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The Phoenix Ashes Trilogy #1
Karnage
“There once was three
The choice to love or never be free
The power in the hands of the Somer
Hearts were shifting and the fire began burning
The timeless wheel was once again turning
A child was born and hidden away
The heart secure never to sway
The flame of jealousy burned within the third
Only to be sealed in an eternal abyss, destined to never be stirred.”
In the world of Celestria, few possess powers and those blessed with this gift are knowns as Valkryns. Selena Somerset enrolls into Vanderwald Academy to develop her Ceres, the special ability to generate and control electricity. She soon discovers a new power within herself that roots deeper into a past she had never imagined to have existed. Fate has much more in store for her when she meets the mysterious Lucas Brayden, a Weapon Valkryn, and a love that may be destined to burn ignites between them.
When a sudden thief’s rampage, committing the most heinous crime based on the Valkryn Law, terrorizes Celestria, Selena, Lucas, and five other Valkryns team up, sending them on a dangerous hunt to apprehend culprit. Friendship, love, and betrayal lay in wake for Selena as she is faced with the impossible decision to save the many or to save the one she loves, especially when she discovers that the culprit is someone who may be the only one with the key to unlocking the lost past that she's afraid to discover.
KARNAGE is the beginning of Selena’s thrilling adventure and the first book of THE PHOENIX ASHES TRILOGY
The choice to love or never be free
The power in the hands of the Somer
Hearts were shifting and the fire began burning
The timeless wheel was once again turning
A child was born and hidden away
The heart secure never to sway
The flame of jealousy burned within the third
Only to be sealed in an eternal abyss, destined to never be stirred.”
In the world of Celestria, few possess powers and those blessed with this gift are knowns as Valkryns. Selena Somerset enrolls into Vanderwald Academy to develop her Ceres, the special ability to generate and control electricity. She soon discovers a new power within herself that roots deeper into a past she had never imagined to have existed. Fate has much more in store for her when she meets the mysterious Lucas Brayden, a Weapon Valkryn, and a love that may be destined to burn ignites between them.
When a sudden thief’s rampage, committing the most heinous crime based on the Valkryn Law, terrorizes Celestria, Selena, Lucas, and five other Valkryns team up, sending them on a dangerous hunt to apprehend culprit. Friendship, love, and betrayal lay in wake for Selena as she is faced with the impossible decision to save the many or to save the one she loves, especially when she discovers that the culprit is someone who may be the only one with the key to unlocking the lost past that she's afraid to discover.
KARNAGE is the beginning of Selena’s thrilling adventure and the first book of THE PHOENIX ASHES TRILOGY
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2015
4 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Leigh
9 books25 followersA.J. Leigh began writing as a hobbyist during her senior year in high school. It was a practical outlet for her creative imagination that made the days fly by. She only dreamed that she would be able to publish a complete novel someday. Without any real writing experience or process, Leigh would randomly begin stories from page one without knowing where it would take her. (She has an archive of all her unfinished stories on her laptop!)
Leigh attended University of California, San Diego for a year as a Writing major, however decided to embark in a Visual Arts Media B.A. instead. Graduating in 2013 with a Media B.A., Leigh became a wedding videographer, which she currently continues to manage on the weekends.
Currently, she is a high school volleyball coach and the club director of a boys volleyball club. She plans to continue her long-lasting passion of volleyball through coaching young individuals to know the joy of developing team unity and spirit.
Leigh still enjoys literature as she loves to kick back on sunny/rainy days to read and write on her free time. She’ll often be found scribbling, in the plethora of her notebooks, possible new book ideas, random quotes, interesting names, new creatures, etc. She has loved fantasy ever since she was little and is a hopeless romantic. So, obviously fantasy romance is her favorite genre. And as the videographer she is, Leigh hopes to one day see her books come to life on the big screen.
Leigh attended University of California, San Diego for a year as a Writing major, however decided to embark in a Visual Arts Media B.A. instead. Graduating in 2013 with a Media B.A., Leigh became a wedding videographer, which she currently continues to manage on the weekends.
Currently, she is a high school volleyball coach and the club director of a boys volleyball club. She plans to continue her long-lasting passion of volleyball through coaching young individuals to know the joy of developing team unity and spirit.
Leigh still enjoys literature as she loves to kick back on sunny/rainy days to read and write on her free time. She’ll often be found scribbling, in the plethora of her notebooks, possible new book ideas, random quotes, interesting names, new creatures, etc. She has loved fantasy ever since she was little and is a hopeless romantic. So, obviously fantasy romance is her favorite genre. And as the videographer she is, Leigh hopes to one day see her books come to life on the big screen.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 14, 2023
I was generously given a paperback copy of Karnage by the author in favor of an honest review, Thank you so much A.J. for sending me your novel!
I read this book not knowing anything about it, other than the synopsis, and didn’t know what to expect. I was completely wowed! The first few chapters had me questioning whether I would enjoy it, or if t would be interesting, I felt like we didn’t get enough information or history, It was going too fast. Then, it started getting interesting.
This novel is about a girl, Selena Somerset, who is a Valkryn on her way to the Vanderwald school for Valkryns so they can learn to control their power, as well as learn more about their lineage. I was fascinated with how the author created such a fantastic world! It was well developed, and explained over time which was good, because I knew enough to understand. On her Interview day she meets Ryan, who soon becomes a good friend of hers, and she is surprisingly enlisted in the Gold Class, with Lucas Brayden, who first comes across as an ass, We get to learn why Lucas, who is blindlingly handsome, has such a thick wall around him, and It warms my heart how his relationship with Selena grows strong through the book. There are three classes in Vanderwald, Silver, Bronze, and Gold. Gold is of course, being the hightest.
It was hard to keep up with all the information given, like what lineage the seven characters are and what their Ceres is. This is something I really enjoyed in the books, seeing the powers in action, and hearing about the different types of ceres in the same lineage. Seven students of Vanderwald decide to join together in the Columnaris Program as a group.
The Lineage is what type of Valkryn they are, Portal, Wing, Weapon, Dimensional, Divination, Elemental, or Shield. There’ seven, and the ceres is the power they hold. As you see, Selena has two extra cereses, and I sense some exciting things from her in the next two books of this trilogy. Also, a Phersu is what Gold Class members get, they extract some of their power into an egg, and only some hatch, not all, and your phersu will resemble your power, and when you are in control, it will hatch. I absolutely love Selenas Phersu’s! Can you guess what they are?
I will say that there are some shocking moments, I was gasping and sitting up straighter as I re-read the paragraph to make sure I read that right. The power is my favorite of the book, then the romance between two certain characters that are known as The Golden Couple. They gave me happy feels! Then you have the villain in this novel known as… you have to read the book to find out! Ha! I’m not going to spoil any important details!
With all of that being said, do consider giving this book a try, it’s a really enjoyable and fast-paced read! Don’t pass up a book just because t doesn’t have a lot of reviews, or if it’s a new author. I’m glad I read this book and can’t wait for book two!
I read this book not knowing anything about it, other than the synopsis, and didn’t know what to expect. I was completely wowed! The first few chapters had me questioning whether I would enjoy it, or if t would be interesting, I felt like we didn’t get enough information or history, It was going too fast. Then, it started getting interesting.
This novel is about a girl, Selena Somerset, who is a Valkryn on her way to the Vanderwald school for Valkryns so they can learn to control their power, as well as learn more about their lineage. I was fascinated with how the author created such a fantastic world! It was well developed, and explained over time which was good, because I knew enough to understand. On her Interview day she meets Ryan, who soon becomes a good friend of hers, and she is surprisingly enlisted in the Gold Class, with Lucas Brayden, who first comes across as an ass, We get to learn why Lucas, who is blindlingly handsome, has such a thick wall around him, and It warms my heart how his relationship with Selena grows strong through the book. There are three classes in Vanderwald, Silver, Bronze, and Gold. Gold is of course, being the hightest.
It was hard to keep up with all the information given, like what lineage the seven characters are and what their Ceres is. This is something I really enjoyed in the books, seeing the powers in action, and hearing about the different types of ceres in the same lineage. Seven students of Vanderwald decide to join together in the Columnaris Program as a group.
The Lineage is what type of Valkryn they are, Portal, Wing, Weapon, Dimensional, Divination, Elemental, or Shield. There’ seven, and the ceres is the power they hold. As you see, Selena has two extra cereses, and I sense some exciting things from her in the next two books of this trilogy. Also, a Phersu is what Gold Class members get, they extract some of their power into an egg, and only some hatch, not all, and your phersu will resemble your power, and when you are in control, it will hatch. I absolutely love Selenas Phersu’s! Can you guess what they are?
I will say that there are some shocking moments, I was gasping and sitting up straighter as I re-read the paragraph to make sure I read that right. The power is my favorite of the book, then the romance between two certain characters that are known as The Golden Couple. They gave me happy feels! Then you have the villain in this novel known as… you have to read the book to find out! Ha! I’m not going to spoil any important details!
With all of that being said, do consider giving this book a try, it’s a really enjoyable and fast-paced read! Don’t pass up a book just because t doesn’t have a lot of reviews, or if it’s a new author. I’m glad I read this book and can’t wait for book two!
February 20, 2015
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
Karnage is the second fantasy book I have read this month, and I have to say that from page one, I could hear voices (not a good sign!) saying 'You don't know what you're getting into.'
That's the beauty of great fantasy writing. I want to get lost in a new, different and thrilling world.
Book One of the Phoenix Ashes Trilogy, Karnage, is a beautifully detailed world with a myriad of characters that at times, threaten to overwhelm the reader.
However, this being a trilogy, it would not work with a handful of characters.
What the author has done - brilliantly in my opinion, is give her characters tremendous abilities that within the confines of her world, are believable and well constructed.
The author has gone to great lengths to make us understand what the different characters charms and abilities are. Her way of describing things is way above many fantasy writers, and I can only see this growing in the next two books.
There's lot's of fun and thrills along the way, but there is one absolutely gobsmacking moment, about five or so chapters before the end, that makes this tale so captivating.
Lucas, who is main character no2, is one of those Marmite type characters - you'll either cheer for him, or want him to fall down a very long flight of stairs.
The drama is balanced well with the humour. Lines such as the ones below made me smile:-
The next day, Professor Lyle worked us hard to build our stamina. I would make sure to thank him when I was being chased by a stampede of animals, but right now it was not what I needed.
The ending is pretty much perfect. I know there is to be a second book, but you'll close the page and think 'hmm, I feel good about this.'
AJ Leigh - very talented author. I look forward to the next in the series!
Karnage is the second fantasy book I have read this month, and I have to say that from page one, I could hear voices (not a good sign!) saying 'You don't know what you're getting into.'
That's the beauty of great fantasy writing. I want to get lost in a new, different and thrilling world.
Book One of the Phoenix Ashes Trilogy, Karnage, is a beautifully detailed world with a myriad of characters that at times, threaten to overwhelm the reader.
However, this being a trilogy, it would not work with a handful of characters.
What the author has done - brilliantly in my opinion, is give her characters tremendous abilities that within the confines of her world, are believable and well constructed.
The author has gone to great lengths to make us understand what the different characters charms and abilities are. Her way of describing things is way above many fantasy writers, and I can only see this growing in the next two books.
There's lot's of fun and thrills along the way, but there is one absolutely gobsmacking moment, about five or so chapters before the end, that makes this tale so captivating.
Lucas, who is main character no2, is one of those Marmite type characters - you'll either cheer for him, or want him to fall down a very long flight of stairs.
The drama is balanced well with the humour. Lines such as the ones below made me smile:-
The next day, Professor Lyle worked us hard to build our stamina. I would make sure to thank him when I was being chased by a stampede of animals, but right now it was not what I needed.
The ending is pretty much perfect. I know there is to be a second book, but you'll close the page and think 'hmm, I feel good about this.'
AJ Leigh - very talented author. I look forward to the next in the series!
June 2, 2024
1st Read - 2015
This book was awesome! Looking forward to reading the next book. Definitely a must-read for fantasy and magic lovers.
2nd Read - 2017
It's been more than a year since I have read this book and it is still as good as it was back then. The only difference is that this time, I am older so I will remember more clearly what happened.
I absolutely loved the different characters and their personalities. Lots of readers will complain about a book if the characters are all the same or boring. Everyone had different characteristics and quirks which was fun to read about. I can't wait to now read the next installment!
This book was awesome! Looking forward to reading the next book. Definitely a must-read for fantasy and magic lovers.
2nd Read - 2017
It's been more than a year since I have read this book and it is still as good as it was back then. The only difference is that this time, I am older so I will remember more clearly what happened.
I absolutely loved the different characters and their personalities. Lots of readers will complain about a book if the characters are all the same or boring. Everyone had different characteristics and quirks which was fun to read about. I can't wait to now read the next installment!
February 3, 2015
Such a fun read!! The fantasy world of Celestria is so detailed and creative it keeps you focused on what's going on. The story hits everything from adventure, a little romance, plus a couple twists! It's a great read and I would definitely recommend it. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for the sequels!
May 10, 2019
I thought it was another Harry Potter copy cat where the plot is in school and heroes are sorted out thru their powers. However, the story became more interesting esp. when she discovers her powers and the love unfolds between her and Lucas. I just couldn't stop reading! Managed to finished the book in just one sitting. I love how she tells the story. This is worth reading and will be saved with my ebook collections.
May 3, 2019
Great Read
I couldn’t put this book down. I love the characters and the beautifully constructed world.
I am eager to continue the adventure that Solena and her companions have began.
I couldn’t put this book down. I love the characters and the beautifully constructed world.
I am eager to continue the adventure that Solena and her companions have began.
April 24, 2019
Omg. No. Why is this over. One hundred stars
February 2, 2015
For all you fantasy book lovers and romantics, this is the book for you! It's really hard to come by a fantasy romance book that doesn't focus too much on one aspect more than the other (ie too much emphasis on romance and lacks in the fantasy realm) but this one is the perfect balance. (Personally, I need a little romance in every book I read, but it's a bit annoying when the whole book is only focused on the romantic relationship.) I love fantasy creatures so the cover is what really got me first interested. The beginning of the book really hooked me and I couldn't put it down. The book flowed nicely, so there weren't any boring parts. Every moment seemed intentional and taught me something new as the reader. I loved the relationship that Lucas and Selena have. Selena isn't some pushover heroine and she stands her own ground with a little sass, while Lucas is that brooding, powerhouse type who knows how to take care of someone. They both connect on a deeper level than just physical attraction, which felt more genuine and real. (Though they are described as physically attractive. Not complaining here.)
This book is more geared towards the female reader though, so even though the cover looks somewhat masculine, it's written in first person POV and the main character is a female. Plus, romance does play a significant role in the book (unless you're a guy who likes some romance...no judgement ;) The romance happens pretty early on so it doesn't have you waiting and waiting for some action. (I hate when that happens). Since the relationship is established early, there is a gradual development as the book proceeds. There's a good amount of actual action in the book as well too.
Overall, awesome fantasy romance book and I can't wait for the Book II of the trilogy!! :D I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the fantasy romance genre!
This book is more geared towards the female reader though, so even though the cover looks somewhat masculine, it's written in first person POV and the main character is a female. Plus, romance does play a significant role in the book (unless you're a guy who likes some romance...no judgement ;) The romance happens pretty early on so it doesn't have you waiting and waiting for some action. (I hate when that happens). Since the relationship is established early, there is a gradual development as the book proceeds. There's a good amount of actual action in the book as well too.
Overall, awesome fantasy romance book and I can't wait for the Book II of the trilogy!! :D I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the fantasy romance genre!
March 23, 2015
First off, I ,it's say that this book is one of the MOST amazing books I've read recently. I've heard this was your first book Mrs. Leigh, and I must say congratulations and thank you so much for choosing to publish.
Karnage is about a young girl named Selena, who has just been accepted to Vanderwld Academy, for her Ceres of electricity and chrome-a strange silvery metal that is used as a shield. Selena jumps right into the magical world of the Academy, and makes some pretty interesting friends, and quickly to. But Selena is a bit different from most of the other students, for one, she was accepted into the highest level of class at the Academy, and she is in the possession of not one, but two Phersu eggs-eggs that have the ability to hatch into a creature representing the owners' power.
The best part of this book? It's originality. Most books today are of course focussed on female heroins, which I'm all for, but they all seem the same. The main character of Karnage, Selena, is an optimistic girl, who never thinks of herself as less or more than herself, even though she's still learning who she truly is. She takes everything one step at a time, and doesn't let her feelings affect how she reacts in situations.
The whole book is new and interesting, and I was, and still am, EXTREMELY sad that I'm finished with the book, especially considering the next book is planned to be published in 2017. Thank you Mrs. Leigh, and to anyone who reads this review, don't even think twice. This book will blow your mind and you'll read it again and again.
Karnage is about a young girl named Selena, who has just been accepted to Vanderwld Academy, for her Ceres of electricity and chrome-a strange silvery metal that is used as a shield. Selena jumps right into the magical world of the Academy, and makes some pretty interesting friends, and quickly to. But Selena is a bit different from most of the other students, for one, she was accepted into the highest level of class at the Academy, and she is in the possession of not one, but two Phersu eggs-eggs that have the ability to hatch into a creature representing the owners' power.
The best part of this book? It's originality. Most books today are of course focussed on female heroins, which I'm all for, but they all seem the same. The main character of Karnage, Selena, is an optimistic girl, who never thinks of herself as less or more than herself, even though she's still learning who she truly is. She takes everything one step at a time, and doesn't let her feelings affect how she reacts in situations.
The whole book is new and interesting, and I was, and still am, EXTREMELY sad that I'm finished with the book, especially considering the next book is planned to be published in 2017. Thank you Mrs. Leigh, and to anyone who reads this review, don't even think twice. This book will blow your mind and you'll read it again and again.
July 20, 2016
I am a sucker for fantasy books as long as they are unique in the world building and the characters I have to root for.
The first thing I would like to talk about is the amazing book cover. Like seriously, I know one is not to judge a book by it's cover but you have to agree that a gorgeous cover like this one does peak your interest in giving the story a read. Leigh does a spectacular job when it comes to describing the world she has created. One of the toughest jobs to do for fantasy writers is to create a world that is interesting for readers and they are able to fully understand it. No one wants to be bombarded with new information if they can't make sense of it. Leigh does have a ability to make things easy for her readers.
The main character of this story is Selena and it takes place in Celestria. I remembered the Final Fantasy and Dragon Age series when I started reading the book. In a sense the whole thing felt like a role playing game with character having unique abilities and using them as a team, and so on. This is the first book in the planned trilogy and I recommend reading it even if you have to wait for the sequel to be released, sometime in 2016. Seleba is a special girl from the start and you know things are just going to get interesting and tough for her as the story progresses.
Note: Same review has been posted on Amazon US under the name Omar Mujtaba
The first thing I would like to talk about is the amazing book cover. Like seriously, I know one is not to judge a book by it's cover but you have to agree that a gorgeous cover like this one does peak your interest in giving the story a read. Leigh does a spectacular job when it comes to describing the world she has created. One of the toughest jobs to do for fantasy writers is to create a world that is interesting for readers and they are able to fully understand it. No one wants to be bombarded with new information if they can't make sense of it. Leigh does have a ability to make things easy for her readers.
The main character of this story is Selena and it takes place in Celestria. I remembered the Final Fantasy and Dragon Age series when I started reading the book. In a sense the whole thing felt like a role playing game with character having unique abilities and using them as a team, and so on. This is the first book in the planned trilogy and I recommend reading it even if you have to wait for the sequel to be released, sometime in 2016. Seleba is a special girl from the start and you know things are just going to get interesting and tough for her as the story progresses.
Note: Same review has been posted on Amazon US under the name Omar Mujtaba
October 17, 2015
I am a sucker for fantasy books as long as they are unique in the world building and the characters I have to root for.
The first thing I would like to talk about is the amazing book cover. Like seriously, I know one is not to judge a book by it's cover but you have to agree that a gorgeous cover like this one does peak your interest in giving the story a read. Leigh does a spectacular job when it comes to describing the world she has created. One of the toughest jobs to do for fantasy writers is to create a world that is interesting for readers and they are able to fully understand it. No one wants to be bombarded with new information if they can't make sense of it. Leigh does have a ability to make things easy for her readers.
The main character of this story is Selena and it takes place in Celestria. I remembered the Final Fantasy and Dragon Age series when I started reading the book. In a sense the whole thing felt like a role playing game with character having unique abilities and using them as a team, and so on. This is the first book in the planned trilogy and I recommend reading it even if you have to wait for the sequel to be released, sometime in 2016. Seleba is a special girl from the start and you know things are just going to get interesting and tough for her as the story progresses.
Note: Same review has been posted on Amazon US under the name Omar Mujtaba.
The first thing I would like to talk about is the amazing book cover. Like seriously, I know one is not to judge a book by it's cover but you have to agree that a gorgeous cover like this one does peak your interest in giving the story a read. Leigh does a spectacular job when it comes to describing the world she has created. One of the toughest jobs to do for fantasy writers is to create a world that is interesting for readers and they are able to fully understand it. No one wants to be bombarded with new information if they can't make sense of it. Leigh does have a ability to make things easy for her readers.
The main character of this story is Selena and it takes place in Celestria. I remembered the Final Fantasy and Dragon Age series when I started reading the book. In a sense the whole thing felt like a role playing game with character having unique abilities and using them as a team, and so on. This is the first book in the planned trilogy and I recommend reading it even if you have to wait for the sequel to be released, sometime in 2016. Seleba is a special girl from the start and you know things are just going to get interesting and tough for her as the story progresses.
Note: Same review has been posted on Amazon US under the name Omar Mujtaba.
February 21, 2015
This book is absolutely awesome!
I have to say that this book is the most amazing new fantasy book I have read. In fact, it is one of the best I have ever read. I was totally engrossed with this story and cannot wait for the next book. The details were fantastic and the characters became close friends to me as I lived this story right along with them. A.J. Leigh is an author any true fantasy fan must watch. She has extreme talent.
I will not tell the story here, as I think this story should be enjoyed by all that read it. I will say this author knows how to spin a completely engrossing tale of high fantasy, and she has a style that reminds me of so many famous authors I have read in the past. I can say, I will be following this series, and anything else this author writes.
If you are a fantasy fan, one who likes fantastical worlds and visuals and great storytelling, then this book is for you. I am overjoyed to have found this book and cannot wait for more. I won't compare A.J. Leigh to other authors. She stands on her own and is destined to become one of the greats.
I have to say that this book is the most amazing new fantasy book I have read. In fact, it is one of the best I have ever read. I was totally engrossed with this story and cannot wait for the next book. The details were fantastic and the characters became close friends to me as I lived this story right along with them. A.J. Leigh is an author any true fantasy fan must watch. She has extreme talent.
I will not tell the story here, as I think this story should be enjoyed by all that read it. I will say this author knows how to spin a completely engrossing tale of high fantasy, and she has a style that reminds me of so many famous authors I have read in the past. I can say, I will be following this series, and anything else this author writes.
If you are a fantasy fan, one who likes fantastical worlds and visuals and great storytelling, then this book is for you. I am overjoyed to have found this book and cannot wait for more. I won't compare A.J. Leigh to other authors. She stands on her own and is destined to become one of the greats.
November 5, 2015
This book was absolutely amazing! A.J. Leigh's writing literally just sucked me right into the world of Karnage and now I'm in need for more! This book has a little bit of everything action, magic, friendship, romance, betrayal, plot twists and an ending that was to die for! The characters were amazing and very relatable. The main character Selena was a strong independent girl but not one who had to assert her dominance or power over anyone and while she was quite capable of taking care of herself she didn't mind having a little help from the devilishly handsome Lucas Brayden. If you're looking for a book that's going to pull you in and not let you go even after the last page then this is the book for you! I highly recommend it!
July 28, 2016
I very much enjoyed the story of this book. I love how the relationships of the characters happen organically and not forced. I also loved how each person's power manifest into a certain creature, just wished to see them more in action instead of flying around everywhere. The only thing that was bothering me was that the powers that the characters had where called Ceres, and all I could think about was the goddess Ceres. I wished that the author came up with a different name of the power.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews