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Ashes of Eden: The Burden

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Romance Readers: This novel is YA. It does not contain any steamy sex scenes. This is all about the slow burn.

Judge, 8th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published eBook Awards:
"Hands down, this story throws out the rule book for good versus evil and leaves the reader questioning whether they’re rooting for the good guy or the bad one. With delicious sex appeal, captivating storylines, and a full on enigmatic bad boy as the male lead – sin never read so tantalizingly! Emma does what we all crave to do – she ventures after the mysterious Connor and unwraps him layer by agonizingly slow layer until he’s basically bared his true soul to her – literally. There’s a slow sizzle and burn that builds between them that leaves the reader, not to mention the other characters, jealous of their unprecedented fascination with one another. Overall, the story was surprisingly original and a ringer for the fantasy romance genre. The author excelled at addressing even the littlest nuances in character development and planting seeds of intrigue throughout."

All our lives we are told that Good and Evil are two different things; as different as north and south, as different as light and dark.
But what if they’re not?
What if they’re the same thing?

And what if, in choosing one, you have to choose the other?

When Emma Hart falls in love with Connor Harman she can’t believe the moral minefield she will be asked to tread. But she finds that she is unable to walk away.
Even if walking away will save the world.

516 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2015

3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Seven Everson

4 books3 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Deb.
686 reviews
July 31, 2021
5 stars 🌟

This was an Complimentary Copy of book provided by author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

“All our lives we are told that Good and Evil are two different things; as different as north and south, as different as light and
dark. But what if they’re not? What if they’re the same thing? And what if, in choosing one, you have to choose the other?”

— Ashes of Eden: The Burden by Seven Everson
https://amzn.asia/bLx5iLg

This is a new author for me that I thought I’d read as the story outline intrigued me. Am I so glad I made that decision. This story is perfection. Well written, it pulled me in from the start, and threw me into a world where good v’s evil, but who is who? This storyline is superbly crafted, with references made to past history and the bible, bringing the reader to new interpretations of what we were taught. I loved it, plenty of mystery, suspense, and fire and brimstone. If I had to make a comparison, it brings to mind Feather by Olivia Wildenstein, and just as consuming.
252 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2020
This book literally surprised me. It started a bit slow for me. But oh my god at first 5% of the book, it gets intense and a bit historical. But is becomes so good that it is super hard to put it down.

As far as the writing is concerned, this story is very well written and has some really epic dialogues. The most notable thing about this book is that it gives one of the min protagonist named Connor an entirely different person. This point is something that. Person who reads the book will understand. I don’t want to give out spoilers.

But this is an amazing story. It does not only cover themes like romance and friendships, but also history, loyalty and how to not to judge people.

Be sure to pick it up. This book will not disappoint you.
Profile Image for Amber Webster.
13 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2020
As much as I want to avoid clichés on my first review, it has never been more true that I could not put this book down and completed it within a day!

Young Adult Supernatural Romances are my all time favourite guilty pleasure and Everson somehow manages to capture all the essential angsty elements of the cringey genre and creates a gripping plot with realistic characters that I'm delighted to read in public instead of my usual bashful hiding of the cover.
Everson's character development is phenomenal and catches my attention from the offset by using various and effective literary techniques to make me feel fully invested in the evolution of the different relationships, their secrets and ultimately the couple's survival. Emma's character is portrayed as a rational and mature woman who makes cautious and thoughtful decisions which is unique to the genre filled with impetuous, naïve and downright frustrating stereotypical female protagonists. I completely relate to Emma's witty sarcasm and dry humour that she seems to use a defence mechanism against any and all danger and evil she faces. She had me hooked and constantly laughing even throughout the pandemonium that seems to consume her life ever since she found Connor convulsing in the hallway that fateful morning.
Everson's stunning use of subtle foreshadows throughout the story can only be appreciated once the mystery (that is Connor Harman) has been explained. Looking back at my notes, I had jotted down certain motifs that I found interesting earlier in the plot which in fact became important themes at the climax of the story. I personally find that this use of foreshadows is, again, rare for this genre as Everson manages to create subtle notions that sit idly at the back of the subconscious as you're reading as apposed the to usual blatant and obvious 'foreshadowing' that is frequently used in Young Adult fiction.
The use of vivid language and imagery transported me into the juxtaposition of Emma and Connor's seeming incompatible yet harmonious relationship. The symbolism and emotive language furthered my imagination as I experienced each and every compelling and engrossing emotion that Emma felt as well as the second hand emotion of what Emma witnesses from Connor.

In a genre filled with cringe and clichés, Everson produces an alluring, mature and gripping romance that provides well thoughtout and intriguing characters. I have already downloaded the next book in the series onto my kindle because I just haven't had my fill of Emma and Connor's story.
Profile Image for Scarlett Walters.
Author 2 books13 followers
July 31, 2021
First off, thank you Voracious Readers Only and Seven Everson for my ARC of The Ashes of Eden.

This is generally a genre I avoid reading - no particular reason, just something that is. Maybe having a couple of high-school going kids under my roof I see enough live-action antics to want to stay away from this genre :-)

But...Wow! I actually stayed up late in the night to finish this story, and it was totally worth it. One of the reviewers here mentioned that it would've been better if the characters were college-aged instead of high-school and I totally agree. But, perhaps, that's a personal preference.

I loved the characters, especially Connor. It's a very fine line between a character that prefers not to talk and an actual jerk and the author has done a fabulous job staying on the right side of that line.

Ethan, in all his douche glory, is amazing to read and so is Emma.

I loved the pacing of the plot and the way the mystery unfolded. There were enough breadcrumbs along the way for a keen reader to get a hint of what's up, but it wasn't in your face.

My only complaint would be that the end seemed a bit rushed and for that reason a little bit disappointing.

But I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre - and for anyone who'd like to give it a try!
87 reviews
February 1, 2022
So I started this book around 11 pm and finished at 2 am. Which is exactly what the author says *not* to do with her books... Whoops.

I found the writing style a bit irritating at first but the story was compelling enough to ignore the writing. It probably could've used another editing pass or two.
Admittedly, I think part of the irritation for me is just the YA setting. It's difficult to relate to teenagers walking that fine line between adult and child while falling in love with a 10,000 year old ...dude. The protagonist does show some growth throughout. It's also a relatively slow read in terms of action; it's not a fighting-wars-kicking-ass kind of fantasy world. That being said the ending did feel crazy rushed and unfinished until I realized there is in fact a second book.

Overall, it's a slow but immersive read.

** I received this book as a complimentary copy through Voracious Readers Only. **
49 reviews
September 2, 2021
This was a complementary copy of the book via Voracious Readers. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book as I didn't realise it was YA until I started, and yet it was so well written and the storyline unique and engaging that I really enjoyed it. The world built by the author was detailed and believable. I enjoyed the exploration between what is good and what is evil and the grey that exists between. I would recommend to anyone interested in YA genre.
Profile Image for Flufyundacrakas .
35 reviews
February 4, 2022
There’s not much I can say about the story without giving spoilers except I want to kidnap Louise and keep her myself, I want to hug Ingrid and as for Connor, I would destroy him in a good way 🔥🔥🔥. I’m already starting book 2. Brilliant, brilliant story.

Seriously though, it’s not often a writer like this comes along. The attention to detail is amazing, almost beautiful. Regardless of the story, I’ve found a new favourite author.
105 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2021
This novel puts a new twist to the fine line between good and bad. Reading my complimentary copy from Voracious Readers made me realise that sometimes it is our instinct that helps us distinguish the difference between good and evil. Great book
67 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2021
This free copy from VRO was absolutely mind boggling. It was a little bit like the Twilight series but on steroids. This author is so imaginative. I couldn't stop reading until very late into the night. I would love to know what happens next.
1 review
May 7, 2021
Wow! Loved this book, it was everything it promised. Sucked me in right from the beginning and didn't let me go. Some minor grammatical errors throughout but nothing that deterred me enough from finishing the book. Can't wait to start the second book! I received this book via voracious readers.
Profile Image for Emily.
185 reviews
June 19, 2021
I liked it a lot, but I think at times it would have worked better if the characters were a bit older, maybe college aged. The high school cliques were totally unnecessary. I HATED Ethan which was totally the point, he was completely unlikeable and frustrating.
16 reviews
September 22, 2021
I was given this book to review through Voracious Readers Only. I absolutely loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. There were a number of twists throughout the book that I didn’t expect.
Would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Alice.
17 reviews
February 1, 2022
Great book, started a bit slow but then towards the middle it picked up a bit and I couldn’t put it down, the idea for the whole book is great up until the very end you’re wondering who is good and who is bad, loved it
Free copy received from the author via voracious readers only
778 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2022
This was such a great read. I didn't want to put the book down. I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to read more by the author. Definitely recommend

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
3 reviews
January 24, 2022
what a fantastic tale! I got a bit of a "twilight" vibe but the details, imagery and history - and of course romance- made this book hard t put down.
116 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2020
Angels and demons...fight over humanity...not what I thought...but loved it.. hope there is a follow on...but if not a great stand alone book...
Profile Image for Tamara Lynn.
98 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2015
Loved it

I loved this book. It was a very unexpected love story but a true love story non the less. I was hooked after the first few paragraphs and couldn't wait to see where the story was going. Definitely getting the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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