What do you think?
Rate this book
Ben Garston #3
Burning Ashes
In the vein of Kevin Hearne, Burning Ashes is the third book in the Ben Garston series, a contemporary fantasy tale of dragons and ancient magic hidden within our own world.
The Lore is over. For Ben Garston, the fight is just beginning.
The uneasy truce between the human and the mythical world has shattered. Betrayed by his oldest friend, with a tragic death on his hands, there isn't enough whiskey in England to wash away the taste of Ben's guilt. But for a one-time guardian dragon, there's no time to sit and sulk in the ruins.
Because the Long Sleep has come undone. Slowly but surely, Remnants are stirring under the earth, unleashing chaos and terror on an unsuspecting modern world. Worse still, the Fay are returning, travelling across the gulfs of the nether to bring a final reckoning to Remnants and humans alike.
A war is coming. A war to end all wars. And only Ben Garston stands in the way...
The Ben Garston novelsChasing EmbersRaising FireBurning Ashes
The Lore is over. For Ben Garston, the fight is just beginning.
The uneasy truce between the human and the mythical world has shattered. Betrayed by his oldest friend, with a tragic death on his hands, there isn't enough whiskey in England to wash away the taste of Ben's guilt. But for a one-time guardian dragon, there's no time to sit and sulk in the ruins.
Because the Long Sleep has come undone. Slowly but surely, Remnants are stirring under the earth, unleashing chaos and terror on an unsuspecting modern world. Worse still, the Fay are returning, travelling across the gulfs of the nether to bring a final reckoning to Remnants and humans alike.
A war is coming. A war to end all wars. And only Ben Garston stands in the way...
The Ben Garston novelsChasing EmbersRaising FireBurning Ashes
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2018
15 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
James Bennett
37 books119 followersJames Bennett is a British Fantasy Award winning author. Raised in Sussex and South Africa, his short fiction has appeared internationally. His acclaimed debut 'Chasing Embers' came out in 2016, the first of the Ben Garston Novels, a series in which mythological creatures fight for dominance in the modern world. Other works include the well-received 'The Book of Queer Saints' and his latest stories can be found in The Dark magazine, BFS Horizons and Occult Detective magazine.
A short story collection 'Preaching to the Perverted' arrives from Lethe Press in September 2024.
James lives in the South of Spain where he's working on a new novel.
'...Inventive and vivid... This is smart action storytelling...'
Publishers Weekly on RAISING FIRE (starred review)
The Ben Garston Novels are available in all good bookshops.
A short story collection 'Preaching to the Perverted' arrives from Lethe Press in September 2024.
James lives in the South of Spain where he's working on a new novel.
'...Inventive and vivid... This is smart action storytelling...'
Publishers Weekly on RAISING FIRE (starred review)
The Ben Garston Novels are available in all good bookshops.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 17, 2018
There is truly a special place in my heart for James Bennett’s work. His debut novel for Orbit, Chasing Embers serves as my re-introduction to Fantasy fiction. In fact it began my love affair with Grimdark, and particularly, the wave of UK based authors that have become prominent over the years.
The Ben Garston series is marketed as an Urban Fantasy. It’s suggested to fans of Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher. Upon reading the first novel of the trilogy I realized this was quite a misleading comparison. Bennett’s story about a dragon with the ability to shift to humanoid form...the last of his kind, due to a pact that placed all but one of each remnant (mythical creature) in a long sleep or hibernation, is truly astounding literature. Ben’s suffering as an Everyman Jack Daniels swigging hero is so profoundly described. His combination of apathy toward his own remnant kind, and toward humanity mixed with his desire to protect both is so beautifully and poetically rendered that despite much of the story being told in third person inner monologue, it’s impossible not to be drawn to this incredibly human, incredibly flawed draconic being.
In Burning Ashes, the long sleep has been reversed. Ben’s trickster former friend and confidant Von Hart, has caused an awakening of all mythological creatures, steeped in Arthurian Legend and a secret held in the legendary sword Caliburn, and it’s up to Ben to prevent all out chaos, and war as monsters are unleashed upon humanity.
Bennett has always knows his way around a cinematic action sequence. His descriptions of Ben in flight are mesmerizing , but Burning Ashes places him against Wyverns, Manticores, and other creatures of mythology. He raises the stakes so high that I was actually able to hear the movie score in my head while reading
While Chasing Embers and Raising Fire were unique for featuring stories within the main story, Burning Ashes keeps it about Ben and his quest. Von Hart, the Fae envoy to the human world is a wonderful character of always questionable morals that is the perfect foil for Ben’s decrepit and lonely life. With his love gone, and having lost a close friend, Von Hart is his only confidant, and that no doubt leads to nothing but Chaos for Ben.
Much of the story takes place in London, but one particular section, in which Ben searches for Remnants that might help him on his mission takes him to Bennett’s spiritual home of Barcelona, and it’s clear from the stunning and nuanced description of the city, that the author is passionate about it.
Burning Ashes is not an easy book. It is steeped in lore, it hovers around in dream-like sequences and plays with the concept of reality. Ben Garston is a trilogy, and must be read as such. Bennett doesn’t babysit the reader and offers minimal recapping of previous novels. Ben’s quest is brutal and uncompromising and James Bennett demands that we journey with him from the beginning. His prose shifts from the standard to the abstract poetic much like Rushdie and David Miller, and while the story is excellent , Bennett’s prose is a wonder to behold and the true star.
I’m quite disappointed that this will be the final instalment in Ben Garston’s saga but I anxiously await whatever comes next from one of the most brilliant voices in modern Fantasy Fiction.
Goodbye Benjurigan. May you have peace with a bottle of Jack and A new Queens of the Stoneage record.
The Ben Garston series is marketed as an Urban Fantasy. It’s suggested to fans of Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher. Upon reading the first novel of the trilogy I realized this was quite a misleading comparison. Bennett’s story about a dragon with the ability to shift to humanoid form...the last of his kind, due to a pact that placed all but one of each remnant (mythical creature) in a long sleep or hibernation, is truly astounding literature. Ben’s suffering as an Everyman Jack Daniels swigging hero is so profoundly described. His combination of apathy toward his own remnant kind, and toward humanity mixed with his desire to protect both is so beautifully and poetically rendered that despite much of the story being told in third person inner monologue, it’s impossible not to be drawn to this incredibly human, incredibly flawed draconic being.
In Burning Ashes, the long sleep has been reversed. Ben’s trickster former friend and confidant Von Hart, has caused an awakening of all mythological creatures, steeped in Arthurian Legend and a secret held in the legendary sword Caliburn, and it’s up to Ben to prevent all out chaos, and war as monsters are unleashed upon humanity.
Bennett has always knows his way around a cinematic action sequence. His descriptions of Ben in flight are mesmerizing , but Burning Ashes places him against Wyverns, Manticores, and other creatures of mythology. He raises the stakes so high that I was actually able to hear the movie score in my head while reading
While Chasing Embers and Raising Fire were unique for featuring stories within the main story, Burning Ashes keeps it about Ben and his quest. Von Hart, the Fae envoy to the human world is a wonderful character of always questionable morals that is the perfect foil for Ben’s decrepit and lonely life. With his love gone, and having lost a close friend, Von Hart is his only confidant, and that no doubt leads to nothing but Chaos for Ben.
Much of the story takes place in London, but one particular section, in which Ben searches for Remnants that might help him on his mission takes him to Bennett’s spiritual home of Barcelona, and it’s clear from the stunning and nuanced description of the city, that the author is passionate about it.
Burning Ashes is not an easy book. It is steeped in lore, it hovers around in dream-like sequences and plays with the concept of reality. Ben Garston is a trilogy, and must be read as such. Bennett doesn’t babysit the reader and offers minimal recapping of previous novels. Ben’s quest is brutal and uncompromising and James Bennett demands that we journey with him from the beginning. His prose shifts from the standard to the abstract poetic much like Rushdie and David Miller, and while the story is excellent , Bennett’s prose is a wonder to behold and the true star.
I’m quite disappointed that this will be the final instalment in Ben Garston’s saga but I anxiously await whatever comes next from one of the most brilliant voices in modern Fantasy Fiction.
Goodbye Benjurigan. May you have peace with a bottle of Jack and A new Queens of the Stoneage record.
August 16, 2024
I struggled with this series, but I wanted to know how the story ended.
With any luck, I'll never have to read the words 'The Lore is over' and 'Magic has soured' ever again.
With any luck, I'll never have to read the words 'The Lore is over' and 'Magic has soured' ever again.
January 1, 2019
A splendidly exciting conclusion to an all action trilogy but with a thoughtful side like a ninja owl and prose so rich you could bath a fussy gibbon in it. Thoroughly recommended.
December 4, 2019
Such a fantastic triology! I really enjoyed the Arthurian legend in this novel. My last batch of borrowed books was a real dud and I'm so happy to have found new good books for me to really sink my teeth into! And it doesn't hurt that dragons are my favourite mythical creatues. Anyone who's a fan of fantasy or good books in general, give this triology a whirl! You won't regret it.
February 20, 2019
Tense, exciting, beautiful, heart-breaking. Burning Ashes keeps the narrative of the Ben Garston series rolling and provides a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the series. Bennett builds out a magical yet earth-bounds world filled with myth and monsters, drawing on elements of classical tales that are then woven seamlessly into this more modern imagining of good and evil, gods and monsters. I walk away thoroughly satisfied by the tale spun out over the course of three books and strangely bereft at finding no more path to follow.
September 8, 2021
What began as a sort of Highlander-with-Dragons back at the start of James Bennett's Red Ben trilogy shifts gear here in the final volume and becomes a vast, multiversal battle against disbelief, decay, and the jealousy of the deeply warped Fey. Bennett rouses creatures from across the breadth of British mythology to fight both with and against Red Ben, and plays his cards close to his chest right up until the last few chapters. Even though some aspects of the story are definitively ended, there's plenty of scope for further action in this newly awakened world of magic.
February 22, 2019
I struggled to finish this last in the series. The writing style bothered me with too much lyrical padding in a style more suited to high fantasy than modern urban, fast paced plots. A lot of time was spent in recapping past events and moaning about life being unfair to dragons and the other nonhumans. That combined with a lot of mystical moments in other dimensions that were too vague.
June 6, 2020
A thrilling close to an exciting story.
Picking up roughly six months after the events of Raising Fire, Burning Ashes brings James Bennett's Ben Garston trilogy to an end. The Lore is over and the sleep is ending, slowly the Remnants are waking from their 800 year nap. This is accelerated when Arthur, the Once and Future King, returns as an evil wraith bent on reclaiming his throne. The world is thrown into turmoil as myth meets reality, and this time Ben isn't sure he can stop the bloodshed.
This was a decent final chapter in the series. I felt Ben's character arc experienced a nice amount of progression and the new additions to the story were pleasant. There were a variety of themes I felt resonated well, and the morals of the story were intricate and grey. Bennett has an enjoyable style and his research is evident in the way he brings myth to life. This is an homage to classic fantasy, and it sure shows.
Again, the level of repetition was annoying. We don't need to be constantly reminded of the Lore and every event of the last two books, it got to the point where it almost felt like padding the story. I have mixed feelings about the ending. I felt it was perfectly climactic, but it kind of just ends. There are still so many loose story threads that have no resolution, what about Rose and her dragon baby? It's like Bennett finished writing the action parts and then couldn't be bothered with closure.
All in all, I've enjoyed this series and I'd be interested to see what Bennett does in the future.
Picking up roughly six months after the events of Raising Fire, Burning Ashes brings James Bennett's Ben Garston trilogy to an end. The Lore is over and the sleep is ending, slowly the Remnants are waking from their 800 year nap. This is accelerated when Arthur, the Once and Future King, returns as an evil wraith bent on reclaiming his throne. The world is thrown into turmoil as myth meets reality, and this time Ben isn't sure he can stop the bloodshed.
This was a decent final chapter in the series. I felt Ben's character arc experienced a nice amount of progression and the new additions to the story were pleasant. There were a variety of themes I felt resonated well, and the morals of the story were intricate and grey. Bennett has an enjoyable style and his research is evident in the way he brings myth to life. This is an homage to classic fantasy, and it sure shows.
Again, the level of repetition was annoying. We don't need to be constantly reminded of the Lore and every event of the last two books, it got to the point where it almost felt like padding the story. I have mixed feelings about the ending. I felt it was perfectly climactic, but it kind of just ends. There are still so many loose story threads that have no resolution, what about Rose and her dragon baby? It's like Bennett finished writing the action parts and then couldn't be bothered with closure.
All in all, I've enjoyed this series and I'd be interested to see what Bennett does in the future.
November 10, 2020
The Ben Garston books are enjoyable. Pop, fantasy, steeped in cool from cover to cover. The third one is no exception.
Following up on the previous two books, the world is in the process of going to shit; the lore that kept all the remnants (magical creatures) in an endless sleep to achieve peace until the world is ready for them, has been broken prematurely, and a King Arthur plucked straight of the Walking Dead is coming back to the Earth on a major recruiting drive, to gang up with as many wicked creatures as possible and take the world as his own.
Ben Garston, as before, accepts the mantle and does what he can to try and thwart the fay, teaming up with unexpected enemies and acquaintances from previous books, and events taking an extra turn for the worse when Ben realises the truth...
Sounds quite promising, wo why the 3 stars? This third entry from James Bennett is extremely well written - a vast swathe of similes and metaphors punctuate what is actually a fairly mundane story, where most of the book seems to recount the events of the previous two books, with our brooding lead character continuing to mope about how he let everyone down. This season would make an epic TV show with the range of characters and the great imagery Bennett deploys, but I didn't really want to spend half the book rereading the first two.
So, what I hope then is that this third entry is good enough to inspire a fourth, as I have no doubt that this is an excellent series, but can be so much better than this one.
Following up on the previous two books, the world is in the process of going to shit; the lore that kept all the remnants (magical creatures) in an endless sleep to achieve peace until the world is ready for them, has been broken prematurely, and a King Arthur plucked straight of the Walking Dead is coming back to the Earth on a major recruiting drive, to gang up with as many wicked creatures as possible and take the world as his own.
Ben Garston, as before, accepts the mantle and does what he can to try and thwart the fay, teaming up with unexpected enemies and acquaintances from previous books, and events taking an extra turn for the worse when Ben realises the truth...
Sounds quite promising, wo why the 3 stars? This third entry from James Bennett is extremely well written - a vast swathe of similes and metaphors punctuate what is actually a fairly mundane story, where most of the book seems to recount the events of the previous two books, with our brooding lead character continuing to mope about how he let everyone down. This season would make an epic TV show with the range of characters and the great imagery Bennett deploys, but I didn't really want to spend half the book rereading the first two.
So, what I hope then is that this third entry is good enough to inspire a fourth, as I have no doubt that this is an excellent series, but can be so much better than this one.
September 24, 2019
I Made It !!!
Well the series started well, then began to drag, the action sequences also dragged & this book was no exception until the final few chapters ...
How many times do we need to be told in a story or reminded of his past, his past mistakes, his past loves, how he was used, what he should of done, the history of the pact ... this especially ... sheesh!
This is one of the most painful series I’ve had to endure and I’ve lost count of the number of books I read whilst reading this series! Anyway done now, never to return.
Sorry Mr Author but you could have done so much more with this character. Why does he get arse kicking every time to then either be saved or somehow find the strength to win ... boring. I felt really sorry for Ben!
Well the series started well, then began to drag, the action sequences also dragged & this book was no exception until the final few chapters ...
How many times do we need to be told in a story or reminded of his past, his past mistakes, his past loves, how he was used, what he should of done, the history of the pact ... this especially ... sheesh!
This is one of the most painful series I’ve had to endure and I’ve lost count of the number of books I read whilst reading this series! Anyway done now, never to return.
Sorry Mr Author but you could have done so much more with this character. Why does he get arse kicking every time to then either be saved or somehow find the strength to win ... boring. I felt really sorry for Ben!
January 15, 2019
"There would always be stories, he knew. He might have laughed, accepting the truth of the matter. There had always been a king in the mountain. Swords in stones and sleeping gods. And giants in the earth, in those days and this. As long as there we're tongues to tell them, there would always be stories. Once upon a time and happy ever after."
This third book in the Ben Garsten series is filled with twists and head slapping moments. More importantly, however, is the heart and soul the resound throughout the story. The ride will take you from crushing depths of despair to the soaring freedom of hope and back again, and you will grateful for the privilege.
This third book in the Ben Garsten series is filled with twists and head slapping moments. More importantly, however, is the heart and soul the resound throughout the story. The ride will take you from crushing depths of despair to the soaring freedom of hope and back again, and you will grateful for the privilege.
February 4, 2020
I picked up this book in soft-cover edition when I went to my local Barnes and Noble because I had to know how everything my personal review of the book is as follows:
I personally really enjoyed the main character and storyline as a whole however I feel let down with the storyline from about the middle of the book onwards, especially when it comes to the battle scenes(trying to phrase things in a way that avoids spoilers). Overall I personally rate this book a 3 and half out of 10 because of how much I love the main character and the other 2 books.
I personally really enjoyed the main character and storyline as a whole however I feel let down with the storyline from about the middle of the book onwards, especially when it comes to the battle scenes(trying to phrase things in a way that avoids spoilers). Overall I personally rate this book a 3 and half out of 10 because of how much I love the main character and the other 2 books.
June 20, 2021
Honestly... I could have given up with this book many times.
It lost me on numerous occasions and... I worried slightly when it added more to the Arthurian legend (and these were the parts that I think broke me more than they were meant to).
The wordiness and repetition did get to me as well.
I'm sorry. I wanted to like this book and the trilogy but I just can't. Maybe it just wasn't the writing style for me. At least I have three beautiful covers to have on my bookshelf.
It lost me on numerous occasions and... I worried slightly when it added more to the Arthurian legend (and these were the parts that I think broke me more than they were meant to).
The wordiness and repetition did get to me as well.
I'm sorry. I wanted to like this book and the trilogy but I just can't. Maybe it just wasn't the writing style for me. At least I have three beautiful covers to have on my bookshelf.
September 26, 2020
What an ending to end a brilliant trilogy! There’s so much action in this book that I wish I had a mind projector to bring my mental visuals to life. I loved the twist to the classic Arthurian tales. The many plot twists can be damn frustrating at times but they’re not boring. Thanks for the adventures Ben Garston!
May 26, 2019
A interesting read
Enjoyed this book, but not sure that I liked the ending. Doesn't seem like there's going to be another book in this series which I am extremely disappointed about.
Enjoyed this book, but not sure that I liked the ending. Doesn't seem like there's going to be another book in this series which I am extremely disappointed about.
April 6, 2021
A good end to the series about Ben Garston - the last dragon awake in the world. Following the first two installments of the trilogy the world has changed for the worst - all the old remnants of the age of mythology are waking up led by King Arthur who might not be the hero of old!
March 18, 2019
fabulous ending to the series
August 1, 2022
The last book in Bennett’s fantasy trilogy is just as entertaining and beautifully written as the previous two. Rich with a love of English myth and mythic landscape, well worth your time.
May 3, 2023
The uneasy truce between the human and the mythical world has shattered. Betrayed by his oldest friend, with a tragic death on his hands, there isn't enough whiskey in England to wash away the taste of Ben's guilt. But for a one-time guardian dragon, there's no time to sit and sulk in the ruins.
Because the Long Sleep has come undone. Slowly but surely, Remnants are stirring under the earth, unleashing chaos and terror on an unsuspecting modern world. Worse still, the Fay are returning, travelling across the gulfs of the nether to bring a final reckoning to Remnants and humans alike.
A war is coming. A war to end all wars. And only Ben Garston stands in the way...
Because the Long Sleep has come undone. Slowly but surely, Remnants are stirring under the earth, unleashing chaos and terror on an unsuspecting modern world. Worse still, the Fay are returning, travelling across the gulfs of the nether to bring a final reckoning to Remnants and humans alike.
A war is coming. A war to end all wars. And only Ben Garston stands in the way...
February 14, 2019
Loved it, and sad that the series is over. Reading the author's notes about his favourite authors growing up made a lot of sense as they were mine as well.
March 28, 2019
A grand climax to the trilogy, loved it
January 20, 2019
This was a freaking brilliant ending to the Ben Garston trilogy. In my opinion this is by far the best book out of the three, and it satisfyingly wraps into an epic climax converging all the plot twists and revelations that Bennett teased in the previous two books. The writing is eloquent, and the pacing is bloody damn suspenseful that will keep the readers going. The action is pretty packed in gut-wrenching punches of magic and monsters which is exciting. I enjoyed reading this, and it should be read by anyone with a fascination for mythology and history, and the enduring presence of the magic of folktales and the imagination.
The worldbuilding in this novel was phenomenal. We are provided a view of the fairy world here which was utterly magnificent. Bennett gives a imaginative twist to mythical understanding, folklore, legends, and history of Britain and Celt. I want to gush about how ingenuously the author repacked the Arthurian myth with a sublime and tragic depth. The writing reaches its height when Bennett describes the beauty of Avalon, the Isle of Apples, and that of magic, creation of the world and the infinite reaches of the cosmos with a poetic touch and majesty like John Milton. I loved the worldbuilding more than the story which showcased the fine blend of fancy and imagination, and raised the standard of the 'suspense of disbelief' in the novel. The machinations of the Envoy Von Hart is clearly explained and connected to the end which was poignant in a manner, and also the reason of souring of magic is given a credible reason at the end which was pretty intriguing.
The characters were top notch. In this novel, the focus is given more upon the Queen of the Fae Nimue, and Ben's interaction with her in the nether realm. A lot is revealed about the origin of the Remnants, and the ultimate motives of the Fae regarding their creations, and their reasons for departing the mortal realm. Ben as usual is conflicted, but he nonetheless tries his bet to protect the humans from the enemy remnants and the undead witchery of king Arthur. However, the most delightful character in this novel is the magical sword of Arthur Caliburn. The sword is sentient and is capable of speech and worldly perceptions. The witty banter of Caliburn with Ben was humorous and insightful, providing a much needed comic relief to the grim tale. There is a secret identity of the sword, which I leave to the readers to find out on their own.
I have loved reading the Ben Garston novels because they represent an age that is long gone, an age that history refuses to acknowledge as truth, an age that only finds its due place in the myths, stories, and the imagination of poets and bards. What is important about these novels is the theme of Time and Belief, the clash between faith and modernity, the gulf between science and magic, and the Darwinian theme of evolution in sync with the power of Nature and the age of machines and technology. James Bennett tells a timeless tale about time, when our myths were truth and dragons were real, and so were the petty wars of men which has remain unchanged even today.
The worldbuilding in this novel was phenomenal. We are provided a view of the fairy world here which was utterly magnificent. Bennett gives a imaginative twist to mythical understanding, folklore, legends, and history of Britain and Celt. I want to gush about how ingenuously the author repacked the Arthurian myth with a sublime and tragic depth. The writing reaches its height when Bennett describes the beauty of Avalon, the Isle of Apples, and that of magic, creation of the world and the infinite reaches of the cosmos with a poetic touch and majesty like John Milton. I loved the worldbuilding more than the story which showcased the fine blend of fancy and imagination, and raised the standard of the 'suspense of disbelief' in the novel. The machinations of the Envoy Von Hart is clearly explained and connected to the end which was poignant in a manner, and also the reason of souring of magic is given a credible reason at the end which was pretty intriguing.
The characters were top notch. In this novel, the focus is given more upon the Queen of the Fae Nimue, and Ben's interaction with her in the nether realm. A lot is revealed about the origin of the Remnants, and the ultimate motives of the Fae regarding their creations, and their reasons for departing the mortal realm. Ben as usual is conflicted, but he nonetheless tries his bet to protect the humans from the enemy remnants and the undead witchery of king Arthur. However, the most delightful character in this novel is the magical sword of Arthur Caliburn. The sword is sentient and is capable of speech and worldly perceptions. The witty banter of Caliburn with Ben was humorous and insightful, providing a much needed comic relief to the grim tale. There is a secret identity of the sword, which I leave to the readers to find out on their own.
I have loved reading the Ben Garston novels because they represent an age that is long gone, an age that history refuses to acknowledge as truth, an age that only finds its due place in the myths, stories, and the imagination of poets and bards. What is important about these novels is the theme of Time and Belief, the clash between faith and modernity, the gulf between science and magic, and the Darwinian theme of evolution in sync with the power of Nature and the age of machines and technology. James Bennett tells a timeless tale about time, when our myths were truth and dragons were real, and so were the petty wars of men which has remain unchanged even today.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews