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How far would I go for freedom?

Lucifer’s mark has a control on my life and the only way out is sacrificing a friend. When Michael gives himself up for my freedom, it comes with consequences.

The angels find out what Michael has done to save my life, and it is now my turn to save his. With a bargain struck, it’s a race against the clock to put an end to this once and for all.

It’s me against Lucifer. Will any of us make it out alive?

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2020

81 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Karina Espinosa

107 books466 followers
Karina Espinosa is a Colombian-American author best known for the Mackenzie Grey series, the Blood Weaver Trilogy, and her latest romantasy hit, The Dragon’s Ballad. When she’s not writing fierce heroines and magical chaos, she’s globe-trotting, bingeing Asian dramas, or teaching college students how to write essays—with a coffee in hand and fictional body count on the rise.

Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.

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5 stars
119 (54%)
4 stars
65 (29%)
3 stars
28 (12%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Penny.
3,132 reviews85 followers
November 14, 2020
This is the third and final book in the From the Ashes trilogy. I am so sad to see this series go as I enjoyed every minute of it. This last book has poor Octavia still struggling with Lucifer, and then she finds out her friend will be in the fight to end all fights. I love how Octavia is a kick-butt, female character, and she doesn’t need the male characters to rescue her. They are worried for her, but they step back and let her take care of herself. In addition, there is lots of good writing, excellent action, and touching moments. I cried in the epilogue because it was such a good ending. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Sandra "Jeanz".
1,261 reviews178 followers
November 13, 2020
To say I was eagerly awaiting reading this book is an understatement! After the first two books, knowing this was the last book of the trilogy I couldn’t wait to find out how it all ended. Once again, I love the cover it will make a fantastic looking series on a book shelf!

In this book Octavia has difficult decisions to make and needs to come to terms with how far she is prepared to go to end Lucifer’s horrific plan to build a weapon he can and will kill angels with. Octavia does have to become tougher and as the title of the book suggests darker. Lucifer wants her to be like him and torture and kill, but with the help of her friends Octavia needs to fight Lucifer yet at the same time not be taken over by the darkness.

The book starts with Octavia, and Tristan sat waiting for Michael to return with the mysterious fire that will permanently remove Lucifer’s mark from her hand. Octavia is naturally impatient and worried that she is out in the open in the cemetery where her family are buried. She literally feels like Lucifer could turn up any time. Tristan reassures her that Maverick and Echo are nearby watching and guarding the area.

Octavia also has a doubt as to whether Michael will defy the other angels by bringing the angelic fire to her. It will mean Michael will be cast out and become a fallen angel.

The mark on Octavia’s hand is removed through an extremely brutal, painful process that involves three…..yes three vampires holding her still and steady! That’s not the only downside of the process as other Angels arrive and despite her friends asking, begging, attempting to order her not to, she enters into a deal with them. Octavia needs to send Lucifer back to hell and doing so will mean Michael will not become a fallen Angel.

I can’t really say much more, though I would seriously go on forever about this series. This last book involves Octavia travelling to France, meeting another head Vampire, and I have to say I got the same hairs up at the back of my neck that Octavia had about him! Octavia is also attacked by Priests and Nuns, all whilst searching for a special dagger, she needs for her quest to send Lucifer back to hell.

All whilst this is going on Octavia has to deal with shifter pack issues. It seems Jude really does have hatred both for Octavia her race of shifters too. In fact Jude attempts to do a deal which would mean Octavia cutting off the pack totally, which Octavia is more than willing to do for the good of Killian and his pack. . . . but you’ll have to read the book to learn what happens!

As I have come to expect from Karina Espinosa this book is brilliantly written and has lots of action, amazing characters you fall in love with and some romance thrown in too. I adore Karina’s sense of humour and irony that she put in the book. I have to share a couple of instances with you to explain. The first one is a scene between Octavia and the French Priest/Nun’s . .” Is … is he back?” the priest asked hesitantly. I gathered the he to whom he referred was Lucifer. I nodded. “Heaven save us,” the priest breathed and clutched his chest. I couldn’t help the snort that made it past my lips. I was going to do all the dirty work while the angels got all the credit. Great. Bastards. They obviously had a good PR department.”

Another amusing scene was when Octavia is invited to a meal by the Head Vampire of Paris. “A bottle of actual wine was placed between me and Michael. Michael opened it and poured us each a drink. “Finally,” he mumbled. “Cheers.” I clinked glasses with him and we both took a sip. I chuckled at the fact that we were the only non-vampires in attendance. It was as if we were the only gluten-free eaters in a room full of breadsticks.” The references and puns are so modern, relevant, snarky and so believable.

Such a lot happens in this book both to Octavia and to some of the other characters. I guess the only way I can explain is to say the book has so many layers there’s the large problem of Lucifer, then there’s the hint of a relationship and possible future for Octavia with either Tristan, Killian, Michael or maybe even Maverick or the other shifters.

There’s an abundance of book boyfriend material, from the vampires Tristan, and Maverick to the shifters, Killian, Gideon, and Kai. With such a lot going on you almost forget about the issue of Camila “dying” or being finally “laid to rest”. Octavia finally makes a decision about the headstone Tristan put with her family’s headstones in the cemetery.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that it was action packed with lots of twists and turns to the very end.

To sum up this is a brilliant ending to another amazing series! The ending was great and everything was tied up. I had seen that From The Ashes was a trilogy so I knew that Dark Phoenix was the last book so I was eager to learn how everything ended yet at the same time didn’t want it to end.
1,190 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2020
Octavia is trying to find a way to stop Lucifer. Michael helps remove her mark, for the which he is willing to consequences. Octavia makes another deal to help Michael. She will go to the pack and Killian is not there. They are given enough information to try to the item they are looking for. She will also learn what is going on with the pack and Killian. Octavia is again attacked because of what she is, but she is losing herself. Octavia is willing do anything she can to save herself and others from the hands of Lucifer.


This series ends with a bang. The character is going to through a rollercoaster ride to stop Lucifer. She will try to save those around here. She will also try to help the pack. Octavia will also have to figure out what is going on with her and Tristian. There are just so many things happening in this last book, I didn't want to spoil it. I recommend reading this book/ series. If this author ever decides to revisit this world with a different character, I would definitely read it.
Profile Image for Amber.
627 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this series and am so sad to see it end. I loved the characters, world building and creativity put into the stories by Karina Espinosa. She did amazing. However, I think Dark Phoenix was the perfect ending for Octavia and her friends. They have been through so much with this trilogy and its all finally been come to a closure. I have loved seeing her grow as a character and see her strength show through. If I had to pick a favorite character it's probably going to be Maverick, he's hilarious and seems to always know how to make everyone laugh and to look on the brighter side of things. This is definitely a series you need to read over and over again. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Katy.
274 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2020
Is making a bargain with Angels any wiser than making a bargain with Lucifer?

Michael has stolen Heaven’s Fire in the belief that it is the only means of freeing Octavia of Lucifer’s mark. Now she will make a bargain with the Angels to save Michael from being cast out, but the price she will pay will be a heavy one. She must search out the only known weapon that will send Lucifer back to Hades and dispatch him herself.
The final battle will be for control of her soul, which Lucifer claims as his along with the dark power of the Phoenix. Now, Octavia, Tristan and Michael will cross an ocean in search of the Morningstar, a legendary knife that could put an end to Lucifer's reign on Earth. Believing the Morningstar to be safely hidden in one of three churches in France, Tristan will seek help from Jacques, the vampire leader of the Paris clan. However, even in France there are those who seek to control Octavia’s Phoenix for their own ends and escaping with their lives and the knife will lead Octavia to face a darker side of herself, she didn’t believe she had and it’s growing.
Trouble at home brews as both the vampires and shifters are not happy with their leader’s part in helping the Phoenix. Killian must ready himself to face a challenge for his leadership. There are those within his pack who believe him weak for helping the Phoenix; they believe there can be no peace between shifters and vampires. For Tristan the discord and strong opposition within his clan of vampires must wait until he returns. He will find betrayal in old friends who hunger for power as well. Octavia is being pulled back to Lucifer even with his mark and collar gone, she believes there is a darkness taking over her that she may never break free of. Her soul is in jeopardy, friends must stand against friends and Octavia will reach a dark side of herself that she fears make take over. But perhaps one of the hardest is the death of some she loved.
Karina Espinosa has given us a tale that shows no one is ever truly, wholly good. The story comes to a final conclusion but not without soul searching, death, and betrayal. Octavia will question herself, the kind of person she believed herself to be and if she can conquer her own demons. She will face horrors and evil within those who profess to serve the church. In the end there is also love, budding friendships and loyalty that may unite those who were once mortal enemies. Good isn’t always good and bad isn’t always evil. But the reader will have to decide, who they stand with, Octavia and her friends found theirs.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
November 15, 2020
🗡️🗡️ONE SENSATIONAL FINALE🗡️🗡️
Blazing bridges! Karina works her magic once again, laying out this thrilling rollercoaster ride full of betrayal, diabolical schemes, sinister games and brutal tactics, while balancing on a double edge sword, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. Division and anarchy descend in tempest of cunning maneuvers and inner strength, purging lines and breaching perimeters, barriers are amplified and exploited, showcasing the relentless struggles and intimidating triumphs, noting the convoluted twists and stunning turns, exposing the dangerous quirks and defying bents, propelling this jewel to staggering heights. Kicking ass and dispatching foes, drawing on every ounce of preservation and determination, weighing in this action packed, hard hitting, nailbiting, nerve racking, spine tingling, adrenaline pumping, block busting bombshell, merging this gem together seamlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into approachable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Karina, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
November 11, 2020
“Dark Phoenix”, the third installment “From the Ashes” by Karina Espinosa, hit the cemetery ground waiting, as Camila/Octavia and the team wait for Michael to return from an impossible quest, stealing Heaven’ fire to eradicate Lucifer’s markings from Octavia’s hand and finally set her free from his control. Michael succeeds, but – as usually – no good-meant dead goes unpunished. Heaven’s fire in the mortal realm is forbidden, and the Archangels lead by Gavri’el himself, appear to exact judgement over Michael. In order to save Michael, Octavia will make a deal with the Archangel himself, find the long-lost Morningstar knife, the only weapon with the power to sent Lucifer to hell…. permanently.

The story is fast-paced, well-written, entertaining and full of unexpected twists. Camila is relatable, witty, funny and strong in spite of the adverse circumstances, and a slightly impulse to trust the wrong person, over and over again. The addiction of angels (fallen and not 😉) to the already known vampires, shifters and phoenix characters, works surprisingly well, Lucifer and Michael are beautifully crafted characters. An amazing conclusion to a great urban fantasy series.
731 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2020
Ultimately didn’t like the plot - some spoilers

This was an extremely hard book for me to rate.
I loved the heroine, but I should’ve stopped reading about 5 pages before the end of the first book.

I did not like the Angels and the one I did like I didn’t care for what happened to him.


Spoilers




There is no real redemption in this book for Tristan and his crimes, and no true punishment for Lucifer.

The heroine went through the books without being able to succeed at the things she wanted most.

The ending I didn’t like for multiple reasons:
Uriel and his pathetic help, Michael, Lucifer and even Jude.

Why did I rate this three stars because it is well written and I liked the characters, but I didn’t not like the direction the plot went at all. It went down hill from the last page of the first book to the ending of this one.
147 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2020
This is the last book in this series. It's a book that pulls you in and makes you want to finish it in one sitting!
Karina Espinosa has given us a last book in the series that pulls you in and makes you want to finish it in one sitting!
Octavia might have been rescued but she’s still tied to Lucifer. The cure for it comes at a high risk for one of her friends. Has she truly escaped from Lucifer? Or will she be captured again? Will Lucifer finish his weapon to use against the Angels? What happens to all of Octavia’s friends and allies? To find out you’ll have to read Dark Phoenix.
Thank you Karina for this 3 book series that really captured our attention! And gave us characters we love to love or love to hate! Can’t wait to see what you write next!
4,480 reviews21 followers
November 17, 2020
I thought this was a fun and frustrating story to read. I was both entertained and really wanted to slap a few characters but I had to keep reading to see how it would end. Would the bad guys be beaten and destroyed? I have to say while reading it was sometimes hard to determine who exactly was the real bad guy. I really thought there were so many to choose who should be stopped and dealt with. Easy story story to read and it drew me in along with that frustration at the characters. But a good story for the series.
961 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2020
This book did round up the life and trials of Camilia but life is still happening for Octavia so is this the end I hope not. I went through different emotions whilst reading this book, anger, frustration, love and sadness, I even shed tears when one of the main characters died, to do that for me means it is well written. You must start from the first book in the series to know what is happening and to develop the connection to the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,575 reviews21 followers
November 18, 2020
I truly enjoyed this series and this book foes not disapoint as it cones to an end.

The characters and world-building are excellent and draw you in keeping you engaged in the story arc.

Dark Phoenix was a satisfying ending for Octavia and her friends. I have enjoyed the character growth and interactions within this series and I am sad to see it coming to an end.
This is series has introduced me to an excellent author and I am truly excited to see what comes next.

I received the book from Booksprout for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katherine Jordan.
589 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2020
What a great way to end a series! Everything ends the way it should in a very spectacular manner. As always, the story is well written and flows well to the conclusion. I cried a couple of times because there were some sad spots. I really enjoy Karina’s books and I will be looking for more in the future. Hopefully these come out in audio book form at some point in time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,402 reviews13 followers
Read
November 15, 2020
Is this the end?
Octavia and her crew finally find a way to get rid of Lucifer, but at what cost? This is a slow-paced, action-driven tale of friendship, love, and betrayal. This is also the best installment in the series. I laughed and cried by the end of this tale. Loved it!
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
Profile Image for Pat .
4,151 reviews20 followers
November 18, 2020
What a series this has been. This book was fun for me and the characters were great. There was some parts really good. Storyline was very well written .
I recieved a free copy via Booksprout and this is my honest review given freely
Profile Image for Terika.
126 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2020
Great ending to a series!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire series. I loved the characters and storyline. The entire book was full of action. I recommend the series for sure.
Profile Image for Amy Corbin.
57 reviews
August 7, 2022
Fantastic series! This is the third and final book of the series.

I’m sad to see Octavia’s story end, but so happy with how the series turned out. Lots of action on this book. I definitely recommend this series!

Profile Image for Sombre Grimoire.
1,530 reviews21 followers
August 24, 2024
Un dernier tome que j'ai trouvé malheureusement moins satisfaisant...

J'ai trouvé que les évènements étaient soit trop précipité soit trop lent... Qu'en soit, le final de cette trilogie n'était pas incroyable et c'est bien dommage puisqu'il y avait beaucoup de potentiel...
77 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2020
Start the series!!!!

If you haven't read this series, hurry you're bum back to book 1 and jump on this crazy ride! You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,657 reviews16 followers
November 22, 2020
This series has been amazing I loved it!!! Well written great characters!!!! A must read series!! I devoured them as the came out fabulos story!!!
Profile Image for Sheila Ryals.
2,595 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2020
😻

That was so very good and so very sad. ThAt ending was so not what I thought was coming. If course that's been that way through the whole series.
194 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2020
Excellent

This was an excellent series. It was actually refreshing to see the Devil and his demons as the evil that they are.
I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under the age of 17.
Profile Image for Jecture.
16 reviews
January 29, 2021
Good cap on the trilogy

It seems like there could be significantly more written to talk more about the Phoenix and vamp relationship as well as more shifter love.
Profile Image for Boo.
3,675 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2021
Enjoyed

Oh wow this ending made me cry. I’d love more just to see how they are. But this was a great series and I enjoyed reading it
100 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2021
Phoenix

What a fun exciting series all three the good the bad and you can overcome adversity thanks. For the rush
13 reviews
February 19, 2023
Captivating

Captivating and enthralling to the very end. I knew what the ending would be but couldn't figure out how. Never purchased a series before, but after book 1 I was hooked.
Profile Image for Aimee.
407 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2021
Argh! I'm torn. I really loved this book and characters so I want it to continue. On the flip side, this was a great way to end.

Michael is one of my favourite characters. Oh who am I kidding? I loved them all. I think that they all develop nicely and all have their own unique voices which is nice.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Happy Reading!
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