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Skydancer #1
Rain of Ash
An inherited secret. An ancient rival. A magical Legacy.
Briana Spurrier turned her back on her heritage as a reincarnating witch to chase her dream career. But when a tragic accident calls her back to her small town island roots, a spell cast in her grandmother's dying moments opens her to Oracle powers she's spent her whole life avoiding. Now, an enemy of old has surfaced, hungry for vengeance...and Bri's soul. Unprepared and untrained, she must harness the magic buried deep within her before the demon of her past hunts down everyone she holds dear.
Briana Spurrier turned her back on her heritage as a reincarnating witch to chase her dream career. But when a tragic accident calls her back to her small town island roots, a spell cast in her grandmother's dying moments opens her to Oracle powers she's spent her whole life avoiding. Now, an enemy of old has surfaced, hungry for vengeance...and Bri's soul. Unprepared and untrained, she must harness the magic buried deep within her before the demon of her past hunts down everyone she holds dear.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2015
87 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Mitchell
7 books50 followersGwen is living her happily ever after in the PNW. She's a nature lover, science geek, and spiritual explorer, with a nose for well-aged tequila and an unhealthy obsession with bookish candles.
When not chasing butterflies to hidden waterfalls or cavorting through the Emerald City, she can be found in a cozy chair with a cup of tea at hand reading or brewing up her own tales of magic, adventure, and romance.
Join her Readers List to receive a free witchy romance ebook, and get all the behind-the-scenes info on what's bubbling in the cauldron.
Follow on Bookbub to get updates on new releases and recommended reads.
You can find all current works on her Amazon Author Page.
When not chasing butterflies to hidden waterfalls or cavorting through the Emerald City, she can be found in a cozy chair with a cup of tea at hand reading or brewing up her own tales of magic, adventure, and romance.
Join her Readers List to receive a free witchy romance ebook, and get all the behind-the-scenes info on what's bubbling in the cauldron.
Follow on Bookbub to get updates on new releases and recommended reads.
You can find all current works on her Amazon Author Page.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 26, 2018
Overall Rate 5
Performance Rate 5
Story Rate 5
As a huge fan of the magical fantasy genre I had high hopes when I began listening to this story and if I am honest for about the first 5 or 10 minutes my hopes dimmed, it was a slow start but then Briana decides to go home and the book takes off and Gwen Mitchell provides us with a journey that has adventure after adventure.
Briana is trying desperately to solve the vision that her deceased grandmother is communicating to her. Briana decides to stay and face the threat that is felling the people around her and threatens her very existence.
I won't veer further, spoiler territory but this book had me on tenterhooks and that is a great positive.
Rain of Ash provides excitement, romance, passion, sadness and tension, which is a great testament to Gwen Mitchell's outstanding imagination and the voice acting of narrator Daniela Acitelli who manages to build suitable emotions and tension and excitement. The character voices are distinct and identifiable and suit the characters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Performance Rate 5
Story Rate 5
As a huge fan of the magical fantasy genre I had high hopes when I began listening to this story and if I am honest for about the first 5 or 10 minutes my hopes dimmed, it was a slow start but then Briana decides to go home and the book takes off and Gwen Mitchell provides us with a journey that has adventure after adventure.
Briana is trying desperately to solve the vision that her deceased grandmother is communicating to her. Briana decides to stay and face the threat that is felling the people around her and threatens her very existence.
I won't veer further, spoiler territory but this book had me on tenterhooks and that is a great positive.
Rain of Ash provides excitement, romance, passion, sadness and tension, which is a great testament to Gwen Mitchell's outstanding imagination and the voice acting of narrator Daniela Acitelli who manages to build suitable emotions and tension and excitement. The character voices are distinct and identifiable and suit the characters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
March 24, 2018
Reviewed by http://bookaddict.live,
I was attracted to this book by the cover and the synopsis and couldn’t wait to listen. After 11 hours of being immersed in the Zyne world I now feel like I’ve lost my best friends. Kean, Astrid and Briana. The narrator managed to pull me into story so much I now feel bereft.
The author has created a unique and interesting world that I hope to revisit when book two comes out. A magical world with so many layers. The world building conjures a rich world and I was there with them.
Briana is forced back to a life she escaped many years before when her Grandmother and sister are killed in a car crash. When she arrives in Evergreen Cove she discovers their deaths were no accident. Before long the only way to protect her love ones is to embrace her power and heritage. Meeting her best friends Kean and Astrid make her realise this is where she meant be. It has been a pleasure to listen to a narrator, that made me forget there was one as I was so immersed in the story.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I was attracted to this book by the cover and the synopsis and couldn’t wait to listen. After 11 hours of being immersed in the Zyne world I now feel like I’ve lost my best friends. Kean, Astrid and Briana. The narrator managed to pull me into story so much I now feel bereft.
The author has created a unique and interesting world that I hope to revisit when book two comes out. A magical world with so many layers. The world building conjures a rich world and I was there with them.
Briana is forced back to a life she escaped many years before when her Grandmother and sister are killed in a car crash. When she arrives in Evergreen Cove she discovers their deaths were no accident. Before long the only way to protect her love ones is to embrace her power and heritage. Meeting her best friends Kean and Astrid make her realise this is where she meant be. It has been a pleasure to listen to a narrator, that made me forget there was one as I was so immersed in the story.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
March 22, 2018
I'm so excited to share Rain of Ash on audio with a whole new audience!
To celebrate the audiobook release, I'm giving away all kinds of goodies, including free books, candles, and a set of BEATS headphones! Follow me on social media or visit my blog for details.
What listeners are saying:
"...as soon as I started listening I was completely captivated with how amazing the story was written that when I looked at the clock, it was three hours later. I was that pulled into the story that I had lost track of all time, just happy to listen to this amazing book."
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here's to Happy Endings blog
"There are so many things I want to know more about or know how a situation will resolve that I keep making up my own theories- so please, give me another book before I create a crazy new plot in my head for how everything will turn. This is my first read by Gwen and I can't wait to get my grabby hands on more."
⭐⭐⭐⭐~Audible Reviewer
"Rain of Ash was such an exciting and complicated urban fantasy. Just how I like them! This book does not hold back - there is pain, and sacrifice, and so much bloodshed. This book has demons, and powerful witches, immortals, reincarnation, and soul mates."
⭐⭐⭐⭐~Audible Reviewer
LINKS:
Audible: https://tinyurl.com/ycvakoyl
iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/y729bd76
To celebrate the audiobook release, I'm giving away all kinds of goodies, including free books, candles, and a set of BEATS headphones! Follow me on social media or visit my blog for details.
What listeners are saying:
"...as soon as I started listening I was completely captivated with how amazing the story was written that when I looked at the clock, it was three hours later. I was that pulled into the story that I had lost track of all time, just happy to listen to this amazing book."
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here's to Happy Endings blog
"There are so many things I want to know more about or know how a situation will resolve that I keep making up my own theories- so please, give me another book before I create a crazy new plot in my head for how everything will turn. This is my first read by Gwen and I can't wait to get my grabby hands on more."
⭐⭐⭐⭐~Audible Reviewer
"Rain of Ash was such an exciting and complicated urban fantasy. Just how I like them! This book does not hold back - there is pain, and sacrifice, and so much bloodshed. This book has demons, and powerful witches, immortals, reincarnation, and soul mates."
⭐⭐⭐⭐~Audible Reviewer
LINKS:
Audible: https://tinyurl.com/ycvakoyl
iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/y729bd76
Want to read
May 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/25/2019)! 🎁
October 26, 2018
I was perusing my shelves for a good witchy read for the Spooky Readathon I'm participating in and spotted this one languishing in my Audible library. This was one I won during the #JIAM event and I remembered being rather excited to try a new to me author, narrator, and urban fantasy world. Perfect!
Rain of Ash is the first in the Skydancer series that is a swirl of fun, but also dark urban fantasy elements surrounding an ageless battle for possession of an artifact and an Oracle.
The story opens with Bri, a famous concert pianist going through a horrendous vision, a panic attack, and the knowledge that her brittle world is crumbling around her. She was trying to escape who she really was even though her escape was a dream of hers, too. All that ends when her grandmother's death brings her back to face facts. She has a magical heritage and her family has a tragic magical history. Bri's magic has been bound, but is breaking through, she's woefully ignorant while her enemy is leaps ahead of her, and she can only count on her two friends both of whom she deserted suddenly and never came back. Bri has to come into her own to fight a demon and the cost is deep as lives are changed and lost in the process.
I thought the author did a great job introducing a vulnerable heroine and a new urban fantasy world in a way that kept the action flowing. Bri was in denial for a bit, but then got with the program when facing her problems was thrust upon her. The camaraderie with Astrid and Dean as a team was great. The demon was a vile villain and there are others characters who are intriguing players in all this including a past life lover. Yes, there is a reincarnation aspect to this one.
That leads me to Bri and her men. She's got at least three at this point who were into her. Normally this is not my brand of drama, but when it ended, I wasn't exactly shaking my fist over nefarious love triangles (quadrangles?). What I mean is her personal interest seemed to be only toward one guy and she wasn't exactly toying with the others which is what I hate.
The ending was action-packed and exciting as I like and left things in a good place before the next book.
Daniela Acitelli was a new to me narrator and I am happy to report that she did a fabulous job with all those voices and situations. Bri in all her emotions and thoughts was fabulously voiced, but the others even male voices were great. She grasps the tone of the story and the pacing so that nothing interfered with the storytelling.
So, all in all, this was a good first outing with a new series, author, and narrator. I got my fill of witches and dark deeds and I was left interested in seeing where all this goes. I can definitely recommend this one to other urban fantasy fans.
Rain of Ash is the first in the Skydancer series that is a swirl of fun, but also dark urban fantasy elements surrounding an ageless battle for possession of an artifact and an Oracle.
The story opens with Bri, a famous concert pianist going through a horrendous vision, a panic attack, and the knowledge that her brittle world is crumbling around her. She was trying to escape who she really was even though her escape was a dream of hers, too. All that ends when her grandmother's death brings her back to face facts. She has a magical heritage and her family has a tragic magical history. Bri's magic has been bound, but is breaking through, she's woefully ignorant while her enemy is leaps ahead of her, and she can only count on her two friends both of whom she deserted suddenly and never came back. Bri has to come into her own to fight a demon and the cost is deep as lives are changed and lost in the process.
I thought the author did a great job introducing a vulnerable heroine and a new urban fantasy world in a way that kept the action flowing. Bri was in denial for a bit, but then got with the program when facing her problems was thrust upon her. The camaraderie with Astrid and Dean as a team was great. The demon was a vile villain and there are others characters who are intriguing players in all this including a past life lover. Yes, there is a reincarnation aspect to this one.
That leads me to Bri and her men. She's got at least three at this point who were into her. Normally this is not my brand of drama, but when it ended, I wasn't exactly shaking my fist over nefarious love triangles (quadrangles?). What I mean is her personal interest seemed to be only toward one guy and she wasn't exactly toying with the others which is what I hate.
The ending was action-packed and exciting as I like and left things in a good place before the next book.
Daniela Acitelli was a new to me narrator and I am happy to report that she did a fabulous job with all those voices and situations. Bri in all her emotions and thoughts was fabulously voiced, but the others even male voices were great. She grasps the tone of the story and the pacing so that nothing interfered with the storytelling.
So, all in all, this was a good first outing with a new series, author, and narrator. I got my fill of witches and dark deeds and I was left interested in seeing where all this goes. I can definitely recommend this one to other urban fantasy fans.
March 20, 2018
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Rain of Ash was such an exciting and complicated urban fantasy. Just how I like them! This book does not hold back - there is pain, and sacrifice, and so much bloodshed. This book has demons, and powerful witches, immortals, reincarnation, and soul mates.
Rain of Ash starts with our protagonist fighting her visions and thinking she is broken and cursed, to taking on all the power and responsibilities she was born with to defeat a demon chasing her through the centuries.
I did find it interesting that she had not one, not two, but three love interests. Busy girl! I'll give her that one she didn't even know about, but nonetheless their connection played a big role in the final showdown. The embodiment of the villain was a bit of a surprise. I actually thought it was possessing someone else, but now can see the hints that should have led me to see who it really was.
I appreciated that this book had a satisfying ending, after all the pain and loss. There ware some curious happenings that will continue in the future book, but there was no cliffy and that makes this a winner for me. I also really liked the writing style and the elegant descriptions.
Finally, the audiobook narration was wonderful. Each character's voice had feelings and emotions and really carried through and conveyed their role. Great listen, enjoyable voice and cadence, pacing, etc. I would definitely listen to this narrator again. Hopefully with the next book!
Rain of Ash was such an exciting and complicated urban fantasy. Just how I like them! This book does not hold back - there is pain, and sacrifice, and so much bloodshed. This book has demons, and powerful witches, immortals, reincarnation, and soul mates.
Rain of Ash starts with our protagonist fighting her visions and thinking she is broken and cursed, to taking on all the power and responsibilities she was born with to defeat a demon chasing her through the centuries.
I did find it interesting that she had not one, not two, but three love interests. Busy girl! I'll give her that one she didn't even know about, but nonetheless their connection played a big role in the final showdown. The embodiment of the villain was a bit of a surprise. I actually thought it was possessing someone else, but now can see the hints that should have led me to see who it really was.
I appreciated that this book had a satisfying ending, after all the pain and loss. There ware some curious happenings that will continue in the future book, but there was no cliffy and that makes this a winner for me. I also really liked the writing style and the elegant descriptions.
Finally, the audiobook narration was wonderful. Each character's voice had feelings and emotions and really carried through and conveyed their role. Great listen, enjoyable voice and cadence, pacing, etc. I would definitely listen to this narrator again. Hopefully with the next book!
March 26, 2018
**Review is posted on https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
When Bri is awakened in the middle of the night with anxiety as well as a death vision, she knows what the ringing phone will be about. Bri thought she gave up her life of magic when at 17 she chose to have her powers bound and left her home to start over somewhere fresh. Now, she is forced to go back home since her grandmother and younger sister are dead. But somebody doesn't want Bri to go back, and despite Bri's powers being bound, she is having prophetic visions of what's to come. Bri is going to finally have to make a stand, one she may not have much choice in.
This story took so many surprising twists that were so unexpected and kept me on my toes. Seriously, I went into this story with a certain expectation that I conjured up from the synopsis with the book and I had to quickly throw my preconceived notions out the window. This story was completely different than what I was anticipating, but I like that about it. There was mystery, romance, history, magic, danger, death, destruction (yep, I need my 3 Ds), heartbreak, hope, surprises, and betrayal all thrown into a convenient audiobook package.
The story was narrated from many points of view, such as Bri, Kean, Astrid, Lucas as well as the villain/killer. I love multi-narration stories, really they are my favorite, because I as the reader get to know everything going on and I hate being left out. We get to know everyone and understand motivations and inner turmoil, but Bri was the main narrator- and boy was her life not what she expected or any kind of easy.
Ah, yes, to say that the romance aspect of the book is complicated is a very mild understatement! The story starts as a couple, quickly morphs into a love triangle that becomes a love square. Yep, so Bri has some hard choices to make and it kinda made me want to give the girl a hug- seriously, I was so torn for her (only by 2 choices, one is not a real choice and that situation resolved...sorta...). How can you pick between your heart, the person you have loved since you were young and treats you so well- and the person who was your soulmate in a past life that you have always had memories of and would do anything to protect you? This girl has some really hard choices in front of her and usually I know who I vote for, but this time I am just as torn- One I absolutely love and the other I am intrigued by.
The narrator was a little slow for my taste as well as having a slightly dreamy over the top quality to her tone that got on my nerves when I first started the story. Once I decided to listen to the book at 1.5x speed, her narration was spot on and I found myself enjoying the story way more. I would listen to more books narrated by her in the future due to her enunciation and characters distinctions now that I know she needs to be sped up (as per my personal preferences).
The ending took some terrible (aka freaking heartbreaking!) and surprising twists (I had my suspicious and wanted to cheer when I was correct, which was almost instantly replaced by fear and sorrow for what came next!) which makes me desperate to get my hands on the next book in the series. There are so many things I want to know more about or know how a situation will resolve that I keep making up my own theories- so please, give me another book before I create a crazy new plot in my head for how everything will turn. This is my first read by Gwen and I can't wait to get my grabby hands on more.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
When Bri is awakened in the middle of the night with anxiety as well as a death vision, she knows what the ringing phone will be about. Bri thought she gave up her life of magic when at 17 she chose to have her powers bound and left her home to start over somewhere fresh. Now, she is forced to go back home since her grandmother and younger sister are dead. But somebody doesn't want Bri to go back, and despite Bri's powers being bound, she is having prophetic visions of what's to come. Bri is going to finally have to make a stand, one she may not have much choice in.
This story took so many surprising twists that were so unexpected and kept me on my toes. Seriously, I went into this story with a certain expectation that I conjured up from the synopsis with the book and I had to quickly throw my preconceived notions out the window. This story was completely different than what I was anticipating, but I like that about it. There was mystery, romance, history, magic, danger, death, destruction (yep, I need my 3 Ds), heartbreak, hope, surprises, and betrayal all thrown into a convenient audiobook package.
The story was narrated from many points of view, such as Bri, Kean, Astrid, Lucas as well as the villain/killer. I love multi-narration stories, really they are my favorite, because I as the reader get to know everything going on and I hate being left out. We get to know everyone and understand motivations and inner turmoil, but Bri was the main narrator- and boy was her life not what she expected or any kind of easy.
Ah, yes, to say that the romance aspect of the book is complicated is a very mild understatement! The story starts as a couple, quickly morphs into a love triangle that becomes a love square. Yep, so Bri has some hard choices to make and it kinda made me want to give the girl a hug- seriously, I was so torn for her (only by 2 choices, one is not a real choice and that situation resolved...sorta...). How can you pick between your heart, the person you have loved since you were young and treats you so well- and the person who was your soulmate in a past life that you have always had memories of and would do anything to protect you? This girl has some really hard choices in front of her and usually I know who I vote for, but this time I am just as torn- One I absolutely love and the other I am intrigued by.
The narrator was a little slow for my taste as well as having a slightly dreamy over the top quality to her tone that got on my nerves when I first started the story. Once I decided to listen to the book at 1.5x speed, her narration was spot on and I found myself enjoying the story way more. I would listen to more books narrated by her in the future due to her enunciation and characters distinctions now that I know she needs to be sped up (as per my personal preferences).
The ending took some terrible (aka freaking heartbreaking!) and surprising twists (I had my suspicious and wanted to cheer when I was correct, which was almost instantly replaced by fear and sorrow for what came next!) which makes me desperate to get my hands on the next book in the series. There are so many things I want to know more about or know how a situation will resolve that I keep making up my own theories- so please, give me another book before I create a crazy new plot in my head for how everything will turn. This is my first read by Gwen and I can't wait to get my grabby hands on more.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
June 18, 2019
Gwen Mitchell's Zyne Witch world is a rich and all encompassing delight.
I'm grateful for the preview for the next book because I'm already thirsty for more.
Mitchell has once again created delicious and well rounded characters that leap right off the page.
I honestly can't even choose a favourite between Rain of Ash and her previous Zyne novel, To Tame a Wild Heart. They're both wonderfully executed and captured my heart completely.
I'm very excited to see what Mitchell comes up with next!
5 stars and 110% recommend to anyone who loves Urban Fantasy or High Fantasy.... Or even just Fantasy lovers everywhere!
I'm grateful for the preview for the next book because I'm already thirsty for more.
Mitchell has once again created delicious and well rounded characters that leap right off the page.
I honestly can't even choose a favourite between Rain of Ash and her previous Zyne novel, To Tame a Wild Heart. They're both wonderfully executed and captured my heart completely.
I'm very excited to see what Mitchell comes up with next!
5 stars and 110% recommend to anyone who loves Urban Fantasy or High Fantasy.... Or even just Fantasy lovers everywhere!
September 23, 2017
Good
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Excellent world and character building. Will love seeing how this resolves.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Excellent world and character building. Will love seeing how this resolves.
July 17, 2018
Closer to a 3.75
Review to come!
Review to come!
March 27, 2018
What does it mean to protect a relic that has been passed down from generation to generation in your family? Knowing that some of your family members have died to protect this thing can be an enormous burden on your shoulders. Would you do the same? What would happen if you failed? Mitchell has an interesting spin on this new urban fantasy world shrouded with mystery, betrayal and secrets.
Briana has a nice, cushy lifestyle in Sydney, while everyone whom she ever loved remains in tight knit covens within the States. What does it mean to run away from your life? To run away from the every fiber of your conscience that tells you who you are and where you belong? Knowing that something is missing, Briana lives her life the best she can, but doesn't realize how truly unhappy she is until she heads back to the states after seeing her grandmother in spirit after her passing. What Briana doesn't expect is to be placed right back into the life that she so missed--as if she'd never left. Her friends are the same, her family is the same and the people in the town are the same, forever fearful of the curse that is supposedly tied to her family. When more people in the town start dying, Briana has no choice, but to stay and figure out how to defeat the murderer.
Mitchell has an enjoyable, creative and original urban fantasy novel with this first installment. The character development is great and the pace is genuinely pleasant. There are a lot of mysteries that are still present which leaves the reader wanting to read the second installment which can be quite a good quality. Unfortunately, the narrator's take of certain personalities in this book was a bit disturbing. The character voice relay was very light and didn't hold the depth of some of the scenes like the author appears to intend; however, this should not critically hinder the enjoyment of the novel. If you are a reader of paranormal fiction and urban fantasy, you may enjoy this book. With this being the first installment in the Skydancer series, readers can jump right in.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating for Rain of Ash by Gwen Mitchell.
Briana has a nice, cushy lifestyle in Sydney, while everyone whom she ever loved remains in tight knit covens within the States. What does it mean to run away from your life? To run away from the every fiber of your conscience that tells you who you are and where you belong? Knowing that something is missing, Briana lives her life the best she can, but doesn't realize how truly unhappy she is until she heads back to the states after seeing her grandmother in spirit after her passing. What Briana doesn't expect is to be placed right back into the life that she so missed--as if she'd never left. Her friends are the same, her family is the same and the people in the town are the same, forever fearful of the curse that is supposedly tied to her family. When more people in the town start dying, Briana has no choice, but to stay and figure out how to defeat the murderer.
Mitchell has an enjoyable, creative and original urban fantasy novel with this first installment. The character development is great and the pace is genuinely pleasant. There are a lot of mysteries that are still present which leaves the reader wanting to read the second installment which can be quite a good quality. Unfortunately, the narrator's take of certain personalities in this book was a bit disturbing. The character voice relay was very light and didn't hold the depth of some of the scenes like the author appears to intend; however, this should not critically hinder the enjoyment of the novel. If you are a reader of paranormal fiction and urban fantasy, you may enjoy this book. With this being the first installment in the Skydancer series, readers can jump right in.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating for Rain of Ash by Gwen Mitchell.
March 23, 2018
This is my first book by Gwen Mitchell. It will not be my last though. Rain of Ash is the story of Briana Spurrier. The last of her family has passed away and she must return to her home town. Years before Bri turned her back on everything and everyone including her magic to be a concert pianist. Now that she is back she must unleash her magic to battle a demon to save herself and everyone else.
She hooks back up with her friends from childhood. Astrid her best friend and Lucas her first love, to try and break the curse against Bri. Along the way we also meet Kean, who feels that he is getting a fresh beginning now that Bri has returned, and Eric from her present life as a pianist.
The book was very interesting and full of action, magic, and love or lust. i was not crazy about Kean and his attitude an the way he handled things but there's pretty much one charater in every book you just can't fall in love with. Bri was not always where she needed to be but i still liked her character pretty much. I do feel that she would of been stronger if she wasn't lost. I personally do not decide if most series are going to be good or bad until after book 2. Which I am fully willing to read, I enjoyed this book and can see it only as getting better.
The book was narrated by Daniela Acitelli. She done an Ok job, but Bri's character came off a bit whiny at times, when I felt that the passage had her being a bit more tough. Other then that I enjoyed her narration.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
She hooks back up with her friends from childhood. Astrid her best friend and Lucas her first love, to try and break the curse against Bri. Along the way we also meet Kean, who feels that he is getting a fresh beginning now that Bri has returned, and Eric from her present life as a pianist.
The book was very interesting and full of action, magic, and love or lust. i was not crazy about Kean and his attitude an the way he handled things but there's pretty much one charater in every book you just can't fall in love with. Bri was not always where she needed to be but i still liked her character pretty much. I do feel that she would of been stronger if she wasn't lost. I personally do not decide if most series are going to be good or bad until after book 2. Which I am fully willing to read, I enjoyed this book and can see it only as getting better.
The book was narrated by Daniela Acitelli. She done an Ok job, but Bri's character came off a bit whiny at times, when I felt that the passage had her being a bit more tough. Other then that I enjoyed her narration.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gwen Mitchell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
March 11, 2018
Wow! An awesome book that lured me right in! The intensity of the characters and the ongoing challenges kept me wondering what was going to happen next! I’m looking forward to next book in the series! Great job!!
June 2, 2018
Audiobook review: Rain of Ash was an interesting adventure in urban fantasy. The romance is complicated, the storyline has many twists with mystery, danger, death & magic in abundance. Character development is nicely done and well rounded. The narrator did a nice job but was a little slow for my taste. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 22, 2018
This book has you questioning who is the culprit throughout most of the story. It keeps you guessing and when you talk yourself out of that one you have another to think is guilty. I really enjoyed listening to this book and will look forward to more in this series.
March 8, 2018
Audiobook Review
I like where the author is going with this story. She definitely laid the groundwork for future books. Book 1 was fast paced and kept my interest. The MC, Bri, cannot catch a break. Heartbreak and death seem to follow her. As the reader you cannot help but connect to her and feel her pain.
I enjoyed the story being brought to life by narrator, Daniela Acitelli, but she made Bri come off as weak and whiny. I didn't take from the story that the MC was weak and whiny but the narrator made her sound that way. Aside from that issue I thought the narrator did a good job with the other characters.
I like where the author is going with this story. She definitely laid the groundwork for future books. Book 1 was fast paced and kept my interest. The MC, Bri, cannot catch a break. Heartbreak and death seem to follow her. As the reader you cannot help but connect to her and feel her pain.
I enjoyed the story being brought to life by narrator, Daniela Acitelli, but she made Bri come off as weak and whiny. I didn't take from the story that the MC was weak and whiny but the narrator made her sound that way. Aside from that issue I thought the narrator did a good job with the other characters.
February 28, 2018
Rain of Ash by Gwen Mitchell is a paranormal and supernatural tale of a curse, a legacy and Briana Spurrier, the Skydancer that will be called upon to defeat the demon. The story has been told before – good magic vs bad magic, but I lost myself in the fantasy world of demons, legacies, magic, danger and death created by Gwen Mitchell.
Briana had left her home, her passion the piano and her desire to be a concert pianist drove her to deny her heritage. But, the curse and her legacy was not be denied. When a disaster brought her home, she was at a disadvantage. She did not know the danger lurking at every turn.
Regrets, sure, she had plenty. Her powers had been bound, but even before she returned it was pushing through, entering her life and refusing to be denied – candles light on their own, doors close by themselves, precognition, psychic echoes, regressions, astral visits – makes me think of Charmed and Supernatural, a couple of TV shows all paranormal lovers like me know about.
Kean, it was as if his life restarted when she returned. But there was also Eric, who was in her “real” piano world. And Lucas, from a long ago past that she fought to forget. So I guess you could call this a quadrangle, but there is really only one…I think. :-)
I love Astrid, her best friend. Briana had thought she would hold a grudge because of abrupt departure, but it was almost as if they had never left. If you have ever had a best friend that lives far away, you will know what I mean. Distance and time make no difference, each time you meet it is if no one had every left.
The three friends band together and decide to form their own coven. The accidents are not accidents and they are determined to find the answers. They must plead their case before the council.
The magic world has its own set of rules and punishment. They cannot be allowed to run AMOK.
There were a couple of ceremonies that made me think of scenes on Supernatural – where they slash their palm, squeeze the dripping blood into the cup and drink it. Yuck.
The fading (orbing) made me think of Charmed.
I am liking the new coven, their backbone, confidence, strength and determination.
The Soul Eater comes for Geri and the battle goes into overdrive. I can picture the fight from watching Charmed and Supernatural. The Soul Eater is deformed, a hunched, winged fanged, powerful demon able to raze a house and shred human flesh. It revels in the pain and anguish wreaked by its fangs and claws.
I love all the magic, the tension and pacing drawing me in. As the demons and witches, goblins and werewolves, Oracles and Soul Eater begin the battle for the relic and Brianna, I find myself wondering who will survive. Who will die? How many? Gwen is not afraid to kill off her characters in a brutal, horrific, gruesome way.
Rain of Ash started out okay, but when the Soul Eater came to visit and the action really began, the battle was so wildly, magically, horribly supernatural and fantastically charmed I became hooked on the series and am eager to read Book II.
I received a copy of Rain of Ash by Gwen Mitchell in return for an honest and unbiased review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
Briana had left her home, her passion the piano and her desire to be a concert pianist drove her to deny her heritage. But, the curse and her legacy was not be denied. When a disaster brought her home, she was at a disadvantage. She did not know the danger lurking at every turn.
Regrets, sure, she had plenty. Her powers had been bound, but even before she returned it was pushing through, entering her life and refusing to be denied – candles light on their own, doors close by themselves, precognition, psychic echoes, regressions, astral visits – makes me think of Charmed and Supernatural, a couple of TV shows all paranormal lovers like me know about.
Kean, it was as if his life restarted when she returned. But there was also Eric, who was in her “real” piano world. And Lucas, from a long ago past that she fought to forget. So I guess you could call this a quadrangle, but there is really only one…I think. :-)
I love Astrid, her best friend. Briana had thought she would hold a grudge because of abrupt departure, but it was almost as if they had never left. If you have ever had a best friend that lives far away, you will know what I mean. Distance and time make no difference, each time you meet it is if no one had every left.
The three friends band together and decide to form their own coven. The accidents are not accidents and they are determined to find the answers. They must plead their case before the council.
The magic world has its own set of rules and punishment. They cannot be allowed to run AMOK.
There were a couple of ceremonies that made me think of scenes on Supernatural – where they slash their palm, squeeze the dripping blood into the cup and drink it. Yuck.
The fading (orbing) made me think of Charmed.
I am liking the new coven, their backbone, confidence, strength and determination.
The Soul Eater comes for Geri and the battle goes into overdrive. I can picture the fight from watching Charmed and Supernatural. The Soul Eater is deformed, a hunched, winged fanged, powerful demon able to raze a house and shred human flesh. It revels in the pain and anguish wreaked by its fangs and claws.
I love all the magic, the tension and pacing drawing me in. As the demons and witches, goblins and werewolves, Oracles and Soul Eater begin the battle for the relic and Brianna, I find myself wondering who will survive. Who will die? How many? Gwen is not afraid to kill off her characters in a brutal, horrific, gruesome way.
Rain of Ash started out okay, but when the Soul Eater came to visit and the action really began, the battle was so wildly, magically, horribly supernatural and fantastically charmed I became hooked on the series and am eager to read Book II.
I received a copy of Rain of Ash by Gwen Mitchell in return for an honest and unbiased review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
May 16, 2018
Can't wait for the second book to come out in a few months! Really want to see where Gwen takes her characters.
January 23, 2016
The energy and atmosphere of Rain of Ash takes me back to the days where I was well into Wicca stories and films like the The Craft (I really wanted to do magic!), and so delving into a coven-based story was a welcome treat - I haven't read anything in the genre for a long time. This is far more adult than The Craft, which is welcomed, but still massively nostalgic personally.
I loved pretty much everything; Gwen Mitchell's style is exciting and all the magic, and crossing planes and time and spells and minutiae of the world Bri Spurrier inhabits - or re-inhabits - pulses making me all cosy for the world which ignited old memories. On introduction Briana is pretty messed up, for good reason, and her arc throws her about all over the place; she does an epic job of staying sane. Though I didn't agree with the way she handled certain things, and then went a bit wet with the love thing, I let her off due to, well, basically her entire life. Rough times. But I hope to see her character strengthen in the sequel, she sounds like she might just become mega, and the whole Skydancer thing could be epic. The supporting characters are layered enough to give a good sense of who they are and where they fit in the world, and my absolute favourite was Geri. Fab lady, really enjoyed her scenes and her take-no-bull-get-on-with-it attitude (Scottish!). I enjoyed the scenes with Aldric too; the conflict and complexity was great on the page, though he was only in it now and again up until the point, it was a strong relationship.
The main gripe I had, and it is very likely purely a matter of taste, was Kean. He grated me something rotten. To me passion is one thing and possession another, and unfortunately he was on the wrong side of it every time for me. I'm all for a good chunk of sex in books too, but I think all the scenes that were tender or fiery lost something because I didn't take to him. He was quite the hypocrite in parts, the catalyst of my rage, which wouldn't have been so bad if he'd been called on it, but he wasn't, so there was no redemption for me. Lucas was OK too, kind of the middle ground guy. Eric was much more to my taste and seemed to think much more about Bri, rather than himself, than any of the other love interests.
Overall, I loved the atmosphere and the drive, and it's got a bit of everything you want in an adult fantasy novel in good balance. I got through it quickly and it kept my interest the whole way (and though I disliked Kean I didn't skip those parts!). I definitely revisit, it's a great opener for a new world of magic. Yet another indie author who is going places!
I loved pretty much everything; Gwen Mitchell's style is exciting and all the magic, and crossing planes and time and spells and minutiae of the world Bri Spurrier inhabits - or re-inhabits - pulses making me all cosy for the world which ignited old memories. On introduction Briana is pretty messed up, for good reason, and her arc throws her about all over the place; she does an epic job of staying sane. Though I didn't agree with the way she handled certain things, and then went a bit wet with the love thing, I let her off due to, well, basically her entire life. Rough times. But I hope to see her character strengthen in the sequel, she sounds like she might just become mega, and the whole Skydancer thing could be epic. The supporting characters are layered enough to give a good sense of who they are and where they fit in the world, and my absolute favourite was Geri. Fab lady, really enjoyed her scenes and her take-no-bull-get-on-with-it attitude (Scottish!). I enjoyed the scenes with Aldric too; the conflict and complexity was great on the page, though he was only in it now and again up until the point, it was a strong relationship.
The main gripe I had, and it is very likely purely a matter of taste, was Kean. He grated me something rotten. To me passion is one thing and possession another, and unfortunately he was on the wrong side of it every time for me. I'm all for a good chunk of sex in books too, but I think all the scenes that were tender or fiery lost something because I didn't take to him. He was quite the hypocrite in parts, the catalyst of my rage, which wouldn't have been so bad if he'd been called on it, but he wasn't, so there was no redemption for me. Lucas was OK too, kind of the middle ground guy. Eric was much more to my taste and seemed to think much more about Bri, rather than himself, than any of the other love interests.
Overall, I loved the atmosphere and the drive, and it's got a bit of everything you want in an adult fantasy novel in good balance. I got through it quickly and it kept my interest the whole way (and though I disliked Kean I didn't skip those parts!). I definitely revisit, it's a great opener for a new world of magic. Yet another indie author who is going places!
March 28, 2018
The novel begins with a gripping scene of a woman being burned at the stake. The angry villagers shout to her, calling her a witch and evil. The scene is intense and immediately pulls you into the story. As the woman breathes her last breath we get a clear sense that this is only the beginning of her story, not an end. We then fast forward to present day and follow the life of Briana, a Zyne Witch by birth but concert pianist hoping to lead a normal life in Australia by choice. However, despite turning her back on her magical heritage, she is pulled back into it when she learns about the death of her sister and grandmother back home in Washington State.
Back home in the midst of an evolving plot steeped in family secrets, ancient demons, and friction by those who want no part in the drama, Bri is forced to once again embrace her heritage and face a past that literally keeps returning to haunt her. Told in a crisp and highly detailed third person narrative, we get a real sense of the struggles that Bri faces both internally and externally. Her life in Australia and a three-year relationship with the wealthy and handsome Eric has come to an abrupt end when she's confronted by her hometown memories including her first love Kean, and all the unfinished emotions it brings.
Mitchell weaves an intricately beautiful story that is told with amazing detail and flowing dialogue that makes the story hard to put down! Beautiful prose coupled with an interesting story makes for a great novel!
Overall, I give this experience 4 stars for an excellent first installment to this series. I look forward to the exciting conclusion! I immensely enjoyed Rain of Ash and highly recommend for anyone seeking a thrilling romance and action-packed fantasy.
Back home in the midst of an evolving plot steeped in family secrets, ancient demons, and friction by those who want no part in the drama, Bri is forced to once again embrace her heritage and face a past that literally keeps returning to haunt her. Told in a crisp and highly detailed third person narrative, we get a real sense of the struggles that Bri faces both internally and externally. Her life in Australia and a three-year relationship with the wealthy and handsome Eric has come to an abrupt end when she's confronted by her hometown memories including her first love Kean, and all the unfinished emotions it brings.
Mitchell weaves an intricately beautiful story that is told with amazing detail and flowing dialogue that makes the story hard to put down! Beautiful prose coupled with an interesting story makes for a great novel!
Overall, I give this experience 4 stars for an excellent first installment to this series. I look forward to the exciting conclusion! I immensely enjoyed Rain of Ash and highly recommend for anyone seeking a thrilling romance and action-packed fantasy.
February 25, 2016
Great Story! Gwen brings you in with the characters and shares the adventure with you!
June 18, 2018
I received this audiobook free for an honest review. I thought this book moved very slow and then when it picked up, it was very confusing. Maybe I wasn't ready for this book at this time. I found it difficult to keep track of what was going on. At some other point in time, maybe I would be better able to focus on this story. The narrator was not one of my favorites. Maybe my lack of concentration was partially because of the narrator. Maybe at some time in the future I will be better able to concentrate on the story and have a different opinion. If, at that time, I have a different opinion, I will change my review.
June 2, 2019
Frenetic and annoying main character but the rest was salvageable.
The first half was just bogged down with the angst of the heroine and her inability to make any decisions. I got frustrated with this book but the story improved even though the heroine did not.
Hard to get into a story when you really don't like the main character and find her weak, whiny, annoying and very needy. Supposedly very powerful but unable to do anything to help herself or anyone else including making good choices and not keeping everything a secret.
The first half was just bogged down with the angst of the heroine and her inability to make any decisions. I got frustrated with this book but the story improved even though the heroine did not.
Hard to get into a story when you really don't like the main character and find her weak, whiny, annoying and very needy. Supposedly very powerful but unable to do anything to help herself or anyone else including making good choices and not keeping everything a secret.
March 2, 2020
Looking forward to the next instalment
After her grandmother dies, Brianna has to return home to sort through her house. Once she is home, she has to embrace her witch heritage and continue to protect her family’s legacy, facing a dangerous and unknown adversary.
I really enjoyed this book and was hooked from the beginning. The plot kept me guessing until the end and I can’t wait to start the next instalment of Bri’s story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
After her grandmother dies, Brianna has to return home to sort through her house. Once she is home, she has to embrace her witch heritage and continue to protect her family’s legacy, facing a dangerous and unknown adversary.
I really enjoyed this book and was hooked from the beginning. The plot kept me guessing until the end and I can’t wait to start the next instalment of Bri’s story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
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June 9, 2019This book was really good. I enjoyed it a lot. I have read it more than once. Gwen Mitchell is a good writer. The more I read this book over and over, I wanted to read it again. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes fantasy fiction.
Briana “Bri” Spurrier lives in Australia and she is a witch. Briana can see certain things that certain witches can not see, she needs to use her powers in order to stop certain people to get hurt.
Briana “Bri” Spurrier lives in Australia and she is a witch. Briana can see certain things that certain witches can not see, she needs to use her powers in order to stop certain people to get hurt.
March 7, 2020
I very much enjoyed Rain of Ash: A Zyne Witch Urban Fantasy. The characters were complex and intriguing and the world building was complete and truly magical. There are so many layers to the novel that it was easy to be pulled into the story and become immersed in Briana's story. I am very much looking forward to book 2.
I received an audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received an audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2018
I downloaded Rain of Ash, book 1 of the Skydancer series, as a free ebook from Amazon. A really good read with interesting characters and an intriguing plot. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
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