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Before We Burn: Born from Ashes Duology
Not yet published
Expected 9 Sep 26Marzana was once death in the dark. Now she teaches others not to become her.
At Bloodlust Academy, hidden in the shadows of a world fraying at its edges, ex-assassin Marzana—Marz to those brave enough to speak her name—teaches young vampires how to control their hunger, power, and rage.
But when the academy is raided by human forces and her students are stolen for something far worse than death, the mask of peace begins to crack. War is stirring again and it’s coming for her.
In the chaos, a human soldier throws himself into harm’s way to save her. Everett Hill should be her enemy. Instead, he bleeds in her arms and against every instinct, she takes him in.
He’s searching for something too, the Council of Five, and the one among them who can wield the power of truth. Everett wants answers about what happened to his family. Marz wants her students back and maybe, for once, to stop running from who she was.
But as they draw closer to the heart of the conflict, Marz begins to fear that the end of the war won’t bring peace… only truths she may never be able to live with.
At Bloodlust Academy, hidden in the shadows of a world fraying at its edges, ex-assassin Marzana—Marz to those brave enough to speak her name—teaches young vampires how to control their hunger, power, and rage.
But when the academy is raided by human forces and her students are stolen for something far worse than death, the mask of peace begins to crack. War is stirring again and it’s coming for her.
In the chaos, a human soldier throws himself into harm’s way to save her. Everett Hill should be her enemy. Instead, he bleeds in her arms and against every instinct, she takes him in.
He’s searching for something too, the Council of Five, and the one among them who can wield the power of truth. Everett wants answers about what happened to his family. Marz wants her students back and maybe, for once, to stop running from who she was.
But as they draw closer to the heart of the conflict, Marz begins to fear that the end of the war won’t bring peace… only truths she may never be able to live with.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 9, 2026
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May 22, 2026WE REIGNING!
One of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and I was blessed with an ARC!
Ophelia gave me what I needed in a badass FMC, the most serious, yet unserious MMC, a true ride or die bestie, and a villian who keeps a bit too close. A reminder of just how much found family sings to me.
My favorite hands down has to be Bunny, but you'll just have to jump in to see why. Right behind her is tied between Marz and Connie. I am always drawn to those who were dealt a not so lucky hand and rise against it and become the most resilient version of themselves.
EVERETT! The sweet soldier he is. Seeing him have his entire world rocked and try to find some new normal gave me life! I saw a lot of myself in him and his coping mechanisms and while I had to stop and reevaluate myself a time or two I just wanna give that man a hug and tell him we got this.
This is a banger. & if you get a chance to check out some of the art for this it just ties it all together sooooo beautifully. Excellent job my babes!
One of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and I was blessed with an ARC!
Ophelia gave me what I needed in a badass FMC, the most serious, yet unserious MMC, a true ride or die bestie, and a villian who keeps a bit too close. A reminder of just how much found family sings to me.
My favorite hands down has to be Bunny, but you'll just have to jump in to see why. Right behind her is tied between Marz and Connie. I am always drawn to those who were dealt a not so lucky hand and rise against it and become the most resilient version of themselves.
EVERETT! The sweet soldier he is. Seeing him have his entire world rocked and try to find some new normal gave me life! I saw a lot of myself in him and his coping mechanisms and while I had to stop and reevaluate myself a time or two I just wanna give that man a hug and tell him we got this.
This is a banger. & if you get a chance to check out some of the art for this it just ties it all together sooooo beautifully. Excellent job my babes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly don't know where to start... this book was just amazing simple as that 😭😭
I'm upset it took me 5 days to finish because I was being pulled every which direction every single day!
The lore, the connections, the tension, I was here for it allllll!!
I was so glad to see Nadiya and Ciro make an appearance!! I've missed them tremendously and seeing them here made me incredibly happy!
I loved the political aspects here! I'm not gonna say too much because I fear I'll spoil it and I definitely don't want to do that cause y'all not about to cuss me out 😂
The Characters:
Marzana: omgggg you know how you have that one friend who always has to be strong on the outside but you know inside, she just wants love and affection as much as everyone else? That was Marz to me! I felt for her so much because I could relate to her in so many ways!! (I wish I could say we were both vampires.. but I'm just a human 🙁) but I truly, truly loved her character with my whole heart!!
Everett: I won't lie at first he annoyed me because sir??? But he won me very quickly lmaoo so did Benny!!
Bunny: Outside of Marzana ofc, Bunny was probably one of my faves! She was so different/off to everyone in the story and it somehow made her stand out to me even more.
Connie: I know a baddie when I read one! That's it that's all!!
I literally can't wait for book two!! I'm beyond excited to see how the story progresses from here!
If you're looking for a paranormal, dystopian read with romance aspects, black witches and vampires, and secret identities - look no further!!
I'm upset it took me 5 days to finish because I was being pulled every which direction every single day!
The lore, the connections, the tension, I was here for it allllll!!
I was so glad to see Nadiya and Ciro make an appearance!! I've missed them tremendously and seeing them here made me incredibly happy!
I loved the political aspects here! I'm not gonna say too much because I fear I'll spoil it and I definitely don't want to do that cause y'all not about to cuss me out 😂
The Characters:
Marzana: omgggg you know how you have that one friend who always has to be strong on the outside but you know inside, she just wants love and affection as much as everyone else? That was Marz to me! I felt for her so much because I could relate to her in so many ways!! (I wish I could say we were both vampires.. but I'm just a human 🙁) but I truly, truly loved her character with my whole heart!!
Everett: I won't lie at first he annoyed me because sir??? But he won me very quickly lmaoo so did Benny!!
Bunny: Outside of Marzana ofc, Bunny was probably one of my faves! She was so different/off to everyone in the story and it somehow made her stand out to me even more.
Connie: I know a baddie when I read one! That's it that's all!!
I literally can't wait for book two!! I'm beyond excited to see how the story progresses from here!
If you're looking for a paranormal, dystopian read with romance aspects, black witches and vampires, and secret identities - look no further!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’ve been anticipating this ARC for months! I am grateful to have the opportunity to read and review it. This is my honest review.
Where do I begin? I’ve so much to say.
Let’s start with the romance. While they move quickly for the short time they all spend together, it makes sense within the context of the vampire lore. I’m not mad at it. The smut was good too. Spicy, emotionally intimate, and didn’t overshadow the plot. Very well done.
The characters are so diverse! Each character is unique in their own special way. Even the side characters. I have never seen anyone write about a vampire with they/them pronouns before. Everyone stands out! It adds to the found family aspect of the book.
I enjoyed uncovering the backstories and motivations of everyone as the story progressed. I must say, I wish I had a little more time with some folks in the story, as we don’t always see things from their perspectives unless Marz is reading their mind, and she doesn’t read all their minds, though I understand that choice was likely intentional. And for that reason, I like the book even more.
The ending was expected…yet unexpected at the same time. I can’t explain here. I’m still processing it all. Lol I just finished the book moments before writing this review.
Just go pre order the book and find out for yourself! I quite enjoyed this book and will be recommending it in my book club this fall when it’s released.
Where do I begin? I’ve so much to say.
Let’s start with the romance. While they move quickly for the short time they all spend together, it makes sense within the context of the vampire lore. I’m not mad at it. The smut was good too. Spicy, emotionally intimate, and didn’t overshadow the plot. Very well done.
The characters are so diverse! Each character is unique in their own special way. Even the side characters. I have never seen anyone write about a vampire with they/them pronouns before. Everyone stands out! It adds to the found family aspect of the book.
I enjoyed uncovering the backstories and motivations of everyone as the story progressed. I must say, I wish I had a little more time with some folks in the story, as we don’t always see things from their perspectives unless Marz is reading their mind, and she doesn’t read all their minds, though I understand that choice was likely intentional. And for that reason, I like the book even more.
The ending was expected…yet unexpected at the same time. I can’t explain here. I’m still processing it all. Lol I just finished the book moments before writing this review.
Just go pre order the book and find out for yourself! I quite enjoyed this book and will be recommending it in my book club this fall when it’s released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🔥Monsters need to stick together.🔥
I genuinely couldn't put this book down. A dark dystopian story with mental health rep, found family, secret identities and a whole bunch of hot ass vampires, witches and humans?! I WAS SO SAT the entire time.
I absolutely LOVE Marzana and Connie, like with a passion. These are some of my favorite characters I've read. Marz's strength and no nonsense attitude, Connie is so damn funny and dangerous. The back stories for all the characters are so heartbreaking and the the way they're all such unlikely allies is the best part. And the plot twists in this???? My jaw was on the floor 🙌 you all know I love to be genuinely shocked from a twist. There were a few of them and I was loving every single one. With the way this ended, I am simultaneously nervous and so ready to see how the next book plays out. Highly recommend this one, immediately add to the tbr.
I genuinely couldn't put this book down. A dark dystopian story with mental health rep, found family, secret identities and a whole bunch of hot ass vampires, witches and humans?! I WAS SO SAT the entire time.
I absolutely LOVE Marzana and Connie, like with a passion. These are some of my favorite characters I've read. Marz's strength and no nonsense attitude, Connie is so damn funny and dangerous. The back stories for all the characters are so heartbreaking and the the way they're all such unlikely allies is the best part. And the plot twists in this???? My jaw was on the floor 🙌 you all know I love to be genuinely shocked from a twist. There were a few of them and I was loving every single one. With the way this ended, I am simultaneously nervous and so ready to see how the next book plays out. Highly recommend this one, immediately add to the tbr.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was such a tease, I kept thinking we were getting a war but it will happen
I love that Marzana treats Bunny with kindness especially as everyone else sees the vamp child as "offputting". I wish we had more backstory for Bunny but it wouldn't be possible as when you turn vamp you lose your human memories. Nevertheless, Bunny was a fun insertion into the narrative, really the entire reason that Marzana was propelled into changing from being an educator into a leader.
Marzana is an emotional mess which is completely understandable given what happened so I was just happy to be along for the ride. I think it will be interesting to see her growth further in the next book especially as she's already opened herself up to friendship and love in this one.
Everett may be our love interest but I'm still getting off vibes, in my heart I feel a plot twist coming and I think it will be at his hands that we see destruction.
Overall, a fun thrill of a read!
I love that Marzana treats Bunny with kindness especially as everyone else sees the vamp child as "offputting". I wish we had more backstory for Bunny but it wouldn't be possible as when you turn vamp you lose your human memories. Nevertheless, Bunny was a fun insertion into the narrative, really the entire reason that Marzana was propelled into changing from being an educator into a leader.
Marzana is an emotional mess which is completely understandable given what happened so I was just happy to be along for the ride. I think it will be interesting to see her growth further in the next book especially as she's already opened herself up to friendship and love in this one.
Everett may be our love interest but I'm still getting off vibes, in my heart I feel a plot twist coming and I think it will be at his hands that we see destruction.
Overall, a fun thrill of a read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly, the male vulnerability and FMC’s in this book were iconic.
This story was everything I needed it to be. A quick & bingeable read with Vampires vs witches vs humans vs corrupt leaders. It really scratched the political intrigue itch as well.
Everett and the vulnerability we see from him is something I would love to see in all MMCs. The ability to be tough, protect those he loves, but also not be ashamed to break down. Perfect.
The women in this book, Marz, Connie & Bunny are the perfect feminine rage trio and I couldn’t get enough of them.
This story was everything I needed it to be. A quick & bingeable read with Vampires vs witches vs humans vs corrupt leaders. It really scratched the political intrigue itch as well.
Everett and the vulnerability we see from him is something I would love to see in all MMCs. The ability to be tough, protect those he loves, but also not be ashamed to break down. Perfect.
The women in this book, Marz, Connie & Bunny are the perfect feminine rage trio and I couldn’t get enough of them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re an Ophelia Reign fan (like me) then you NEED to preorder this one immediately. I was fortunate enough to beta read this and i firmly think this is Ophelia’s best work yet. I will absolutely be rereading when it’s released!
It is book 1 in a Duology and it is a PAGE. TURNER. Review will remain spoiler free for now until I reread as an ARC!
Thanks Ophelia for letting me be on your team!!
It is book 1 in a Duology and it is a PAGE. TURNER. Review will remain spoiler free for now until I reread as an ARC!
Thanks Ophelia for letting me be on your team!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
6 FREAKING ⭐️s
Yall this has become one of my top reads of the year because when I say this book had everything and more it met all the check lists I could possibly ask for! We get a fmc with rage that is also a vampire, a true enemies to lovers situation, and a fight against the government!! Omg I am at a lost for words bc the ending had me crying and begging for book two I need this on everyone’s tbr asap because this is truly a must read!!!
Yall this has become one of my top reads of the year because when I say this book had everything and more it met all the check lists I could possibly ask for! We get a fmc with rage that is also a vampire, a true enemies to lovers situation, and a fight against the government!! Omg I am at a lost for words bc the ending had me crying and begging for book two I need this on everyone’s tbr asap because this is truly a must read!!!
Review of advance copy
Ophelia Reign sucked me in with this one.
There was mental health representation, hot vampires (we know how I feel about vampires), found family, and passion. Each character holds you down and makes you feel something:
—Bunny gets treated with a gentle hand by MarZ, do I want more of Bunny? Yes, yes I do.
—Marz is pissed off, determined but willing to change (just a little)
— Evertt is a guy on a mission. He needs answers (even if he gave me weirdo vibes)
There was mental health representation, hot vampires (we know how I feel about vampires), found family, and passion. Each character holds you down and makes you feel something:
—Bunny gets treated with a gentle hand by MarZ, do I want more of Bunny? Yes, yes I do.
—Marz is pissed off, determined but willing to change (just a little)
— Evertt is a guy on a mission. He needs answers (even if he gave me weirdo vibes)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews