What do you think?
Rate this book
Guardians of Alistile: Risen from Ash
“What do you want, Little Flame?”
It was a question Kienna never dared to ask.
Raised behind the impenetrable Orb of River Storm, Kienna is destined to serve and protect her city as the Starborn from the evil festering beyond the barrier after the War of Liberation. She, and four other Guardians, are gifted magic by the great and powerful King Vaerin.
Then Kienna discovers the king’s secret and throws his gift back in his face.
When River Storm’s lies shatter, Kienna makes the impossible choice to help a rebel army tear down the Orb and run. She never expected the other Guardians to follow. Now, hunted and broken, they discover a world far different than the one they were taught to fear. A world that forces them to question everything, including themselves.
As loyalties fracture, and kingdoms prepare for war, Kienna must decide who she truly the obedient weapon the king forged…or the flame that will burn his empire to ash.
One Flame to defy fate, if she has the strength to let it burn.
It was a question Kienna never dared to ask.
Raised behind the impenetrable Orb of River Storm, Kienna is destined to serve and protect her city as the Starborn from the evil festering beyond the barrier after the War of Liberation. She, and four other Guardians, are gifted magic by the great and powerful King Vaerin.
Then Kienna discovers the king’s secret and throws his gift back in his face.
When River Storm’s lies shatter, Kienna makes the impossible choice to help a rebel army tear down the Orb and run. She never expected the other Guardians to follow. Now, hunted and broken, they discover a world far different than the one they were taught to fear. A world that forces them to question everything, including themselves.
As loyalties fracture, and kingdoms prepare for war, Kienna must decide who she truly the obedient weapon the king forged…or the flame that will burn his empire to ash.
One Flame to defy fate, if she has the strength to let it burn.
432 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 21, 2025
I honestly did not expect to love this book as much as I did, but once I started, I was all in. This story completely pulled me into its world and never let go. What starts out feeling like a familiar epic fantasy setup slowly unfolds into something deeper, more emotional, and way more layered than I anticipated.
The multi-POV is one of the biggest strengths here. Instead of feeling overwhelming or repetitive, each perspective added depth and context, enriching the story in such a natural way. I loved getting inside different characters’ heads and seeing how their experiences, loyalties, and fears shaped the bigger picture. Every POV felt purposeful, and by the end, I was genuinely invested in all of them.
The characters are such a standout. They feel real, flawed, and shaped by the world they live in. I especially loved watching the FMC navigate her journey her growth isn’t about suddenly becoming powerful, but about reclaiming herself and learning to trust her own choices. That emotional arc hit hard in the best way. The found family elements were also beautifully done and felt earned through shared struggle rather than convenience.
The world-building is immersive without being heavy handed. There’s this constant undercurrent that something isn’t quite right, and watching the truth slowly come into focus alongside the characters made everything feel earned and impactful. Add in magic, tension, rebellion, animal companions, and a genuinely unsettling antagonist, and this book checked so many of my favorite fantasy boxes.
The romance is a true slow burn, more about tension and connection than big dramatic moments, and it fits perfectly within the larger story instead of overpowering it.
By the time I finished, I was already desperate for the next book. This was such a satisfying, emotionally rich read, and I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC.
The multi-POV is one of the biggest strengths here. Instead of feeling overwhelming or repetitive, each perspective added depth and context, enriching the story in such a natural way. I loved getting inside different characters’ heads and seeing how their experiences, loyalties, and fears shaped the bigger picture. Every POV felt purposeful, and by the end, I was genuinely invested in all of them.
The characters are such a standout. They feel real, flawed, and shaped by the world they live in. I especially loved watching the FMC navigate her journey her growth isn’t about suddenly becoming powerful, but about reclaiming herself and learning to trust her own choices. That emotional arc hit hard in the best way. The found family elements were also beautifully done and felt earned through shared struggle rather than convenience.
The world-building is immersive without being heavy handed. There’s this constant undercurrent that something isn’t quite right, and watching the truth slowly come into focus alongside the characters made everything feel earned and impactful. Add in magic, tension, rebellion, animal companions, and a genuinely unsettling antagonist, and this book checked so many of my favorite fantasy boxes.
The romance is a true slow burn, more about tension and connection than big dramatic moments, and it fits perfectly within the larger story instead of overpowering it.
By the time I finished, I was already desperate for the next book. This was such a satisfying, emotionally rich read, and I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC.
December 21, 2025
The line from the blurb "what do you want, Little Flame?" has literally been going round my head for weeks since I saw it on Instagram! it just got me obsessed and I couldn't wait to dive in.
Whilst the pacing at the start was a little slow for me, the world building and characters carried me through until I was just as invested, when the pacing started picking up. So by the end, I was giddy.
Whilst the pacing at the start was a little slow for me, the world building and characters carried me through until I was just as invested, when the pacing started picking up. So by the end, I was giddy.
August 30, 2026
I wanted to love this book. It was high-fantasy (which I have missed terribly), it has a group of special kids that don’t know how special they are, a magic-hoarding king that is definitely not a kind king, and a mystery surrounding their origins. It had all the ingredients for sucking me right in and keeping me there.
Unfortunately, it didn’t. I actually tried twice and just couldn’t get there. There’s a large portion of the plot that centers around miscommunication/withheld communication trope. That is not my favorite, but in certain set-ups it can work without being infuriating. This was not that for me. Every time the main characters were on the precipice of finding out something important about the king, their origins, or their powers, the plot moved them from communicating about it. Sometimes in spectacularly unbelievable ways. Some of this I could chalk up to a newer author, but at one point rather than answering a question a character is told never to ask anyone about “the ashborn” and then says in the next sentence they have to go off to war.
And that kids, is when I gave up. I gave it a good try. I got into the last quarter of the book and just couldn’t get across the finish line. I truly think that my extreme dislike of miscommunication tropes played a heavy part in why I didn’t love this book. If you aren’t a fan of that plot device/trope, then I would caution you on this one. However, if you love a good misunderstanding, this might be a match!
Unfortunately, it didn’t. I actually tried twice and just couldn’t get there. There’s a large portion of the plot that centers around miscommunication/withheld communication trope. That is not my favorite, but in certain set-ups it can work without being infuriating. This was not that for me. Every time the main characters were on the precipice of finding out something important about the king, their origins, or their powers, the plot moved them from communicating about it. Sometimes in spectacularly unbelievable ways. Some of this I could chalk up to a newer author, but at one point rather than answering a question a character is told never to ask anyone about “the ashborn” and then says in the next sentence they have to go off to war.
And that kids, is when I gave up. I gave it a good try. I got into the last quarter of the book and just couldn’t get across the finish line. I truly think that my extreme dislike of miscommunication tropes played a heavy part in why I didn’t love this book. If you aren’t a fan of that plot device/trope, then I would caution you on this one. However, if you love a good misunderstanding, this might be a match!
December 10, 2025
Honored to be able to have and read a early copy of this book! Wow i have to say, if you’re looking for an epic fantasy that’ll knock your socks off this is it! The romance is SLOW burn but the crumbs you get i ate right up and loved every second of it. The story line between all the characters and the multiple pov gave it such depth to all the characters i feel like i have a feel for all there personalities and its a such a unique feeling!! I loved being in baila head, with this being said not sure if ill be able too moving forward 👀 but i wouldn’t be surprised with what Sam has up her sleeves for the next books! Broan is a piece of work and Danek i just felt bad for 😅 But i will say i ATE up Tristan and i cannot wait for more of him in the next books (Sam pls give me more of him bc i love him i can’t help it) Also wolf boy connak and his connect to Kienna im so intrigued by and cant see why or how that is happening…. alsoooo do i see a tease at fated mates?? 👀 I can’t wait to get my grubby hands on the next one! thankkk you truly an amazing debut novel
December 5, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First, I would like to thank Samantha Vargas and her team for choosing me to be an ARC reader for this phenomenal book! I am so honored.
As soon as I read this book I was hooked! I was immediately obsessed with the dynamic and lovable characters, beautiful prose, immersive and unique world building, and exciting plot. So much so that this book was my favorite read of 2025!
The plot follows the Guardians, a group of young people tasked by their king with protecting the city of RiverStorm from threats from beyond the walls. After discovering everything they know is a lie, they are thrust onto an adventure together that causes their loyalties to shift.
This book has everything I love in a fantasy series: slow burn romance, magic, animal companions, elves, and a heavy focus on friendship.
The FMC, Kienna is a soft yet strong character who feels like a real person with relatable flaws and fears. She was raised up to be a ruthless fighter yet has an artistic/ kind soul, making her a realistic character that the reader wants to root for.
The side characters, especially the sassy wolf companion have captured my heart forever and I know they will capture yours too!
Vargas is an excellent writer and I just know this book series is going to be a new favorite amongst fantasy readers! I cannot wait to read book 2! ❤️
Tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Found Family
- Wolf Companion
- Adventure
- Divine Magic
First, I would like to thank Samantha Vargas and her team for choosing me to be an ARC reader for this phenomenal book! I am so honored.
As soon as I read this book I was hooked! I was immediately obsessed with the dynamic and lovable characters, beautiful prose, immersive and unique world building, and exciting plot. So much so that this book was my favorite read of 2025!
The plot follows the Guardians, a group of young people tasked by their king with protecting the city of RiverStorm from threats from beyond the walls. After discovering everything they know is a lie, they are thrust onto an adventure together that causes their loyalties to shift.
This book has everything I love in a fantasy series: slow burn romance, magic, animal companions, elves, and a heavy focus on friendship.
The FMC, Kienna is a soft yet strong character who feels like a real person with relatable flaws and fears. She was raised up to be a ruthless fighter yet has an artistic/ kind soul, making her a realistic character that the reader wants to root for.
The side characters, especially the sassy wolf companion have captured my heart forever and I know they will capture yours too!
Vargas is an excellent writer and I just know this book series is going to be a new favorite amongst fantasy readers! I cannot wait to read book 2! ❤️
Tropes:
- Slow Burn
- Found Family
- Wolf Companion
- Adventure
- Divine Magic
July 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW 5⭐️
Blurb;
"What do you want, Little Flame?"
It was a question Kienna never dared to ask.
Raised behind the impenetrable Orb of River Storm, Kienna is destined to serve and protect her city as the Starborn from the evil festering beyond the barrier after the War of Liberation. She, and four other Guardians, are gifted magic by the great and powerful King Vaerin.
Then Kienna discovers the king's secret and throws his gift back in his face.
When River Storm's lies shatter, Kienna makes the impossible choice to help a rebel army tear down the Orb and run. She never expected the other Guardians to follow. Now, hunted and broken, they discover a world far different than the one they were taught to fear. A world that forces them to question everything, including themselves.
As loyalties fracture, and kingdoms prepare for war, Kienna must decide who she truly is: the obedient weapon the king forged...or the flame that will burn his empire to ash.
Review:
What a phenomenally written book. I don’t even know where to start!!!
First off I was 100% vested in the book from the very beginning. There is Exceptional world building!!, Relatable characters( multiple POV), elemental magic, animal bonds , unexpected plot twists and so much more.
If you love epic fantasy then this is one you don’t want to miss!
Big thank you to Samantha Vargas for the opportunity to read the eARC.
Blurb;
"What do you want, Little Flame?"
It was a question Kienna never dared to ask.
Raised behind the impenetrable Orb of River Storm, Kienna is destined to serve and protect her city as the Starborn from the evil festering beyond the barrier after the War of Liberation. She, and four other Guardians, are gifted magic by the great and powerful King Vaerin.
Then Kienna discovers the king's secret and throws his gift back in his face.
When River Storm's lies shatter, Kienna makes the impossible choice to help a rebel army tear down the Orb and run. She never expected the other Guardians to follow. Now, hunted and broken, they discover a world far different than the one they were taught to fear. A world that forces them to question everything, including themselves.
As loyalties fracture, and kingdoms prepare for war, Kienna must decide who she truly is: the obedient weapon the king forged...or the flame that will burn his empire to ash.
Review:
What a phenomenally written book. I don’t even know where to start!!!
First off I was 100% vested in the book from the very beginning. There is Exceptional world building!!, Relatable characters( multiple POV), elemental magic, animal bonds , unexpected plot twists and so much more.
If you love epic fantasy then this is one you don’t want to miss!
Big thank you to Samantha Vargas for the opportunity to read the eARC.
May 25, 2026
A narcissistic king who has spent years manipulating a group of magically gifted children into serving him, controlling them through lies, punishment, reward, pitting them against one another, and manufacturing loyalty. When the truth surfaces, everything unravels. And then these now-adult guardians have to figure out who they actually are outside of what he made them.
This is such a great story. What starts as a seemingly familiar epic fantasy setup slowly opens into something much more layered and emotionally complex. Watching each of the guardians process the lies differently, deconstruct at different speeds, and push back against one another in the process is fascinating. They don't all like each other and that's exactly what makes them so compelling. Complexity and conflict are what make great characters and this book understands that completely.
Kienna is rebuilding herself from the ground up and her journey is the emotional core of everything. Danek is a sweetheart. Ruva I adored. And I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Broan as a character. He really dislikes Kienna and I expected to find him frustrating, but he ended up being one of the most interesting characters in the whole book. A secret softie. Impossible to pick a favorite when they're all this different and this nuanced.
The pacing starts slower but it earns that. These characters are dismantling everything they were taught to believe and that takes time to do properly.
I signed up for the second book's arc immediately. Cannot wait.
Thanks to IRIS (𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲) for organizing this opportunity to read and review through KU. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This is such a great story. What starts as a seemingly familiar epic fantasy setup slowly opens into something much more layered and emotionally complex. Watching each of the guardians process the lies differently, deconstruct at different speeds, and push back against one another in the process is fascinating. They don't all like each other and that's exactly what makes them so compelling. Complexity and conflict are what make great characters and this book understands that completely.
Kienna is rebuilding herself from the ground up and her journey is the emotional core of everything. Danek is a sweetheart. Ruva I adored. And I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Broan as a character. He really dislikes Kienna and I expected to find him frustrating, but he ended up being one of the most interesting characters in the whole book. A secret softie. Impossible to pick a favorite when they're all this different and this nuanced.
The pacing starts slower but it earns that. These characters are dismantling everything they were taught to believe and that takes time to do properly.
I signed up for the second book's arc immediately. Cannot wait.
Thanks to IRIS (𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲) for organizing this opportunity to read and review through KU. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
December 18, 2025
This elemental magic infused fantasy was fun to read!
Kienna and four other Guardians have been tasked by King Vaerin of River Storm to keep the magic built barrier running. This barrier keeps them protected from the outside world filled with evil creatures, and the unknown. Or so they thought. When a rebel army of Elves led by Connak, an elf who can mind speak with Kienna, breaks through the barrier, Kienna and the four Guardians use this opportunity to escape Vaerin’s clutches. However, the world outside of River Storm hold secrets of its own, and Kienna struggles to take control of her power while also keeping secrets of her own hidden. Kienna soon learns the truth of her lineage, and sets out to discover who she truly is meant to be. But will this discovery lead to the world she knew and the world she found crumbling to ash?
This story was fun, ethereal, and I loved the elemental magic that is developed throughout. The world of the Elves, which very much gives LOTR vibes, is one of my favorite parts. And I do have a favorite elf in Risen from Ash, but you will have to read to find out exactly who. I am excited to read the next installment of the Guardians of Alistile!
Romantic Content: No Spice
TW: Narcissistic Abuse, Manipulation, Secret Pregnancy, Explicit Swearing Used Throughout, Crude Innuendos, Torture, Battle Violence, Character Publicly Executed
Kienna and four other Guardians have been tasked by King Vaerin of River Storm to keep the magic built barrier running. This barrier keeps them protected from the outside world filled with evil creatures, and the unknown. Or so they thought. When a rebel army of Elves led by Connak, an elf who can mind speak with Kienna, breaks through the barrier, Kienna and the four Guardians use this opportunity to escape Vaerin’s clutches. However, the world outside of River Storm hold secrets of its own, and Kienna struggles to take control of her power while also keeping secrets of her own hidden. Kienna soon learns the truth of her lineage, and sets out to discover who she truly is meant to be. But will this discovery lead to the world she knew and the world she found crumbling to ash?
This story was fun, ethereal, and I loved the elemental magic that is developed throughout. The world of the Elves, which very much gives LOTR vibes, is one of my favorite parts. And I do have a favorite elf in Risen from Ash, but you will have to read to find out exactly who. I am excited to read the next installment of the Guardians of Alistile!
Romantic Content: No Spice
TW: Narcissistic Abuse, Manipulation, Secret Pregnancy, Explicit Swearing Used Throughout, Crude Innuendos, Torture, Battle Violence, Character Publicly Executed
December 16, 2025
this was.. infuriating for me, if I'm being honest. I'm not sure why, but almost all of the characters seemed really bland, lacked emotion, and just overall fell flat. maybe it was just me, since all the other reviews everyone has loved it! I probably should have just dnf'd, but I was really hoping it would get better.
It also seemed like nothing happened at all. no one would communicate and just demanded trust and allegiance from each other through the entire book without giving any reason as to why. that just made me want to scream. even the group of guardians as a whole didn't seem like they shared any thoughts or feelings for each other and were there to save themselves. there was no bond between any of them.
so sadly not for me, but hopefully you!
thank you to Samantha for gifting me an e-arc.
It also seemed like nothing happened at all. no one would communicate and just demanded trust and allegiance from each other through the entire book without giving any reason as to why. that just made me want to scream. even the group of guardians as a whole didn't seem like they shared any thoughts or feelings for each other and were there to save themselves. there was no bond between any of them.
so sadly not for me, but hopefully you!
thank you to Samantha for gifting me an e-arc.
August 30, 2026
3.5
Wow, this wasn't an easy book to get through. It's been a while since I've read an epic fantasy with a larger cast of core characters, so this was definitely a very fun ride!
One of the main reasons this book captured my attention at first (aside from the gorgeous cover, hello!!), was its intriguing blurb. My excitement continued when I started the book and learned that it was multi-POV! I loved being able to get into the minds of multiple characters, and in this book we got to experience 6 different POVs, which I thought was so much fun!
However, I did find myself wishing that the POV-shift were a little less frequent. I feel like some chapters had 3-4 POV shifts, which made it difficult for me to stay fully invested in one character. I can't quite explain it, but it felt like just as I was beginning to settle into a characters' voice, we'd get an abrupt shift into someone else. I didn't really get the chance to... I guess, sit with their character for a little while longer? (Besides Kienna because she was the main character we followed!)
The one thing I did love about this, though, was the worldbuilding. I can tell the author has put a lot of thought into the world and its magic system. We hadn't been able to explore even half of the world in this book (at least from what I've glimpsed from the map) and I thought it was really cool that even just a couple of regions in this world can create such complex dynamics between one another! And while I was confused a lot of the time, it felt deliberate as Kienna oftentimes seemed just as confused as I was. Vargas has really made me curious about this world and I'd absolutely love to learn more about Alistile in The Ashborn!
Another thing I wanted to talk about was Vargas' writing! It isn't the usual whimsical, atmospheric writing I enjoy in fantasies, but it was surprisingly very engaging. It felt a little reminiscent of R.F. Kuang's writing style in The Poppy War. (Though I'm not sure if it really is or if it's because they're both in the same genre haha...)
One more thing I actually enjoyed much more than I expected was the love triangle in this! I know, crazy. This isn't me. Who is this?! I felt like both Connak and Danek had great dynamics with Kienna, and the romance could honestly go either way, which is quite rare for love triangles in my opinion. A lot of the time, readers can tell right from the start who the FMC will ultimately end up with, so I really enjoy not knowing where this one's going! While romance definitely takes more of a backseat in this book, I'm excited to see how it'll progress further on in the series.
The impression I got from the premise was that we were going to have some female rage, and while I know how dangerous it is going into a book with expectations, I still went ahead and did it haha. While our FMC DOES show plenty of promise when it comes to becoming stronger, she actually hadn't really learned to control her magic all that well in this book (which I'm sure is a development being saved for later on in the series!). I know this is mostly a case of me setting the wrong expectations based on the premise, but I did still end up feeling a little disappointed. That said, I'm very excited for what the next book has to offer!
Side note: while the book handles some heavy topics, I love that Vargas doesn't shy away from describing the horrors of war, even when the characters themselves aren't on the battlefield. It's haunting and, really, that's the feeling you want to invoke in readers for them to understand the severity of what people suffer through in these horrible situations.
Overall, this was a great introduction to the series, and I can't wait to get on to The Ashborn!
Thank you Rattle the Stars PR and Samantha Vargas for providing this book for review consideration via BookFunnel. All opinions are my own.
Wow, this wasn't an easy book to get through. It's been a while since I've read an epic fantasy with a larger cast of core characters, so this was definitely a very fun ride!
"I can never repay that debt, but I'll certainly try."
"There's never a debt to repay when doing the right thing."
One of the main reasons this book captured my attention at first (aside from the gorgeous cover, hello!!), was its intriguing blurb. My excitement continued when I started the book and learned that it was multi-POV! I loved being able to get into the minds of multiple characters, and in this book we got to experience 6 different POVs, which I thought was so much fun!
"He'll burn for her at the end of the world to keep her safe."
However, I did find myself wishing that the POV-shift were a little less frequent. I feel like some chapters had 3-4 POV shifts, which made it difficult for me to stay fully invested in one character. I can't quite explain it, but it felt like just as I was beginning to settle into a characters' voice, we'd get an abrupt shift into someone else. I didn't really get the chance to... I guess, sit with their character for a little while longer? (Besides Kienna because she was the main character we followed!)
To help her, he thought, would be the greatest honor of all.
The one thing I did love about this, though, was the worldbuilding. I can tell the author has put a lot of thought into the world and its magic system. We hadn't been able to explore even half of the world in this book (at least from what I've glimpsed from the map) and I thought it was really cool that even just a couple of regions in this world can create such complex dynamics between one another! And while I was confused a lot of the time, it felt deliberate as Kienna oftentimes seemed just as confused as I was. Vargas has really made me curious about this world and I'd absolutely love to learn more about Alistile in The Ashborn!
"Did I do something wrong?"
He softened, the rigidness of his muscles sinking. "No, Sunbeam."
...
"Sunbeam?"
"You are the first light that has made the shadows move."
Another thing I wanted to talk about was Vargas' writing! It isn't the usual whimsical, atmospheric writing I enjoy in fantasies, but it was surprisingly very engaging. It felt a little reminiscent of R.F. Kuang's writing style in The Poppy War. (Though I'm not sure if it really is or if it's because they're both in the same genre haha...)
Each battalion was a force unto itself, and together, they were a storm.
One more thing I actually enjoyed much more than I expected was the love triangle in this! I know, crazy. This isn't me. Who is this?! I felt like both Connak and Danek had great dynamics with Kienna, and the romance could honestly go either way, which is quite rare for love triangles in my opinion. A lot of the time, readers can tell right from the start who the FMC will ultimately end up with, so I really enjoy not knowing where this one's going! While romance definitely takes more of a backseat in this book, I'm excited to see how it'll progress further on in the series.
This only made his frustrations grow because no matter how angry she made him, Kienna would always consume him enough to throw everything on the line for her.
The impression I got from the premise was that we were going to have some female rage, and while I know how dangerous it is going into a book with expectations, I still went ahead and did it haha. While our FMC DOES show plenty of promise when it comes to becoming stronger, she actually hadn't really learned to control her magic all that well in this book (which I'm sure is a development being saved for later on in the series!). I know this is mostly a case of me setting the wrong expectations based on the premise, but I did still end up feeling a little disappointed. That said, I'm very excited for what the next book has to offer!
"I don't think I'm strong enough for this."
"You are the strongest person I know."
Side note: while the book handles some heavy topics, I love that Vargas doesn't shy away from describing the horrors of war, even when the characters themselves aren't on the battlefield. It's haunting and, really, that's the feeling you want to invoke in readers for them to understand the severity of what people suffer through in these horrible situations.
The Shardborn were called to duty, and they stormed forward to take the city.
Overall, this was a great introduction to the series, and I can't wait to get on to The Ashborn!
Thank you Rattle the Stars PR and Samantha Vargas for providing this book for review consideration via BookFunnel. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2026
This story had a slower start, in my opinion, where it felt slightly overwhelming with the quick transitions from multiple POVs within the first six chapters of the book and what felt like a bit of info dumping, BUT as the story progressed and the timing of the POVs balanced out more, it was a great read!
I loved how the story developed throughout the book. Though I am not a big fan of Kienna yet, I liked the progression of her internal struggle of finding out who she is. I really resonated with her indecisiveness and overthinking of decisions. It is so easy to talk yourself into or out of something to then question that decision and how it will impact others, versus making a decision that is truly for yourself. I also loved that she wasn’t romantically interested in any of the three men who could potentially be a love interest in future books! She was focused on her journey, not a boy, thank goodness. I have high hopes for her in book two!
I really like Moira and hope to see more of her story in book two. I also really enjoyed Broan’s final POV in the book, and the realization that hit him during that chapter felt so genuine, especially for the showboat he was. My favorite character is Ruva and I absolutely loved how her connection solidified with Kienna. Love that Ruva is Team Danek.
The world building within this story was so immersive that you can clearly visualize each city and I really like the magic system.
This is such a long review…but it had six different POVs 😅. But I love the multiple POVs and that it was written in third person! Will definitely read book two!
I loved how the story developed throughout the book. Though I am not a big fan of Kienna yet, I liked the progression of her internal struggle of finding out who she is. I really resonated with her indecisiveness and overthinking of decisions. It is so easy to talk yourself into or out of something to then question that decision and how it will impact others, versus making a decision that is truly for yourself. I also loved that she wasn’t romantically interested in any of the three men who could potentially be a love interest in future books! She was focused on her journey, not a boy, thank goodness. I have high hopes for her in book two!
I really like Moira and hope to see more of her story in book two. I also really enjoyed Broan’s final POV in the book, and the realization that hit him during that chapter felt so genuine, especially for the showboat he was. My favorite character is Ruva and I absolutely loved how her connection solidified with Kienna. Love that Ruva is Team Danek.
The world building within this story was so immersive that you can clearly visualize each city and I really like the magic system.
This is such a long review…but it had six different POVs 😅. But I love the multiple POVs and that it was written in third person! Will definitely read book two!
August 13, 2026
It's been awhile since I've found myself so invested in an epic fantasy that was written by a non mainstream author but indie author Samantha Vargas has hit mark with her debut novel Risen from Ash. Once you wrap your head around the mildly large cast of characters (which any true high fantasy book is bound to have) you really settle into the pace of things.
Vargas does an excellent job with both the world building and character development. Pacing them together and slowly as we move through the story and the land. The vivid descriptions of some of the physical places like the deserts, elven forests and and floating islands I could easily picture in my minds eye. And you could feel the internal struggles. Especially with our main FMC Kienna. Building the tension and emotions as she begins to question her loyalties and everything she's known to be true and who she is. The found family aspect is also really strong in this book which I also appreciate as its one I tend to lean towards. As well the fact that we get told the story from multiple POV's just lends to the story. I find sometimes this can be distracting or too overwhelming but in this case it was done right and I think helps set us up for where book two is heading.
Another thing that would normally be a negative for me but actually works for this book is I am still quite confused about exactly how the magic system works in this land. But, so are our MC's. Part of the main plot is that they are just learning the whole truth about their magic and we as the reader are learning with them. So in this one instance I am just happy to be along for Vargas's ride. Annnddd that I happen to have an advance copy of book 2 and don't have to wait to see what happens next!
If you're looking for your next fantasy read and this one isn't on your radar yet it should be.
Vargas does an excellent job with both the world building and character development. Pacing them together and slowly as we move through the story and the land. The vivid descriptions of some of the physical places like the deserts, elven forests and and floating islands I could easily picture in my minds eye. And you could feel the internal struggles. Especially with our main FMC Kienna. Building the tension and emotions as she begins to question her loyalties and everything she's known to be true and who she is. The found family aspect is also really strong in this book which I also appreciate as its one I tend to lean towards. As well the fact that we get told the story from multiple POV's just lends to the story. I find sometimes this can be distracting or too overwhelming but in this case it was done right and I think helps set us up for where book two is heading.
Another thing that would normally be a negative for me but actually works for this book is I am still quite confused about exactly how the magic system works in this land. But, so are our MC's. Part of the main plot is that they are just learning the whole truth about their magic and we as the reader are learning with them. So in this one instance I am just happy to be along for Vargas's ride. Annnddd that I happen to have an advance copy of book 2 and don't have to wait to see what happens next!
If you're looking for your next fantasy read and this one isn't on your radar yet it should be.
December 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Epic fantasy done right.
This story pulled me in immediately. The world-building is strong from the start, the plot is engaging, and the pacing never drags. You’re dropped straight into the world and guided through it naturally as the characters begin to unfold, which made it incredibly easy to stay invested.
This is true epic fantasy, the focus is on the world, the magic, and the characters finding themselves. There’s no smut and only minimal romance, and honestly? It’s perfect that way. I never once felt like something was missing. The small moments of yearning that are there are subtle and intriguing, enough to make you wonder where things might go without overpowering the story. It even has you questioning whether a love triangle could be on the horizon.
The magical elements are fascinating, especially the themes of betrayal and uncovering identity, which feel essential to the character development that’s clearly being set up for future books. I loved the variety of species , Vikings, humans, elves all coming together in a way that gives strong LOTR and Throne of Glass vibes without feeling derivative.
And the bonded magical wolf? Absolutely adorable and such a standout element.
Everything feels connected, purposeful, and well written. The characters, the world, the magic, it all works. Sam, you’ve done an incredible job, and I cannot wait to see where this story goes in book two.
Epic fantasy done right.
This story pulled me in immediately. The world-building is strong from the start, the plot is engaging, and the pacing never drags. You’re dropped straight into the world and guided through it naturally as the characters begin to unfold, which made it incredibly easy to stay invested.
This is true epic fantasy, the focus is on the world, the magic, and the characters finding themselves. There’s no smut and only minimal romance, and honestly? It’s perfect that way. I never once felt like something was missing. The small moments of yearning that are there are subtle and intriguing, enough to make you wonder where things might go without overpowering the story. It even has you questioning whether a love triangle could be on the horizon.
The magical elements are fascinating, especially the themes of betrayal and uncovering identity, which feel essential to the character development that’s clearly being set up for future books. I loved the variety of species , Vikings, humans, elves all coming together in a way that gives strong LOTR and Throne of Glass vibes without feeling derivative.
And the bonded magical wolf? Absolutely adorable and such a standout element.
Everything feels connected, purposeful, and well written. The characters, the world, the magic, it all works. Sam, you’ve done an incredible job, and I cannot wait to see where this story goes in book two.
July 24, 2026
Unique and unforgettable
Risen from Ash is an intricately woven story that drops bread crumbs throughout and has you scrounging for just one more detail in hopes of putting more pieces together. It's a story filled with moments of deep friendship, the heartache of longing to find ones place, secrets and betrayals.
While it starts out a bit confusing, stick it out. The unreliability of the characters is there for a reason. With multiple POVs it's easy to see the inner workings of the group and the tensions that dwell there. Each of the characters appear to have important roles that aren't fully explored yet, but you can see those threads coming together.
The world that Samantha Varga builds is beautiful and enchanting. It has unique elements that bring an ethereal feel to the novel, along with how the magic system appears to work.
While the story heavily focuses on relationships and secrets, there are some very intense action packed moments that are well thought out. The story moves quickly and by the end you are left with plenty of questions to want to continue on immediately.
Risen from Ash is an intricately woven story that drops bread crumbs throughout and has you scrounging for just one more detail in hopes of putting more pieces together. It's a story filled with moments of deep friendship, the heartache of longing to find ones place, secrets and betrayals.
While it starts out a bit confusing, stick it out. The unreliability of the characters is there for a reason. With multiple POVs it's easy to see the inner workings of the group and the tensions that dwell there. Each of the characters appear to have important roles that aren't fully explored yet, but you can see those threads coming together.
The world that Samantha Varga builds is beautiful and enchanting. It has unique elements that bring an ethereal feel to the novel, along with how the magic system appears to work.
While the story heavily focuses on relationships and secrets, there are some very intense action packed moments that are well thought out. The story moves quickly and by the end you are left with plenty of questions to want to continue on immediately.
July 25, 2026
Risen From Ash | Sam Vargas ARC Team 💜
•
I don’t even know what to say 😩😬 it was a tough contest for my THE Romantasy of the year top spot, so far. Risen From Ash absolutely EXPLODED its way into top spot!
•
If this isn’t on your TBR why nooooot?! 😩 no genuinely! You need to tell me why? The only ACTUAL answer can be, because you already read it 🤷🏼♀️ naturally.
•
🔥 Elemental Magic
💁🏼♀️ Strong FMC
🍃 Elves
🪓Vikings
💚 Forced Family/Found Family
🦹♂️Villain you’re GOING to loathe!
•
This has been an incredible journey from the clutches of River Storm, to freedom! Or is it?! And what are they all REALLY fighting for.
•
So many questions… and the UNEXPECTED plot twists. I don’t want to give ANYTHING away because if you read only one book this year, I can guarantee, you won’t stop here! I CAN NOT WAIT for The Ashborn and the rest of Kienna’s story.
•
My final thought is, that of a love triangle. Did anyone see that spark and developing relationship, but then there’s her saviour and only one able to calm her mind, but what about the constant steady boy who’s been there since she was young?! 😩 Kienna, what is going on?! 🔥
•
I don’t even know what to say 😩😬 it was a tough contest for my THE Romantasy of the year top spot, so far. Risen From Ash absolutely EXPLODED its way into top spot!
•
If this isn’t on your TBR why nooooot?! 😩 no genuinely! You need to tell me why? The only ACTUAL answer can be, because you already read it 🤷🏼♀️ naturally.
•
🔥 Elemental Magic
💁🏼♀️ Strong FMC
🍃 Elves
🪓Vikings
💚 Forced Family/Found Family
🦹♂️Villain you’re GOING to loathe!
•
This has been an incredible journey from the clutches of River Storm, to freedom! Or is it?! And what are they all REALLY fighting for.
•
So many questions… and the UNEXPECTED plot twists. I don’t want to give ANYTHING away because if you read only one book this year, I can guarantee, you won’t stop here! I CAN NOT WAIT for The Ashborn and the rest of Kienna’s story.
•
My final thought is, that of a love triangle. Did anyone see that spark and developing relationship, but then there’s her saviour and only one able to calm her mind, but what about the constant steady boy who’s been there since she was young?! 😩 Kienna, what is going on?! 🔥
December 19, 2025
This was a really strong read overall, even if the beginning took a bit longer to fully grab me. The pacing in the first part felt slower than I personally prefer, but one the story found its stride, I was fully invested.
Kienna’s journey is the heart of the book. Watching her rise from trauma, reclaim her strength and slowly rebuild herself was both powerful and deeply satisfying. Her growth feels earned and the author does a beautiful job illustrating how healing isn’t linear. The relationships she gains along the way add depth to the story and play a big role in her evolution. The connections feel intentional and meaningful rather than just filler.
Overall, the plot is compelling and thoughtfully layered. Once the story picks up it’s hard to put down. The world and narrative pull you in, blending heartache, resilience, and hope in a way that feels authentic and raw. This is a strong, impactful story and we get to watch Kienna rise from her darkest moments.
I really enjoyed this read and want to thank the author for the opportunity to read their work!
Kienna’s journey is the heart of the book. Watching her rise from trauma, reclaim her strength and slowly rebuild herself was both powerful and deeply satisfying. Her growth feels earned and the author does a beautiful job illustrating how healing isn’t linear. The relationships she gains along the way add depth to the story and play a big role in her evolution. The connections feel intentional and meaningful rather than just filler.
Overall, the plot is compelling and thoughtfully layered. Once the story picks up it’s hard to put down. The world and narrative pull you in, blending heartache, resilience, and hope in a way that feels authentic and raw. This is a strong, impactful story and we get to watch Kienna rise from her darkest moments.
I really enjoyed this read and want to thank the author for the opportunity to read their work!
December 4, 2025
Wow 🤩
This book blew me away!
I’m going to say it now… one of the best epic romantasy that I’ve read to date.
All of the multiple POV’s were honestly awesome. Getting different perspectives, and views… loved it.
The men in this book 🤯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I loved me some Broan with his snarky, sometimes jerky, self. He made for good comedic timing. Tristan gives off “yes sir” vibes (if you know you know). My guy Connak is definitely our “I’m it” guy. But, we can’t leave Danek out of the running.., friends to lovers anyone 😉. Who knows. I know I didn’t want it to end.
The ladies in the book served. Moira with her nurturing vibes. Kienna is a little broken but not beat. I can’t wait to see her flourish and kick butt. I’d like for Baila to fall off a cliff.
I. Need. Book. Yesterday.
This book blew me away!
I’m going to say it now… one of the best epic romantasy that I’ve read to date.
All of the multiple POV’s were honestly awesome. Getting different perspectives, and views… loved it.
The men in this book 🤯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I loved me some Broan with his snarky, sometimes jerky, self. He made for good comedic timing. Tristan gives off “yes sir” vibes (if you know you know). My guy Connak is definitely our “I’m it” guy. But, we can’t leave Danek out of the running.., friends to lovers anyone 😉. Who knows. I know I didn’t want it to end.
The ladies in the book served. Moira with her nurturing vibes. Kienna is a little broken but not beat. I can’t wait to see her flourish and kick butt. I’d like for Baila to fall off a cliff.
I. Need. Book. Yesterday.
December 23, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal book! I fell in love with this one immediately. The world building was exquisite. The detail was amazing, that you could clearly see everything in your mind as read and went through this world with the characters. And speaking of the characters. Omgosh just incredible. They felt so real, looked so real in my mind. Emotions, physicality, was just amazing. I loved the depth of each one of them. And my gosh some of the men were so hot. But I loved the story itself as well. It really pulled you in. The twists and turns. Secrets and betrayal. Things took place that I never saw coming.
This was an awesome book. I loved every minute of it. In thankful that I was chosen to be on the ARC team for this one. Thank you so much. It was a true pleasure.
This was an awesome book. I loved every minute of it. In thankful that I was chosen to be on the ARC team for this one. Thank you so much. It was a true pleasure.
February 6, 2026
Risen from Ash by Samantha Vargas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ solid 4star/ 4.5 for me
Risen from Ash is an enthralling page-turner that masterfully balances emotion and adventure. Vargas's world-building is truly remarkable, I loved the unpredictable plot twists and the exploration of chosen family!
Vargas weaves together themes of belonging and identity, showcasing how the bonds formed in adversity can be as strong as those of blood. The writing is rich and immersive, with detailed descriptions that bring the magical world to life. The pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, especially with the unexpected plot twists that challenge the characters and their relationships.
I can’t wait for book two to see where this story goes!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ solid 4star/ 4.5 for me
Risen from Ash is an enthralling page-turner that masterfully balances emotion and adventure. Vargas's world-building is truly remarkable, I loved the unpredictable plot twists and the exploration of chosen family!
Vargas weaves together themes of belonging and identity, showcasing how the bonds formed in adversity can be as strong as those of blood. The writing is rich and immersive, with detailed descriptions that bring the magical world to life. The pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, especially with the unexpected plot twists that challenge the characters and their relationships.
I can’t wait for book two to see where this story goes!
December 1, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book and I LOVED it! It has multiple POV so you get invested into all the relevant characters. This book is like Throne of Glass, but with Elvish people, talking animal companions, and a totally different magic system. Like I said, the magic system is very unique, and all the characters have different abilities. There’s a sassy animal companion, which is great to add some comedic relief in with all the heavy topics this book brushes on. This book has secrets, betrayal, and dark topics all throughout. It also doesn’t end on a cliff hanger, so you won’t be absolutely miserable until the next book, it has a solid ending that still has you wanting more. I absolutely cannot wait to finish this series, I’m in love!
December 5, 2025
Risen from Ash by Samantha Vargas delivers a nice story with heartfelt moments and characters that show genuine promise. The core narrative has warmth and potential that draws readers in during its stronger scenes.While the concept is appealing, the writing felt a bit confusing at times, which occasionally disrupted the flow and made it challenging to stay fully engaged. With clearer structure and smoother execution, the story could truly shine.Overall, a thoughtful read with a solid heart and room for growth in storytelling clarity. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Three stars.
August 1, 2026
i absolutely LOVED this book. i loved the world building and getting to know the characters in Alistile. definitely a great start to the series and leaves the reader excited for what is to come. i love a story where the FMC gets to grow, find herself and be a badass. i also loved the wolf bonded companion aspect as they are one of my favorite animals and just a great addition to any fantasy novel. the magic was also so fun and i loved getting to see the guardians (not baila LOL) see what they are truly capable of!! extremely excited for the rest of this series!
December 29, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and was very excited to dive in. I very much enjoyed the story and appreciated the multiple POVs. I liked the author’s take on elemental magic. The initial world building took some time and I was a little confused at first. There were a lot of unknowns for the characters in the beginning, but as they journeyed throughout, we got to see their growth and revelations come to light. I am excited to continue with book two and find out what happens with the group.
August 31, 2026
This had so much promise as a book but ultimately I felt it all got a little bit too cluttered together. The FMC was likeable and the writing is decent, but with 6 POVs it was just a bit too much jumping around for me.
August 9, 2026
Miss K is every one of us that has been faced with a decision to run, or fight. A decision that could change her life forever. The world is built beautifully and you’re captured immediately by the war waging both inside K and in her entire kingdom.
February 25, 2026
This was a top-tier fantasy book! What this book has is elemental magic wielding heroes, rebellion, fights and battles, discovery of origins, long kept secrets, conflicts of loyalty, animal companions (she's the best doggo), dark creatures, family disfunction (fun disfunction and much deeper issues), banter, layered antagonist with plans and machinations, and a heroine caught in the middle of all of it. Besides all of this, let's get into why it's a great fantasy and what Samantha Vargas has created.
The first thing that drew me into Sam's world was her writing style; she has really honed her craft. Her phenomenal descriptions from the environment to reflecting off what the characters are thinking and feeling in the moment draws in the reader from start to finish.
Additionally, she knows how to build the emotional investment and it's my humble opinion that the book has grit. From the moment our main character is forced to assist with an execution which shows the fractures of her situation with her King, to the banter and vulgarity between our heroes, her complex and abusive relationship with her antagonist, Kienna's (MFC) mixed feelings for her suiters, her frustration with what her new allies are or are not revealing, to every other element...I felt them as a reader. The author paints a vivid picture that keeps the reader engaged.
This book had a complete Arc for our MFC; Kienna goes through this vast journey where her power is constantly uncontrollable (Unlike her peers) and in the end, her power erupts in a very real way that has real consequences, but we have a resolution for her in the end. This was a good place to end the book until the next chapter in this series comes out.
The plot was clear, the worldbuilding was well done, the emotions were felt, the writing was fantastic, no issues with pacing, the animal companion is deserved (so supportive and cuddly to our heroine), and I thought this was a really fantastic start to the series. Those are are the things that I enjoyed about her book.
If I had any criticisms, and they are few:
At first glance I thought our MFC was waffling between breaking from her antagonist; there was some going back and forth and our antagonist was almost unbelievable to forgive so easily after the first offence. However, after continuing the read, there is more things happening magically and a connection that is driving this. So, I can't say there's any real issue. It's a puzzle and you have to read further to understand it.
There's a number of story lines, but a couple that were introduced and really didn't get explored as much. But again, the author uses these brief POV's to introduce them, get us to understand what their motivations and positions are, and create more conflict. I have no doubt they will be explored further in the following books. So, this is minor for me.
I would say my only real criticism might be the magic system. The rules could be clearer whether our heroes have it or not, when they can't use it or why it drains them, and why the origination of their magic plays such a part. That would be my only real criticism and perhaps I need to rereview those sections in case I missed something.
Lastly, Baila should've gotten a punched in the face in the end; there, I said it. Just one moment, for our heroine Kienna to one up her, but I guess we'll wait for the next book.
Okay, I think that is a good amount of my thoughts. As a rating, this book deserves 5 stars whole heartedly and I can't wait to see what she does for the next 5 books she had planned!!!
The first thing that drew me into Sam's world was her writing style; she has really honed her craft. Her phenomenal descriptions from the environment to reflecting off what the characters are thinking and feeling in the moment draws in the reader from start to finish.
Additionally, she knows how to build the emotional investment and it's my humble opinion that the book has grit. From the moment our main character is forced to assist with an execution which shows the fractures of her situation with her King, to the banter and vulgarity between our heroes, her complex and abusive relationship with her antagonist, Kienna's (MFC) mixed feelings for her suiters, her frustration with what her new allies are or are not revealing, to every other element...I felt them as a reader. The author paints a vivid picture that keeps the reader engaged.
This book had a complete Arc for our MFC; Kienna goes through this vast journey where her power is constantly uncontrollable (Unlike her peers) and in the end, her power erupts in a very real way that has real consequences, but we have a resolution for her in the end. This was a good place to end the book until the next chapter in this series comes out.
The plot was clear, the worldbuilding was well done, the emotions were felt, the writing was fantastic, no issues with pacing, the animal companion is deserved (so supportive and cuddly to our heroine), and I thought this was a really fantastic start to the series. Those are are the things that I enjoyed about her book.
If I had any criticisms, and they are few:
At first glance I thought our MFC was waffling between breaking from her antagonist; there was some going back and forth and our antagonist was almost unbelievable to forgive so easily after the first offence. However, after continuing the read, there is more things happening magically and a connection that is driving this. So, I can't say there's any real issue. It's a puzzle and you have to read further to understand it.
There's a number of story lines, but a couple that were introduced and really didn't get explored as much. But again, the author uses these brief POV's to introduce them, get us to understand what their motivations and positions are, and create more conflict. I have no doubt they will be explored further in the following books. So, this is minor for me.
I would say my only real criticism might be the magic system. The rules could be clearer whether our heroes have it or not, when they can't use it or why it drains them, and why the origination of their magic plays such a part. That would be my only real criticism and perhaps I need to rereview those sections in case I missed something.
Lastly, Baila should've gotten a punched in the face in the end; there, I said it. Just one moment, for our heroine Kienna to one up her, but I guess we'll wait for the next book.
Okay, I think that is a good amount of my thoughts. As a rating, this book deserves 5 stars whole heartedly and I can't wait to see what she does for the next 5 books she had planned!!!
December 7, 2025
Hi! What an amazing read! Thank you to the author; I enjoyed that one of my first December reads was Risen from the Ash. Now, let's start with the review.
--
It's interesting how each character is introduced to a main perspective (the FMC), but that changes through her development, so the narrative about each character seems to evolve with her. Like, there's a confusion of what should and shouldn't be felt about some characters. It shows the need for adaptability for the survival of the characters; maybe it doesn't cause empathy from the reader, but a feeling of wrongness at the start of the story, like, something doesn't feel right about it.
--
I liked how the multiple POVs help getting a fuller picture of the world-building and diversity of perspectives to consider during the storyline's progresion.
Although, I do have to admit that it's very hard writting from multiple POVs, since you have to remember the shift between perspectives from one moment in the plot to another without loosing the main storyline and the character particularities (what makes one POV diferent from the others). So, very well done to the author, my brain didn’t just change the voice (or pitch of it) of the character, when I read or changed of POV.
--
For our FMC, Kienna, wow I didn’t expect her character or the storyline following her. At first, I was very frustrated about the way she interacted with everyone in the story, but as I kept reading, I started to actually understand the background of her decision making skills (I mean poor girl).
As a main characters I think she's unique, every book has a underestimated FMC that becomes strong with the glow of the book, but she's strong from the beginning. I felt that her story is much more empowering, because she decided to get away from everything she was taught, because it was hurting her.
--
It's funny, in a painful way, how easy it seems to show in writing some of the consequences of living in a narcissistic environment. At least while we use themes of fantasy and kings or heroes, it makes it feel almost less painful and much more "heroic", but I loved the way the FMC's growth showcases her ups and downs in realistic details, like the feeling behind an action or her anger towards the injustice or lies she has to live.
--
So, my favorite character is Moira; her interactions with others read as honest and wise. She's simply worried for her future (kind of empathize with her).
--
I loved the shift in the narrative, how at first it seems like a fantasy world, with a king and a guard with powers, but still something feels suspicious, like there's something vital that's missing from the story that could completely change the plot; that gives the genre of fantasy a more mysterious or even darker tone.
--
I've liked the approach to the military war behind the main trope; it's well written since it combines the world-building of the book with the characters knowledge of war (with the main plot). Another thing, I can't say I didn’t expect who the main villain would be, but the background of the character turned out to be a lot darker than what I expected. Also, thank you for giving us an evil villain without a tragic story that makes the readers empathize; he's simply evil.
--
Now, this is a good first book for a fantasy series. Honestly, the writing style seems like a great mix between the style of Realm Breaker (the magic context, world-building, and the character's profiles) and Hunger Games (the interaction between characters and the villain's interaction with the FMC). So, if you like either of these books, then Risen from Ash is another amazing book to add to your list.
--
It's interesting how each character is introduced to a main perspective (the FMC), but that changes through her development, so the narrative about each character seems to evolve with her. Like, there's a confusion of what should and shouldn't be felt about some characters. It shows the need for adaptability for the survival of the characters; maybe it doesn't cause empathy from the reader, but a feeling of wrongness at the start of the story, like, something doesn't feel right about it.
--
I liked how the multiple POVs help getting a fuller picture of the world-building and diversity of perspectives to consider during the storyline's progresion.
Although, I do have to admit that it's very hard writting from multiple POVs, since you have to remember the shift between perspectives from one moment in the plot to another without loosing the main storyline and the character particularities (what makes one POV diferent from the others). So, very well done to the author, my brain didn’t just change the voice (or pitch of it) of the character, when I read or changed of POV.
--
For our FMC, Kienna, wow I didn’t expect her character or the storyline following her. At first, I was very frustrated about the way she interacted with everyone in the story, but as I kept reading, I started to actually understand the background of her decision making skills (I mean poor girl).
As a main characters I think she's unique, every book has a underestimated FMC that becomes strong with the glow of the book, but she's strong from the beginning. I felt that her story is much more empowering, because she decided to get away from everything she was taught, because it was hurting her.
--
It's funny, in a painful way, how easy it seems to show in writing some of the consequences of living in a narcissistic environment. At least while we use themes of fantasy and kings or heroes, it makes it feel almost less painful and much more "heroic", but I loved the way the FMC's growth showcases her ups and downs in realistic details, like the feeling behind an action or her anger towards the injustice or lies she has to live.
--
So, my favorite character is Moira; her interactions with others read as honest and wise. She's simply worried for her future (kind of empathize with her).
--
I loved the shift in the narrative, how at first it seems like a fantasy world, with a king and a guard with powers, but still something feels suspicious, like there's something vital that's missing from the story that could completely change the plot; that gives the genre of fantasy a more mysterious or even darker tone.
--
I've liked the approach to the military war behind the main trope; it's well written since it combines the world-building of the book with the characters knowledge of war (with the main plot). Another thing, I can't say I didn’t expect who the main villain would be, but the background of the character turned out to be a lot darker than what I expected. Also, thank you for giving us an evil villain without a tragic story that makes the readers empathize; he's simply evil.
--
Now, this is a good first book for a fantasy series. Honestly, the writing style seems like a great mix between the style of Realm Breaker (the magic context, world-building, and the character's profiles) and Hunger Games (the interaction between characters and the villain's interaction with the FMC). So, if you like either of these books, then Risen from Ash is another amazing book to add to your list.
August 28, 2026
Risen From Ash is a compelling fantasy story that keeps its focus firmly on the plot, offering only the faintest whisper of potential romance. The narrative stands strong on its own, driven by rich world‑building and engaging stakes. I was hooked from the first page! It was gripping, intense, and bursting with the kind of anticipation that made me want to devour the next book immediately. I’m OBSESSED.
I found the opening a bit dense as I adjusted to the complexity of the world, but once I pushed past the first 12% the story completely clicked for me. From that point on, I was thoroughly swept up in it. The amount of POVs in the beginning made it tough to settle in, but once the story found its rhythm, each perspective became incredibly rewarding. I especially loved seeing the guardians’ viewpoints—they added such depth and intrigue.
Samantha Vargas absolutely nails the pacing in this story, layering tension bit by bit until you’re questioning every single one of the characters. It’s such a fun, suspenseful ride. The sheer number of secrets is the engine of this plot, and honestly, not a single one of these characters can (or maybe don’t want to??) communicate to save their lives. It makes the tension deliciously chaotic.
This book approaches abusive and coercive relationships with real sensitivity. King Vaerin embodies the insidious nature of that cycle, soft and doting one moment, then manipulative and controlling the next. Watching the FMC, Kienna, fight her way through the scars of that trauma is heartbreaking.
The growing bond between Kienna and her wolf companion, Ruva, is absolutely stunning. It has that same soul‑deep resonance as Eragon and Saphira in The Inheritance Cycle (one of my all time favourite series). Their connection feels ancient, instinctive, and utterly captivating. It’s exactly what Kienna needs after surviving the trauma she endured.
Although romance is not the main driving force of the story, the romantic tension that does exist is delicious. Kienna has multiple possible love interests, and I’m dying to see who she ends up choosing… or if this is about to turn into a full “why choose” situation?? Whatever direction it goes, I’m absolutely hooked.
I do have to say that the ending doesn’t hit like a full cliffhanger, but it absolutely nudges you into questioning what’s going to happen next. With so many lingering questions and the promise of even more drama and twists ahead, not to mention that plot twist that had me literally saying “what the fuck 👀” out loud. I never saw it coming, and it landed so perfectly. I’m more than ready for the next instalment (which I will be ARC reading soon!).
Samantha’s world building truly shines, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book. The Viking and Elvish clans are so intriguing, layered with lore that feels ancient and alive. I’m hoping we uncover even more of it as the series continues. The world is rich, immersive, and easy to fall into.
Risen From Ash is the ideal read for anyone who craves characters refusing to be defined by the paths laid out for them. Who choose instead to carve out their own destiny with fire and determination. Watch this space from the review of the next installment of the Guardians of Alistile series, The Ashborn.
I found the opening a bit dense as I adjusted to the complexity of the world, but once I pushed past the first 12% the story completely clicked for me. From that point on, I was thoroughly swept up in it. The amount of POVs in the beginning made it tough to settle in, but once the story found its rhythm, each perspective became incredibly rewarding. I especially loved seeing the guardians’ viewpoints—they added such depth and intrigue.
Samantha Vargas absolutely nails the pacing in this story, layering tension bit by bit until you’re questioning every single one of the characters. It’s such a fun, suspenseful ride. The sheer number of secrets is the engine of this plot, and honestly, not a single one of these characters can (or maybe don’t want to??) communicate to save their lives. It makes the tension deliciously chaotic.
This book approaches abusive and coercive relationships with real sensitivity. King Vaerin embodies the insidious nature of that cycle, soft and doting one moment, then manipulative and controlling the next. Watching the FMC, Kienna, fight her way through the scars of that trauma is heartbreaking.
The growing bond between Kienna and her wolf companion, Ruva, is absolutely stunning. It has that same soul‑deep resonance as Eragon and Saphira in The Inheritance Cycle (one of my all time favourite series). Their connection feels ancient, instinctive, and utterly captivating. It’s exactly what Kienna needs after surviving the trauma she endured.
Although romance is not the main driving force of the story, the romantic tension that does exist is delicious. Kienna has multiple possible love interests, and I’m dying to see who she ends up choosing… or if this is about to turn into a full “why choose” situation?? Whatever direction it goes, I’m absolutely hooked.
I do have to say that the ending doesn’t hit like a full cliffhanger, but it absolutely nudges you into questioning what’s going to happen next. With so many lingering questions and the promise of even more drama and twists ahead, not to mention that plot twist that had me literally saying “what the fuck 👀” out loud. I never saw it coming, and it landed so perfectly. I’m more than ready for the next instalment (which I will be ARC reading soon!).
Samantha’s world building truly shines, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book. The Viking and Elvish clans are so intriguing, layered with lore that feels ancient and alive. I’m hoping we uncover even more of it as the series continues. The world is rich, immersive, and easy to fall into.
Risen From Ash is the ideal read for anyone who craves characters refusing to be defined by the paths laid out for them. Who choose instead to carve out their own destiny with fire and determination. Watch this space from the review of the next installment of the Guardians of Alistile series, The Ashborn.
December 16, 2025
"We spent our whole lives training for something none of us thought would come, and now we’re on the other side of it."
Risen from Ash is a fun adventurous fantasy novel, full of risk and taking leaps of faith. Five guardians protect the city of River Storm, serving to reinforce and maintain the Orb, a barrier protecting them from the evil that lurks in the world beyond. As their isolated world begins to crumble the question of where the true evil resides causes the guardians to choose a side that could change the outcome of the upcoming war as the barrier is breached.
I found this novel really hard at the beginning as we are introduced to five characters, in a complex political system and a turbulent world of unknowns. There was so much to unpack at the beginning, that I found it difficult to be invested in the story as five perspectives tell the story, so the general set-up for me was slow. I love multiple POVs and having six in total is ambitious. I think every point of view has its place in this story but I think some of them could have been left until the foundations of the world were laid out. For me, there was also an imbalance on the amount spent on the points of view, there are some characters I really want to hear more from. I think spending more time with each character in equal amounts would give them a stronger impression and form a connection between each character and the reader.
The time spent on the structure and detail of the plot was so well thought out, and I think this series has a lot of promise to be a gem fantasy series. One aspect of this book in particular I think might be misleading is the label of this book being a slow-burn. There is a hint that one will develop, but in my opinion it doesn't feature in this book. I think it will be a slow-burn series (I think 7 books in total are planned); so my advice, think it as what you would expect in a trilogy when it comes to slow-burn romance.
Secrets and answers are definitely the hook in this story. There are so many cards being played but each character keeps their hold close to their chest. Very little is actually revealed. Can't decide if this is good or bad? Saying that the ending was left dangling over a step rather than a cliffhanger, its satisfying while leaving you wanting more.
A thrilling fantasy read that promises to only grow. I'm excited to see what Samantha Vargas does with this series, she is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading her future books.
Thank you, Samantha for the e-ARC.
Risen from Ash is a fun adventurous fantasy novel, full of risk and taking leaps of faith. Five guardians protect the city of River Storm, serving to reinforce and maintain the Orb, a barrier protecting them from the evil that lurks in the world beyond. As their isolated world begins to crumble the question of where the true evil resides causes the guardians to choose a side that could change the outcome of the upcoming war as the barrier is breached.
I found this novel really hard at the beginning as we are introduced to five characters, in a complex political system and a turbulent world of unknowns. There was so much to unpack at the beginning, that I found it difficult to be invested in the story as five perspectives tell the story, so the general set-up for me was slow. I love multiple POVs and having six in total is ambitious. I think every point of view has its place in this story but I think some of them could have been left until the foundations of the world were laid out. For me, there was also an imbalance on the amount spent on the points of view, there are some characters I really want to hear more from. I think spending more time with each character in equal amounts would give them a stronger impression and form a connection between each character and the reader.
The time spent on the structure and detail of the plot was so well thought out, and I think this series has a lot of promise to be a gem fantasy series. One aspect of this book in particular I think might be misleading is the label of this book being a slow-burn. There is a hint that one will develop, but in my opinion it doesn't feature in this book. I think it will be a slow-burn series (I think 7 books in total are planned); so my advice, think it as what you would expect in a trilogy when it comes to slow-burn romance.
Secrets and answers are definitely the hook in this story. There are so many cards being played but each character keeps their hold close to their chest. Very little is actually revealed. Can't decide if this is good or bad? Saying that the ending was left dangling over a step rather than a cliffhanger, its satisfying while leaving you wanting more.
A thrilling fantasy read that promises to only grow. I'm excited to see what Samantha Vargas does with this series, she is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading her future books.
Thank you, Samantha for the e-ARC.
August 15, 2026
ARC Review
Risen from the Ash is a compelling fantasy read with threads of romance woven throughout. I love a story that's saturated in fantasy more than romance, and Samantha Vargas delivers exactly that.
Kienna is our FMC, and together with four others, she is chosen by the King to become a Guardian. King Vaerin can only be described as narcissistic. One moment he's a doting father figure, and the next he's an abusive tyrant. Kienna quickly begins to see through his facade, but like any toxic relationship, deep wounds run deeper than you realise and leave a lasting impression. Watching her fight through them to to try and find herself again was one of the most compelling parts of her journey.
The world-building in this story is fantastic! With Viking and Elven clans, rich lore, and an immersive world, I could definitely see the author's love for The Lord of the Rings shining through, while bringing her own unique imagination to it.
The story is filled with tension from the very beginning, with the Guardians themselves at 'war' with each other while simultaneously battling against their own minds and the tyranny surrounding them. As they embark on their journey, the story becomes even more gripping, pulling you through twists and turns, dark creatures, and a brewing war.
And like any good fantasy, the plot twists in this one had me staring at my screen going, "Umm... what??" 😂
Wolf companions (Ruva is instantly lovable), war, intriguing side characters, and an action-packed storyline all come together to create an exciting romantasy for readers who love being completely immersed in a fantasy world.
And then there's the romance. 👀😂
Our girl, Kienn, has options, and I genuinely have no idea which way she's going to go. But I am VERY eager to find out.
I especially loved that this didn't end on a brutal cliffhanger. Instead, it leaves you with the feeling that a beautiful new chapter is about to begin, while making it very clear that there are still plenty of questions waiting to be answered. Which naturally means... more drama and plot twists are coming, and I am absolutely here for it.
Samantha Vargas did an amazing job with this story, from the pacing and steadily building tension to those moments that leave you side-eyeing certain characters thinking, "Okay... what are you hiding?"
Risen from the Ash takes you on a gripping journey while still building anticipation for everything that's yet to come, and I LOVED IT!
Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR and Samantha Vargas for having me on the ARC team! 🤍
Risen from the Ash is a compelling fantasy read with threads of romance woven throughout. I love a story that's saturated in fantasy more than romance, and Samantha Vargas delivers exactly that.
Kienna is our FMC, and together with four others, she is chosen by the King to become a Guardian. King Vaerin can only be described as narcissistic. One moment he's a doting father figure, and the next he's an abusive tyrant. Kienna quickly begins to see through his facade, but like any toxic relationship, deep wounds run deeper than you realise and leave a lasting impression. Watching her fight through them to to try and find herself again was one of the most compelling parts of her journey.
The world-building in this story is fantastic! With Viking and Elven clans, rich lore, and an immersive world, I could definitely see the author's love for The Lord of the Rings shining through, while bringing her own unique imagination to it.
The story is filled with tension from the very beginning, with the Guardians themselves at 'war' with each other while simultaneously battling against their own minds and the tyranny surrounding them. As they embark on their journey, the story becomes even more gripping, pulling you through twists and turns, dark creatures, and a brewing war.
And like any good fantasy, the plot twists in this one had me staring at my screen going, "Umm... what??" 😂
Wolf companions (Ruva is instantly lovable), war, intriguing side characters, and an action-packed storyline all come together to create an exciting romantasy for readers who love being completely immersed in a fantasy world.
And then there's the romance. 👀😂
Our girl, Kienn, has options, and I genuinely have no idea which way she's going to go. But I am VERY eager to find out.
I especially loved that this didn't end on a brutal cliffhanger. Instead, it leaves you with the feeling that a beautiful new chapter is about to begin, while making it very clear that there are still plenty of questions waiting to be answered. Which naturally means... more drama and plot twists are coming, and I am absolutely here for it.
Samantha Vargas did an amazing job with this story, from the pacing and steadily building tension to those moments that leave you side-eyeing certain characters thinking, "Okay... what are you hiding?"
Risen from the Ash takes you on a gripping journey while still building anticipation for everything that's yet to come, and I LOVED IT!
Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR and Samantha Vargas for having me on the ARC team! 🤍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews