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Ashes
After her brother Donny’s tragic death, Angela Soloman is instructed where to lay his ashes to bring peace to his restless spirit. She must journey and battle deviant supernatural beings, face her own traumatic past, and follow the rules of Hollow Forest to avoid the stalking creature called the Canid Carey. With help from a mysterious ally, she fights to quiet more tormented souls than one.
- GenresHorrorFantasyParanormal
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2020
27 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 17, 2021
TW: This book contains references to sexual violence, addiction, self-harm and suicide, as well as strong violence.
Hauntingly enchanting and not for the fainthearted, "Ashes" is a creepy, uncomfortable and yet powerful story that got its claws in me from the very start. Straight into the action with complete believability and memories sprinkled throughout, Wayland slaps us with an immediately likeable and deeply anguished protagonist, Angela Soloman, as she sets out to save her brother, Donny.
Her quest into the Hollow, a forest that is as chillingly dangerous as it is a testament to Wayland's incredible imagination, is fraught with horrible monsters and unresolved trauma. Original, impossible to put down and unbelievably raw, "Ashes" delivers on almost all fronts.
While Angela - despite the help of her peculiar yet supportive ally, Wyatt - struggles to survive, she is forced to confront her worst fears and the tragedies of her past in a desperate attempt to rediscover herself. But time is running out and she is headed for the same doomed fate as those who came before her. Can she save Donny in time, and at what cost?
"Ashes" is beautifully told in all its disturbing and yet morbidly hopeful glory, a must-read for fans of spook, or for any of those souls lost in the in-between of life and death.
Hauntingly enchanting and not for the fainthearted, "Ashes" is a creepy, uncomfortable and yet powerful story that got its claws in me from the very start. Straight into the action with complete believability and memories sprinkled throughout, Wayland slaps us with an immediately likeable and deeply anguished protagonist, Angela Soloman, as she sets out to save her brother, Donny.
Her quest into the Hollow, a forest that is as chillingly dangerous as it is a testament to Wayland's incredible imagination, is fraught with horrible monsters and unresolved trauma. Original, impossible to put down and unbelievably raw, "Ashes" delivers on almost all fronts.
While Angela - despite the help of her peculiar yet supportive ally, Wyatt - struggles to survive, she is forced to confront her worst fears and the tragedies of her past in a desperate attempt to rediscover herself. But time is running out and she is headed for the same doomed fate as those who came before her. Can she save Donny in time, and at what cost?
"Ashes" is beautifully told in all its disturbing and yet morbidly hopeful glory, a must-read for fans of spook, or for any of those souls lost in the in-between of life and death.
April 14, 2023
Okay so I'm giving this 3 stars because overall I loved everything about the book aside from ending and the implications that come along with the whole theme of unconditional love and how its represented through her relationship with her horrible brother. First off, I feel as though the book frames how her parents treated her brother in a more negative light than how she treated her brother, by ignoring the reality that her brother genuinely was taking advantage of her kindness and that she was enabling his negative behaviors, directly contributing to his spiral downward. Near the end as I realized that this flaw in her character was not going to be meaningfully addressed I actively began to dislike the main character as she caused pain to other characters to gain her own goals because this made her selfish desire to save her brother all the more negative.
Ultimately the book was great, but the ending as a vehicle for the theme of the book needs work. It should have addressed the reality of not being able to help EVERYONE and the enabler and enabled relationship in a more meaningful way if it was going to attempt to frame her brother and her motivations as sympathetic imo.
Overall great read though.
Ultimately the book was great, but the ending as a vehicle for the theme of the book needs work. It should have addressed the reality of not being able to help EVERYONE and the enabler and enabled relationship in a more meaningful way if it was going to attempt to frame her brother and her motivations as sympathetic imo.
Overall great read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2020
(4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for Goodreads)
I won an eARC of Ashes from the author in a giveaway - thank you Iona! All views here are my own.
Content warnings: drug use, addiction, overdose, suicide, assault, rape (including a graphic flashback), graphic violence, homophobia, consensual sexual situations, grief, attempted murder
I sat down today thinking that I would start to read Ashes, not realising that I would also finish reading it today. Once I started reading I had to continue, capitvated by the writing and desperate to see where Angela's journey through grief and trauma would end.
Ashes is beautiful and horrific all at once. The author's perspective as a trauma-informed mental health professional showed in how compassionately she depicted such difficult experiences and ways in which the trauma from such experiences can present. The realities of serious traumas are mixed with dark fantasy in a way which enhances rather than detracts from these issues.
The flaws of all characters are very much on show through this story, but many of these flaws are addressed and the character development is handled really well. I would say that the cast of characters is diverse.
The worldbuilding is also excellent, as is the way the writer mixes the main character's present timeline with flashbacks and memories to gradually build the reader's understanding of what has happened.
I won't risk spoiling this story for anybody by going into detail but I felt satisfied with the ending and I'm very glad I read this book!
Recommended for:
Fans of dark fantasy & horror
Fans of the movie Annihilation
People who like their horror to be written from a trauma-informed perspective
Fans of magical realism
People who like diversity across a book's cast of characters
People looking for latinx characters written by latinx authors
I won an eARC of Ashes from the author in a giveaway - thank you Iona! All views here are my own.
Content warnings: drug use, addiction, overdose, suicide, assault, rape (including a graphic flashback), graphic violence, homophobia, consensual sexual situations, grief, attempted murder
I sat down today thinking that I would start to read Ashes, not realising that I would also finish reading it today. Once I started reading I had to continue, capitvated by the writing and desperate to see where Angela's journey through grief and trauma would end.
Ashes is beautiful and horrific all at once. The author's perspective as a trauma-informed mental health professional showed in how compassionately she depicted such difficult experiences and ways in which the trauma from such experiences can present. The realities of serious traumas are mixed with dark fantasy in a way which enhances rather than detracts from these issues.
The flaws of all characters are very much on show through this story, but many of these flaws are addressed and the character development is handled really well. I would say that the cast of characters is diverse.
The worldbuilding is also excellent, as is the way the writer mixes the main character's present timeline with flashbacks and memories to gradually build the reader's understanding of what has happened.
I won't risk spoiling this story for anybody by going into detail but I felt satisfied with the ending and I'm very glad I read this book!
Recommended for:
Fans of dark fantasy & horror
Fans of the movie Annihilation
People who like their horror to be written from a trauma-informed perspective
Fans of magical realism
People who like diversity across a book's cast of characters
People looking for latinx characters written by latinx authors
November 18, 2021
What a wild ride from start to finish. I absolutely love the writing style and characters in this book.
First off, before I go any further, I want to say that this book has two stories in one. Yet Wayland has written it in a way that it never feels like two separate stories. Both the past when Angela's brother Donny is alive and well and the present where Angela is in the forest with her brother's ashes intertwine extremely well. I will say, however, that while each story is compelling as a read on its own, if you were to separate them and make them into two books, it wouldn't work. Not only would each story be too short, if you tried to pad it out, but the story would also lose its impactfulness and quality storytelling.
I do think it would be cool to expand on the world where Wyatt lives, though. Like, can you see the forest and The Mount from afar? When Angela was on The Mount, could she see anything else besides the forest? I also want to know more about why Wyatt is stuck in the forest yet alive in the "real world". I believe it was explained a bit at the end but I think it wasn't clear, at least to me. I'm not the best at picking stuff up sometimes.
That being said, I loved this book from start to finish. From the characters to the world-building. I loved each story (Donny being alive to Angela with his ashes in the forest). Wayland chose the perfect way to write about grief and trauma and executed it wonderfully. I also praise Wayland for writing the trigger warnings in the book. Great for anyone who needs them.
All in all, this was a great and quick read with all the feels. If you want a good read, I highly recommend checking this one out.
First off, before I go any further, I want to say that this book has two stories in one. Yet Wayland has written it in a way that it never feels like two separate stories. Both the past when Angela's brother Donny is alive and well and the present where Angela is in the forest with her brother's ashes intertwine extremely well. I will say, however, that while each story is compelling as a read on its own, if you were to separate them and make them into two books, it wouldn't work. Not only would each story be too short, if you tried to pad it out, but the story would also lose its impactfulness and quality storytelling.
I do think it would be cool to expand on the world where Wyatt lives, though. Like, can you see the forest and The Mount from afar? When Angela was on The Mount, could she see anything else besides the forest? I also want to know more about why Wyatt is stuck in the forest yet alive in the "real world". I believe it was explained a bit at the end but I think it wasn't clear, at least to me. I'm not the best at picking stuff up sometimes.
That being said, I loved this book from start to finish. From the characters to the world-building. I loved each story (Donny being alive to Angela with his ashes in the forest). Wayland chose the perfect way to write about grief and trauma and executed it wonderfully. I also praise Wayland for writing the trigger warnings in the book. Great for anyone who needs them.
All in all, this was a great and quick read with all the feels. If you want a good read, I highly recommend checking this one out.
July 21, 2022
A great and haunting depiction of overcoming grief, abuse and other inner conflicts on a very compelling way within a Dark Fantasy setting
I’ve read it within a day, which says it all. Not a huge stunt due to the roughly 210 pages of story but it doesn’t need more anyway. There is no dragging passage, everything is crisp and fascinating.
The setting is very original - it colludes greatly with the interests of the main character (which could be highlighted a little bit more but that’s just an opinion), the tone is haunting and described perfectly; you downright feel the horrors of Hollow Forest and what kind of danger the Canid Carey and the other creatures embody. Spooky! 👻
The pacing is executed perfectly in my amateur opinion - the fight / hunt scenes are fast and exciting, the calmer parts are well-placed sparks of delight within the dark turmoil of the forest. The romance is implemented greatly, but I’m pretty 404 about that :D It builds up subtly with all the character-related implications and directly pinches the inner conflict of the MC, just to turn out a bittersweet but compelling romance.
All in all, I love it. I love the character voice, the depiction of processing grief within this Dark Fantasy setting, the inner rifts of Angela, Donny, and Wyatt, and how everything comes together and connects in the end. A well-rounded package of dark joy, so to speak :D And the pragmatic part of me has learnt a lot about writing certain stuff reading this book. I can really recommend it!
For anybody who is interested in this novel, please notice the trigger warnings about depiction of graphic violence, drug abuse, suicide, death in general and sexual abuse!
I’ve read it within a day, which says it all. Not a huge stunt due to the roughly 210 pages of story but it doesn’t need more anyway. There is no dragging passage, everything is crisp and fascinating.
The setting is very original - it colludes greatly with the interests of the main character (which could be highlighted a little bit more but that’s just an opinion), the tone is haunting and described perfectly; you downright feel the horrors of Hollow Forest and what kind of danger the Canid Carey and the other creatures embody. Spooky! 👻
The pacing is executed perfectly in my amateur opinion - the fight / hunt scenes are fast and exciting, the calmer parts are well-placed sparks of delight within the dark turmoil of the forest. The romance is implemented greatly, but I’m pretty 404 about that :D It builds up subtly with all the character-related implications and directly pinches the inner conflict of the MC, just to turn out a bittersweet but compelling romance.
All in all, I love it. I love the character voice, the depiction of processing grief within this Dark Fantasy setting, the inner rifts of Angela, Donny, and Wyatt, and how everything comes together and connects in the end. A well-rounded package of dark joy, so to speak :D And the pragmatic part of me has learnt a lot about writing certain stuff reading this book. I can really recommend it!
For anybody who is interested in this novel, please notice the trigger warnings about depiction of graphic violence, drug abuse, suicide, death in general and sexual abuse!
October 11, 2020
Full disclosure, I received an eArc for this book, but it did not sway my opinion at all. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
There is so much to say about Ashes. First off, I loved this book! The representation was so important to me. As a lover of dark fantasy, there is a distinct lack of diversity within the genre, but Wayland wrote and molded her complex characters and did it beautifully. The story of Angela and Donny is one of tragedy, love, and strength. Angela's journey takes her into the Hollow Forest, she goes there eyes wide open, aware of the danger that she's putting herself in, but she does it for one reason: her brother. From the beginning, I love that her motives are so pure. She's doing this badass thing, and she's not looking back.
Once in the forest, Angela is faced with the creepiest of creatures as well as her own personal demon. Wayland's imagination is so amazing and the writing is so vivid it's like you're there with Angela, you just HAVE to root for her. I honestly can't remember the last time I read a fantasy novel and I loved the characters as much as I did in this book. There's just so much empathy that you feel for each and everyone, you CAN'T put the book down, you just need to see where their story takes them! They say there are plot-driven books and character-driven books, but there is such a precious balance of both in this story, I don't know how she pulled it off but she did!
5 Stars!!
PS- I finished this in a day. This novel knocked me right out of my reading slump, that's how good it is!
There is so much to say about Ashes. First off, I loved this book! The representation was so important to me. As a lover of dark fantasy, there is a distinct lack of diversity within the genre, but Wayland wrote and molded her complex characters and did it beautifully. The story of Angela and Donny is one of tragedy, love, and strength. Angela's journey takes her into the Hollow Forest, she goes there eyes wide open, aware of the danger that she's putting herself in, but she does it for one reason: her brother. From the beginning, I love that her motives are so pure. She's doing this badass thing, and she's not looking back.
Once in the forest, Angela is faced with the creepiest of creatures as well as her own personal demon. Wayland's imagination is so amazing and the writing is so vivid it's like you're there with Angela, you just HAVE to root for her. I honestly can't remember the last time I read a fantasy novel and I loved the characters as much as I did in this book. There's just so much empathy that you feel for each and everyone, you CAN'T put the book down, you just need to see where their story takes them! They say there are plot-driven books and character-driven books, but there is such a precious balance of both in this story, I don't know how she pulled it off but she did!
5 Stars!!
PS- I finished this in a day. This novel knocked me right out of my reading slump, that's how good it is!
January 11, 2024
what i thought about the book: i thought this book seemed like very much a passion project. i am familiar with iona's social media + social media presence, which set my expectations for this story very high (along with the amazing reviews), + BOY OH BOY DID IT DELIVER!!! it was entertaining, provocative, + intensely emotional. i <3 ashes :)
most interesting: the romantic subplot + the folklore / fantastical creatures
most intriguing: the flashback-to-present structure / backstories
most challenging: darker content (listed in CWs @ beginning) PTSD, SA, drugs, suicide
most surprising: scene towards end where parents discuss donny
takeaways: 1. "and for those still finding their way, trust yourself. let your intuition guide you." - the dedicated 2. "i hope those who are battling their own hollow know that they are seen, they are valid, and they have the natural intuition and supports that will guide them through it." - the afterword
other thoughts: 1. telling the story with flashbacks is extremely compelling + had me turning pages and pages to get my questions answered. 2. i love the creatures + objects + their symbolism of PTSD / experiences - one of my interpretations is that naming blades = naming feelings + cognitive distortions. 3. i love the amazing representation of so many things in this story. - lgbtqia+, addiction, mental illness, religious trauma, disability, etc.
most interesting: the romantic subplot + the folklore / fantastical creatures
most intriguing: the flashback-to-present structure / backstories
most challenging: darker content (listed in CWs @ beginning) PTSD, SA, drugs, suicide
most surprising: scene towards end where parents discuss donny
takeaways: 1. "and for those still finding their way, trust yourself. let your intuition guide you." - the dedicated 2. "i hope those who are battling their own hollow know that they are seen, they are valid, and they have the natural intuition and supports that will guide them through it." - the afterword
other thoughts: 1. telling the story with flashbacks is extremely compelling + had me turning pages and pages to get my questions answered. 2. i love the creatures + objects + their symbolism of PTSD / experiences - one of my interpretations is that naming blades = naming feelings + cognitive distortions. 3. i love the amazing representation of so many things in this story. - lgbtqia+, addiction, mental illness, religious trauma, disability, etc.
April 3, 2021
TW: Mentions of abuse, sexual violence
When I read about Ashes, the promise of a dark, supernatural adventure appealed to me, as did the concept of the main character, Angela, addressing her own trauma. Having finished the book, I'm extremely glad I read it, and I really enjoyed the story.
Ashes is book that knows what it's doing. It knows the tone it's going for, and it knows how to build a really good picture in the reader's mind. There's a consistent, eery tone in the setting of the Hollow Forest, and the reader never forgets the place is a strange and mystifying place. But there's also a lot of heart to the story and its characters that builds a richer tone. The swap back between flashback and present really helps build the story slowly, letting the reader piece together the characters in a way that builds intrigue. I found myself finishing the majority of the book in a single sitting, wanting to read on. I want to especially commend the way Wayland handles Angela's trauma relating to abuse. It felt very real, but it was also handled with respect and understanding of survivors' feelings, and I think it was very well done.
Overall, while I admit there were places where I wanted more, this is an thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would definitely recommend that anyone interested give it a read.
When I read about Ashes, the promise of a dark, supernatural adventure appealed to me, as did the concept of the main character, Angela, addressing her own trauma. Having finished the book, I'm extremely glad I read it, and I really enjoyed the story.
Ashes is book that knows what it's doing. It knows the tone it's going for, and it knows how to build a really good picture in the reader's mind. There's a consistent, eery tone in the setting of the Hollow Forest, and the reader never forgets the place is a strange and mystifying place. But there's also a lot of heart to the story and its characters that builds a richer tone. The swap back between flashback and present really helps build the story slowly, letting the reader piece together the characters in a way that builds intrigue. I found myself finishing the majority of the book in a single sitting, wanting to read on. I want to especially commend the way Wayland handles Angela's trauma relating to abuse. It felt very real, but it was also handled with respect and understanding of survivors' feelings, and I think it was very well done.
Overall, while I admit there were places where I wanted more, this is an thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would definitely recommend that anyone interested give it a read.
June 13, 2021
Wow, this book is strong. It uses dark fantasy to explore a lot of themes like grief, trauma, and loss, and it’s done in a way that does not trivialize or wrongly represent any of these issues. Wayland writes these characters very beautifully, and Angela from the beginning is a character you really, really root for. There’s scary parts, emotional parts, really good dialogue, characters that you love, and it all touches on themes about the many ways we grieve and say goodbye to those we love and the effects of that. I really like it when books use fictional lenses to reflect real parts of life, and Ashes is a book that does this very well. Trauma can be just as scary as the supernatural beings Angela has to face, and Wayland portrays that perfectly. Where do we make comparisons between the stuff of nightmares and the turmoil of our own mind and past? Just...wow. Okay, leave me questioning my life, will ya?! This was a great, great read. I swear, these indie novels are really some of the most stellar pieces of work. They’re new, fresh, haunting, lyrical, and written by voices that need to be shown more!! Consensus: 5/5
For more reviews and book boards, visit my IG! @katiebreads
For more reviews and book boards, visit my IG! @katiebreads
June 4, 2021
My favourite part of this book is that the weaving of the fantasy present and Angela's haunting past was so well done. It was so fluid and while both sides of the story were interesting, I found the past absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. There is a richness in the writing, and yet it remains simple and easy to read.
Angela was a likeable character, and seeing what she went through and everything she tried to do to keep her head above the water, it was very well done.
I enjoyed the fantasy element of it, and how it felt like a big metaphor for grief and dealing with unresolved trauma.
I never really *lost* myself in the book, though, as a few elements of it left me struggling to visualize it. Other than that, though, this was a well established book I think a lot of people will be able to get something out of - particularly those who may have something from their past that perhaps they need to face.
Angela was a likeable character, and seeing what she went through and everything she tried to do to keep her head above the water, it was very well done.
I enjoyed the fantasy element of it, and how it felt like a big metaphor for grief and dealing with unresolved trauma.
I never really *lost* myself in the book, though, as a few elements of it left me struggling to visualize it. Other than that, though, this was a well established book I think a lot of people will be able to get something out of - particularly those who may have something from their past that perhaps they need to face.
September 13, 2020
Where do I even start! This is a deeply emotional, supernatural urban fantasy.
What I liked
I LOVED the worldbuilding. It was unlike anything I've ever read before. Terrifying, beautiful, and absolutely engaging. The characters are so well drawn that I know these people. I love Angela, but Wyatt quickly became my favorite side character. He's a spot of courage and goodness in a very messed up and empty place. The relationship between Angela and her brother hit home. I have this kind of relationship with my brother and I can empathize with Angela's helplessness as she sees her brother slowly slip away.
What I didn't like
I can't say there is anything I didn't like at all. I wish it was longer. That's it.
Overall this is the PERFECT read for the fall. It has all the creepy feels you could look for and so much more. I can't wait to see what Iona comes up with next.
What I liked
I LOVED the worldbuilding. It was unlike anything I've ever read before. Terrifying, beautiful, and absolutely engaging. The characters are so well drawn that I know these people. I love Angela, but Wyatt quickly became my favorite side character. He's a spot of courage and goodness in a very messed up and empty place. The relationship between Angela and her brother hit home. I have this kind of relationship with my brother and I can empathize with Angela's helplessness as she sees her brother slowly slip away.
What I didn't like
I can't say there is anything I didn't like at all. I wish it was longer. That's it.
Overall this is the PERFECT read for the fall. It has all the creepy feels you could look for and so much more. I can't wait to see what Iona comes up with next.
August 14, 2021
This was one of those books that, when you finish, it sticks with you. It lingers in thoughts and you just need to marinate on everything for a while.
The story was great and I was hooked right off. Iona Wayland does an amazing job of using flashbacks to build story instead of detracting from the main plot. So often, we see flashbacks steal the spotlight from the main focus of the story, but I found myself being just as gripped by the things that happened in the MC's past as much as the things that were happening to her in the present.
The character development is steep. The world building is beautiful and haunting. Iona Wayland's own mythology and spin on mythologies is exiting and I was loving every minute of it.
I NEED a book two. This is one read I am highly recommending to friends and family.
The story was great and I was hooked right off. Iona Wayland does an amazing job of using flashbacks to build story instead of detracting from the main plot. So often, we see flashbacks steal the spotlight from the main focus of the story, but I found myself being just as gripped by the things that happened in the MC's past as much as the things that were happening to her in the present.
The character development is steep. The world building is beautiful and haunting. Iona Wayland's own mythology and spin on mythologies is exiting and I was loving every minute of it.
I NEED a book two. This is one read I am highly recommending to friends and family.
January 11, 2022
CW: This book contains references to rape, suicide, drug use, overdose, homophobia
Ashes is a modern adult fairy tale that explores grief and trauma in a beautiful and heart breaking way. The subject matter is handled with respect and at no point felt exploitative in a way many books dealing with the same themes seem to be.
The world of the Hollow Forest is both horrifying and enchanting and the book throws you into it immediately. Wayland does an amazing job of weaving the present and the past together and allows you to slowly discover what is happening as we come to care more and more about Angela and her struggles.
I'm only sad that this is the author's first book and I don't have a bibliography to dig into!
Ashes is a modern adult fairy tale that explores grief and trauma in a beautiful and heart breaking way. The subject matter is handled with respect and at no point felt exploitative in a way many books dealing with the same themes seem to be.
The world of the Hollow Forest is both horrifying and enchanting and the book throws you into it immediately. Wayland does an amazing job of weaving the present and the past together and allows you to slowly discover what is happening as we come to care more and more about Angela and her struggles.
I'm only sad that this is the author's first book and I don't have a bibliography to dig into!
January 29, 2024
This is already hitting off my year as one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is dark and disturbing in all the best ways.
It follows a single character as she deals with trauma and grief. She ventures to Hollow Forest to put her brother's spirit to rest after his tragic death, and we really get to experience Angela's thoughts and feels about everything.
It uses flashbacks incredibly well, I'm not a big fan of them usually, but this is applied in such a good way of providing you just enough information you need before bringing you back to the present.
I was gripped through the entire story from start to finish, and I had genuine interest in Angela's achieving her goal in the story. Incredible. Cannot wait to see what more Iona Wayland writes and creates.
It follows a single character as she deals with trauma and grief. She ventures to Hollow Forest to put her brother's spirit to rest after his tragic death, and we really get to experience Angela's thoughts and feels about everything.
It uses flashbacks incredibly well, I'm not a big fan of them usually, but this is applied in such a good way of providing you just enough information you need before bringing you back to the present.
I was gripped through the entire story from start to finish, and I had genuine interest in Angela's achieving her goal in the story. Incredible. Cannot wait to see what more Iona Wayland writes and creates.
February 4, 2021
Wow. This book took me through an emotional rollercoaster and nailed it. The author did a fantastic job telling a straightforward story, riddled with metaphors and hidden gems of therapeutic clarity. I love nothing more than to delve into the underbelly of a story, trying to figure out the journey before it ends. This book was a refreshing challenge that kept my mind continuously searching for the right path. Ashes will hit you in the face with its realistic walk through the healing process via fantasy and suspense for anyone who has dealt with loss or trauma. But even without the psychological undertones, this is a riveting story of fantasy and magic.
February 27, 2023
I ✨just✨ finished this book. I'm crying.
I can't express how surprised I was with this book. I wasn't expecting any of what happened aside from a sister grieving her brother.
The Hollow Forest is the Forbidden Forest on crack. The creatures. THE CREATURES 🤌🤌🤌
This book is like Wizard of Oz meets Red Riding hood meets Never Ending Story meets Paranormal Gothic Fantasy. I don't even have a way to describe this book it's genuinely so unique.
Iona does an incredible job of talking about tough subjects in a way that is not only touching, but realistic and cathartic.
Yes, some of the subjects may be triggering, but as someone who has experienced SA this book genuinely made the subject feel seen rather than used as a cheap tool in a book to gain sympathy. There was a reason for it and I love how Angela overcomes her own demons.
Wyatte, cute, baby, sweet loving Wyatte. I have no words.
I just can't wait for the next book.
I can't express how surprised I was with this book. I wasn't expecting any of what happened aside from a sister grieving her brother.
The Hollow Forest is the Forbidden Forest on crack. The creatures. THE CREATURES 🤌🤌🤌
This book is like Wizard of Oz meets Red Riding hood meets Never Ending Story meets Paranormal Gothic Fantasy. I don't even have a way to describe this book it's genuinely so unique.
Iona does an incredible job of talking about tough subjects in a way that is not only touching, but realistic and cathartic.
Yes, some of the subjects may be triggering, but as someone who has experienced SA this book genuinely made the subject feel seen rather than used as a cheap tool in a book to gain sympathy. There was a reason for it and I love how Angela overcomes her own demons.
Wyatte, cute, baby, sweet loving Wyatte. I have no words.
I just can't wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
Iona Wayland’s own voices dark fantasy novel, Ashes, follows Angela Solomon on her journey through Hollow Forest to scatter the ashes of her dead brother. This is a tale told with tight, descriptive prose that transport the reader into the dark, forbidding, and downright dangerous world of Hollow Forest. Wayland expertly weaves this narrative with the story of Angela’s fraught relationship with her brother as well as her own trauma. Ashes is a novel ripe with excitement and meaning. When you finish it, you’ll immediately want to read it again.
January 15, 2025
The book keeps you on your toes about what’s going on. Angela’s very physical journey through the grief is well done. It handles very heavy topics in a respectful manner, yet shows the raw and brutal reality of going through it.
The backstory and the now are interwoven well and you get to know what you need to know when you need it. No heavy dump of world-building.
The thing dragging it down for me is the first person POV, I have a hard time with it personally. So it’s just my personal preference why it isn’t a 5/5, nothing against the story. I’m still happy I read it.
The backstory and the now are interwoven well and you get to know what you need to know when you need it. No heavy dump of world-building.
The thing dragging it down for me is the first person POV, I have a hard time with it personally. So it’s just my personal preference why it isn’t a 5/5, nothing against the story. I’m still happy I read it.
July 3, 2021
Oh my word. This book. So gorgeous and evocative. A deep dive into grief and trauma with an all consuming atmosphere of dread set in a dark forest. Sensitive topics are handled with the utmost care and tact. The descriptive imagery will leave you breathless as you root for the fierce protagonist. I don't want to spoil anything, I knew nothing going in and I was immediately sucked in. Brilliant read. Absolutely beautiful
November 9, 2020
it was such an amazing, beautiful book. Genuinely really emotional about both the story and the fact that it's now finished. If you're ok reading about dark and difficult topics then I can't recommend this enough. Thank you so much Iona for writing such a beautiful book that really hits you in the feels as a trauma survivor and depicts mental illness in such an incredible way
September 22, 2021
ASHES is such an emotional rollercoaster. I fell into this story right away and was gripped by the unique worldbuilding and the themes and messages it conveyed. Wayland really dragged me through the ringer and terrified me and other times made me incredibly sad for these characters. This book has made Wayland an auto-buy author and I can't wait to see what book comes next!
December 3, 2021
Wow. This was brilliant. The way the author weaved in horror/fantasy elements with the main character's struggles with grief and trauma was unlike anything I have ever read before.
It took me a few chapters to get into the first-person, present tense writing style - as well as the strangeness of the Hollow Forest world - but once I did, I could not put this book down!
Highly, highly recommend! I'm looking forward to reading what Iona writes next.
It took me a few chapters to get into the first-person, present tense writing style - as well as the strangeness of the Hollow Forest world - but once I did, I could not put this book down!
Highly, highly recommend! I'm looking forward to reading what Iona writes next.
January 22, 2023
Really well done. I’ve had this on my reading list for a while and am looking forward to check out more indie authors in the future.
One star deducted for some obvious grammatical issues (inconsistency in tense). One I could forgive, but they were frequent enough to be distracting. Needed one more round of edits. Otherwise, that’s a recommendation from me.
One star deducted for some obvious grammatical issues (inconsistency in tense). One I could forgive, but they were frequent enough to be distracting. Needed one more round of edits. Otherwise, that’s a recommendation from me.
September 3, 2023
This book is soooo good. I bought it on a whim and I’m so happy I did. I read it very quickly, I didn’t want anyone disturbing me, I was so involved. And I can’t stop thinking about it since finishing. It’s moving, exciting, fast paced, upsetting and heart warming all at once. I love a book when it makes me feeeeeel. And this one sure did. Highly recommend!
May 27, 2025
the concept and creatures are all really good, setting is compelling, but some major plot points were not explained, which I loathe. oh well. author is skilled enough for me to want to read more of her work, but this one did feel a bit like she started writing it as a teen. also, the love scene was not necessary.
October 31, 2021
This isn't the typical fantasy that I would read, but I enjoyed it. I found the flashbacks to be uncomfortable, but a necessary evil; the author had something to say and she said it. The highlight of this book is definitely the creatures—they feel alive and fantastic.
August 4, 2023
Excellent Dark Fantasy
Iona has such a way with words! This book was poignant and haunting in all the best ways. I just.... I can't even. If you haven't read it, what are you waiting for?
Iona has such a way with words! This book was poignant and haunting in all the best ways. I just.... I can't even. If you haven't read it, what are you waiting for?
October 3, 2023
Definitely an interesting story. I enjoyed it the whole time. If your looking for a story about grief and the process of it, amongst a few other things, I recommend it. Though you should know other then grief, there's talk of dr*g use, OD, s*exual abuse, death.
June 19, 2024
Great read. I was needing a couple extra lines here and there describing people, places and things to help my brain visualize the various situations and characters a little more. Looking forward to the next book.
November 19, 2020
Wow. Just wow. This book is full mystery, heartfelt moments, and action! It’s sooooo good!
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