Order of Ashes: Their Secrets Were Meant to Burn

by Flynn Cooley

From the moment a murder mid-flight exposed a conspiracy older than empires (Altitude of Shadows) to the catacombs of Rome where bones whispered truths meant to stay buried (Cipher of Bones), Luke Bannister and Cass Vance have been dragged deeper into the Order’s shadow.

Now, in Order of Ashes, their hunt leads them to Portugal, secret monasteries, and a weapon of unspeakable design - The Purging Flame. But every step forward comes at a cost. Old allies reveal betrayals, Evelyn’s loyalties blur, and the killer closes in with a philosophy as dangerous as his blade.

As past missions resurface and Luke’s own team becomes a target, the question isn’t just how to stop the Order. It’s whether Luke and Cass can survive the fire without being consumed by it. Order of Ashes raises the stakes to their breaking point, leaving no room for retreat, only the desperate fight to keep tomorrow from burning.

Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

Reviews

[Mark Menard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came into this installment having read Altitude of Shadows but not Cipher of Bones, so I was playing a bit of catch-up. That said, the narrative here felt more coherent than its predecessor, with a tighter structure and clearer stakes. The twists and turns kept the momentum high—there’s a real sense of tension threading through the chapter.
While I’m still not fully sold on Luke and the Killer as a dynamic, Cass adds a much-needed emotional anchor. Her presence helps humanize the protagonist and gives the story a more grounded, relatable core.
I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Cass are tracking down a killer with clues that started on a flight Luke was on. The killer is part of "the Order of the Ashes" and thinks he was meant to play this roll. However others in the order don't necessarily think that is what the killer is doing. Luke and Cass end up in Portugal and Luke is having to face his past and realize how much the Order was in control of what he did in the military. Who is really a friend? Or are they a member of the Order? So many twists and turns in this story and I couldn't put it down! Fantastic thriller!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Order of Ashes: Their Secrets Were Meant to Burn (The Legacy Protocol Book 3), my ninth enjoyable read from author Flynn Cooley. A conspiracy thriller, the can't-put-down conclusion of The Legacy Protocol. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.

[Julie Angstadt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I interesting Story

The Order of Ashes is a group of killers. They are looking to take over the world. They kill and burn the bodies—ashes. Luke meets up with Cass. They have worked together before, and have been on missions before. Can they stop the Order of Ashes? As they travel to their destination, they realize they are in the actual trading ground. Luke finds names of men he has worked with on prior missions. Is there anyone he can trust? How can he and Cass work this case?

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story picks up with Luke and Coss following the clues that are being left for them. They eventually lead the two to Portugal where they wind up heading into a potential trap.

Read the exciting adventure and discover what the end result for the individual known as Killer.

The story will definitely keep your interest and is definitely worth the read. Don't miss out!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to believe that we have come from trouble in an airplane to trying to survive like Indiana Jones in ancient tombs and tunnels. There are plenty of twists and turns and some real surprises. Wait 'til you read it! The next book should be a doozy, tying things together and breaking thins apart!!

[Annemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Luke and Cass both know they are treading dangerous ground but they don't yet know how deep the betrayal is.

I wasn't aware this was Book 3 of a series, so there was a lot of history I wasn't privy to, unfortunately. It would be best to read the other books first if you can. I will now be playing catch up to learn what I have missed.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Luke and Cass continue to follow the path of discovery, they find themselves in mortal danger with unexpected twists. I like the way the story is unfolding and all is not as it seems as they discover they have been unwittingly lead, each step of the way. I cant wait to see how this all ends. Read as an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary.

[Marinal Elwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely breathtaking! Flynn Cooley masterfully blends mystery, action, and emotion in a way that keeps your heart racing until the final page. The tension between Luke and Cass, the betrayals, and the moral weight of their choices make this book unforgettable. The Legacy Protocol just keeps getting better.

[Quillon Breckin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Order of Ashes is a breathtaking, high-stakes thriller that never lets up. Flynn Cooley delivers sharp twists, emotional depth, and a sense of danger that grips you from the first page. Luke and Cass’s struggle against betrayal and impossible odds is intense and deeply human. It’s smart, cinematic, and absolutely unputdownable.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke Bannister and Cass Vance have their work cut up for them in this fast-pace action packed suspense thriller. An unputdownable read . I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good continuation to the series that sees Luke and Cass delve deeper into the mystery with no end in sight. With a master manipulator pulling the strings, things seem quite difficult. The story is fast-paced with good character interaction.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got very suspenseful and had me holding my breath at times. Can't wait for the next book in this series to see what is going to happen next.

[Marion Moxhay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual genre of story. There again I'm not completely clear what genre this is. I actually enjoyed it far more than expected. I'll certainly be looking for the others in the series.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling conspiracy story is packed with twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat.