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Ashes of Eden
Nobody expects the end of the world to happen in a supermarket car park.
Naomi certainly didn't. One moment, life was normal. The next... it was gone.
As society collapses into chaos, Naomi will do anything to protect her daughter.
But with her son trapped in London, staying safe is no longer an option.
Because survival isn't just about staying alive anymore.
Something is changing.
Those who survived the bombs... are becoming something else.
And beneath the destruction, something ancient is stirring.
As Naomi sets out on a journey that will test everything she thought she knew about the world, she begins to uncover whispers of a hidden organisation...
...and a truth far more sinister than she could have imagined.
This wasn't an accident.
It was planned.
And somehow... she's at the centre of it.
In a world where trust is fragile, danger is evolving, and hope feels increasingly out of reach...
How far would you go to save the people you love?
A gripping, emotionally charged post-apocalyptic thriller about survival, family, faith, and the awakening of something ancient and unknown.
Naomi certainly didn't. One moment, life was normal. The next... it was gone.
As society collapses into chaos, Naomi will do anything to protect her daughter.
But with her son trapped in London, staying safe is no longer an option.
Because survival isn't just about staying alive anymore.
Something is changing.
Those who survived the bombs... are becoming something else.
And beneath the destruction, something ancient is stirring.
As Naomi sets out on a journey that will test everything she thought she knew about the world, she begins to uncover whispers of a hidden organisation...
...and a truth far more sinister than she could have imagined.
This wasn't an accident.
It was planned.
And somehow... she's at the centre of it.
In a world where trust is fragile, danger is evolving, and hope feels increasingly out of reach...
How far would you go to save the people you love?
A gripping, emotionally charged post-apocalyptic thriller about survival, family, faith, and the awakening of something ancient and unknown.
460 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2026
About the author
Lynda Ponder
2 books8 followersLynda Ponder writes emotionally rich, atmospheric fiction exploring survival, faith, and what it means to hold onto hope when everything falls apart.
Her debut novel, *Ashes of Eden*, is a haunting, post-apocalyptic story of a mother searching for her son in a broken world, blending themes of love, resilience, and awakening.
Based in the UK, Lynda is also the founder of Ink & Alchemy Studio, where she helps other authors bring their stories to life through beautiful, soul-led book design.
When she’s not writing, she’s often walking in nature, dreaming up new worlds, or sharing her journey as an indie author.
Her debut novel, *Ashes of Eden*, is a haunting, post-apocalyptic story of a mother searching for her son in a broken world, blending themes of love, resilience, and awakening.
Based in the UK, Lynda is also the founder of Ink & Alchemy Studio, where she helps other authors bring their stories to life through beautiful, soul-led book design.
When she’s not writing, she’s often walking in nature, dreaming up new worlds, or sharing her journey as an indie author.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 24, 2026
I could say so many amazing things about ashes of Eden but they would never be enough to express how incredible this book truly is.
I had the honour of being an ARC reader for this incredible book!, if you love books that give off the vibes of the walking dead and post apocalyptic worlds then ashes of Eden is for you!
When I tell you that you won’t be able to put it down, I was hooked in less than ten pages!
It is one of the best books I have read!!🖤
Lynda put her heart and soul into this book and you can tell this through every word that is written!!
Plus the cover art is beautiful!!!
I had the honour of being an ARC reader for this incredible book!, if you love books that give off the vibes of the walking dead and post apocalyptic worlds then ashes of Eden is for you!
When I tell you that you won’t be able to put it down, I was hooked in less than ten pages!
It is one of the best books I have read!!🖤
Lynda put her heart and soul into this book and you can tell this through every word that is written!!
Plus the cover art is beautiful!!!
April 19, 2026
I had the opportunity to read this book in advance. I really enjoyed this book overall. It starts exciting. The first part of the book challenged my way of thinking about who we are when modern conveniences are removed. I think this book had some very clever ideas and plot development I could not predict. I look forward to future books in this series.
April 28, 2026
As soon as I started reading this post apocalyptic dystopian thriller I cancelled all my plans for the foreseeable future. With my physical copy, kindle ebook, map, compass and candle to help light the way, I was ready to begin and with such an intense and gripping prologue was enough to have me addicted in 11 pages.
The FMC Naomi’s desperate race to get home to her daughter Maya as bombs fall and planes crash immediately made me get a coffee and my blanket cause I knew I wouldn’t be moving for a while.
The chaos and horror of the world around her crumbling felt so real, the sensory detail all the smells, rotten meat, burning, everything she saw happening around her, heard bombs falling, planes crashing, gunfire, feeling vibrations rippling through her bones and the copper, metallic tang she tasted, made it feel so real, i could see, smell hear taste and feel what she was. I was right there with them.
The way she built her world especially when the places are familiar it’s super easy to imagine.
I enjoyed the before chapters, often showing clear signs of what was about to come.
The characters are a huge strength. Naomi’s determination, to get home then find her son are admirable. Maya’s growth from scared to courageous was a real highlight and I loved her relationship with Boaz.
Boaz, I love a dog in a story and as a dog mum was praying that he make it through with them, and he was super clever, protective obedient.
Lucas’s knowledge beforehand the emails, gave him an advantage and the clues that he left him mum were brilliant, I really enjoyed seeing Naomi and Maya work out where to go.
I have such a love for James, he really was a rock for Naomi and Maya and loved how he went with them, I was rooting for them to get together., and some of his words at the end really gave me the feels.
The concept of the Hollowed, like zombies, the Eden Network, and the biohazard, ants being infected to spread the nanotech into humans bloodstream, the breakdown of life, humans kept in pods to be ready for the new order, controls evolution, was gripping, clever and really reminded me of some of my favourite shows on tv,. There was an eerie feeling throughout and at time I had chills,
I loved how the text was formatted, as some of the chapters were in the longer side, it was easy to take a break or pause for a coffee.
I definitely will remember this story of survival, determination and hope forever.
5⭐️ really doesn’t give it justice, well done Lynda this is a superb, well written story I will recommend til my dying days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A Gritty, Heartfelt Journey Through the Dust and Debris of England.
What a debut!
Ashes of Eden by Lynda Ponder is one of those rare dystopian novels that manages to feel deeply personal despite its sprawling, high-stakes setting. From the first chapter, you get the distinct sense that there is a profound underlying story driving the author’s pen—an emotional weight that makes the world-building feel lived-in and the risks feel real.
The Heart of the Story - At its core, this isn't just a survival guide for the end of the world; it’s a beautiful exploration of reclaiming your identity. Watching the protagonist navigate the wreckage of her life to find who she truly is—and who she wants to be going forward—is incredibly moving. It’s a story about shedding the layers of who the world told you to be and finding the strength to stand on your own two feet again.
Relatable Characters & Sharp Wit - I have to give a special shout-out to Callum. His quips and one-liners were easily my favorite part of the dialogue. As someone who often uses humor as a shield when things get uncomfortable, I felt seen by his character and this is probably how I would act should I be faced with an apocalyptic situation 🤷🏽♀️ He provides the perfect amount of levity without undermining the gravity of their situation.
Suspense & Themes - Lynda nails the "trust no one" atmosphere perfectly. The book hits on some heavy, gripping themes:
The Enemy Within: The tension of an enemy hiding in plain sight kept me turning pages late into the night.
The System: If you enjoy stories about government mistrust and layers of conspiracy theories, the threat being right in front of you then this will be right up your street.
A Mother's Hope: The emotional anchor of the book is watching the protagonist's daughter grow and the search to locate her son who seems to know a lot more than we do. In a world defined by staying in the shadows, the daughter becomes a genuine beacon of light, representing the future they are all fighting for.
Romantic interests : this is quite hidden in the plot lines and we get small glimpses of it with both the FMC and her daughter but it’s not a massive party of the story at this point.
Conclusion:
The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5 stars is that I wanted even more of the hidden love story—the chemistry was there, and I was constantly rooting for those moments of connection amidst the chaos and probably a bit more description of those tender moments.
Ashes of Eden is a poignant, thrilling read that balances dystopian grit with genuine human warmth. It’s a reminder that even when the world burns, we can still choose who we become in the aftermath.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment.
A Gritty, Heartfelt Journey Through the Dust and Debris of England.
What a debut!
Ashes of Eden by Lynda Ponder is one of those rare dystopian novels that manages to feel deeply personal despite its sprawling, high-stakes setting. From the first chapter, you get the distinct sense that there is a profound underlying story driving the author’s pen—an emotional weight that makes the world-building feel lived-in and the risks feel real.
The Heart of the Story - At its core, this isn't just a survival guide for the end of the world; it’s a beautiful exploration of reclaiming your identity. Watching the protagonist navigate the wreckage of her life to find who she truly is—and who she wants to be going forward—is incredibly moving. It’s a story about shedding the layers of who the world told you to be and finding the strength to stand on your own two feet again.
Relatable Characters & Sharp Wit - I have to give a special shout-out to Callum. His quips and one-liners were easily my favorite part of the dialogue. As someone who often uses humor as a shield when things get uncomfortable, I felt seen by his character and this is probably how I would act should I be faced with an apocalyptic situation 🤷🏽♀️ He provides the perfect amount of levity without undermining the gravity of their situation.
Suspense & Themes - Lynda nails the "trust no one" atmosphere perfectly. The book hits on some heavy, gripping themes:
The Enemy Within: The tension of an enemy hiding in plain sight kept me turning pages late into the night.
The System: If you enjoy stories about government mistrust and layers of conspiracy theories, the threat being right in front of you then this will be right up your street.
A Mother's Hope: The emotional anchor of the book is watching the protagonist's daughter grow and the search to locate her son who seems to know a lot more than we do. In a world defined by staying in the shadows, the daughter becomes a genuine beacon of light, representing the future they are all fighting for.
Romantic interests : this is quite hidden in the plot lines and we get small glimpses of it with both the FMC and her daughter but it’s not a massive party of the story at this point.
Conclusion:
The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5 stars is that I wanted even more of the hidden love story—the chemistry was there, and I was constantly rooting for those moments of connection amidst the chaos and probably a bit more description of those tender moments.
Ashes of Eden is a poignant, thrilling read that balances dystopian grit with genuine human warmth. It’s a reminder that even when the world burns, we can still choose who we become in the aftermath.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment.
May 3, 2026
This was a really great book. I loved the main character and her voice, hopeful but realistic. The dystopian feel resides heavily throughout the book, along with the suffering the characters are going through. Interesting concept, with a fast moving plot. All the characters were well written. If you are a fan of dystopian books you will love this one.
April 26, 2026
A dystopian story following Naomi & her daughter, Maya, on their journey to find Naomi's son, Lucas. A story about found family & the human will to not only survive, but to adapt. I really liked the way Lynda wrote this story, how each chapter had a "Before" piece before moving onto the next one, a snapshot of lives before everything went wrong. I got Walking Dead vibes to begin with, but they soon gave way to allow this story to instill it's own. I think what made this stand out for me, was the way not only the characters, but the story evolved, from that simple desire to protect your children, to embracing humanity & refusing to bow down. The end is only the beginning & I'm really interested to see how this story continues.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve had to sit with my thoughts for a few days before writing this because, honestly, I am still reeling. This is only my third ARC review, but I can already say I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a book that has gripped me quite like this one. From the first chapter to the final page, this story played out like a total blockbuster in my mind.
The World-Building
The world Lynda has constructed is nothing short of staggering. In our current global climate, there is something hauntingly surreal about the narrative. The atmosphere is so thick and the stakes are so high that the lines between fiction and reality began to blur for me. It’s rare to find an author who can capture that kind of first-hand intensity; I wasn't just observing the story—I felt like I was living it alongside the characters, breathing the same air and feeling the same dread.
The Emotional Core
On a personal note, the emotional weight of this book is incredible. Lynda captures the primal, fierce urge to protect your child with such raw, unapologetic honesty. It turns the desperation of survival into something far more than just a plot point—it’s a visceral experience. As a mother, it hit me with a force I wasn't prepared for. It explores that bone-deep protective instinct in a way that feels both beautiful and terrifying.
The Prose
The writing style is insane in the best possible way. It is bold, urgent, and deeply moving. There is a pulse to the sentences that makes the pacing feel relentless, yet there is enough heart to make you break for these characters.
Final Thoughts
This is a story that stays with you. It’s provocative, timely, and expertly crafted. If you are looking for a read that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally devastating, look no further. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read this early—it is a story that will be living in my head for a very long time.
The World-Building
The world Lynda has constructed is nothing short of staggering. In our current global climate, there is something hauntingly surreal about the narrative. The atmosphere is so thick and the stakes are so high that the lines between fiction and reality began to blur for me. It’s rare to find an author who can capture that kind of first-hand intensity; I wasn't just observing the story—I felt like I was living it alongside the characters, breathing the same air and feeling the same dread.
The Emotional Core
On a personal note, the emotional weight of this book is incredible. Lynda captures the primal, fierce urge to protect your child with such raw, unapologetic honesty. It turns the desperation of survival into something far more than just a plot point—it’s a visceral experience. As a mother, it hit me with a force I wasn't prepared for. It explores that bone-deep protective instinct in a way that feels both beautiful and terrifying.
The Prose
The writing style is insane in the best possible way. It is bold, urgent, and deeply moving. There is a pulse to the sentences that makes the pacing feel relentless, yet there is enough heart to make you break for these characters.
Final Thoughts
This is a story that stays with you. It’s provocative, timely, and expertly crafted. If you are looking for a read that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally devastating, look no further. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read this early—it is a story that will be living in my head for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an apocalyptic story set in present-day England, and it follows Naomi and her teenage daughter Maya as they try to navigate a world that was once familiar, safe, and ordinary, but has now become something completely different. Their main goal is to find Naomi’s son Lucas, and Maya’s older brother, who was living in London when the attack happened. As they travel through this new reality, they begin to notice strange details and unsettling patterns that make it clear that something is deeply wrong with the world around them.
What I really liked about this book is its pacing. It moves at a steady and balanced pace, giving space to character development, emotional moments, tension, and action without ever feeling rushed or dragged out. On the surface, it has many of the elements you might expect from a classic apocalyptic story, but what makes it stand out is how grounded it feels. The characters are believable, and they never feel exaggerated just for shock value or for the sake of creating dramatic moments. That made the story feel much more immersive and emotionally effective for me.
The writing itself is strong and polished, and the story feels carefully thought through. It is clearly rooted in the society we know today, which makes it all the more unsettling, and it also includes a subtle but effective layer of social commentary that adds depth without overwhelming the main story.
Overall, I think Ashes of Eden is absolutely worth reading. I’m very grateful to Lynda for letting me be part of her ARC team, and I’m really excited to see where she takes these characters next. Since this is the first book in a series, I’ll definitely be looking forward to what comes next for our heroes
What I really liked about this book is its pacing. It moves at a steady and balanced pace, giving space to character development, emotional moments, tension, and action without ever feeling rushed or dragged out. On the surface, it has many of the elements you might expect from a classic apocalyptic story, but what makes it stand out is how grounded it feels. The characters are believable, and they never feel exaggerated just for shock value or for the sake of creating dramatic moments. That made the story feel much more immersive and emotionally effective for me.
The writing itself is strong and polished, and the story feels carefully thought through. It is clearly rooted in the society we know today, which makes it all the more unsettling, and it also includes a subtle but effective layer of social commentary that adds depth without overwhelming the main story.
Overall, I think Ashes of Eden is absolutely worth reading. I’m very grateful to Lynda for letting me be part of her ARC team, and I’m really excited to see where she takes these characters next. Since this is the first book in a series, I’ll definitely be looking forward to what comes next for our heroes
May 6, 2026
Wow incredible read! I was gripped from the few first pages, from the sky being on fire and Naomi needing to get back home to find and protect her daughter. The story then goes on a journey to try and find her son, throughout the journey they discover other people and need to decide who to trust and who to stay hidden from. Coming across people who look ‘wrong’ and as a found family they try to figure out what’s going on and what’s made people like that. When they get to where Naomi’s son should be they find clues that have been left by him taking them on a journey back home to come face to face with an unground world and the terrifying truth of what’s happening to people. Not only are we being told the story of life after the apocalypse but we get to hear stories about characters from ‘before’.
Lynda has written it in a way that grips you early on and keeps you engaged and asking many questions throughout the book. It answered questions that come up and ones you don’t think about, overall it’s about what a mother will do to find and protect her kids when the world ends. A story about found family protecting, caring and loving each other and doing anything they have to, in order to keep everyone safe. I had high expectations before the book was released from everything I had seen posted on social media about the story and it definitely lived up to and surpassed them all, I would 100% recommend this book! Congratulations Lynda on an incredible story and I can’t wait to read more!
Lynda has written it in a way that grips you early on and keeps you engaged and asking many questions throughout the book. It answered questions that come up and ones you don’t think about, overall it’s about what a mother will do to find and protect her kids when the world ends. A story about found family protecting, caring and loving each other and doing anything they have to, in order to keep everyone safe. I had high expectations before the book was released from everything I had seen posted on social media about the story and it definitely lived up to and surpassed them all, I would 100% recommend this book! Congratulations Lynda on an incredible story and I can’t wait to read more!
Review of advance copy
I received this as an ARC copy and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
This isn’t my usual genre, so I’m glad I decided to give it a try. The story intrigued me from the very first chapter, and I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. While I did find the pacing quite slow overall, the characters were all very likeable, and I especially loved the strong sense of found family throughout the book.
This isn’t my usual genre, so I’m glad I decided to give it a try. The story intrigued me from the very first chapter, and I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. While I did find the pacing quite slow overall, the characters were all very likeable, and I especially loved the strong sense of found family throughout the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I beta read this story and it is amazing. The cruelty of the sudden apocalyptic world is striking against the love of a mother searching for her son. If end-of-the-world drama, found family and truth searching are your things then this book is for you. The writing is powerful and poignant and each challenges you wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Ashes of Eden and I thoroughly recommend it.
A post apocalyptic story interspersed with small bits of narration from 'before' is well told and the world is well built. I became so immersed in the story I had to keep reminding myself to breathe!
A story like none I've read before, what started as a simple tale about the end of the world as we know it quickly became so much more. A mother's journey to find her son became so much deeper, and the 'found family' along the way became as beloved to me as the reader as they did to the main character.
Recommended reading for anyone who loves stories of human grit and determination with mystery and intrigue.
(a personal note to the author...I went for a run in the dark hours of the morning after reading this book and felt the dread of the characters when I heard a lorry on the road and saw all the headlights, genuinely felt like I needed to not be discovered...so, thanks for that!)
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Ashes of Eden and I thoroughly recommend it.
A post apocalyptic story interspersed with small bits of narration from 'before' is well told and the world is well built. I became so immersed in the story I had to keep reminding myself to breathe!
A story like none I've read before, what started as a simple tale about the end of the world as we know it quickly became so much more. A mother's journey to find her son became so much deeper, and the 'found family' along the way became as beloved to me as the reader as they did to the main character.
Recommended reading for anyone who loves stories of human grit and determination with mystery and intrigue.
(a personal note to the author...I went for a run in the dark hours of the morning after reading this book and felt the dread of the characters when I heard a lorry on the road and saw all the headlights, genuinely felt like I needed to not be discovered...so, thanks for that!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve poured everything into this story – survival, faith, and the question of what we hold onto when everything falls apart.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews