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Tree of Ages #8
Dawn of Magic: City of Ashes
The epic conclusion to the Tree of Ages series!
The heartbeat of the land thrums louder, faster, like soldiers charging into war. Finn drew a line in the sand when she used the faie to attack her enemy. There is no going back from what she has become.
And she’s done running. The final battle will commence, and true villains will be revealed. Can an anomaly like Finn survive with the forces of creation against her? Can Ealasaid’s mages weather the greatest storm they’ve ever faced?
Or will everything they’ve built crumble into ruin?
The heartbeat of the land thrums louder, faster, like soldiers charging into war. Finn drew a line in the sand when she used the faie to attack her enemy. There is no going back from what she has become.
And she’s done running. The final battle will commence, and true villains will be revealed. Can an anomaly like Finn survive with the forces of creation against her? Can Ealasaid’s mages weather the greatest storm they’ve ever faced?
Or will everything they’ve built crumble into ruin?
- GenresFantasy
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2021
About the author
Sara C. Roethle
124 books952 followersSara C. Roethle is a Fantasy author and part-time unicorn. She enjoys writing character driven stories in various fantasy realms with elements of Celtic and Norse myth, humor, and metaphysical ponderings.
Her series include:
Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes
Her series include:
Tree of Ages
The Thief's Apprentice
The Moonstone Chronicles
Xoe Meyers
Bitter Ashes
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 7, 2021
The very first book of this series, Tree of Ages, started off as an interesting summer read. I just finished the 8th book. This story was drawn out about 3 books too long. After the 5th book, I almost quit but had too much invested. Fortunately, they are easy to read. The author seemed to be a little lazy in describing characters. I wish I had a tally for how many times she uses the word "smirk." There are more ways of describing a look other than smirking. What started out as promising, ended for me as just a relief that I didn't have to read another book. And that's too bad because the first book was very interesting.
February 22, 2021
This has been an enchanting series and book 8, the grand finale to the series is nothing less. It is truly magical and such a pleasure to read. Finn, the guardian and the tree of ages has been battling against many forces who were threatening her world. She battled against the Ceardaman also known as the travelers, the An Fiach, the Aos Si, Oighear the Ice Queen, and Belenus the God but during these battles he managed to gather a varied number of friends and allies who were fighting alongside her. Belenus turned her back into a tree, and Iseult was going crazy thinking he had lost her once again forever. All her friends worked in their own way to get Finn back, without even knowing where exactly she was. They had to trust one another, hoping they all still had the well being of their world at heart even when some of them made alliances with past foes. This is a very exciting book as Sara C. Roethle ties up all loose ends bringing us to such a satisfactory ending to what has been such a turbulent story, yet one filled with hope and love. I love that though so different to one another many of our characters had paired off with one another. I love the role played by Naoki, the dragon and Loinnir, the unicorn, so beautiful and so loyal to Finn. And I also love the fact that Finn could be so magnanimous in the end towards her hated enemy. Pity the dragons had to leave the world but living a much more balanced and peaceful life is what all our group deserve! Well done for this amazing series Ms. Roethle.
May 16, 2021
Great ending
I do not like waiting for new episodes of the books I enjoy to be released. When you read a lot of books, you tend to forget where you left off. In this series, I felt the same way, but didn't mind going back and reading book 5 to catch myself up. It was so worth it. I was captivated to the point when I wasn't reading I was oftentimes wondering what Finn was going to do next.
I do not like waiting for new episodes of the books I enjoy to be released. When you read a lot of books, you tend to forget where you left off. In this series, I felt the same way, but didn't mind going back and reading book 5 to catch myself up. It was so worth it. I was captivated to the point when I wasn't reading I was oftentimes wondering what Finn was going to do next.
December 4, 2021
HEA?
Last book in the series I think, it has a HEA but Finn talks about it not staying peacefully for long and they talk about more adventures so I'm not sure if there will be more about her awakening her people or if it's the end.it was awhile ago I read book 7 so trying to get into this book 8 took me a beat (I read allot and read many books inbetween) so a few of the side kicks etc I struggled to remember who they was and the relationship links.
Last book in the series I think, it has a HEA but Finn talks about it not staying peacefully for long and they talk about more adventures so I'm not sure if there will be more about her awakening her people or if it's the end.it was awhile ago I read book 7 so trying to get into this book 8 took me a beat (I read allot and read many books inbetween) so a few of the side kicks etc I struggled to remember who they was and the relationship links.
December 27, 2022
With the wait!
What a fantastic series, the storylines, the character's, and the many different plots within each book and character links within the whole series are fantastic and superbly written,
Well worth the wait and the re-reads to refresh my memory of the earlier books. Thoroughly enjoyed every single chapter, book and part of the whole thing.
I definitely recommend every moment and use of your time.
What a fantastic series, the storylines, the character's, and the many different plots within each book and character links within the whole series are fantastic and superbly written,
Well worth the wait and the re-reads to refresh my memory of the earlier books. Thoroughly enjoyed every single chapter, book and part of the whole thing.
I definitely recommend every moment and use of your time.
July 10, 2025
Just phenomenal.
It feels a little weird that Finn wasn't really the central character in this book, and it would have been nice to learn more about what she experienced when everything else was happening. And I definitely was a little pissed that one character was somehow "good"...
But the story wasn't meant to be about her. The end felt like a satisfying complete circle.
The author did a great job walking things back in a believable way.
It feels a little weird that Finn wasn't really the central character in this book, and it would have been nice to learn more about what she experienced when everything else was happening. And I definitely was a little pissed that one character was somehow "good"...
But the story wasn't meant to be about her. The end felt like a satisfying complete circle.
The author did a great job walking things back in a believable way.
April 21, 2021
A Series Ending for The Ages
Complete, no main or secondary character left out in this ending. A great final book covering a masterful plan from different sides toward one end, with all the expected twists and turns until resolution. A masterful completion focusing on probable futures for characters and a brilliant surprise to end it all. Well done!
Complete, no main or secondary character left out in this ending. A great final book covering a masterful plan from different sides toward one end, with all the expected twists and turns until resolution. A masterful completion focusing on probable futures for characters and a brilliant surprise to end it all. Well done!
February 4, 2022
Loved
This was a very enjoyable series that took some unexpected twists. I got very involved in the characters and their development. I do hope that maybe not all their adventures are at an end. There is so much potential to spin off this original series. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
This was a very enjoyable series that took some unexpected twists. I got very involved in the characters and their development. I do hope that maybe not all their adventures are at an end. There is so much potential to spin off this original series. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
June 1, 2023
Dawn of magic city of ashes
The end has to to the story and Finn has defeated belenus by making him a guardian of the land. Oighear has settled in migris to build a city of the faie. Finn is going to live in retire while the rest of their party relax and rebuild the world. A very good end to the story and series
The end has to to the story and Finn has defeated belenus by making him a guardian of the land. Oighear has settled in migris to build a city of the faie. Finn is going to live in retire while the rest of their party relax and rebuild the world. A very good end to the story and series
July 19, 2023
Pretty sik series to be fair, loved the characters.
But the ending though? This mad battle and then a standard happily ever after where everyone suddenly coupled up and fell in love... tra la la off they skipped into the bloody sunset...bit pukey lukey!
Not one character got killed off either, not enough dramatics, fell a bit flat.
But the ending though? This mad battle and then a standard happily ever after where everyone suddenly coupled up and fell in love... tra la la off they skipped into the bloody sunset...bit pukey lukey!
Not one character got killed off either, not enough dramatics, fell a bit flat.
November 19, 2023
A brilliant series ..Couldn't put the last book down!
A truly original plot with all the elements of a great epic fantasy.From the first page you are totally absorbed in the World the author has created. The characters spring to life and you are engrossed in their lives ..their lives and hates! And there are even DRAGONS!
A truly original plot with all the elements of a great epic fantasy.From the first page you are totally absorbed in the World the author has created. The characters spring to life and you are engrossed in their lives ..their lives and hates! And there are even DRAGONS!
May 6, 2024
time
After spending quite a bit of time learning characters, following the map, pronunciation ( love the index) and becoming emotionally invested, it is almost sad the story is over. I rather enjoyed getting to stick with an extended story. Characters are heartfelt and love is not lost. Would have a hard time picking a favorite but Naoki was a great character.
After spending quite a bit of time learning characters, following the map, pronunciation ( love the index) and becoming emotionally invested, it is almost sad the story is over. I rather enjoyed getting to stick with an extended story. Characters are heartfelt and love is not lost. Would have a hard time picking a favorite but Naoki was a great character.
January 12, 2025
A happy ever after for everyone
The weaving of the story was phenomenal. To see what characters ended up on which side was different than I would have imagined. I was happy with what became of Finn at the end. I was a little worried about her and her drive to save everyone at any cost. Well done!
The weaving of the story was phenomenal. To see what characters ended up on which side was different than I would have imagined. I was happy with what became of Finn at the end. I was a little worried about her and her drive to save everyone at any cost. Well done!
November 12, 2025
The Tree of Ages (Books 1-8)
Wow. I’ve read a lot of fantasy books but this series is one of the best and seems like it’ll stick to mind for a long time. So many different characters with their own affiliation for life makes this the best series ever. Adventurous with mythical beings to that gives the series more heart. Loved every second of it.
Wow. I’ve read a lot of fantasy books but this series is one of the best and seems like it’ll stick to mind for a long time. So many different characters with their own affiliation for life makes this the best series ever. Adventurous with mythical beings to that gives the series more heart. Loved every second of it.
April 20, 2026
Even though it felt like this story was dragged out a bit over so many books, some of which were better than others, this was a good conclusion.
I still found the fact that there were several POVs per chapter annoying, but the story itself was interesting. A good read, and while I almost DNFed the series Im glad I finished it.
I still found the fact that there were several POVs per chapter annoying, but the story itself was interesting. A good read, and while I almost DNFed the series Im glad I finished it.
April 29, 2026
A good ending to a fun series
Even though the last few books in this series weren't as great as the first few books. It was still an enjoyable series to read. This book specifically had lots of build up and lots of characters to keep up with, it often made me wonder where this was going. However I did appreciate how it all tied up nicely.
Even though the last few books in this series weren't as great as the first few books. It was still an enjoyable series to read. This book specifically had lots of build up and lots of characters to keep up with, it often made me wonder where this was going. However I did appreciate how it all tied up nicely.
February 23, 2021
Fantastic ending
This series has held my attention from the first book thru the last. The characters were so well defined that I knew them in my head. The story line continued to flow from the beginning. It was a great plot and mini plots. This series will be a favorite of mine!!
This series has held my attention from the first book thru the last. The characters were so well defined that I knew them in my head. The story line continued to flow from the beginning. It was a great plot and mini plots. This series will be a favorite of mine!!
March 6, 2021
Amazing ending to an amazing story
This series was excellent! Highly recommended. Someone on another review mentioned price too high for 200 pages? This book is less than a cup of coffee at starbucks. And just as enjoyable!
Thanks Sara 😊
This series was excellent! Highly recommended. Someone on another review mentioned price too high for 200 pages? This book is less than a cup of coffee at starbucks. And just as enjoyable!
Thanks Sara 😊
March 8, 2021
Disappointing
I was sucked into the first book and looked forward to each installment. However, this last book was very disappointing. It was more like a listing of events to finish out the storyline. Not good storytelling.
I was sucked into the first book and looked forward to each installment. However, this last book was very disappointing. It was more like a listing of events to finish out the storyline. Not good storytelling.
March 13, 2021
A Fitting Conclusion
This book wraps up Finn's story in a satisfying way. All the major characters we have come to know have a role to play, including the dragons and other magical beings. I really enjoyed this series, and read all the previous books.
This book wraps up Finn's story in a satisfying way. All the major characters we have come to know have a role to play, including the dragons and other magical beings. I really enjoyed this series, and read all the previous books.
May 27, 2021
This was a really nice wrap up. The previous book was a bit slow and hard for me to get through but I was determined to finish this entire series since I loved the first half of it! Nothing seemed to far out there which I loved. It was a believable ending and enjoyable.
May 31, 2021
Tree of Ages/Dawn of Magic Series
An excellent set of books. Each one is complete in itself but also builds a narrative that encompasses the whole series to a final unpredictable end. The only thing I miss is not having another book to read!
An excellent set of books. Each one is complete in itself but also builds a narrative that encompasses the whole series to a final unpredictable end. The only thing I miss is not having another book to read!
July 24, 2021
Great Series!!!
I’ve loved this series since I opened book1. And now I’ve just finihed book 8. Such a wonderful writer. Love every book I’ve read of hers. Thank you for all the joy your books bring.
I’ve loved this series since I opened book1. And now I’ve just finihed book 8. Such a wonderful writer. Love every book I’ve read of hers. Thank you for all the joy your books bring.
January 3, 2022
Dawn of Magic
I enjoyed this series tremendously .Fascinating story and characters .I will definitely be reading more of this amazing authors adventures.Would recommend to all who love a good story
I enjoyed this series tremendously .Fascinating story and characters .I will definitely be reading more of this amazing authors adventures.Would recommend to all who love a good story
March 19, 2022
And so it ends
I enjoyed this series and it's varied story lines. Anyone who loves fantasy will become enthralled with the magic the author evokes. Looking forward to more from Sara C Roethle.
I enjoyed this series and it's varied story lines. Anyone who loves fantasy will become enthralled with the magic the author evokes. Looking forward to more from Sara C Roethle.
January 20, 2023
The Tree of Ages
This book was a fitting ending to the series. All the storylines are complete and tied together nicely.
It is a wonderful series with unique magic and amazing characters.
This book was a fitting ending to the series. All the storylines are complete and tied together nicely.
It is a wonderful series with unique magic and amazing characters.
November 22, 2023
TOA bk 8
This series was one of the most
captivating of any fantasy book I've read It tells a beautiful exciting storyline and is full of twists and turns and beautiful moments along with the edge of the seat experience I thoroughly enjoyed it
This series was one of the most
captivating of any fantasy book I've read It tells a beautiful exciting storyline and is full of twists and turns and beautiful moments along with the edge of the seat experience I thoroughly enjoyed it
February 18, 2024
Engaging
This story shows the frustrating side of people. The true side I'd say. Where we all make stupid mistakes and bad choices, but in the end, the way we choose to make up for it is all that matters. I enjoyed every one of the books in this series
This story shows the frustrating side of people. The true side I'd say. Where we all make stupid mistakes and bad choices, but in the end, the way we choose to make up for it is all that matters. I enjoyed every one of the books in this series
May 19, 2025
The beast within, delightful
Always surprising and compelling, I found myself immersed in the world, it's mystery and the characters.
Sara weaves a beautiful revelation of the good, bad, ugly and truth which we all must contend with.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Always surprising and compelling, I found myself immersed in the world, it's mystery and the characters.
Sara weaves a beautiful revelation of the good, bad, ugly and truth which we all must contend with.
Thoroughly enjoyable
February 20, 2021
I knew this book was going to be fantastic!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews