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Executioner Trilogy #1
Follow the Ashes
What does it mean to be the Executioner? Is it the struggle between good and evil, and the fulfillment of a Gypsy legend?
For Robin, it’s simply another day in the park in downtown LA. It’s killing the undead as she attempts to juggle life and love the same as any other ordinary woman would. That is until she meets Gordon, a crazed demon with a conscience. Now she must battle an ancient evil far more powerful then she’s ever faced before, or risk losing the world to Lilith, the mother of all vampires.
Will she save mankind? Or will we all follow the ashes of destruction as we burn in Hell?
For Robin, it’s simply another day in the park in downtown LA. It’s killing the undead as she attempts to juggle life and love the same as any other ordinary woman would. That is until she meets Gordon, a crazed demon with a conscience. Now she must battle an ancient evil far more powerful then she’s ever faced before, or risk losing the world to Lilith, the mother of all vampires.
Will she save mankind? Or will we all follow the ashes of destruction as we burn in Hell?
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2015
3 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Kindra Sowder
50 books115 followersKindra Sowder was born and raised in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA until the age of 12, when her family moved to Spartanburg, SC. She graduated from high school in 2006 with full honors and as a member of her high school Literary Club and the Spanish Honor Society. In January 2014, she graduated with her second degree in Criminal NeuroPsychology. She married her husband Edd Sowder in May 2014 and still lives in Spartanburg, SC where their company Burning Willow Press is based. She is the author of the Miss Hyde Novellas that are coming to television, and the ground-breaking series The Permutation Archives. She has earned a number of award nominations and wins for her literary works. She is currently penning more works and is earning her Masters Degree in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction from South New Hampshire University. As of 2018, she is undergoing treatment for Behcet's Disease. She hopes to become an advocate, and a voice for others with this rare condition.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 16, 2015
Follow the Ashes
Book One of the Executioner Trilogy
Kindra Sowder
What an amazing read. Mrs. Sowder writes in a way that keeps you captivated from page one. The emotion that she engulfs you in is breath taking.
This urban fantasy that takes you through the life of a vampire slayer “Executioner” is going to be one of the best trilogies out there.
Robin has come to know what she is destined for and has found her soul mate as well as a best friend to help in her crusade. Only to loose one of them in the fight of her life. Her relationship with her late mother and her distant father is constantly growing.
No spoilers here, just trust in the fact that you will not want to put this one down until the end. And then you will be wrenching your hands waiting for the next in the series.
Book One of the Executioner Trilogy
Kindra Sowder
What an amazing read. Mrs. Sowder writes in a way that keeps you captivated from page one. The emotion that she engulfs you in is breath taking.
This urban fantasy that takes you through the life of a vampire slayer “Executioner” is going to be one of the best trilogies out there.
Robin has come to know what she is destined for and has found her soul mate as well as a best friend to help in her crusade. Only to loose one of them in the fight of her life. Her relationship with her late mother and her distant father is constantly growing.
No spoilers here, just trust in the fact that you will not want to put this one down until the end. And then you will be wrenching your hands waiting for the next in the series.
February 9, 2016
This review was originally posted on audiobookreviewer.com
This one is a quick and short read with a demonic and vampire element in it. Although it was fast-paced, there was something lacking in the plot and more smattering of melodrama through out.
Set in LA, Robin, the lead character is introduced as one of the “executioners” who slays the vampires to help people for good. The story also introduces Beth, Robin’s best friend who can foresee, psychic sort, knowing very well who and what Robin is, yet staying with her and helping her at all time. While doing her job as an Executioner, Robin meets Gordon who is a demon but so in love with Robin the very moment they see each other. As Gordon sets aside his demonic ways for Robin, she now has to choose between evil and good leading to an encounter with Lilith. Robin has been slaying vampires, demons and children of Lilith, the prime reasons for chaos in this post-apocalyptic world.
There are not many twists in the story but as far as the characters are concerned Lilith was quite creepy and scary, whereas Robin was not much of a badass I’d say, also she kept doubting herself, which made her look way too childish.
Apart from the plot, the writing is very smooth and keeps the story and characters together. Although the story wasn’t very appealing to me, the undisturbed flow in the language kind of kept me hooked waiting for any action to happen. Even after being a little dark, it is not at all depressing. It is also worth mentioning that author has done a great job with developing the characters given the length of the book and not wasting time in introducing children of Lilith instead of Lilith herself.
Narration by Sophie Amoss was just too good, usually when there is a female character in the book, the narration gets high-pitched at times but this one was very nice to listen to. The voice-overs for Robin and Lilith were perfect with no problems in production.
Anyone who loves urban fantasy, vampire-kind-paranormal, dark stuff will surely love this one too, but anyone who is looking for action and adventure, this may be something you want to stay from.
Thanks to audiobookreviewer.com for providing a free copy for review.
This one is a quick and short read with a demonic and vampire element in it. Although it was fast-paced, there was something lacking in the plot and more smattering of melodrama through out.
Set in LA, Robin, the lead character is introduced as one of the “executioners” who slays the vampires to help people for good. The story also introduces Beth, Robin’s best friend who can foresee, psychic sort, knowing very well who and what Robin is, yet staying with her and helping her at all time. While doing her job as an Executioner, Robin meets Gordon who is a demon but so in love with Robin the very moment they see each other. As Gordon sets aside his demonic ways for Robin, she now has to choose between evil and good leading to an encounter with Lilith. Robin has been slaying vampires, demons and children of Lilith, the prime reasons for chaos in this post-apocalyptic world.
There are not many twists in the story but as far as the characters are concerned Lilith was quite creepy and scary, whereas Robin was not much of a badass I’d say, also she kept doubting herself, which made her look way too childish.
Apart from the plot, the writing is very smooth and keeps the story and characters together. Although the story wasn’t very appealing to me, the undisturbed flow in the language kind of kept me hooked waiting for any action to happen. Even after being a little dark, it is not at all depressing. It is also worth mentioning that author has done a great job with developing the characters given the length of the book and not wasting time in introducing children of Lilith instead of Lilith herself.
Narration by Sophie Amoss was just too good, usually when there is a female character in the book, the narration gets high-pitched at times but this one was very nice to listen to. The voice-overs for Robin and Lilith were perfect with no problems in production.
Anyone who loves urban fantasy, vampire-kind-paranormal, dark stuff will surely love this one too, but anyone who is looking for action and adventure, this may be something you want to stay from.
Thanks to audiobookreviewer.com for providing a free copy for review.
February 9, 2015
Let me say upfront that I am not a reader of Urban Fantasy so I'm a bit out of my league here. This story introduces the reader to Robin - better known amongst the inhabitants of the underworld as Executioner. We also meet Beth - Robin's roommate who also happens to be a witch. The story opens with Robin doing away with several vampires. She dispatches them with speed and efficiency. Later on the same night, she and Beth are in a bar when she meets the love of her life - Gordon who is a demon. It appears to be love at first sight.
Somewhere along the way, Robin meets an unruly gang of vampires who happen to be the minions of Lilith (better known as the Mother of Evil). I liked Lilith because she was a strong character who knew her mind. Next to Lilith, Robin seemed like a child playing at her job. Add into this mix Gordon who, because he is in love with Robin, sets aside his demonic ways for a bit. When Robin turns down a proposal by Lilith, what ensues is the manifestation of pure evil.
I must admit I had some difficulty following the story as I'm unused to this genre but I found the book entertaining. Readers of Urban Fantasy will revel in this introduction to the series and will surely anticipate the next installment.
Somewhere along the way, Robin meets an unruly gang of vampires who happen to be the minions of Lilith (better known as the Mother of Evil). I liked Lilith because she was a strong character who knew her mind. Next to Lilith, Robin seemed like a child playing at her job. Add into this mix Gordon who, because he is in love with Robin, sets aside his demonic ways for a bit. When Robin turns down a proposal by Lilith, what ensues is the manifestation of pure evil.
I must admit I had some difficulty following the story as I'm unused to this genre but I found the book entertaining. Readers of Urban Fantasy will revel in this introduction to the series and will surely anticipate the next installment.
February 17, 2015
There is a special place in my heart for fantasy novels. Follow the Ashes painted a dark, but delightfully thrilling picture. There is nothing more thrilling than getting lost within a world full of executioners, demons, and vampires. Remember Buffy the vampire slayer? Well forget about her because Robin the executioner makes Buffy look like a novice.
In Follow The Ashes we see the world through Robin's eyes. Robin is an executioner and she's damn great at her job. Immediately, we realize that Robin fits the executioner title quite well, and that she's a force to be reckoned with. Robin teams up with her best friend, Beth, and rids the world of all evil. One night Robin comes across a much more powerful and wiser vampire, like none she's met before. Can Robin defeat Lilith while protecting the world, her friends, and her newest love interest?
Kindra Sowder has built a fantasy world that I would love to live in if not for only one day. Nothing is more exciting than a strong female protagonist who can kick ass. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
In Follow The Ashes we see the world through Robin's eyes. Robin is an executioner and she's damn great at her job. Immediately, we realize that Robin fits the executioner title quite well, and that she's a force to be reckoned with. Robin teams up with her best friend, Beth, and rids the world of all evil. One night Robin comes across a much more powerful and wiser vampire, like none she's met before. Can Robin defeat Lilith while protecting the world, her friends, and her newest love interest?
Kindra Sowder has built a fantasy world that I would love to live in if not for only one day. Nothing is more exciting than a strong female protagonist who can kick ass. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
July 16, 2015
As part of indie month, I've decided to continue looking into some overlooked gems from the self-published and small press pile. In this case, Follow the Ashes is the first book of the Executioner Trilogy. The best way to describe it would be to imagine a 90s cable occult cable show like Highlander: The Series or Forever Knight, starring a vaguely Buffy-esque woman, her brooding monster boyfriend, and her psychic roommate. Okay, that's mostly Buffy right there but it's played a lot more seriously with an adult protagonist.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer created an entire swath of fiction which I'm quite fond of--a hundred or more attractive women who hunt monsters while dating one themselves. I met my wife on the Anita Blake forums before that series transformed into erotica and I still need to finish the Cat and Bones books. Kindra Sowder's debut novel isn't quite up there and things are played a little too straight but I liked the characters, the earnestness of the premise, and the shocking twist at the end.
Gutsy move, Kindra.
I did not see that coming.
The premise is Robin is the Executioner, one of the many women chosen throughout history to slay the vampires, demons, and children of Lilith. Kindra doesn't waste any time by having Robin's first major opponent be the Mother of All Demons herself. Assisted by the mysterious Gordon, who is totally not a brooding hunky vampire who only feeds on evil people, and the aforementioned psychic roommate Beth--she hunts monsters.
I'm going to have to remove a point from the book for indicating Lilith and her popular mythology story (refusing to lie under Adam so being cursed by God) being mentioned as being in the Bible. That was a bit of a research failure on Kindra's part but I can chalk it up to her heroine not exactly being well edumacated on the subject of theology versus folklore. I also cringed at the use of the word Gypsy rather than Romani but there's no other major stereotypes there.
There's not much to say, per se, about the plot as it's mostly set up. Lilith is after the Executioner and wants to avenge her many children, Gordon comes in all mysterious and romantic, Beth provides helpful tips, and there's a surprise visit by her much-loathed religious fundamentalist father. It's all a bit paint-by-the-numbers but that doesn't mean bad. It makes the aforementioned twist all the more exciting and the end elevate the material. I should mention if this was a television show on during the Nineties, I would have had it on VHS and probably read a bunch of fanfic regarding it.
Robin is almost terminally likable and while the story never rises beyond fun melodrama, it never offends either and I happened to like the other leads too. This is a book worth its $2.99 price of purchase and I am reading the sequel.
8/10
Buffy the Vampire Slayer created an entire swath of fiction which I'm quite fond of--a hundred or more attractive women who hunt monsters while dating one themselves. I met my wife on the Anita Blake forums before that series transformed into erotica and I still need to finish the Cat and Bones books. Kindra Sowder's debut novel isn't quite up there and things are played a little too straight but I liked the characters, the earnestness of the premise, and the shocking twist at the end.
Gutsy move, Kindra.
I did not see that coming.
The premise is Robin is the Executioner, one of the many women chosen throughout history to slay the vampires, demons, and children of Lilith. Kindra doesn't waste any time by having Robin's first major opponent be the Mother of All Demons herself. Assisted by the mysterious Gordon, who is totally not a brooding hunky vampire who only feeds on evil people, and the aforementioned psychic roommate Beth--she hunts monsters.
I'm going to have to remove a point from the book for indicating Lilith and her popular mythology story (refusing to lie under Adam so being cursed by God) being mentioned as being in the Bible. That was a bit of a research failure on Kindra's part but I can chalk it up to her heroine not exactly being well edumacated on the subject of theology versus folklore. I also cringed at the use of the word Gypsy rather than Romani but there's no other major stereotypes there.
There's not much to say, per se, about the plot as it's mostly set up. Lilith is after the Executioner and wants to avenge her many children, Gordon comes in all mysterious and romantic, Beth provides helpful tips, and there's a surprise visit by her much-loathed religious fundamentalist father. It's all a bit paint-by-the-numbers but that doesn't mean bad. It makes the aforementioned twist all the more exciting and the end elevate the material. I should mention if this was a television show on during the Nineties, I would have had it on VHS and probably read a bunch of fanfic regarding it.
Robin is almost terminally likable and while the story never rises beyond fun melodrama, it never offends either and I happened to like the other leads too. This is a book worth its $2.99 price of purchase and I am reading the sequel.
8/10
January 24, 2015
" Buffy who is Buffy? move over girl because Robin the executioner is here", January 11, 2015
By
rhl "rtleeland"
This review is from: Follow the Ashes: Book 1 of the Executioner Trilogy (Kindle Edition)
My book Review of : Follow the Ashes
( part 1 of the Executioner Trilogy)
urban fantasy
written by Kindra Sowder
First of ill start by saying this is a excellent start to what I believe will be a well written and immersive series of books. This is a urban fantasy that takes place in our world in the state of California. Robin the female lead character is a strong willed and independent character that function under pressure and is a tough as nails. Robin and the rest of the characters are well thought out and each have a strong human element. The main story was strong and well written. The writer focused on the main successfully made sure each chapter made up a well written easy flowing story. The plot of the story being the main character and how she adjusts to her role as a killer of supernatural evilness while maintaining her own humanity and those she holds dear. This book series can be read by both young adult and adult and be entertaining and non offensive to both. The writer portrayed a sexual tension and "angst" that was compelling and rich in detail while still being clean for readers being young teens and adults as well. Robin is a "executioner" not a slayer she kills for the sake of those that cant or those that don't know of the evil we live with and dance around each day. This story is dark and gloomy, while at the same time well balanced with light. I love a writer that grabs my attention and stimulates my imagination that cause's me to envision the scenery and also what or how the characters are experiencing. The author was successful at making me have genuine feelings for the main characters of the story. I enjoyed each fight scene and I especially enjoyed the angst and tension so well portrayed between the main character and her love interest. I eagerly look forward to the next installment in the series.
By
rhl "rtleeland"
This review is from: Follow the Ashes: Book 1 of the Executioner Trilogy (Kindle Edition)
My book Review of : Follow the Ashes
( part 1 of the Executioner Trilogy)
urban fantasy
written by Kindra Sowder
First of ill start by saying this is a excellent start to what I believe will be a well written and immersive series of books. This is a urban fantasy that takes place in our world in the state of California. Robin the female lead character is a strong willed and independent character that function under pressure and is a tough as nails. Robin and the rest of the characters are well thought out and each have a strong human element. The main story was strong and well written. The writer focused on the main successfully made sure each chapter made up a well written easy flowing story. The plot of the story being the main character and how she adjusts to her role as a killer of supernatural evilness while maintaining her own humanity and those she holds dear. This book series can be read by both young adult and adult and be entertaining and non offensive to both. The writer portrayed a sexual tension and "angst" that was compelling and rich in detail while still being clean for readers being young teens and adults as well. Robin is a "executioner" not a slayer she kills for the sake of those that cant or those that don't know of the evil we live with and dance around each day. This story is dark and gloomy, while at the same time well balanced with light. I love a writer that grabs my attention and stimulates my imagination that cause's me to envision the scenery and also what or how the characters are experiencing. The author was successful at making me have genuine feelings for the main characters of the story. I enjoyed each fight scene and I especially enjoyed the angst and tension so well portrayed between the main character and her love interest. I eagerly look forward to the next installment in the series.
December 4, 2016
"That was when I realized that I couldn’t keep hiding from everything like I used to believe I could. I had been doing that all of my life, and it was time for a change. My father had just made it so easy for me to run and hide when things got emotional. I turned to Gordon and watched his face transform from a look of worry to a look of understanding. There was one other emotion I really didn’t think was possible to be expressed towards me."
Being tasked to protect the innocence in a city would be an incredible burden for just one person...what would that burden do? Would you buckle under the pressure? What if you failed the very people who counted on you…even though they didn’t know that they did? This author has a way with captivating the attention of her readers with an intense and entertaining story. This first installment will leave the reader thinking about what is to come within the rest of the series…will Robin, better known as the Executioner, be able to defeat the dominant and ever present evil mother of darkness or will it take everything…even the death of everyone whom she holds dear?
Robin falls very quickly for a demon named Gordon. This demon has life, love and the ability to provide her with the happiness that she craves. After going to a club with her roommate and best friend, Beth, she comes across a terrifying evil that is unleashed from the earth. Vampires bow down to her…executioners fear her. She is the mother of all darkness and her name is Lilith. The first round was mercy—Gordon was able to find her and bring her back to the safety of her home…but not for long. Lilith is now forever with Robin…in her nightmares and the very presence of a poppy flower allows her to see the several gruesome deaths of executioners before her by Lilith’s hand. With this evil mother of darkness following her every move, Robin knows that she has to find a way to take her down. When huge, vampires come to her house to offer a meeting with Lilith in exchange for her friends’ lives, she has to oblige…knowing that Lilith could very well have the advantage. Lilith wants Robin to join her in taking over the world, but knows all too well that the decision was never hers to make. Robin is a protector of the innocent and nothing can change that…not even her own death. This final decision means war…will Robin get out alive? Or, will Lilith go after all of her weaknesses, those who she holds close like the love of her life or her best friend?
Sowder has a good story-line with good character development. Some of the characters could have been explained a bit more, but the reader will get a general idea of the majors in the story. The pace is really fast, which may cause some confusion or allow the reader to feel a bit of a loss in plot. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors here and there, but not enough for anyone to lack enjoyment of the novel. If you are a reader of young adult fantasy and paranormal, you may be interested in this book. Since this is the first installment in the Executioner Trilogy, you are able to jump right on in.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Silver Dagger Scriptorium Tours, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written.
Being tasked to protect the innocence in a city would be an incredible burden for just one person...what would that burden do? Would you buckle under the pressure? What if you failed the very people who counted on you…even though they didn’t know that they did? This author has a way with captivating the attention of her readers with an intense and entertaining story. This first installment will leave the reader thinking about what is to come within the rest of the series…will Robin, better known as the Executioner, be able to defeat the dominant and ever present evil mother of darkness or will it take everything…even the death of everyone whom she holds dear?
Robin falls very quickly for a demon named Gordon. This demon has life, love and the ability to provide her with the happiness that she craves. After going to a club with her roommate and best friend, Beth, she comes across a terrifying evil that is unleashed from the earth. Vampires bow down to her…executioners fear her. She is the mother of all darkness and her name is Lilith. The first round was mercy—Gordon was able to find her and bring her back to the safety of her home…but not for long. Lilith is now forever with Robin…in her nightmares and the very presence of a poppy flower allows her to see the several gruesome deaths of executioners before her by Lilith’s hand. With this evil mother of darkness following her every move, Robin knows that she has to find a way to take her down. When huge, vampires come to her house to offer a meeting with Lilith in exchange for her friends’ lives, she has to oblige…knowing that Lilith could very well have the advantage. Lilith wants Robin to join her in taking over the world, but knows all too well that the decision was never hers to make. Robin is a protector of the innocent and nothing can change that…not even her own death. This final decision means war…will Robin get out alive? Or, will Lilith go after all of her weaknesses, those who she holds close like the love of her life or her best friend?
Sowder has a good story-line with good character development. Some of the characters could have been explained a bit more, but the reader will get a general idea of the majors in the story. The pace is really fast, which may cause some confusion or allow the reader to feel a bit of a loss in plot. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors here and there, but not enough for anyone to lack enjoyment of the novel. If you are a reader of young adult fantasy and paranormal, you may be interested in this book. Since this is the first installment in the Executioner Trilogy, you are able to jump right on in.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Silver Dagger Scriptorium Tours, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written.
January 25, 2016
My original Follow the Ashes audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This one is a quick and short read with demonic and vampire elements in it. It was fast-paced.
Set in LA, Robin, the lead character is introduced as one of the “executioners” who slays the vampires; Robins role is to fight the evils released upon the earth. The story also introduces Beth, Robin’s best friend who can foresee the future and knows what Robin is, yet she stays with her and helps her in the fight of good vs evil. While doing her job as an Executioner, Robin meets Gordon who is a demon with a conscience and who is in love with Robin at first sight. As Gordon sets aside his demonic ways for Robin, she now has to choose between evil and good leading to an encounter with Lilith, the queen/god of vampires. Robin has been slaying vampires, demons and children of Lilith, all of whom are the prime reasons for chaos in this post-apocalyptic world.
The characters were well developed. Lilith was quite creepy and scary, and while Robin was not as much of a badass as one would think, she was realistic - she was a woman trying to live a normal life while also being an executioner of vampires. While she may come off as whiny to some, she is a strong character.
The writing is very smooth and Kindra Sowder the story and characters together. The undisturbed flow in the language kept me hooked waiting for the action to happen. Even after being a little dark, it is not at all depressing. Sowder has done a great job in developing the characters given the short length of the book and not wasting time in introducing children of Lilith but instead focusing on Lilith herself.
Narration by Sophie Amoss was just too good, usually when there is a female character in the book, the narration gets high-pitched at times but this one was very nice to listen to. The voice-overs for Robin and Lilith were perfect with no problems in production.
Anyone who loves urban fantasy, vampire-kind-paranormal, dark stuff will surely love this one. The action-packed, emotional tenseness of the book is excellent.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
This one is a quick and short read with demonic and vampire elements in it. It was fast-paced.
Set in LA, Robin, the lead character is introduced as one of the “executioners” who slays the vampires; Robins role is to fight the evils released upon the earth. The story also introduces Beth, Robin’s best friend who can foresee the future and knows what Robin is, yet she stays with her and helps her in the fight of good vs evil. While doing her job as an Executioner, Robin meets Gordon who is a demon with a conscience and who is in love with Robin at first sight. As Gordon sets aside his demonic ways for Robin, she now has to choose between evil and good leading to an encounter with Lilith, the queen/god of vampires. Robin has been slaying vampires, demons and children of Lilith, all of whom are the prime reasons for chaos in this post-apocalyptic world.
The characters were well developed. Lilith was quite creepy and scary, and while Robin was not as much of a badass as one would think, she was realistic - she was a woman trying to live a normal life while also being an executioner of vampires. While she may come off as whiny to some, she is a strong character.
The writing is very smooth and Kindra Sowder the story and characters together. The undisturbed flow in the language kept me hooked waiting for the action to happen. Even after being a little dark, it is not at all depressing. Sowder has done a great job in developing the characters given the short length of the book and not wasting time in introducing children of Lilith but instead focusing on Lilith herself.
Narration by Sophie Amoss was just too good, usually when there is a female character in the book, the narration gets high-pitched at times but this one was very nice to listen to. The voice-overs for Robin and Lilith were perfect with no problems in production.
Anyone who loves urban fantasy, vampire-kind-paranormal, dark stuff will surely love this one. The action-packed, emotional tenseness of the book is excellent.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
July 6, 2016
Follow the Ashes by Kindra Sowder is a must read for all. Talk about an amazing plot that is fast-paced, full of adventure, action, and heat. For every paranormal lover out there...this is the book to have. I was instantly taken in by the story and swept into the journey ahead. This riveting tale contains some similarities to my all-time favorite paranormal reads. Here, is a leading female protagonist trying to live her life and fight the things that would give us all nightmares. LA seems like the place where all the dark paranormal beings like to live...and where the good battle them at every corner. Some paranormal beings are good. Like her caretaker, Gordon. He is a demon but one that is a good guy. It will prove hard not to fall for Kindra Sowder's characters. Brilliant writing that masterfully weaved a tale worth every reader's wish. Evil is in full. Vampires are definitely found in this novel, and I couldn't be any happier. Once this book is opened...readers like myself will be pulled in deep. Or sucked in whole. Beware the writer's talent will have readers breathless, excited, and begging for more. Overall, Follow the Ashes is highly recommend to readers everywhere. I look forward to reading more by Kindra Sowder in the future.
April 12, 2016
Excellent!
If you are looking for a captivating story that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Then this is it!
Demonic elements,Vampire’s and a whole lot of action.
This is the first time I have had the pleasure to read and listen to Kindra Sowder’s work.
I have to say I am impressed
Her characters are well developed. The story line itself is slightly on the dark side but not over the top.
I will certainly be following this author's work in the future.
-Nerd Girl JJ
If you are looking for a captivating story that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Then this is it!
Demonic elements,Vampire’s and a whole lot of action.
This is the first time I have had the pleasure to read and listen to Kindra Sowder’s work.
I have to say I am impressed
Her characters are well developed. The story line itself is slightly on the dark side but not over the top.
I will certainly be following this author's work in the future.
-Nerd Girl JJ
May 28, 2016
Wow
Love the characters and how they interact
This is a intense book about good evil and how they clash about new love and how it ends
Gonna get my granddaughter to read this cause I live it
Love the characters and how they interact
This is a intense book about good evil and how they clash about new love and how it ends
Gonna get my granddaughter to read this cause I live it
May 21, 2019
What does it mean to be the executioner? Is it the struggle between good and evil, and the fulfillment of a Gypsy legend?
For Robin, it's simply another day in the park in downtown L.A. It's killing the undead as she attempts to juggle life and love the same as any other ordinary woman would.
That is until she meets Gordon, a crazed demon with a conscience. Now she must battle an ancient evil far more powerful than she's ever faced before, or risk losing the world to Lilith, the mother of all vampires.
Will she save mankind? Or will we all follow the ashes of destruction as we burn in Hell?
This is one of those stories that I will read again and again. I cannot wait to read the next in series! Sowder’s world-building skills are so very original. If you enjoy a fully submersible read that will transcend a movie-going experience, this story for you.
Sowder writes in a way that you are always "in the moment" with the character and her emotions. It felt like I was experiencing the story through the character's POV, as if I was the character. It’s surreal going that deep into the mind of the character, and so hard to extract myself from the story anytime I was forced to put down my device. I am just blown away by just how good of a writer this author is. I’ve definitely found my next favorite author!
For Robin, it's simply another day in the park in downtown L.A. It's killing the undead as she attempts to juggle life and love the same as any other ordinary woman would.
That is until she meets Gordon, a crazed demon with a conscience. Now she must battle an ancient evil far more powerful than she's ever faced before, or risk losing the world to Lilith, the mother of all vampires.
Will she save mankind? Or will we all follow the ashes of destruction as we burn in Hell?
This is one of those stories that I will read again and again. I cannot wait to read the next in series! Sowder’s world-building skills are so very original. If you enjoy a fully submersible read that will transcend a movie-going experience, this story for you.
Sowder writes in a way that you are always "in the moment" with the character and her emotions. It felt like I was experiencing the story through the character's POV, as if I was the character. It’s surreal going that deep into the mind of the character, and so hard to extract myself from the story anytime I was forced to put down my device. I am just blown away by just how good of a writer this author is. I’ve definitely found my next favorite author!
April 10, 2018
Just shy of a full 4 star
I really enjoyed the story line of Robin being a Hunter, Hunters are people chosen through time who's job it is to hunt down the monsters of the night ie Vampires while using her special gift and the fact she has Beth as her destined partner to help with potions, gathering information as well as her own gift was great. You get a pretty good back story through out the book of how the Hunters came to be and how Robin use to be well Robin until she was just referred to as Hunter by her prey after her special gift showed up that she is still trying to get a handle on as well as understand. The turning up of Lilith was great however this is where things start to drag a bit, the story continues well enough but I felt that things were a bit overly descriptive and at times repeated unnecessarily and Robin became a bit well soft (I just kind of expected a Hunter to be a bit bad ass outside of doing their job also I think). The fact I really wanted to know how things would end with Lilith as well as what the go was with Gordon kept me going and I am glad I did, the ending left me with wanting to know what happens next.
I really enjoyed the story line of Robin being a Hunter, Hunters are people chosen through time who's job it is to hunt down the monsters of the night ie Vampires while using her special gift and the fact she has Beth as her destined partner to help with potions, gathering information as well as her own gift was great. You get a pretty good back story through out the book of how the Hunters came to be and how Robin use to be well Robin until she was just referred to as Hunter by her prey after her special gift showed up that she is still trying to get a handle on as well as understand. The turning up of Lilith was great however this is where things start to drag a bit, the story continues well enough but I felt that things were a bit overly descriptive and at times repeated unnecessarily and Robin became a bit well soft (I just kind of expected a Hunter to be a bit bad ass outside of doing their job also I think). The fact I really wanted to know how things would end with Lilith as well as what the go was with Gordon kept me going and I am glad I did, the ending left me with wanting to know what happens next.
August 7, 2017
The idea behind this book is a nice twist on the vampire hunter trope. I really liked the prologue because I feel like it set up the pace of the book, and gave a cool hint as to what was going to happen next. I would have liked to give the author a higher rating, but it needs some more work to make it that perfect read. It does have potential for being an excellent series.
What I would like to see in the next book in this series is more character development, a lot more dialogue, and more detailed fight scenes. What can I say? I'm a woman of action, well, one that loves to read action scenes that make me feel as though the fight were taking place in front of my very own eyes.
I really think the author has a good backbone here, and would love to see it grow within the pages of the next book.
Reviewed by Terri
What I would like to see in the next book in this series is more character development, a lot more dialogue, and more detailed fight scenes. What can I say? I'm a woman of action, well, one that loves to read action scenes that make me feel as though the fight were taking place in front of my very own eyes.
I really think the author has a good backbone here, and would love to see it grow within the pages of the next book.
Reviewed by Terri
November 27, 2017
This is a story about a gypsy executioner named Robin that hunts demons and vampires with the help of her witch friend Beth and a demon (but good guy) love interest named Gordon. Lilith is the antagonist in this story. She is the mother of all evil, including the creatures Robin is hunting.
The premise is intriguing and I'm interested to read more about Robin. I would like to see more character and plot development in the next two books in the series. I'm eager to see more of Robin and her friends!
The premise is intriguing and I'm interested to read more about Robin. I would like to see more character and plot development in the next two books in the series. I'm eager to see more of Robin and her friends!
February 10, 2018
Sowder presented some of the best inner dialogue I have read in a very long time. She depicted both an inner and outer struggle for our heroine with such beautiful detail, that you felt like crying at times along with her. The plot kept you hooked, but the heroine is what really makes this book come alive. Sowder leaves you on one heck of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
August 22, 2018
Robin is an Executioner who hunts and kills vampires and she is about to meet her toughest foe yet, Lilith, the all powerful one. How this battle goes you'll have to read the book to find out. I loved the characters and Kindra Sowder has such a descriptive way with words that you feel like you're right there in the story. I was not expecting the great twist ending and I'm looking forward to diving into the second book.
January 5, 2017
Once you've read this story, you'll smile at the clever title.
A short, dark read that will make you a fan of Kindra Sowder. Unless you're like me and here because you are already a fan ... in which case you will not be let down.
A short, dark read that will make you a fan of Kindra Sowder. Unless you're like me and here because you are already a fan ... in which case you will not be let down.
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July 25, 2017Fantastic storyline! I was pulled into Robin's world and loving it from page 1! And can we say cliffhanger?! Lol its an excellent cliffhanger though. I can't wait to read more!
*Voluntary review of an advanced reader copy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. *
*Voluntary review of an advanced reader copy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. *
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