The Silver Ash

by A.M. Bennett

A perfect weapon never asks questions. Until it’s pointed at the truth.

Riven Ashborne is a weapon. As a shadow-wielding enforcer for Ravenholt’s corrupt elite, he makes the city’s problems disappear. But his discipline shatters when a routine job exhumes the traumatic history of his own childhood.

Ordered to assassinate a journalist probing Riverforge Docks, Riven expects a straightforward hit. Instead, he finds a single mother holding the missing pieces to his past. For the first time in a decade, the perfect enforcer disobeys.

Defying Highspire carries a lethal price. With a Surge-addicted shifter hunting them, Riven must turn his magic against the men who built him to protect the woman he was sent to kill. Failure means the fighting pits, or an unmarked grave.

Mercy ends in silver ash. Vengeance waits for the dawn.

PERFECT FOR FANS OF JIM BUTCHER AND BENEDICT JACKA
If you enjoy the hard-hitting magical noir of The Dresden Files or the morally grey antiheroes of the Alex Verus series, this novella is your perfect entry point into the darker alleys of the alt-UK world of The Echoes of Vaelor series.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Genre: Gritty Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Noir
Setting: Alt-UK / Dystopian City
Lead: Morally Grey Enforcer / Tragic Antihero
Magic: Shadow-wielders / Empaths, and Shifters
Themes: Corporate Corruption / Dark Magic / Redemption
Tone: Bleak / Atmospheric / Fast-paced

70 pages, ebook

Published April 17, 2026

Reviews

[Nova Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novella also does an excellent job of paralleling events and themes seen through Selene’s perspective in the lead-up to the main series. Seeing similar situations unfold through Riven’s eyes gives the world of Vaelor more depth and makes the larger narrative feel interconnected and layered. Readers who already enjoyed Selene’s story will appreciate how this novella expands the emotional and political landscape of Ravenholt.

Another highlight is the atmosphere. Bennett’s writing captures the dark, dangerous tone of the city perfectly, from the corruption of Highspire to the desperation surrounding Surge addiction and the brutal threat of the fighting pits. The pacing remains tight throughout, making the novella feel intense without ever becoming rushed.

Most importantly, The Silver Ash succeeds because it transforms Riven from a mysterious secondary figure into someone deeply human. His internal conflict, growing conscience, and willingness to defy the system that created him make his journey compelling and memorable. By the end, the novella leaves readers eager to see how these choices will continue to shape him in the main series.

[Leanne Friday · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Copper Rain and Brand of Dusk, I knew this book would be amazing and it didn't disappoint! As soon as I got it, I immediately bumped it up to the top of TBR pile!
I really enjoyed reading about Riven's story and about his abilities and it all made sense with the other 2 books! Amazing! I loved it!

[OldBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sharp intro to the urban fantasy world of The Echoes of Vaelor, mirroring the other prequel The Copper Rain. Full of action and building up the background of the series, this time focusing on the troubled enforcer Riven as he faces his demons. Shame that the biggest of them all is his employer.

A tiny bit of repitition in the dialogue pulled me out for a moment, but otherwise this shows a lot of promise for a secondary world modern urban fantasy rife with grit and grime.

-I received this ebook free from the author's newsletter. This does not influence my review-

[Estela Ko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy a man’s point of view and this book provides a deeper insight into Rivens inner turmoil - experiences he needed to live through while working for Highspire Corporation. Despite this, I still felt something was missing. 3.5 stars🌟

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction for Riven Ashbourne best read after Copper Rain and Brand of Dusk. Full of action and self-realisation. It explains why he was so keen to aid the detective.

[Carolyn Hagmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this world.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! I hope we hear more from Riven.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. If you're a fan of dark urban fantasy, or character-driven fantasy, this and The Copper Rain should be on your must-read list. It's a compelling look from the perspective of another character, no Selene and Dane here, but what a hell of an origin story. And if you've read The Copper Rain, there's a few things in here to make you say "wait, is that...".

We all have our TBR piles, and we have our much smaller pile of books we simply must read next. This didn't even hit the TBR, straight into the must-read, and if Brand of Dusk is half so good it'll be in the "must devour" section. Gods help me if Brand of Dusk comes out on a weeknight.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Like Them...

Though it works well as a prequel alongside The Copper Rain, I read after Brand of Dusk. A short novella that takes place before the events of BOD, as Riven Ashborne tracks down a reporter who has investigated Korenth Vhail and gotten too close to revealing what Vhail wants to kept hidden. But is he searching for the reporter to find answers, or to erase a problem?

Quick read, intense, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading more of Bennett's works.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the same world as The Copper Rain and Brand Of Dusk, The Silver Ash is a prequel novella that is Riven’s POV prior to his meeting Selene. As he navigates the rain-soaked gritty streets of Ravenholdt, we learn more about his past, what makes him tick and what finally tips the scales for him to being an enforcer to becoming someone who wants to change the status quo. The Silver Ash is is a great quick read that helps to enhance the authors Echoes Of Valor series.

[Tishy77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an eARC.

Short, sweet and addictive! An awesome perspective of Selene's side of the story.