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Ashes
Alice Reaper departs from her hometown Boydton, Virginia after her father's tragic death. She begins anew in the small town of Bedford, Ohio as nightmares and the memories of the past haunt her. Longing for inner-peace, she struggles against her own darkness, demons, and the ashes of the life she once lived.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2021
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9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 24, 2022
"Books are the souls of the people who wrote them and the hearts of the people who read them." For Ashes, this cannot be more true. Every line and page of Ashes are tangible pieces of the author's soul; and as a result this tale is rife with emotional catharthis through the exploration of deep, and indelible trauma.
My heart bled for Alice Reaper, the grief-stricken heroine who has endured loss and tragedy beyond her years. Alice's grief is a character all in itself as it manifests in her life through horrific nightmares and insomnia, forming the core of the story in a nuanced and complex manner.
Alice's story is a captivating tale of overcoming one's own demons, which is executed in a grounded and deeply relatable way, but what I loved most of all is the ending in which Alice discovers there is hope slumbering in the ashes of the past.
This was a fantastic debut novel from Grinnell, and I can't wait for what he conjures up next!
My heart bled for Alice Reaper, the grief-stricken heroine who has endured loss and tragedy beyond her years. Alice's grief is a character all in itself as it manifests in her life through horrific nightmares and insomnia, forming the core of the story in a nuanced and complex manner.
Alice's story is a captivating tale of overcoming one's own demons, which is executed in a grounded and deeply relatable way, but what I loved most of all is the ending in which Alice discovers there is hope slumbering in the ashes of the past.
This was a fantastic debut novel from Grinnell, and I can't wait for what he conjures up next!
May 13, 2022
"I desire peace, but dread to face the shadows in order to find it. Vulnerability is difficult. It's as fragile as shards. It takes forever to piece back together but only seconds to destroy."
We all have shadows we must face whether we want to or not. This novel was and is a way for me to express such vulnerability. Writing this novel was a way of catharsis in dealing with my own mental health. It is my hope that when readers pick up this book, they are able to find a voice which allows expression and for them to feel. Whether such feelings include love, hope, loss, grief, depression, and suicidal tendencies. My hope is to give a voice to those who feel entrapped by all these heavy emotions and give them a voice they can identify with.
We all have shadows we must face whether we want to or not. This novel was and is a way for me to express such vulnerability. Writing this novel was a way of catharsis in dealing with my own mental health. It is my hope that when readers pick up this book, they are able to find a voice which allows expression and for them to feel. Whether such feelings include love, hope, loss, grief, depression, and suicidal tendencies. My hope is to give a voice to those who feel entrapped by all these heavy emotions and give them a voice they can identify with.
March 8, 2022
a gothic feel…
I enjoyed this book. I spent most of the story trying to guess if there was a supernatural aspect to the tale or not. Kind of fun to wonder, and to keep having to guess. Ultimately the author deals really well with ptsd and it’s symptoms. The language is reflective of Victorian era literature. I think my favorite detail throughout the book was the quotes from famous gothic tome’s at the start of each chapter. The love all things goth really comes through from Grinnell even the music that’s discussed. I read this on my kindle and it is formatted well and easy to read. It was a nice story to curl up with over the weekend.
I enjoyed this book. I spent most of the story trying to guess if there was a supernatural aspect to the tale or not. Kind of fun to wonder, and to keep having to guess. Ultimately the author deals really well with ptsd and it’s symptoms. The language is reflective of Victorian era literature. I think my favorite detail throughout the book was the quotes from famous gothic tome’s at the start of each chapter. The love all things goth really comes through from Grinnell even the music that’s discussed. I read this on my kindle and it is formatted well and easy to read. It was a nice story to curl up with over the weekend.
January 3, 2022
This is a uniquely powerful story of love and transformation that will be cherished by fans of all things gothic.
This book has an engaging protagonist in the person of Alice Reaper. You are immediately drawn into her world and the mystery of her shadowy past by the carefully worded, evocative use of language that appears throughout.
I kept on wondering where all of this was headed and what would happen next. The ending was unexpected and quite beautiful, really. Give it a read today!
It’s available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million and the publisher’s website @curiouscorvidpublishing
December 8, 2021
Suffused with atmosphere and gothic touchstones, a keen eye toward the past, and a unique perspective on the present, David Grinnell’s novel “Ashes” is an exciting debut from a writer to watch. The protagonist Alice Reaper is haunted by her past, lingering insomnia, and visions of dark figures and orbs. For Alice, nightmares seep into reality and an ordinary evening with friends brings haunting images and unsettling feelings. Her repeated refrain of “fire, ashes, shards” echoes like an antiphon throughout the novel and centers the reader in the interior landscape of a deeply troubled Alice. Through her journey, Grinnell’s writing becomes a meditation on trauma and tragedy and their aftermath. Perhaps the strongest scene is when Alice flashes back to a house fire that becomes a linchpin moment in her life. It teems with visceral fear and cinematic action. I eagerly look forward to Grinnell’s future work and seeing how his writing evolves over time. Overall it’s a promising and ambitious novel that satisfies any lover of Gothic storytelling.
December 18, 2024
Alice Reaper's past clings to her like a shadow. Ever since the haunting night at the funeral home, her life has been consumed by nightmares and the oppressive weight of unseen terrors. Isolated from those she once loved, Alice resigns herself to a life devoid of joy or peace. But when Viviana enters her world, a glimmer of hope cuts through the darkness. For a moment, everything feels possible—until it doesn’t. Can Viviana pull Alice from the depths of despair, or will the shadows swallow her whole?
Ashes, by David Edgar Grinnell, is an evocative exploration of grief, despair, and the journey toward healing. Told in the raw, intimate perspective of first-person narration, readers experience Alice’s turmoil as if it were their own. Her father, Oscar, and other supporting characters add layers to the narrative, showing the different ways people live with—and sometimes succumb to—trauma. Grinnell doesn’t just present pain; he holds a mirror to it, reflecting its complexity and its power to shape lives.
While Ashes dives deeply into themes of sorrow and loss, it offers solace to readers who see their struggles mirrored in the characters. Tarot card readings and philosophical exchanges between Alice and Viviana provide moments of introspection and guidance, carving a path toward hope. The story is as much about finding light in the dark as it is about acknowledging the darkness itself.
Grinnell deftly weaves elements of Gothic tradition, paganism, and tender romance into the narrative, adding depth and dimension to the story. Viviana, with her Gothic charm and fascination with the dark arts, brings an air of mystery and intrigue. Though the spark between Alice and Viviana feels sudden, their unfolding relationship is both poignant and deeply satisfying. The romance balances the novel’s weightier themes, offering warmth and connection amid the bleakness.
One of the novel’s standout features is its cast of characters. Despite their youth, they carry a profound sense of wisdom. Their voices resonate with thought-provoking reflections, often quoting classic literature in ways that feel both meaningful and natural. These moments of insight elevate the story, offering readers not just entertainment, but inspiration.
At its core, Ashes, by David Edgar Grinnell, is more than a tale of grief—it’s a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. Readers drawn to Gothic themes, explorations of mental health, or heartfelt LGBTQ+ romances will find much to cherish in this beautifully crafted novel. It’s a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s a chance to heal and move forward.
Ashes, by David Edgar Grinnell, is an evocative exploration of grief, despair, and the journey toward healing. Told in the raw, intimate perspective of first-person narration, readers experience Alice’s turmoil as if it were their own. Her father, Oscar, and other supporting characters add layers to the narrative, showing the different ways people live with—and sometimes succumb to—trauma. Grinnell doesn’t just present pain; he holds a mirror to it, reflecting its complexity and its power to shape lives.
While Ashes dives deeply into themes of sorrow and loss, it offers solace to readers who see their struggles mirrored in the characters. Tarot card readings and philosophical exchanges between Alice and Viviana provide moments of introspection and guidance, carving a path toward hope. The story is as much about finding light in the dark as it is about acknowledging the darkness itself.
Grinnell deftly weaves elements of Gothic tradition, paganism, and tender romance into the narrative, adding depth and dimension to the story. Viviana, with her Gothic charm and fascination with the dark arts, brings an air of mystery and intrigue. Though the spark between Alice and Viviana feels sudden, their unfolding relationship is both poignant and deeply satisfying. The romance balances the novel’s weightier themes, offering warmth and connection amid the bleakness.
One of the novel’s standout features is its cast of characters. Despite their youth, they carry a profound sense of wisdom. Their voices resonate with thought-provoking reflections, often quoting classic literature in ways that feel both meaningful and natural. These moments of insight elevate the story, offering readers not just entertainment, but inspiration.
At its core, Ashes, by David Edgar Grinnell, is more than a tale of grief—it’s a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. Readers drawn to Gothic themes, explorations of mental health, or heartfelt LGBTQ+ romances will find much to cherish in this beautifully crafted novel. It’s a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s a chance to heal and move forward.
July 23, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Mood: Melancholic, intimate, gothic
Genre: Gothic psychological fiction with LGBTQ+ and grief/loss themes
Pacing: Slow-burn and immersive, with poetic introspection
Welcome to Ashes, where grief is a full-time job, ghosts are emotionally clingy, and trauma is steeped in literary references like it’s being brewed for a dark academia tea party.
This book is essentially a gothic fever dream written by someone who’s definitely had an intense cry over an Edgar Allan Poe quote and then decided, “You know what this story needs? A haunted funeral home, queer romance, and a cremulator.” IYKYK.
Our main character Alice Reaper (yes, REAPER—because subtlety left the group chat) is a sensitive literature student with a collection of dead people, dreams that belong in therapy, and a PTSD bingo card that is one tragedy away from a blackout. She’s mourning her father, her dog Viktor (the real MVP), and every emotional support human who dipped when her grief got too real. And you know what? Fair. Alice is a walking poem with severe insomnia and a taste for Poe and emotional devastation.
Then there’s Ionel, the accent-flavored academic love interest who quotes The Raven like it’s pillow talk. Their dynamic is gentle, a little awkward, and feels like a warm mug of tea after crying in the shower—exactly what Alice doesn’t know she needs. Add in a touch of tarot, a bonfire, and a queer backstory that tugs at the heart, and you’ve got yourself a story that feels like a slow waltz through a haunted diary.
Grinnell doesn’t just write about grief—he dissects it. He embalms it. He throws it in a cremator and makes you watch. It’s vivid, raw, and sometimes uncomfortably intimate. But it’s never gratuitous—it’s just honest.
Triggers to Note:
• Death of a parent
• Pet death and cremation (very detailed)
• PTSD and recurring nightmares
• Depression and suicidal ideation
• LGBTQ+ themes and rejection
• Emotional abuse by friends
• Mental illness and emotional isolation
Verdict:
This is not your typical gothic novel. It’s part memoir, part metaphor, part haunting, with emotional intimacy so sharp it might slice your soul open. Think The Bell Jar meets Pet Sematary, with Poe, a heavy blanket of grief, and a flicker of healing by firelight.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mood: Melancholic, intimate, gothic
Genre: Gothic psychological fiction with LGBTQ+ and grief/loss themes
Pacing: Slow-burn and immersive, with poetic introspection
Welcome to Ashes, where grief is a full-time job, ghosts are emotionally clingy, and trauma is steeped in literary references like it’s being brewed for a dark academia tea party.
This book is essentially a gothic fever dream written by someone who’s definitely had an intense cry over an Edgar Allan Poe quote and then decided, “You know what this story needs? A haunted funeral home, queer romance, and a cremulator.” IYKYK.
Our main character Alice Reaper (yes, REAPER—because subtlety left the group chat) is a sensitive literature student with a collection of dead people, dreams that belong in therapy, and a PTSD bingo card that is one tragedy away from a blackout. She’s mourning her father, her dog Viktor (the real MVP), and every emotional support human who dipped when her grief got too real. And you know what? Fair. Alice is a walking poem with severe insomnia and a taste for Poe and emotional devastation.
Then there’s Ionel, the accent-flavored academic love interest who quotes The Raven like it’s pillow talk. Their dynamic is gentle, a little awkward, and feels like a warm mug of tea after crying in the shower—exactly what Alice doesn’t know she needs. Add in a touch of tarot, a bonfire, and a queer backstory that tugs at the heart, and you’ve got yourself a story that feels like a slow waltz through a haunted diary.
Grinnell doesn’t just write about grief—he dissects it. He embalms it. He throws it in a cremator and makes you watch. It’s vivid, raw, and sometimes uncomfortably intimate. But it’s never gratuitous—it’s just honest.
Triggers to Note:
• Death of a parent
• Pet death and cremation (very detailed)
• PTSD and recurring nightmares
• Depression and suicidal ideation
• LGBTQ+ themes and rejection
• Emotional abuse by friends
• Mental illness and emotional isolation
Verdict:
This is not your typical gothic novel. It’s part memoir, part metaphor, part haunting, with emotional intimacy so sharp it might slice your soul open. Think The Bell Jar meets Pet Sematary, with Poe, a heavy blanket of grief, and a flicker of healing by firelight.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2023
I was overcome with a lot of emotion while reading this hauntingly beautiful modern gothic masterpiece. Alice is a young woman struggling with the demons of her past so much that she frequently dissociates into terrifying and unsettling nightmares. She tries to leave her old life behind by attempting to start over in a different town. But, her past is not so easily forgotten. Like an anchor tied to her ankle, it's causing her to slowly sink into an ocean of her own despair. Will Alice be able to find redemption and peace in the darkest corners of her soul before it's too late?
This novel explores heavy themes such as tragedy, loss, mental illness, grief, and suicide. However, there is still a sense of hope that exists. The author starts each chapter with quotes from Alice's favorite writers such as Hawthorne, Poe, Shelley, and Dickinson that tie into what each chapter is about. As a fan of all of those writers, it was quite pleasing to see all the inspiration from classic gothic literature be weaved so lovingly into this contemporary gothic tale.
The refrain of Fire, Ashes, Shards represents the darkness that Alice must continuously confront in this novel, and the author does an amazing job tying that perfectly into his story. Each carefully crafted sentence is incredibly evocative, and I appreciate all the effort that went into the character development of not just Alice, but Viviana, Ionel, and Oscar as well. They are flawed but truly inspiring characters. You really get a wonderful sense of who these characters are and how their own tragedy helps Alice with hers. I think it shows that we can all find interconnectedness and healing despite tragedy. The human condition is a shared experience, after all, and I think this novel perfectly portrays that. To love and be loved is the one of the best things in the world, and it's an intensely healing experience.
It's a story that will keep you curious as it unfolds in a darkly enchanting and eerie manner. Each page will compel you to read more, and you will not be able to put it down. Additionally, as someone who struggles with mental health, I found that I related a great deal to Alice and her struggles. Because I found a kindred spirit in Alice, this novel helped me confront some of my past trauma, come to term with my flaws, and allowed a deep healing process to take place. I highly recommend everyone read this to help heal some of those emotional wounds. Just be prepared to rise from those ashes and be transformed!
This novel explores heavy themes such as tragedy, loss, mental illness, grief, and suicide. However, there is still a sense of hope that exists. The author starts each chapter with quotes from Alice's favorite writers such as Hawthorne, Poe, Shelley, and Dickinson that tie into what each chapter is about. As a fan of all of those writers, it was quite pleasing to see all the inspiration from classic gothic literature be weaved so lovingly into this contemporary gothic tale.
The refrain of Fire, Ashes, Shards represents the darkness that Alice must continuously confront in this novel, and the author does an amazing job tying that perfectly into his story. Each carefully crafted sentence is incredibly evocative, and I appreciate all the effort that went into the character development of not just Alice, but Viviana, Ionel, and Oscar as well. They are flawed but truly inspiring characters. You really get a wonderful sense of who these characters are and how their own tragedy helps Alice with hers. I think it shows that we can all find interconnectedness and healing despite tragedy. The human condition is a shared experience, after all, and I think this novel perfectly portrays that. To love and be loved is the one of the best things in the world, and it's an intensely healing experience.
It's a story that will keep you curious as it unfolds in a darkly enchanting and eerie manner. Each page will compel you to read more, and you will not be able to put it down. Additionally, as someone who struggles with mental health, I found that I related a great deal to Alice and her struggles. Because I found a kindred spirit in Alice, this novel helped me confront some of my past trauma, come to term with my flaws, and allowed a deep healing process to take place. I highly recommend everyone read this to help heal some of those emotional wounds. Just be prepared to rise from those ashes and be transformed!
January 21, 2025
This is not an easy read, but a journey of transformation that I recommend to anyone living with grief, loss, trauma, PTSD, or mental health issues.
For in this story's darkness is a lining of hope and salvation. An escape from the oppressive weight of grief-filled trauma. A way through the gloomy cycle of insomnia, nightmares, and disassociation.
Alice is held captive by her past. There is no peace, only insomnia or nightmares. When she closes her eyes, she is plagued by fire... ashes... shards.
Trauma clings to Alice, keeping her locked in its jaws with such a grip that she sees its shadows encroaching on the edges of her eyesight during her existence in the waking world.
But then, Alice meets Viviana.
Viviana is not afraid of the shadows or darkness that wraps around Alice, for she has her own shadows.
Viviana is the key to Alice unshackling herself from her past, an unknowing catalyst that helps Alice transform and spread her wings.
This is well-written and deals with some weighty topics in an informed, realistic, and well-rounded way.
Whilst the storyline is very emotional and drenched in grief and loss, the feeling you take away with you is of hope and cleansing healing.
Be prepared for transformation and a story that will stay with you until the ashes fade away...
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
For in this story's darkness is a lining of hope and salvation. An escape from the oppressive weight of grief-filled trauma. A way through the gloomy cycle of insomnia, nightmares, and disassociation.
Alice is held captive by her past. There is no peace, only insomnia or nightmares. When she closes her eyes, she is plagued by fire... ashes... shards.
Trauma clings to Alice, keeping her locked in its jaws with such a grip that she sees its shadows encroaching on the edges of her eyesight during her existence in the waking world.
But then, Alice meets Viviana.
Viviana is not afraid of the shadows or darkness that wraps around Alice, for she has her own shadows.
Viviana is the key to Alice unshackling herself from her past, an unknowing catalyst that helps Alice transform and spread her wings.
This is well-written and deals with some weighty topics in an informed, realistic, and well-rounded way.
Whilst the storyline is very emotional and drenched in grief and loss, the feeling you take away with you is of hope and cleansing healing.
Be prepared for transformation and a story that will stay with you until the ashes fade away...
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
March 22, 2025
This was a strong horror novel, it had that element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening in this world. The characters were everything that I wanted and was hooked from the first page. David Edgar Grinnell has a strong writing style and was glad I was able to read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2025
This is my first book my David, and probably won't be my last. This books deals with a lot of tough topics, but they are depicted so well. I was on a rollercoaster of emotions, and was hooked. Absolutely enjoyed <3.
May 19, 2022
“You’re vulnerable even though you try to conceal it. You stay true to yourself despite what haunts you. I may not specifically know what haunts you but there is a beauty in you.”
I found myself completely and utterly fascinated with Viviana’s character. I found myself turning page after page, quicker and quicker, just to devour more details about her.
Also, I suffer from very chronic and disturbing nightmares. I felt some relief in reading about a character who is also haunted by these nightmares from which she cannot find reprieve. I think some people who have survived trauma are left haunted no matter who much they work on their healing. There is comfort knowing you are not alone, and I am grateful to Alice for keeping me company.
I found myself completely and utterly fascinated with Viviana’s character. I found myself turning page after page, quicker and quicker, just to devour more details about her.
Also, I suffer from very chronic and disturbing nightmares. I felt some relief in reading about a character who is also haunted by these nightmares from which she cannot find reprieve. I think some people who have survived trauma are left haunted no matter who much they work on their healing. There is comfort knowing you are not alone, and I am grateful to Alice for keeping me company.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews