Crown Of Fire

Awenmell #1

by Lisa King

"It is as he said, I have spoken, and the whole world is falling apart."

Young Lady Ashling destroys more than her chains when she defies all she has known to save the life of an innocent man. Her public accusation against the vindictive and powerful Feeney, sets off a murderous chain of events and forces her to flee the imposing walls of Brennyn Hall into a society she’s never experienced.

Hunted by the Hall and armed with nothing but a cryptic clue, Ashling finds herself at the center of a legend that demands she stand against the Hall’s power. With her hopes pinned on finding the mountain village that promises answers, each step she takes exposes wounds and lies as confusing and destructive as the land around her. Can she untangle herself from the legend, before the truth it reveals finally breaks her? Or will she listen to the mysterious voice that tells her to stand strong?

The Hall demands her silence.
The people listen for her voice.
Will she find it before they find her and silence her forever?

Genres: Fantasy

362 pages, ebook

First published December 22, 2018

Reviews

[Lauren Sapala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I literally could not stop reading, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was upset that I wasn’t reading it. It combined pretty much all my favorite elements in one story: a strong, intelligent, and awesomely intuitive female protagonist with a world permeated by magic and miracles. I felt very close to this narrator, and even though the setting was fantasy, I felt like she went through experiences that were so similar to things I have experienced in my real life that it was almost eerie. Ashling (the narrator and MC) is definitely a kindred spirit.

I also loved the journey Ashling went on during the course of the book—both physical and emotional. Again, it mirrored my own personal growth journey so perfectly at times that I was really in awe. From learning how to overcome self-doubt to finding true strength in being of service to others, Ashling always sought to be resilient, even when she was in total darkness about what her next step should be. As a character, I just found her so, so inspiring.

This is one of those books that makes you think about things as you’re enjoying the adventure story, and pulls you along and makes you keep turning pages even when you have other things you have to do. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves fantasy fiction, magical worlds, fantasy with a medieval-like setting, or fiction with strong female characters.

[Lynda Bos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I was entranced by Ashling and could relate to her journey. The writing style is unique and I initially found it a bit different to get used to but once I was in the rhythm of the book and the story, I relaxed into it and thoroughly enjoyed it. The author paints a very vivid picture of the environment, which really provides a true escape from our own current world and just made the Crown of Fire an even more enjoyable read.

I found many parts of the book to mirror things I had been through or things I am going through and Ashling’s journey assisted my own and made me feel that I am on the right path. The ending brought tears to my eyes as I found it very powerful personally. I now find myself constantly thinking of the story and relating it to my own life as well as friends and family.

[Amy Deamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this well articulated story, I felt my heart being pulled in all directions with the emotional rollercoaster. I wanted to be there, hug them and tell them it's all going to be okay. I cheered out loud when a gift was given.. then checked the room as I realised I wasn't in the book. I wait eagerly for the next book and I recommend this book for anyone looking for a meaningful adventure with twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really loved this. Not a book that I would usually read. I tend to skip over covers with a fantasy type vibe, but it wasn't really fantasy at all. I was pulled in by the authors writing style, I really loved that, and pleased I chose by my gut instead of judging a book by its cover. Still a lovely cover, just not my vibe if fiction book perusing. I’m more into learning about psychology, dealing with my own stuff, and health. Books that I can read to help me on a personal and professional level, with the odd fiction book thrown in here and there.
The MC’s journey of dealing with her trauma, trying to find out who she is and where she belongs is something that tends to resonate with most of us. Certainly did with me. Personally I took a lot more non fiction lessons out of this fiction book. Kinda guessing that was the authors intention, worked on me if it was.

[M.C. D'alton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read. What an adventure! the twists, the turns, the gut wrenching moments and the joy were beautifully conveyed to the reader!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found this an interesting story, it didn't draw me in the way I would have liked. The characters and the storyline were well written but for me, only a little pull to keep reading. But in saying this, I will most probably read the rest of the series

[Sarah Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing book!!!!
I can't wait for the next sequal! If you want characters that stay with you for life, this is the book!

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with a frightening scene of a father inspecting his newborn child's eyes, and based on what he sees, murdering the infant. The book then fast forwards a couple of decades, told from the perspective of Lady Ashling who is the only surviving daughter of this leader. We see Ashling first living her normal, restrained life and then making a bold move to protect an innocent man. This sets off a chain of events. She sees someone she loves murdered, and she escapes her father's stronghold, fearing for her own life. From here until the end, Ashling’s perspective about herself and her world widens as she comes to know people outside of her confined world as well as what may be her role within the greater kingdom.

The book is breathtaking in its tight, deep perspective of Ashling. The author is able to get under this character's skin, and we see the book’s world through her eyes; her perspective has been warped by her cruel treatment by her father and his minions. Her fear and terror are palpable in a way that I’m not used to seeing. As she interacts with those outside of her father’s hall, we come to see how deeply this is ingrained in her psyche. Few books in genre fiction delve into how a character's mind has been fractured by harsh, long-term treatment; more uncommon still is to make this character the narrator, as it can make for an unreliable one.

While I am typically a quick reader, this is a book that I savored over some time, as I found the world and its narrator one I didn’t want to rush through.

I did receive a free copy, but this did not affect my review.

[Whitney Goyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. This was a beautiful book to read. It's detailed and descriptive. The characters come to life, along with this world full of magic and struggle. I feel like this is a book that gives the reader so much to think about. It's one you can easily read again and pick up on something you merely glanced at the first time through. There's layers to this book that beg to be explored. I cannot wait to read the next book, I just wish I had it now.

[Maria Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only, the story kept you hooked as you couldn't guess what would happen. The story was very well written and thoroughly enjoyable i would recomend this book to others and can't wait for Rise the next book to come out.

[Aryani Siti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown of Fire by @lisakingauthor
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dark but excellent adventure of Ashling with lots of doubtful of her feeling and the truth about her life. Hypnotizing concept in the breathtaking beauty of nature. It's a fantasy but the story is very inspirational.
I really enjoyed it and will continue to follow Ashling's story.
~What you believe about yourself is what you will become~

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book is based on a prophecy, a legend of a magical human who will bring balance to the world, this book - which is the 1st book in the series is more of a journey of discovery of self.

Ashling breaks the chains that bind her to "The Hall" & sets out to find who she really is, what is it about her that scares, excites and endagers others. A beautifully scripted 1st glimpse of Ashling's life and learning.

There was only 1 thing that I did not really enjoy in the book. The book is crawling along at a very slow pace. The build up of the mystery centered around Ashling & the legend of the savior, the imagery is so vivid you can feel it playing out in front of your eyes. Ashling's growth as she moves ahead is beautifully interwoven, but I just wish that the book was a little more fast paced.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robert III · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Fire is not only an adventure of the heart and spirit, but a fable with many underlying truths and lessons. At the end I looked back in awe at the main character, Ashling, and at the long journey she had taken from being prisoner in a castle to her physical freedom and finally to something even higher. The story telling is also vivid and beautiful, so that I continuously found myself immersed in this newly created worId. However, underneath this world is a mystery and unrest. Many of the people have lost their way, similarly to what we are seeing in the modern world. I also found immense value to take from the journey and grew with the characters as they moved forward, even though they often did not have a clear vision or direction. In that way they also seemed real since they held their own inner struggles. These struggles are amplified by an ancient magic. At the end of the book I was hooked and ready to see where the tale will lead (this is the beginning of a series).

[Felina Pittman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is similar to an allegorical fable which depicts generalizations of human existence. The fictional protagonists and story development represent actions of truth and are subject to interpretation.

The writer takes us to a make-believe or fantasy world with sort of medieval-like characters. Lady Ashley escapes out of his father's abode, breaks out of her comfort zone to find herself and know more about her purpose. She later meets Thomas and Martha who would end up being significant individuals in her life journey.

The writer uses a lot of euphemism in her narrative. For instance, the "mystery" she was referring to could represent God or Deity, when Ashley and Thomas were binded together, they were getting married and "Eariss" that Lady Ashley was searching an explanation for could mean "Spiritual/Psychic Enlightenment."

The novel is for readers who would appreciate a bundle of aphorisms, nuggets of wisdom and mystical revelations of self-discovery.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has done an amazing job at bringing this world alive by the use of her descriptive language. The plot is different to what I’ve been reading recently and thoroughly enjoyable! The author takes us on a dangerous journey that requires the lead character to do a lot of self-discovery so that she is able to come out victorious at the other end. The author has a wonderful use of language and there is layer upon layer in this book that is peeled back as you read further in to the story. If this is your genre then I definitely recommend getting this book and sitting back with a coffee to enjoy it as you won’t want to get up and put this book down again until you have reached the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Sharon Lash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a book that was very difficult to put down. I loved the strong heroine. The setting was fantasy but it was easy to see the similarities of her turmoils in the world we live in today. I hope there are more books to follow as I can't wait to read them too! I received this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a honest review.

[Lisa Hafyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and I went on a journey together. Starting off slowly, like it was holding my hand. As I progressed I read it more and more. I am not a reader generally, easily distracted with lack of focus. This book kept me, helping me grow on my healing journey. I recommend this book to those in need of healing. Thank you Lisa King :)
LisaHx

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free book from Voracious Readers thank you

A fictional tale of fantasy providing inspiration for personal growth within the story of Ashling. Her journey is heart wrenching with twists that build towards a finish that leaves you wanting to see what next for her.
A great start to a series that promises entertaining reading

[Emma Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really compelling story. The world was so well constructed, so much suspense and intensity. The character development was really strong, and the whole story was filled with so many twists and turns. Loved it.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it didn't draw me in like I thought it would, it was still a very enjoyable read. Ashling is a character that stands out on her own. The plot moves along great and the scenes are fantastically described. I will more than likely read the rest of the series but perhaps after reading the first one again to see if I can get drawn in this time.

[Yvonne Kjorlien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashling escapes the bonds of her captive home and travels in search of herself, someone who has been told her entire life that she is evil. Along her journey, she meets Thomas. Running and escaping from soldiers hunting her, Ashling runs from place to place looking for clues to who she may truly be. Together, she and Thomas travel toward an endpoint known yet unknown.
From the beginning, this book caught me off guard. It is subtle, authentic, and emotionally honest. It is unlike most books out there. It doesn't hit you over the head with humour or observation. I had to read, then sit with it for a while, then read more just to digest the subtleties.
This book deals in trauma, from the little horrors dealt by our families to the larger ones committed by strangers. I found it frightening how articulate Ashling is in detecting both her own trauma and those who would inflict it upon her. And even more frightening how trusting and forgiving Thomas is.
But this book is also beautiful because it is so honest and authentic. The world needs more books like this.

[Krystalyn Rebelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book brought me into a new world. I enjoyed learning about its people and their traditions. What a great way to connect with the reader by having them learn alongside the narrator. This story was magical but down to earth, and had so many things to learn along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I look forward to continuing my journey into the next book of the series!

[Hema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It has this Verdant quality, weaving the story through a therapeutic circle of adventure , sense of pain, love, peace and serenity all in one go.You are transported to a different world in no time.
Loved reading this tale of unknown realms!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, it keeps you on your toes!

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashlyn is a young terrified girl, whose life has been one of luxury, hatred, fear and control. When her servant/only friend knows she will be killed as a result of Ashlyn's actions, she begs Ashlyn to flee and to find that which is hidden. With no experience of the life outside ‘The Hall’ she flees, able to trust no one and is either hunted or helped by those she meets, and Thomas joins her on her journey to keep her safe. Gradually Ashlyn comes to know who she is, helped by ‘The Mystery’ [God]. In her journey they come across different villages – one who only valued their 'pots' - both showing them off to others for status whilst fearing someone stealing them (love of possessions), another village was so caught up in beauty and perfection on the outside, another village only valued knowledge and despised those beneath them firstly for not being able to even read (and how can one read if no one will teach?) and yet another village reveres 'tradition' above all else.
Note this book starts slowly and like Ashlyn, the reader is a bit confused as to what is happening but it is very much worth persevering, and I appreciated how Ashlyn was always encouraged to look deeper, to depend on The Mystery and to grow through the hard times. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Squid Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure - this book is so completely out of my comfort zone, hence the lower score. I wanted to push myself and it was a good book, but just not for me. I am sorry author.

I enjoyed the emotional journey and the way abuse and neglect affect childhood and life. The main characters growth is great to watch. The pace is nice and I am sure the series will garner some true fans.

I really struggled to get into this book, I am not sure if it was the font of the copy I was given, or the writing style, but there was a huge disconnect, I never felt myself being swept away into the story. I did persevere though and I am glad that I did. I would probably recommend this book to one of my nieces to read as I think there are lessons and important things in there, but it is not a series I will be continuing myself.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dominique Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ set in a fictional land that takes on the issue of trauma recovery, spirituality and selfhood. The heroine has been robbed of her identity since childhood due to emotional and physical abuse by her guardians. There is a deeper root to the reason why they have tried to obliterate her personhood and subjugate her will – fear, and a desire to hold on to power. When she escapes from the castle and attempts to make her way in the world outside, she doesn’t know who she really is, what her powers are, or what her destiny is. As the story unfolds she gradually finds herself and learns lessons of healing, learning how to trust herself and trust her instincts about what she senses in others.

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

My attention was captivated by this novel from the very beginning to the very end, and Ashling's unwavering strength and courage are genuinely evident throughout each page. Readers feel tormented by this character, which makes the story a source of inspiration in challenging times.

Definitely worth a try.

[Amacina · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 46%

Overall, unsatisfied with the writing in this book. There was a lot of gaps and strange bits that made this book hard to follow through with. I finally said enough when they reached a town obsessed with shiny pots.

[Debbie Pyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from voracious readers for my honest review. This is a fantasy adventure that I got totally engrossed with. It starts with deep trauma and is a healing journey of self discovery. It is a beautifully written and inspirational story. I really enjoyed it.