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Amongst the Ashes
Magic rules Vadoria.
Lila Alloway has none - and that makes her the last person anyone expects to save the realm.
When darkness creeps across the land and whispers stir of ancient legends awakening, Lila is swept into a fate she never chose - drawn into the path of an immortal cloaked in secrets and the boy she can never forget.
Amongst dazzling illusions, whispered prophecies and shadows closing in, Lila must navigate tangled hearts, impossible choices, and magic that refuses to obey the rules. Because under the circus lights, nothing is truly safe - and nothing is quite what it seems.
The Shadows are rising.
The circus is calling.
And sometimes the smallest spark can set a world alight...
Lila Alloway has none - and that makes her the last person anyone expects to save the realm.
When darkness creeps across the land and whispers stir of ancient legends awakening, Lila is swept into a fate she never chose - drawn into the path of an immortal cloaked in secrets and the boy she can never forget.
Amongst dazzling illusions, whispered prophecies and shadows closing in, Lila must navigate tangled hearts, impossible choices, and magic that refuses to obey the rules. Because under the circus lights, nothing is truly safe - and nothing is quite what it seems.
The Shadows are rising.
The circus is calling.
And sometimes the smallest spark can set a world alight...
Expected publication January 31, 20261
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 11, 2026
{2.25}
I was so excited to receive my very first ARC and this book sounded completely up my alley—dark fantasy, slow burn romance, circus vibes. It really ticked all the boxes for me. Unfortunately, while the premise grabbed me, the execution just didn’t quite land, which was genuinely disappointing because I really wanted to love this one.
A lot of my issues came down to the plot and worldbuilding. There were some really intriguing elements introduced early on, but certain aspects felt underexplained or a bit unclear by the end, which left me more confused than satisfied. The pacing was also uneven for me. The first chunk of the book felt very talk-heavy, with characters mostly travelling and discussing things rather than doing them, and the circus that’s marketed so heavily doesn’t really become central until later, and even then not for very long at all. The romance is described as a slow burn, but the feelings between the Lila and her love interest are very obvious from the start, with flirting and intimacy happening fairly early on, which made later ‘big’ romantic moments feel less impactful than they were probably meant to be. There were also a few moments where tension or mystery was set up, like foreshadowing or revelations, that didn’t fully pay off, and one major reveal near the end felt like it came out of nowhere rather than being something I could look back and see clues for.
That said, there are things I genuinely enjoyed. Laran and Bodhi were the standout parts of the book for me. They contrast each other really well, Laran being more serious, grounded and caring, while Bodhi is more arrogant and sarcastic, and both of them clearly care deeply about Lila in their own ways. Their dynamic added some much-needed texture to the story, and I often found myself more invested in scenes involving them than the overall plot. While this book ultimately wasn’t for me, I’m sure it will hit the mark for someone so I hope publishing day goes well!
I was so excited to receive my very first ARC and this book sounded completely up my alley—dark fantasy, slow burn romance, circus vibes. It really ticked all the boxes for me. Unfortunately, while the premise grabbed me, the execution just didn’t quite land, which was genuinely disappointing because I really wanted to love this one.
A lot of my issues came down to the plot and worldbuilding. There were some really intriguing elements introduced early on, but certain aspects felt underexplained or a bit unclear by the end, which left me more confused than satisfied. The pacing was also uneven for me. The first chunk of the book felt very talk-heavy, with characters mostly travelling and discussing things rather than doing them, and the circus that’s marketed so heavily doesn’t really become central until later, and even then not for very long at all. The romance is described as a slow burn, but the feelings between the Lila and her love interest are very obvious from the start, with flirting and intimacy happening fairly early on, which made later ‘big’ romantic moments feel less impactful than they were probably meant to be. There were also a few moments where tension or mystery was set up, like foreshadowing or revelations, that didn’t fully pay off, and one major reveal near the end felt like it came out of nowhere rather than being something I could look back and see clues for.
That said, there are things I genuinely enjoyed. Laran and Bodhi were the standout parts of the book for me. They contrast each other really well, Laran being more serious, grounded and caring, while Bodhi is more arrogant and sarcastic, and both of them clearly care deeply about Lila in their own ways. Their dynamic added some much-needed texture to the story, and I often found myself more invested in scenes involving them than the overall plot. While this book ultimately wasn’t for me, I’m sure it will hit the mark for someone so I hope publishing day goes well!
January 14, 2026
Amongst the Ashes is a gripping, emotionally complex fantasy that blends dark worldbuilding with rich character development. What drew me in most was how the story balances political tension, personal pain, and unexpected hope without losing its emotional core.
Right from the beginning, you’re thrust into a world shaped by devastation — ash-covered landscapes, fractured societies, and characters who are all carrying some kind of loss. The prose is immersive without being overly dense, making the setting feel vivid and deeply lived-in. You can practically feel the heat of the ruins and the weight of every decision.
The central characters are compellingly flawed and relatable. Their struggles — whether they’re fighting external enemies or wrestling with internal guilt, grief, and fear — are portrayed with authenticity and nuance. The relationships are complex; trust isn’t freely given, and growth feels earned. That emotional tension is one of the book’s strengths.
The pacing is strong. Action and quieter character moments are balanced well, which keeps the tension building without fatigue. Worldbuilding is detailed but not overwhelming, and lore is revealed at just the right moments so you’re never left confused or bored.
If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with emotional depth, dark worldbuilding, and high stakes, Amongst the Ashes is a rewarding read that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
A solid 4-star fantasy — powerful, gripping, and emotionally rich, with just a bit of polish needed in pacing and secondary character arcs.
Right from the beginning, you’re thrust into a world shaped by devastation — ash-covered landscapes, fractured societies, and characters who are all carrying some kind of loss. The prose is immersive without being overly dense, making the setting feel vivid and deeply lived-in. You can practically feel the heat of the ruins and the weight of every decision.
The central characters are compellingly flawed and relatable. Their struggles — whether they’re fighting external enemies or wrestling with internal guilt, grief, and fear — are portrayed with authenticity and nuance. The relationships are complex; trust isn’t freely given, and growth feels earned. That emotional tension is one of the book’s strengths.
The pacing is strong. Action and quieter character moments are balanced well, which keeps the tension building without fatigue. Worldbuilding is detailed but not overwhelming, and lore is revealed at just the right moments so you’re never left confused or bored.
If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with emotional depth, dark worldbuilding, and high stakes, Amongst the Ashes is a rewarding read that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
A solid 4-star fantasy — powerful, gripping, and emotionally rich, with just a bit of polish needed in pacing and secondary character arcs.
January 20, 2026
4.5 🌟 rounded up.
This book has;
Magic
Fae,
Immortals,
A High stakes quest,
Banter,
Tension,
Danger and is an all round great time.
An absolute beauty again from Emily. The black that surrounds us is one of my favourite reads and now, so is this one.
I adore the way she writes and the characters she creates are just top tier and so lovable.
Bodhi is GOAT for me after reading this one. There's twists, turns and unexpected reveals throughout and I would highly reccomend it to anyone!!
This book has;
Magic
Fae,
Immortals,
A High stakes quest,
Banter,
Tension,
Danger and is an all round great time.
An absolute beauty again from Emily. The black that surrounds us is one of my favourite reads and now, so is this one.
I adore the way she writes and the characters she creates are just top tier and so lovable.
Bodhi is GOAT for me after reading this one. There's twists, turns and unexpected reveals throughout and I would highly reccomend it to anyone!!
January 21, 2026
full review to come after release.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews