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Heir of Ashes #1
Heir of Ashes
She’ll Burn Before She Surrenders
Phoenix Ashburn is a Runner who has dedicated her life to hunting and killing vampires. She’s determined to be the best, and for a Runner, that means taking risks to achieve glory. When Phoenix unintentionally kills a vampire of status, the Heir to the renowned vampire Coven, she finds herself marked for death by the most powerful vampire in the world, Coven Master Dorian Sterling.
Dorian Sterling has ruled the Coven without mercy for eight centuries and refuses to let his Heir go unavenged. But as he learns more about Phoenix Ashburn, his plans for vengeance develop into something even more sinister.
Phoenix finds herself tangled in a web of revenge, blood, and obsession - one that threatens to destroy everything she’s ever known. Despite the dark attraction she feels towards Dorian, Phoenix is willing to risk anything to be the Runner who killed the Coven Master… even her own life.
Heir of Ashes is the first book in a new adult paranormal duology. It contains adult content and reader discretion is advised.
Phoenix Ashburn is a Runner who has dedicated her life to hunting and killing vampires. She’s determined to be the best, and for a Runner, that means taking risks to achieve glory. When Phoenix unintentionally kills a vampire of status, the Heir to the renowned vampire Coven, she finds herself marked for death by the most powerful vampire in the world, Coven Master Dorian Sterling.
Dorian Sterling has ruled the Coven without mercy for eight centuries and refuses to let his Heir go unavenged. But as he learns more about Phoenix Ashburn, his plans for vengeance develop into something even more sinister.
Phoenix finds herself tangled in a web of revenge, blood, and obsession - one that threatens to destroy everything she’s ever known. Despite the dark attraction she feels towards Dorian, Phoenix is willing to risk anything to be the Runner who killed the Coven Master… even her own life.
Heir of Ashes is the first book in a new adult paranormal duology. It contains adult content and reader discretion is advised.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
39 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Darling
12 books58 followersH.M. Darling is a new adult indie author that lives and burns in Arizona with her scrooge of a cat named Tobey. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. She writes books full of morally gray characters, villainous love interests, and tops it all off with lots of spice!
When she is not writing, you can usually find her collecting houseplants, listening to Taylor Swift, or reading a book from her never-ending TBR list.
When she is not writing, you can usually find her collecting houseplants, listening to Taylor Swift, or reading a book from her never-ending TBR list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 26, 2025
Hey guys I don’t think I remember the fmc’s name can anyone remind me? Oh wait, I think it was “Phoenix Ashburn” because she said it so. Many. Times!!!
Anyways, let me start by saying I absolutely adore this author I’ve met her in real life a couple of times and she is the sweetest person ever! And I love her other book “till the sun dies” this one however, was just kind of okay to me?
I did not care for Phoenix. You couldn’t make me care for her even if you begged me to. Couldn’t stand her. She was obnoxious and way too secretive and untrusting with these people who are supposed to be her basically family? She would tell them anything, especially stuff they needed to know! Like if you’re being hunted by the coven I would want to know girl lol my life is in danger too let me be prepared!!!
Dorian was okay to me, I mean fine man sure, but sometimes I just didn’t get the appeal. To me they felt like one of those couples that wouldn’t survive outside the book, I just don’t get it.
She wasn’t bad, but she wasn’t my favorite. I think a lot of it stemmed from my disdain for the fmc I mean I’ve read books where I didn’t like the fmc and it’s been a good book I just don’t think it was done in the right way for me.
Anyways, let me start by saying I absolutely adore this author I’ve met her in real life a couple of times and she is the sweetest person ever! And I love her other book “till the sun dies” this one however, was just kind of okay to me?
I did not care for Phoenix. You couldn’t make me care for her even if you begged me to. Couldn’t stand her. She was obnoxious and way too secretive and untrusting with these people who are supposed to be her basically family? She would tell them anything, especially stuff they needed to know! Like if you’re being hunted by the coven I would want to know girl lol my life is in danger too let me be prepared!!!
Dorian was okay to me, I mean fine man sure, but sometimes I just didn’t get the appeal. To me they felt like one of those couples that wouldn’t survive outside the book, I just don’t get it.
She wasn’t bad, but she wasn’t my favorite. I think a lot of it stemmed from my disdain for the fmc I mean I’ve read books where I didn’t like the fmc and it’s been a good book I just don’t think it was done in the right way for me.
February 6, 2022
I have to start off with saying, I was an ARC reader for this book and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it. Heir of Ashes had me on the edge of my seat for the last 150 pages or so. It has the perfect combination of fighting and loving. Phoenix Ashburn the MC is a badass vampire huntress.
If you love enemies to lovers books you’ll love this one!
I will be recommending this book to all of my book loving friends.
If you love enemies to lovers books you’ll love this one!
I will be recommending this book to all of my book loving friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
say your name is phoenix ashburn ONE more time
July 25, 2022
Ok so let me start this with I do not write many reviews. But I loved this book. I met the author before this book came out. She is a doll. I loved this book. It's so inclusive. I read it in a day and like two hours. It is totally worth the read. I highly recommend.
March 16, 2024
I FLEW through this book. The world building was quick and to the point, making it easy to follow the storyline and action. It also includes plenty of spice 🤪🥰
February 17, 2022
I found this wonderful, beautiful author on TikTok, and was super lucky when I received this book as an ARC. This is my honest review.
I really enjoyed this! I was sitting on the edge of my seat majority of this book. It was a little predictable in some areas, but it worked for the storyline, so it didn’t bother me as much as it normally would.
The storyline was great, it had some great twists and turns that I did not expect. And there were certain moments when I felt absolutely heartbroken. This was such a roller coaster of emotions!
Phoenix was a very cocky, and knows she’s the best. Her cockiness is her downfall. She’s very flawed, and realistic character. Sometimes you didn’t know whether to love or hate her.
She always believed vampires were monsters, and that she was doing a service being a vampire hunter. But her world does start to crumble, and she goes through some major character developments.
But I’m just saying, Dorian.. that’s all I feel like I need to say. If you know, you know!
SPOILER
My only thing that I could have loved to see more of, is the tension between Phoenix and Dorian. I just felt like they fell into bed too easily, and I just wanted her to be mad at him.
I really enjoyed this! I was sitting on the edge of my seat majority of this book. It was a little predictable in some areas, but it worked for the storyline, so it didn’t bother me as much as it normally would.
The storyline was great, it had some great twists and turns that I did not expect. And there were certain moments when I felt absolutely heartbroken. This was such a roller coaster of emotions!
Phoenix was a very cocky, and knows she’s the best. Her cockiness is her downfall. She’s very flawed, and realistic character. Sometimes you didn’t know whether to love or hate her.
She always believed vampires were monsters, and that she was doing a service being a vampire hunter. But her world does start to crumble, and she goes through some major character developments.
But I’m just saying, Dorian.. that’s all I feel like I need to say. If you know, you know!
SPOILER
My only thing that I could have loved to see more of, is the tension between Phoenix and Dorian. I just felt like they fell into bed too easily, and I just wanted her to be mad at him.
February 9, 2022
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book. I went in relatively blind on the series & really enjoyed the journey.
We follow Phoenix, a Runner (vampire hunter), who has spent her entire life full of rage & on a search for glory but when she kills a vampire high up in the Coven of Vampires things take an unexpected turn. Enter Dorian Sterling, the head of the Coven, definition of tall, dark, broody, & fine as fuck. What does he want from her? What will it take? Is she willing to sacrifice it all?
This book takes you on a journey- slayer vibes but the shades of grey between humans & vampires. Slow-burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity & some delicious spice. Darling takes you in a journey you don't want to end.
Check the triggers & enjoy
We follow Phoenix, a Runner (vampire hunter), who has spent her entire life full of rage & on a search for glory but when she kills a vampire high up in the Coven of Vampires things take an unexpected turn. Enter Dorian Sterling, the head of the Coven, definition of tall, dark, broody, & fine as fuck. What does he want from her? What will it take? Is she willing to sacrifice it all?
This book takes you on a journey- slayer vibes but the shades of grey between humans & vampires. Slow-burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity & some delicious spice. Darling takes you in a journey you don't want to end.
Check the triggers & enjoy
February 3, 2022
I will start this by saying I was an ARC reader and I’m so happy that I was! This book was amazing and once I started, I couldn’t put it down! It is a mix between throne of glass and fresh new reading (for me at least). I loved the characters and though I already read it, have pre-ordered it! I cannot wait for this to be released and will suggest to all of my reading friends! If you are up for plot twists, vampires, vampire hunting, and a slow build enemy to lovers book, look no further!
February 5, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and can honestly say I loved it. The characters and world building were great. The way you can totally imagine all the scenes and feelings the MC is feeling. It was non stop action from the beginning. We're they things I didn't like sure. I would like to see where the author takes this. Although the ending chapters were not surprising. I really enjoyed this book enough to pre-order a physical copy.
Great enemies to lovers story.
Great enemies to lovers story.
Read
October 16, 2022DNF 50%
Everything about this book irritated me. From the main character's name to the way she spoke to everyone grated on my nerves. Her thoughts are a constant repetition; nothing new is entering that brain. Maybe this does get better - but ending it now seems the better option to me.
Everything about this book irritated me. From the main character's name to the way she spoke to everyone grated on my nerves. Her thoughts are a constant repetition; nothing new is entering that brain. Maybe this does get better - but ending it now seems the better option to me.
December 18, 2024
It was dull 🤷♀️ didn’t absolutely despise it, but i also have no intent on reading the 2nd book.
March 19, 2025
I saw this book on instagram and really wanted to like it. But sadly couldn’t. The writer seems chill by her intro and I respect her for writing consensual smut which is now rare for dark romance. But I could not like this writing at all. The characters were flat with no depth. The ML and FML are legit awful people that are deeply unlikeable. You have the FML who went into the vampire killing business because her father was murdered by one. But that is quickly dropped and she just gets off on killing. Shes written like a narcissist that is a raging bitch to everyone and has no personality. She is set up to be a bad ass FML but is so pathetic with no backbone. The ML mentally and physically abuses her? She has sex with him. The ML betrayed her? Immediate sex with him. Someone she “loves” is dying? Sex with him. She is supposed to be the best hunter but is soooo dumb. She knows she is being hunted by all vampires and decides to go around drunk? And hunt alone without her team? At one point she goes to a bar and accepts a drink from a vampire. No shock that it was tampered with. She has no convictions in any of her beliefs. She hates vampires but fucks one. She hates vampires but becomes one. At one point as a human she even cries begging the ML not to kill an evil vampire, when she does not care about vampires dying and loves torturing them. She quickly forgets vampires murder people in the streets and just wants to become a vampire and kill. She forgives the ML so fast I got embarrassed for her. The ML is an awful person too. He treats the FML horrible. He carved her face up. He betrayed her. He hurts her both physically and emotionally. He’s lies to her. He even chooses to murder her in one of the most painful slow ways, showing up much he really cares her her. Honestly, this isn’t even a romance. There was 0 romance in this book. The ML even felt like a background character. The smut was hot, but there was literally no romance in this book. The world building was disappointing and flat too. She only has one good memory with her sister? Even people with bad relationships with their family have more good memories than that. It was very disconnected from other people in the story. The FML doesn’t even show trauma from her dad getting eaten. And when she has to kill her sister shes chill right after. The FML is either emotionless, crying randomly, or horny. Thats it. And the sister so happens to run an anti killing vampires organization after her father was murdered by one? Really? And her vampire lover gave her his blood knowing what would happen? Some of the plot is wonky too. The FML has blood less but the ML decides to drink from her? Smart. The plot twist with the tattoo was surprising. But also didnt make sense as vampires only came out recently and hes 800 years old. He wouldnt have that tattoo. Honestly this was one psychopath loving to hurt another psychopath mixed with god complexes. I have never read a book with the main characters so unrelateable and so unlikeable. As a reader, there was no way to connect with any of them. All their convictions were shallow. It was written too that vampire blood still semi healed if it was in your system. Yet when she freshly has it in hers, she still gets a cold. And the blood does not help her at the injury that happens next. Also bleeding her out doesnt seem like a smart way to make a vampire. He should have just snapped her neck. But no he chooses the most painful slow way to bleed her out. The plot was fast too. I was expecting more but this fell so flat
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
I'm a bit conflicted about this book.
On the one hand I liked it... I liked the writing and some of the elements of the story, like the whole vampire Coven thing.
BUT on the other hand the vampires just felt weak... I mean they don't always have to have magical abilities but I would expect superhuman strength, speed, better hearing and better reflexes. It just seemed unrealistic to me that a human girl can kill a bunch of vampires with just a wooden stake and a dagger... and we're talking over a thousand vampires here. Aren't they able to at least run faster than human hunters? What makes them that much different from humans... I'm not really convinced.
That brings me to my next point... Phoenix is such a hypocritical bitch because she's okay with killing thousands of vampires but them drinking blood and killing humans makes them monsters in her eyes yet she doesn't see anything wrong with her behavior. She seems more like a bloodthirsty serial killer with psychopathic tendencies in my eyes because she actually likes the blood and the killing.
Sadly this book didn't really do much for me. I don't think I'll read the second book. I really need to be more selective with booktok recommendations...
On the one hand I liked it... I liked the writing and some of the elements of the story, like the whole vampire Coven thing.
BUT on the other hand the vampires just felt weak... I mean they don't always have to have magical abilities but I would expect superhuman strength, speed, better hearing and better reflexes. It just seemed unrealistic to me that a human girl can kill a bunch of vampires with just a wooden stake and a dagger... and we're talking over a thousand vampires here. Aren't they able to at least run faster than human hunters? What makes them that much different from humans... I'm not really convinced.
That brings me to my next point... Phoenix is such a hypocritical bitch because she's okay with killing thousands of vampires but them drinking blood and killing humans makes them monsters in her eyes yet she doesn't see anything wrong with her behavior. She seems more like a bloodthirsty serial killer with psychopathic tendencies in my eyes because she actually likes the blood and the killing.
Sadly this book didn't really do much for me. I don't think I'll read the second book. I really need to be more selective with booktok recommendations...
August 30, 2023
“If I was made of fire, he was ice-eternal and unmoving”
5/5⭐️
I knew this would be a 5 star once I picked it up and saw a book about vampires & vampire hunters and it involved romance lol.
The romance was great, the story line was interesting. I really enjoyed all the characters.
Dorian is FINEEEE 🫣🖤
We all know my love for morally grey men with dark hair 😅😂🥲
Stella was a fun character. Her sassiness reminded me very much of Rosalie Hale in Twilight whom I LOVE.
I had a love hate with Phoenix, sometimes she bothered me but I did end up enjoying her a lot once she got her sh*t together lol.
H.M. Does a great job at writing the tension between characters. I really enjoyed that, sometimes I feel like the tension in books between characters can fall flat and that didn’t happen to me during this.
The drama and thriller aspects to this book make it so much more than “just another romance” and that’s something I enjoy.
I’m looking forward to reading more of this series and of their work!
5/5⭐️
I knew this would be a 5 star once I picked it up and saw a book about vampires & vampire hunters and it involved romance lol.
The romance was great, the story line was interesting. I really enjoyed all the characters.
Dorian is FINEEEE 🫣🖤
We all know my love for morally grey men with dark hair 😅😂🥲
Stella was a fun character. Her sassiness reminded me very much of Rosalie Hale in Twilight whom I LOVE.
I had a love hate with Phoenix, sometimes she bothered me but I did end up enjoying her a lot once she got her sh*t together lol.
H.M. Does a great job at writing the tension between characters. I really enjoyed that, sometimes I feel like the tension in books between characters can fall flat and that didn’t happen to me during this.
The drama and thriller aspects to this book make it so much more than “just another romance” and that’s something I enjoy.
I’m looking forward to reading more of this series and of their work!
October 3, 2023
I really liked this book but i was hoping for a cliffhanger to get me excited for the next book and i just didn’t get it. It kept me hooked the whole story though and i enjoyed some of the snippets of Sterling’s history that we got to see. I also felt pretty invested in the characters and their journeys. The second half of the book felt a bit rushed and some of the things that happened just seemed like there wasn’t enough time between them. Enjoyed the spice as always and will for sure be reading the second one but it just wasn’t a 5 star book for me.
Edit after finishing the second book-these should’ve been combined into one large book and i did not get the save i was looking for in the second book. 3/5 ⭐️
Edit after finishing the second book-these should’ve been combined into one large book and i did not get the save i was looking for in the second book. 3/5 ⭐️
November 21, 2023
Bear with me please, this is my first written review. Even though I gave this book two stars I would still recommend it. Why? It was a quick read! We had the introduction of the main and side characters, next thing you know we had all the action and drama, then it was over. I will say majority of the book the characters had me feeling frustrated. It just seemed that I was reading the same scene over again after something new was introduced. For example. drama with her team, meets with the master, drama with family, off to the master, drama with her team once again, you guessed it off to the master. It just felt repetitive.
April 26, 2023
BECAUSE SHE IS PHOENIX FUCKING ASHBUR 🙌
“Everyone in this building answers to you now, Phoenix. You command each of them. You want them to kneel, they kneel or they die. Tomorrow, the whole world will be talking about you. The most powerful woman in the world.”
^^^ that right there had me screaming like as if I had won the lottery! (My kids were a little concerned lol). I absolutely love and devoured this book! Thank you H.M Darling for creating such an amazing world, sucked me right in and I could not stop, now let’s see what Phoenix has in stores for us in book #2.
“Everyone in this building answers to you now, Phoenix. You command each of them. You want them to kneel, they kneel or they die. Tomorrow, the whole world will be talking about you. The most powerful woman in the world.”
^^^ that right there had me screaming like as if I had won the lottery! (My kids were a little concerned lol). I absolutely love and devoured this book! Thank you H.M Darling for creating such an amazing world, sucked me right in and I could not stop, now let’s see what Phoenix has in stores for us in book #2.
August 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I met the author and she is so sweet and I’m so glad I got to read of her books! There was a lot of twists and turns throughout the book had me at the edge of my seat. I could feel the characters raw emotions. The spice in this book was 3/5 🌶️. The only thing that I didn’t like in this book was that some scenes were repetitive and dragged a little bit longer but other than that it was incredible. If you like vampire paranormal romance, enemies to lovers trope, then this book is for you! ☺️
January 2, 2024
I met this author at her book signing and I really liked her. This has a pretty good storyline that I don’t read very often. I do wish her name wasn’t so out-there just because everyone else’s names are so….. normal? Maybe I’m just being picky. I enjoyed her colorful imagery I felt like I was sucked in and could imagine everything happening in the book. I’m not a huge fan of the *slightly* toxic relationship between Phoenix and Dorian but that’s just my preference.
April 27, 2025
Book Review
I was hooked this entire book! I loved everything about Phoenix Ashburn. Her name, her ‘take no sh*t attitude’, and her very ironic ending! The story flowed really well and I actually started to like and want more of Stella and Phoenix. Didn’t like Dorian a few times, but if Phoenix ends up being okay with him, I guess I can too. She was an all around bada*** and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I was hooked this entire book! I loved everything about Phoenix Ashburn. Her name, her ‘take no sh*t attitude’, and her very ironic ending! The story flowed really well and I actually started to like and want more of Stella and Phoenix. Didn’t like Dorian a few times, but if Phoenix ends up being okay with him, I guess I can too. She was an all around bada*** and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
June 15, 2025
Pros:
- Descriptive settings
- I did appreciate the fight scenes and how they were written.
Cons:
Plot? Hanging on by a thread. Repetitive writing, horrible usage of First Person POV, many grammer mistakes. MC has no idea what she wants ever, nothing makes sense, is this copied and pasted from wattpad?
I am always down for a vampire read. Crave the genre. Yet again and again I am severely let down. If this was able to get published, Bloomsbury I am SO ready for a contract.
- Descriptive settings
- I did appreciate the fight scenes and how they were written.
Cons:
Plot? Hanging on by a thread. Repetitive writing, horrible usage of First Person POV, many grammer mistakes. MC has no idea what she wants ever, nothing makes sense, is this copied and pasted from wattpad?
I am always down for a vampire read. Crave the genre. Yet again and again I am severely let down. If this was able to get published, Bloomsbury I am SO ready for a contract.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2022
Amazing!
I really loved this book! Couldn’t put it down for very long at all because I kept needing to know what happened! The twists and turns made me laugh, cry and want to throw it occasionally but so well worth the read!!
I really loved this book! Couldn’t put it down for very long at all because I kept needing to know what happened! The twists and turns made me laugh, cry and want to throw it occasionally but so well worth the read!!
July 26, 2023
Love. I’ve never been as happy as I am now to support an indie author more in my life. Holy moly. So sexy and well written. What makes me love the author more is her love of studio ghibli! I need moreeeee <3
October 19, 2024
3.75
I am so conflicted with this one. It was good and i enjoyed myself. I just have no idea if i like dorian or not. Like it def was manipulative but i havent decided if i like that or not with this book lmao. There were some twists that I did appreciate tho. And i really liked the writing.
I am so conflicted with this one. It was good and i enjoyed myself. I just have no idea if i like dorian or not. Like it def was manipulative but i havent decided if i like that or not with this book lmao. There were some twists that I did appreciate tho. And i really liked the writing.
August 18, 2024
🧛🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 11, 2025
I walked into the bookstore and she was signing books. I had to grab one it was intrigued. got it home and read it and it's a really great book she's a great storyteller
July 18, 2025
really like this!
June 15, 2023
Review to come! Loved this book can’t wait to pick up the second one!
March 1, 2022
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Before I start, I will say I walked into this book blind, which I love to do! I had no idea what the book was about, but was greeted with some trigger warnings for several items, so be sure to review those on the very first page. (This could be me being over sensitive, but if gas lighting or an abusive narcisist has ever been a part of your life, one of the main characters may be a bit triggering.)
With that said, overall I loved this book! In the beggining I felt like I stumbled into the world as opposed to having a smooth introduction. Because I came in blind, it was hard to see if the vampires were truly hated outside of Phoenix's personal experience, or if they were excepted in this world. I will say it took a very long time for this books to get to the spicy section until about 60% into the book, I thought this book was bordering on the Young Adult line, but was slapped in the face with sudden spicy scene (which does continue through the end of the book). Had I known this was a spicy book, I may have been waiting impatiently for the spice to kick in Haha!
For me this was very much like a blend of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with a dash of Vampire Academy, but for adults. I was mad everytime my eyes got tired becasue I wanted to finish this book so much sooner than I did. As this book is definitely fast pace, it did leave a little need for developing certain relationships between the runners in order to feel emotionally bothered when something upsetting happened with the team...becasue you know we all love to feel broken by books. :P
I am very excited for the next book and seeing where this story goes, as there was definitely a shift in world views. Looking forward to FALL!
Before I start, I will say I walked into this book blind, which I love to do! I had no idea what the book was about, but was greeted with some trigger warnings for several items, so be sure to review those on the very first page. (This could be me being over sensitive, but if gas lighting or an abusive narcisist has ever been a part of your life, one of the main characters may be a bit triggering.)
With that said, overall I loved this book! In the beggining I felt like I stumbled into the world as opposed to having a smooth introduction. Because I came in blind, it was hard to see if the vampires were truly hated outside of Phoenix's personal experience, or if they were excepted in this world. I will say it took a very long time for this books to get to the spicy section until about 60% into the book, I thought this book was bordering on the Young Adult line, but was slapped in the face with sudden spicy scene (which does continue through the end of the book). Had I known this was a spicy book, I may have been waiting impatiently for the spice to kick in Haha!
For me this was very much like a blend of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with a dash of Vampire Academy, but for adults. I was mad everytime my eyes got tired becasue I wanted to finish this book so much sooner than I did. As this book is definitely fast pace, it did leave a little need for developing certain relationships between the runners in order to feel emotionally bothered when something upsetting happened with the team...becasue you know we all love to feel broken by books. :P
I am very excited for the next book and seeing where this story goes, as there was definitely a shift in world views. Looking forward to FALL!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews