Why wasn’t I enough? Why did you and Dad forget you had me to take care of and love? I miss you.
Do you even know where I ended up? Let me tell you.
At the gates of Hell.
And I wish I was being dramatic, but Darkwood Academy is just that. A literal Hell for me.
I’m constantly bullied and tormented by the students here. And they’re relentless in their pursuit to get rid of me. All because they take directions from the Kings of Darkwood.
Yeah, I laughed too. Who calls themselves that?
But Daxon, Mason, and Colton are three guys who have made it their mission to make my life hell. They run this school, and I seem to be in their way. Why not get everyone to gang up on me?
I just wish you were here. I have no one to turn to, no one to talk to. You selfishly left me. Left me to live this life alone.
And that’s what I am, Mom. Alone.
I hope you’re watching over me from above. I know I’m looking up to you. Because now more than ever, I need a guardian angel.
Love,
Phoenix
This book ends in a cliffhanger and is part of a Why Choose series. Please be advised that this book contains strong subject matter that may not be suitable for all readers. This book contains scenes that may depict, mention, or discuss: anxiety, blood, bullying, death, depression, emotional abuse, self-harm, slut shaming, stalking, suicide, and violence. There is profanity and sexual situations. Reader discretion is advised.
*This was originally a 3 star review but after being contacted by the author, the woman who runs her street team and the woman who runs her arc team I was repeated told I didn’t like the book and that I shouldn’t read the rest of the series. So I changed my rating to a 1 star to reflect the fact that I apparently didn’t like the book.*
I so badly wanted to love this book for several reasons. For one I absolutely love bully romances and dark romances. I had high hopes with the way that From the Ashes started but by chapter two I was already over the female lead, Phoenix. I do love her name though!
While I understand some traumatic things happened to Phoenix, I found her to have the most negative and often times toxic, attitude. When someone was genuinely being nice to her she responded with rude comments and a nasty attitude. I’m all for sarcasm and snarky comments but this was not it. Nothing seemed to be good enough for her. In my opinion her take on housewives and anyone with a little bit of money was toxic.
Another issue I had was the bullying. First off the insults were repetitive. Wh*re, sl*t and trailer trash were the only names used for the most part, I believe h*e was used once or twice. The bullying itself was also repetitive and underwhelming.
The final issues I had was telling the two out of the three guys apart and I felt like several parts skipped around.
My favorite part of From the Ashes was the cliffhanger it ended on which is why I gave it 3 stars instead of the 2 i was originally going to. While I saw it coming I enjoyed it and it left me looking forward to the next book.
Skip this one. Nothing original here. Predictable. Clichéd. Everything I read in this book has happened in numerous other bully books. Same bully techniques. Same mean girls. Same ‘strong’ h who is not strong at all and falls so quickly for the guys bullying her. Same ‘shocking’ betrayal at the end. Same. Same. Same. Boring. Boring. Boring.
Lynn Rhys has popped my RH cherry and there's no one else I'd rather have had for my first time. I absolutely devoured this book. I'd never read bully before either, but the way Lynn wrote it was so intense, unnerving and intimidating, and yet so so hot that you're a mess of contradictory emotions after every scene. You want to kill the boys and submit to them each time. And therein lies the delicious tension. I adore Phoenix. Her comebacks are absolutely hilarious and her strength just makes the whole book hum with energy. And then we get to Mason, Dax and Colt, the trinity with something for everyone. I loved how distinct their personalities were, how unabashedly sexual they were and how they begin to soften around Phoenix in the later chapters. It was magical and some of those s*x scenes were off-the-charts hot. I adore this author and this book was a thrilling, scintillating explosion of joy to read. I can't wait for book 2!
Holy crap! This is my first book by Lynn Rhys, and it certainly won't be my last!! Was a damn good story! Not only did it have mystery but so many twists and turns and totally hot alpha males!!! And talk about a book hangover!!! 5 stars all around. Check trigger warnings on this one as it touches on some heavy stuff!!
I think my heart is bleeding. This book put it through the wringer. Pulled it out of my chest, threw it on the ground, stomped on it, then put it back in my chest. I read the last quarter of the book with my stomach in knots.
And it was awesome.
It’s a very dark, bully academy revere harem romance. The FMC, Phoenix, can withstand most of the bullying, but she has already suffered much in her 18 years and can only be pushed so far. The question is, how far is too far? What will be the tipping point that finally breaks her?
I loved reading From the Ashes. It started as the typical bully academy story (as they all must), but then it veered off on its own path. Every time you think you know what will happen, the story takes a turn. You think things are starting to look up, then… well, you need to read it.
In addition to the romance element, there is also an underlying mystery. Take nothing at face value.
Book one ends with a brutal cliffhanger. It will leave you salivating for the release of book two.
Please heed TW and CW before reading if necessary. There are very dark elements in this book, many concerning mental health.
Wow! This was a great story with and ending that left me wanting the next book now. Going through Phoenix's life and her struggles was a good story. The things that she has fought against and overcame is astounding and had me cheering for her. I can't wait for the next book!
DNF, this is really cliche and the MCs are really unlikeable all around, it's hard to get behind anyone. I started skimming early and just decided to move on to something else.
It has been a very long time since I have been in school and i don't necessarily want to go back but I would make an exception for Darkwood Academy and the Kings of Darkwood...Daxon, Mason, and Colton.
Daxon and Colt are the more vocal of the group as Mason is the introvert of the three. Yet, this does not mean that he is to be dismissed. I am an introvert as well. As the saying goes "It is the silent ones that you have to watch out for". With each passing moment that the guys got closer to Phoenix, my heartbeat faster. Additionally, I found myself edging closer to the edge of my seat in anticipation.
There is the cliffhanger ending. Um, yes, I do need to read the next book not just because of the ending but because I need more of Daxon, Mason and Colt. From the Ashes is a scorching, hot read not to be missed!
Wow, This book literally made my heart stop. This book was the first book I have read by Lynn and I was not disappointed at all. The book may be dark and have trigger warnings but if you enjoy the darker books this one is most certainly an epic read for you I would highly recommend this book for your darker sides. This is the first book of the series in the Dark wood Academy Series and I am only expecting spectacular thimg in the coming books based on this first one. The Characters are epic, the FMC Pheonix has been through alot in her life but it inly makes her a great character in this read. And the men well I am looking forward to seeing what happens. This book does end of a cliffhanger.
I skimmed through out of curiosity but I hated the heroine from the very start. I have read bully-romances that I've liked but this one? Nope. The heroes are bullying out of ignorance, they are very aware that there is no reason for their bullying, aware of how much they are hurting her and still they continue and then out of the blue (or maybe i couldnt find the right page) they decide to be "the lovers" and she just lets them. Seriously, i did not like any of the characters, i feel theirrelationship is only therr because she is the heroine and nit for anything else.
Phoenix has lost everything!! First her dad and now her mom. The only family she has left is her moms sister who doesn’t even care that she’s around. She moves in with her aunt and is sent to Darkwood Academy for her senior year. Darkwood is full of elite, pompous assholes!!
At the top are the Kings of Darkwood, Dax, Mason, and Colton. They have turned everyone at the school against Phoenix and she doesn’t know why.
Dax, Mason, and Colton are on a mission. Operation get Phoenix to leave Darkwood. She doesn’t belong there and her past will taint the school and its students. But she is not the “trash” that they were told about. She’s actually feisty and caring and wears the weight of her circumstances on her shoulders.
I cannot tell you how much I loved this book!! Phoenix is a spitfire and feisty and sassy. Her retorts are hilarious! I loved how different she was from everyone else. She didn’t care about their elitist bullshit or hierarchy. She was unapologetically herself and I LOVE HER!!
Now I wanted to fucking smack the guys. They literally said some of the meanest things to her that I’ve ever read. But they were only following orders. They turned out to be very likeable.
My final thoughts are FUCK YOU LYNN for that ending. Ugh 😩 But I have faith that you will make it all better. Don’t hurt me again, you hear?
My heart is bleeding for a Phoenix, it’s such a roller coaster emotional ride for her. The cliffhanger is literally killing me, even though we get to see the both of next book but still, my anxiety is piqued with all the anticipation of what happens next. Phoenix has a very strong character and she is very kind. I love how she tackles her problems head-on.
I have read other books by Lynn Rhys and they were good but this book completely touches my heart and will definitely leave a mark. I love how she writes and brings life to the characters, everything seems so surreal. This book has perfect a amount of spice that will leave you soaked and wanting for more. It has some major trigger warnings and you must read them first before starting the book.
The best part of the book that roped me in was its blurb and it left me wanting to know what when why. Every pain, every feeling of Phoenix does feel like it’s my own. Boys Daxon, Mason, and Colt are like a puzzle to me, I couldn’t make out their actual intentions and it leaves me in a midst of figuring out what actually they mean by everything.
It’s a very dangerous game Kings are playing and it seems only Phoenix is going to pay for it. Being left alone and having that feeling for a long time just starts breaking the spirit and it’s too much for her to deal with. I’m still in awe of her persona and determination to make herself a life in spite of all the darkness lingering in the corner.
To say this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement. You know when you’re reading a book and you feel everything the character is going through? That’s how From the Ashes felt.
Phoenix lost her father to what the police were saying was a suicide. Then her mother takes her own life. Left with a note from her mother, a box of secrets, and a locket, Phoenix is sent to live with an aunt she didn’t even know existed, an aunt who wants nothing to do with her. But her aunt is rich, and with that, gets Pheonix into Darkwood Academy, so she can finish off her senior year.
Darkwood is a school for the rich and elite, and Phoenix got in on a scholarship, something everyone immediately looks down on her for. Except for her new roommate Liz, who seems too nice to seem genuine. She also catches the eye of Daxon, Mason, and Colt, the Kings of Darkwood. But Daxon’s dad has it out for her because of something that happened in the past, and he makes the boys do everything in their power to get her out of the school. The boys get more than they ask for when they start to fall for Pheonix. But secrets of the past always find a way out, and all their lives will be changed forever.
This book has several trigger warnings, including suicide, self-harm, bullying, and slut shaming. Please read them all before starting this book.
Holy moly. The ride this book took me on. Phoenix has had to go through so much. I loved everything about this book. The ending made me cry and I legit cannot wait until the next book. This was my fi4st book by Lynn and it most certainly will not be my last. I highly recommend this book!
Both her parents dead, Phoenix was now in the care of her aunt. She was sent to Darkwood, a school for the extremely wealthy, and where the Kings were hell bent on making her life a misery. A story of tradegy, abuse and bullying suffered by such a stoic woman, who gave as much as she got, thought to be an easy target but proved the exact opposite. An excellent, steamy read that I thoroughly enjoyed and will definitely be reading more from this talented author. Great job!
Phoenix is a fantastic character. She’s suffered so much, continues to suffer, but she stands strong. She doesn’t let anyone see anything other than snark and confidence, and I love the way she speaks her mind to the kings. This story has dark themes throughout, but I was still surprised by how dark it got by the end. I’m anxious to see what happens next!
Wow as if Phoenix hasn’t suffered enough in her life she’s sent my her Aunt to Darkwood Academy. The minute she gets there the other students set out to destroy her except Liz her room mate . The academy is ruled by the Kings and Queens and of course they are the ringleaders in causing her a much trouble as they can. That ending though I hope the idiot Kings realise there’s something much deeper at play and a certain Kings father is or pulling everyone strings for his own gain.
This is my first Lynn Rhys book. This will not be my last.
Lynn has created a fantastic world and some fantastic characters. Her writing is stellar! She made Phoenix such a strong character but a character that is capable of being broken. Everyone is at some point though, right?
This is an enemies to lovers RH with 3 dark and special men and one strong but broken woman. Phoenix is about to turn 18 at the start of the book, on her senior year. So yes, this is technically a high school academy but they’re ‘adults’ after a bit.
There were so many dark and twisted turns in this. I felt like I got some whiplash while reading this because you never knew how someone was going to act or if they were even being truthful. Everyone felt like they had secrets, even the psychiatrist that Phoenix sees. He’s somehow the sketchiest to me even though he didn’t exactly do anything.
The only thing I don’t exactly care for is the fact that Phoenix ends up with loss of control of her body too many times throughout. Oh he touched me the slightest? I need him. Loss of control / Insta lust is prevalent and its normally something that can throw me off from a book, or at least ruin the immersion of it but the story was great enough that I quickly moved on.
The ending though. The cliffhanger made me feel exactly how I expect to when it’s a good one. It wasn’t a light tap, it was a slam right into the wall. Maybe even a slight concussion.
I am looking forward to reading From The Darkness and anything else that Lynn Rhys releases.
I can't breathe!!! This book!!! *gasp* I'm just trying to wrap my head around it all - there are so many twists and turns, hot alphaholes, tragedy, betrayal, sizzling hot scenes, mystery and so, sooo much heartache. You really have to heed the triggers, since there are some very heavy themes, but if you're ok with those - you HAVE to read this book! I need more than 5 stars! And, on a side note - that cover is GORGEOUS! 😍
Absolutely phenomenal!!! A roller coaster of an emotional ride. One chapter I'm questioning the characters' choices and actions; the next, I'm so emotionally invested in the story I don't see the end of the book sneak up on me! This book dives deep into the emotional turmoil and psyche of someone going through the after-effects of a trauma. Lynn Rhys has done a fantastic job of showing the thought process and actions of someone (unbeknownst to them) going through unmanaged depression. This is the first book I have read from this author and it won't be the last. She made me have deep feelings in relation to the characters, feelings that are more than just laughing at a witty comment or funny scene, a feat that only a few authors have the ability to claim. Literally, a few. I need the second book to be out now, I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Fair warning-this book ends on one hell of a cliffhanger, one that is worthy of Tate James, Heather Long, or Sheridan Anne.
From The Ashes is book #1 in The Dark wood Academy series. Its a dark, why choose romance. Make sure to check the trigger warning.
All I can say is wow!!
Phoenix has been thru so much and has lost so much. She gets to sent to live with her aunt, that treats her like crap, and her aunt enrolls her into Darkwood Academy, where Phoenix has to deal with even more.
The three kings of Darkwood Daxon, Mason and Colton are out to break Phoenix and are tasked with getting her out of the school. But, they dont have all the pieces and feel a connection with her.
Phoenix is so freaking strong and that cliffhanger broke my heart a little and has me on the edge of my seat! I cant wait for the next book!!
(CHEF'S KISS X100) Finished this book in one day. So satisfied with how the cliffy ended and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book. I love how Phoenix was built and how her character is portrayed. Lynn writes her like a normal day teenager and it makes it easy to put ourselves in her shoes. She goes through the normal routine of our daily lives and the same emotions that we feel. The emotions run deep in the book and the pain hurts me as I read the book. It's like a connection somewhere. The men are your typical broody a&holes that breaks her down to smithereens. Breaks my heart. I didn't fall in love with them as I would like to because I couldn't really see the redemption. Will be needing the next books out asap to determine the redemption. I'm satisfied about the cliffy but I'm not satisfied because my curiosity is jumping all out of wack. Crossing my fingers so hard that the next book comes out quiiiiiiiiiiiick. Thanks to Lynn Rhys for an amazing read and a night of no sleep.
HOLY CRAP THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. THIS BOOK HAS ME CRYING AT 3AM WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN SLEEPING😭. The rollercoaster of emotions I felt while reading this is INSANE. I'm rooting for the main character so much, she's been through so much shes literally at her breaking point. The way the author writes the story it makes u feel everything the fmc is feeling. This is a bully/enemies to lovers RH with 3 guys that I love but at the same time want to beat the crap out of. The book was all over the place in the sense that sometime it got very dark and the next scene everyone was nice. Which is good cause it keep u on ur toes and u can't expect whats gonna happen next.
This book fr got me out of the reading slump I was in and I can't wait until I read the second one. I recommend this book to anyone it might be one of my favorites this year I CANT HELP BUT SCREAM AGAIN HOW GOOD THIS BOOK WAS.
Add this to the list to be read, coming August 16th! I received an ARC of this one and it did not disappoint. It has an intriguing storyline that will leave you begging for more. Do read the triggers as some content may be off putting for some.