What do you think?
Rate this book
An enslaved princess, a charming thief, and a power-hungry step-mother out for revenge…ASHES: a twisted Cinderella tale of romance and magic
Princess Ellasin has been living a life of drudgery in her own castle working for her step-mother, the Crimson Queen. When sexy, devil-may-care Finn Aduain breaks in and invites her to take a walk on the wild side, instead of danger—Ella sees opportunity.
Disgraced prince turned charming thief— Finn has his own secrets. But when he meets the charmingly innocent ash-girl, he’s intrigued. Seducing Ella into leaving the life she’s always known becomes his new mission.
Desperate to for power, the queen has decreed a ball for Ella’s step-sisters to find husbands and Ella decides—this is the perfect night to escape. With the assistance of Finn, the castle ghost, and her own surprisingly strong magic, Ella finally discovers freedom. But freedom comes at a price. Ella learns that her step-mother drained Ella’s father of his life and his magic—and now intends to drain her too. Ella vows to take back her throne and put an end to her step-mother, once and for all.
Dare to discover Jessica Aspen’s world of steamy, fantasy romance in her brand new twisted fairy tale series: Tales of the Crimson Court
Princess Ellasin has been living a life of drudgery in her own castle working for her step-mother, the Crimson Queen. When sexy, devil-may-care Finn Aduain breaks in and invites her to take a walk on the wild side, instead of danger—Ella sees opportunity.
Disgraced prince turned charming thief— Finn has his own secrets. But when he meets the charmingly innocent ash-girl, he’s intrigued. Seducing Ella into leaving the life she’s always known becomes his new mission.
Desperate to for power, the queen has decreed a ball for Ella’s step-sisters to find husbands and Ella decides—this is the perfect night to escape. With the assistance of Finn, the castle ghost, and her own surprisingly strong magic, Ella finally discovers freedom. But freedom comes at a price. Ella learns that her step-mother drained Ella’s father of his life and his magic—and now intends to drain her too. Ella vows to take back her throne and put an end to her step-mother, once and for all.
Dare to discover Jessica Aspen’s world of steamy, fantasy romance in her brand new twisted fairy tale series: Tales of the Crimson Court
- GenresFantasy
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2018
18 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Aspen
43 books426 followersJessica always wanted to be spirited away to a world inhabited by elves, were-wolves and dark dangerous men who walk on the sharp side of the knife. Luckily, she's able to explore her fantasy side and delve into new worlds by writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romantic Suspense.
Jessica loves indulging in dark chocolate, reading eclectic novels, and dreaming of exotic vacations. When she isn't crafting magical adventures she spends most of her time walking on the beach and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Jessica Aspen writes dark witchy Urban Fantasy and fast-paced Paranormal Romantic Suspense.
As her alter-ego, J.B. Aspen, she writes the magical para-cozy mystry series MAGICAL MIDLIFE IN RETROGRADE. You can also find her fantasy romance series, HUNTED BY THE FAERIE QUEEN, under the pen-name, Jesica Ash.
Jessica loves indulging in dark chocolate, reading eclectic novels, and dreaming of exotic vacations. When she isn't crafting magical adventures she spends most of her time walking on the beach and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Jessica Aspen writes dark witchy Urban Fantasy and fast-paced Paranormal Romantic Suspense.
As her alter-ego, J.B. Aspen, she writes the magical para-cozy mystry series MAGICAL MIDLIFE IN RETROGRADE. You can also find her fantasy romance series, HUNTED BY THE FAERIE QUEEN, under the pen-name, Jesica Ash.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 26, 2018
Ashes is a twist on Cinderella with elves, fairies . and witches . Ellasin is living the life that is not hers. She is working as a maid in her step mothers court . No one knows who she actually is . Until the day she accidently meets Finn a sweet thief who asks her to take a walk on the wild side . When there is a ball announced for the step sisters . Will Ella and Finn figure out how to save each other and take back the kingdom from the evil step mother.
The characters in this story are so well written . Ella is such a sweet girl a little naïve . Which for me is all part of her charm . She has been basically forgotten most of her life . So when she comes into her own she really comes into her own . I really liked Ella , you want to hug her and take care of her all through out this story. Finn well what can we say about Finn. He is a brooding prince turned thief . But there is more to him then we see at first . This brooding ,sexy man has a mission to find his sister . Which has him on a one track mind . He doesn't think he is good enough for anyone let alone Ella . They both have so much pain in their backgrounds you hope and pray that they can come through it . The step mother is evil I mean really evil . There is really nothing nice about her . She would even pit her daughters against each other . With no real power she has to siphon power off those that are stronger . I really just kind of wanted her to get what is coming to her .
I know there are so many books that do the Cinderella twist but I will say that this book is different. This book has so many great aspects to it . The characters are well written and complex. The story has so many twists and turns that will keep you reading . Also the heroine isn't a damsel in distress, she holds her own with those around her. The author has tied this story in with her other fairy tale books of the black court series . I truly enjoy theses books . They will take you away into a fairy tale , with romance and magic and some great characters . This would be a great summer read for those long lazy days by the pool . Check it out if you love fairy tales that are turned on their ear you will not be disappointed .
The characters in this story are so well written . Ella is such a sweet girl a little naïve . Which for me is all part of her charm . She has been basically forgotten most of her life . So when she comes into her own she really comes into her own . I really liked Ella , you want to hug her and take care of her all through out this story. Finn well what can we say about Finn. He is a brooding prince turned thief . But there is more to him then we see at first . This brooding ,sexy man has a mission to find his sister . Which has him on a one track mind . He doesn't think he is good enough for anyone let alone Ella . They both have so much pain in their backgrounds you hope and pray that they can come through it . The step mother is evil I mean really evil . There is really nothing nice about her . She would even pit her daughters against each other . With no real power she has to siphon power off those that are stronger . I really just kind of wanted her to get what is coming to her .
I know there are so many books that do the Cinderella twist but I will say that this book is different. This book has so many great aspects to it . The characters are well written and complex. The story has so many twists and turns that will keep you reading . Also the heroine isn't a damsel in distress, she holds her own with those around her. The author has tied this story in with her other fairy tale books of the black court series . I truly enjoy theses books . They will take you away into a fairy tale , with romance and magic and some great characters . This would be a great summer read for those long lazy days by the pool . Check it out if you love fairy tales that are turned on their ear you will not be disappointed .
August 7, 2018
Another awesome tale by Jessica Aspen!!!!!!
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic faery tale! Complete with wicked stepmother, thieves, Ella the ash girl and all the magic of the Crimson Court!
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic faery tale! Complete with wicked stepmother, thieves, Ella the ash girl and all the magic of the Crimson Court!
July 28, 2018
It has been a long time since I have read such a brilliant, rewritten fairy-tale and I was totally enchanted until the last page was turned.
There is: witches, fairies, elves, a evil step-mother, step-sisters, a prince turned thief, a naive young princess, ghosts, twists & turns, devious plans, some suspense, intrigue, determination, magic and romance.
The characters are well-developed with individual personalities and realistic with their feelings. I found the story-line and plot, entertaining and well-written with a interesting plot. I really would recommend this book.
There is: witches, fairies, elves, a evil step-mother, step-sisters, a prince turned thief, a naive young princess, ghosts, twists & turns, devious plans, some suspense, intrigue, determination, magic and romance.
The characters are well-developed with individual personalities and realistic with their feelings. I found the story-line and plot, entertaining and well-written with a interesting plot. I really would recommend this book.
July 29, 2018
This was a fast read with lots of action and lots of great characters. To start out you have a fresh twist to the Cinderella story when you add fairies, elves, witches and shifters into the mix. The characters were all well developed and likeable. Ella was a fantastic character who was fun and she had great chemistry with Finn. I loved the entire story line that had touches of other fairy tales intertwined. Secondary characters were also likeable such as the ghost, Rapunzel. Looking forward to the next story! I am voluntarily reviewing an arc I received.
August 1, 2018
A Great Read.
I really enjoyed this book,it kept me on my toes. I just wish that Rapunzel
would get out of the tower. Ella and Finn were a perfect for each other. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Great job Jessica Aspen.
I really enjoyed this book,it kept me on my toes. I just wish that Rapunzel
would get out of the tower. Ella and Finn were a perfect for each other. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Great job Jessica Aspen.
July 29, 2018
If you read no other fairytale retelling this year, you owe it to yourself to read this one. Bound up in the backstory of the Underhill, this story set in the Crimson Court is magnificently crafted and told. You don’t need to be familiar with the other works in order to understand and thoroughly immerse yourself in this wonderful story. It grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. I could not put it down. Highly recommended to all.
July 30, 2018
What an intriguing way to write Cinderella. Completely different and enjoyable. Love anything by this superb author.
July 26, 2018
Overall rating: 4.5
I have read quite a few fairy tales retold by various authors. This one is a retelling of Cinderella. They have the same appeal for me as the original telling had when I was a youngster. It really didn’t matter if I heard the tale a million times, I still loved hearing it. These adult versions are just stellar! This author chooses her own unique way of addressing the personalities of Ella as well as the prince of this tale! The route the storyline goes on, the creativity is off the charts! Great job and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
I have read quite a few fairy tales retold by various authors. This one is a retelling of Cinderella. They have the same appeal for me as the original telling had when I was a youngster. It really didn’t matter if I heard the tale a million times, I still loved hearing it. These adult versions are just stellar! This author chooses her own unique way of addressing the personalities of Ella as well as the prince of this tale! The route the storyline goes on, the creativity is off the charts! Great job and I thoroughly enjoyed this!
August 13, 2018
My new favorite version of Cinderella!
5 stars
This is an awesome, adventurous, and well written fantasy romance. I have previously read most of Jessica Aspen's “Tales of the Dark Court” and “The Dragons of Underhill” single novel. I loved this new fantasy romance tale in the same Faerie world of Underhill. The author does some remarkable world-building. So many details stay consistent in these three series set in Underhill. For example, there are some cool references to and appearances by the Fir Bolg, who first appeared in Jessica Aspen’s “The Dark Huntsman”.
The romance was sweet and steamy. Finn was a lovable rogue, and Ella was admirably strong and likable. The magical battle scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. All of the elements of the traditional Cinderella tale are present in this novel, although not always in the same order. There are even elements of Rapunzel and Swan Lake for other characters that will have their own future books in this series. I can’t wait! I highly recommend this book to all fantasy romance fans, to all fans of Faerie tale retellings, and to all paranormal romance fans. I think that Kresley Cole fans would especially love this book.
5 stars
This is an awesome, adventurous, and well written fantasy romance. I have previously read most of Jessica Aspen's “Tales of the Dark Court” and “The Dragons of Underhill” single novel. I loved this new fantasy romance tale in the same Faerie world of Underhill. The author does some remarkable world-building. So many details stay consistent in these three series set in Underhill. For example, there are some cool references to and appearances by the Fir Bolg, who first appeared in Jessica Aspen’s “The Dark Huntsman”.
The romance was sweet and steamy. Finn was a lovable rogue, and Ella was admirably strong and likable. The magical battle scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. All of the elements of the traditional Cinderella tale are present in this novel, although not always in the same order. There are even elements of Rapunzel and Swan Lake for other characters that will have their own future books in this series. I can’t wait! I highly recommend this book to all fantasy romance fans, to all fans of Faerie tale retellings, and to all paranormal romance fans. I think that Kresley Cole fans would especially love this book.
August 20, 2018
This was an interesting retelling of Cinderella at the least although a few other Fairy Tale characters pop up as well. It all takes place in the Fae world so there is magic & Fir-Bolgs galore.
Fin is an interesting & tortured man while Ella is intriguing as well. Ella is losing her dad & has been for many years and is ruled by a mean Stepmother and Finn is a prince who has been searching for his sister Odette for at least 200 years. The wicked Stepmother has bound Ella's magic and Ella is still alive only because the ghost of Rapunzel protects her.
Finn on a job to steal a flower meets Ella and sparks fly.
Will Ella best the wicked Stepmother? Woll Finn find his sister? Will they fall in love? Read the book!
Fin is an interesting & tortured man while Ella is intriguing as well. Ella is losing her dad & has been for many years and is ruled by a mean Stepmother and Finn is a prince who has been searching for his sister Odette for at least 200 years. The wicked Stepmother has bound Ella's magic and Ella is still alive only because the ghost of Rapunzel protects her.
Finn on a job to steal a flower meets Ella and sparks fly.
Will Ella best the wicked Stepmother? Woll Finn find his sister? Will they fall in love? Read the book!
August 17, 2018
A cool twist on the Cinderella story. I liked Ella, she needed help not a savior. I also liked Finn he had a hard life, but wasn’t brooding or needlessly cruel. The world building was pretty good, the only thing I was confused by was the modern clothing and Vegas reference. This is the first book I read in this series, and while it is a stand alone novel there was a lack of backstory into this world. Was the book so good I want to go back and read the earlier installments, no. But I will read the next in the series.
August 19, 2018
Ella
Ashes is book one in the new series Tales of the Crimson Court by author Jessica Aspen. This is complete 180 of the original Cinderella- it’s bit complex and completely entertaining. Story line is intriguing and will definitely make you want more.
Enjoy!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Ashes is book one in the new series Tales of the Crimson Court by author Jessica Aspen. This is complete 180 of the original Cinderella- it’s bit complex and completely entertaining. Story line is intriguing and will definitely make you want more.
Enjoy!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 14, 2018
Love the new series!
If you like your fairytales twisted, this book is for you. An unlikely heroine, a thief and assorted good and bad characters from fairytales woven into a fast paced plot. I couldn’t put it down!
If you like your fairytales twisted, this book is for you. An unlikely heroine, a thief and assorted good and bad characters from fairytales woven into a fast paced plot. I couldn’t put it down!
September 12, 2018
Zowy, what a fairy tail!!!
So beautifully written. The story draws you in and the characters immerse you in their world, with all the fantastical tales to occumpany it.
So beautifully written. The story draws you in and the characters immerse you in their world, with all the fantastical tales to occumpany it.
February 28, 2019
Ashes
Good story. Characters that entertain. This was a quick read and I liked it. Ella and Finn are perfect together.
Good story. Characters that entertain. This was a quick read and I liked it. Ella and Finn are perfect together.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews