Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

In Fire and Ash #2

Raising Hell

Rate this book
Hades sleeps no more.

I woke the god of the underworld and paid his price for a chance to win my freedom. A kiss. Just one. But since surrendering his fee, I can’t stop thinking about doing it again. I am in so much trouble.

Convincing Hades that she’s human is proving more difficult than Ashlyn imagined. The sexy king of Hell believes she’s playing games by withholding what he truly wants: Her. He alternates between outrageous promises to lay the world at her feet and demands for the affection he craves. He doesn’t ask for much. Just…everything.

Even as she denies him, Ashlyn’s drawn closer to succumbing to his desires. And when a mysterious immortal with the ability to enter Hell attempts to kill Ashlyn, she knows there’s nowhere safer than within Hades’ protective arms. Now, not only must Ashlyn safeguard her heart from the seductive Hades, she must also figure out who wants her dead before Hades destroys the whole world in her name.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2023

37 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Haag

47 books1,189 followers
I love to write! Sharing the worlds I've created is beyond amazing . Want to read a book for free? Check out my website at:
http://melissahaag.com/free-ebook/

Connect with me on:
https://twitter.com/MelissaHaag
https://www.facebook.com/author.MelissaHaag

I also write adult books under the pen name M.J. Haag. Happy reading!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
152 (58%)
4 stars
75 (29%)
3 stars
22 (8%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,923 reviews116 followers
May 13, 2023
This is an incredible continuation of this incredible series. It’s gripping, it’s intense and it’s so so addictive that once picked up, I could not put this down. Ashlyn & Hades chemistry is waaaaay off the charts as we continue their story of Ashlyn trying to convince Hades of who she is and Hades not believing her and trying to claim her all the whilst someone is trying to kill her. The world building is incredible and descriptive and you can easily visualise everything and the storyline, well its claims you and does not let go. It’s an amazing twist on the hades and persephone story and has compassion, happiness as well as a little darkness and is so so good.
Profile Image for KatyaRath .
372 reviews24 followers
May 14, 2023
Returning to the In Fire and Ash trilogy for the second installment of Ashlyn’s trilogy—the 9th installment in the world of the Mantirum—Raising Hell continues to follow Ashlyn’s struggles with the god she mistakenly awoke with her accidental arrival in Hell. Because besides the difficulties inherent for a living human in Hell, and determining how she could get home, Ashlyn also has to contend with the fact that Hades is utterly, immovably convinced that she’s Persephone, the wife who so loved to torment him that he’s no longer quite stable because of her various games. Which means that Ashlyn has to maintain a delicate balance between appeasing the stubborn god and pushing him to realize a truth that will change everything for both of them, as well as the rest of their worlds.
Of course, everything changes anyway when an inexplicable intruder starts making attempts on Ashlyn’s life. Hades isn’t about to stand for any threat to his beloved, and Ashlyn knows that the danger is even greater to her than Hades believes, because he remains convinced that she’s more than his wife’s doppelgänger, despite the various evidence she presents to him.
Like all of the books set in the world of the Mantirum, I found Raising Hell riveting to the point that it was nearly impossible to put down. I LOVED seeing the stakes raised for Ashlyn, and the way that her relationship with Hades evolved over the course of the story. Not to mention seeing the other side of Megan’s rescue efforts and visits to Hell! The cameos really flesh out some of the questions raised in Megan and Eliana’s trilogies, and I canNOT wait to see what’s coming in the conclusion of Ashlyn’s story! And hopefully Zoe’s story after, though I can’t imagine that there’s anything in this fascinating world of mythology and children of the gods that I wouldn’t count down the days to reading—and then inhale, like I have every single book thus far. Melissa Haag is absolutely a one-click author for me, under any of the names she writes with, and she excels in every romance sub-genre of hers I’ve read, from dystopian fantasy,to shifter romance, to alien romance, to this mythology-fueled urban fantasy universe. Melissa never disappoints, and I think fans of Meg Cabot’s Abandon trilogy, Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy, and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series will absolutely adore the world of the Mantirum, which begins with Megan’s story in the Of Fates and Furies trilogy.
9 reviews
May 9, 2023
I have received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Melissa Haag has done a beautiful job of making the Hades and Persephone fable her own.

This second installment of In Fire and Ash, is a worthy addition to the Mantirum world. The book starts right as it ended in Going to Hell. And the pace doesn't stop, the new rules and changes to the game keep you guessing right until the end.

Melissa has a beautiful way of putting you right into the worlds she creates. Ashlyn's tour through Hell in the first book really demonstrated how lost and lonely she is and it continues in Raising Hell. Her wording makes you feel like you are Ashlyn and you are feeling every frustration, fear and passion she is feeling.

Hades sets himself apart from the other men in the Mantirum world, he has all the smolder of Oanen and the playfulness of Fenris and really owns the term "devilish". You will not be disappointed the more you get to know this god.

The steam in this book is perfect for older YA (and adults!) She conveys a lot without needing to say much.

I have followed Melissa's storytelling for years and I cannot wait to see where her stories take us next.

It is cliche to say I couldn't put this book down, but I literally couldn't put this book down. My only complaint is how long I have to wait for the next installment. But, Melissa never disappoints, the anticipation will be well worth the wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ꣑ৎ sue (hatter-pendragon version) ꣑ৎ.
194 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2024

this book was just as aggravating as the first one. the only reason why i even finished it was because i wanted to know what in the frick was going on. however, we didn’t really find out much. the whole book pretty much went like this:

ashlyn: i’m not persephone. i’m human. you have to believe me!
hades: no you’re not. you’re playing me.
ashlyn: i swear i’m not lying. *shows proof* see! i’m not her!
hades: no.
ashlyn: but—
hades: NO.


and this happened again and again, until about 95% into the book where we finally found out what really went down with hades and the real persephone. at that point, i was already so exhausted with everything.

also, correct me if i’m wrong but is ashlyn truly seventeen-years-old? she mentioned about her “almost eighteen years” of living among the children of gods, which got me scratching my head. she never acted like a regular 17-year-old. for all intents and purposes, she’s very mature, and handled her situation very well. so, i find it hard to believe she’s still a teenager, and i’m not saying this to belittle teenagers.

i just think that there’s no reason why she couldn’t be 21+ considering the seriousness of the book.
Profile Image for Melanie (words.aremagic).
933 reviews37 followers
May 9, 2023
Raising Hell is the second book in the In Fire and Ash series and it has so much more heat than the first book! Ashlyn is still trying fruitlessly to convince Hades that she isn’t his wife Persephone while also trying not to fall in love with him. The dynamic of Ashlyn’s levelheadedness and Hades always being one second away from losing his mind means that there are no dull moments in this book! With the shift that Haag threw in at the end I know the third and final book is going to be amazing! Raising Hell comes out tomorrow, so make sure you grab your copy of this Hades and Persephone retelling!
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,806 reviews18 followers
May 13, 2023
This is a five-star read that will raise your blood pressure. This is the second story in the Fire and Ash series, and they compliment each other so well, so read the series in order. Ashlyn and Hades really set the page alight, and I don’t mean that in a terrible puny manner. You get deeper and deeper into the story, you get more engrossed in the characters and honestly you won’t be able to put this down, once you start it!! You will be so surprised by the characters as they have ways of surprising you. Now I eagerly await the next chapter.
2,686 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2023
OMG!!!! Hades deserves 2 b happy!!his wife was a bitch!! She hurt everyone but ashyln didn't. She hell 2 hell on accident but what she found in Hades was shocking but even if she wanted more she couldn't cause she needed Hades 2 keep in mind of everything and who she truly is. But when something goes wrong not 1 but 3 xs who and why comes 2 mind and 2 get answers the furies have 2 find answers fast b4 all is lost. Can they find out what they need 2 know? Read and find out asap!! I can't believe how this turned out. I loved it all. I sooooo can't wait 2 find out what happens next!!
Profile Image for Maryjane.
38 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2023
so much more

So the first book was rough for me to consume. I did not even want to continue with this one. But I am thankful my past self bought the bundle and I felt obligated to read book 2. This book is a seamless continuation of the fist. The heroin is so much less annoyingly obtuse about the obvious hints presented to her and has absolutely grown. Hades is still a dark tortured soul yet so worthy of saving and love. So ok. OK Ms. Haag. I accept your challenge and have pre-purchased the follow up book. Bet!
Profile Image for allbythebook.
120 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2023
I was blown away by the first book in this series. This second one is even better, and develops the characters even more fully. I love how Ashlyn is so compassionate but also lays down boundaries. I really feel for poor Hades.

However, mildly anxious about how Hades is going to separate Ashlyn and Persephone in his head and realise Ashlyn is far better for him… can’t believe we have to wait til November for the final book!
Profile Image for Jeannie.
356 reviews
May 9, 2023
“Raising Hell” in the In Fire and Ash series by Melissa Haag, is a fabulous read. You will be gripping your kindle from page one. The chemistry between Ashlyn and Hades is so well written by Melissa. You keep wishing more will happen between them. The world building is amazing as well. I’m really looking forward to the next book. Wish is was already in my hands.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
265 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2023
Even more than what I needed

I don't know if I have the words to express my love and Devotion to this story. It became so much more, and other than one piece of the plot, this had so much light and love. Happiness. I'm crying right now and am desperate for the final installment. The furies involvement meant the world to me. I'm just blown away. Thank you Melissa Haag, for a phenomenal installment!
151 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2023
Definitely a guilty pleasure this one...

A toxic, fascinating, train wreck of a pair that I cannot stop watching... I hate kidnapping romance stories, but this is psychologically pretty thought out... I don't want to wish these two a happy ending... But I do...
4 reviews
May 15, 2023
amazing 🤩

Omg! Can’t wait need more! I was hooked since book one and waited so long for book two, but at least book three is not that far behind. Until then patiently waiting ( not) .
Profile Image for Blue Rose.
1,535 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2023
What hell

With every book Melissa Haag hones her craft to bring us the most beautiful, most exciting, most epic story to engage our emotions and delight our senses. I eagerly await the last book!
Profile Image for Amanda White.
582 reviews10 followers
June 6, 2023
loved it!!

I really enjoyed this book! I love Melissa Haag’s writing style and the way she tells a story. I found the chemistry hot, and the plot interesting. Looking forward to book 3 at the end of the year!
Profile Image for Roxan Arnold.
3 reviews
May 10, 2023
Another amazing read

I love the twist Melissa has on the hades and persephone story. I like that it is not a perfect love story and has darkness to it.
Profile Image for Briana.
1 review
May 10, 2023
A great story

I loved this continuation of Ashlyn and Hades' story, now I can't wait for the last book in the series!
Profile Image for Andie Ryder.
84 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2023
Amazing!

I love the spiraling ups and downs of Hades! I’m so excited for the next book and can’t wait for what happens next!
Profile Image for Samantha Bridges.
272 reviews
May 16, 2023
Just when I thought this story couldn’t get any better!! It’s get spicy!!! I loved every moment with Hades and Ashlyn!! I need more and I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens now….
Profile Image for Kristin.
410 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2023
Even before I recall the characters or the other characters that preceded their series, this author pulls me in.
Profile Image for Mima.
279 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2023
Be warned you will be sucked in and taken for a ride. The world building is amazing and the chemistry is off the charts! Definitely give this series a try you will not regret it!
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
August 21, 2023
Wow, great continuation to book 1. Loved the way this flowed, & found myself liking Hades so much. Can’t wait till book 3 comes out to see what happens next!
23 reviews
September 22, 2023
Better and Better

For all that this series is dark, it's also very well-written. It kept me hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend it. Each book just gets better.
Profile Image for Mary.
27 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2023
wow

Oof I can’t wait to read the third book in the series. So, absurdly excellent. I can’t wait to read the third novel in this series.
Profile Image for Andrea James.
19 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2023
addicting as always

Love seeing the return of those fro Uttira and getting to see Hades change. Looking forward to the next one
Profile Image for Janette.
117 reviews
May 16, 2023
I can't put into words how amazing this book is and keeps me wanting more! I do not like books about Hell, but this is a phenomenal book and series. The more of this series you read, the more you want to read. There is no lull in this book. It keeps going, and I never wanted it to stop! I could never have imagined Hades could be so tender, compassionate, and have so much passion. Holy Moly!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.