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Out of the Ashes
When Ashelandra’s father dies, she ends up a servant in her own house, instead of the Baroness she was supposed to become. But Ash’s secret sorcery could be the key to winning back her home and following her heart to a future she never imagined. This fantasy-infused Cinderella story puts a magical twist on a classic tale. Riveting and original, it’s a spellbinding read.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
About the author
Alicia Buck
4 books88 followersI was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on a cold November day and have hated the cold ever since. Luckily, I live in St. George now with my husband, Jason, and my three children, Connor, Riley and Elizabeth. I wanted to be a writer ever since fourth grade. At that time, I felt sure my stories were creative masterpieces. When I was older, I reread my flashes of brilliance only to realize that they were nothing of the sort, but that didn't smash my desire to keep writing. I received my bachelors degree from BYU in English and had to constantly defend my major when I had absolutely no desire to teach. Who said English majors all had to be teachers?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 24, 2015
I wanted to like this book. I really did. However the slowness of the beginning really turned me off and then I just couldn't really get into the story after that. It's a unique and creative story
with loads of potential but at the end it left me wishing that there was something more to it. Events kind of happened quickly and then were resolved even quicker. I wished that there was more character development and that Ash could have spent more time in the magical realm and less time in her uncle's evil grasps. I wished that the relationship between Ash and Phillip was more believable and that it didn't feel like they were just thrown together because that's what is supposed to happen in a cinderella-type story. I wished that there could have been more adventure and that Ash could have found the extent of her powers while in the magical realm.
Sigh. I could keep going on, but I'll stop there.
Anyway, like I said before, I really wanted to like this book, but I just didn't feel it. Maybe I'll read it again someday and my opinion will change.
It's a good, clean read and although I probably won't add it to my personal collection, I would recommend it to someone looking for a unique story to read. I just wish there was something more to it.
with loads of potential but at the end it left me wishing that there was something more to it. Events kind of happened quickly and then were resolved even quicker. I wished that there was more character development and that Ash could have spent more time in the magical realm and less time in her uncle's evil grasps. I wished that the relationship between Ash and Phillip was more believable and that it didn't feel like they were just thrown together because that's what is supposed to happen in a cinderella-type story. I wished that there could have been more adventure and that Ash could have found the extent of her powers while in the magical realm.
Sigh. I could keep going on, but I'll stop there.
Anyway, like I said before, I really wanted to like this book, but I just didn't feel it. Maybe I'll read it again someday and my opinion will change.
It's a good, clean read and although I probably won't add it to my personal collection, I would recommend it to someone looking for a unique story to read. I just wish there was something more to it.
September 19, 2015
I LOVE fairy tale re-tellings and this one is a very unique telling of Cinderella. I loved the creativity that went into the story and the spins that made it its own story. I've never read one quite like this, with Cinderella having the magical powers.
Ashelandra (aka Ash) seems to have it all, until her father dies and her wicked uncle obtains guardianship over her and her home. Life as she knows it goes downhill from there. I loved really seeing and understanding how she came to be in her circumstances and the steps she took to cope and move toward the future. I loved the twists on a familiar story. Instead of wicked step-sisters, we get two cousins, a male and female.
I fell in love with a few of the characters. Ash is such a strong woman with a mind of her own. Prince Phillip has a rebellious streak and by his nature and description, I couldn't help but picture Prince Harry. A few of the side characters were great too.
The first half of the story did move slower, as things were being set up and I felt the similarities between the classic and this one disappeared when the story picked up. Of course, the reader gains more adventure and magic, but the story took a life of its own. I wanted things to work out in a familiar way, yet I was intrigued by the twists and was taken by surprise with a few events. I wanted a little more fairy tale romance, but still really enjoyed the book.
Content: mild violence (abuse, torture, etc--non-graphic); very mild romance. Clean!
**I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Ashelandra (aka Ash) seems to have it all, until her father dies and her wicked uncle obtains guardianship over her and her home. Life as she knows it goes downhill from there. I loved really seeing and understanding how she came to be in her circumstances and the steps she took to cope and move toward the future. I loved the twists on a familiar story. Instead of wicked step-sisters, we get two cousins, a male and female.
I fell in love with a few of the characters. Ash is such a strong woman with a mind of her own. Prince Phillip has a rebellious streak and by his nature and description, I couldn't help but picture Prince Harry. A few of the side characters were great too.
The first half of the story did move slower, as things were being set up and I felt the similarities between the classic and this one disappeared when the story picked up. Of course, the reader gains more adventure and magic, but the story took a life of its own. I wanted things to work out in a familiar way, yet I was intrigued by the twists and was taken by surprise with a few events. I wanted a little more fairy tale romance, but still really enjoyed the book.
Content: mild violence (abuse, torture, etc--non-graphic); very mild romance. Clean!
**I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 25, 2015
I loved this Cinderella retelling! The death of Ash's father brings her horrible uncle, Lord Richard, into her life. He has a son, James, and a daughter, Jane. He tries to break Ash's spirit but she is tough and, due to a secret she carefully hides, is able to find ways to cope.
While in disguise one night, Ash captures the attention of Prince Phillip, which starts a chain of events with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Prince Phillip is handsome and they have chemistry but he begins courting someone else. When his fiance is kidnapped, he takes Ash with him to find her and bring her home.
There were so many times that I wanted her to reveal her true identity to the prince but she had her reasons to keep quiet. I couldn't tell where the story was going and loved the surprises along the way. At one point, they end up in a fantasy world and I was torn between her staying and returning back home. Ash makes the best of every situation she finds herself in and toughens up over time as she is forced to live a life she wasn't prepared for.
This was such a fun book to read! I thought it was well done and enjoyed it from beginning to end. There's magic, romance, heartache, action, mild violence, humor, and yes, a happy ending! If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, this is one you'll want to read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
While in disguise one night, Ash captures the attention of Prince Phillip, which starts a chain of events with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Prince Phillip is handsome and they have chemistry but he begins courting someone else. When his fiance is kidnapped, he takes Ash with him to find her and bring her home.
There were so many times that I wanted her to reveal her true identity to the prince but she had her reasons to keep quiet. I couldn't tell where the story was going and loved the surprises along the way. At one point, they end up in a fantasy world and I was torn between her staying and returning back home. Ash makes the best of every situation she finds herself in and toughens up over time as she is forced to live a life she wasn't prepared for.
This was such a fun book to read! I thought it was well done and enjoyed it from beginning to end. There's magic, romance, heartache, action, mild violence, humor, and yes, a happy ending! If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, this is one you'll want to read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
April 21, 2020
This unfortunately took me a lot longer to get through than I had wanted, but nonetheless, this book was great! It felt longer than 280 pages - some slow parts and a plethora of vivid imagery, but I think it just served to help build a believable atmosphere in the otherwise mythical one.
Also, one of the more original re-tellings of Cinderella to date! A unique spin involving magic, sorcery, and the like.
Overall, so enthralling! I enjoyed the characters and it's amazing what one misunderstanding can do. Communication is definitely something to prioritize. Eventually, they all figured that out.
Reader Caution: the romance content is clean, but there is a good amount of domestic violence when it comes to her uncle. There were definitely cringe-worthy parts, but nothing too gruesome that made me want to or need to stop reading.
Enjoy! :)
Also, one of the more original re-tellings of Cinderella to date! A unique spin involving magic, sorcery, and the like.
Overall, so enthralling! I enjoyed the characters and it's amazing what one misunderstanding can do. Communication is definitely something to prioritize. Eventually, they all figured that out.
Reader Caution: the romance content is clean, but there is a good amount of domestic violence when it comes to her uncle. There were definitely cringe-worthy parts, but nothing too gruesome that made me want to or need to stop reading.
Enjoy! :)
September 18, 2015
This really is a fantasy infused Cinderella. It's full of magic which puts a fun spin on the old Cinderella classic that we all know and love.
Even though this book started out really slow for me, it ended at a good pace. The last half of the book the adventure picked up and things started moving. Up until then I felt like the story was spinning in about the same place with very little forward movement.
Ashelandra is an interesting character. She passion and conviction and a wee spark of mischief. Even though plenty of awful things happen to her, Ash finds ways to keep positive and happy. She puts her focus on what she is trying to accomplish long term and she sticks with it. In the beginning, Ashelandra is impulsive and doesn't give much thought to those around her but by the end she had learned to think more about her decisions and how they might effect those close to her.
The prince is, of course, dashing, heroic and utterly smitten with Ashelandra. I really liked him. I loved the adventure to the magical fantasy world that had been secreted away.
The ending was gratifying and left me feeling satisfied and happy. So, overall I'd say I enjoyed this book. The last part much better than the first part.
Even though this book started out really slow for me, it ended at a good pace. The last half of the book the adventure picked up and things started moving. Up until then I felt like the story was spinning in about the same place with very little forward movement.
Ashelandra is an interesting character. She passion and conviction and a wee spark of mischief. Even though plenty of awful things happen to her, Ash finds ways to keep positive and happy. She puts her focus on what she is trying to accomplish long term and she sticks with it. In the beginning, Ashelandra is impulsive and doesn't give much thought to those around her but by the end she had learned to think more about her decisions and how they might effect those close to her.
The prince is, of course, dashing, heroic and utterly smitten with Ashelandra. I really liked him. I loved the adventure to the magical fantasy world that had been secreted away.
The ending was gratifying and left me feeling satisfied and happy. So, overall I'd say I enjoyed this book. The last part much better than the first part.
November 12, 2015
4.5 stars
What a fun and interesting retelling of Cinderella. It was completely different than what I thought it would be. I loved the magical elements thrown in and enjoyed the characters immensely. The plot was intriguing and flowed beautifully. If the bad guy wasn't so terrifying I would let my book loving 9 year old probably read it...or read it with her. He is horrid though and is much too "real" like for that young a reader. He fits his evil part very well. Great YA read though and squeaky clean.
PG violence portrayed and PG13 evilness from the terrible Uncle.
Fun read!
What a fun and interesting retelling of Cinderella. It was completely different than what I thought it would be. I loved the magical elements thrown in and enjoyed the characters immensely. The plot was intriguing and flowed beautifully. If the bad guy wasn't so terrifying I would let my book loving 9 year old probably read it...or read it with her. He is horrid though and is much too "real" like for that young a reader. He fits his evil part very well. Great YA read though and squeaky clean.
PG violence portrayed and PG13 evilness from the terrible Uncle.
Fun read!
January 9, 2016
Loved it! Review to come.
February 15, 2016
I loved the twist on this classic fairytale! Magic, and a "Cinderella" is such a BOSS.
There were some parts that felt a bit underdeveloped, and came out of nowhere but overall this wasan enjoyable book to read.
There were some parts that felt a bit underdeveloped, and came out of nowhere but overall this wasan enjoyable book to read.
May 27, 2016
An amazing retelling of Cinderella with a twist.
November 2, 2024
This is a loose Cinderella retelling with lots of potential in the worldbuilding but with frustrating execution.
First, the writing drove me crazy. I probably would have given up if this hadn't been sitting on my to-read list for so long. The author never uses one adjective when she can use two.
"Prince Phillip held his food in a bored confident manner..."
"The long sleeve of his white shirt wavered in the slight breeze, and his glossy green waistcoat and breeches hugged his trim form flatteringly."
"The lady with Prince Phillip waved her lacy, gloved hands feebly..."
Second, the main villain is SO evil it makes no sense. I don't need my villains to have fully fleshed out backstories (though of course it helps!) But I do require *some* basic motive or rationality. This is a pseudo-Cinderella retelling so the trope is in built in. You don't need to do much. But the man is certifiably EVIL and we never really get a good reason for it.
Third, Ash is supposed to be 'mischievous' but mostly she comes across as a menace. Her "pranks" involve harassing the servants or harassing her relatives in a way that usually falls back on the servants. Even when she knows they'll get the blame, she persists in doing it until one finally calls her out on it. I didn't feel like she ever grew out of it, even at the end the prince is praising her 'mischievous nature' and I'm left wondering what he saw that didn't show up in the book.
The beginning was excruciatingly slow. The middle part of this book was creative and I honestly enjoyed the adventure she goes on, though the random patriarchal males plotline never really went anywhere. Then the ending was rushed and I felt much less satisfaction than I wanted.
The Cinderella portions are creativity overlayed on the plot and I didn't hate it. Some parts I really enjoyed. Overall, though, this isn't going on a favorites list any time soon.
First, the writing drove me crazy. I probably would have given up if this hadn't been sitting on my to-read list for so long. The author never uses one adjective when she can use two.
"Prince Phillip held his food in a bored confident manner..."
"The long sleeve of his white shirt wavered in the slight breeze, and his glossy green waistcoat and breeches hugged his trim form flatteringly."
"The lady with Prince Phillip waved her lacy, gloved hands feebly..."
Second, the main villain is SO evil it makes no sense. I don't need my villains to have fully fleshed out backstories (though of course it helps!) But I do require *some* basic motive or rationality. This is a pseudo-Cinderella retelling so the trope is in built in. You don't need to do much. But the man is certifiably EVIL and we never really get a good reason for it.
Third, Ash is supposed to be 'mischievous' but mostly she comes across as a menace. Her "pranks" involve harassing the servants or harassing her relatives in a way that usually falls back on the servants. Even when she knows they'll get the blame, she persists in doing it until one finally calls her out on it. I didn't feel like she ever grew out of it, even at the end the prince is praising her 'mischievous nature' and I'm left wondering what he saw that didn't show up in the book.
The beginning was excruciatingly slow. The middle part of this book was creative and I honestly enjoyed the adventure she goes on, though the random patriarchal males plotline never really went anywhere. Then the ending was rushed and I felt much less satisfaction than I wanted.
The Cinderella portions are creativity overlayed on the plot and I didn't hate it. Some parts I really enjoyed. Overall, though, this isn't going on a favorites list any time soon.
March 11, 2022
Harrowing Cinderella retelling
If you're overly sensitive when reading, where you really feel the anxiety, fear, and anger of the protagonist in a story, then be prepared for an uncomfortable yet engaging few hours.
Alicia Buck wrote such emotion into each interaction between Ash and her uncle, that I was filled with anxiety, fear, and anger in Ash's behalf. UGH! This book drained me, but I loved every word I read
I absolutely adored Ashelandra (Ash), and how she was mischievous and full of wonder and love for her surrounding and the people in her life. I loved that she was able to find a little freedom so that her spirt wasn't crushed completely. I love that she could still find compassion for her cousins, even though they could not do anything against their father. I love that she was able to grow, as a person and as a sorcerer, but still be aware that she has limitations.
I absolutely despised Richard, Ash's uncle, who was every bit the evil antagonist. I wanted to reach through the words of the story to stop him from abusing Ash. Richard was horrible to Ash from the moment they met, and he was never going to show her any leniency, but would forever punish her just for existing. Richard is a very well conceived villain.
There is a crazy adventure filled with magic that really adds some good interaction between Ash and the prince, as well as adding more explanation to certain instances that occur in the story prior to their journey.
Any more said about it would reveal too much, but I assure you, it was a worthwhile read.
If you're overly sensitive when reading, where you really feel the anxiety, fear, and anger of the protagonist in a story, then be prepared for an uncomfortable yet engaging few hours.
Alicia Buck wrote such emotion into each interaction between Ash and her uncle, that I was filled with anxiety, fear, and anger in Ash's behalf. UGH! This book drained me, but I loved every word I read
I absolutely adored Ashelandra (Ash), and how she was mischievous and full of wonder and love for her surrounding and the people in her life. I loved that she was able to find a little freedom so that her spirt wasn't crushed completely. I love that she could still find compassion for her cousins, even though they could not do anything against their father. I love that she was able to grow, as a person and as a sorcerer, but still be aware that she has limitations.
I absolutely despised Richard, Ash's uncle, who was every bit the evil antagonist. I wanted to reach through the words of the story to stop him from abusing Ash. Richard was horrible to Ash from the moment they met, and he was never going to show her any leniency, but would forever punish her just for existing. Richard is a very well conceived villain.
There is a crazy adventure filled with magic that really adds some good interaction between Ash and the prince, as well as adding more explanation to certain instances that occur in the story prior to their journey.
Any more said about it would reveal too much, but I assure you, it was a worthwhile read.
October 27, 2022
This is a retelling of Cinderella, which I went in with a somewhat open mind. Cinderella stories are a real hit or miss for me. The start of the story was a bit of a bumpy ride just because of how much I despised her uncle, Richard. He was so incredibly cruel and it was heartbreaking to read. I did really enjoy Ash, the main heroine and found her mischievous ways pretty funny. She was a heroic sort of character that wanted to do what was right and I really liked that aspect of the story, plus she was a sorcerer and I found that part to be intriguing and a fun rendition. Her relationship with the leading man, Philip was good too. He is pretty rebellious and kind of does his own thing which I had so what mixed feelings about but he was still a good character and felt like that fit Ashe's mischievous side pretty well. All in all this was a good story and I would recommend it for those that love Cinderella, heroic women, and books that put your emotions through a bit of a ride!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
August 3, 2021
The premise of this was alright, but the pacing is so slow. I read just over half way before giving up. By that point the story had picked up a bit, but I wasn't really finding myself caring about the characters and had skimmed from the ball up to where I dropped out. I know this is a fictional place as it's fantasy, but seems an alternate reality of history in England (based on the names?) or maybe France- something that bugged me is that they waltzed at the ball- 1750. Right? Well, the waltz didn't come to England till 1812. It bothered me, even though I know there's leeway with alternate realities, etc. Whatever. Could have cut a lot out of the first half of the story and still have a decent length novel that would have been more interesting. And needed more character development. And more supporting the development of the romance (well, I dropped out at 60% so I assume there will be more)- as is, I don't know why he's interested or why she is.
October 18, 2022
intriguing world with a likeable protagonist
Cinderella retellings tend to really irk me as the heroine is often inexplicably meek and downtrodden. But Ash is brilliant, and she stays that way throughout the book. Any good Cinderella retelling will have to overcome the issue of how Cinderella and the prince get to know each other, and again, this book did not disappoint on this aspect either. I also like how there is a (finally!!) truly good reason for the prince not to know Cinderella's name and not be able to catch her as she flees the ball.
I do wish there had been a bit more character growth - the characters basically stay the same throughout the book, though they aren't especially immature so it's not too frustrating. What IS frustrating is how long it took for the prince to work out who Ash was, but at least he was smart enough to figure it out before the end. 4+ stars, bumped to 5 because wanting to help an indie author's average rating.
Cinderella retellings tend to really irk me as the heroine is often inexplicably meek and downtrodden. But Ash is brilliant, and she stays that way throughout the book. Any good Cinderella retelling will have to overcome the issue of how Cinderella and the prince get to know each other, and again, this book did not disappoint on this aspect either. I also like how there is a (finally!!) truly good reason for the prince not to know Cinderella's name and not be able to catch her as she flees the ball.
I do wish there had been a bit more character growth - the characters basically stay the same throughout the book, though they aren't especially immature so it's not too frustrating. What IS frustrating is how long it took for the prince to work out who Ash was, but at least he was smart enough to figure it out before the end. 4+ stars, bumped to 5 because wanting to help an indie author's average rating.
October 5, 2021
For me it took 6 chapters of it to get interesting. Wow! It got interesting.
Yes it is the classic Cinderella story, but with a interesting twist. The author wove a mixture tale of the classic Grimms’ brothers Cinderella with a fantasy twist. Cinderella has the magic and helps herself as much as she can. Yet, still needs to be rescued by her prince, with the classic case is miss information by not communicating.
It is clean reading. It is good book.
Yes it is the classic Cinderella story, but with a interesting twist. The author wove a mixture tale of the classic Grimms’ brothers Cinderella with a fantasy twist. Cinderella has the magic and helps herself as much as she can. Yet, still needs to be rescued by her prince, with the classic case is miss information by not communicating.
It is clean reading. It is good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2017
Fantastic story with a cinderella background. Love the villain, Love the Lady cousin, I didnt want it to end. and I loved the emotional rollercoaster it sent me on. the only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is because I felt some of the problems had easy solutions and I wanted them to be more complex
April 7, 2019
Fun take on a classic Cinderella story. Where Ash doesn’t need a fairy godmother since she had magic of her own. I think she honestly had a harder time than any other Cinderella story. Her uncle was incredibly rude more so than an evil step mother. At least Ash had her magic. I wish that Ash and her guy would have figured out they loved each other faster, but I did like the rescue scene.
June 3, 2017
While I love retold fairytales, and this one was creative, there were times that it stepped over the line as far as violence and appropriateness; so much so that I couldn't enjoy the rest of the book. Definitely a one-time read only.
August 9, 2017
It had a slow beginning but after a few chapters it started to pick up. I love her descriptions and the interactions between the characters. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for a good romance with a twist on Cinderella.
June 17, 2020
Loved it, I liked the magic entwined, liked how the H and h grow together - and how Ash is strong and witty and stays constant throughout the book. No super long misunderstandings, but full of a story filled with adventure and growth and a bit of magic
February 24, 2022
Cinderella feel where she’s is also the heroine of her story. It’s a twist on the story that involves magic but no fairy godmother. Not sure if there is a second book but the ending left a lot of questions unanswered and I really want to know where the story goes afterwards.
September 28, 2017
This dragged on in some spots and got a little odd in others, but overall I liked it. A version of a Cinderella story.
December 8, 2017
One of my favorite books! Lots of adventure and romance! I loved it!
June 3, 2020
Very well written. Didn't even realize until 100 pages in that it is a retelling of Cinderella. Such a unique spin on the tale that it rarely feels like a retelling at all. Nothing inappropriate
May 13, 2021
Refreshing to find a wholesome fantasy read
July 13, 2021
Wonderful story
I loved this book with its twists and turns. It is a beautiful and entertaining read. I loved Ash and her strong will.
I loved this book with its twists and turns. It is a beautiful and entertaining read. I loved Ash and her strong will.
October 8, 2018
I am reading the book out of the ashes. I like this book because the main characters dad dies then she is taken in by her uncle and treated poorly. My least favorite character would be the uncle because he is always trying to find reasons to hurt the main character and punish her. Her uncle says things like “if i am your guardian you will do what i say”.
July 9, 2021
I chose this as my replacement book for Deepest, Darkest Red. I read Buck's other book as a child and enjoyed it, so when I learned she had another one, I jumped on it. Since it was based on a fairytale, I thought it was fitting.
I wouldn't teach this in a classroom. While an enjoyable read, Buck doesn't bring anything new to the table.
~Warnings~
Sex: Kissing
Drugs: Alcohol
Violence: Abuse of children, fantasy monster fighting, abuse of animals
Language: N/A
Rock and Roll: Near-forced marriages, terrible guardians, easily talked through misunderstandings
I wouldn't teach this in a classroom. While an enjoyable read, Buck doesn't bring anything new to the table.
~Warnings~
Sex: Kissing
Drugs: Alcohol
Violence: Abuse of children, fantasy monster fighting, abuse of animals
Language: N/A
Rock and Roll: Near-forced marriages, terrible guardians, easily talked through misunderstandings
September 18, 2015
This book is just adorable! It is a retelling of Cinderella but with a magical twist. There was some foreshadowing that I saw and quickly got what was going to happen only to have a twist that had me not so sure if it was what I thought or not. I had to wait until all was revealed. Very clever Alicia Buck!
Lady Ashelandra grew up with only her father. Her mother, a sorceress, died during childbirth. Her father loved Ash deeply and even though he taught her well, she loved adventure and some mischief. When her father died, she was left with her uncle as guardian until she was twenty one years old when it would become hers. Her father warned her that he was not a very kind person but it was definitely an understatement. Her uncle’s children feared him and he despised Ash because she was the daughter of a sorceress and because she owned land that he wanted for his own. He was so cruel to her that he made her a servant. For three years she suffered this as he made her tasks very hard to accomplish.
Lady Ash was also a sorceress. She only had her mother’s books as her guide. She practiced hard.
Her cousin Jane was very very quiet. When the King held a ball, Lady Ash made arrangements so that she would go for a few minutes and made herself magically look like Lady Jane so she could spend a few minutes at the ball. Unfortunately, she ran into the Prince and he talked and flirted with her, then danced with her. He believed her to be Lady Jane. So, the prince comes to Ash’s home and Ash tries to stay out of the way but runs into the prince several times. He learns she, Ash, is a sorceress but she doesn’t tell him that she is a Lady not a servant as it appears.
When the recently engaged Jane goes missing with the Prince’s sorcerer’s friend, the Prince has Ash go with him and his soldiers to find them. Thus begins an adventure filled with flirting, distrust, longing, rescue, friendships and much magic.
I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted, no needed, to know how things would turn out. I thought I knew how it would go, but the little twist threw me. I despised Lord Richard and my heart ached for the way Ash was treated by him. I was intrigued by the different types of magical things the author had put there besides the norm. I liked the grumpy Captain of the Guards. I liked the other couples who found each other on this adventure. But the one I wanted was the Prince and Ash. But you will have to read it to find out how things go yourself.
SO, if you like adventure, magic, retellings, love stories, and clean reads then this is for you!
Lady Ashelandra grew up with only her father. Her mother, a sorceress, died during childbirth. Her father loved Ash deeply and even though he taught her well, she loved adventure and some mischief. When her father died, she was left with her uncle as guardian until she was twenty one years old when it would become hers. Her father warned her that he was not a very kind person but it was definitely an understatement. Her uncle’s children feared him and he despised Ash because she was the daughter of a sorceress and because she owned land that he wanted for his own. He was so cruel to her that he made her a servant. For three years she suffered this as he made her tasks very hard to accomplish.
Lady Ash was also a sorceress. She only had her mother’s books as her guide. She practiced hard.
Her cousin Jane was very very quiet. When the King held a ball, Lady Ash made arrangements so that she would go for a few minutes and made herself magically look like Lady Jane so she could spend a few minutes at the ball. Unfortunately, she ran into the Prince and he talked and flirted with her, then danced with her. He believed her to be Lady Jane. So, the prince comes to Ash’s home and Ash tries to stay out of the way but runs into the prince several times. He learns she, Ash, is a sorceress but she doesn’t tell him that she is a Lady not a servant as it appears.
When the recently engaged Jane goes missing with the Prince’s sorcerer’s friend, the Prince has Ash go with him and his soldiers to find them. Thus begins an adventure filled with flirting, distrust, longing, rescue, friendships and much magic.
I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted, no needed, to know how things would turn out. I thought I knew how it would go, but the little twist threw me. I despised Lord Richard and my heart ached for the way Ash was treated by him. I was intrigued by the different types of magical things the author had put there besides the norm. I liked the grumpy Captain of the Guards. I liked the other couples who found each other on this adventure. But the one I wanted was the Prince and Ash. But you will have to read it to find out how things go yourself.
SO, if you like adventure, magic, retellings, love stories, and clean reads then this is for you!
September 28, 2015
Out of the Ashes
By Alicia Buck
Lady Ashelandra Camery's life is about to take an unexpected turn - her father's death leaves her under the guardianship of her uncle. A man who despises Ash just for being her mother's daughter. But Ash has a secret - she's inherited her mother's skills with magic. Unfortunately she must keep this hidden from her uncle, but she is determined to learn and use what she has mastered in an attempt to better her life and position until she can call her life and her home her own.
Ashlandra's love of life and independent spirit are at odds with her new position as household servant. And 4 years under the tyranny of Lord Richard may very well break her spirit and cost her her life.
This is Cinderella with a twist - instead of a evil step-mother we have an evil uncle. There aren't any ugly step-sisters, but rather two cousins James and Jane. But there is no fairy godmother in this story to make all of Ash's dreams come true. All Ash has are the servants whom she now toils along side and her skills in magic.
There is a ball and a dance with a prince and Ash manages to catch both his eye and his heart, if only he knew who she truly was. But Ash refuses to reveal herself to the prince though she is presented with several opportunities to do so.
When Ash's unique talents are needed she will be called upon to enter a world she never knew existed. A world that could answer all her questions and possibly give her what she has been looking for since her father's death.
Magic, kidnappings, and last minute rescues. What more could a person hope for other than a happily ever after? Prepare to be enchanted with this new twist on a timeless tale!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Cedar Fort book tour program in exchange for my honest review.
By Alicia Buck
Lady Ashelandra Camery's life is about to take an unexpected turn - her father's death leaves her under the guardianship of her uncle. A man who despises Ash just for being her mother's daughter. But Ash has a secret - she's inherited her mother's skills with magic. Unfortunately she must keep this hidden from her uncle, but she is determined to learn and use what she has mastered in an attempt to better her life and position until she can call her life and her home her own.
Ashlandra's love of life and independent spirit are at odds with her new position as household servant. And 4 years under the tyranny of Lord Richard may very well break her spirit and cost her her life.
This is Cinderella with a twist - instead of a evil step-mother we have an evil uncle. There aren't any ugly step-sisters, but rather two cousins James and Jane. But there is no fairy godmother in this story to make all of Ash's dreams come true. All Ash has are the servants whom she now toils along side and her skills in magic.
There is a ball and a dance with a prince and Ash manages to catch both his eye and his heart, if only he knew who she truly was. But Ash refuses to reveal herself to the prince though she is presented with several opportunities to do so.
When Ash's unique talents are needed she will be called upon to enter a world she never knew existed. A world that could answer all her questions and possibly give her what she has been looking for since her father's death.
Magic, kidnappings, and last minute rescues. What more could a person hope for other than a happily ever after? Prepare to be enchanted with this new twist on a timeless tale!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Cedar Fort book tour program in exchange for my honest review.
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