Ashen Oath

by Zora Stone

The mirrors demand a price. The ash remembers every oath.

Bree Holloway thought the sanctuary would keep them safe. Instead, it’s become a beacon—drawing refugees, enemies, and shadows from the past. Beneath its foundations lies a chamber of mirrors tied to an ancient rite, one that promises power but leaves only ruin when broken.

The Council is closing in. The bonds she shares with Gray, Rhett, Jace, Theo, and Wes are straining under the weight of awakening magic. And every reflection shows Bree a different version of herself—queen, monster, savior, destroyer.

To save her people, Bree must decide whether to embrace the oath hidden in the ash…or shatter it once and for all.

Some queens are made by crowns. Others are forged by fire.

Ashen Oath is the third book in The Ether Chronicles, a slow-burn, why-choose romantasy

Mirrors that reveal—and twist—the truth

An ancient oath with deadly consequences

Five bonded men with dangerous, growing power

A sanctuary becoming a battleground

A reluctant queen learning the cost of choosing herself

Perfect for fans of morally complex magic, found family forged in fire, and heroines who refuse to bow.

271 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Zora Stone writes steamy fantasy romance where magic has attitude, found family matters as much as found love, and humor is the secret ingredient in every spell. A lifelong dreamer with a wild imagination and a serious coffee addiction, she believes the best stories happen when magic collides with reality, and romance sneaks in through the cracks.

When she’s not conjuring tales of magical mayhem and emotionally complicated relationships, you’ll find her negotiating with her cat (who insists the keyboard is their throne), debating the wisdom of “just one more chapter,” or reminding her kids that ice cream counts as dinner.

Zora lives in the Midwest with her two kids, one judgmental cat, and an ever-growing collection of half-empty coffee mugs.

Reviews

[Charlotte Battersby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely picks up in pace with the plot and still leaves us asking more questions than ones answered. We get some more spicy scenes between Bree and a few of her men in bonding moments but overall remains medium burn/spice I'd say. The story definitely has me intrigued with this book and looking forward to the next already! It was overall a good addition to the series and can recommend it if you don't mind it being book 3 of an ongoing series.

The characters definitely have more relationship development needed as miscommunication played a big trope in this book which has been used to develop Bree's character further. Bree's character has become slightly more confident which was needed with the responsibility placed on her and looking forward to seeing how it continues from here. Wes, Grey and Jace have a moment in this with Wes and Grey exploring their relationship with more confidence. Rhett and Bree get a moment of bonding but it feels like she wasn't too present in the moment for me. I hope they get a better chance at it next time. Stellan still remains a mystery so hoping we can learn more about him soon.

[Cheyenne Rousseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I’m not gonna lie. I’m kind of upset that I have to wait till January to read the next book in the series that’s just unacceptable lol

I will say there are some things that bothered me just a little in this book. For one of the guys they’re constantly lying to her under the guise of protecting her and while she doesn’t forgive them right away, she doesn’t act differently really besides avoiding them. I think they all need to grovel and realize that she is becoming who she needs to be rather than staying who she was and who they want her to be.

Stellan is by far like one of the only people who truly accepts her. I’m kind of disappointed in the others to be completely honest.

Ethos. I’m gonna assume he’s 100% evil. Question is what exactly does he want with her and with the way the ending ended makes me realize that he was just trying to use her.

I honestly can’t wait to see where the series goes and I really wish the next book was out before January

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continued perfectly from the last book but it did have a bit of a slower start. Never fear, though, as both the action and tension pick up dramatically, especially with a strong miscommunication trope. Poor Bree really has it coming at her from all sides but I loved seeing her growth. We do get lots of answers in this installment, but of course, not all and more questions. Lol! With secrets getting revealed, more bonding time with some of the guys, and yeah, grovelling required and soon!, this was a page turner and a great read. Can't wait for the next book to see how Bree's journey continues to unfold. Good fun!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hurt my heart. As much as I love Bree and I’m glad to see her gaining strength and confidence, I also just want to shake her. I want her to let the guys in, they don’t know how to help her and I’m not sure they know that she wants them, even if the Ether does.
As for the guys, haven’t they realised that backing off isn’t the way to go.
My heart broke for what Bree was forced to do, facing her biggest fear and betrayal from those she thought cared about her.
And Ethos, what the heck? Who or what is he? Stellan needs to tell his secrets and Thane needs to remove that stick…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️

[Shianne Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even sure what on Earth . or in Magic. .just happened, but wow, what a ride! This book is packed with intricate world building and a deeper dive into an incredibly unique magic system. Bree and her guys are all perfectly imperfect. They are flawed, real, and raw in ways that make them jump off the page.

Zora’s writing style makes you feel seen; she captures emotion and chaos in such a relatable, almost personal way. I’m definitely invested now, and there’s no turning back. Let’s keep going, because this story is only getting better!

[Katelyn D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of this series took me a hot minute to get into, but once I did, it definitely picked up in both the action and tension. But HOLY MOLY is there a huge amount of miscommunication in this book! It’s like they’re all allergic to talking and their currency is secrets. Also - the guys are massive hypocrites in this one I find. They keep EVERYTHING from Bree but the minute she keeps something from them they blow up. All I’m saying is that there better be a lot of grovelling in the future!

[Lisa Clostermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in the series, more secrets are revealed. With your supposed friends betraying you and keeping secrets, who needs outside forces to by hunting you? Poor Bree has it coming from all sides. The end of the book leaves you waiting for more, like a good little cliffhanger should. Will be interesting to see where this goes.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable continuation to the Ether Chronicles series. There are so many secrets coming to light and so much miscommunication between Bree and guys. The guys really have a lot of making up to do to Bree. The book does end on a cliff hanger.

I am very much looking forward to book 4 to see how everything plays out.

[Megan Key-Holliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bree’s journey continues to get more interesting. I liked getting to see some of the interpersonal relationships develop in this installment. It is also nice to see Bree starting to come into her own. She is learning new things about herself. I am excited to see what is to come in the next book.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more intense story in the series as they discover an chamber with lots of mirrors that involve an ancient oath. There's a lack of communication between Bree and the guys as secrets are revealed. Bree is becoming stronger with her magic. A great read full of emotion and mystery. Looking forward to the next book.

[Jamie Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

secrets, magic, sprinkled with some miscommunication, and loads of other fun stuff is how I'd describe the 3rd book in the series. a very great read