dark stuff going on here, so as always, please be aware of the trigger warnings and content lists provided. I don't want you diving in head first if it's going to be damaging to your mental well-being. And I know our lovely author feels the same.
Before I let you go, let's get into my favorite part of the review to read and write, the spice factor!! There wasn't a whole lot of steam in this quick read, but what there was, was HOT! All steamy and dripping wët, earning a 3.5 outta 5 🌶️'s on the heat scale, plus making me hope there's even more in the next book! And if you end up picking up TSM because of my review, I really hope you'll drop back by once you're done indulging yourself and drop a comment down ⬇️ below ⬇️ telling me what you thought about it!
Morwenna, our FMC, is a woman I can really relate to and empathize with. She's a free thinker and spirit who's in a constant war with who she really is inside, versus what her society believes and dictates she should be.
We follow along as she tries to navigate a father who looks upon her with disdain, a mother who is guarded, who she's supposed to become within her society, an arranged marriage and possibly being cursed. She's helped by her betrothed, Dominic, despite still being unsure of his real intentions, as she tries to separate the truth from the lies. I personally really adore Dominic, despite Morwenna, and think you will, too.
This book had me laughing and yelling with anxiety, teetering on the edge of my seat and oh my God the gasp I gusped right there at the end! I am definitely hooked into this series, and cannot wait for book 1 to drop. If you enjoy...
♀️ A Free Spirited FMC
♂️ A Broody & Secretive MMC
💍 Arranged Marriage
💀 Touch Them & ☠️ Vibes
👥 Forced Proximity
💔 A Good Villain Origin Story
... and more, then I think you'll definitely enjoy 'The Scorned Maiden'. There's some dark stuff going on here, so as always, please be aware of the trigger warnings and content lists provided. I don't want you diving in head first if it's going to be damaging to your mental well-being. And I know our lovely author feels the same.
Before I let you go, let's get into my favorite part of the review to read and write, the spice factor!! There wasn't a whole lot of steam in this quick read, but what there was, was HOT! All steamy and dripping wët, earning a 3.5 outta 5 🌶️'s on the heat scale, plus making me hope there's even more in the next book! And if you end up picking up TSM because of my review, I really hope you'll drop back by once you're done indulging yourself and drop a comment down ⬇️ below ⬇️ telling me what you thought about it!
January 6, 2026
The Scorned Maiden by Amaya Jax had me hooked from the very first page. The opening is instantly captivating, pulling you straight into a dark, mysterious world that clings to the FMC like a living shadow. The eerie atmosphere is beautifully done, with a constant sense that something ominous is lurking just beyond reach, waiting to reveal itself.
The story unfolds smoothly and is easy to follow without ever feeling simplistic. Instead, it remains rich, immersive, and thoroughly engaging. I was especially invested in the development of the relationship between the FMC and her betrothed, which adds emotional depth and tension to the narrative. The overall vibes are everything I crave in a dark fantasy romance—moody, atmospheric, and completely addictive.
With strong pacing, compelling characters, and an expertly crafted atmosphere, this book kept me turning pages late into the night. A surprisingly fantastic read and one I highly recommend to fans of dark fantasy romance. 🖤📖
The story unfolds smoothly and is easy to follow without ever feeling simplistic. Instead, it remains rich, immersive, and thoroughly engaging. I was especially invested in the development of the relationship between the FMC and her betrothed, which adds emotional depth and tension to the narrative. The overall vibes are everything I crave in a dark fantasy romance—moody, atmospheric, and completely addictive.
With strong pacing, compelling characters, and an expertly crafted atmosphere, this book kept me turning pages late into the night. A surprisingly fantastic read and one I highly recommend to fans of dark fantasy romance. 🖤📖
November 28, 2025
This story follows a young woman forced into marriage with a witch hunter while hiding forbidden interests and unsettling visions that grow stronger as her twenty-fifth birthday approaches. Despite their roles, the FMC and MMC develop a tender, unexpected connection, he cares for her, protects her, and helps her when her nightmares worsen.
Everything shatters when she’s suddenly accused of being a witch and taken away. Believing he betrayed her is heartbreaking, especially since he’s the only one who didn’t. The twist of a witch hunter falling for the very witch he’s meant to condemn makes the story gripping and emotional.
The ending leaves her vengeance unfinished and her journey far from over. I really enjoyed the characters, the tension, and the forbidden romance woven through the story.
Everything shatters when she’s suddenly accused of being a witch and taken away. Believing he betrayed her is heartbreaking, especially since he’s the only one who didn’t. The twist of a witch hunter falling for the very witch he’s meant to condemn makes the story gripping and emotional.
The ending leaves her vengeance unfinished and her journey far from over. I really enjoyed the characters, the tension, and the forbidden romance woven through the story.
November 25, 2025
4⭐️/3🔥
Scorned and Magical!
A Scorned Maiden is set in a magical world where the villagers are led by the priests who claim to have a direct line of communication to the gods and goddesses. If you're a witch, you're an enemy, per the priests. Morwenna knows she is different from the hunters in her family line, but hasn't figured out why. She is told what to do and how to act by her parents, along with an arranged marriage. Soon she finds she possesses more than just a curiosity for the energy she gets from her nightly adventures into the woods and that somehow, people knew before even she did! This is a cool novella that I think is prepping us for an awesome fem rage journey and I cannot wait for it!
Scorned and Magical!
A Scorned Maiden is set in a magical world where the villagers are led by the priests who claim to have a direct line of communication to the gods and goddesses. If you're a witch, you're an enemy, per the priests. Morwenna knows she is different from the hunters in her family line, but hasn't figured out why. She is told what to do and how to act by her parents, along with an arranged marriage. Soon she finds she possesses more than just a curiosity for the energy she gets from her nightly adventures into the woods and that somehow, people knew before even she did! This is a cool novella that I think is prepping us for an awesome fem rage journey and I cannot wait for it!
December 2, 2025
Absolutely Captivating
The Scorned Maiden by Amaya Jax hooked me from the very first page. The start is incredibly intriguing and immediately pulls you into the dark, mysterious world surrounding the FMC. I loved the eerie atmosphere and the sense that something is just out of sight, waiting to unfold.
The story itself is surprisingly smooth and easy to follow, yet still rich and engaging. I was especially drawn to the development of her relationship with her betrothed. The vibes throughout the book are exactly what I want in a dark fantasy romance: moody, atmospheric, and addictive.
Overall, it’s a wonderfully crafted story with great pacing and great characters. A surprisingly good read that kept me turning pages. Highly recommended!
The Scorned Maiden by Amaya Jax hooked me from the very first page. The start is incredibly intriguing and immediately pulls you into the dark, mysterious world surrounding the FMC. I loved the eerie atmosphere and the sense that something is just out of sight, waiting to unfold.
The story itself is surprisingly smooth and easy to follow, yet still rich and engaging. I was especially drawn to the development of her relationship with her betrothed. The vibes throughout the book are exactly what I want in a dark fantasy romance: moody, atmospheric, and addictive.
Overall, it’s a wonderfully crafted story with great pacing and great characters. A surprisingly good read that kept me turning pages. Highly recommended!
January 20, 2026
✨🖤The Scorned Maiden🖤✨
Author: Amaya Jax
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
OMG!! I didn’t know a witchy vibe book could be so HOT!
You have Morwenna who feels a pull towards the woods. But she doesn’t exactly know why. But the woods are not someone her kind is welcome. But every day, she finds herself closer and closer to danger. But the real danger, is right under her nose.
Dominic is an absolute book HUSBAND. You heard that right, husband. He is so sweet and cares for Morwenna more than anyone. He will protect her at all costs, and has since they were younger, even without her knowledge.
Until one day, when things shift, and it’s no longer him protecting her, but her protecting him.
This book was so good! I can’t wait for the next one to continue their story!
Author: Amaya Jax
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
OMG!! I didn’t know a witchy vibe book could be so HOT!
You have Morwenna who feels a pull towards the woods. But she doesn’t exactly know why. But the woods are not someone her kind is welcome. But every day, she finds herself closer and closer to danger. But the real danger, is right under her nose.
Dominic is an absolute book HUSBAND. You heard that right, husband. He is so sweet and cares for Morwenna more than anyone. He will protect her at all costs, and has since they were younger, even without her knowledge.
Until one day, when things shift, and it’s no longer him protecting her, but her protecting him.
This book was so good! I can’t wait for the next one to continue their story!
November 14, 2025
Yes. Yes. Yes. This book was amazing, another true masterpiece from Amaya.
Morwenna lives in a magic world set in what feels like a bit of medieval times. There are groups of people who bear magic and get a mark on their 25th birthday. Morwenna is forced to marry someone she doesn't like all the while she is going through strange things.
The pacing in this book was really good. And the story was very well written. Once I picked up my kindle and started reading I wasn't able to stop. I am really looking forward to book two and will be (im)patiently waiting for it!
Morwenna lives in a magic world set in what feels like a bit of medieval times. There are groups of people who bear magic and get a mark on their 25th birthday. Morwenna is forced to marry someone she doesn't like all the while she is going through strange things.
The pacing in this book was really good. And the story was very well written. Once I picked up my kindle and started reading I wasn't able to stop. I am really looking forward to book two and will be (im)patiently waiting for it!
November 2, 2025
This is definitely one that leaves you wondering what happens next. I did struggle with the FMC at times because while I could understand her frustrations, she did come off a bit whiney at times. The whole village had me looking at them like if it isn’t the pot calling the kettle black, it’s ok everyone will get what’s coming to them. I definitely have questions about some of the people in the story and certain elements that we got bits and pieces to.
November 21, 2025
Once again Amaya has done amazing job at leaving my jaw on the floor! She is so talented with the way the captivates her audiences and has her stories playing out like movies in my head! I absolutely loved Morwenna and Dominic's characters! Morwenna is such a free spirited, determined FMC! I could relate to her so much! Dominic is the perfect book boyfriend! The twist and turns in this book had me clutching my pearls and screaming! I cannot wait for book two, I needed it like yesterday!!
November 30, 2025
This was a great novella. Just the way it was written really pulls you in. It has you engaging with the characters on a realistic , but fantastical level. Both the main characters were amazing. Mor and Dom were the perfect swoon fest. This book had me turning the pages, reading this like it was a movie in my head. I truly cannot wait to read more from Amaya.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, it was a fascinating and awesome story.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, it was a fascinating and awesome story.
February 18, 2026
I am awe struck!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Witches, dark magic, a bit of yearning and spice with bit of light stalking, kidnap and torture. This was a delightful read with all the greatest elements. If this is a prequel to a series, I am definitely reading this series.
The writing is captivating and draws you in. It keeps you turning page after page. Every page in this short read holds something exciting or to be desired and leads you to uncovering secrets.
Highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Witches, dark magic, a bit of yearning and spice with bit of light stalking, kidnap and torture. This was a delightful read with all the greatest elements. If this is a prequel to a series, I am definitely reading this series.
The writing is captivating and draws you in. It keeps you turning page after page. Every page in this short read holds something exciting or to be desired and leads you to uncovering secrets.
Highly recommend.
November 11, 2025
This was an amazing read!! Right from the start I thought I had it all figured out but how wrong was I???
It was intriguing, gripping and so tense in places with an unexpected twist at the end that I could not put it down. The MC’s were just brilliant and Dominic just made me melt 🫠 The ending was *chefs kiss* and left everything open so I cannot wait for more!
It was intriguing, gripping and so tense in places with an unexpected twist at the end that I could not put it down. The MC’s were just brilliant and Dominic just made me melt 🫠 The ending was *chefs kiss* and left everything open so I cannot wait for more!
November 26, 2025
This novella from Amaya completely pulled me in with its rich world and mysterious, Salem-inspired vibe. The isolated, hypocritical community and Morwenna’s story were fascinating to follow, especially as her connection with the swoon-worthy Damien grew. With strong pacing, great character depth, and just enough of his POV, it left me desperate for the next installment.
November 8, 2025
Hell yes this book so good. I did not want to put it down. I did not want to go to sleep. I love that we’re hunting witches and this is a perfect book for spooky season if you ask me and I recommend it.
November 14, 2025
The Scorned Maiden by Amaya Jax is book 0.5 in the Ashes of the Damned series and what a great start!!!
In this dark fantasy, Morwenna’s family has hunted witches for generations and now she is next in line but she’s different from her family. Her life had been chosen for her, and she enters into a marriage with Dominic, arranged by her parents. I really LOVE Dominic! I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops between them. This book had me totally shook, it was pretty fast paced and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here, please check your triggers before reading.
What to expect:
🥀 Arranged marriage
🥀 Witch x Witch Hunter
🥀 Forced proximity
🥀 Dark fantasy
🥀 Cult
🥀 Violence
🥀 Fire
🥀 Villian origin story
In this dark fantasy, Morwenna’s family has hunted witches for generations and now she is next in line but she’s different from her family. Her life had been chosen for her, and she enters into a marriage with Dominic, arranged by her parents. I really LOVE Dominic! I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops between them. This book had me totally shook, it was pretty fast paced and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here, please check your triggers before reading.
What to expect:
🥀 Arranged marriage
🥀 Witch x Witch Hunter
🥀 Forced proximity
🥀 Dark fantasy
🥀 Cult
🥀 Violence
🥀 Fire
🥀 Villian origin story
November 21, 2025
Loved the whole witchcraft theme. The fmc is inspiring because she keeps on giving love and trust while others judge her for not being the same as them. I hope there will be more, the ending is so promising.
November 7, 2025
Oh my god this book was absolutely amazing and had me hanging onto every word. And had me wondering what’s gonna happen next. This book was well written and had amazing characters.
January 31, 2026
Quick Short Story
Not too bad. I almost wish I hadn't read this yet because I want more, but it was a very quick read.
Not too bad. I almost wish I hadn't read this yet because I want more, but it was a very quick read.
November 6, 2025
This novella has gripped me so much I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Who will be next and what will happen in future books.
November 28, 2025
I devoured this book! I can’t wait for the rest of this series!!! I need to know more of Morwenna’s story. I need to know what happens next. WHO is Kaden, how does his story tie into Morwenna’s? I NEED more. I was hooked from page one of this novella.
December 29, 2025
Completely blew me away! Amaya’s storytelling is so vivid and cinematic, had me hooked on page one. Morwenna is a strong, free spirited FMC I instantly connected with, and Dominic omg is totally the ultimate book boyfriend. I’m already desperate for book two! I needed it like yesterday!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews