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Ashen
Stealer of warmth, bringer of death. What if Cinderella had a secret that kept her locked away?
Unable to make her own body heat, foundling Lizbete survives in the tavern kitchen, drawing warmth from the fires, the sun—and sometimes, other living beings. Her days are spent cooking alongside the tavern owner and avoiding the suspicious gazes of the villagers in her small northern town. While she quietly longs for the handsome Brynar, she knows she has no chance with the mayor’s son, even if he invites her to the First Frost festival.
When sudden earthquakes strike Brumehome, blame falls upon Lizbete, and not even her friendship with Brynar can protect her. She finds shelter in the dangerous caverns of nearby Ash Mountain. There she discovers mysterious people with her same ability to draw heat—and a fiery doom in the mountain that slowly awakens with every quake.
Now the festival Lizbete thought to avoid is her only chance to warn the villagers. Yet even with Brynar at her side, can the strange girl dubbed the Ash Lizard hope to save the town that fears her?
A rugged YA Cinderella retelling set in a fantasy world with light steampunk elements.
Unable to make her own body heat, foundling Lizbete survives in the tavern kitchen, drawing warmth from the fires, the sun—and sometimes, other living beings. Her days are spent cooking alongside the tavern owner and avoiding the suspicious gazes of the villagers in her small northern town. While she quietly longs for the handsome Brynar, she knows she has no chance with the mayor’s son, even if he invites her to the First Frost festival.
When sudden earthquakes strike Brumehome, blame falls upon Lizbete, and not even her friendship with Brynar can protect her. She finds shelter in the dangerous caverns of nearby Ash Mountain. There she discovers mysterious people with her same ability to draw heat—and a fiery doom in the mountain that slowly awakens with every quake.
Now the festival Lizbete thought to avoid is her only chance to warn the villagers. Yet even with Brynar at her side, can the strange girl dubbed the Ash Lizard hope to save the town that fears her?
A rugged YA Cinderella retelling set in a fantasy world with light steampunk elements.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2020
76 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Burke
96 books566 followersBorn in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 19, 2021
Why did I wait so long to read this book????
One thing you can always count on when picking up a book by H.L. Burke is that it will be quirky and fun and nothing at all like what you would expect. This loose retelling of Cinderella is no different!
It is Cinderella...except that the Cinderella has a loving foster mother taking care of her. The Cinderella character also has a very good reason for huddling near the ashes...she is always cold and needs the warmth much like a cold-blooded animal would. The setting is a mountain filled with tunnels and dangers and snow and steam vents. Oh, and did I mention the horrible creature under the mountain? No? I wasn't expecting that in a Cinderella story either.
I loved how "small" this Cinderella retelling is. Instead of a sweeping kingdom, a prince in need of a bride, and political intrigue, this story takes all of the Cinderella elements and narrows it down to a tiny village on top of a mountain. The prince is the mayor's son. The ball is a local festival. It made the atmosphere so homey and cozy.
I listened to the book on audiobook, and the narrator did an excellent job! I couldn't stop listening!
One thing you can always count on when picking up a book by H.L. Burke is that it will be quirky and fun and nothing at all like what you would expect. This loose retelling of Cinderella is no different!
It is Cinderella...except that the Cinderella has a loving foster mother taking care of her. The Cinderella character also has a very good reason for huddling near the ashes...she is always cold and needs the warmth much like a cold-blooded animal would. The setting is a mountain filled with tunnels and dangers and snow and steam vents. Oh, and did I mention the horrible creature under the mountain? No? I wasn't expecting that in a Cinderella story either.
I loved how "small" this Cinderella retelling is. Instead of a sweeping kingdom, a prince in need of a bride, and political intrigue, this story takes all of the Cinderella elements and narrows it down to a tiny village on top of a mountain. The prince is the mayor's son. The ball is a local festival. It made the atmosphere so homey and cozy.
I listened to the book on audiobook, and the narrator did an excellent job! I couldn't stop listening!
December 28, 2022
Amazing story.
Wow! From start to finish “Ashen” had me sucked wholly into it. The writing style was easy to read and flowed smoothly as a whole.
The fantasy world and setting were very well introduced in the beginning without long tiresome descriptions. I immediately got the idea that these people were living in a medieval setting yet had some things (such as taking advantage of the steam vents) that gave it a modern feeling twist.
I wholly loved the characters. So many even the side characters had wonderful character ARCs and each had their own personalities.
The main theme I picked up on was that no matter who you are, what you or anyone else thinks you are each person is precious and beautiful with their own unique gifts. They can either hide them away or use their gifts to bless others.
This was one of the most original and beautiful Cinderella type retelling I’ve read yet.
Wow! From start to finish “Ashen” had me sucked wholly into it. The writing style was easy to read and flowed smoothly as a whole.
The fantasy world and setting were very well introduced in the beginning without long tiresome descriptions. I immediately got the idea that these people were living in a medieval setting yet had some things (such as taking advantage of the steam vents) that gave it a modern feeling twist.
I wholly loved the characters. So many even the side characters had wonderful character ARCs and each had their own personalities.
The main theme I picked up on was that no matter who you are, what you or anyone else thinks you are each person is precious and beautiful with their own unique gifts. They can either hide them away or use their gifts to bless others.
This was one of the most original and beautiful Cinderella type retelling I’ve read yet.
August 7, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although this Cinderella retelling twists them into something quite different, it retains most of the traditional elements of the story; the girl given a nick-name due to being covered in ashes, the cruel guardian, the "ball" attended in disguise, shoes of glass and the giant lava-dwelling fire octopus. OK, so that last one isn't usually part of the story but it really ought to be (hey, what story wouldn't be improved by including a giant lava-dwelling fire octopus?) and it's a good demonstration of how unique and inventive this version of the tale is. It's familiar and yet different and although it's a story you know well enough you should know where it's headed, you never really do. The story flows easily from the first page effortlessly drawing you in and keeping you enthralled right through to the end. Overall another great read from an author who is rapidly becoming a personal favourite.
Although this Cinderella retelling twists them into something quite different, it retains most of the traditional elements of the story; the girl given a nick-name due to being covered in ashes, the cruel guardian, the "ball" attended in disguise, shoes of glass and the giant lava-dwelling fire octopus. OK, so that last one isn't usually part of the story but it really ought to be (hey, what story wouldn't be improved by including a giant lava-dwelling fire octopus?) and it's a good demonstration of how unique and inventive this version of the tale is. It's familiar and yet different and although it's a story you know well enough you should know where it's headed, you never really do. The story flows easily from the first page effortlessly drawing you in and keeping you enthralled right through to the end. Overall another great read from an author who is rapidly becoming a personal favourite.
December 16, 2022
Ashen takes the story of Cinderella and tells it with unique twists, relatable characters with realistic problems and motivations, and occasional homage to the original tale while creating an entirely new one. Burke creates a rich setting with vivid details, using just the right combination of description, dialogue, and action. A heart-warming story as comforting as a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter night, but as exciting as a pair of new shoes. Reading it felt like falling in love for the first time. I received a free copy of the audiobook through Fellowship of Fantasy Indie Book Club, and this is my honest opinion.
August 4, 2021
I don't know where H.L. Burke found the Well of Endless Creativity, but I really wish she'd share. As the village outcast, Lizbete has rarely known warmth and affection, except from a small handful of people. She lives in fear of her secrets being made known-or of hurting someone with her ability to draw in heat.
I loved this unique, creative re-imagining of Cinderella. The author uses a fascinating setting and sympathetic characters (along with a few you want to drop off a cliff) to explore themes of courage, sacrifice, and finding your own place in the world. She also gets kudos for an interesting monster. ;)
I loved this unique, creative re-imagining of Cinderella. The author uses a fascinating setting and sympathetic characters (along with a few you want to drop off a cliff) to explore themes of courage, sacrifice, and finding your own place in the world. She also gets kudos for an interesting monster. ;)
October 3, 2020
4.5 stars for an imaginative world populated by memorable characters, especially the mysterious heroine Lizbete with skin the color of ash and a constant need for warmth. Burke is so good at writing stories about scrappy young female protagonists, and this one is hard to put down! It's difficult to write a review without spoilers, but if you like magic, mystery, and romance, you must read this book! It's fun to see the Cinderella tropes reimagined, but mostly it's a journey of discovery for Lizbete, her few friends, and the many who fear or distrust her. The climax is amazing! And I'm still puzzling over how Burke wrote temperature so well--I felt a chill in some places and began to sweat in others. Bravo!
August 26, 2020
Ashen by H.L. Burke is a very loose take on the Cinderella story. So when you're reading, and you think you know what's coming, you are only half right. Make that one sixteenth right.
Ashen goes far beyond it's fairy-tale roots. You could strip out all of the Cinderella elements and still be left with an original and highly engaging original fantasy. In fact, I suspect that that this story may have been conceived without any thoughts of Cinderella in mind.
Ashen tells the story of Lizbete, an Orphan outcast who no one wants, or trusts, or loves. Except Auntie Katrine, who raised her as her own. Lizbete is constantly blamed for everything that goes wrong by the members of her superstitious community. Her character is so engaging. Lizbete goes through literal hellfire in this story. (Bad author, why are you so evil?) But no matter how far down she is pushed Lizbete rises, from, well the ashes, like a Phoenix.
I am a huge H.L. Burke fan and this addition lives up what I have come to expect from her work. Snarky heroes, original world building, lots of hope and of course, happy endings.
*I was given an ARC of this novel for the purpose of early review. I am leaving this review of my own accord and it contains my honest opinion of the provided material.*
Ashen goes far beyond it's fairy-tale roots. You could strip out all of the Cinderella elements and still be left with an original and highly engaging original fantasy. In fact, I suspect that that this story may have been conceived without any thoughts of Cinderella in mind.
Ashen tells the story of Lizbete, an Orphan outcast who no one wants, or trusts, or loves. Except Auntie Katrine, who raised her as her own. Lizbete is constantly blamed for everything that goes wrong by the members of her superstitious community. Her character is so engaging. Lizbete goes through literal hellfire in this story. (Bad author, why are you so evil?) But no matter how far down she is pushed Lizbete rises, from, well the ashes, like a Phoenix.
I am a huge H.L. Burke fan and this addition lives up what I have come to expect from her work. Snarky heroes, original world building, lots of hope and of course, happy endings.
*I was given an ARC of this novel for the purpose of early review. I am leaving this review of my own accord and it contains my honest opinion of the provided material.*
June 21, 2025
An emotional and unique Cinderella retelling!
I really loved this story. Liz is such a sweet, relatable, main character. Her love interest also shows great courage in standing up against society for her. I also liked how unique it was that she could take heat from those around her or lose heat in the cold. It was neat how the story kept twisting and the action kept me going, along with the sweet romance. As for content, there is death, physical altercations, drunkenness, a few passionate kisses, one conversation about nakedness when they are married and mention of sexual attraction. Otherwise, the book is fairly clean and fun to read. I teared up a few times while reading this and found myself cheering on Liz. Overall, another fantastic book by H.L. Burke.
I really loved this story. Liz is such a sweet, relatable, main character. Her love interest also shows great courage in standing up against society for her. I also liked how unique it was that she could take heat from those around her or lose heat in the cold. It was neat how the story kept twisting and the action kept me going, along with the sweet romance. As for content, there is death, physical altercations, drunkenness, a few passionate kisses, one conversation about nakedness when they are married and mention of sexual attraction. Otherwise, the book is fairly clean and fun to read. I teared up a few times while reading this and found myself cheering on Liz. Overall, another fantastic book by H.L. Burke.
November 21, 2023
fairytale remake
This was a random choice to read, but I ended up liking it. It had a lot of adventure for young adult readers, and a great message for loving people for who they are not what they look like.
This was a random choice to read, but I ended up liking it. It had a lot of adventure for young adult readers, and a great message for loving people for who they are not what they look like.
October 16, 2023
This was, by far, the best Cinderella revamp I've read. I don't even have any notes. It was perfect.
October 19, 2023
At the beginning of this book I discovered that having one kind and protective character makes me a lot more comfortable with a story that has a lot of bullying and unkindness in it. Then some things change, and the unkindness ramps up to a level that made the book very stressful for me to read. (Honestly, probably deserves a four and a half to five star rating overall, it just stressed me out too much to quite be five stars for me personally.)
A very unusual take on Cinderella, and a really solid story with interesting characters. (And also a few characters I would love to slap.)
Be aware that in addition to the intense bullying and verbal cruelty, there is brief domestic abuse, and references to animal death, as well as some human death.
A very unusual take on Cinderella, and a really solid story with interesting characters. (And also a few characters I would love to slap.)
Be aware that in addition to the intense bullying and verbal cruelty, there is brief domestic abuse, and references to animal death, as well as some human death.
June 18, 2025
A wonderful, different take on Cinderella that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I bought this ebook on sale a while ago (we’re not going to go into just HOW long I’ve had this book sitting around…) and decided to pick it up, and am I glad I did! I’ve only read one other book by this author (To Court a Queen which is amazing!) and after reading Ashen I could see this author becoming a favorite. She’s writes such beautiful, real worlds and characters that I can’t help but love and feel as if they really exist somewhere despite the clear magical aspects to them that sadly don’t exist, haha.
Speaking of characters, I LOVED Lizbete! She has an inner strength and courage I’m coming to admire in characters more and more yet is vulnerable and shy with a fire inside that comes out to reveal just how brave and selfless she really is. Not to mention forgiving—I don’t think I could be half as forgiving towards those who mistreated her as she is! She also wears glasses! Yay to more main characters who wear glasses! Brynar is kind and caring yet firm and strong in his devotion to Liz and his sister Elin—who is a total hoot with a dark side that unnerves everyone around her but I love—and for what is right even if it goes against what the whole town thinks. All the characters felt like real people which why I REALLY wanted to hit or strangle half of them most of the time!
The mild steampunk elements mixed with an old mining town feel really made the world of this village come alive along with the added mystery of the caves and what lives within.
The only quibble I have is the ending felt a tad rushed and I would have liked a bit more time at the end with at least Liz and Brynar though it still ends in a satisfying way. I just wanted more warm fuzzies, lol!
I can’t wait to read more from this author, and recommend this book!
‼️Content‼️
Language: bastard; hellish; hellscape
Violence: a baby with powers accidentally freezes some sheep to death (not shown or detailed); a drunk man threatens a girl; a man is frozen to death; a creature burns a goat alive and eats it (not detailed); a girl falls in lava (she’s fine); talk of sacrificing humans to a creature; a girl is kidnapped; a girl accidentally almost freezes someone to death; hand to hand fighting (not detailed); a girl kills a man in self defense; a girl nearly burns to death
Sexual: mild suggestive comments; kissing (not detailed); twice clothes burn off a girl leaving her naked that others see (not detailed)
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink; a man gets drunk constantly
Other: magic; a magical creature and race; name calling/bullying; superstitious beliefs; people in a fantasy world pray to a fantasy god; earthquakes; talk of dark spirits and how people think certain characters either talk to or are in league with them (neither of which is true); death and grief
I bought this ebook on sale a while ago (we’re not going to go into just HOW long I’ve had this book sitting around…) and decided to pick it up, and am I glad I did! I’ve only read one other book by this author (To Court a Queen which is amazing!) and after reading Ashen I could see this author becoming a favorite. She’s writes such beautiful, real worlds and characters that I can’t help but love and feel as if they really exist somewhere despite the clear magical aspects to them that sadly don’t exist, haha.
Speaking of characters, I LOVED Lizbete! She has an inner strength and courage I’m coming to admire in characters more and more yet is vulnerable and shy with a fire inside that comes out to reveal just how brave and selfless she really is. Not to mention forgiving—I don’t think I could be half as forgiving towards those who mistreated her as she is! She also wears glasses! Yay to more main characters who wear glasses! Brynar is kind and caring yet firm and strong in his devotion to Liz and his sister Elin—who is a total hoot with a dark side that unnerves everyone around her but I love—and for what is right even if it goes against what the whole town thinks. All the characters felt like real people which why I REALLY wanted to hit or strangle half of them most of the time!
The mild steampunk elements mixed with an old mining town feel really made the world of this village come alive along with the added mystery of the caves and what lives within.
The only quibble I have is the ending felt a tad rushed and I would have liked a bit more time at the end with at least Liz and Brynar though it still ends in a satisfying way. I just wanted more warm fuzzies, lol!
I can’t wait to read more from this author, and recommend this book!
‼️Content‼️
Language: bastard; hellish; hellscape
Violence: a baby with powers accidentally freezes some sheep to death (not shown or detailed); a drunk man threatens a girl; a man is frozen to death; a creature burns a goat alive and eats it (not detailed); a girl falls in lava (she’s fine); talk of sacrificing humans to a creature; a girl is kidnapped; a girl accidentally almost freezes someone to death; hand to hand fighting (not detailed); a girl kills a man in self defense; a girl nearly burns to death
Sexual: mild suggestive comments; kissing (not detailed); twice clothes burn off a girl leaving her naked that others see (not detailed)
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink; a man gets drunk constantly
Other: magic; a magical creature and race; name calling/bullying; superstitious beliefs; people in a fantasy world pray to a fantasy god; earthquakes; talk of dark spirits and how people think certain characters either talk to or are in league with them (neither of which is true); death and grief
November 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling -- a little snark, a sympathetic heroine (cause it's *Cinderella*), a swoony hero, lots of tension as the heroine's town starts to fall apart. There's also a really clever addition of the "glass slipper" element -- but I'm not going to say anything else 'cause #spoilers.
Want to read
July 17, 2020Me: Ugh, Cinderella retellings are SO overdone, I don't want to see another one in my entire li--
*sees this cover*
WHY IS THIS NOT IN MY HANDS RIGHT NOW
*sees this cover*
WHY IS THIS NOT IN MY HANDS RIGHT NOW
September 30, 2020
Ashen by indie author H.L. Burke is a unique coming-of-age fantasy story about a girl who is different from the people in her town. Her skin is the color of ash and her body is never warm enough. In fact, fire doesn't hurt her; it soothes her. Is she human and does she even want to know?
There's a young man that she loves, but she avoids touching him because her touch steals body heat from others. Usually, it's a curse, but the young man's sister suffers from fevers and her touch brings the girl relief.
The townspeople shun her and when there are earthquakes, they blame her. There's an unseen enemy that the people are unaware of. Does she have what it takes to save the townspeople or will she die by their hands or from the cold before she gets the chance? This is a Cinderella retelling.
I beta read and also purchased a copy of this book because it's so good.
There's a young man that she loves, but she avoids touching him because her touch steals body heat from others. Usually, it's a curse, but the young man's sister suffers from fevers and her touch brings the girl relief.
The townspeople shun her and when there are earthquakes, they blame her. There's an unseen enemy that the people are unaware of. Does she have what it takes to save the townspeople or will she die by their hands or from the cold before she gets the chance? This is a Cinderella retelling.
I beta read and also purchased a copy of this book because it's so good.
November 22, 2023
An enjoyable and unique twist on the Cinderella fairytale. This clean romance is full of surprises. Liz is a strong capable heroine who can stand up for her self when she needs to, but she also needs the support to her friends.
I really appreciated the awkward flirting near the end of the book. “You can thatch my roof any time.” Bwhaha. So weird and relatable.
Of you are a fan of Cinderella or reimagined fairy tales, I think you will really enjoy this. Or if you just want a fun, clean, fantasy romance, give this a read.
I really appreciated the awkward flirting near the end of the book. “You can thatch my roof any time.” Bwhaha. So weird and relatable.
Of you are a fan of Cinderella or reimagined fairy tales, I think you will really enjoy this. Or if you just want a fun, clean, fantasy romance, give this a read.
October 21, 2023
This is the first book I have read for H.L. Burke, I finished the whole book and enjoyed it. The world building was great and interesting. The characters were spectacularly done, they were unique and believable. I really liked how she handled a lot of the interactions between characters and kept them grounded. Pacing was great too, ending was complete and well done. Length of story was also good.
January 21, 2022
4,5 stars
[Audio ARC]
Lovely, well narrated, and VERY creative, clean, YA Cinderella retelling.
Third person POV
Favourites:
- Twist on the fairytale: though the story started with some very clear hints at cinderella, it had been a while since I'd read the blurb and throughout the story I started to question if this was actually a retelling or if I had just assumed it was. Turns out it really was a retelling, if quite a loose one. I loved the creative twists on the glass shoes, the prince and the fairytale godmother(s). Very cool. It was such a fresh new story.
- World building: again, so creative. This is definitely really suitable for any fans of YA fantasy, whether or not they enjoy fairytale retellings, because of only the loose link to the original fairytale, and the immersive, imaginative world our 'cinderella' lives in.
- Romance: sweet, not too thickly layered on.
What I missed:
- Repetition: here and there things were repeated a few times too many. Just wasn't necessary for a reader paying attention.
- Depth to villains: I would have liked a little more depth to some of the 'villains', besides just being selfish, evil bigots, though this only applies to some of the villains since others were shown to have redeeming qualities and clear motivations.
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate violence, mild gore
Other: discrimination
Conclusion
If you're a fan of heart warming YA fantasy with good disability/chronic illness representation and happy endings, go check this one out.
[Audio ARC]
Lovely, well narrated, and VERY creative, clean, YA Cinderella retelling.
Third person POV
Favourites:
- Twist on the fairytale: though the story started with some very clear hints at cinderella, it had been a while since I'd read the blurb and throughout the story I started to question if this was actually a retelling or if I had just assumed it was. Turns out it really was a retelling, if quite a loose one. I loved the creative twists on the glass shoes, the prince and the fairytale godmother(s). Very cool. It was such a fresh new story.
- World building: again, so creative. This is definitely really suitable for any fans of YA fantasy, whether or not they enjoy fairytale retellings, because of only the loose link to the original fairytale, and the immersive, imaginative world our 'cinderella' lives in.
- Romance: sweet, not too thickly layered on.
What I missed:
- Repetition: here and there things were repeated a few times too many. Just wasn't necessary for a reader paying attention.
- Depth to villains: I would have liked a little more depth to some of the 'villains', besides just being selfish, evil bigots, though this only applies to some of the villains since others were shown to have redeeming qualities and clear motivations.
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate violence, mild gore
Other: discrimination
Conclusion
If you're a fan of heart warming YA fantasy with good disability/chronic illness representation and happy endings, go check this one out.
January 6, 2023
Ashen is truly unique as a Cinderella retelling, with a life of its own that nods to the original without being confined by it. With a twisty plot and a fascinating alternate explanation of geothermal phenomena, it’s not predictable like many fairy-tale retellings. This story will keep you up with the pages turning! Lizbete makes for a fascinating and relatable character with her unusual abilities and heartfelt desire to love and be loved just like “normal” people. The cast of characters surrounding her also has their share of quirks and endearments—showing both the light and dark side of people in an insightful manner—which makes for a host of interesting relationships. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story with its high stakes, sweet romance, and unique fantasy flavor. Definitely recommended as a clean young adult fantasy book.
October 29, 2023
I got this e-book for free on my kindle and I honestly hate how much I loved it. I’m really not a fan of YA, but I’ve been on a fantasy/classic re-telling spree lately and this really just did it for me. This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions and, while it was predictable at times, I think how unique the concept was made that acceptable.
October 21, 2023
Not really my thing, rounding up 3.5 stars. I tend to find Cinderella retellings a bit predictable and passive, but there were some fun and novel elements in this take and the male lead was at least a character we get to know, which can be a weakness of the tale.
December 31, 2020
Oh, Elin.
May 8, 2021
My favorite aspect of this story wasn’t even the fantasy twist to Cinderella (although I did find it interesting). My favorite aspect was that the main romance wasn’t an instant love, but one that formed from friendship. It formed a very realistic aspect to a fictional story.
I enjoyed the gist of the story, the romance, and the twist on the original. I felt that the story overall moved kind of slow though. I found myself trying to almost read ahead from where I was actually reading to try to make it move faster. Overall an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the gist of the story, the romance, and the twist on the original. I felt that the story overall moved kind of slow though. I found myself trying to almost read ahead from where I was actually reading to try to make it move faster. Overall an enjoyable read.
September 12, 2022
This book was truly enjoyable from beginning to end. HL Burke creates characters you really care about and feel emotions for. I was stressed and angry as Lizbete's situation deteriorated, and I felt her frustration when she discovered why Brynar stayed away so long. Her powers were interestingly conceptualized, and I felt like there was good pacing and consistency in the plot. Overall, I would love to be able to buy a physical copy of this book.
May 3, 2021
A Cinderella retelling with a dark, gritty edge! This book turned out better than I expected. I empathized with Lizbete and her struggle to be a part of the community she cared so much about. At times it was infuriating to watch how she suffered at the hands of the townspeople. And the climax was much bigger than I anticipated.
All in all, this was a great story. I highly recommend it!
All in all, this was a great story. I highly recommend it!
September 30, 2020
This is a fascinating story, borrowing many elements of the traditional Cinderella story but with its own unique twists and turns. I found it difficult to put the book down.
October 31, 2020
This review appears at https://selinajeckert.com/2020/10/31/...
First off, I absolutely LOVED Liz. Her condition of heat-stealing was so unique to me and so interesting that I was drawn right in to sympathizing with her and wanting to know as much as possible about what was going on.
I also bonded a little bit with her experience of her first pair of glasses. I remember well that feeling: putting on your first ever pair of glasses and having the world suddenly snap into focus. You really can’t stop looking at everything! It was delightful to see that in a story. (Side love: I LOVED the character that gave her the glasses, Widow Gri the Scholar. I would have loved to see more of her at the end, but alas, ’twas not to be.)
I also really enjoyed the way the plot came together. It was so easy to get lost in this world of cold and magic. Once I started, it was hard to put the book down. The pacing was fantastic, keeping me engaged throughout, and the revelations all came at the right places. It was awesome seeing Liz come into her own and stand up for herself, as well as seeing justice served by the end (I love a good, satisfying ending!).
And the feels! Very few books can bring me to tears, but this one? Burke seems very good at making her readers cry. Let me put it that way. But I truly felt everything the characters did, and boy was it an emotional roller coaster.
There were very few things that detracted from the experience. There were a few places where I found typos or similar issues, but overall I found them to be minor; it wasn’t enough to take away from enjoying the story.
My biggest complaint was that I had been promised Iceland, but this felt much more like a general Norse-inspired setting than Iceland to me. I kept waiting for trolls, and while there may be a version of trolls in this story, it wasn’t similar enough to the tales I’d heard and read to be clear. And there were steam vents in the story, but that didn’t really track with my personal experience there. There were no lava fields, though Brumehome seems to be next to an active volcano, but I think the steam vents were almost lava tubes. And I can live with that. But honestly, if I hadn’t been as invested in Iceland itself, I would never have noticed. So my biggest complaint will also probably not bother any other readers.
Short version: you need to read this book! Overall rating is 4.5 stars, and if you’re looking for unique magic, engaging story, and consuming worlds, this is the book you need.
First off, I absolutely LOVED Liz. Her condition of heat-stealing was so unique to me and so interesting that I was drawn right in to sympathizing with her and wanting to know as much as possible about what was going on.
I also bonded a little bit with her experience of her first pair of glasses. I remember well that feeling: putting on your first ever pair of glasses and having the world suddenly snap into focus. You really can’t stop looking at everything! It was delightful to see that in a story. (Side love: I LOVED the character that gave her the glasses, Widow Gri the Scholar. I would have loved to see more of her at the end, but alas, ’twas not to be.)
I also really enjoyed the way the plot came together. It was so easy to get lost in this world of cold and magic. Once I started, it was hard to put the book down. The pacing was fantastic, keeping me engaged throughout, and the revelations all came at the right places. It was awesome seeing Liz come into her own and stand up for herself, as well as seeing justice served by the end (I love a good, satisfying ending!).
And the feels! Very few books can bring me to tears, but this one? Burke seems very good at making her readers cry. Let me put it that way. But I truly felt everything the characters did, and boy was it an emotional roller coaster.
There were very few things that detracted from the experience. There were a few places where I found typos or similar issues, but overall I found them to be minor; it wasn’t enough to take away from enjoying the story.
My biggest complaint was that I had been promised Iceland, but this felt much more like a general Norse-inspired setting than Iceland to me. I kept waiting for trolls, and while there may be a version of trolls in this story, it wasn’t similar enough to the tales I’d heard and read to be clear. And there were steam vents in the story, but that didn’t really track with my personal experience there. There were no lava fields, though Brumehome seems to be next to an active volcano, but I think the steam vents were almost lava tubes. And I can live with that. But honestly, if I hadn’t been as invested in Iceland itself, I would never have noticed. So my biggest complaint will also probably not bother any other readers.
Short version: you need to read this book! Overall rating is 4.5 stars, and if you’re looking for unique magic, engaging story, and consuming worlds, this is the book you need.
December 31, 2021
Once again, H.L. Burke delivers a fascinating fantasy world.
This story is more of a Cinderella-inspired story than a point-for-point Cinderella retelling—I actually didn’t really think about it being a Cinderella story until roughly the middle. But that’s not a criticism—I like a good solidly developed fantasy world over one that tries to fit into the conventions of a fairytale.
The fantasy concepts in the story were fascinating—I’ve never seen a main character with abilities like Lizbette’s. (Also…representation for glasses-wearers, haha.) And it subverted cliches in some ways—it features underground people who, if written by a more an author more prone to fantasy stereotypes, would’ve been reduced to goblins or trolls. Instead, they ended up being pretty awesome.
As usual, the characters are strong and likeable, and even most of the “unlikeable” characters were sympathetic in a sense. (I admire H.L. Burke’s ability to make sympathetic “villains”—although none of the people here are truly villains. Except maybe Hangur. I hated that guy. And I mean that in the best way.) I think my favorite side character was Elin—she’s the best morbid little kid.
The twist of who the true “villain” is is pretty awesome, too. It played on some tropes that I always love—old myths coming to life and ancient dangerous beings.
Definitely one of the more unique fantasy books I’ve read lately!
This story is more of a Cinderella-inspired story than a point-for-point Cinderella retelling—I actually didn’t really think about it being a Cinderella story until roughly the middle. But that’s not a criticism—I like a good solidly developed fantasy world over one that tries to fit into the conventions of a fairytale.
The fantasy concepts in the story were fascinating—I’ve never seen a main character with abilities like Lizbette’s. (Also…representation for glasses-wearers, haha.) And it subverted cliches in some ways—it features underground people who, if written by a more an author more prone to fantasy stereotypes, would’ve been reduced to goblins or trolls. Instead, they ended up being pretty awesome.
As usual, the characters are strong and likeable, and even most of the “unlikeable” characters were sympathetic in a sense. (I admire H.L. Burke’s ability to make sympathetic “villains”—although none of the people here are truly villains. Except maybe Hangur. I hated that guy. And I mean that in the best way.) I think my favorite side character was Elin—she’s the best morbid little kid.
The twist of who the true “villain” is is pretty awesome, too. It played on some tropes that I always love—old myths coming to life and ancient dangerous beings.
Definitely one of the more unique fantasy books I’ve read lately!
December 20, 2022
a fascinating story
This book is probably one of my top reads of 2022. The concept is fascinating, the author executes it so very well, and the relationships among the characters truly pulled me in. I read this book in one sitting, and I will likely end up re-reading it as well. All the recommendation here!
This book is probably one of my top reads of 2022. The concept is fascinating, the author executes it so very well, and the relationships among the characters truly pulled me in. I read this book in one sitting, and I will likely end up re-reading it as well. All the recommendation here!
February 26, 2021
Ashen’s high fantasy sets it apart
Ashen ties itself to the Cinderella legend in its marketing materials, but don’t expect this story to be either a straight-up or flipped novel of that famous fairy tale. This offering is a fantasy novel with a strong heroine at its center, a more realistic setting, and a highly creative backstory. This novel drew me in on the strength of its originality, not on the similarities to Cinderella.
Lizbete is a girl who has lived in the same town all her life but has never been accepted by its residents. Life has conspired to give her a number of disadvantages—the first one being she was abandoned on the doorstep by her parents. Still, she has found some friends in the place where she works. And then there’s a certain boy…
What makes Ashen such a fantastic read are the original parts. You’ll associate with Lizbete and her plight, and enjoy the adventure she goes on. This novel is a worthy high fantasy in addition to a Cinderella retelling.
Ashen ties itself to the Cinderella legend in its marketing materials, but don’t expect this story to be either a straight-up or flipped novel of that famous fairy tale. This offering is a fantasy novel with a strong heroine at its center, a more realistic setting, and a highly creative backstory. This novel drew me in on the strength of its originality, not on the similarities to Cinderella.
Lizbete is a girl who has lived in the same town all her life but has never been accepted by its residents. Life has conspired to give her a number of disadvantages—the first one being she was abandoned on the doorstep by her parents. Still, she has found some friends in the place where she works. And then there’s a certain boy…
What makes Ashen such a fantastic read are the original parts. You’ll associate with Lizbete and her plight, and enjoy the adventure she goes on. This novel is a worthy high fantasy in addition to a Cinderella retelling.
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