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Dark Eden #1
The Ash Gardeners
A reaper running from her past.
A human with a price on his head.
A love that will destroy the balance between the living and the dead.
Renae Martin is duty bound to protect the secrets of the dead, even if it means stealing memories and devouring a few souls. Her deadly gift, however, has always had a mind of its own. She’ll need to keep it on a tight leash if she wants to pass her probation and avoid being sent back to the sensory deprived hell that is the afterlife.
Too bad Renae’s gift has other plans. Gods help her, because it wants him—the man she accidentally resurrected. Now she’s stuck inside his head and will do anything to sever their psychic connection before it jeopardizes her mission, her sanity, and her self-control. But there’s more to Liam Riley than his stormy personality and filthy imagination. He’s determined to unravel Renae’s secrets one by one to get to the truth behind near-death experience.
When things heat up between them, Renae must decide where her loyalties lie—with the clandestine organization that owns her, or with the man who wants to teach her what it means to be alive.
Either way, one of their souls will burn.
A human with a price on his head.
A love that will destroy the balance between the living and the dead.
Renae Martin is duty bound to protect the secrets of the dead, even if it means stealing memories and devouring a few souls. Her deadly gift, however, has always had a mind of its own. She’ll need to keep it on a tight leash if she wants to pass her probation and avoid being sent back to the sensory deprived hell that is the afterlife.
Too bad Renae’s gift has other plans. Gods help her, because it wants him—the man she accidentally resurrected. Now she’s stuck inside his head and will do anything to sever their psychic connection before it jeopardizes her mission, her sanity, and her self-control. But there’s more to Liam Riley than his stormy personality and filthy imagination. He’s determined to unravel Renae’s secrets one by one to get to the truth behind near-death experience.
When things heat up between them, Renae must decide where her loyalties lie—with the clandestine organization that owns her, or with the man who wants to teach her what it means to be alive.
Either way, one of their souls will burn.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
36 people are currently reading
13695 people want to read
About the author
J. Ember Hintz
5 books113 followersJ. Ember Hintz writes fantasy and paranormal romance because the real world has too many monsters and not enough magic.
You’ll meet rebellious women fighting for agency in J.Ember Hintz’s stories and the morally gray men willing to burn for them as they rise from the ashes.
As someone living with chronic illness, J. Ember strives to include characters facing physical and mental health challenges in her work with authenticity and heart. She loves hard-won happily-ever-afters, and the torture of a slow burn and believes the villain is the most important character in every story—especially if he’s the tall, dark and dangerous love interest.Her debut novel, Garden of Echoes and Ash, won the Prism Award for Best First Book, was a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and a semi-finalist for the Book Life Prize by Publisher’s Weekly.
When not conjuring tales of deception and desire, J. Ember can be found taking a log walk in the woods with her muse and spending time with her family. By day, her alter ego works at a botanical garden, drawing endless inspiration for the lush settings and quirky plants that find their way into her stories.
Follow her author life shenanigans by joining her No Damsels Newsletter.
https://jemberhintz.com/contact-4
You’ll meet rebellious women fighting for agency in J.Ember Hintz’s stories and the morally gray men willing to burn for them as they rise from the ashes.
As someone living with chronic illness, J. Ember strives to include characters facing physical and mental health challenges in her work with authenticity and heart. She loves hard-won happily-ever-afters, and the torture of a slow burn and believes the villain is the most important character in every story—especially if he’s the tall, dark and dangerous love interest.Her debut novel, Garden of Echoes and Ash, won the Prism Award for Best First Book, was a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and a semi-finalist for the Book Life Prize by Publisher’s Weekly.
When not conjuring tales of deception and desire, J. Ember can be found taking a log walk in the woods with her muse and spending time with her family. By day, her alter ego works at a botanical garden, drawing endless inspiration for the lush settings and quirky plants that find their way into her stories.
Follow her author life shenanigans by joining her No Damsels Newsletter.
https://jemberhintz.com/contact-4
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 20, 2022
This book helped me step out of my literary comfort zone and left me begging for more. So many twists and turns that I am anxious for the next installment! It was interesting to read spicier scenes from each character's point of view.
December 19, 2022
The magic system was really intriguing and definitely a slow burn romance. Most of the action centered towards the end but there was some mystery in the beginning. Only reason it did not get a 5/5 for me was because occasionally it was hard to follow a line of events but overall very interesting and I will be looking forward to the next one.
September 1, 2022
i thoroughly enjoyed this book. i usually don’t gravitate towards sci-fi style books but this one was SO good! definitely spicy and has some good twists and turns! loved it :)
September 11, 2022
I met J. Ember Hintz at a sunflower festival. Where I purchased her book The Ash Gardeners. She was absolutely fantastic and signed the book. Moved it to the front of my TBR and I'm so glad i did. I could not put this book down.
dropped
September 18, 2022My apologies to the author and goodreads giveaways, but I am dropping this book. I know if I were to finish it and write a proper review, I would not have very good things to say because I have realized that I am not the target audience for this book and I really do not mesh with this author’s writing style. I really wanted to keep reading because I won this in a goodreads giveaway (and honestly, if I had won a physical book I probably would have made myself keep going), but because it was an ebook I felt a bit better about stopping for some reason. Apparently, I’m biased when it comes to ebooks vs physical books.
Anyway, here’s a little list of why I decided not to continue reading. First off, I wasn’t aware of how romantically inclined this book would be. I thought it would be mostly sci fi, but it makes it very obvious that the romance takes center stage, which isn’t my jam when it comes to sci fi/fantasy. The romance itself was feeling pretty forced and rushed, and was completely overshadowing the more interesting magic going on. At 27% into the novel, I still was not clear on what the invisible appendages attached to our heroine’s back were, and had no idea what her reaper abilities actually were supposed to do other than assess the color of people’s feelings. The transitions between scenes were also really abrupt and often left me hanging with no resolution to what had been happening previously. I feel bad not finishing a goodreads giveaway, but I just feel no connection to this story. Again, my apologies. And thank you for the opportunity.
I received a free ebook copy of this novel from the author and goodreads giveaways in exchange for my honest opinion.
Anyway, here’s a little list of why I decided not to continue reading. First off, I wasn’t aware of how romantically inclined this book would be. I thought it would be mostly sci fi, but it makes it very obvious that the romance takes center stage, which isn’t my jam when it comes to sci fi/fantasy. The romance itself was feeling pretty forced and rushed, and was completely overshadowing the more interesting magic going on. At 27% into the novel, I still was not clear on what the invisible appendages attached to our heroine’s back were, and had no idea what her reaper abilities actually were supposed to do other than assess the color of people’s feelings. The transitions between scenes were also really abrupt and often left me hanging with no resolution to what had been happening previously. I feel bad not finishing a goodreads giveaway, but I just feel no connection to this story. Again, my apologies. And thank you for the opportunity.
I received a free ebook copy of this novel from the author and goodreads giveaways in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 24, 2022
I won this book from a giveaway, and if it were not for that I probably would have never read it on my own. however, with that being said, it was such a surprising read!
it took such an interesting twist on the reap, and what the afterlife looks like. it deals with addiction and the struggle beyond getting sober and doing it so well. the Characters are beautifully flawed and come across as real people with real issues. Now I wouldn't call this an enemy to lovers read, as the two main characters really are not enemies, it would fall somewhere between a forced relationship and a relationship of convenience for me. It wasn't the easiest thing to read even though once you get going you could easily finish it in one sitting, there is a lot of back building you have to get through but the author does it in nice little sprints so you don't feel like you are getting info dumped. there is just enough angst in the story to have you rolling your eyes and yelling at a few of the characters but I think that just plays well with who their characters are.
June 19, 2023
Christ on a crutch, this shit was something else and I'm not entirely sure that's a good thing.
I'm not gonna lie, this book was just weird.
The lore was strange. Like Renae being a Reaper, sure. But having little tube things sticking out of her back to feed on people? Like...what in the 1980s shitty horror flick was that? The afterlife basically being an eternal red cornfield? It's like being stuck in northern Indiana. Being stuck however you died? Not a fan, and how Renae died was super dark. She was a fucking crispy critter 😤
The spice in here was also just not written well. I can handle spice, but I hate the use of c*nt and p*ssy in those scenes. It feels juvenile and poorly written and just...ugh. The pacing was off and Jesus fuck could Liam not keep it in his pants? And that doesn't even touch on the fact that they had sex and then he just straight up had a brain aneurysm 😭
Half the time I didn't even know what the hell was going on. There were weird orbs and science shit that I didn't understand and suspended animation and it was just trying too hard to be sci-fi. Half of it felt like an essay written the night before it's due, the other half felt like an acid trip.
Bottom line is I'm glad this was only 315 pages and I'm not the one that paid for it.
I'm not gonna lie, this book was just weird.
The lore was strange. Like Renae being a Reaper, sure. But having little tube things sticking out of her back to feed on people? Like...what in the 1980s shitty horror flick was that? The afterlife basically being an eternal red cornfield? It's like being stuck in northern Indiana. Being stuck however you died? Not a fan, and how Renae died was super dark. She was a fucking crispy critter 😤
The spice in here was also just not written well. I can handle spice, but I hate the use of c*nt and p*ssy in those scenes. It feels juvenile and poorly written and just...ugh. The pacing was off and Jesus fuck could Liam not keep it in his pants? And that doesn't even touch on the fact that they had sex and then he just straight up had a brain aneurysm 😭
Half the time I didn't even know what the hell was going on. There were weird orbs and science shit that I didn't understand and suspended animation and it was just trying too hard to be sci-fi. Half of it felt like an essay written the night before it's due, the other half felt like an acid trip.
Bottom line is I'm glad this was only 315 pages and I'm not the one that paid for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2023
Garden of Echoes and Ash is a truly original science-fiction romance that caught my attention like no other in recent memory!! This dual-POV slow-burn story alternates between the perspectives of reaper Renae and human Liam, weaving together a wonderfully unique love story and creating a mysterious ethereal world that exists within our own reality. I can’t say much without tip-toeing into spoiler territory but suffice to say that I was utterly captivated by the world building; I can’t wait to learn more about how reapers and their companions operate in Dark Eden.
Renae and Liam are both incredibly likable characters with flaws that made them feel real. I was rooting for the two of them right off the bat, despite their first few encounters being strange as all hell. () Throughout the story, Liam’s battle with addiction and journey towards recovery deeply resonated with me. Despite his own struggles, his treatment of Renae when he believed she was unsafe was so touching. It was in those moments that I found myself totally falling for him.
I'm already engrossed in book two and thoroughly enjoying the newly introduced characters, as well as the ongoing story from book one. I can’t wait to see where Hintz takes this world!
Renae and Liam are both incredibly likable characters with flaws that made them feel real. I was rooting for the two of them right off the bat, despite their first few encounters being strange as all hell. () Throughout the story, Liam’s battle with addiction and journey towards recovery deeply resonated with me. Despite his own struggles, his treatment of Renae when he believed she was unsafe was so touching. It was in those moments that I found myself totally falling for him.
I'm already engrossed in book two and thoroughly enjoying the newly introduced characters, as well as the ongoing story from book one. I can’t wait to see where Hintz takes this world!
December 6, 2023
"Violence looks good on you, reaper."⠀
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J. Ember Hintz, Garden of Echoes and Ash⠀
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Garden of Echoes and Ash by J. Ember Hintz is such a trippy read! It's written from the point of view of both leading characters and the first half is a bit heavy as they reveal their traumatic backstories and struggles. From the moment they crash into each others life (quite literally), Renae and Liam have so much chemistry and it's hot! The Hawaiian locale and the Unique mythology is so interesting and I really enjoyed the sci-fi aspects of The Void and Eden. I loved the ending and I can't wait to read the second book in the Dark Eden series!⠀
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J. Ember Hintz, Garden of Echoes and Ash⠀
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Garden of Echoes and Ash by J. Ember Hintz is such a trippy read! It's written from the point of view of both leading characters and the first half is a bit heavy as they reveal their traumatic backstories and struggles. From the moment they crash into each others life (quite literally), Renae and Liam have so much chemistry and it's hot! The Hawaiian locale and the Unique mythology is so interesting and I really enjoyed the sci-fi aspects of The Void and Eden. I loved the ending and I can't wait to read the second book in the Dark Eden series!⠀
June 27, 2023
The book is about souls that are put back into “husks” and sent to earth to keep watch over humans. I think the magic and sci-fi aspects were good but could have been more in depth or explained better. The plot seemed to be inconsistent in pacing with some parts moving too quickly and becoming confusing. The romance in the book felt rushed and forced, it needed a bit more of a basis to stand on. The book wasn’t bad though.
I got this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and it was signed by the author and included some custom bookmarks which was nice.
I got this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and it was signed by the author and included some custom bookmarks which was nice.
August 10, 2023
Wow! I received this as my first giveaway from goodreads, and what a banger it ended up being.
I loved this book! There was only a few times I wasn't sure about it but that was only in the first 30 pages.
This is a wait and tell narrative where you slowly learn about this sci-fi world as you read the book. Which is not always my favorite narrative but I pushed through.
I did find some of the concepts hard to grasp at first but I kind of got it by then end.
Whit all that said, I honestly can't wait for the next book!
I loved this book! There was only a few times I wasn't sure about it but that was only in the first 30 pages.
This is a wait and tell narrative where you slowly learn about this sci-fi world as you read the book. Which is not always my favorite narrative but I pushed through.
I did find some of the concepts hard to grasp at first but I kind of got it by then end.
Whit all that said, I honestly can't wait for the next book!
November 30, 2023
J. Ember Hintz has written Garden of Echoes and Ash and provided readers with a fresh take on the sci-fi genre that is filled with mythology.
It is refreshing to read a novel between two viewpoints of the FMC and MMC, Renae and Liam. Including the love scenes. The twists and turns will leave the reader riveted until the end.
This book can definitely be classified as a slow burn but once the spice hits, it’s hot. The sci-fi genre is not one I typically dive into, but I’m glad I did in this case.
Bibliophilebookstackswithdi on IG
It is refreshing to read a novel between two viewpoints of the FMC and MMC, Renae and Liam. Including the love scenes. The twists and turns will leave the reader riveted until the end.
This book can definitely be classified as a slow burn but once the spice hits, it’s hot. The sci-fi genre is not one I typically dive into, but I’m glad I did in this case.
Bibliophilebookstackswithdi on IG
April 7, 2023
This book takes you through luscious Hawaiian landscapes AND other universes focusing on a strong fmc and her attractive new intern at work. Their chemistry is instant! But of course they try to fight it in order to save themselves. Fate and chance weaves through both their lives adding new danger and we’ll have to see if their love overcomes all. Great read - only put the book down to eat and sleep!
June 6, 2023
I could not get into this book. I'm done trying. I'm left with a dislike bordering on contempt for Renae and no desire to know anything about Liam. I also am about 1/4 of the way into the book and have so far been utterly unable to follow what the hell these characters are supposed to be or are supposed to be doing. I'm done. I didn't finish it and I won't. Next!
Note: I received this book from a giveaway on Goodreads.
Note: I received this book from a giveaway on Goodreads.
June 13, 2023
I received this book from a good reads giveaway. I think this book does have 5 star potential, but I gave it three stars because there was so much covered I felt like the transitions in space and time were rushed. I would have liked to have known more about the cycle in which life/death happens and what that means for our characters. The author definitely has a wonderful imagination. It could have been more polished, but I did enjoy the read. Thanks for the opportunity to read it!
December 2, 2023
3.5 stars
This book was strange at some points and super good at others. Definitely sci-fi/paranormal with some spice thrown in. I also have had a lot going on while reading this book that kept me very distracted so that may be some of the reason it was off for me. I have already started into book 2 and I can already tell 2 chapters in that I’m going to like it much better! So more on that to come!
This book was strange at some points and super good at others. Definitely sci-fi/paranormal with some spice thrown in. I also have had a lot going on while reading this book that kept me very distracted so that may be some of the reason it was off for me. I have already started into book 2 and I can already tell 2 chapters in that I’m going to like it much better! So more on that to come!
December 5, 2023
3.75
This starts of a bit confusing but the world building becomes more clear although rushed in my opinion. The magic system and lore were interesting and kept me reading. I did feel as though Renae and Liam's relationship was a bit forced as I didn't really feel the chemistry but they did keep the stakes high and the story interesting. The ending left on a cliffhanger that did make me want to run and read book two. Overall I enjoyed it but some things could have been more fleshed out.
This starts of a bit confusing but the world building becomes more clear although rushed in my opinion. The magic system and lore were interesting and kept me reading. I did feel as though Renae and Liam's relationship was a bit forced as I didn't really feel the chemistry but they did keep the stakes high and the story interesting. The ending left on a cliffhanger that did make me want to run and read book two. Overall I enjoyed it but some things could have been more fleshed out.
Read
November 1, 2025DNF
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. I made it about 120 pages in before deciding to set it aside. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself waiting for something—anything—to really happen. The plot felt lacking and didn’t grab my attention the way I hoped it would. I kept wanting to connect with the story or the characters, but it just never clicked for me. Maybe it picks up later, but it was too much of a slog to get there.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. I made it about 120 pages in before deciding to set it aside. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself waiting for something—anything—to really happen. The plot felt lacking and didn’t grab my attention the way I hoped it would. I kept wanting to connect with the story or the characters, but it just never clicked for me. Maybe it picks up later, but it was too much of a slog to get there.
June 28, 2023
I got this book in a Goodreads giveaway and will forever be grateful for it, and it came signed by the author, but I just can't get into this book. I keep trying but I keep losing interest. I think it has potential but it's so repetitive and I don't have any interest in Liam. Idk, maybe it's the style of writing I'm not enjoying? I'm sorry I really tried.
January 1, 2024
A great way to end 2023. I wouldnt say it was anywhere near my favorite read of the year but I thought it was so unique and the storyline had me thinking and was different than any book I have read in a while.
I would definitely recommend and I’m hopefully the second book will be the perfect start for 2024.
I would definitely recommend and I’m hopefully the second book will be the perfect start for 2024.
February 12, 2024
I enjoyed most of the book. I liked the chacters. I stopped and started the book several times not the authors fault. I struggled with font size. I enjoy the world she created. Though I felt the ending was just predictable. I struggled the most with the last four chapters. I will read book 2 though most likely in electronic format so I can enlarge.
April 14, 2023
This book helped me step out of my literary comfort zone and left me begging for more. So many twists and turns that I am anxious for the next installment! It was interesting to read spicier scenes from each character's point of view.
November 26, 2023
Garden of Echoes and Ash
Original and exciting!
The story was totally different from what I thought it would be, but I loved it regardless. It was unique and interesting.
I’m definitely excited to see where the story goes from here and what happens to the character next!
Original and exciting!
The story was totally different from what I thought it would be, but I loved it regardless. It was unique and interesting.
I’m definitely excited to see where the story goes from here and what happens to the character next!
November 26, 2023
This story is very captivating from the very beginning! It's pov of Liam and Renae which leads to be in both of their heads! I really enjoyed how Hintz writing. There bond is priceless instantly and love how it worked that way. Excited to read book two!
December 10, 2023
This is MUST READ for romance and enemies to lovers fans. This is a sci-fi/fantasy read with a lot of fun moments and wonderful characters. The romance is well done and the plot keeps you entertained. I highly encourage y'all to read this one.
October 13, 2024
I could not get into this book. I had to kind of force myself to finish reading it. The plot just wasn't for me and didn't hold my interest that well. I also just couldn't believe the romance in this. I didn't feel the tension or even see the love. This book just really was not for me.
September 25, 2023
I don't tend to love books about necromancy or 'monsters', but I really enjoyed this. I read the entire book in a couple of days. It was able to catch and hold my attention and I really enjoyed it.
December 23, 2023
Good story. The characters are well developed. Looking forward to what is going to happen to them next
June 26, 2024
Loved the whole reaper thing
August 17, 2024
Sci-fi isn’t really my thing but this was good—enjoyed the plot, dual pov, forced proximity lovers. The verbiage in this book is smilthy. 🤙🏼
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews