Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Prison of Statues

Rate this book
Her nightmares are more than a warning... they’re a promise of death.

On the evening of her father’s funeral, Iris’ nightmare bursts with colors, despite her having been colorblind since birth. She doesn’t know what the man in her nightmare is...a vampire, an angel of darkness, a demon, or some other mythical creature. She only knows he isn’t human, and the connection between them is too strong to ignore.

When Iris learns her father may have been shielding her from unknown dangers, and that a witch may have helped him protect her, she wonders if it played a role in his death. But instead of finding the answers to her dangerous questions…dangerous answers find her in the form of three mysterious strangers.

As the nightmares continue in a series of disturbing events, Iris is caught in a vibrant collision of past and present. But when the nightmares start to cross into her physical realm, she must find a way to fight for her life and for a love she may once have had, or succumb to the evil that has found her… again..

Enter the captivating world filled with mystery, romance, and danger in Prison of Statues, the first exciting installment of The Statues Trilogy.

Don’t wait another second to find out why readers can’t get enough. Scroll up to start your next obsessive read now.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2016

29 people are currently reading
56 people want to read

About the author

Ainsley Shay

24 books45 followers
Ainsley Shay avoids insanity by living mostly in the fiction world. She believes surrounding herself with positive people, and strives for balance in everything. She owns more jeans with rips and holes than without; and has recently found the magic of patches. For her, reading or writing the perfect sentence is better than the smoothest piece of dark chocolate melting in her mouth. She is a deltiologist for pure enjoyment, not for the study of. She longs to move north one day, even though she hates the cold. (Go figure!) So, for now, she continues to live in warm south Florida with her incredible husband, three beautiful daughters, and two lazy cats. (We won’t mention the dog.)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
30 (54%)
4 stars
15 (27%)
3 stars
6 (10%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
3 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews89 followers
August 1, 2020
This was an interesting read. I liked how the story came about in her dreams. I did not see some of the truths that came out like her brother. The world was interesting and I got sucked in. This is a different take on vampires then the norm and I liked it. The characters were interesting and i think we all had a friend like snow.
Profile Image for Lyn Mckenzie.
875 reviews16 followers
August 29, 2016
WOW WOW WOW!!!!
This book is indescribably amazing!!!! I am new to reading Ainsley Shay books and I am cursing myself for not finding her stunning work earlier!
This book not only has an awesome storyline but the way its written.....It is so well written, so imaginative and descriptive, she creates a world that not only do you believe every word that is written, you want to be part of it, there is an obsessive need to know more making this a serious page turner, I seriously cold not put this book down! You find yourself blocking out everything else in your life just to read the next chapter, then the next chapter.....I am sure you understand what I mean especially if you have read this magical word that I was privileged to have a view of.

The storyline....Wow! This story was nothing like I have ever read before, it is so unique, I am dying to talk about the details of this but I don't want ruin this for anyone who hasn't read this but I can say it is filled with action and adventure mixed with a supernatural element. Every chapter provides a new surprise, there was so many times I was surprised in this book, it creates so many emotions when you are reading it! Everything from pain and anguish to love and hope.

The characters in this book were obviously a labour of love to create and that comes through in this book in an extremely vibrant way. Each character has their own unique personalities, dreams and hopes, each one is so different from the others.
I loved Iris, although she is young and is filled with grief, she still comes across as an extremely strong and unique young woman who basically wants a nice simple life but that is not supposed to be her destiny. I loved reading about her and seeing into her mind, you experience her emotions like they are your own, that is how well it is written.
I have to mention Blacwin..... Ainsley Shay, you are a frickin !! His character was so unbelievable awesome!!! I could read about him all day, there is so much mystery and secrecy to him but you get the feeling he is doing what I right, ....I wish I could say more but I really don't want to spoil the surprise of this story.
Chandler... he is another mysterious character in this book, he will keep you guessing chapter after chapter and believe me when I say you will not know what is coming!

The end of the book was just wow, simply amazing.....Again I didn't see it coming, what a way to end the book.....I hope there is a second book as I am dying to find out what happens next in this roller-coaster of a ride....Seriously you all need to go and get a copy of this book, its one of those stories that will stay with you forever. I cant big this book up enough!!!
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,365 reviews133 followers
November 30, 2018
Prison of Statues by Ainsley Shay was nothing like I expected but it was really good. I read that someone describe it as The Vampire Diaries meets Fallen and I have to say that I absolutely agree.

The story was an interesting read that had a few surprises and a good main character. Iris was a seventeen year old student with a funky style and a love for coffee and books, how could I not love her. The other characters were mysterious as they should be because of how the story is told I get that we didn't delve too much into them, Iris has to find out things in time but I wish that I could have gotten a little bit more from Iris' best friend Morgan. While I did get an understanding of her personality I didn't feel that strongly towards her, for some reason I didn't connect. As for the other characters I knew one was a creeper and the other two I am on the fence about because somethings don't really add up to me.

I don't want to say anything to give it the story away because I believe this is the type of story that you have to read without knowing too much about the plot before hand but I will say this the past is coming back to bite Iris in the ass and she has no idea that it's coming. She suffers greatly and has trouble figuring out who to trust. Everyone around her seems to know what is going on but she is left in the dark trying to figure things out on her own. Iris holds up pretty well with all that she is going through and she does ask the right questions they just don't always get answered and when they do get answered they leave her with more questions.

Something that I really don't understand is why was it so difficult for Iris to believe in the supernatural, I mean she is an artist and I would think that maybe she would have an easier time coping with the supernatural than most. As for the story I love how many ideas are layered over each other to create something new. After finishing Prison of Statues I still have a lot of questions and I am seriously wondering what is up with the witch. I am looking forward to the next book, Adelina's Curse and I am really hoping to see more plot twist.

Overall 3.75 stars
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,040 reviews317 followers
November 26, 2016
This is a bit of a grower - it didn't immediately grab me but by the end boy was I hooked. In fact after the first chapter or so I wasn't even sure I would complete the book. All I can say is keep going because you will soon reach the point where you don't want to put the book down. This book totally deserves a solid 5 stars. I also want to say DO NOT judge this book by it's cover - this is very much a contemporary book that fits into no genre and many genres at the same time!

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be reading more - particularly as this is part of a trilogy, and whilst it doesn't end on a cliff-hanger, neither does the story end.

I'm an impatient person and at times I got irritated wanting to discover/know the secrets that form the background to the story. Thankfully the author doesn't write for just for me and has produced a book with amazing tension, an astounding and outstanding plot and excellent character development. There were a few minor editing errors but not enough to spoil my enjoyment of this book.

Some of the characters you know immediately are in the 'good' camp or 'bad' camp but others having you guessing and changing your mind. The author drip-feeds information about the characters and the back story expertly, just enough to keep the pace steady but not too much to spoil the suspense element.

I like Iris as a character, she is a young adult and whilst some of her choices, actions and reactions may be foolish, they are normal for a young girl coming to terms with the death of her father. Add to this he was her only known living relative, she is experiencing strange dreams and has odd people showing up in her life - all within a short space of time - you can forgive Iris anything.

I also like the fact that whilst this is a story about Iris, there are many other characters that are involved in the story and who we get to know. To be honest I can't sing the praises of this book enough. And I certainly can't wait to find out what happens next. Thank you for an amazing read Ainsley Shay.
1,308 reviews17 followers
July 18, 2017
If you like stories with otherworldly elements and lots of mystery, Prison of Statues is a good book to read. Iris has only ever been able to see the color gray, but after the death of her father, she begins having nightmares that are in color. Even stranger, the nightmares appear to be part of a continuous story -- a nightmare in serial form. Additionally, when going through her father's belongings, she came across a box with a statue that matches the tattoo covering her birthmark, along with a letter to her father from C.W. and a letter from her father to her suggesting that her father's death was not caused by a heart attack and that she was in danger. Adding to the mystery, there are several new people in town who have an unnatural interest in her -- Chandler and Blacwin. Chandler has made himself her unofficial bodyguard/protector, though Iris is not sure why he has such interest in her or what exactly she needs protection from. Blacwin's interest appears to be more of a romantic interest, although even that is not entirely clear. There is also a new creative writing teacher at the local high school, Mr. Pene, who seems overly interested in Iris, much to her dismay and dislike. Chandler and Blacwin seem to have some knowledge of what is happening to Iris, but will not tell her what they know.

The author has created a very compelling group of characters that engage the reader -- you want to know more about them and what will happen to them in the future. The author is also quite good at sustaining the mystery and suspense, providing small bits of information that give Iris (as well as the reader) some insight into what might be happening, but which often lead to more questions and more mystery. The more you read, the more you want to know. I look forward to reading the second book (and later the third book) to find more answers to the mysteries in the first book and to see what happens to Iris.
Profile Image for Heather Karn.
Author 50 books133 followers
April 28, 2020
So I read the sample to this book the middle of 2019 in preparation for Penned Con to see if I wanted to buy this book from the author. By the time the sample ended, I was positive that I did, and I'm so glad I decided to pick this book up this weekend and read it!! It's amazing!! I was in a reading rut before I started and I'm pretty sure this book has pulled me out of it! Already reading book 2 because I couldn't just stop! I had to know what happened next! The concept is original and the characters are awesome the way they all fit together in the story! If you haven't read an Ainsley Shay book, then you're missing out and they need to go up tot he top of your tbr pile!
138 reviews
July 18, 2017
This intriguing story begins at a crisis. Iris' father has died. She deeply loved her father and knew he cared for her but until has was gone, she did not realize how he was a shield of protection. At the funeral, there is a strange man nearby that is staring at her, making her very uncomfortable. New people show up in her small town that are very focused on her. Who are these people are and why they are interested in her? The reason is completely unexpected. I have got to know what happens next!
877 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2018
Slow build up

The storyline was interesting but it was so slow and boring. The characters were annoying. Didn't care for the best friend and the main character was weak. Too much side descriptions in between conversation. Couldn't connect with the characters. Slow development of the plot and characters.
***Spoilers ahead...

I mean for the mc to be thinking of her brother Chandler to being hot at first was inappropriate. Just gave up since I realized I was flipping the pages more than reading them. Writing was good but this book was not for me.
312 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2017

This is an excellent story. It has so many different elements in it, but they all flow together beautifully. There are fallen angels, witches, reincarnation and a 17 year old who just lost her father. This is Book 1 in the Trilogy- Prison of Statues, but I accidentally read Book 2 Adelina's curse first. But I definitely wanted to read book one and will read book three next.

This series is really good and really intriguing! I really like when things are not totally predictable!
Profile Image for Gea.
668 reviews
July 18, 2017
From the beginning until the end I was wondering who was who from the past and the now.
It's like a great detective-story: the tension rises and slowly but surely things click into place.

Still I wonder what happened to Lord Darenfys, Adelina and the prince Catherine was going to marry...

I received a free copy and this is my honest review.

Profile Image for Lynn.
691 reviews13 followers
July 27, 2017
This book was totally fabulous! It grabs you right from the start. It keeps you wondering, and guessing. Who what where and when!
Strong kIck ass females! Clean read, no sex. I so want to get my hands on the next books! I could not put this book down. Nor did I sleep from not being able to put it down..!


I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
1,384 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2017
Iris sees in shades of gray, but after her father's death she starts dreaming in Technicolor. Her apartment is ransacked, and her father's house is searched. Who are Chandler and Blacwin really, and what does Mr Pene have to do with all the strangeness in her life? Absolutely riveting.
Profile Image for David Hart.
4 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2017
From a grey life during the day, to color filled dreams, this was a great read. A lot of mystery and wondering if some of the characters were really good or really bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
Profile Image for Marlee Sanders.
6 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2017
This book was a great read. The beginning was quick to get you into the book. There are some parts I feel dragged a little bit where I started to lose interested but once I got passed them I got in to it again and loved it. over all this was a great book and I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Stacy.
45 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2017
This book was BAD. The main character Iris is an idiot. She trusts guys because they are "HOT". Even when one of them tells her that he is in town to MURDER someone. It was hard for me to finish this book. It was so bad. I will not be reading anything else from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Reva Draper.
12 reviews
July 25, 2017
Love this book. Kept me guessing all the way to the end. I want more. Can't wait to read the next one. Ainsley Shay is definitely on my authors to recommend list.
967 reviews11 followers
March 24, 2018
3.75 stars. Reasonably unique , will appeal to teen readers.
1 review
September 18, 2017
It was my first book from the author and I'm already a big fan.
Prison of Statues is the kind of books that keep you reading one page after the other and you can't get enough.
It was an easy read and not too creepy (for my standards) in case you like mystery, but you don't want to sleep with the lights on.
The descriptions are so vivid, it feels like you are watching the characters with your own eyes.
Although the writer's narration is so real - you can smell the characters! - she has the gift not to make you bored with needless points.
I will certainly start the second book of the trilogy.
Profile Image for Karen.
382 reviews
September 30, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review - this is the first book of Ainsley Shay that I have read and Wow! Her style of writing has you guessing from one minute to the next, which of the strangers she meets is evil, who can she trust, what do they want? What are they? And without giving away the story I can't enlighten you! but believe me it is well worth reading - I was hanging, trying to stay away and find out what was happening but at 5a,m and after dropping my ereader for the third time, my hubby had had enough and moaned at me:-) so I had to wait until the following evening to finish the story and believe me you won't want to put it down either!
Iris was away at Art college when she got the call her father had died, so she travels back to the small town she grew up in and is supported by her best friend Snow and he adoptive grandfather Mr Yves. At the funeral she spot a strange man, in the distance staring at her? Following the funeral she moves into the apartment above Mr Yves book store not being able to face the family home where her father died. During her childhood she had spend a lot of time at the bookstore even working there after school and falls back into the easy routine. The first morning she heads from the apartment to the cafe to pick up her favorite cup of coffee and head back to the bookshop running into another stranger Chandler - I won't you any more as I head off to read book two:-)
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,836 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2016

This is, in fact, my very first contact with this author, and wow, I am stunned.
Iris is called the sorrowful news of her father’s death. At the funeral, she notices a stranger watching her. She moves to an apartment above the bookstore where she spent a great deal of her childhood, avoiding the family house. One morning, she meets another stranger – Chandler, and the story starts to race forward.
The world setup is great, described with details, vibrant, enchanting, colorful and so real you feel as a part of it when reading the lines. The whole story is really addictive, magical, full of action, adventure, drama, suspense, mystery, with unexpected twists and turns and wrapped up in magic.
Through the pages, the reader is delivered so wide emotional range that at the end, you may as well feel literally emotionally exhausted. Characters in this book are realistic, believable, very complex, and unique with well-defined personalities, clear motives, driving forces and way of thinking. Iris is a young woman that only wants to live in peace, but for this desire she is constantly warring with her fate that has just different opinion on her future. Blacwin is a great mystery and one must guess and question his motives and actions; so is Chandler, another big question mark, totally unpredictable, sort of a surprise element in the book.
I am lost to this world and can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Jaime Margaria.
83 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2017
What a fantastic book! I feel in love instantly with all the characters and the story. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Everything is so well developed and the amount of twists within the story was fantastic. You can almost never tell who is trustworthy and who is not. The best thing about the story is that it contains so many unique points. It is definitely different than any other book I have read.

The characters, Iris, a seemingly normal teenager, who is attempting to deal with the loss of her father, also gets thrust into a wondrously weird and exciting world. She meets Chandler and Blacwin, who become increasingly important to her story, as do her nightmares. Iris finds that she must find a way to trust those around her to find answers to her ever confusing life.

I gave this book 5 stars because it was a great read, kept me interested and on the edge of my seat. Characters are complex and make you fall in love and want to know how their story turns out. Once you get started you will not want to stop!
Profile Image for Andie.
240 reviews22 followers
May 12, 2018
I received a free ebook copy in exchange of an honest review and here it goes:
The story called my attention, Iris is a colorblind girl who after her father's death began to dream in color and three mysterious guys arrived at her little town.
The firts 100 pages were hard for me to get into the book, Iris exasperates me a lot, she has many things on her head but very immature to take things or trust easily in people knowing nothing about them but I kept going and the plot began to be faster and found myself completely hooked up. I loved the love story, makes you dream with an ageless and endless love.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
August 31, 2016
I asked the universe to find me new stories to read and I've been blessed with a wealth of very different ones. Prison of Statues is nothing like any paranormal book I've previously read. It's such a unique perspective. There's so much going on in this book and it asks so many questions of itself and us the readers. The answers to those questions are carefully revealed, a little at a time, that you'll be hooked from the very beginning. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for maxine.
16 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2016
Ainsley Shay is a new author to me, but let me just say she is amazing....This book has so many twist and turns it will keep you guessing until the vary end....I can't wait to devour the next book in this series....I love the way that Ainsley gets you to believe things that your head tells you isn't possible, or is it?....She will definitely have you questioning and re-examining your beliefs in supernatural and reincarnation....It is a 5 star read all the way...you wont be disappointed...
32 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2016
Captivating and thrilling. Iris' story combines suspense, mystery, romance and the paranormal. It draws you in and will not let you go even when you reach the end. Not all questions are answered in this first book which is part of the draw to read the next book.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chantall Bronkhorst.
222 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2016
Wow, what a awesome story... Could't put the book down. Well written and not predictable, loved the story line and how the past and present incorporates together. Enough drama, love, humor. Can't wait to read the next installment to see what happened to Iris.....
Profile Image for Luckynumba13 .
75 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2017
This book took a little getting into but the mystery of the dreams pulls you in. It's like waiting for the next episode of your favorite tv show, you can't wait to see what happens next. By the end you just love it! If you give this book a chance you definitely won't be disappointed!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.