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The Book of Fire #3
Storm of Ash: An absolutely thrilling dystopian fantasy full of suspense
The brand new novel from Michelle Kenney, author of the Book of Fire and City of Dust!
As Talia treks back through the treacherous North Mountains, she knows only three things:
Pantheon has stolen nearly everyone she loves;
Her blood is the only control over the Voynich’s oldest secret;
And Cassius won’t stop hunting Arafel until every last outsider is destroyed.
Will Talia finally face her legacy and defeat Cassius before it is too late?
Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2019
1 person is currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Kenney
5 books56 followersI’m a firm believer in magic, and that ancient doorways to other worlds can still be found if we look hard enough. I’m also a hopeless scribbleaholic and, when left to my own devices, likes nothing better than to dream up new fantasy worlds in the back of a dog-eared notebook. Doctors say they're unlikely to find a cure any time soon.
In between scribbling, I love reading, running, attempting to play bluegrass and beach treasure-hunting with my small people (dreamers-in-training).
Somehow, I have an LLB (hons) degree, an APD in Public Relations and I’m an Accredited Practitioner with the CIPR. But I’m definitely happiest curled up against a rainy window, with my nose in a book!
I’m represented by Northbank Talent Management, and love chatting all things book-related at https://www.facebook.com/BookofFireMK Twitter: @mkenneypr and Instagram: @mich_kenneyauthor
Book of Fire is the first in a YAFantasy Trilogy published by HarperCollins HQ. City of Dust, Book 2, was published October 2018 (digital) and December 2018 (paperback), and Storm of Ash, the final instalment was published in December 2019 (Digital) and February 2020 (Paperback)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 13, 2019
Storm of Ash is the third and final instalment in The Book of Fire series, and we return to Arafel with protagonist, Talia. Michelle's writing has a way of searing into your mind and each book has gotten progressively better and more compelling. I would advise reading the preceding books prior to starting this one as it will be confusing otherwise as events from the previous two books are referred to and directly link to what happens in the plot. Talia is still reeling from the aftermath of the incidents in City of Dust and returns to Arafel and her family. She is in the fight for her life against Pantheon who has taken everything that was most precious to her. Cassius is also still on a rampage desperate to locate her and take her life. He has shown he will not be deterred from his mission for anyone or anything. But who will succeed in claiming what's rightfully theirs?
This is the ultimate good vs bad/protagonist vs antagonist young adult dystopian fantasy and the worldbuilding is up there with the most accomplished, complex and detailed I have had the pleasure of coming across. The plot is full of emotion, danger, twists, turns, action and dramatic incidents, all of which keep you engrossed in the well-crafted story. The world, as in the previous two books, had me immersed and living every single moment with Talia and hoping she can win back what's hers despite being the underdog. Both the central characters and the peripheral ones are developed beautifully and are, as a cast, interesting and engaging with a fascinating dynamic. A highly entertaining fantasy from start to finish. Many thanks to HQ Digital for an ARC.
This is the ultimate good vs bad/protagonist vs antagonist young adult dystopian fantasy and the worldbuilding is up there with the most accomplished, complex and detailed I have had the pleasure of coming across. The plot is full of emotion, danger, twists, turns, action and dramatic incidents, all of which keep you engrossed in the well-crafted story. The world, as in the previous two books, had me immersed and living every single moment with Talia and hoping she can win back what's hers despite being the underdog. Both the central characters and the peripheral ones are developed beautifully and are, as a cast, interesting and engaging with a fascinating dynamic. A highly entertaining fantasy from start to finish. Many thanks to HQ Digital for an ARC.
March 19, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
I jumped straight into this series not having read the first two books in the series (this is book 3), but that didn't stop me reading it.
I loved Tal's(Talia) character and think she'd certainly give Katnis Everdeen (Hunger games) a run for her money!
At first I was a little confused by the setting and story line as nothing was really explained from the first two books, but I soon got to grips with it and couldn't put it down! The settings are amazingly thought out and described so vividly! And as for Lake - wow!!!
This is an amazing read and I'm really wanting to read the first two books now too!
I jumped straight into this series not having read the first two books in the series (this is book 3), but that didn't stop me reading it.
I loved Tal's(Talia) character and think she'd certainly give Katnis Everdeen (Hunger games) a run for her money!
At first I was a little confused by the setting and story line as nothing was really explained from the first two books, but I soon got to grips with it and couldn't put it down! The settings are amazingly thought out and described so vividly! And as for Lake - wow!!!
This is an amazing read and I'm really wanting to read the first two books now too!
November 24, 2019
*THANK YOU to HQ Digital for graciously providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I will start with the obvious - the book cover of Storm of Ash is just gorgeous and very much in sync with a key event in the book.
This beautiful action packed fantasy with Roman vibe,keeps you on your toes the whole time, and on every turn you have plot twist.
It all starts with the aftermath of the previous book City of Dust and our main heroine Talia ,returning to her forest home Arafel with all of her loved ones lost or dead in the Dead City river, while at the same time she's bringing two Insiders and exposes her home village.
"Because of me. While I was still here, beside two Insiders instead of my childhood companions, and expected to explain their absence in a way that made it bearable."
While she had to explain what happened ,she also have to describe to them what evil is coming,and not only for them,but for all Outsiders as well.
A "Biotechnical Programme ,mythical creatures, creatures with which he intended to repopulate the world, and the destruction of my home was only the beginning"
Long forgotten creatures , that were not meant to be recreated was the main goal of emperor Cassius....until there is no Outsiders left and he is in control of the mightiest of them all creatures Hominum chimera.
Full of heroic sacrifices and loss,all Outsiders and others, tired of living in dictatorship ruling ,make a final push to put to an end once and for all those unnatural experiments and fight fot the belief that every living creature has the right to live freely!
And i will end with the perfect quote :
"Come what may, nature finds a way"
Enjoyed to the fullest that rollercoaster of a journey and it was unexpected breath of fresh air,as a plot idea and atmosphere combination.
I can't help it and have to add a perfectly fitting quote,from the ultimate villain(I'm sure most will remember who...)
"No resurrections this time"
I will start with the obvious - the book cover of Storm of Ash is just gorgeous and very much in sync with a key event in the book.
This beautiful action packed fantasy with Roman vibe,keeps you on your toes the whole time, and on every turn you have plot twist.
It all starts with the aftermath of the previous book City of Dust and our main heroine Talia ,returning to her forest home Arafel with all of her loved ones lost or dead in the Dead City river, while at the same time she's bringing two Insiders and exposes her home village.
"Because of me. While I was still here, beside two Insiders instead of my childhood companions, and expected to explain their absence in a way that made it bearable."
While she had to explain what happened ,she also have to describe to them what evil is coming,and not only for them,but for all Outsiders as well.
A "Biotechnical Programme ,mythical creatures, creatures with which he intended to repopulate the world, and the destruction of my home was only the beginning"
Long forgotten creatures , that were not meant to be recreated was the main goal of emperor Cassius....until there is no Outsiders left and he is in control of the mightiest of them all creatures Hominum chimera.
Full of heroic sacrifices and loss,all Outsiders and others, tired of living in dictatorship ruling ,make a final push to put to an end once and for all those unnatural experiments and fight fot the belief that every living creature has the right to live freely!
And i will end with the perfect quote :
"Come what may, nature finds a way"
Enjoyed to the fullest that rollercoaster of a journey and it was unexpected breath of fresh air,as a plot idea and atmosphere combination.
I can't help it and have to add a perfectly fitting quote,from the ultimate villain(I'm sure most will remember who...)
"No resurrections this time"
December 26, 2020
An epic conclusion to a great series, packed with more mythical creatures than you can poke a stick at, and plenty of action to keep up the pace.
October 16, 2023
so....The answer to the question on the cover is no...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2019
While I was beginning to read this book I was thinking that this book was standalone, but to my surprise, there was no introduction or anything! I was almost completely lost. So I started looking for the reason - it's a book three in a trilogy! But my review will be based only on this book as I had only read this one.
This story has an intriguing premise that if made more sense would be much more pleasures to me. Mythology, quests, journeys romance, twists and an arch enemy.
As I don't know what would be a spoiler here I will not say any names or situations, just that it will be a wild ride for sure!
This story has an intriguing premise that if made more sense would be much more pleasures to me. Mythology, quests, journeys romance, twists and an arch enemy.
As I don't know what would be a spoiler here I will not say any names or situations, just that it will be a wild ride for sure!
February 18, 2022
Talia returns to Arafel with two unlikely companions, Unus and August. For the folk of Arafel it is the arrival of a rebellious young woman, a cyclops and a gladiator, not a comfortable fit for this forested world. But the strangers are welcomed, grateful for the return of their lost daughter of Arafel. For Talia, Unus and August, their journey has taken a toll; losses weigh heavy and their relationships have been tested. It was these dynamics that hooked me straight back into the story.
I adored how the author expanded the world, and in particular the forest communities. Depth was delivered with concise prose that left me feeling submerged in a world that pulled on all the senses. If I close my eyes, I can hear the rustling bushes and heavy footsteps of a passing Komodo, against a backdrop of a hoopoe’s warning calls. But sanctuary is short lived. A series of disastrous events have been triggered, and Talia and her feral crew are forced to fight back against a cruel regime intent on destroying the natural order. It is a journey which will bring them face to face with the astonishing depth of the antagonist’s cruel and warped vision; the lives of innocents perish as monsters are brought to life. Talia is the key, but no one is meant to survive in a world where tyrants play God. The story is fast-paced fantasy, but these major questions bring relevance to the world as we know it, discussing the ethics of scientific interference in the natural order of food chains and natural selection. Just because we can, does it mean that we should?
Throughout this series the characters have changed and grown, with depth that reels you into their personal journeys. It is the mark of great writing, when complex storylines appear to be effortlessly delivered, with compelling characters to empathise and root for, for all their strengths, flaws, loves and losses. Further relevant messages are delivered through these complex dynamics about love and loyalty, adapting to change, and accepting the changes in those close to us. It’s what I love about the YA genre, the power of coming-of-age firsts that we can relate to at any age. As the story draws this epic series to a close, I know that this vivid world brought to life on the page will stay with me for a long time to come. Ultimately, I’m left with the poignancy of one relationship in particular, one where loyalty faced the ultimate test for a love that crossed two worlds.
I adored how the author expanded the world, and in particular the forest communities. Depth was delivered with concise prose that left me feeling submerged in a world that pulled on all the senses. If I close my eyes, I can hear the rustling bushes and heavy footsteps of a passing Komodo, against a backdrop of a hoopoe’s warning calls. But sanctuary is short lived. A series of disastrous events have been triggered, and Talia and her feral crew are forced to fight back against a cruel regime intent on destroying the natural order. It is a journey which will bring them face to face with the astonishing depth of the antagonist’s cruel and warped vision; the lives of innocents perish as monsters are brought to life. Talia is the key, but no one is meant to survive in a world where tyrants play God. The story is fast-paced fantasy, but these major questions bring relevance to the world as we know it, discussing the ethics of scientific interference in the natural order of food chains and natural selection. Just because we can, does it mean that we should?
Throughout this series the characters have changed and grown, with depth that reels you into their personal journeys. It is the mark of great writing, when complex storylines appear to be effortlessly delivered, with compelling characters to empathise and root for, for all their strengths, flaws, loves and losses. Further relevant messages are delivered through these complex dynamics about love and loyalty, adapting to change, and accepting the changes in those close to us. It’s what I love about the YA genre, the power of coming-of-age firsts that we can relate to at any age. As the story draws this epic series to a close, I know that this vivid world brought to life on the page will stay with me for a long time to come. Ultimately, I’m left with the poignancy of one relationship in particular, one where loyalty faced the ultimate test for a love that crossed two worlds.
December 4, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from HQ Digital in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was at first really hard to follow but when I saw that it was the third installment of the Book of Fire series, a lot of the context made more sense and I was able to follow along a lot better. Talia is still in battle with the Pantheon after stealing everything she has including her family. Cassius is still on the hunt for her and will stop at nothing to end her. It's the fugitive vs. the ruler and it all comes down to who is stronger that will escape and take back what is theirs. I am always ruling for the underdog or in Talia's case the outcasts because they have a lot more at stake than the rulers or villains. Despite not having read the first two, I did enjoy a lot of this book but it was very difficult to put the pieces together since not reading the first two books. I definitely do not recommend reading this series out of order.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 4 stars.
This book was at first really hard to follow but when I saw that it was the third installment of the Book of Fire series, a lot of the context made more sense and I was able to follow along a lot better. Talia is still in battle with the Pantheon after stealing everything she has including her family. Cassius is still on the hunt for her and will stop at nothing to end her. It's the fugitive vs. the ruler and it all comes down to who is stronger that will escape and take back what is theirs. I am always ruling for the underdog or in Talia's case the outcasts because they have a lot more at stake than the rulers or villains. Despite not having read the first two, I did enjoy a lot of this book but it was very difficult to put the pieces together since not reading the first two books. I definitely do not recommend reading this series out of order.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 4 stars.
December 24, 2019
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a big fan of the Book of Fire series for many years now. I found them when book one had just been released and I fell in love with the universe that Michelle Kenney had created. As sad as I am to see this series end, this was the PERFECT way to close this door.
Michelle Kenney has such a unique and interesting writing style that just seeps into your mind and alters your perspective. It is engaging and intriguing. Every book has just gotten better and better. This is the ultimate story of good vs evil.
Kenney’s world building is unlike any other author I have found and I just really enjoy being involved in this world. I secretly hope she will come out with a sequel series (or even a prequel!)
I don’t want to go into deep detail because I do not want to ruin this ending for anyone but O M G. THAT WAS SO INTENSE.
I loved this book. I loved this series. I cannot believe how lucky I was to get an ARC! Thank you SOOO much to Michelle Kenney, HQ Digital, and NetGalley for letting me review this amazing book!
I have been a big fan of the Book of Fire series for many years now. I found them when book one had just been released and I fell in love with the universe that Michelle Kenney had created. As sad as I am to see this series end, this was the PERFECT way to close this door.
Michelle Kenney has such a unique and interesting writing style that just seeps into your mind and alters your perspective. It is engaging and intriguing. Every book has just gotten better and better. This is the ultimate story of good vs evil.
Kenney’s world building is unlike any other author I have found and I just really enjoy being involved in this world. I secretly hope she will come out with a sequel series (or even a prequel!)
I don’t want to go into deep detail because I do not want to ruin this ending for anyone but O M G. THAT WAS SO INTENSE.
I loved this book. I loved this series. I cannot believe how lucky I was to get an ARC! Thank you SOOO much to Michelle Kenney, HQ Digital, and NetGalley for letting me review this amazing book!
June 27, 2020
Kenney didn’t disappoint her desperately awaiting fans with the final instalment of her unique dystopian Book of Fire trilogy. This one was always destined to go straight the top of my tbr pile!
The world building is, once again, in a league of its own, as Kenney blends ancient mythology with the intricacies of her own extremely unique and vivid mind.
Talia takes us on a breath-stopping, action-fuelled adventure, where danger lurks around every ancient citadel and only the truly brave can even dream of surviving let alone prevailing.
While the many dangers modern civilisation faces are thinly veiled in Kenney’s deeply dystopian message, she also leaves us with a glimmer of hope for humanity as the strength and bravery embodied in Talia offer us a path to salvation.
Already looking forward to what Kenney delivers next.
The world building is, once again, in a league of its own, as Kenney blends ancient mythology with the intricacies of her own extremely unique and vivid mind.
Talia takes us on a breath-stopping, action-fuelled adventure, where danger lurks around every ancient citadel and only the truly brave can even dream of surviving let alone prevailing.
While the many dangers modern civilisation faces are thinly veiled in Kenney’s deeply dystopian message, she also leaves us with a glimmer of hope for humanity as the strength and bravery embodied in Talia offer us a path to salvation.
Already looking forward to what Kenney delivers next.
August 4, 2025
Another good read.
Last of 3 books, my favourite was the 2nd one which might seem strange as all 3 were a complete story. I found it the most exciting one. Book 3 seemed to ramble a bit. But if you like fantasy these 3 books are a good read.
Last of 3 books, my favourite was the 2nd one which might seem strange as all 3 were a complete story. I found it the most exciting one. Book 3 seemed to ramble a bit. But if you like fantasy these 3 books are a good read.
December 16, 2024
Excellent finale to an excellent series. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 10, 2019
This is the third book in the Book of Fire series. It absolutely can be read as a standalone novel, however I would highly recommend reading Book of Fire and City of Dust to get a better overall view and to be able to enjoy the vision and complexity of the storytelling.
This book starts with the conundrum Talia faces when it comes to Lake. The draco-chimera has become a potential threat to everyone, as Talia always thought she possibly would. Can the power be tamed and controlled or is Lake destined to be an object of destruction?
It's difficult to talk about this third part without giving too much of the plot away, so I am going to keep the details to a minimum. Needless to say both Lake and Talia bring fire to the table in their own specific way. The bond between them since the day Talia discovered the chimera will be drawn and chipped at, but perhaps not quite in the way certain adversaries expect it to be. Belief, friendship and ultimately trust is what speaks from their connection to each other.
Kenney writes fantasy the way it should be written. She wants her readers to sink into the folds of the intricate world-building and become immersed in the worlds she weaves. Much like a spider, she spins a web that one cannot help but fall into.
I was impressed by how many different elements the author wove into the structure of the story. History, mythology, evolution and of course the power of magic, which is defined and controlled only by the boundaries of her imagination. It is however also without boundaries, exceptionally expressive and simultaneously filled with rivers of emotion that flow throughout the story as it evolves.
It's high fantasy with elements of evolution, history and magic. The powerful world-building is combined with strong descriptive writing and an excellent plot. It's a cracking read, especially if you enjoy your fantasy intense, complex and relentless.
*I received a courtesy copy*
This book starts with the conundrum Talia faces when it comes to Lake. The draco-chimera has become a potential threat to everyone, as Talia always thought she possibly would. Can the power be tamed and controlled or is Lake destined to be an object of destruction?
It's difficult to talk about this third part without giving too much of the plot away, so I am going to keep the details to a minimum. Needless to say both Lake and Talia bring fire to the table in their own specific way. The bond between them since the day Talia discovered the chimera will be drawn and chipped at, but perhaps not quite in the way certain adversaries expect it to be. Belief, friendship and ultimately trust is what speaks from their connection to each other.
Kenney writes fantasy the way it should be written. She wants her readers to sink into the folds of the intricate world-building and become immersed in the worlds she weaves. Much like a spider, she spins a web that one cannot help but fall into.
I was impressed by how many different elements the author wove into the structure of the story. History, mythology, evolution and of course the power of magic, which is defined and controlled only by the boundaries of her imagination. It is however also without boundaries, exceptionally expressive and simultaneously filled with rivers of emotion that flow throughout the story as it evolves.
It's high fantasy with elements of evolution, history and magic. The powerful world-building is combined with strong descriptive writing and an excellent plot. It's a cracking read, especially if you enjoy your fantasy intense, complex and relentless.
*I received a courtesy copy*
February 6, 2020
This book was absolutely phenomenal!!! It was the perfect ending to an amazing trilogy. It was very intense, gripping and also heartbreaking at times.
I cannot recommend this book enough and this series in fact.
The characters are all magnificent and Talia really is the heroine we all want in a story! She’s strong, loyal, courageous and totally kicks ass!
The fact the story has so many creatures from ancient mythology made this even more interesting for me. Unus was my absolute favourite. I was constantly worrying about his fate in all the books!
There were a lot of fights and battles in this final book so it is definitely very action packed and you will want to keep reading to check on who survives or who doesn’t.
I am really sad that the trilogy is now complete, but like the saying goes; all good things must come to an end. I hope Michelle writes more stories in the future like this if this is anything to go by.
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for letting me receive the ARC of this for an honest review. This book is released on the 6th February.
I cannot recommend this book enough and this series in fact.
The characters are all magnificent and Talia really is the heroine we all want in a story! She’s strong, loyal, courageous and totally kicks ass!
The fact the story has so many creatures from ancient mythology made this even more interesting for me. Unus was my absolute favourite. I was constantly worrying about his fate in all the books!
There were a lot of fights and battles in this final book so it is definitely very action packed and you will want to keep reading to check on who survives or who doesn’t.
I am really sad that the trilogy is now complete, but like the saying goes; all good things must come to an end. I hope Michelle writes more stories in the future like this if this is anything to go by.
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for letting me receive the ARC of this for an honest review. This book is released on the 6th February.
December 17, 2019
A phenomenal climax to the trilogy! One of the best YA trilogy’s I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. The series just got better and better. So sad it’s come to an end but what an amazing journey.
December 1, 2019
An excellent fantasy, engrossing and entertaining.
I like the amazing world building which is complex and fascinating, the well thought cast of character, and the gripping and action packed plot.
Even if it's not the first in a series I had no issues with the plot or the characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I like the amazing world building which is complex and fascinating, the well thought cast of character, and the gripping and action packed plot.
Even if it's not the first in a series I had no issues with the plot or the characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews