From the Ashes

Psychic Visions #16

by Dale Mayer

This is the 16th Psychic Visions Novel from USA Today Bestselling author Dale Mayer.

Born and raised in a cult with a fanatical father who believed she was destined for greater things, Phoenix endured a childhood of pain and torment. Not only was her father preparing her for the future he saw, he hated that she was stronger, better than he was.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2020

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[Roxana · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Lyndi W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars I fucking love psychics. I'd say this story loses 0.5 stars because of the info-dumping. Real heavy on the expository dialogues, but they were at least interesting dumps. Climax could have been a little more exciting, but considering the players, it's pretty appropriate. Relationship was A+. I love that I can jump around in this series.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix was raised in a religious sect which was controlled by her father. He believed that she was part of a bigger plan, but her reward was a childhood filled with abuse until she was rescued and sent to a loving home. Year later she is back in her father’s hometown to fulfill the mission he tasked her with.

Rowan is in law enforcement and history has shown that this is the time of year that is filled with tragedy and mystery. From their first meeting he is drawn to Phoenix but as the investigate the suspicious happenings in town the danger to Phoenix escalates. Will they be able to find the answers they need before it is too late?

This is a compelling storyline complete with romance, twists and intrigue.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'He couldn't stand to see his town be her final end'

Phoenix has been searching for so long, unfortunately she really has no idea what she is searching for, other than escape! Her people skills are rusty and she struggles to work out whether people are good, inquisitive or dangerous and so sadly having been burned before she has her shields permanently in place, never letting anyone close and avoiding as much contact as possible. Rowan is usually a good judge of character as he can see auras, but those with the most to lose are devious and aware and use everything in their power to shield and disguise the truth...sometimes it takes an outsider to see all the pieces and all the players clearly.....

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in an amazing series! Phoenix is a unique and very interesting character. Rowan is intriguing as well. There is a lot going on here. With cults, psychic energy, a budding romance, and pop ins by beloved characters this book is a read in one sitting story. I was drawn in to the setting. I thought I had it all figured out. Then the author throws in a shocking twist that had me slapping my forehead. This is my favorite series by this author and it just keeps getting better.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I did not want to put it down. The twists and turns totally surprised me as I did not see them happening the way they did.

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

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is series definitely my favorite series from Dale Mayer, and this book totally not disappoint, I love it from the first chapter, the choosen daughter from cult trying to move on and a detective trying to solve a suicide season in his hometown, oh yeah it's a complex story that makes me looking for a bad guy in every page, plenty actions and some emotional moments that got me cringe and sad, yup it's a perfect book for paranormal suspense romance read lovers.

This book is definitely for you, if you're looking for a book that will keep you on your toes.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix had been through more in her life than anyone ever should. She did come out the other side better, more educated, and far more stable. Now she has just one more thing to do. She needs to get rid of the last thing of her past, something given to her by her father that up to now she hasn't be able to destroy by conventional means.

The town where Phoenix's father was born is noted for the lava fissure that opens every spring and closes in the fall. The Burning Fires as they are called, signal what the locals refer to as the suicide season. It is a time of year acting police chief Rowen Einar dreads.

As Rowan watches the bus loads of tourists, one woman attracts his attention. He doesn't know why but he has a feeling about her and if she's planning on suicide he wasn't going to let it happen on his watch.

While we do meet the troublesome entity and get to understand the disappearances through it's eyes, he calls himself a supplier to the Elders of these burning fires.

After exploring a little and hearing some strange sounds with no apparent cause, Phoenix encounters a local woman who seems concerned about her. After trying to reassure her she was fine, Phoenix makes her way back to the hotel for dinner.

When Rowan joins her, the conversation that ensues is enlightening. However Rowan is interrupted and informed a woman is missing.

It's when they find the missing woman that Rowan and Phoenix have a shared vision. A strange and interesting occurrence.

Everything starts to escalate from here in this tense and intriguing tale.
We see more of Stefan and Dr. Maddy after Rowan calls for some assistance.
There's a lot happening and it all seems somehow tied to Phoenix. Of course a love story also develops and it's an interesting one.

There are many books in this series and I really need to go to the beginning and start catching up. With luck I may accomplish this before then next book in this series!

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read dozens of Dale Mayer books and loved them all but I have never read any of her Psychic Visions series.This is not my usual genre but I did want to try it,I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.
Phoenix Rising was brought up in a cult, her father was the cult leader, he spread his sexual favours amongst all the women in the sect and hence he had many children but he always told Phoenix that she was the special one. Was it because her father thought that she had special powers and would rise from the ashes and so needed preparing for it or was it because he was worried that she would be more powerful than him that Phoenix was systematically abused, tortured and burned as a child.
The compound was burned to the ground and Phoenix was the only survivor. She was fostered by a couple of professors who made sure that she had a good education.
Phoenix's father gave her a special magical piece of paper that she had tried without success to get rid of, she thought that she would only be free from her fathers power if she took this paper to his Icelandic homeland and threw it into the molten lava that flows there once a year.
Detective Rowan Einar is appalled when he sees the horrific injuries that Phoenix has endured and has agreed to help her, he hates it when the lava flows because it heralds the beginning of suicide season in his town.
The deaths mount up and Phoenix and Rowan begin to believe that there are others out there trying to harm her, romance blooms between the two of them, they are drawn together by the power they both hold.
This story contains nail biting suspense, psychic powers, psychic energy and evil, Dale Mayer somehow manages to make it seem real.

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

[Darla Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising was born into a cult to a fanatical father who believed she was the "Chosen One". He tortured her mercilessly to prepare her for the future but he also hated her because she was stronger than he was. Phoenix was rescued when she was 11, the only surviving member, and has turned her life around. Her memories of that time are fragmented. She has one thing left of her father's, a letter that she has tried to destroy without any luck. So she decides to go to her father's hometown, a small town in Iceland where a lava fissure opens every summer in hopes that the lava will destroy the letter. Detective Rowan Einar hates this time of year because the fissure has gained a bad reputation as a place for suicide. When Rowan first meets Phoenix he thinks that may be her intention but he soon learns that there's a connection between them as their energies blend togethe. And there's more going on in town than meets the eye. With help from a man named Grayse whom Stefan has sent to help, they begin working together to solve the mystery since there has already been a suicide and a murder. To get to the bottom of things the three of them must take a trip back to the one place where Phoenix never wanted to return.

I love the Psychic Visions series and this book was a great read. The concept and overall storyline was one that drew me in from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. Phoenix and Rowan were great, both alone and together. The story was intriguing and kept you guessing until the end. However, there were quite a few grammatical errors and typos that detracted from the story. I'm still looking forward to the next book so give this one 4 stars. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.

[Kathie Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen One? Special Isn't Always a Good Thing.

Phoenix is an interesting name for a young cult-bred and raised then rescued child. Phoenix Rising takes interesting to the next level. Told by her father, the cult leader–who was the father of every child there–that she was the “Chosen One” and “Special” meant to not-so-dear Dad that Phoenix would require some very painful and rigorous training that included beatings by him and the other cult members. His goal was for her to fulfill his prophesy that she would die from the Eternal Fire and be reborn…oh yeah, what an honor that would be, right? Fortunately, the cult was raided when Phoenix was eleven. Her father died in that raid, and, incredibly, Phoenix was the only cult member to be rescued that night, the only survivor of the mass suicide and immolation he had planned.

Fast-forward 20 years or so. After receiving much-needed love, support, and education thanks to her highly-educated foster parents, Associate Professor of Mythology Phoenix Rising, newly-laid-off from her teaching job at the university where she’d earned her Ph.D., has arrived at a small town in Iceland where she believes she will finally be able to put her past behind her. Home to one of several cyclical “Eternal Fire” sites, this town seems to attract a multitude of suicidal tourists. Is this what Phoenix is planning? Let’s hope not. From the Ashes is extremely well-written with a wonderfully-crafted and suspenseful story line. Thought-provoking on so many levels…

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

[D. Harley Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly provided this book as an ARC; in exchange for my honest review. This is book 16 of 17 in the Psychic Visions series.

With this series it’s not critical to read previous books in the series (although I cannot understand why a reader wouldn’t want to; as each book is wonderful.) Hands down the best series written by Ms. Dale.

Phoenix was Born and raised in a cult with a fanatical father who believed she was was “The Chosen One.” Her father tortured and burned her throughout her childhood (sometimes with the help of her mother, the other women, and her half siblings.)

Phoenix is finally rescued at age 11; but she’s still seemingly traumatized & hindered by her past.

After being laid-off Phoenix decides to travel to Iceland; to get fathers hometown to destroy a note that her father left for her in the lave fissure that open every spring.

Upon arrival Phoenix encounters Detective Rowan Einar. Rowan hates when the lava fissure opens as it brings the ‘suicide season.’ A time of year where people travel to his town to end their lives.

The story is interesting & ever evolving. We get a brief visit from Stefan, Dr Maddy & a new character Grayse. The book definitely grabs your attention & holds it. My only complaint was the ending was very rushed and felt premature. I definitely believe a few more chapters would make a big difference.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a fast-paced paranormal with a lot of action and intrigue!

Dale Mayer always skillfully creates a plot that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride. There are so many clues that lead us in the wrong directions that I could not figure out who the evil presence is until the end.

Phoenix Rising’s father was a cult leader who abused her until the day he died. Grown-up Phoenix chooses to visit Iceland, where her father was born.

Phoenix’s father had given her a letter before he died, and Phoenix wants to destroy it. Unfortunately, it is written on some kind of paper that is impossible to destroy.

Her father’s hometown is famous for its Eternal Fire. Phoenix plans to throw her letter into the Fire. She hopes the letter will burn up which will hopefully purge anymore thoughts of her father from her mind.

Meanwhile native Detective Rowan Einer meets Phoenix. Eventually, they both suspect an evil presence is killing innocent people, and they work together to find out who it is.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the complexity of this series and the individual books, the twists and turns that have you trying to work it out to the end. I enjoy the psychic side and the spiritual all swirling around the characters, it makes me think outside of the normal box and tests what I believe to be real or not. Helps me to understand more of the unexplained spiritual.events in my own life because I've had a few. Each story is unique but a few characters show up in most books, I love the humanity of the characters as they come to terms with their talents and powers learning more of how to use them for good and not be manipulated into using them for bad. This story has a fast pace with a fabulous flow that had me enthralled and excited, kept me gripped and needing to read and finish it. Dale Mayer is a gifted writer and manages to create a whole range of series and characters that are different and interesting from each series and each book within a series, you feel the difference with each one and that for me keeps me coming back for more every single time. I may be privaledged to read early copies but I also love each one enough to pre order them all as well, that means I can go and read whenever I want. I can easily see this one being a best seller and am already waiting for the next story.

[Montrell White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me say first of all, I absolutely loved this book. Phoenix was raised in a cult, run by her father. The abuse and treatment she suffered caused some long-term effects. Cults are so insidious that sometimes people do not understand what they are involved in. I like the way the book addressed the fact that after being rescued the victims still suffer. The town still blames Phoenix for the other victims because she was the only survivor. Then we come to Rowan who is dealing with a legendary suicide town. This is also something that happens today and the book gives a brief look at what happens after the suicide. Someone has to pick up the pieces and the bodies. The evil in this book shows that some things get passed down through families, cults and even towns but if people work together, they can overcome it. This book has it all Action, mystery, romance, trauma and Hope. Can not wait for the next one.

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

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix Rising was born and raised in a cult lead by her fanatical father who believed she was destined for greater things. However, she endured a childhood full of physical pain and both physical and mental torment and not only his hands but all the other cult members. It appears that he was convinced he was preparing her for the future he was convinced she would fulfil and at the same time was punishing her for being stronger and better than he was. Can she fight against the destiny he has prepared her for and protect all her she is close to as she experiences physic life at an extreme level during a visit to Iceland?

I loved this story which was a great mixture of psychic action, a mystery and a thriller. I loved the relationship between Phoenix and the other characters in the story that seemed to be all helping her in one way or another. A very addictive story that I could not put down until I had finished it.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an interesting series that will have you questioning what is possible. Does a person’s energy survive after their physical body is dead? Can they influence another person’s behavior? These are just some of the questions that will occur to you as you read this story.

Phoenix travels to Iceland and the town where her father was born and raised. She is on a mission to try and destroy a letter that he left to her. She’s hoping to throw it into the Burning Fires. However, Detective Rowan is on the lookout for persons who might want to commit suicide and when Phoenix turns up on his radar, he feels it is his mission to look out for her.

The more time they spend together, the more interesting things become – both from the perspective of their attraction to each other and the unfolding of what had happened to Phoenix as she grew up in the cult. There are many twists and turns in this story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

This story is intense! It grabs you hard and keeps you guessing about the details that are hiding. This story reaches in and squeezes your heart for the little girl that is the focus of such terrible abuse and torment by a madman who things he is God. How anyone could constantly abuse a child is beyond me but Phoenix is one tough cookie.

I love Phoenix’s ability to cocoon herself away from her reality in order to endure the treatment her cult family is constantly inflicting on her. I was blown away by the depth of this story and the intricate details required to tell this type of story. Unfortunately, cults of various types, are very real in this world and this story gives real insight of how controlling and deceptive they can be. They have a rabid need to convince their followers that they are special and considered to be the “Chosen One”.

Great story! Emotionally gripping and heartfelt championing of these characters! I loved it!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Ashes by Dale Mayer
Psychic Visions Series Book Sixteen
Phoenix Rising went to the Icelandic Burning Fires. A place she heard about growing up in her dysfunctional childhood. Her father the cult leader spoke of them. She had one goal in mind while here, and then would leave with the bus tour she was on. Only, things didn't turn out nice and simple like she had hoped.

Rowan Einar knew there was something about the woman in the hotel from the first moment he laid eyes on her. It was suicide season here...for some odd reason the Burning Fires brought that on. And he suspected that woman was here for that reason. Only...not on his watch!

As always, it's hard to figure out who the villain is. Characters from previous books pop-in, even if only psychically, to help. The books in this series are always well written and page-turners.
**Sensual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Deeann Pullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just simply amazing

I've read all of Dale mayers books and have never been disappointed with the amazing stories that she writes and this one was no different it simply was wonderful I love how she can incorporate all her characters from the beginning of a series into the next even with it being a stand alone the characters of rowan and Phoenix being together with my all time favorite characters stefan and dr maddy from the beginning of the series and this is book 16 is just simply amazing I love how the main character Phoenix Rising yes her real name in the book literally survives a childhood of hell to grow up being a normal human woman with special psychic abilities that wants to do good things not evil with her life and meeting the one man that could help her with that as well as help her get rid of the past energys that have attached to her as she tries to get rid of a letter in the lava fire in Ireland is just wow is all I can say I highly recommend reading it

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I have read several of the Psychic Vision series by Dale Mayer, out of order :) This one set me on my butt. Made my heart break for Phoenix. I think what I really liked about this one is Rowan was not surprised, or set back with her abilities per se. They worked together to get to understand what had happened to Phoenix in the past and what was going on now, what was happening in the town, why there was Suicide Season, and to get to the root of it, which was a shock in itself. I will say towards the very end I had a suspicion of who "the supplier" was, but I was still shocked to find out, and heart broken. There is child abuse (Phoenix past) and murder, yet there is hope, love and visions!
A great paranormal read that makes you feel. Thank you Dale Mayer and Book sprout for the arc. My thoughts and opinions were unsolicited, I freely share them.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. This is the best one yet and I know I have said that before, but she knocked it out of the park. Wow. Phoenix Rising and the Eternal Fire, she has lived with it till she was 11 hearing about it from her father, a cult leader. When she arrives at the Eternal Fire in Norway, Constable Rowan Einar is immediately intrigued and wanting to know more about her. She has come a long way from the waif rescued from a cult to the grown woman who is a professor now.
Can Rowan save Phoenix from the eternal fire and the forces of evil that seem to be taking over his town?
I do not do spoilers. This book has so many twists and turns you could get lost without a map. It is spellbinding and you do not want to stop reading till the last page is turned. You feel compelled to keep reading, it is addictive. Wow-what a great book.

[Niken Widyastuti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve mentioned time and over again that Dale Mayer’s Psychic novels are my favorite of hers. This series was what brought me to her books, and continue to be the best of hers. Of course I read her other books. She writes RS (no paranormal activities there) and cozy mysteries as well, and I love those genres.

So, Phoenix Rising, as a very interesting character with interesting name and descended from ‘interesting’ line, lived her childhood in horrific abuse. Fortunately, she’s saved when the cult her father lead was burnt down, and raised by a loving highly educated foster couple. Now she’s an adult, she wanted to get rid of her past wholly and permanently. This was where she met Detective Rowan, who had special something in him as well, helped her and protected her along the way.

Interesting love story, suspenseful enough, had mystery in it. Perfect!

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Phoenix got to Iceland she want to throw the not from her father into the lava.But she couldn;t get close.This is an exciting paranormal psychic story that will keep you on the edge of your seat .The chemistry between Phoenix and Rowan is off the charts their psychic energy grows together making them stronger.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.

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

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thriller that you won't want to put down. After a horrific childhood, Phoenix has come to Iceland to rid herself of the last item her deceased father gave her. Rowan is concerned that Phoenix could be in danger at the start of 'Suicide Season' in his town. Through their connection, they realize there is a growing evil in the town and witness some horrifying events. I don't want to spoil this thriller by describing the plot further. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a well written suspenseful book. This is another imaginative book in the series. I love the psychic aspect of the book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very troubled childhood, the torture Phoenix stuffed, needed to free herself from her past. She traveled to the Burring Fires to throw in the last part of her past from her father or so she thinks. Weird things are happening in his town and Rowan needs to get to the bottom of this. Together they become stronger and their future is not what they thought at the beginning. Looking into the past they both must face things they don't want to so they can move forward. Together with old friends, Grayse, Stefan and Dr Middy, Phoenix and Rowan join together to beat the evil and have a good start for the future together.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix was born to a madman in a cult. She's gifted and she's determined to finally leave her past behind her. She makes her way to Iceland to see the burning fires which her father always told her she would rise from. She befriends town police chief Rowan and the two embark on a dangerous journey to discover her past, the strange energy in his town and to put everything behind them and hopefully find a slice of happiness instead of ending up as the next victim to whatever strange energy is floating around town. It's an excellent read that will leave you guessing all the way through and on the edge of your seat. I volunteered to read this book.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story that will have you wondering how on earth any of this is possible, but the author makes you believe it can all happen.
Phoenix is on a mission to a small town in Iceland. She needs to be at the Eternal fire, to be able to fulfill a task. A task that will set her free from her past.
Rowan is part of the local law enforcement, and he's covering for the Chief that is in a coma in the hospital.
Something about Phoenix has made Rowan suspicious, and he is bent on finding out just what the story is with her.
So many twists and turns in this book, and you'll wonder whether Phoenix is as trustworthy as she seems. Fantastic book..absolutely fantastic!

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 star
Phoenix has one hell of a rough childhood and feels like she is finally one step away from freeing herself from her past however Detective Rowan won't leave her alone fearing she may throw herself into the lava and not the letter like she says. A shocking even brings them together though and they both try to work out what is behind the recent years deaths as well as whats happening in town now. There is a mix of suspense, mystery, twists, attraction and a great sprinkle of attraction, laughs and characters from other books that make an appearance.

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

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend From the Ashes, it is one of the best in the physic visions series. The main characters of Rowan and Phoenix are well developed and have you cheering for them from the beginning. The story line is fantastic The book grabs you and will not let go, I could not put it down. I had to see what the next twist to the story would be. I do not like spoilers in book reviews, so I do not write them and with this book it would be very easy to do just by giving you my favorite part of the book. This is a must read

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