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Aether & Ash
Not yet published
Expected 27 Jan 26
I defied him before the court—now he’s determined to own my fate.
Born without Aether in a realm carved by it, I was never meant to matter. While others rose as Hunters, binding Telmoria’s Aether-born creatures to their will, I scrubbed their halls and learned that hope was its own cruelty.
Until the Trial.
When a royal showcase of power spirals into chaos, a beast no Hunter can command turns on the crowd—and chooses me. To survive, I do the I defy the Heir of Atlassian himself.
My defiance should have ended in death. Instead, it binds me to Damien Azarios—the Realm’s coldest blade, a sovereign-in-waiting who bows to no one. He should despise me. He should destroy me.
But he cannot stop wanting me.
As ancient beasts rise and Atlassian power trembles, our forbidden bond may become the spark that burns the world—or remakes it.
If you love Carissa Broadbent’s high-stakes tournaments (The Serpent and the Wings of Night), Danielle L. Jensen’s ruthless royals (The Bridge Kingdom), and the lyrical magic of Margaret Rogerson (An Enchantment of Ravens), you’ll be swept away by Aether & Ash, the first book in the Reigns of Telmoria series.
Born without Aether in a realm carved by it, I was never meant to matter. While others rose as Hunters, binding Telmoria’s Aether-born creatures to their will, I scrubbed their halls and learned that hope was its own cruelty.
Until the Trial.
When a royal showcase of power spirals into chaos, a beast no Hunter can command turns on the crowd—and chooses me. To survive, I do the I defy the Heir of Atlassian himself.
My defiance should have ended in death. Instead, it binds me to Damien Azarios—the Realm’s coldest blade, a sovereign-in-waiting who bows to no one. He should despise me. He should destroy me.
But he cannot stop wanting me.
As ancient beasts rise and Atlassian power trembles, our forbidden bond may become the spark that burns the world—or remakes it.
If you love Carissa Broadbent’s high-stakes tournaments (The Serpent and the Wings of Night), Danielle L. Jensen’s ruthless royals (The Bridge Kingdom), and the lyrical magic of Margaret Rogerson (An Enchantment of Ravens), you’ll be swept away by Aether & Ash, the first book in the Reigns of Telmoria series.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 27, 2026
12 people want to read
About the author
Fabins
1 book6 followersFabins is a fantasy romance author with a weakness for slow burns and a fierce love of character-driven stories. A software engineer by day and a storyteller by obsession, she balances logic and longing with the precision of someone who has probably overthought both.
When she isn't drafting, she is likely halfway across the world (wandering somewhere unfamiliar), arguing passionately about things that don't pay bills or reading (either swooning over fictional characters or hurling the book at the nearest cushion after a terrible twist).
She (thinks she) has a knack for sketches and paintings, but singing is the one thing she's fairly sure she does better. She's also a devoted PC gamer, especially fond of first-person shooters, where she can aggressively defend her honor against random gamers who steal her kills, camp shamelessly or somehow blame her for the team losing. (the audacity!)
To connect, complain, or compliment her characters (she welcomes all three), DM her!
When she isn't drafting, she is likely halfway across the world (wandering somewhere unfamiliar), arguing passionately about things that don't pay bills or reading (either swooning over fictional characters or hurling the book at the nearest cushion after a terrible twist).
She (thinks she) has a knack for sketches and paintings, but singing is the one thing she's fairly sure she does better. She's also a devoted PC gamer, especially fond of first-person shooters, where she can aggressively defend her honor against random gamers who steal her kills, camp shamelessly or somehow blame her for the team losing. (the audacity!)
To connect, complain, or compliment her characters (she welcomes all three), DM her!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Fabins and Netgalley for this advance copy 🔥 My rating is 4.5/5 🌟
This book was an amazing fantasy adventure! It was funny, dark, intriguing, spicy, with magical world-building and a plotline full of mysteries and political intrigue.
In a world where wielding Aether came with status, Mirabelle was born powerless, a commoner bound to scrub linens. I really liked her character; she was so straightforward, and her thoughts and responses were always a bit childish, but so fun to read! She wasn't all that naive for a 19-year-old.
Damien, on the other hand, was more complex, being the Young Sovereign Heir and older. I also enjoyed his POV, but the almost insta-love could’ve been maybe a "little less" insta 😅 Still, their relationship was really interesting to read nonetheless! They had a lot of ups and downs, too many secrets and half-truths, but that was mostly because they had a really hard time trusting each other, not because they wanted to be deceptive ❣️
Fabin’s descriptions of the Realms and the creatures were truly amazing. I absolutely enjoyed them and was completely immersed in this fantastic world. The magic system was just as fascinating; although I’d love to know more about it, about all the powers they can wield, about every Clan and their differences, and about the Tameable and Untameable creatures.
And the ending! We knew something was coming… but that was brutal! And I loved it! Obviously, I was left craving more ❤️🔥 I spent my whole Sunday reading this book! I couldn’t put it down, and I wish there was more of it! So now I'll be "patiently" waiting for the sequel 👀
These are the Tropes you'll find inside this story:
🖤 Dark Fantasy Story
🍃 Elemental Magic
⚔️ Deadly Trials
🔥 Intense Romance
❤️🔥 Devoted MMC
💀 Fierce FMC
🐲 Terrifying Otherworldly Creatures
💔 Secrets & Deceptions
🗡️ Torture & Lots of Gore
Quotes that I loved:
"Look at me, problem solver, tactical genius." 😅
"The vines look.. exceptionally green today." 🍃🔥
"Highs have a cruel way of masking the inevitable fall, lulling you into a fleeting sense of security, making you believe, even if only for a moment, that you can hold onto them forever. But the crash always comes. And when it does, it doesn't simply pull you back down, it RIPS you from the sky, slamming you into the ground so hard, you forget you ever believed in flight.
I should have seen it coming." 💔
This book was an amazing fantasy adventure! It was funny, dark, intriguing, spicy, with magical world-building and a plotline full of mysteries and political intrigue.
In a world where wielding Aether came with status, Mirabelle was born powerless, a commoner bound to scrub linens. I really liked her character; she was so straightforward, and her thoughts and responses were always a bit childish, but so fun to read! She wasn't all that naive for a 19-year-old.
Damien, on the other hand, was more complex, being the Young Sovereign Heir and older. I also enjoyed his POV, but the almost insta-love could’ve been maybe a "little less" insta 😅 Still, their relationship was really interesting to read nonetheless! They had a lot of ups and downs, too many secrets and half-truths, but that was mostly because they had a really hard time trusting each other, not because they wanted to be deceptive ❣️
Fabin’s descriptions of the Realms and the creatures were truly amazing. I absolutely enjoyed them and was completely immersed in this fantastic world. The magic system was just as fascinating; although I’d love to know more about it, about all the powers they can wield, about every Clan and their differences, and about the Tameable and Untameable creatures.
And the ending! We knew something was coming… but that was brutal! And I loved it! Obviously, I was left craving more ❤️🔥 I spent my whole Sunday reading this book! I couldn’t put it down, and I wish there was more of it! So now I'll be "patiently" waiting for the sequel 👀
These are the Tropes you'll find inside this story:
🖤 Dark Fantasy Story
🍃 Elemental Magic
⚔️ Deadly Trials
🔥 Intense Romance
❤️🔥 Devoted MMC
💀 Fierce FMC
🐲 Terrifying Otherworldly Creatures
💔 Secrets & Deceptions
🗡️ Torture & Lots of Gore
Quotes that I loved:
"Look at me, problem solver, tactical genius." 😅
"The vines look.. exceptionally green today." 🍃🔥
"Highs have a cruel way of masking the inevitable fall, lulling you into a fleeting sense of security, making you believe, even if only for a moment, that you can hold onto them forever. But the crash always comes. And when it does, it doesn't simply pull you back down, it RIPS you from the sky, slamming you into the ground so hard, you forget you ever believed in flight.
I should have seen it coming." 💔
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Aether & Ash is a beautifully atmospheric and immersive read, blending dark fantasy elements with intricate worldbuilding and emotionally resonant characters. Fabins has a talent for crafting a story that feels both expansive and intimate, drawing the reader into a world that is rich in detail and full of subtle wonder.
One of the book’s strongest features is its worldbuilding and magic system. The setting feels vivid and lived-in, with rules and lore that are carefully constructed without overwhelming the reader. The imagery throughout is evocative, from shadowed landscapes to flickering candlelit interiors, giving the story a moody, immersive tone.
The characters are complex and relatable, each carrying secrets, motivations, and vulnerabilities that make them compelling. The protagonist’s journey is layered with both internal and external conflict, and the relationships throughout the story add depth, tension, and emotional resonance.
The pacing is generally strong, balancing action and introspection, though at times certain passages lingered a bit on description, slightly slowing the momentum. Additionally, while the plot is engaging and inventive, some twists could have landed with more impact.
Overall, Aether & Ash is a captivating dark fantasy read, rich in atmosphere, character depth, and imaginative storytelling. It’s a strong four-star book for readers who enjoy moody, immersive worlds and stories that blend adventure with emotional complexity.
One of the book’s strongest features is its worldbuilding and magic system. The setting feels vivid and lived-in, with rules and lore that are carefully constructed without overwhelming the reader. The imagery throughout is evocative, from shadowed landscapes to flickering candlelit interiors, giving the story a moody, immersive tone.
The characters are complex and relatable, each carrying secrets, motivations, and vulnerabilities that make them compelling. The protagonist’s journey is layered with both internal and external conflict, and the relationships throughout the story add depth, tension, and emotional resonance.
The pacing is generally strong, balancing action and introspection, though at times certain passages lingered a bit on description, slightly slowing the momentum. Additionally, while the plot is engaging and inventive, some twists could have landed with more impact.
Overall, Aether & Ash is a captivating dark fantasy read, rich in atmosphere, character depth, and imaginative storytelling. It’s a strong four-star book for readers who enjoy moody, immersive worlds and stories that blend adventure with emotional complexity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Aether & Ash is a high-stakes, "diamond in the rough" Romantasy. The world-building—centered on a hierarchy of Aether and the dangerous "Hunters" who bind magical beasts—is incredibly immersive. Mirabelle is a fantastic, defiant protagonist who starts as a seemingly powerless commoner and ends up entangled in a royal showcase that spirals into a visceral, shadow-drenched chaos.
The heart of the book is the agonizingly slow-burn romance between Mirabelle and Damien, the Realm’s "coldest blade." Their chemistry is built on beautiful confessions and deep emotional monologues that make their forbidden bond feel earned rather than rushed. I loved the psychological depth of being inside the characters' heads as they navigate a world where magic is a weapon and secrets "coil out of the skin" like living shadows.
The unique creature-taming system adds a cinematic layer to the plot, building toward a heart-wrenching cliffhanger that leaves the political fate of Telmoria hanging in the balance. Though it’s a bit raw in places, the ambition and emotional payoff make it a gripping read.
Fair warning: the cliffhanger is absolutely brutal—it leaves so many betrayals and secrets. It left me desperate for book two the moment I hit the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
The heart of the book is the agonizingly slow-burn romance between Mirabelle and Damien, the Realm’s "coldest blade." Their chemistry is built on beautiful confessions and deep emotional monologues that make their forbidden bond feel earned rather than rushed. I loved the psychological depth of being inside the characters' heads as they navigate a world where magic is a weapon and secrets "coil out of the skin" like living shadows.
The unique creature-taming system adds a cinematic layer to the plot, building toward a heart-wrenching cliffhanger that leaves the political fate of Telmoria hanging in the balance. Though it’s a bit raw in places, the ambition and emotional payoff make it a gripping read.
Fair warning: the cliffhanger is absolutely brutal—it leaves so many betrayals and secrets. It left me desperate for book two the moment I hit the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 9, 2026
Out of the ashes and into the fire again! 4.5 ⭐️
Mirabelle, is a commoner with no aether who through her out spokeness finds herself in the palace as a reporter. Damien, heir to the Sovereign is enamoured with her, ensuring she is kept safe. Unbeknownst to her she does have aether but has not been trained in how to use it. She follows the hunting party believing Damien is in danger, and ends up on the wrong side of the clan deemed a traitor. Will she be able to prove her innocence? Will they save their clan? That’s all I’m giving you folks 😜
𝐼𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓈. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓁𝒾𝒹 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝓀𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓈, 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝒶 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝑜𝓌𝓃.💨
There was so much to take in within this story, the slow build up of their relationship, the devastation, the betrayals, for it to all end up lost in the ether. The narrative throughout was descriptive, guaranteeing you visualise the world and its clans. The creatures; tameable and untameable were described to ensure you built their image in your head. Totally need the next book especially that ending 💔
Mirabelle, is a commoner with no aether who through her out spokeness finds herself in the palace as a reporter. Damien, heir to the Sovereign is enamoured with her, ensuring she is kept safe. Unbeknownst to her she does have aether but has not been trained in how to use it. She follows the hunting party believing Damien is in danger, and ends up on the wrong side of the clan deemed a traitor. Will she be able to prove her innocence? Will they save their clan? That’s all I’m giving you folks 😜
𝐼𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓈. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓁𝒾𝒹 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝓀𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓈, 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝒶 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝑜𝓌𝓃.💨
There was so much to take in within this story, the slow build up of their relationship, the devastation, the betrayals, for it to all end up lost in the ether. The narrative throughout was descriptive, guaranteeing you visualise the world and its clans. The creatures; tameable and untameable were described to ensure you built their image in your head. Totally need the next book especially that ending 💔
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars and 3 spice rating.
The characters of the book are complex, each with their own motives and desires.
Mirabelle is in a new world and trying to find her place. Damien has the weight of a clan on his shoulders and must figure out who to trust. Izmer is a wild card that seems to lurk in the shadows and appears when Mirabelle needs help. I would like to learn more about him.
The plot felt like I missed something. I read chapter 1-15 twice because I was super confused about what happened and how we got there... I really enjoyed it when it made sense but I felt like there was something major I missed.
The world building was done well. I like that there was the two realms that most of the book is based in. The descriptions were really well done and I could picture things well.
The main theme I got from the book was a bond that they couldn't figure out. or at least Maribelle couldn't figure out. Damien seemed to know what was going on, as well as the other nobles and majors.
Overall I enjoyed the book. towards the end there was a major twist that had me wondering what the hell happened. And the end of book plot twist has made me want the next book.
The characters of the book are complex, each with their own motives and desires.
Mirabelle is in a new world and trying to find her place. Damien has the weight of a clan on his shoulders and must figure out who to trust. Izmer is a wild card that seems to lurk in the shadows and appears when Mirabelle needs help. I would like to learn more about him.
The plot felt like I missed something. I read chapter 1-15 twice because I was super confused about what happened and how we got there... I really enjoyed it when it made sense but I felt like there was something major I missed.
The world building was done well. I like that there was the two realms that most of the book is based in. The descriptions were really well done and I could picture things well.
The main theme I got from the book was a bond that they couldn't figure out. or at least Maribelle couldn't figure out. Damien seemed to know what was going on, as well as the other nobles and majors.
Overall I enjoyed the book. towards the end there was a major twist that had me wondering what the hell happened. And the end of book plot twist has made me want the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mirabelle ha pasado la mayor parte de su vida trabajando en los márgenes de un reino gobernado por la Aether, una energía que define el poder y el destino de quienes nacen con ella. Sin magia y sin apellido, su existencia se reduce a sobrevivir junto a Amara, la única familia que ha elegido. Cuando una prueba real se convierte en una masacre pública y una criatura imposible rompe las barreras que separan a los poderosos del resto, Mirabelle queda marcada por algo que nadie logra explicar. Su desafío directo al heredero del trono la arrastra fuera del anonimato y la coloca en el centro de una red de secretos antiguos, decisiones crueles y fuerzas que llevan siglos esperando despertar. Lo que parecía una vida destinada al olvido se transforma en el inicio de algo peligroso, oscuro y profundamente ligado al destino del reino.
__
El siguiente libro será puro sufrimiento para Mira, solo espero que logre recuperar la memoria de D y que las escenas de Loranza con D sean mínimas.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
__
El siguiente libro será puro sufrimiento para Mira, solo espero que logre recuperar la memoria de D y que las escenas de Loranza con D sean mínimas.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
IT WAS REALLY, REALLY GOOD! The romance was such a slow burn for a non-enemies-to-lovers book. I'm obsessed with them!
The confessions... especially the way the feelings are described are so beautifully written. I could actually feel how much they affected each other, and I loved being inside the MCs heads and understanding what they were thinking. That’s my favorite thing in a book.
And the worldbuilding is intriguing and UNIQUE! Nice trials and Hunts. I'd love to see more of the Tameable scenes. Also, the story leaves a lot of political intrigue and unexpected turns of events.
Loved the relationship between Amara and Bella.
THE WAY THE BOOK ENDED, OMG! I need to read book 2 right now!
The confessions... especially the way the feelings are described are so beautifully written. I could actually feel how much they affected each other, and I loved being inside the MCs heads and understanding what they were thinking. That’s my favorite thing in a book.
And the worldbuilding is intriguing and UNIQUE! Nice trials and Hunts. I'd love to see more of the Tameable scenes. Also, the story leaves a lot of political intrigue and unexpected turns of events.
Loved the relationship between Amara and Bella.
THE WAY THE BOOK ENDED, OMG! I need to read book 2 right now!
January 8, 2026
3 stars. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. if you asked me what happened in the first 30ish% of this book, i genuinely wouldn't be able to tell you. the plot itself felt messy and a bit disjointed and i was confused for a majority of it. it got more bearable around the 60% mark but i think this could do with a bit more editing and more extensive worldbuilding, because the story itself has potential. i didn't care much about the romance and i was more interested in side characters and the Tameables than anything else. overall, though, i did enjoy the book, which is why i'm giving it 3 stars. it's decent.
miscommunication trope u are the bane of my existence.
miscommunication trope u are the bane of my existence.
Review of advance copy
I've been heavily reading fantasy genre books for over a year now. Some I have loved, and some I have hated.
Aether and Ash had me hooked from the very beginning! This was such a fun adventure!! The creatures were unique and so was the world in general. I was kicking my feet and giggling during a few scenes. But..... The ending ripped my heart out and left me wanting more!!!! Needless to say, I absolutely CAN NOT wait for the next book. Thank you so much Fabins, for writing this adventurous story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aether and Ash had me hooked from the very beginning! This was such a fun adventure!! The creatures were unique and so was the world in general. I was kicking my feet and giggling during a few scenes. But..... The ending ripped my heart out and left me wanting more!!!! Needless to say, I absolutely CAN NOT wait for the next book. Thank you so much Fabins, for writing this adventurous story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2026
Mirabelle is a commoner who as we know came from nothing, she catches the attention Damien the heir of Atlassian. They meet by her standing up to the royals and that’s when Damien chooses her to help foresee the Majors. This book had me hooked since the beginning and it just got better and better! Mirabelle realizes she has some powers she didn’t know she had. The chemistry was go great between them but that cliffhanger was like what!!!! Excited to see when the next one is out!
Review of advance copy
An excellent escape into a fantastic world filled with action and romance. Just when they were embarking on their HEA, something happened that may be resolved in the next book in the series. Wonderful read! Rooting for both hero and heroine! And looking forward to what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews