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Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom #1

A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes

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A devastating plague, the missing cure, and a healer who didn’t plan for love…

I’m Faelynn, a healer and servant of the fae God. I’d sworn off every fae male who set his sights on me … until him. Dreythis was … unexpected. He has the answers to the questions I face, and resisting his pull on our journey will be no easy feat.

The fae in my city are sick with a mysterious plague, and my healer magic has done little to help. With so many dying, I never expected that crossing paths with this fae warrior would lead me to the cure. But will solving one problem only bring me to another?

And what sort of ancient power have we stumbled upon that should have stayed buried?

A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is the first in a thrilling new series set in the same world as both the Fae-blessed and Wicked Fae series. It was initially released in Tales of the Lost Things, a multi-author collection of short stories. While this is a novelette, the rest of the series will be full-length books. As such, there is not much world-building or character development until the next book.

54 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

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26 people want to read

About the author

Jada McCrary

15 books72 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Mia S..
578 reviews41 followers
August 15, 2025
Short but packs a punch! Story absolutely sets up the continuation against dark magic that is sprouting up. Yes fantasy with fae! Zero spice but hint of an attraction, but a possible looming battle between a warrior and his father and brother who practice dark magic. Can’t wait for the series to start!
Profile Image for Christina.
161 reviews15 followers
March 4, 2026
Duet Narration - always love Jacci and and Anthony in narrations!

Another super quick fantasy listen, not a ton of world building but enough for us to understand a bit about what's going on and what to expect in the series.

We meet Faelynn, a healer who's been trying to find a cure for a new plague effecting the fae, we see she's also guided by god, or her "master" who speaks in her mind and shows her visions to help her quest. Her master leads her to Dreythis, guardian of the eclipse petal, which has been stolen. She's determined to cure this illness and insists on helping him find it.

I really enjoyed that there wasn't any sort of romance with this one, just tiny hints here and there. Dreythis and Faelynn are mission focused with decent friendly banter that doesn't feel romantic but at the same time you can tell they have chemistry and can tell that romance between them later is definitely possible.

This was a great set up for the next book as it definitely leaves an open ending leaving us curious on what is going to happen next after seeing the actions of Dreythis' family.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
642 reviews116 followers
March 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Momentum Media and Publishing LLC for the opportunity to listen to an Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC). All thoughts are my own.

This book was initially released in Tales of the Lost Things, which is a multi-author collection of short stories (anthology). It is noted that this is a novelette and the rest of the series will be full-length books; thus, there is not much world-building or character development until the next book.

This audiobook is narrated in duet-style by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini, with a run time of 58 minutes. I enjoyed listening to these two narrators together as they brought this novelette to life. I went for a walk and the book was over, leaving me wanting more. I would be interested in seeing what else this author has written!
Profile Image for WenDeeDeeDee36.
421 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2026
3.5★ Rounded Up

This was short, but well written. As explained during the introduction, it was originally a short story as part of an anthology, so even by a novella standards it’s short. It obviously doesn’t go into a lot of in-depth world building, but I do think it gives you a good idea of where the series will be going and what the main plot line is likely to be.
I will say our FMC is a little too blindly pious for me, but I didn’t find it off putting. If nothing else, I think that gives her a lot of room to grow if she is part of the main series plot. I would love to see this expanded into a longer novella someday because I think there is definitely a good base to add more detail.
The audiobook is, of course, fantastic which is to be expected of Jacci Prior an Anthony Palmini. I always love them together!

Thank you so much for this ALC opportunity! My opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
242 reviews16 followers
March 8, 2026
Too ambitious for the short length

This wasn’t my first novelette, but it was my first novelette in audio.🎙️
Most novelettes I’ve read tend to be short, instalove-heavy, and focused more on smut than story - so this one definitely tried to do something different.

It’s also not my first book by Jada McCrary.
A few days earlier I listened to Of Fae and Wicked Kings, which is a novella serving as a teaser into a series, ending on plot twist.
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes delivers a complete story, even though it’s clearly also the start of a series.

We get the MMC and FMC meeting through divine intervention, them going on a queste together in search of a missing cure, because - dun dun dunnn - her sister got sick as well! And all that got wrapped up in just 53 minutes. ⏱️

That’s also where the book struggled for me. There’s simply too much story for such a short runtime, which made the pacing feel rushed. Oddly enough, the romance itself is a slow burn (they share a bed roll together, how scandalous!?), which felt a bit mismatched with how fast the plot moved. I kept wishing the story had more space to breathe.

Also: she keeps hearing "God"... It is a different one, because "romantasy", but it still gave me the ick... 🤢

Best part of the audiobook: the narrators.
This was my first listen with Jacci Prior, and she left a great impression. Anthony Palmini was already a favorite - still delicious, still a highlight. 🔥 Their performances really carried the story and made it more enjoyable than the pacing alone would have.

Summary
Good concept, strong narration, but overcrowded for its length. Enjoyable, but not fully satisfying -solidly a 3-star listen for me. ⭐⭐⭐

I won't be continuing the rest of the series, but I will for Of Fae and Wicked Kings which has an evil Gregory Salinas! 😈
Profile Image for The Boozy Bookworm.
10 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2026
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a solid introduction to Jada McCrary’s Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. This novella (novellette?) is light on world building and character development, but it sets the stage for the full-length books to come.

A mysterious sickness is spreading across Faerie, leaving its people weakened and desperate for answers. At the center of the crisis is Faelynn, a devout healer whose magic is tied to her faith, has long chosen a life of spiritual devotion over romance. But when the plague begins to threaten those closest to her—including her sister—she can no longer remain on the sidelines. At the same time, Dreythis faces a crisis of his own. He is racing to recover a stolen item vital to his standing and survival. When fate brings him into Faelynn’s path, their separate missions (and destinies?) begin to intertwine in unexpected ways.

The story moves quickly but still delivers political intrigue, fae deities, forced proximity, shared adventure, cute banter, and only one bed/one horse. Faelynn’s steady determination and discipline pairs well with Dreythis’s earnest charm and warmth, creating a dynamic that feels poised for amazing character arcs and a satisfying slow-burn romance in the series.

The audiobook narration by Anthony Palmini and Jacci Prior adds even more depth, bringing the characters and tension to life through a captivating duet performance. These are two of my favorite voice actors and they never disappoint. You can always expect them to deliver great pacing and unique voices for each character.

Though brief, this novella never feels incomplete. It is an enticing window into a magical world facing mounting danger and characters whose interconnected journeys feel worth following. The mystery surrounding the spreading illness adds urgency to the plot, while subtle hints of political intrigue and darker magic suggest deeper conflicts lurking beneath the surface. I’m eager to see where the story goes next and to see how this story fits into the author’s expanding fae universe (check out her Of Fae and Wicked Kings novella if you want a taste of that series).

Thank you to NetGalley and Jada McCrary for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Read With Grace White.
90 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2026
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for providing a ALC of A Whisper Of Secrets and Ashes by Jada McCrary and narrated by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini. I really enjoyed this first book of the series. I love soothing the narraters are. Both Jacci and Anthony's voices conveyed the emotions and I could for sure feel like / was in the story like a little movie playing in my head and I also love the world building as well! Thank you again! I really appreciate this opportunity to ALC to this book! I can't wait to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Bookaholic__Reviews.
1,264 reviews161 followers
March 5, 2026
This was an okay listen. There isn't a lot going on but that's to be expected from a story this short. It has very minimal character development, no real world building and no spice at all. However it did have some cute banter. I think it's a decent start to the series especially if you have a spare hour to listen to an audiobook.


I won't lie I grabbed this because of the male narrator, I have never heard of this author before. I think this story has great potential and I do plan to check on the other books in this series once they are released.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for momo’s booknook.
101 reviews
March 1, 2026
5⭐️ ⋆˚꩜。 5🎧 ⋆˚꩜。0🌶️

These are so cute!!! Just a little Fae Romance for another palette cleanser!

It’s been a while since I have heard Anthony Palmini.
This is a first for me with Jacci Prior! Loved it!

Made me giggle a couple of times and the description of powers and the different scenes were so on point 🤌🏻

novellas = perfect palette cleansers!
Profile Image for Nikki O'Brien.
83 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2026
Great intro into the world and characters, beautifully delivered by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini! I definitely want more!
Profile Image for Nikki.
85 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
I went into this story knowing it would be short and limited on the details - as the author mentions this in the author note at the beginning.

With the limited info, I was intrigued from the start and immediately pulled into the story. However, I feel there were some things that could’ve been answered but weren’t such as where the cure was. I can understand not giving details as to what the MMC’s brother did so it can lead into the next book though so now I’m eagerly waiting for that one to continue this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Markowski.
171 reviews12 followers
February 28, 2026
This was actually an audiobook. This novella is the fantastic beginning of what promises to be an amazing series. I’m excited to see where the author takes this series. Promises to be an epic adventure.
The narrators did a wonderful job for both the FMC and MMC. The pronunciation was spot on and they enunciated everything perfectly. It was well timed and the pace of narrating was perfect. Very excited by this story so far.
499 reviews
August 16, 2025
Stick them with the pointy end 😂

Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom book one, A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a fantasy novelette to introduce Jada’s new series within the shared world of Fae-Blessed and Wicked Fae. An unknown plague is causing the fae in the city to become sick, and Faelynn’s magic may not be enough to heal them. Faelynn is a healer who serves the fae God, and would rather be devoted to her God than be tied down in marriage. Plus the upside seems to be stronger powers when one is devout and chaste. She is also very determined and optimistic. Dreythis is out looking for an eclipse petal, after the one he had was stolen, or face being exiled. Just before he meets Faelynn, someone he thought was an enemy has shown him something disturbing, and now he must go face his brother Lord Gaius and father before they use dark magic. Faelynn and Dreythis have a fun banter between them, but also an undercurrent of yearning for each other. Fantasy with mystery, adventure, sweet characters, and twists! Eagerly waiting for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
233 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2026
I received an ALC from Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-Op and this is my honest review.
- ✌🏻Dual POV
- 2️⃣ Duet narration
- 📕 Short story
- 😘 Plot & relationship development (less world building)
- 🐴 One horse & one bedroll 🛏️
- ⭐️ Shared goal
- 🧐 God told her to find him
- ❤️‍🩹 Healer & warrior ⚔️
- 🦠 Disease killing the fae
- ☀️ He’s sunshine, she’s grumpy 😠
- 🫑Spice free

Alright, let’s start off with a review of the narration. ❤️ Jacci Prior ❤️ is my #1 female narrator and, of course, she was AMAZING. She had such unique voices for each character and brought each person to life. Jacci used her voice to create vocals that matched the scene. She changed her tone, added passion, and/or added grit/scratchiness to the vocals when needed in order to bring what was happening on paper to life. Then, Anthony Palmini, one of my favorite male narrators. He was like Jacci. He brought each character to life in such a unique way. I really appreciated that, during the parts of the story when the MMC would lower his voice and whisper or be more coy, Anthony would match it perfectly by lowering his voice or decreasing his tone and inflection. I listened to this at 1.75 speed through the NetGalley app, finding it to be a perfect pace for me.

Onto the story. This was a short story I listened to in under an hour, especially at a faster speed. The author made it very clear from the beginning that this story was intentionally written in a short manner to be published alongside other short stories. She warned that, because of this, there was little world building. I appreciated the author set up realistic expectations and then matched those expectations. I often become frustrated when an author tells us to expect one thing and then the story does not match that expectation set. I am happy to say the author’s up front honesty matched exactly what she wrote!

We had two strong, complex characters with a forward pacing plot. Although this story was short, there was so much to the characters and overarching story. For example, the MFC was a woman living her life alongside her sister, working as a healer, and closed off to romantic and intimate relationships. She could hear their God’s voice in her head, who told her what to do and where to go, never steering her in the wrong direction nor ever lying to her. The MFC was working hard to find a cure to a plague killing fae. Then, we had the MMC. He was raised by a thoughtful and warm mother. He also had a cold and evil father and brother. The MMC was a soldier working hard to undo all the damage his father and brother had done in the world. He was the guardian of a special item, which he lost to his evil family, knowing they planned to use it for nefarious reasons. God directed the MFC to the MMC, where she learned of the special item he had been guarding and how it could be used to cure the plague. The MC’s then go on a journey together to get the item back.

Through this journey, we learned about the MMC’s magic, his family history, and his goals in life. We also learned about the MFC’s life, why she was so rigid in not finding a life partner (i.e., mate), and what she valued most (e.g., listening to her God and healing people). Together they bonded, having shared a horse, bedroll, and goal. The MMC was respectful, thoughtful, and a true gentleman. The MFC was determined and an honorable person. They found each other right when they needed each other. I enjoyed both of them and how they grew independently and together.

The pace was fast the whole time and I am so glad I was able to listen to this in one sitting, as I would have had a hard time stopping this to do something else. I enjoy stories that are more focused on character growth, relationship development, and plot, with less world building. Don’t get me wrong, I love a story with world building, but sometimes it is nice to have a shorter story that moves things along at a faster pace by removing some of the overarching details. This book got to the point and I loved it!

The story ended with a big question… what is going to happen next? I definitely plan to pick up the next book in this series! I cannot wait to learn more about the characters and their relationship, world, and magic. I also cannot see how the plot unfolds from how it ended (as it was not resolved!).
Profile Image for Faiza BEGUM.
582 reviews17 followers
March 1, 2026
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes serves as an enticing gateway into Jada’s expanding fae universe, connecting the larger world of Fae-Blessed and Wicked Fae while launching the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. Though brief, it manages to pack in magic, danger, and the spark of something more.

A mysterious sickness is sweeping through Faerie, leaving its people weakened and without answers. At the heart of the crisis is Faelynn, a devoted healer whose faith in her fae God strengthens her abilities. She has intentionally chosen a life of spiritual dedication over romance, believing that remaining unattached deepens her power. Marriage—and the distractions that come with it—have no place in her carefully ordered plans. Yet when the plague begins threatening those closest to her, including her sister, standing on the sidelines is no longer an option.

Meanwhile, Dreythis is racing against consequences of his own. An eclipse petal—vital to his standing and possibly his survival—has been stolen, and failure to retrieve it could mean exile. Worse, troubling revelations about Lord Gaius and his father hint at dark magic that could make an already dire situation catastrophic. When his path collides with Faelynn’s, their goals align in unexpected ways.

What follows is a swift-moving quest layered with intrigue. The journey delivers beloved fantasy tropes: forced proximity, a single horse shared between them, and only one bedroll at night. The setup naturally fuels the chemistry simmering beneath their exchanges. Dreythis may be mission-focused, but he’s also warm, attentive, and more than capable of charming a reaction out of the steadfast healer. Faelynn, determined not to be swayed by any fae male, meets his lighthearted energy with resolve and the occasional exasperation. Their dynamic—sunshine meeting steel—creates a delightful tension that feels primed for a slow-burn romance in future installments.

Despite its compact length, the story never feels rushed. Instead, it functions as a sharp introduction to a kingdom in peril and characters worth investing in. The central mystery surrounding the cursed illness provides urgency, while hints of deeper political and magical conflicts promise greater stakes ahead. By the final moments, there’s a satisfying sense of progress, yet enough threads remain to spark anticipation for what comes next.

The audiobook experience elevates the tale even further. Anthony Palmini and Jacci Prior deliver a compelling duet performance, each bringing distinct personality and emotional nuance to their roles. Their vocal range ensures side characters feel just as vivid as the leads, and the pacing keeps the adventure engaging from start to finish.

For listeners who gravitate toward fae lore, quest-driven plots, and romantic tension built on banter and proximity, this novelette is an easy recommendation. Faelynn’s determination and Dreythis’s earnest charm make a memorable pair, and the unfolding dangers surrounding Lord Gaius add a darker edge beneath the sweetness. By the end, it’s hard not to wish for more time in this world—and fortunately, it feels like this is only the beginning.
Profile Image for BookForAHeart.
338 reviews25 followers
March 5, 2026
Short, magical, and full of intrigue, A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes feels like the first delicate spark of a much larger story. It’s the kind of quick fantasy read that leaves you curious, a little breathless, and very ready for the next installment. ✨📖

Our heroine, Faelynn, is a healer devoted to the fae God, and she carries the heavy burden of watching her city fall to a mysterious and devastating plague. As someone whose magic is meant to heal, her frustration and heartbreak over not being able to save everyone feels deeply personal. I loved how determined she is, soft-hearted but strong, compassionate yet quietly stubborn in her mission to find a cure. 💔🌿

And then, of course, there’s Dreythis… the fae warrior she definitely did not plan on meeting. Dark, intriguing, and full of secrets, he arrives right when Faelynn’s search for answers becomes desperate. Their dynamic has that lovely fantasy-romance tension, curiosity, attraction, and just a hint of danger swirling between them. Watching Faelynn try (and fail) to ignore the pull she feels toward him adds a delicious layer of romantic intrigue. 🖤✨

Even though this story is a shorter novelette, it still manages to weave in mystery, magic, and the whisper of something ancient and powerful lurking beneath the surface. The discovery of a hidden force tied to the plague hints at a much bigger world and deeper dangers waiting to unfold in the series. It feels a bit like opening the first door into a grand magical adventure. 🔮🔥
Profile Image for Kyle B.
75 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Audiobook ARC via NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC of A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes by Jada McCrary in exchange for an honest review.

This novella kicks off the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series and introduces us to Faelynn, a healer determined to find a cure for a mysterious plague affecting her kingdom. Along the way she meets Dreythis, a fae warrior who joins her on a quest that may lead to the cure she’s searching for.

Faelynn has sworn off fae men so she can focus on her work as a healer, but the tension between her and Dreythis is undeniable. Their dynamic feels like the start of a slow-burn romance, and it definitely left me excited to see how their relationship develops in the next book.

As a novella it’s quite fast-paced, but it works well as an introduction to the world and characters. By the end I was invested enough that I’m looking forward to continuing the series when the full-length novel releases.

The audiobook narration was fantastic. Anthony Palmini is one of my favorite narrators and once again did an excellent job bringing the story to life. This was also my first time listening to Jacci Prior, and I thought she did a great job as well. The pacing was smooth, the character voices were clear, and overall it made for a really enjoyable listening experience.
Profile Image for Sara Pazzi.
6 reviews
August 19, 2025
Jada McCrary’s A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes kicks off a brand-new novella series, and despite its compact size, it manages to deliver a surprisingly full and engaging adventure. In just about 50 pages, the author crafts a story that blends romance, comedy, and mystery in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

One of the highlights for me was the chemistry between the two main characters. Their dynamic feels natural and fun, with just the right mix of humor and heartfelt moments. McCrary balances romance and lightheartedness really well, making it easy to connect with the characters.

That said, I wasn’t completely sold on the confrontation with the brother toward the end. It felt a little rushed, but I understand that’s the trade-off with a novella — there’s limited space to explore every plot point in depth.

Overall, A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a quick, enjoyable read, perfect for a short bedtime escape. If you like bite-sized stories filled with charm, chemistry, and a dash of mystery, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. I’m curious to see where McCrary takes the series next!
Profile Image for Anna.
181 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2026
A shortie but a goodie!

We have a cursed illness affecting the inhabitants of Faerie with no cure, a healer trying to save her sister, and the male she runs into also looking for the same thing. It was a lovely and quick quest with hints of attraction between Faelynn and Dreythis. We get some of our favorite tropes with the forced proximity between our MCs on this quest, only one horse AND only one bedroll, and a successful outcome! Jada writes such a good cinnamon roll MMC who's focused on the quest, but definitely knows how to flirt, despite poor Faelynn absolutely NOT being interested in finding a mate. I'm very intrigued and interested to find out what happens next after this novelette!

I listened to an advanced audio version of this story, and Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini do an amazing job in duet narration. They both have such a range in their voices to bring the other characters a unique voice as well.

If you love fantasy with forced proximity, a cinnamon roll MMC, she's grumpy he's sunshine, one horse / one bedroll, banter, magic and fae, then check out A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes.
Profile Image for Cocobeans.
161 reviews9 followers
March 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐ (rounded off)

📖 A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes
✍🏻 Jada McCrary
📚 Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom #1

Narrators
🗣️📜 : Jacci Prior, Anthony Palmini

This short 1 hour audiobook was an absolute delight!
I swear Jada is the queen of short novellas!

In just over 54 pages , this fast paced Romantasy takes you through all your favourite tropes :

✨ Fantasy Romance
🗡️ Dual POV with Duet narration
✨ Grumpy Sunshine
🗡️ He's an illusionist
✨ She's a healer
🗡️ Only one horse and only one bed
✨ Cμrses and Quest
🗡️ Magical world with Fae , Elves and Pixies

With a beautiful writing and lovable characters , this story is perfect for one sitting read / listen ( or drive , as was in my case 😏) .

The narration was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Jacci and Anthony did a truly wonderful job with bringing this novellete to life .

And the ending, well there is a happy-ish ending , but the story is gonna make you want moreeee .

I can't waittt to see what comes next in this series 💜

Thank you so so much Jada and Jacci for this divine ALC 💜
I love and appreciate you both and your work so much 🥰
Profile Image for Mia Mia.
511 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2026
This was a delightful snack size fantasy. It’s like a cheeky piece of chocolate before bed.

Faelynn has healing magick and her people are being devastated by plague. Try as she might, she’s unable to help them. Dreythis, our warrior hero, is on the quest for a rare eclipse flower petal which has the power to cure all ills. They meet and feel a pull towards each other. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens next.

The writing is simple but easy to binge. The plot was predictable but held my interest. It moves quickly but feels like the right pace for its size. I like the characters and this was a sweet way to end my day. The duet vocal performance was a highlight but with the talent casted, that’s to be expected. The fae religion featured heavily in the narrative and it was a bit too much at times. I love peanut the horse.

🧚 Romantasy Novellette | Fae MCs | Forbidden Love | Forced Proximity | One Horse | Slow Burn | Series Starter | Dual POV | Duet Narration | 🗓️ February 19th | 🎧1hr
Profile Image for Marie A.
285 reviews6 followers
February 27, 2026
The novella, was previously published in 2025. It was re-released as the beginning of Echos of the Cursed Kingdom series. The author acknowledges that because of its length, the world building that is usually present in the first book of a series is sparse.

Having acknowledged all of that I thoroughly enjoyed the novella. The FMC, Faelynn, is a healer and she has gumption! She is not one to sit back or play a supporting role. She is right there and I love her for it.

The MMC, Dreythis, has a problem and he knows it. Now he also has a fae healer with him. What is going to happen next?

This is a fun, short (under an hour long) fantasy audiobook that will peak your interest and leave you wanting more. I personally can’t wait to read the second book.

I would like to thank Momentum Media and Publishing and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!
Profile Image for Jessica McCann.
296 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2026
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a short story that truly packs a punch. This novella serves as a fantastic opener to what promises to be an incredible series, and I am genuinely excited to follow the author on this journey. Despite its brevity, the story manages to deliver a surprising amount of setup, leaving me with a whirlwind of questions and an insatiable thirst for more world-building. Faelynn, our fierce and sassy protagonist, is a delightful character, even if her blind devotion to her "GOD" raises a few eyebrows. Yet, I can't help but feel that her fervor might not last forever, adding an intriguing layer to her character. Overall, this novella is a strong introduction to a captivating world, and I am curious to see where the series leads us next.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book. #NetGalley #arcreview #AWhisperofSecretsandAshes
4.5 ⭐️ story | 4.25 ⭐️ narration
Profile Image for BookishKB.
1,063 reviews265 followers
February 28, 2026
🧚🏽‍♀️🔥 A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes 🔥🧚🏽‍♀️
Honestly, for how short this novella was, it managed to give a surprising amount of story setup. I obviously wanted more world building and I definitely had a billion questions, but I genuinely enjoyed this quick audiobook.

Our FMC Faelynn has some serious sass and I am here for it! A little concerning how blindly devoted she is to her "GOD" but I have a feeling that won't be forever.

Overall, it felt like a strong introduction to the world, and I’m curious enough to see where this series goes next.

💫What to Expect
• Fae healer FMC
• Fae warrior MMC
• Mysterious plague
_ _ _

🎧 Audio Score: 4.25 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Duet
📅 Pub Date: February 19, 2026
📝 Thank you to Momentum Media and Publishing LLC and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Ella.
415 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2026
First I would like to thank NetGalley, the Author and the Publisher for this ARC.


This was short, but well written.
It obviously doesn’t go into a lot of in-depth world building, but I do think it gives you a good idea of where the series will be going and what the main plot line is likely to be.
It is a great introduction to a new series and makes you eager to read on.
This is a fantasy story with magic, Fae and adventure and promises a whole lot more.
You get the hints of a blossoming romance or really deep friendship, the premise of war, a rift between family and a dark evil that has just been released.
The FMC is a little to trusting and the MMC a little vague, but this also means there can be a whole lot of character growth during the main series.
It tastes like you want more!
The audio book is fantastic, thanks to Jacci Prior an Anthony Palmini.
Profile Image for Angel Tartaglia.
39 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2026
I received an ALC duet.

I adore it even if the FMC did have pious views, but I feel like that is completely normal especially if you look at it from her “religious” views towards her god patron. She is devout and wants to focus on her duty then finding a mate. I would love to see her in the series and see if she grows further.

Dreythis 🫣?
Honestly, I love him the most. He’s such a honourable and polite lad. We did see a lot of him and his background with his family in the novella.

There is chemistry between them but it’s more in the beginning stage. It makes me very curious if they will be in the series for the other books and grow closer.

I am definitely hooked on this first book. I cannot wait to see if it’ll be continued.

It’s a wonderful fantasy novella with no spice involved. I want to say it’ll be a great YA novella.
Profile Image for Audrey  Stars in Her Eye.
1,287 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2026
I received an ALC from the author; all opinions are my own.
This was a short feature in an anthology that is now featured on its own. Because of this, the author is up front about the fact that there isn't much world-building or character development. But that doesn't mean there isn't something enjoyable about the story. A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes introduces readers to the large issue that will affect the series. We glimpse at what is to come. And it has psyched me up. The story itself is four stars.
But the audio gives it a fifth star. Narrated in duet style by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini, the two play off each other perfectly. They are cast perfectly for their characters, each handling the emotions and situations perfectly.
Profile Image for Alena.
18 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2026
If you enjoy a novella that does not waste a moment of time, then this is a winner.

A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a short, snappy, and totally action packed read. From the first page, the tension is building: secrets are bubbling away just beneath the surface, threats are looming large, and that lovely sense of impending doom is building.

One of the things I think this does particularly well is pack a lot of story into a small amount of space. The stakes are real, the emotions are genuine, and the pace never flags. Once I was done...I wanted more.

I read this in my time in the drop off line, this is amazing if you are looking for a quick hit of fantasy with a little intrigue and a lot of intensity.
Profile Image for emeraldragonlady (Maddie).
611 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2026
This is a very sweet love story. She has been the healer and is facing an illness that her magic is not healing. She follows the promptings of her god to try and find a cure. The cure to the illness is rather interesting. He is trying to clean up after his father and brother who don’t care about anything when all of a sudden she stumbled across him. It’s a very fascinating Meetcute. Altogether this book is so much fun to listen to. The narrators Jacci & Anthony do an amazing job bringing this book to life. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I am looking forward to more books in this series as it says in the beginning of the book that this is just a novella to set up the book and I am loving Jada McCrary’s Fae books.
Profile Image for Laura.
129 reviews13 followers
February 10, 2026
This is a short novella prequel to the 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 series that Jada will be writing soon. I loved the lead characters, Faelynn and Dreythis, and I’m anxious to see where their story is going to take them. For as short as it was, it packed a lot of punch. There was banter, only one horse, and only one bedroll 😏 It left me longing for more, but in a good way. I even messaged Jada to see when the next book will be released 😂 I listened to the audiobook, which features Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini. These 2 narrators always do an amazing job. Pretty much, if they narrate it, I listen lol

Thank you to Jada for the ALC!!! (All opinions are my own.)
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