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Angel Fire #0.5
Ashes to New
Although Ashes to New is a prequel, the author recommends it be read after book #1, Heart's Insanity.
Ashes to New is a story about the fiercest kind of love. It's about enduring. Surviving. And never giving up. Elsbeth and Forest are two teenagers trapped within an abusive foster home. They endure tragedy, but find there is light in the darkest places. With hope is as limitless as the summer sky, all they need is the love of one another to survive.
"You're beautifully broken. My summer sky. My light in the darkness."
Elsbeth and Forrest are seventeen-year-old foster children. They met at the age of twelve when they were given into the care of a deranged monster who hides behind the mask of a well respected, philanthropic lawyer.
Trained in total submission, they face unspeakable abuse and cling to one another as their only source of hope. As if things aren't bad enough, their foster father has several friends who avail themselves of the children as well.
Through it all, Elsbeth clings to a single ray of hope; at eighteen, both she and Forest will no longer be in the foster care system and will be free of their foster father and his vile friends. Keeping hope alive, they struggle to survive and free themselves from degradation and abuse; that is, until "Master John" comes to visit....
***This book is graphic with triggers; it's not for the faint of heart***
Ashes to New is a story about the fiercest kind of love. It's about enduring. Surviving. And never giving up. Elsbeth and Forest are two teenagers trapped within an abusive foster home. They endure tragedy, but find there is light in the darkest places. With hope is as limitless as the summer sky, all they need is the love of one another to survive.
"You're beautifully broken. My summer sky. My light in the darkness."
Elsbeth and Forrest are seventeen-year-old foster children. They met at the age of twelve when they were given into the care of a deranged monster who hides behind the mask of a well respected, philanthropic lawyer.
Trained in total submission, they face unspeakable abuse and cling to one another as their only source of hope. As if things aren't bad enough, their foster father has several friends who avail themselves of the children as well.
Through it all, Elsbeth clings to a single ray of hope; at eighteen, both she and Forest will no longer be in the foster care system and will be free of their foster father and his vile friends. Keeping hope alive, they struggle to survive and free themselves from degradation and abuse; that is, until "Master John" comes to visit....
***This book is graphic with triggers; it's not for the faint of heart***
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2016
356 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Masters
364 books1,619 followersAngsty, Steamy, Heart-Stopping, Pulse-Pounding, Can't-Stop-Reading Romantic Suspense.
Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.
In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.
She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.
Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.
Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...
Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.
In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.
She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.
Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.
Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 2, 2018
Ashes to New is an incredibly deep dark story of how Elsbeth and Forest survived the Summer of their Junior year of High School.
This story isn’t about their lives in School, but the life they lead away from school. As Foster kids life is never easy, but their lives become a horror story like you would never believe.
This story is not for the faint of heart, it is a dark twisted story of two lives that are not only ripped apart but scared for life.
Well written, the characters are believable and touching.
This story isn’t about their lives in School, but the life they lead away from school. As Foster kids life is never easy, but their lives become a horror story like you would never believe.
This story is not for the faint of heart, it is a dark twisted story of two lives that are not only ripped apart but scared for life.
Well written, the characters are believable and touching.
October 17, 2016
Ashes to New is a story about survival. It's about when all you have left in the world is the person next to you who means more that anything to you and how you'll endure anything, survive anything, or do anything just to hang on another day. It's a story about how strong the human spirit is and how even in the most horrific of circumstances, love can prevail.
Elsbeth and Forest are foster brother and sister who grew up in an abusive foster home. The abuse they endure is unimaginable but the love they have for one another is what keeps them going. Even during the worst abuse they've ever endured, the love they have for one another keeps them going, to keep surviving for the day when they'll finally be free.
While reading Ashes to New, there where times I was soo angry I wanted to scream because I felt so helpless. Other times I cried for not only all the pain Elsbeth and Forest went through, but also for the love they had for one another.
Ellie Masters does an amazing job of telling the horrors they endured without making it gratuitous or overly done. And also creating characters that you'll fall in love with because of their strength, loyalty to one another, and their fighting spirit.
Elsbeth and Forest are foster brother and sister who grew up in an abusive foster home. The abuse they endure is unimaginable but the love they have for one another is what keeps them going. Even during the worst abuse they've ever endured, the love they have for one another keeps them going, to keep surviving for the day when they'll finally be free.
While reading Ashes to New, there where times I was soo angry I wanted to scream because I felt so helpless. Other times I cried for not only all the pain Elsbeth and Forest went through, but also for the love they had for one another.
Ellie Masters does an amazing job of telling the horrors they endured without making it gratuitous or overly done. And also creating characters that you'll fall in love with because of their strength, loyalty to one another, and their fighting spirit.
September 27, 2018
I have never been triggered yet so enthralled over a book. This is the past story of Forest and Elsbeth, better known as Bean and Skye from Heart's Insanity. This novella takes you through their dark, twisted and deranged past. They were foster children forced against their will and abused daily. Sometimes by only one man, sometimes more. The abuse is very detailed and had me wanting to take justice in my own hands. The things they were forced to do would make anyone wish they were dead.
If you are not easily triggered I highly recommend this book. If you are I recommend starting with Hearts Insanity. Ashes To New is not for the faint of heart.
If you are not easily triggered I highly recommend this book. If you are I recommend starting with Hearts Insanity. Ashes To New is not for the faint of heart.
September 8, 2018
What a shocking and explosive start to this series. My mouth was hanging open from the first sentence to the last. This book will have you ugly crying with snot running like crazy. Very traumatic and emotional experience.
July 4, 2018
That was a hard and tragic story. The first half was brutal and gut wrenching. Read the warning, cause it is not for the faint of heart.
What brutality and torture to live through, survive and become the heroine who saved them.
This book explains so much about book 2, you do NOT have to read it first. In fact, I recommend reading 2 before this one. It will give you hope that they can rise above the abuse and survive.... Although even physical wounds may heal, the emotional scars may last forever.
What brutality and torture to live through, survive and become the heroine who saved them.
This book explains so much about book 2, you do NOT have to read it first. In fact, I recommend reading 2 before this one. It will give you hope that they can rise above the abuse and survive.... Although even physical wounds may heal, the emotional scars may last forever.
May 17, 2020
Ashes To New by Ellie Masters is an intro to the Angel Fire Rock Romance Series. This story allows the readers an insight into the characters of Elsbeth and Forrest and the hell they had to endure as these two teenagers formed a bond of love, devotion in order to survive in an abusive foster home under their foster father Preston. Preston abused these two as he has been training them into submission for his own depraved needs as well as selling them out to his friends for their carnal pleasures. Forrest and Elsbeth were torturted, chained, beaten and abused since the age of 12 by this ruthless man only having each other to survive with hopes of one day being free. We are also introduced to sadistic Snowden who was the monster who broke these young people the most, especially Forrest. This story was full of angst, misery and pain as you witness the love Elsbeth and Forrest have for each other, Elsbeth knowing her time with Forrest is ending as Snowden is taking her away, she will do all she can to help Forrest escape the plans Preston has for him as he is left broken, chained and withdraws into a dark place. This strong young woman has designed a plan to end this nightmare for herself and Forrest. You will get a better understanding of how this nightmare shaped Forrest's future and the demons that will control his fate. With his help he is able to give Elsbeth the life she craved and now they will start anew as Forest and Skye and achieve a life that is full of promise. But will they ever be able to truly forget their past and the one man that tortured them the most? This was an emotional story, Ellie Masters has once again taken her readers into this dark world that was completely engrossing. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
July 6, 2018
Words actually fail me. This has to be one the most hardest yet most compelling reads ever. I often feel that Novella's are to short, and rush the story line, but in this case anything longer would have proved impossible to read. I read this book after I had read books 3 and 2 in this series, entirely the wrong way round but in a funny way, I'm glad I did as they had prepared me to an extent for this book. Elsbeth and Forest are adopted as teenagers, into an abusive home. Their story is picked up when they are 17, have one more year of school to go and have just a few weeks before they turn 18. Although they are not related, the abuse they had suffered up-to this point at the hands of their foster father had brought the pair as close if not closer than a real brother and sister. They took comfort from helping each other cope and planned for the day they could escape the foster system. However, little did they know worse was to come. Plans their foster father had for them, start to be revealed, events take a nasty twist, a twist that takes Elsbeth and Forest to places they had never even imagined they would be and would drive a wedge between them. With their futures and even their lives now at risk and Forest, broken by recent events is unable to help, Elsbeth knows she has to do something and fast. But how do you overcome such evil and survive?
March 20, 2024
Are There Truly Such Depraved Souls Out There
I should have done a bit more research into the chronological order of the overall story or backstory if you will of Alpha Team and Angel Fire. I read through Alpha Team Parts 1 and 2 and had to go find how it all began...Forest and Sky Summers. All I could gather was that it was a story that would be hard to read. If I were an emotional person, I'm not certain I could have read this without it leaving scars on my very soul. Unfortunately we here of sex trafficking all too often in the news but do we truly stop to consider what that really means. How its accomplished or the lifelong consequences to the survivors. The story Elle Masters weaves from Ashes to New through, no doubt, Angel Fire and all the characters on the teams is heart wrenching, mesmerizing, and joyful. Don't skip through the HAF intimate gymnastics. I'm not gonna lie, you'll re-read portions just to figure out how these couples managed some of their shenanigans. I'll be reading through every book related to these beautiful, strong warriors.
I should have done a bit more research into the chronological order of the overall story or backstory if you will of Alpha Team and Angel Fire. I read through Alpha Team Parts 1 and 2 and had to go find how it all began...Forest and Sky Summers. All I could gather was that it was a story that would be hard to read. If I were an emotional person, I'm not certain I could have read this without it leaving scars on my very soul. Unfortunately we here of sex trafficking all too often in the news but do we truly stop to consider what that really means. How its accomplished or the lifelong consequences to the survivors. The story Elle Masters weaves from Ashes to New through, no doubt, Angel Fire and all the characters on the teams is heart wrenching, mesmerizing, and joyful. Don't skip through the HAF intimate gymnastics. I'm not gonna lie, you'll re-read portions just to figure out how these couples managed some of their shenanigans. I'll be reading through every book related to these beautiful, strong warriors.
June 12, 2018
This Novella packs a punch.
OMG! This Novella, I knew it was going to be tough to read because I'd read Hearts Insanity first and I wanted to know the history for both characters.
My heart broke for these two for all they'd endured from such a young age.
But throughout the years they stuck together and formed an unbreakable bond. An anchor for each other in the darkest of times.
Yes they're damaged but they've Rose from the Ashes and survived against those who abused them. Now they have new lives to live the way they choose.
I'm pleased I know more about the history and things make a lot more sense to me now.
Although it's not necessary to read this one to enjoy The Angel Fire series. I just wanted more information.
Forest and Elsbeth hold a special place in my heart, Forest is my favourite character from The Angel Fire series.
OMG! This Novella, I knew it was going to be tough to read because I'd read Hearts Insanity first and I wanted to know the history for both characters.
My heart broke for these two for all they'd endured from such a young age.
But throughout the years they stuck together and formed an unbreakable bond. An anchor for each other in the darkest of times.
Yes they're damaged but they've Rose from the Ashes and survived against those who abused them. Now they have new lives to live the way they choose.
I'm pleased I know more about the history and things make a lot more sense to me now.
Although it's not necessary to read this one to enjoy The Angel Fire series. I just wanted more information.
Forest and Elsbeth hold a special place in my heart, Forest is my favourite character from The Angel Fire series.
December 22, 2017
Ellie Masters has completely WOWED me!! This short novella shows us the horrible, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking back story
Of Elsbeth and Forrest.
This back story isn't a happy one. These two had the most horrible things happen to them, by the one person who is supposed to protect them, their foster father. The abuse these two suffered, broke my heart, I wanted to protect them.
Ashes to New is the incredible journey of sexual abuse, the two victims, and how they survived the ordeal.
Ellie Masters has given us a powerfully written story that I connected with. I love when an author can pull out so many emotions from me. I'm sooooo looking forward to more of this series!!
*I voluntarily read a copy from the author. This is my honest review.*
Of Elsbeth and Forrest.
This back story isn't a happy one. These two had the most horrible things happen to them, by the one person who is supposed to protect them, their foster father. The abuse these two suffered, broke my heart, I wanted to protect them.
Ashes to New is the incredible journey of sexual abuse, the two victims, and how they survived the ordeal.
Ellie Masters has given us a powerfully written story that I connected with. I love when an author can pull out so many emotions from me. I'm sooooo looking forward to more of this series!!
*I voluntarily read a copy from the author. This is my honest review.*
May 12, 2020
Ashes to New is very emotional book for me, but I read it anyway. I have read a few books on Skye and Forest but this should have been my first. But I am glad that I didn’t read it before hand. The story is heart wrenching to say the least. The abuse and torture by the hands of their foster father, no, not a father. That’s not what Clark was. He was a very defective individual who destroyed two young people their innocence for starters. How can people be so cruel to a human being the way Forest was treated and Elsbeth?
Even though the book touched some triggers for me, I did feel so much reading this story. It broke my heart but the determination and strength of these two, made the book, a read that hits home for so many others.
A great book. By Ellie Masters 💙
Even though the book touched some triggers for me, I did feel so much reading this story. It broke my heart but the determination and strength of these two, made the book, a read that hits home for so many others.
A great book. By Ellie Masters 💙
September 23, 2018
Elsbeth's and Forest's home was located at a crossroads where reason fled and insanity took root. Both having lost their parents at a young age were in the foster care system and placed with a monster who had enough money to buy the system and bring hell into these children's lives.
A dark storyline that will encompass all of your emotions and fortitude. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but Ellie Masters has created such evil, you'll need to be brave enough to walk through it with her characters in order to reach it. A gripping tale with a continuing plot that leaves you wanting to find out what happens next
A dark storyline that will encompass all of your emotions and fortitude. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but Ellie Masters has created such evil, you'll need to be brave enough to walk through it with her characters in order to reach it. A gripping tale with a continuing plot that leaves you wanting to find out what happens next
October 7, 2017
Stunned
This was the most difficult book that I have read in years. My blood was boiling with rage to the point that I could hardly focus enough to read. I'm actually having a hard time writing this review. Ellie Masters is such a phenomenal writer. She draws you so deeply into a story that you feel the characters. It's hard for me to find the words to write because I don't want to give the story away. This book contains difficult subject matter. The title Ashes to New is perfect because Elsbeth and Forest rose from horrible circumstances to become new.
This was the most difficult book that I have read in years. My blood was boiling with rage to the point that I could hardly focus enough to read. I'm actually having a hard time writing this review. Ellie Masters is such a phenomenal writer. She draws you so deeply into a story that you feel the characters. It's hard for me to find the words to write because I don't want to give the story away. This book contains difficult subject matter. The title Ashes to New is perfect because Elsbeth and Forest rose from horrible circumstances to become new.
October 17, 2020
This is a short read and it covers a slew of dark material. However, that is the purpose as it is a prequel to the series and explains how Skye and Forest have the bond and issues that they do.
The writing is well done and conveys the horrible atrocities through vivid emotions and actions. It was a fast read, but one that carried a punch as the abject cruelty, hopelessness and despair leaped off the pages. I read it after reading book one of the series and it clarified all my questions/thoughts about what these two foster siblings experienced. It also made me adore their names.
The writing is well done and conveys the horrible atrocities through vivid emotions and actions. It was a fast read, but one that carried a punch as the abject cruelty, hopelessness and despair leaped off the pages. I read it after reading book one of the series and it clarified all my questions/thoughts about what these two foster siblings experienced. It also made me adore their names.
August 27, 2018
Intense read
What an intense and emotional story. I felt my breath catch quite a few times while reading. the characters were well written and the scenarios so descriptive I felt as if I was right there. The power to survive and escape such a horrific situation is truly amazing. I routed so hard for Forest and Elsbeth. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. It will make you appreciate all victims that much more along with all those in a support role.
What an intense and emotional story. I felt my breath catch quite a few times while reading. the characters were well written and the scenarios so descriptive I felt as if I was right there. The power to survive and escape such a horrific situation is truly amazing. I routed so hard for Forest and Elsbeth. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. It will make you appreciate all victims that much more along with all those in a support role.
May 11, 2020
I'm still a bit disturbed over this series beginning. These poor, tortured children have endured so much evil in their young lives. I want to take Forest and wrap in a protective bubble while I avenge every wrong that was committed against him and Elsbeth. I have so many questions, but I guess that's why I will be reading this series in order to get those questions answered.
Yes, this is extremely sensitive subject matter, however, something good can be found in something that is ugly.
Yes, this is extremely sensitive subject matter, however, something good can be found in something that is ugly.
August 14, 2017
This is a great prequel to Heart's Insanity. You can read it before or after you read Heart's Insanity and although both books are complete stories on there own, I definitely encourage you to read the next book. Great explanation to Skye's life as a child. It was a good story and always great to see good triumph over evil.
July 13, 2018
Living A Nightmare
Enduring their life is the only way Elsbeth and Forest can survive the horrors visited upon them. They only had each other to depend on. A plan to separate them finally gives Elsbeth the need to end the nightmare. Finally free they start a new life as Skye and Forest Summers.
Enduring their life is the only way Elsbeth and Forest can survive the horrors visited upon them. They only had each other to depend on. A plan to separate them finally gives Elsbeth the need to end the nightmare. Finally free they start a new life as Skye and Forest Summers.
April 28, 2020
I'm glad this was a short book, because I don't know how much more I could take. It's brutal, but fiction imitating life. Unfortunately, this is probably very close to someone's biography.
I loved the connection, love and support between Elsbeth and Forest! And I truly enjoyed the ending. Now to d/l the next book in the series!
I loved the connection, love and support between Elsbeth and Forest! And I truly enjoyed the ending. Now to d/l the next book in the series!
May 9, 2020
This novella explains so much for Skye and Forrest. This story is heartbreaking and now I understand why some of the other nuances in the later stories are there. I'm re-reading this series to catch up to continue on the latest chapter. Not for the feint of heart, but the words jumped off the page at me. A must read.
I received this readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received this readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2023
Dark and Gritty 🤓
A harsh life of brutality and worse.. how these two survived is a testament of inner strength. Their struggles are far from over the horrors they endured will follow them through .. a story that grabbed me and had me pulling for Skye and Forest.
*This story definitely had triggers to those who need to know. *
A harsh life of brutality and worse.. how these two survived is a testament of inner strength. Their struggles are far from over the horrors they endured will follow them through .. a story that grabbed me and had me pulling for Skye and Forest.
*This story definitely had triggers to those who need to know. *
August 13, 2018
A very emotional story.
This story is not for the feint of heart. It was A very graphic, gut wrenching story of abuse and the strength of a girl fighting for herself and her brother. My heart shattered at the horror that these two endured and the pain inflicted on then.
This story is not for the feint of heart. It was A very graphic, gut wrenching story of abuse and the strength of a girl fighting for herself and her brother. My heart shattered at the horror that these two endured and the pain inflicted on then.
September 6, 2018
omg this book had me in tears reading it! these two are in foster care and being abused really bad. there being trained to be serve there master.this is a must read for sure. plus thanks for the extras.
September 7, 2018
A dark emotional read
A gut wrenching, emotional read. A story of getting through and surviving abuse. Forest and Elsbeth are forced to endure years of the worse kind of abuse, with only each other as allies. Not for the faint of heart, but beautifully written
A gut wrenching, emotional read. A story of getting through and surviving abuse. Forest and Elsbeth are forced to endure years of the worse kind of abuse, with only each other as allies. Not for the faint of heart, but beautifully written
May 16, 2019
What an emotional story. It is amazing what Elsbeth and Forest endured while under the care of Clark Preston and the foster system. It is sad that money talks. It does end as an HEA, but their story will continue. It is a scary and emotional ride. Enjoy.
July 23, 2019
What an wonderful dark book by Ellie Masters. My heart was is turmoil over what happened to Elsbeth and Forrest. I cried my eyes out. This short story is amazing. It brought out all my feelings, sadness, outrage and happiness. I love the a can get lost is a book. I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2021
Wow
All I can say is WOW. Those two kids have definitely been to hell and back. Can not wait to read about how they turn their lives around. Also can not wait to see who gets to Snowden first. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
All I can say is WOW. Those two kids have definitely been to hell and back. Can not wait to read about how they turn their lives around. Also can not wait to see who gets to Snowden first. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
December 7, 2021
I wondered why the prequel should be read after Heart’s Insanity. This is child abuse at its worst. I think many who read this first might not continue to Heart’s Insanity. And that would be a shame. Ultimately these are not just survivors but they are triumphant.
February 19, 2024
This was a very dark look at the horrific life Skye and Forest endured with their “foster father”. He was a horrible person who exploited these two children, tortured, abused and exploited them. He also sold their debasement to the rich who could afford it.
Sick f$&*er.
Sick f$&*er.
December 30, 2024
A wonderfully and carefully written story about survivors of abuse. These two kids were so resilient in a system that at first failed them before helping them.
A touching look at the foundation of Skye and Forests story before riches and Guardian HRS.
A touching look at the foundation of Skye and Forests story before riches and Guardian HRS.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews