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The Scent of Sea and Ash: The Twin Flames Trilogy Book One
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
~ I received this eARC free from the author. Thank you to Beth Ann Bautiste! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given~
The Scent of Sea and Ash by Beth Bautiste is a fast paced, character driven fantasy romance that takes familiar tropes and gives them a clever little twist. This story has an ancient prophecy, firestarter magic, ancient evil, fated love, found family, orphan themes, bonded animals, morally complex characters, and multi POV storytelling, but none of it feels like a copy and paste version of what we’ve seen before. It has found family, but make it literal. Fated love, but make it complicated. Prophecy, but make it hidden. Orphan trope, but reverse it. Bonded animals, but not the ones that first come to mind.
What really worked for me was the emotional thread running underneath all the fantasy stakes. The story leans into the idea that the human heart can be ruined by greed, mistrust, and grief, but also healed by love, courage, and strength. One quote that really captured that feeling for me was, “Her heart pounded against my chest. A heart I would protect as long as there was breath in my body.” Y’all know I’m a sucker for that kind of devotion, and moments like that gave both the romance and the larger realm level conflict a lot more weight.
I also loved the found family/chosen family dynamics woven throughout the story. The relationships felt meaningful, and the morally complex characters kept me guessing about motivations and loyalties. The multi POV format added depth to the world and helped raise the stakes as the ancient prophecy slowly unfolded.
It moves quickly, but the characters still feel like the heart of the story, which is my favorite kind of romantasy balance. I rated this 4 stars with a 3 spice level, and I’d recommend it to readers who love:
- Ancient prophecy
- Found family / chosen family
- Morally complex characters
- Multi POV
- Complicated bonds
- Emotional stakes
- Fantasy romance with fresh twists and plenty of heart
The Scent of Sea and Ash by Beth Bautiste is a fast paced, character driven fantasy romance that takes familiar tropes and gives them a clever little twist. This story has an ancient prophecy, firestarter magic, ancient evil, fated love, found family, orphan themes, bonded animals, morally complex characters, and multi POV storytelling, but none of it feels like a copy and paste version of what we’ve seen before. It has found family, but make it literal. Fated love, but make it complicated. Prophecy, but make it hidden. Orphan trope, but reverse it. Bonded animals, but not the ones that first come to mind.
What really worked for me was the emotional thread running underneath all the fantasy stakes. The story leans into the idea that the human heart can be ruined by greed, mistrust, and grief, but also healed by love, courage, and strength. One quote that really captured that feeling for me was, “Her heart pounded against my chest. A heart I would protect as long as there was breath in my body.” Y’all know I’m a sucker for that kind of devotion, and moments like that gave both the romance and the larger realm level conflict a lot more weight.
I also loved the found family/chosen family dynamics woven throughout the story. The relationships felt meaningful, and the morally complex characters kept me guessing about motivations and loyalties. The multi POV format added depth to the world and helped raise the stakes as the ancient prophecy slowly unfolded.
It moves quickly, but the characters still feel like the heart of the story, which is my favorite kind of romantasy balance. I rated this 4 stars with a 3 spice level, and I’d recommend it to readers who love:
- Ancient prophecy
- Found family / chosen family
- Morally complex characters
- Multi POV
- Complicated bonds
- Emotional stakes
- Fantasy romance with fresh twists and plenty of heart
June 11, 2026
“Her heart pounded against my chest. A heart I would protect as long as there was breath in my body.”
✨ Ancient prophecy
✨ Found family / chosen family
✨ Morally complex characters
✨ Multi POV
This has a really strong concept at its core. Chess is a foundling with a hidden gift, a stolen chosen brother, and a story that clearly builds towards something much bigger than it first appears.
There’s a strong sense of fate and connection running through it, like everything is being pulled together by something larger than the characters themselves.
“That man has no idea what family is. You are my family, Lovey. You and Bronny,”
The found family dynamic was one of the highlights for me. It brought warmth and emotional grounding that worked really well against the heavier plot elements.
“Regnum Draconum, he called it: Realm of Dragons. That struck me as mighty fanciful for a place full of magic. Magic was not something we wanted any part of.”
The worldbuilding is ambitious, with a lot of lore, magic systems and multiple POV threads. For me personally, the multi POV structure made it harder to stay fully grounded in the story.
“I had said the words that I had kept to myself since she came back into my life, and she didn’t reject them. Words that meant I wasn’t alone anymore, words that made everything in my father’s sketchbooks real.”
I can see why this works really well for readers who love big, layered fantasy worlds. It just didn’t fully click for me in the same way, and I didn’t stay as connected to the characters or narrative as I usually prefer.
“That feeling of fate, connection, destiny, and lives colliding in ways bigger than anyone understands.”
Still a really ambitious fantasy with a lot going on, just more of a “not quite my perfect fit” read. I’m sure it will find the perfect readers.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
✨ Ancient prophecy
✨ Found family / chosen family
✨ Morally complex characters
✨ Multi POV
This has a really strong concept at its core. Chess is a foundling with a hidden gift, a stolen chosen brother, and a story that clearly builds towards something much bigger than it first appears.
There’s a strong sense of fate and connection running through it, like everything is being pulled together by something larger than the characters themselves.
“That man has no idea what family is. You are my family, Lovey. You and Bronny,”
The found family dynamic was one of the highlights for me. It brought warmth and emotional grounding that worked really well against the heavier plot elements.
“Regnum Draconum, he called it: Realm of Dragons. That struck me as mighty fanciful for a place full of magic. Magic was not something we wanted any part of.”
The worldbuilding is ambitious, with a lot of lore, magic systems and multiple POV threads. For me personally, the multi POV structure made it harder to stay fully grounded in the story.
“I had said the words that I had kept to myself since she came back into my life, and she didn’t reject them. Words that meant I wasn’t alone anymore, words that made everything in my father’s sketchbooks real.”
I can see why this works really well for readers who love big, layered fantasy worlds. It just didn’t fully click for me in the same way, and I didn’t stay as connected to the characters or narrative as I usually prefer.
“That feeling of fate, connection, destiny, and lives colliding in ways bigger than anyone understands.”
Still a really ambitious fantasy with a lot going on, just more of a “not quite my perfect fit” read. I’m sure it will find the perfect readers.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
June 20, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and was excited to read it.
And for the first 300 pages, I liked it. The world was unique though, even with the glossary at the beginning, I'll admit all the different types of people and magic were very confusing and hard to keep straight. But that didn't turn me off, and I got used to it after a while. I really liked the relationship between Chess and Sero, especially with how he didn't push her and gave her a chance to choose him. Elite level yearning from that guy. Loved it. Exactly the type of MMC you want. At times, it's what kept me reading, wanting to see how their relationship developed.
And I feel like there could have been plenty of tension and issues to overcome for them without adding a third party.
But then Pearl was thrown into the mix, and a love triangle was shoved where, I'll be perfectly honest, I didn't personally feel like it belonged or made sense based on how the author had described the supposed "connection" between Chess and Sero. And how Pearl was built up as a big brother/ protector character until that point. To me, love triangles promote 'cheating culture', but try to make that seem okay, and I just don't like it as a trope/plot device. It tainted the whole story for me after that. Which makes me sad because, up until that point, it felt like a series I would really enjoy, and now I don't even know if I'II continue it. If you're a fan of love triangles, you may really like it. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
And for the first 300 pages, I liked it. The world was unique though, even with the glossary at the beginning, I'll admit all the different types of people and magic were very confusing and hard to keep straight. But that didn't turn me off, and I got used to it after a while. I really liked the relationship between Chess and Sero, especially with how he didn't push her and gave her a chance to choose him. Elite level yearning from that guy. Loved it. Exactly the type of MMC you want. At times, it's what kept me reading, wanting to see how their relationship developed.
And I feel like there could have been plenty of tension and issues to overcome for them without adding a third party.
But then Pearl was thrown into the mix, and a love triangle was shoved where, I'll be perfectly honest, I didn't personally feel like it belonged or made sense based on how the author had described the supposed "connection" between Chess and Sero. And how Pearl was built up as a big brother/ protector character until that point. To me, love triangles promote 'cheating culture', but try to make that seem okay, and I just don't like it as a trope/plot device. It tainted the whole story for me after that. Which makes me sad because, up until that point, it felt like a series I would really enjoy, and now I don't even know if I'II continue it. If you're a fan of love triangles, you may really like it. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
.
Theres some interesting world building in this book. Subtle hints at familiar places and names but set in a world that doesnt feel familiar and suggests maybe some post apocalypse type future where earth has had to rebuild from scratch.
The family trio has a really sweet bond in the way that they care for each other and are fully bound to each others lives. I enjoyed the writing around chosen family and how important choice is
I appreciated that the FMC had genuine connections with each guy in the love triangle, her relationship with each one is completely different and makes the choice more conflicting without feeling like its forced drama.
There isnt a huge amount of time spent on the larger conflict in the story which I think does it a little bit of a disservice. Enemies appear out of no where and someone has to explain it to the FMC, which makes sense because shes been far away from all of this, but also makes the story feel a bit disjointed - like its taking place in two seperate worlds.
.
Theres some interesting world building in this book. Subtle hints at familiar places and names but set in a world that doesnt feel familiar and suggests maybe some post apocalypse type future where earth has had to rebuild from scratch.
The family trio has a really sweet bond in the way that they care for each other and are fully bound to each others lives. I enjoyed the writing around chosen family and how important choice is
I appreciated that the FMC had genuine connections with each guy in the love triangle, her relationship with each one is completely different and makes the choice more conflicting without feeling like its forced drama.
There isnt a huge amount of time spent on the larger conflict in the story which I think does it a little bit of a disservice. Enemies appear out of no where and someone has to explain it to the FMC, which makes sense because shes been far away from all of this, but also makes the story feel a bit disjointed - like its taking place in two seperate worlds.
Review of advance copy
From the very first page, it is clear that The Scent of Sea and Ash is a very well-crafted story.
The writing style, atmosphere, and overall tone feel polished and intentional throughout. The world-building is particularly strong: layered, immersive, and thoughtfully developed rather than feeling superficial, rushed, or simply there to support the romance.
I usually pay more attention to the fantasy elements in romantasy, but the romance here felt meaningful beyond being purely entertaining. I was fully invested in Chess’ journey, and the side characters added depth to the story and felt purposeful rather than distracting from the main narrative.
Beth Ann Bautiste has created a world that feels carefully considered, both in its setting and character dynamics, and I am very interested to see where the story goes in book two.
Also… now I want a raven for a pet. IYKYK.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
The writing style, atmosphere, and overall tone feel polished and intentional throughout. The world-building is particularly strong: layered, immersive, and thoughtfully developed rather than feeling superficial, rushed, or simply there to support the romance.
I usually pay more attention to the fantasy elements in romantasy, but the romance here felt meaningful beyond being purely entertaining. I was fully invested in Chess’ journey, and the side characters added depth to the story and felt purposeful rather than distracting from the main narrative.
Beth Ann Bautiste has created a world that feels carefully considered, both in its setting and character dynamics, and I am very interested to see where the story goes in book two.
Also… now I want a raven for a pet. IYKYK.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Right from the title and striking cover, The Scent of Sea and Ash challenges expectations. This haunting story as rich and layered as scent, as vast as the sea, and as warming and potentially dangerous as coal burning down to ash. Each word is carefully chosen, each character earned their place—in the book and in my heart—and every choice the author made was considered, fresh, and sometimes jaw-dropping. I love when authors take familiar tropes and reshape them into something completely original. Beth Ann goes one step farther, she remakes them in ways that make them seem like that’s the way they should have always been. This is found family you won’t forget, and a story that shows how different kinds of love can stretch a heart and prepare it for the romance—one true love not a triangle—that will give it wings. If you love romantasy where the fantasy is as important as the epic romance and no assumption is ever safe, The Scent of Sea and Ash is perfect.
May 26, 2026
🌊🔥 BOOK REVIEW 🔥🌊
Okay LISTEN. 😭✨
I went into this book knowing almost nothing and at first I was like “okay, where are we going with this?” …and then around chapter 3 or 4 this story grabbed me by the SOUL and absolutely refused to let go. 🌊🔥
Chess is a foundling with a hidden gift, a kidnapped chosen brother, ancient prophecy, dangerous destinies, and a journey that spirals into something SO much bigger than she ever imagined. And somehow every revelation just kept escalating in the BEST way possible.
This book gave me vibes reminiscent of Cloud Atlas — that feeling of fate, connection, destiny, and lives colliding in ways bigger than anyone understands. 👀✨
AND THE CHARACTERS???
Beth Ann somehow made me emotionally invested in EVERYONE. The heroes. The morally gray ones. Even the villains. Like HOW am I supposed to recover when I love every single chaotic person in this story?! 😭💀
Also… that cliffhanger?????
OH. MY. GAWD.
I finished this book staring at the ceiling questioning my existence because WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT ENDS LIKE THAT?! 🤯🔥 I genuinely thought I knew who I was rooting for romantically and then this book came in swinging like “actually… THINK AGAIN.” 😩🖤
If you love:
✨ ancient prophecies
✨ found family / chosen family
✨ emotional fantasy journeys
✨ shocking twists
✨ morally complex characters
✨ “just one more chapter” syndrome
✨ endings that leave you emotionally damaged
…you NEED this on your radar IMMEDIATELY. 🌊🔥
Okay LISTEN. 😭✨
I went into this book knowing almost nothing and at first I was like “okay, where are we going with this?” …and then around chapter 3 or 4 this story grabbed me by the SOUL and absolutely refused to let go. 🌊🔥
Chess is a foundling with a hidden gift, a kidnapped chosen brother, ancient prophecy, dangerous destinies, and a journey that spirals into something SO much bigger than she ever imagined. And somehow every revelation just kept escalating in the BEST way possible.
This book gave me vibes reminiscent of Cloud Atlas — that feeling of fate, connection, destiny, and lives colliding in ways bigger than anyone understands. 👀✨
AND THE CHARACTERS???
Beth Ann somehow made me emotionally invested in EVERYONE. The heroes. The morally gray ones. Even the villains. Like HOW am I supposed to recover when I love every single chaotic person in this story?! 😭💀
Also… that cliffhanger?????
OH. MY. GAWD.
I finished this book staring at the ceiling questioning my existence because WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT ENDS LIKE THAT?! 🤯🔥 I genuinely thought I knew who I was rooting for romantically and then this book came in swinging like “actually… THINK AGAIN.” 😩🖤
If you love:
✨ ancient prophecies
✨ found family / chosen family
✨ emotional fantasy journeys
✨ shocking twists
✨ morally complex characters
✨ “just one more chapter” syndrome
✨ endings that leave you emotionally damaged
…you NEED this on your radar IMMEDIATELY. 🌊🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is Beth’s debut novel, and she hit it out of the park. It’s honestly difficult to classify A Scent of Sea and Ash. It is a bit of a romantasy, but it’s more. Romance is shallow. These relationships are deep and strong. The fantasy aspect is not the focus, but a background character if you will. Read it, and you will understand the dilemma in classifying it.
I’m a Louisiana girl, so I loved and completely related to the opening setting. If you like it, too, don’t get too comfortable because these folks TRAVEL. The settings are diverse. The world building is vast, but not so much you feel overwhelmed or lost. Beth brings an intimacy to each stop in the adventure.
I’m going to stay vague about the characters. I don’t know how to discuss them without over sharing. But they are each unique and flawed and human - except the ones that aren’t (human, that is).
Read the book.
I’m a Louisiana girl, so I loved and completely related to the opening setting. If you like it, too, don’t get too comfortable because these folks TRAVEL. The settings are diverse. The world building is vast, but not so much you feel overwhelmed or lost. Beth brings an intimacy to each stop in the adventure.
I’m going to stay vague about the characters. I don’t know how to discuss them without over sharing. But they are each unique and flawed and human - except the ones that aren’t (human, that is).
Read the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC copy provided by the author
The Scent of Sea and Ash has pretty much everything I could want in a fantasy novel: dragon lore, ancient prophecies, rich history, multiple magic systems, romance, spice, and plenty of twists…
What I loved most was the atmosphere. The imagery created such immersive, cozy vibes that I could easily lose myself in the world. Whether you’re here for the magic, the romance, or the epic adventure, there’s something in this story for every reader.
And that ending… excuse me?! I have questions. So many questions! I would very much like to shake the author and demand the next book immediately.
If you enjoy high fantasy with romance, dragons, magic, and a story that keeps you turning pages late into the night, definitely add this one to your TBR!
The Scent of Sea and Ash has pretty much everything I could want in a fantasy novel: dragon lore, ancient prophecies, rich history, multiple magic systems, romance, spice, and plenty of twists…
What I loved most was the atmosphere. The imagery created such immersive, cozy vibes that I could easily lose myself in the world. Whether you’re here for the magic, the romance, or the epic adventure, there’s something in this story for every reader.
And that ending… excuse me?! I have questions. So many questions! I would very much like to shake the author and demand the next book immediately.
If you enjoy high fantasy with romance, dragons, magic, and a story that keeps you turning pages late into the night, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn’t put this book down! The unique world building, magic system and characters had me hooked right away!
The pacing is perfect, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Laughing, crying, swooning!
One of my favorite things about this book is how the romance subplot doesn’t follow the normal “rules” that most books do. So refreshing! And the way I want to carry some of these characters in my pocket at all times is probably unhealthy. Just wait until you meet Pearl. Trust me ;)
I can’t wait until the next book comes out!
The pacing is perfect, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Laughing, crying, swooning!
One of my favorite things about this book is how the romance subplot doesn’t follow the normal “rules” that most books do. So refreshing! And the way I want to carry some of these characters in my pocket at all times is probably unhealthy. Just wait until you meet Pearl. Trust me ;)
I can’t wait until the next book comes out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC RECEIVED FROM NETGALLEY
This was such a fun adventure that had me engaged from the very start. The highlight and most well done aspect was the world building that was very easy to get lost in. This is a lovely fantasy with great tension that will keep you engaged the whole way through. This novel was very well balanced and I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and how they worked with one another.
You will definitely enjoyed this if you love a well crafted fantasy world with rich world build and lore.
This was such a fun adventure that had me engaged from the very start. The highlight and most well done aspect was the world building that was very easy to get lost in. This is a lovely fantasy with great tension that will keep you engaged the whole way through. This novel was very well balanced and I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and how they worked with one another.
You will definitely enjoyed this if you love a well crafted fantasy world with rich world build and lore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Go and add this to your Tbr now. You won’t regret it. This is a character driven fantasy Romance with rich history, found family, fire magic, and oh the evil. fated mates, bonded animals, and an emotional journey you want to go on. Chess‘ journey is fast paced with lots of twists. It grabs a hold of you and doesn’t let go till the very end and then you want more.
Thank you for this arc which was given as a gift for an honest review
Thank you for this arc which was given as a gift for an honest review
Review of advance copy
This book was amazing. I loved the character development and the plot was so engaging. There was some great creativity and as a big reader it’s always nice to be surprised by new ideas. I was engaged with this book through the whole story and am so looking forward to reading the second book. If you want a great fantasy read try this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an imaginative, refreshing read that did not follow the predictable formula. Unique ideas, worlds, and characters that are original and memorable— just wait! The subtle romance is woven naturally into the story. A beautifully written, magical fantasy! Cannot WAIT for the next book— the characters stay with you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMGEEE🤩 I love this book from the ups and downs, love and loss and twists and turns!!! The characters are brilliantly written from their physical descriptions, thoughts and emotions-this story will grip you to your core❤️ I’m waiting on bated breath for the sequel !!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love found family, prophecies, fated love, giant raptors and secret gifts you’ll want to pick this one up. I was really looking forward to reading it after following the author on Instagram and seeing artwork of the characters and post about the story. It absolutely lived up to the excitement for me.
When I tried to think of comparable books, I thought of Throne of Glass. While the stories themselves are very different, this book gave me a similar feeling. It has that same fresh, immersive quality that feels inspired rather than derivative. In a genre where so many fantasy books can start to blur together, this story genuinely stood out.
One thing I especially appreciated was the pacing. I never found it exhausting or slow. I was engaged the entire time and never felt bored.
The characters were another huge highlight for me. I felt deeply connected to them and genuinely cared about what happened on their journey. Their personalities, emotions, and motivations came through clearly, which made them feel real and memorable.
Some books fade from my mind shortly after I finish them, but this story and these characters have really stayed with me. There are still mysteries left unanswered, but instead of feeling incomplete, they made me even more invested and eager to continue the series.
Overall, this was such a unique and refreshing fantasy read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves emotionally engaging characters, found family dynamics, and adventurous fantasy worlds.
When I tried to think of comparable books, I thought of Throne of Glass. While the stories themselves are very different, this book gave me a similar feeling. It has that same fresh, immersive quality that feels inspired rather than derivative. In a genre where so many fantasy books can start to blur together, this story genuinely stood out.
One thing I especially appreciated was the pacing. I never found it exhausting or slow. I was engaged the entire time and never felt bored.
The characters were another huge highlight for me. I felt deeply connected to them and genuinely cared about what happened on their journey. Their personalities, emotions, and motivations came through clearly, which made them feel real and memorable.
Some books fade from my mind shortly after I finish them, but this story and these characters have really stayed with me. There are still mysteries left unanswered, but instead of feeling incomplete, they made me even more invested and eager to continue the series.
Overall, this was such a unique and refreshing fantasy read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves emotionally engaging characters, found family dynamics, and adventurous fantasy worlds.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews