Worshipped in Ash

by B. Shytle

In a city ruled by a brutal cult, obedience is survival and love is a death sentence.

Rory has learned how to fight back in silence, carving her own justice into a system built on blood and ritual. Ryven is the cult’s most feared masked, loyal, and deadly. That is what everyone believes.

Once bound by love and now divided by allegiance, they are forced back into each other’s orbit when Rory becomes a target and Ryven is ordered to hunt her.

But Ryven does not just want her alive.
He wants her his.

As rebellion ignites and bodies burn, they must decide whether to submit to a world that demands sacrifice or destroy it together and rise from the ashes.

A dark dystopian romance featuring cult control, masked obsession, forbidden love, and burn-the-world devotion.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 3, 2026

About the author

Author also writes under Brittany Shytle

Reviews

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to start by saying this is the first book I have read by this author and went into this arc with only the knowledge supplied.

With that being said, I have mixed feelings about this story. I felt like I wasn’t really invested in the beginning as it was a bit too dark for what I would normally read. I have delved into dark romance and I did enjoy some aspects of this story. I particularly liked the last few chapters where I felt that I was becoming invested in the characters and the resolution of the story.

However, I do feel that some of the depth that could make this book great were missing in favour of the sex scenes and the violence. I understand that these are used as plot points to push the story on but at times it felt like a bit too much.

I feel that if this was a novel instead of a novella, the author could really flesh out some of the points that I feel could make the story more captivating. I would love to see how the cult came to be and how Ryven fully immersed himself into that environment to become undetected.

I feel like there were pieces of crucial information missing that made it hard for me to fully enjoy the story such as: There is no information on why the society is factioned or why the cult was formed? But the thing that struck me the most that stopped me being fully immersed was the lack of character description. We don’t know what the characters actually look like to fully picture the story as a whole.

I would like to add that the author is very explicit on their warning of graphic scenes, so please read the content warning at the beginning of the book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for this arc and I hope her target audience enjoy the short spicy read.

[Francesca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I’m just gonna say it—B. Shytle is one of those authors for me where I don’t even need to know the full plot, I’m already in.

This book has that heavy, dark vibe right from the start, and you can feel the tension building the entire time. Rory and Ryven have that push and pull that keeps you hooked, like you know it’s going to get messy and you can’t look away.

But honestly? The reason I keep coming back is Brit.

The way she writes just works for me. It’s smooth, it’s emotional without trying too hard, and the tension always hits exactly where it needs to. And the spice?? Yeah… it’s fire. Every single time.

She just knows what she’s doing. Like fully.
Smut queen behavior, no notes.

At this point I don’t even question it. If her name is on it, I’m reading it.
End of story.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5.

I mean, I don't really know what to say. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great? It was just violence and then sex and then repeat. There wasn't much of a plot. I feel like the author really sacrificed any plot points in favor of violence/sex scenes. Perhaps if it weren't a novella, it would've been better. But as is, it feels like something I'd find tagged "porn without plot".

I will say, the author warns you of the graphic scenes at the beginning, please take this SO seriously. They're EXTREMELY graphic descriptions of torture. Like to the point where it kind of made me sick to my stomach. There's also a sexual assault scene near the end.

Thank you to NG and the author for the ARC.

[Joana Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

This was the first book I’ve read by this author and the moment I picked it up, I ended up reading it all in one sitting. It’s a very easy and fast read, and the writing flows really well, which made it hard to stop once I started.

I do wish we had a little more information about the cult and the society in general, just to give a bit more context about what was happening and what led us to this point in the story. I feel like a little more background would have made the experience even stronger.

That said, this is a short novella, so you can’t really expect a lot of development in such a small book. For what it is, it was still an enjoyable read and I definitely spent a good time reading it.

I’m also curious to read more books by this author in the future.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of ARC copy from NetGalley

For the book being just over 100 pages, there is a lot to this story.
Spicy scenes aside, the cult and the revolution are nicely made, and the book is very interesting even if you’re not into masked guys.
I found the first chapters (specifically Joey’s story) very captivating, and they really do set the personal background for our main characters.
The second half of the book develops very quickly, and felt slightly rushed to me as there is a lot of action in only a few pages.

If ever in the cards, I would definitely like to read a full length book with more world building, further info on cult hierarchy and development, and more insight in the additional side characters

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting & unique read - a short new take on the Divergent series.

I liked the characters - Ryven is a bit obsessive & rough... but Rory loves him & loves it when he treats her that way.

There's good suspense in the book & the book is fast paced & a fast read. I was on the edge of my seat for a good portion of the book.

The book does cover some dark topics - read the trigger warnings! (A few: murder, rape, voyeurism, choking, death of family, & more)

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author (B. Shytle), publisher (Victory Editing) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Lynn Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I have opened a few books to read and didn’t catch my attention. Then I was given this ARC for an honest opinion. Everyone has their own opinion and this is how authors grow at writing . I can say this novella
might have been short and yes a lot of
spicy se❌. The characters kept me intrigued. There was times I wanted to take both Rory and Ryven heads and knock them together since they both fought the love they had. Since both had really no choice in life but pick a
side. Ryven and Rory brother chose the wrong side but their plan was to bring down the cult. Can’t give to much away but be ready to get frustrated and want to go through the book and slap both these characters 😆

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was much darker than I was expecting. I don't think it needed to be as graphic as it was. I also think the sex scenes could have been written better. On top of that, I did notice quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes, which were annoying and confusing at times.

Besides that, I loved the idea and concept of this story. The message/theme was clear and appreciated. I just think it could've been written better. I also wish that it was longer. I think there could've been much more to this story. It felt very very rushed. The suspense was still there, and it worked, but there could've been more.

[Cassandra Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by B. Shytle, an eARC from Netgalley, thank you.

A dark and heavy storyline of Rory and Ryvern, full of hurt, betrayal and angst. Fighting the ebb and flow of wanting each other, keeping you in suspense to see how it will unfold. The tension between the two is immaculate.

The spice . . . spot on!!! Written perfectly without being overbearing. Mwah!!!

A well paced little novella, all wrapped up and leaving no unanswered questions.

Looking forward to reading more of your book soon.

[Winfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I finished it in two sittings. The story was easy to read, but the writing flow felt somewhat awkward at times.

I would have appreciated more background information on the cult and the society to enhance the context of the story. While some of the abrupt sexual content was initially engaging, it quickly lost its impact.

As a short novella, it’s difficult to expect much character development, but I still found it to be an enjoyable read. I feel that the dystopian themes popularized by "The Hunger Games" have become overused in literature.

[Reba Densley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow this author quite a bit to be able to keep an eye out for a new book. She did not disappoint. I devoured this so quick, I couldn't put it down. It keeps you interested from the first page. I hung on every word because when I didn't think it could get any better it did. Cults. Spice. Darkness. Some stalking. Strong love that can survive anything. And revenge. Even with all of the darkness, they still get their HEA.
It does have some triggers, so make sure that you read those because your mental health matters.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this book caught me from page one. I devoured it within 24 hours it was so good and played with my emotions immediately. I started reading and didn't want to stop. there is spice and action and two characters who despite what happens and what they tell themselves loves each other beyond measure. yes they have a happy ending and I'm so glad I got to read this book. I need more books like this one.

[Teresa Brenay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.

A quick and easy read. With it being a novella it gets right into the story. The pacing is quick, you’re almost filling in the blanks as you go. This would be a good book for someone getting into dark romance who is comfortable with the triggers. I enjoyed the obsession and relationship between Ryven and Rory.

Some spelling errors and repeated words throughout.

[jessie_is_always_reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Victory Editing for this ARC.

This was an ok read. There was a good amount of content packed in for being a novella, but it definitely needed more detail and more resolution to issues. There are a lot of typos and grammatical errors, I hope this is going through another round of editing. Overall, I liked the MMC- his behavior toward the FMC was refreshing, and the spice well written and enjoyable to read without being over the top.

3.5⭐️
3.5🌶️

[Read, Run and Rescue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a dark and spicy cult novella , say less!!!! This writer is an automatic read for me I love her writing style and this book didn’t disappoint! I loved the main characters R & R, this one was dark so make sure you check your triggers!!! My one issue would be that it wasn’t long enough.

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

It's always cults doing the wildest things. 🙄

Cults, violence, corruption and murder. This had it all, and was full of spice.

Fast paced, but I feel like this would've been better if it was longer and more detailed. 😊

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book! although it was only a few hour read i loved it. I loved the cult aspect of the book as I dont believe ive ever read a book about a cult. it was also very fast paced which I love. the characters were loveable which is exactly what I look for in a book.

[Ashley Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick read. I read it in a day. Don’t be fooled by the size this book packs a lot of story. It’s super fast paced and easy to read. However this book has extremely triggering content so please check your triggers.

[Rachael Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the hunger games you will love this one. Dark, twisty, and had my anxiety racing. I couldn't put it down!

[daddysbabygirlreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked hunger games or the order this is your book. Plenty of violence and smexy scenes!
Once you start reading you can’t put it down.