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Rise Of The Ash Gods #0.5
The Test
This is a short Prequel to Rise of the Ash Gods, a paranormal reverse harem series.
Valentina has prepared for this all her life. She is ready. Just one test to pass, and she’ll finally become a Keeper of the Spades, and a proper member of her coven. Born a witch, sworn to protect the Mysteries of the Tarot, Val will not fail and will not disappoint her family.
But something goes awfully wrong. When she gets lost in the intricate multi-dimensions of the Test, she loses control and gets thrown from one time-space to another. And that’s how she meets them. She doesn’t know who they are, but what she knows for sure is they are not just men. Ghosts? Angels, or demons? Gods?
Fate is playing tricks on her… She only wants to pass the Test and serve her coven, not figure out why she was meant to meet nine strangers who seem just as confused as she is.
Valentina has prepared for this all her life. She is ready. Just one test to pass, and she’ll finally become a Keeper of the Spades, and a proper member of her coven. Born a witch, sworn to protect the Mysteries of the Tarot, Val will not fail and will not disappoint her family.
But something goes awfully wrong. When she gets lost in the intricate multi-dimensions of the Test, she loses control and gets thrown from one time-space to another. And that’s how she meets them. She doesn’t know who they are, but what she knows for sure is they are not just men. Ghosts? Angels, or demons? Gods?
Fate is playing tricks on her… She only wants to pass the Test and serve her coven, not figure out why she was meant to meet nine strangers who seem just as confused as she is.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2019
179 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Cara Wylde
150 books650 followersCara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 22, 2020
Another freebie bites the dust.
If this novella was an introduction to what the other books are going to be then I pass, thank you very much. First off, there was no clear delineation of the characters, it immediately shifted to their POV when they were on scene. Secondly, for this short book I skipped a lot of pages. So much info-dumping about witches and how the whole magic tarot thing works.
I read the blurbs for the other books, I feel even more strongly about abandoning the rest of the series.
If this novella was an introduction to what the other books are going to be then I pass, thank you very much. First off, there was no clear delineation of the characters, it immediately shifted to their POV when they were on scene. Secondly, for this short book I skipped a lot of pages. So much info-dumping about witches and how the whole magic tarot thing works.
I read the blurbs for the other books, I feel even more strongly about abandoning the rest of the series.
Want to read
January 31, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (1/31/2019)! 🎁
This is a short Prequel to Rise of the Ash Gods, a paranormal reverse harem series.
Valentina has prepared for this all her life. She is ready. Just one test to pass, and she’ll finally become a Keeper of the Spades, and a proper member of her coven. Born a witch, sworn to protect the Mysteries of the Tarot, Val will not fail and will not disappoint her family.
But something goes awfully wrong. When she gets lost in the intricate multi-dimensions of the Test, she loses control and gets thrown from one time-space to another. And that’s how she meets them. She doesn’t know who they are, but what she knows for sure is they are not just men. Ghosts? Angels, or demons? Gods?
Fate is playing tricks on her… She only wants to pass the Test and serve her coven, not figure out why she was meant to meet nine strangers who seem just as confused as she is.
This is a short Prequel to Rise of the Ash Gods, a paranormal reverse harem series.
Valentina has prepared for this all her life. She is ready. Just one test to pass, and she’ll finally become a Keeper of the Spades, and a proper member of her coven. Born a witch, sworn to protect the Mysteries of the Tarot, Val will not fail and will not disappoint her family.
But something goes awfully wrong. When she gets lost in the intricate multi-dimensions of the Test, she loses control and gets thrown from one time-space to another. And that’s how she meets them. She doesn’t know who they are, but what she knows for sure is they are not just men. Ghosts? Angels, or demons? Gods?
Fate is playing tricks on her… She only wants to pass the Test and serve her coven, not figure out why she was meant to meet nine strangers who seem just as confused as she is.
December 22, 2022
A bit vague..
June 5, 2019
I liked the ideas in this book but it just didn't wow me. I wanted to like it maybe by reading the first in the series and getting the full sense of the story will help.
February 5, 2019
Caution: It's a set-up
Cara Wylde is off and running with a new paranormal, tarot-focused, reverse harem series, The Rise of the Ash Gods. The Test is the prequel - a fact made obvious as the book details the character and the dilemma faced by young witch Valentina as she aspires to become a Keeper of the Spades, a defender of all the arcane knowledge of the Tarot. There's no reverse harem here, not even a smidgeon of sex, so the reader is left to focus on the Valentina's preparation for her unknown future. It's a totally bizarre experience, filled with down-the-rabbit-hole type characters and events, beguilingly narrated by an unseen third person, and notable for the strange dichotomy between Valentina and the internal voice of her so-called Higher Self. I found it interesting and entertaining enough to forgive the obvious set-up for future adventures, as well as the lack of romance in any form. I'm going to continue with the series. BookSprout was so good as to provide an ARC, which I am reviewing voluntarily, independently, and without compensation.
Cara Wylde is off and running with a new paranormal, tarot-focused, reverse harem series, The Rise of the Ash Gods. The Test is the prequel - a fact made obvious as the book details the character and the dilemma faced by young witch Valentina as she aspires to become a Keeper of the Spades, a defender of all the arcane knowledge of the Tarot. There's no reverse harem here, not even a smidgeon of sex, so the reader is left to focus on the Valentina's preparation for her unknown future. It's a totally bizarre experience, filled with down-the-rabbit-hole type characters and events, beguilingly narrated by an unseen third person, and notable for the strange dichotomy between Valentina and the internal voice of her so-called Higher Self. I found it interesting and entertaining enough to forgive the obvious set-up for future adventures, as well as the lack of romance in any form. I'm going to continue with the series. BookSprout was so good as to provide an ARC, which I am reviewing voluntarily, independently, and without compensation.
February 3, 2019
Valentina De Rossi is a witch, at the moment frustrated while studying. She tosses her book to the floor once again, picks it up to return it to her desk, then takes deep breaths to calm down. This test tomorrow was vitally important. If she passed, she would become a Keeper. Valentina came from a long line of witches and Keepers of the Spades, born to protect the mysteries of the Tarot. She could not let her family down. But to a person for whom predictability is essential, the random approach to studying for this test was driving her crazy!
As the test began, Val felt as if she floated out of her physical body. She rose, went through the ceiling, and saw mountains which she decided to float to. She had used one of her mother’s prohibited floating spells in secret, so she was familiar with guiding her flight. Only this time, she began to fall downward through the ground and to the center of the Earth. She was out of control. She hovered above what looked like grass, and 3 golden drops fell on her. She grabbed something sharp as she fell but didn’t get cut. It was a sword she had grabbed, and she remembered that the golden drops were ‘yods’. She seemed to be inside the scene shown on the Ace of Swords, but the crown was nowhere to be seen. She couldn’t answer the question of the first card, the Ace. To get to the King, she would have to pass the tests of each of the thirteen cards before it. If she didn’t answer the Ace’s question “Who is she?” then the Head Keeper would remove her from the trance and she would fail the test. The voice in her head gave her the name ‘Ravenna’, she said it, and began to fall again.
Each test of the card seemed to bring pain and confusion. But without passing whatever the test was, she could not proceed through to the next one. She would fail. The tests were not necessarily demanding logic – it seemed mostly to be her gut reaction to how she should proceed. And as she went with her feelings, doors and alternatives seemed to open up. Perhaps that was what this test was for? To learn to rely on your instincts and trust them to lead you to safety? She had to make a decision now or she would fall unconscious and perhaps not survive this time and who knows where she will end up or who she might meet!
I felt like I was at such a disadvantage not knowing anything about Tarot cards. I had to Google each one to see the pictures on the cards and learn a little more about them. But this was a fascinating prequel, taking us on a journey by means of Val’s test to understand what’s going on. I would definitely recommend reading this prequel before you venture into the actual series. I think it sets some valuable groundwork for the reader. Enjoy!
As the test began, Val felt as if she floated out of her physical body. She rose, went through the ceiling, and saw mountains which she decided to float to. She had used one of her mother’s prohibited floating spells in secret, so she was familiar with guiding her flight. Only this time, she began to fall downward through the ground and to the center of the Earth. She was out of control. She hovered above what looked like grass, and 3 golden drops fell on her. She grabbed something sharp as she fell but didn’t get cut. It was a sword she had grabbed, and she remembered that the golden drops were ‘yods’. She seemed to be inside the scene shown on the Ace of Swords, but the crown was nowhere to be seen. She couldn’t answer the question of the first card, the Ace. To get to the King, she would have to pass the tests of each of the thirteen cards before it. If she didn’t answer the Ace’s question “Who is she?” then the Head Keeper would remove her from the trance and she would fail the test. The voice in her head gave her the name ‘Ravenna’, she said it, and began to fall again.
Each test of the card seemed to bring pain and confusion. But without passing whatever the test was, she could not proceed through to the next one. She would fail. The tests were not necessarily demanding logic – it seemed mostly to be her gut reaction to how she should proceed. And as she went with her feelings, doors and alternatives seemed to open up. Perhaps that was what this test was for? To learn to rely on your instincts and trust them to lead you to safety? She had to make a decision now or she would fall unconscious and perhaps not survive this time and who knows where she will end up or who she might meet!
I felt like I was at such a disadvantage not knowing anything about Tarot cards. I had to Google each one to see the pictures on the cards and learn a little more about them. But this was a fascinating prequel, taking us on a journey by means of Val’s test to understand what’s going on. I would definitely recommend reading this prequel before you venture into the actual series. I think it sets some valuable groundwork for the reader. Enjoy!
April 30, 2019
Interesting prequel for a cool concept , but wasn’t a fan of how it ended.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
February 3, 2019
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. The Test by Cara Wylde is a Prequel to the New Series Rise of the Ash Gods. Now here is a really interesting storyline! The Test introduces us to Valentina Di Rosso and the coven she belongs to Keepers of the Sword. Valentina is on the cusp of taking, you guessed it, "The Test" to become a guardian to the Tarot. I really enjoyed this story. It's different, has lots of action and a truly amazing cast of characters. I am interested to see where this series is headed. As a prequel, The Test did it's job and pulled me in for a read of the First Book - The Hanging Maiden. I recommend this quick read to anyone looking for something different and read worthy.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
February 4, 2019
The author has outdone herself with this prequel, I was swept away into this fantastical world where Valentina is pulled into a vortex of gods and wrong doorways. The story is exciting and I simply couldn't put it down as I just had to know how she ended up going on this path where she wasn't supposed to be interacting with beings that shouldn't have been in her test. Then there is the mystery as to who, or what, Ravenna is and what has happened to Valentina's own Higher Self. This bodes well for the rest of the series and I cannot wait to see the path that the author is going to take Valentina down next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2019
Valentina is a witch from a long line of guardians to the tarot cards The. Swords. She is preparing for a test that will make her a keeper but it doesn't quite go as she expected. I cannot tell you more as it would ruin it for those who enjoy this genre.
It was a departure of my normal genre as I love my shifters however, I also like witches and young adult or new adult stories which at this point I feel this is. I think the world building and ccharcters are rich with promise for a series opener and I cannot wait to see how Valentina fairs on the next step in her journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was a departure of my normal genre as I love my shifters however, I also like witches and young adult or new adult stories which at this point I feel this is. I think the world building and ccharcters are rich with promise for a series opener and I cannot wait to see how Valentina fairs on the next step in her journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2019
Valentina is a young witch that has to Pass the Test of Tests for her coven.
Through out this test we get to see most of future characters and a lot of things that make no sense at all because its things that you will find out in book one of the series.
Also this book is not a reverse harem,has no romance or sex at all in it and to be truthful for someone who has no idea about the tarot cards it can be a bit confusing as well.
Other than that i found it highly entertaining and a well written quick read that definitely can lead to a very very very good story.
BookSprout was so good as to provide an ARC, which I am reviewing voluntarily, independently, and without compensation.
Through out this test we get to see most of future characters and a lot of things that make no sense at all because its things that you will find out in book one of the series.
Also this book is not a reverse harem,has no romance or sex at all in it and to be truthful for someone who has no idea about the tarot cards it can be a bit confusing as well.
Other than that i found it highly entertaining and a well written quick read that definitely can lead to a very very very good story.
BookSprout was so good as to provide an ARC, which I am reviewing voluntarily, independently, and without compensation.
January 27, 2019
Great first look into what seems will be a favorite new series of mine. this prequel takes readers into our FMC life and the test before everything goes haywire in the first book. We get glimpses of each of her men and it made me need more like now. I highly recommend you read this novella and definitely read it before starting the series if you want more insight on the characters well see through the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2019
A good beginning to this series. A very interesting tale and characters. Valentina De Rossi has studied her whole life hoping to one day become the High Keeper and now that the day has arrived she finds herself doubting her ability to past the Keeper test. The wicked little voice in her head that has been slowly tempting her down the wrong path is now coming to light, but will Val be strong enough to force it back. This was an excellent ending to keep us coming back for more. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
February 4, 2019
This prequel is a fantastic start to a new series and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 1. Valentina was hoping one day become the High Keeper of Spades after all she has been studying for it for most of her life, the day has come for Valentina to take the test and she has her doubts. Valentina doesn’t want to let her family down and she wants badly to become a part of the coven. This is a great insight of Valentina’s life with some additional characters added this is going to be a great series. A fantastic prequel and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
February 4, 2019
This prequel is a splendid start to the new reverse harem series “Rise of the Ash Gods” it has an intriguing well-written plot with interesting characters.
There is: a young female witch (Valentina) hoping for a guardian position, some twists & turns, intrigue, family issues, friendship, tests, various gods, anger, self-doubt, determination, astral projection, confusion, verbal conflict, warnings, surprises & a tantalizing glimpse of the next book in the series.
This prequel was an enjoyable read & I am waiting with great anticipation for the next book in the series.
There is: a young female witch (Valentina) hoping for a guardian position, some twists & turns, intrigue, family issues, friendship, tests, various gods, anger, self-doubt, determination, astral projection, confusion, verbal conflict, warnings, surprises & a tantalizing glimpse of the next book in the series.
This prequel was an enjoyable read & I am waiting with great anticipation for the next book in the series.
January 27, 2019
This prequel introduces you to Valentina who is a young witch wanting very much to get the role in her coven that her family desires. She has devoted her life to being read for the test and the story opens with her getting ready to take it. I thought the prequel did a great job of introducing some of the characters and the story to follow. I know it made me want to read more.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
January 29, 2019
This is the story of a young Valentina taking her first test to become Keeper of the Spades, and a proper member of her coven. She is really trying to fulfill her family obligation. This introduces some of the characters in the new series. I enjoyed this prequel and will be looking forward to the new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2019
Prequel...
This is a very short prequel to the upcoming "Rise of the Ash Gods" series. It gives insight into Valentina and her test to be "Keeper of the Spades" and I believe it should definitely be read before starting the new series. Since it left me with a "hunger" for the next installment, I guess this could be considered an "appetizer".
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a very short prequel to the upcoming "Rise of the Ash Gods" series. It gives insight into Valentina and her test to be "Keeper of the Spades" and I believe it should definitely be read before starting the new series. Since it left me with a "hunger" for the next installment, I guess this could be considered an "appetizer".
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2019
I wanted to read this and the Hanged Maiden because the storyline sounded really interesting. I liked Valentina’s character, she’s young, learning the craft and getting ready for the biggest test of her life, the test was an intense and interestingly enough affair. You definitely need to read this book before the next book ‘The Hanged Maiden’ only to know what actually will be occurring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2019
Valentina de Rossi, a big name to live up to!
Keeper of the Spades is what Val's mother decided she has to be. When the day of the Test, the final step of becoming a junior Keeper arrives, things go not as planned. Although she scores the highest test result, her test turns out to be just the first of many differences about her.
And it is the first of many catastrophes and wonders that follow.
Keeper of the Spades is what Val's mother decided she has to be. When the day of the Test, the final step of becoming a junior Keeper arrives, things go not as planned. Although she scores the highest test result, her test turns out to be just the first of many differences about her.
And it is the first of many catastrophes and wonders that follow.
February 7, 2019
TOTALLY RECOMMEND
Wonderful story about a young 17yr old girl trying to fulfill her families expectations of reaching the ultimate in witch heiracy. But best laid plans can go astray when paths lead her through a maze of intrigue and discovery. Does she pass the test? Or is her own memory the biggest test along with the mysterious voice in her head. 💥💥💥💥💥
Wonderful story about a young 17yr old girl trying to fulfill her families expectations of reaching the ultimate in witch heiracy. But best laid plans can go astray when paths lead her through a maze of intrigue and discovery. Does she pass the test? Or is her own memory the biggest test along with the mysterious voice in her head. 💥💥💥💥💥
January 28, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this and I am really looking forward to the rest of this series. This prequel brings the reader into the life and background of our heroin Valentina. It gives you a quick look into what this series will be about. You don’t have to read it to read the series but it does give you some point of reference and perspective so I would suggest it.
February 2, 2019
Valentina has recently turned 18, and is eligible to do a test, which might change her life. This witch test will assess if she has the potential to become a Keeper of Spades or a High Keeper of Spades or a disappointment to her family line. I loved the intriguing characters that are introduced, the interesting and fairly unique world of Tarot cards and witchcraft.
February 4, 2019
The Test - A Reverse Harem Prequel by Cara Wylde is a wonderful story that I read. I fell in love with this stor cause it has witches in it and I love reading about witches. I highly recommedn this story to everyone who loves reading about witches as much as I do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2019
This is a interesting prequel and makes me really look forward to the series. Valentina De Rossi has been studying her whole life with plans on becoming the High Keeper and now it is time to take the next step towards that with her test to become a Keeper. I look forward to reading the next book and following her journey.
February 7, 2019
This prequel only whets your appetite
Starting off a little slowly, we learn about Valentina’s coming of age test to join the ranks in her family. Unlike any test we could imagine we go on a fantasy trip in her mind. This story is so inventive and so far we only have a glimpse of what’s going on. I can’t wait for the next book.
Starting off a little slowly, we learn about Valentina’s coming of age test to join the ranks in her family. Unlike any test we could imagine we go on a fantasy trip in her mind. This story is so inventive and so far we only have a glimpse of what’s going on. I can’t wait for the next book.
March 27, 2019
She has only one test to complete and she will take her place in the coven. She is ready and the rest starts but the gates has other ideas. She is bounced from one place to another. She meets nine strangers who are just as confused as she is. What will happen? Will she pass the test? Follow her journey
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2019
Loved this prequel! Fast paced and exciting read about a young woman, Valentina De Rossi, determined to prove herself, and using any means necessary to become an apprentice Keeper by passing The Test. Fantastic book!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and nonincentivized review of this ARC.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and nonincentivized review of this ARC.
January 31, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. I cannot wait to see where this series is going to go. You will be on the edge of your seat to see where this will go. I didn't want to put it down when I started.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2019
Valentina is a witch who has to take a test. Evidently she is not alone. Quick and fun read where she meets various characters as she takes her test. A little twist is involved and I will have to read more of Valentina. I am reviewing an arc I received from Booksprout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews