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Cinders & Ashes #3
Cinders & Ashes: Book Three
A Gay Fantasy Series Based on Cinderella.
Can a human king and a Fae prince’s love overcome ancient hate?
Former servant Finn Ashton is now Prince Finrael Ravenspar, beloved son and heir of Fae King Thalanil. Though Finn has finally found his true family, Finn’s heart belongs to human King Rohan De Clare, whom his father has banished from the Fae Empire forever.
After seeing Fae magic with his own eyes, Rohan realizes that Fae and humans must work together to restore balance to the land. With his kingdom beset by dangers on all sides, Rohan finds it difficult to focus as he has left a piece of himself with his Fae prince lover, Finn. Rohan sees his chance to save his kingdom--and his heart--by proposing a ball and an alliance with the Fae.
Unfortunately, the ball won’t just bring together allies, but enemies.
This will be a 5-book, high fantasy series with fated lovers, magnificent monsters and powerful magic.
NOTE: THIS NOVEL SERIES HAS CLIFFHANGERS! EVERY BOOK WILL END ON ONE. THAT'S MY NATURAL WRITING STYLE. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE CLIFFHANGERS, WAIT UNTIL THE WHOLE SERIES IS PUBLISHED TO READ. THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!
Can a human king and a Fae prince’s love overcome ancient hate?
Former servant Finn Ashton is now Prince Finrael Ravenspar, beloved son and heir of Fae King Thalanil. Though Finn has finally found his true family, Finn’s heart belongs to human King Rohan De Clare, whom his father has banished from the Fae Empire forever.
After seeing Fae magic with his own eyes, Rohan realizes that Fae and humans must work together to restore balance to the land. With his kingdom beset by dangers on all sides, Rohan finds it difficult to focus as he has left a piece of himself with his Fae prince lover, Finn. Rohan sees his chance to save his kingdom--and his heart--by proposing a ball and an alliance with the Fae.
Unfortunately, the ball won’t just bring together allies, but enemies.
This will be a 5-book, high fantasy series with fated lovers, magnificent monsters and powerful magic.
NOTE: THIS NOVEL SERIES HAS CLIFFHANGERS! EVERY BOOK WILL END ON ONE. THAT'S MY NATURAL WRITING STYLE. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE CLIFFHANGERS, WAIT UNTIL THE WHOLE SERIES IS PUBLISHED TO READ. THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2021
51 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
90 books705 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 1, 2021
I should have waited until this series was finished before starting it. 😩 The author does warn us readers. 😔
July 5, 2025
This time the MCs spend the WHOLE book apart and not just most of it... Interesting continuation for the most part. Christopher feels like a totally different person, and the Fae are written a little too "human" for how they're described.
October 24, 2022
It was an OK read but not as good as the previous books.
First, Finn and Rohan did not even meet in this book, both had to deal with things apart.
Nothing much happened even though Marikoth had clearly made himself known (I was so disappointed with him. why saving Jeremiah from a predator only to kill him yourself later? what was the point in acting human, making me feel for him, thinking there could be hope for him and then... hallow zombie Jeremiah???)
Finn was being young, gentle, polite himself, wasting time looking pretty, playing with puppies, and Rohan? he was looking for trees. I know this is a bit harsh but looking back no much has happened other than the zombie scene and finding myself skipping in a 247 pages long book is not the greatest sign.
I know in a 6 books series things take time. I will go to book 4 but things needs to speed up, the boys needs to reunite somehow. I'm not sure how this will happen since Finn is too much of a Daddy's boy and I need him to grow up faster and fight for what he believes.
BTW this Fae are not acting Fae at all, other than using magic they feel and act totally human.
First, Finn and Rohan did not even meet in this book, both had to deal with things apart.
Nothing much happened even though Marikoth had clearly made himself known (I was so disappointed with him. why saving Jeremiah from a predator only to kill him yourself later? what was the point in acting human, making me feel for him, thinking there could be hope for him and then... hallow zombie Jeremiah???)
Finn was being young, gentle, polite himself, wasting time looking pretty, playing with puppies, and Rohan? he was looking for trees. I know this is a bit harsh but looking back no much has happened other than the zombie scene and finding myself skipping in a 247 pages long book is not the greatest sign.
I know in a 6 books series things take time. I will go to book 4 but things needs to speed up, the boys needs to reunite somehow. I'm not sure how this will happen since Finn is too much of a Daddy's boy and I need him to grow up faster and fight for what he believes.
BTW this Fae are not acting Fae at all, other than using magic they feel and act totally human.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
WOW! Another brilliant volume in this dramatic and touching story.
I read a lot of LGBTQ fiction and I must say that X. Aratare (aka Raythe Reign) is one of the most gifted writers in this genre. She has an ability to pull the reader into each book she writes and it is extremely difficult to put the book down until the end.
This is volume 3 of the story of Rohan and Finn. The protagonists continue the journey in their quest to return home. As always there are lots of surprises and twists. As in each of the author’s books and in spite of any cliffhangers, you always feel the love as well as hope in the story.
The author has a website under the name of Raythe Reign ( Raythereign.com ) where she has published a gazillion web serial stories and took me months to read them all (but well worth the time).
The Cinders & Ashes series has an audible version. Sometimes the audible version is acted/narrated by a voice actor who misses the mark but the voice actor in this series (Edward Fox) is absolutely spot on in his interpretation of the characters. Perhaps one of the best audible versions I have listened to and I highly recommend.
I read a lot of LGBTQ fiction and I must say that X. Aratare (aka Raythe Reign) is one of the most gifted writers in this genre. She has an ability to pull the reader into each book she writes and it is extremely difficult to put the book down until the end.
This is volume 3 of the story of Rohan and Finn. The protagonists continue the journey in their quest to return home. As always there are lots of surprises and twists. As in each of the author’s books and in spite of any cliffhangers, you always feel the love as well as hope in the story.
The author has a website under the name of Raythe Reign ( Raythereign.com ) where she has published a gazillion web serial stories and took me months to read them all (but well worth the time).
The Cinders & Ashes series has an audible version. Sometimes the audible version is acted/narrated by a voice actor who misses the mark but the voice actor in this series (Edward Fox) is absolutely spot on in his interpretation of the characters. Perhaps one of the best audible versions I have listened to and I highly recommend.
January 16, 2024
This entry in the series was pretty intense. It had the darkest moments yet, but the lighter moments provided a good balance.
I liked that there were some chapters that followed side characters. It was just enough to add to the story without taking away from Finn and Rohan.
I liked that there were some chapters that followed side characters. It was just enough to add to the story without taking away from Finn and Rohan.
March 28, 2023
4.75 stars
I really enjoyed this third installment of this series!!
I really enjoyed this third installment of this series!!
May 3, 2023
איזה קטע - נכנסתי לספר הזה ברגשות מעורבים ויצאתי מופתעת ממש לטובה!
חברתי, קני, שהמליצה לי על הסדרה דירגה אותו ב-3 כוכבים בלבד ולא עפה עליו בכלל, כך שחשבתי שצפויה לי אכזבה, אלא שמבחינתי הוא דווקא היה הפתעה מהנה במיוחד!
בספר הזה העלילה ממשיכה (אין צורך שאפרט, כי כאמור הסופרת עושה סיכום האירועים הקודמים בתחילת כל ספר - ממש נהדר!) ועל אף שהגיבורים נמצאים כל אחד במקום אחר, עדיין לא הרגשתי שחסרה לי רומנטיקה (יש רומנטיקה!), או שאני משתעממת. להיפך, מצאתי את הספר הזה כתוב כמו פנטזיה טובה, מהסוג שבו הרומן הוא משמעותי מאד, אבל גם העלילה הכללית תופסת מקום חשוב ומרכזי.
עבורי זה היה שילוב מוצלח ומהנה, אבל אני יכולה לשער שיש כאלה שפחות יתחברו.
ממשיכה לספר הבא בסדרה!
חברתי, קני, שהמליצה לי על הסדרה דירגה אותו ב-3 כוכבים בלבד ולא עפה עליו בכלל, כך שחשבתי שצפויה לי אכזבה, אלא שמבחינתי הוא דווקא היה הפתעה מהנה במיוחד!
בספר הזה העלילה ממשיכה (אין צורך שאפרט, כי כאמור הסופרת עושה סיכום האירועים הקודמים בתחילת כל ספר - ממש נהדר!) ועל אף שהגיבורים נמצאים כל אחד במקום אחר, עדיין לא הרגשתי שחסרה לי רומנטיקה (יש רומנטיקה!), או שאני משתעממת. להיפך, מצאתי את הספר הזה כתוב כמו פנטזיה טובה, מהסוג שבו הרומן הוא משמעותי מאד, אבל גם העלילה הכללית תופסת מקום חשוב ומרכזי.
עבורי זה היה שילוב מוצלח ומהנה, אבל אני יכולה לשער שיש כאלה שפחות יתחברו.
ממשיכה לספר הבא בסדרה!
August 19, 2022
Well, I finally went back to this series and I still like it a lot. The world building is fantastic, I adore the characters and the narration by both, Edward Fox and Hannah Hart is wonderful.
Running to the next part...
Running to the next part...
April 23, 2024
The magic and mayhem continues in this riveting series. I think the redemption of a wicked step-brother proved the most memorable of all events in this book (and there were quite a few such momentous events!) 3.5 stars.
April 5, 2021
I have to wait how long for the next one?!?!???
I have been waiting for this to come out since I read the first 2. And now I’ll be waiting very impatiently for the next! I absolutely love everything by this author. I’ve rereads several of them and am looking forward to everything coming!
I have been waiting for this to come out since I read the first 2. And now I’ll be waiting very impatiently for the next! I absolutely love everything by this author. I’ve rereads several of them and am looking forward to everything coming!
March 5, 2022
I was not expecting to get so addicted to this series. Its just so good.
A very captivating adventure fantasy with some romance on the side. Insta romance, but oh well. Definitely start at book 1, though the opening does have a recap.
We've seen spiders and tree monsters. Now our heroes must contend with the undead. Rohan begins to see the tangle of political intrigue surrounding him but for the most part ignores it and acts like business as usual. Our Rohan might be pretty but he's kind of an idiot. Finn connects with his daddy giving us sweet, sweet moments. But then we are also met with dark implications as Death Mage Marikoth's plans start to take shape.
A very captivating adventure fantasy with some romance on the side. Insta romance, but oh well. Definitely start at book 1, though the opening does have a recap.
We've seen spiders and tree monsters. Now our heroes must contend with the undead. Rohan begins to see the tangle of political intrigue surrounding him but for the most part ignores it and acts like business as usual. Our Rohan might be pretty but he's kind of an idiot. Finn connects with his daddy giving us sweet, sweet moments. But then we are also met with dark implications as Death Mage Marikoth's plans start to take shape.
March 21, 2022
***I read this book via audiobook format***
The use of two different narrators was brilliant! They made the text come alive. I was blown away by both of their performances. I hope other authors will consider this in the future, although I understand it must have taken considerably time, money, and effort. We the readers are so appreciative!
Book 3 in the series is a return to form for the series and in some ways is the most exciting of any of the books so far. we the readers get to explore the kingdom beyond the Wall and learn more about the culture and customs of the Fae.
Be warned! this story relies heavily upon the "lovers-separation" literary device. where the lovers are separated by circumstance in order for each one to grow individually before being reunited. I usually loathe when stories rely on a separation to build tension between love interests.
However, this book navigates this issue perfectly. There is so much to explore and learn about each character. so neither character becomes a needy pathetic mess longing for the other while doing nothing.
I love how the author takes different chapters and tells events from different character perspectives it really adds a unique and interesting flavor to the story. I highly recommend this to anybody who is interested in fantasy, fiction or lgbtq fiction. ❤️
The use of two different narrators was brilliant! They made the text come alive. I was blown away by both of their performances. I hope other authors will consider this in the future, although I understand it must have taken considerably time, money, and effort. We the readers are so appreciative!
Book 3 in the series is a return to form for the series and in some ways is the most exciting of any of the books so far. we the readers get to explore the kingdom beyond the Wall and learn more about the culture and customs of the Fae.
Be warned! this story relies heavily upon the "lovers-separation" literary device. where the lovers are separated by circumstance in order for each one to grow individually before being reunited. I usually loathe when stories rely on a separation to build tension between love interests.
However, this book navigates this issue perfectly. There is so much to explore and learn about each character. so neither character becomes a needy pathetic mess longing for the other while doing nothing.
I love how the author takes different chapters and tells events from different character perspectives it really adds a unique and interesting flavor to the story. I highly recommend this to anybody who is interested in fantasy, fiction or lgbtq fiction. ❤️
January 21, 2024
I have 3 big interconnected issues with this book: multiple POVs, pacing, and plot twists.
Normally, I enjoy books with multiple POVs but in this series I don’t like how the author executed these narratives. The POVs are all different characters and even different timelines (eg flashbacks). The biggest issue for me is that readers often learn of plot twists (eg paternity, traps set by antagonists, betrayals) well before the main characters. It’s jarring and rips me out of the narrative. I’m judging the characters for being idiots. I’m bored when things are revealed to the characters because I already knew it. It’s not the most cohesive narrative flow.
Additionally, the multiple POVs throws off the pacing. We’ll be following one character going through something chaotic, and then it jumps to a completely different person and scene. There’s one scene where we follow one character who realizes an attack is coming. But then we jump to a completely different POV in a completely different location and I’m scrambling like wait what tf happened. The author does all this work to build up suspense, and then wastes it. Now I, as the reader, have to switch mental tracks to a completely different storyline. It gets annoying very quickly.
Normally, I enjoy books with multiple POVs but in this series I don’t like how the author executed these narratives. The POVs are all different characters and even different timelines (eg flashbacks). The biggest issue for me is that readers often learn of plot twists (eg paternity, traps set by antagonists, betrayals) well before the main characters. It’s jarring and rips me out of the narrative. I’m judging the characters for being idiots. I’m bored when things are revealed to the characters because I already knew it. It’s not the most cohesive narrative flow.
Additionally, the multiple POVs throws off the pacing. We’ll be following one character going through something chaotic, and then it jumps to a completely different person and scene. There’s one scene where we follow one character who realizes an attack is coming. But then we jump to a completely different POV in a completely different location and I’m scrambling like wait what tf happened. The author does all this work to build up suspense, and then wastes it. Now I, as the reader, have to switch mental tracks to a completely different storyline. It gets annoying very quickly.
May 27, 2021
Another action packed book in the series
It's just getting more interesting as I turn each page. The long range effects of the Fae erecting a huge wall to keep humans and Fae separate has managed to bring death and destruction to every country. The humans are suffering from starvation as nothing is growing, the Fae are overrun by refugees, hideous monsters like spiders and tree creatures are gobbling up fae and humans alike. We never know what the real consequences of actions will be until its too late.
Finn is trying to get his father to understand what the wall has done, but in the meantime he's dealing with its effects and having to use death magic.
I'm not pleased that I have to wait for another book in the series. Patience is not my strong suit.
It's just getting more interesting as I turn each page. The long range effects of the Fae erecting a huge wall to keep humans and Fae separate has managed to bring death and destruction to every country. The humans are suffering from starvation as nothing is growing, the Fae are overrun by refugees, hideous monsters like spiders and tree creatures are gobbling up fae and humans alike. We never know what the real consequences of actions will be until its too late.
Finn is trying to get his father to understand what the wall has done, but in the meantime he's dealing with its effects and having to use death magic.
I'm not pleased that I have to wait for another book in the series. Patience is not my strong suit.
March 29, 2021
Awesome
This was really good. It was frightening at times and downright scary in others. There were also lighthearted moments though they were few and far between in this installment. You really get the sense things are ramping up to a climax and resolution. I read this in one go and was on the edge of my chair every step of the way. This is incredible story telling which you don’t really find in this genre anymore. The action here scared me more than the action in any mafia/dark romance I’ve read on Amazon. It felt more real and credible in the uncertainty of good triumphing over evil. You just have to read it!
This was really good. It was frightening at times and downright scary in others. There were also lighthearted moments though they were few and far between in this installment. You really get the sense things are ramping up to a climax and resolution. I read this in one go and was on the edge of my chair every step of the way. This is incredible story telling which you don’t really find in this genre anymore. The action here scared me more than the action in any mafia/dark romance I’ve read on Amazon. It felt more real and credible in the uncertainty of good triumphing over evil. You just have to read it!
March 29, 2021
The saga continues........ The story of the King Rohan De Clare, the king of Rirea and Finn Ashton a servant of Tanglewood manor takes us to them being separated from one another.
I LOOVE the way the story allows you to see Finn's growth, love and loyalty to Rohan. I cannot wait to see what kind of man and ruler he untimately becomes.
Rohan on the other hand is doing everything he can to get back to Finn while learning more about his elven ancestry and the relationship between his ancestors and the fae.
I love the role Christopher comes into and I hope that Serxio and Leonid keep the comedy coming.
All in all this story is full of action and intrigue. 5/5 would recommend!
I LOOVE the way the story allows you to see Finn's growth, love and loyalty to Rohan. I cannot wait to see what kind of man and ruler he untimately becomes.
Rohan on the other hand is doing everything he can to get back to Finn while learning more about his elven ancestry and the relationship between his ancestors and the fae.
I love the role Christopher comes into and I hope that Serxio and Leonid keep the comedy coming.
All in all this story is full of action and intrigue. 5/5 would recommend!
April 8, 2021
Great story!
I am truly enjoying this serial! I honestly didn’t believe she could get much story out of retelling Cinderella using a male Cinder but boy was I wrong! The characters are unique and compelling and the connection between them is very real.
You will definitely need to read the next installment, it only takes a few paragraphs before you will be hopelessly hooked!
I highly recommend you start with the first and second books before reading this one. Raythe does include an extensive summary of what has happened at the beginning which I honestly did not read as I have recently re-read the first two.
I am truly enjoying this serial! I honestly didn’t believe she could get much story out of retelling Cinderella using a male Cinder but boy was I wrong! The characters are unique and compelling and the connection between them is very real.
You will definitely need to read the next installment, it only takes a few paragraphs before you will be hopelessly hooked!
I highly recommend you start with the first and second books before reading this one. Raythe does include an extensive summary of what has happened at the beginning which I honestly did not read as I have recently re-read the first two.
April 11, 2022
Definitely enjoying the X. Aratare flair in this series! Love the balance of drama and heartfelt moments. As I have come to expect with his author the love longing is tempered with a healthy dose of independence and discovering individual strengths. I also love seeing the redemption side stories begin to unravel! Lots of fantastic world building and hope for everything to turn out alright. As usual we are left with a handful of answers and a bucket of new questions which make me anxious to read the next book!
June 17, 2023
I’m afraid I’m done with this series. There is too much world building that leads nowhere. Why do the two main characters always end up separated? This isn’t the only series that does this and I find it unnecessarily disruptive to the love story I’m looking for. While I like Finn and Rohan, I don’t feel like I know them any better after this book than I did after book one. I know this book is popular with readers of this genre, but it’s just not doing it for me. And I can’t imagine getting through three more books to reach the HEA.
September 30, 2022
👏👏👏👏👏
Rayth does it again! This book was amazing as all of her work is. There are few authors who can write like her. I obviously love romance novels but often books like these can loose their plot and focus only on the “good stuff”. But Rayth’s books are on a class of their own because even if this wasn’t a romance I would be hooked and the steaminess is just the cherry on top. 🍒
Rayth does it again! This book was amazing as all of her work is. There are few authors who can write like her. I obviously love romance novels but often books like these can loose their plot and focus only on the “good stuff”. But Rayth’s books are on a class of their own because even if this wasn’t a romance I would be hooked and the steaminess is just the cherry on top. 🍒
December 12, 2022
Excellent!
Please do not be put off by the way they titled this period this is truly a love story for the ages. It is Cinderella meets Lord of the Rings and everything that you want in apparent normal romance and fantasy story. Wonderful action and character development and the love story is truly sublime. An excellent read for anyone!
Please do not be put off by the way they titled this period this is truly a love story for the ages. It is Cinderella meets Lord of the Rings and everything that you want in apparent normal romance and fantasy story. Wonderful action and character development and the love story is truly sublime. An excellent read for anyone!
December 20, 2022
Rating: 4 stars
Another great story in the Cinder and Ashes saga. Finn and Roman were apart for the whole of this book. This didn't really bother me as there was definitely enough going on to keep me interested. I liked that we got a bit from Finn' s brother's perspective. I'm curious to see where the author takes this character. Overall an enjoyable book.
Another great story in the Cinder and Ashes saga. Finn and Roman were apart for the whole of this book. This didn't really bother me as there was definitely enough going on to keep me interested. I liked that we got a bit from Finn' s brother's perspective. I'm curious to see where the author takes this character. Overall an enjoyable book.
March 5, 2024
Audio: 5 Stars Edward Fox and Hannah Hart are a great duo.
Book: 4.5 stars
I am enjoying each installment of this series more than the last. I do have to suspend reality for the length of the relationship between Rohan and Finn, it's very much instalove, but it is explained why soo I am giving this a pass haha.
Now I can't wait to jump in to book 4!!
Book: 4.5 stars
I am enjoying each installment of this series more than the last. I do have to suspend reality for the length of the relationship between Rohan and Finn, it's very much instalove, but it is explained why soo I am giving this a pass haha.
Now I can't wait to jump in to book 4!!
March 31, 2021
Awesome!!
I love this series and can’t wait for the audio on book 3! It just keeps on getting better and better. Love Finn and Rohan so much! oh that cliffhanger did get me upset now it has me thinking like crazy hahaha. I can’t wait for book 4.
I love this series and can’t wait for the audio on book 3! It just keeps on getting better and better. Love Finn and Rohan so much! oh that cliffhanger did get me upset now it has me thinking like crazy hahaha. I can’t wait for book 4.
April 10, 2021
Continues
The mystery continues and some secrets are coming to light. The characters of the various folks are being in question not sure who is who. Finn grows more powerful, his father more fearful of what may happen.
The mystery continues and some secrets are coming to light. The characters of the various folks are being in question not sure who is who. Finn grows more powerful, his father more fearful of what may happen.
April 12, 2021
Sad
The beginning was a bit meh but towards the end of the book it got soooooo good now I’m just sad that we won’t get to read the next book till like near the end of this year :/ but please write more can’t get enough of this series.
The beginning was a bit meh but towards the end of the book it got soooooo good now I’m just sad that we won’t get to read the next book till like near the end of this year :/ but please write more can’t get enough of this series.
April 25, 2021
What can I say about this series. It has my imagination doing flips. I have not been able to put the volumes down, eagerly wanting the next one.
Can’t wait for the next two!!
A must read. It will simply blow your mind and have your imagination doing overtime.
Can’t wait for the next two!!
A must read. It will simply blow your mind and have your imagination doing overtime.
July 24, 2021
Cliffhanger
I'm loving this retelling. It's so detailed and has so much going on. Rohan and Finn are separated but trying to get to each other. Finn is also learning how to embrace his fae side.
Left of a bit of a cliffhanger so it's good that the next book isn't too far off
I'm loving this retelling. It's so detailed and has so much going on. Rohan and Finn are separated but trying to get to each other. Finn is also learning how to embrace his fae side.
Left of a bit of a cliffhanger so it's good that the next book isn't too far off
September 5, 2021
I’m so glad I held off on reading this third installment of Cinders & Ashes. Because the fourth and final book will be released in 5 days! As always, beautifully written and held my attention from the first page to the last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews