Duck, Duck, Noose

Bitter Ashes #4

by Sara C. Roethle

The best way to win a race against time is to warp its bounds. At least, according to Mikael it is. Still, leaving an entire village of people to their deaths is tough to swallow, and Madeline isn't sure she can handle it. She's not even sure if she wants to. It would be easy to give up, but too many lives hang in the balance. Unfortunately half of those lives might have to be sacrificed to save the others, including those Madeline holds most dear.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2016

About the author

Sara C. Roethle is a Fantasy author and part-time unicorn. She enjoys writing character driven stories in various fantasy realms with elements of Celtic and Norse myth, humor, and metaphysical ponderings.

Her series include:

Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes

Reviews

[Jeffrey Caston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Bitter Ashes series. It is so dense with its mythological use from across the world and reimagining of a sort and its incorporation into the story. It clips along and it’s good characters that run the gamut, from the MC you really root for, some that entertain, some that you abhor, and some, who, well… you just don’t know where they are coming from. I love that.

All that being said, there were parts of this where I was thinking that the characters who supposedly planned and have all this experience but failed to realize that Estus would/could send Sophie and Alaric to a different place and time. Seems like Mikael and some of the others who knew enough about the Key should have seen that coming but didn’t. So then they just go storm Estus’ salr and “hope” Sophie and Alaric are there? Seemed odd to me. But no biggie. I also felt it was a little too convenient relying on a “seat of the pants” plan for the end.

But I love the series and I am excited to see how it ends. I look forward to delving into the fifth book very soon. And I am also looking forward to reading the Tree of Ages books too!

[Nancy l Bernardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the series

This series was such a fun read. Lots of twists and turns. Great story telling, great character Story! A must read if you love fantasy!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Wow, Madeline has come along way. I loved how she was strong on her own. I can't wait see how this strange family deals with the old gods.

[Katie Kight · Rating 5 out of 5]

As awesome as the first 3 books on this series!

Honestly it seems that the story could be left where it is, as most authors seem to do, but I'm excited to see how it continues. Besides I'm hoping for a scene with the baby before all is said and done. Again great series to read, and on to the next book! Happy Reading 📚💜

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline is doing her best to keep her people safe as their Doyen however she has lost Sophie and Alaric already and she has now been invited to the inauguration ball of Estus over in the States and he is her arch rival and he has the Bastet siblings. Going to his Serl would be very dangerous but Madeline felt she had not choice, they just had to go and find the father of her baby! So all of her Serl leave to visit the States but things are not what they had seemed and Alaric and Sophie have been sent to another time completely but the Morrigan helps once again. Will Madeline be able to defeat the Key so that she can re-grow Yggdrasil and bring back the old Gods and wild magics to the world? With the Vaettir, Norns, Banshees, Necromancers, a Water Elemental, the Morrigan and death herself what more could anyone ask for. I love this series, am really into it and know i just have to read till the end and I do hope we get to see Madeline's and Alaric's baby and may the good side triumph.

[linda meyerhofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to read this series from book bub. I liked it so I went on Amazon to find the rest of the books. It made me feel like I was a part of the story. I love that in a book.

[Christian Jeffress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Definitely another good read and a great addition to the series. I am looking forward to reading book 5. Seeing how it all ends.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Lots of excitement, however i think the best is still yey to come.

[Carol Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind boggling

Could not stop reading. I fell in love with all of the characters. Can’t wait to read the next book. Always feel sad when a series ends.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

04:52 just finished and all i can say is i hope there are going to be meany more installments.