What do you think?
Rate this book
Anchor for the Changed #1
Lost Ember Found
The experiments took pieces of me that I will never recover, but my hope of being reunited with my family remained intact.
Three months before my twenty-fifth birthday, I finally received my wish.
A brash rescue pushes me into the arms of my twin brother and the father I never met. They weren’t the only ones eager for my return, and by the time we found out, it was too late.
I’m an Anchor, a damaged one that wields magic unlike any other female Changed. Despite that, the Conclave is determined to pair me with a ‘suitable’ Sept, meaning one that would solely be advantageous to them.
But I refuse to be a pawn in their game. I will follow their rules for now, but once all the pieces align, I will soar like the phoenix I am named after.
I am Ember, the Anchor for the Changed, and the fire within me will not be smothered.
** Lost Ember Found is book one of a series and as such does end with a cliffhanger. It is a slow burn, medium build reverse harem novel, meaning the main character will not choose between love interests. There is sensitive content, please read the warning before starting the book. Your mental health is more important than pages read. **
Three months before my twenty-fifth birthday, I finally received my wish.
A brash rescue pushes me into the arms of my twin brother and the father I never met. They weren’t the only ones eager for my return, and by the time we found out, it was too late.
I’m an Anchor, a damaged one that wields magic unlike any other female Changed. Despite that, the Conclave is determined to pair me with a ‘suitable’ Sept, meaning one that would solely be advantageous to them.
But I refuse to be a pawn in their game. I will follow their rules for now, but once all the pieces align, I will soar like the phoenix I am named after.
I am Ember, the Anchor for the Changed, and the fire within me will not be smothered.
** Lost Ember Found is book one of a series and as such does end with a cliffhanger. It is a slow burn, medium build reverse harem novel, meaning the main character will not choose between love interests. There is sensitive content, please read the warning before starting the book. Your mental health is more important than pages read. **
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2022
503 people are currently reading
911 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
September 22, 2022
Completely ridiculous
There's just so much I didn't like about this. The author is pushing two different kinds of women with ember. One where she has been locked up, tortured and hasn't been outside at all. Then there is the other ember, septum piercing, guitar playing, sleeping with her guard at facility? How does this all mesh together? It doesnt. Let me get this str8. You want me to believe ember was horribly abused on epic proportions. Pretty much scared and malnourished. Yet somehow her abusers pierced her nose for her, let her play and learn guitar. And that the guys she had s@x with just looked passed her bones sticking out and the multiple scares and signs of trauma to get into her pants? That's what were going with here? @50% I finally got off the crazy train here.
There's just so much I didn't like about this. The author is pushing two different kinds of women with ember. One where she has been locked up, tortured and hasn't been outside at all. Then there is the other ember, septum piercing, guitar playing, sleeping with her guard at facility? How does this all mesh together? It doesnt. Let me get this str8. You want me to believe ember was horribly abused on epic proportions. Pretty much scared and malnourished. Yet somehow her abusers pierced her nose for her, let her play and learn guitar. And that the guys she had s@x with just looked passed her bones sticking out and the multiple scares and signs of trauma to get into her pants? That's what were going with here? @50% I finally got off the crazy train here.
December 27, 2023
4.5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book. Lost Ember Found was my second book from Aisling Cousins and I'm excited to see what the author does with this storyline. Ember has been through so so much and that is evident in the way she views not only herself but the world. It's interesting to see how she interacts with her potential bonds and those who she perceives as bad/evil.
I'm such a sucker for the fated mates/ bonds trope, so when this book popped up on my kindle recs I immediately downloaded it. The way I finished this in one sitting was unbelievable; I devoured every single page and was sad when I stumbled upon the end... Speaking of the end I don't know what I'm going to do while waiting for the next book. Highly recommend this book if you like a slow-burn book.
I absolutely LOVED this book. Lost Ember Found was my second book from Aisling Cousins and I'm excited to see what the author does with this storyline. Ember has been through so so much and that is evident in the way she views not only herself but the world. It's interesting to see how she interacts with her potential bonds and those who she perceives as bad/evil.
I'm such a sucker for the fated mates/ bonds trope, so when this book popped up on my kindle recs I immediately downloaded it. The way I finished this in one sitting was unbelievable; I devoured every single page and was sad when I stumbled upon the end... Speaking of the end I don't know what I'm going to do while waiting for the next book. Highly recommend this book if you like a slow-burn book.
September 28, 2022
that
ending
should be
illegal!!!
August 21, 2022
Dnf.
Love the idea of the plot, love the idea of the mc sacrificing herself for her twin brother and continuing to be a prisoner all those years for him… But this was just badly executed. The characters didn’t feel real to me, didn’t react like a normal person would after finding their long lost daughter or sister etc. and making her future harem 1) live with her already bc of ”circumstances” and 2) making them sooo ready to please and worship her since the first time they laid eyes on her totally killed any and all excitement for their future relationship for me.
To be completely honest, this book was just an excellent example of bad writing. Not to be mean, but if I were ever to become an English teacher (and make use of my major…) I’d use this book to illustrate how NOT to write a good story.
That said, I’m always open to try reading this author’s future works, I just really really hope that she takes a writing class or… something. Anything. Before then. (It’s to the point that if we were neighbours I’d bang on this author’s door every day until they agreed to hire me as a consultant for their future works. Ugh, unfullfilled potential just urks me to the core).
(The two stars are just for the plot idea, to be completely honest. I mourn what this book could have been).
Love the idea of the plot, love the idea of the mc sacrificing herself for her twin brother and continuing to be a prisoner all those years for him… But this was just badly executed. The characters didn’t feel real to me, didn’t react like a normal person would after finding their long lost daughter or sister etc. and making her future harem 1) live with her already bc of ”circumstances” and 2) making them sooo ready to please and worship her since the first time they laid eyes on her totally killed any and all excitement for their future relationship for me.
To be completely honest, this book was just an excellent example of bad writing. Not to be mean, but if I were ever to become an English teacher (and make use of my major…) I’d use this book to illustrate how NOT to write a good story.
That said, I’m always open to try reading this author’s future works, I just really really hope that she takes a writing class or… something. Anything. Before then. (It’s to the point that if we were neighbours I’d bang on this author’s door every day until they agreed to hire me as a consultant for their future works. Ugh, unfullfilled potential just urks me to the core).
(The two stars are just for the plot idea, to be completely honest. I mourn what this book could have been).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ This was an entertaining read, I am looking forward to continuing the series and seeing where it goes. If you like post-apocalyptic RH, then this just might be for you. Check the TW.
March 23, 2023
This is an enjoyable first book in the series – I was very interested in the concept of an Anchor and the Changed but felt some of the world-building around them to be confusing or glossed over. I hope that in later books, we get some more background information. The characters were also less fleshed out than I would have liked, as if we only got the wave tops, not their deep feelings. However, I am highly intrigued with the story and invested in the outcome, and I will continue reading the series, especially after that killer of a cliffhanger.
It is a slow-burn romance with fated mates, and a slow-building harem. It felt like much of the effort was setting the stage for later books.
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Features: Magic Academy, Hurt/Comfort, Trauma Survival, Fated Mates, Found Family, Government Corruption, Slow Burn
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Slow Build Why Choose
Book Type/Ending: 1st in Series, Cliffhanger
TW/CW: See Content Note in Book
It is a slow-burn romance with fated mates, and a slow-building harem. It felt like much of the effort was setting the stage for later books.
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Features: Magic Academy, Hurt/Comfort, Trauma Survival, Fated Mates, Found Family, Government Corruption, Slow Burn
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Slow Build Why Choose
Book Type/Ending: 1st in Series, Cliffhanger
TW/CW: See Content Note in Book
September 7, 2023
ugh i want to know what happens cuz i think the plot is interesting but
a) writing doesn’t make sense
b) every male acts the same
c) the fmc has been thru so much and is like ~i’m traumatized~ but then acts totally fine? u gotta be consistent
anyway i’ll read the next for the plot but not the writing sadly
a) writing doesn’t make sense
b) every male acts the same
c) the fmc has been thru so much and is like ~i’m traumatized~ but then acts totally fine? u gotta be consistent
anyway i’ll read the next for the plot but not the writing sadly
November 28, 2023
Out of touch.
August 24, 2022
In my head, I'm running around in circles screaming hysterically, arms waving around like a lunatic!!! The fact that this book has no spice (it will happen in later books) doesn't even register, the plot and characters and world is just so good. You will chew your nails from page one until the very end...and then you will join me, frothing at the mouth for book 2. Aisling has created a powerful storyline that I can't wait to follow. This book has definitely made it onto my top 10 list for 2022 and will be a favorite re-read. Do yourself a favor and read it, I really can't scream loud enough about how great this story is.
February 12, 2023
Too many POV
This book has really interesting plot and I swear I tried so hard to finish it but I gave up at 85%. I understand that new author is trying this trend of multiple pov but how many is considered being too much. I can’t keep up with the story line and characters for it to be switch back and forth every DAMN chapter. Well, I hope this author re-visit this story down the road later on. I hope she has better beta reader to give her honest opinion instead of just give out 4-5 rating on a whim.
This book has really interesting plot and I swear I tried so hard to finish it but I gave up at 85%. I understand that new author is trying this trend of multiple pov but how many is considered being too much. I can’t keep up with the story line and characters for it to be switch back and forth every DAMN chapter. Well, I hope this author re-visit this story down the road later on. I hope she has better beta reader to give her honest opinion instead of just give out 4-5 rating on a whim.
October 27, 2023
This story had potential but the execution was lacking. The pacing was too fast, the dialogue was consistently unnatural and awkward, and the conclave were seriously over the top (like cringy cartoon villains that monologue all of their evil thoughts). Not to mention this grossly misogynistic world where the conclave are apparently all powerful and have no accountability to anyone?? I liked the balance between the plot and romance but unfortunately neither was strong enough for me to want to carry on with the next book.
October 29, 2022
This was okay. The plot was interesting enough to keep me intrigued, for the most part. Still, it felt like the book needs more overall refinement. More descriptive writing, more character development, more internal emotional conflict, just more. There are a lot of missed opportunities for further intrigue and development.
I didn't feel attached to the characters because of the lack of differential personality. I found it difficult to track who was saying what because of the POV changes, the frequent omission of '___ said' or 'he/she said...', and the absence of distinguishing speech patterns/individual personalities.
I didn't feel attached to the characters because of the lack of differential personality. I found it difficult to track who was saying what because of the POV changes, the frequent omission of '___ said' or 'he/she said...', and the absence of distinguishing speech patterns/individual personalities.
September 13, 2022
DNF at four paragraphs. In those four paragraphs I lost count of the number of tense changes. The tense even changed within the same sentence. I noped out so fast.
April 4, 2023
4.5 it was so gooood. the fmc was super sweet and still a badass. loved the potential sept, and the family interactions. it was really cute.
August 14, 2022
New Favorite!
I love everything about this book! The entire premise, the main and supporting characters, the plot and its twists and turns. Fantastic story!
I love everything about this book! The entire premise, the main and supporting characters, the plot and its twists and turns. Fantastic story!
February 7, 2023
Sooo good 😍
Loved it from beginning to end. Great characters, great plot, great writing. Awful ending because I’m inpatient and need book 2 ASAP. I just loved it all and I’m really excited for what’s to come next.
Loved it from beginning to end. Great characters, great plot, great writing. Awful ending because I’m inpatient and need book 2 ASAP. I just loved it all and I’m really excited for what’s to come next.
September 2, 2024
3.5 Stars
Quick Synopsis
Meet Ember, a 24-year-old female Anchor with supernatural powers called Changed.The Changed are humans who developed supernatural abilities after a solar flare 200 years ago and formed their own community. They have extended lifespans and typically form polyamorous bonds, usually anchored by a female—though Anchors are rare these days.
Ember has been held captive since she was born by an evil group of humans called EvoGen, who seek to develop powers for themselves. She has been subjected to brutal experiments and routine torture her entire life. Through a twist of fate, Ember is rescued and reunited with her twin brother and biological fathers… but are the Changed any better than the sinister human organization?
Short Review
I enjoyed this story, though probably less the second time around, but it was still good. The world-building was well done and immersive. However, the character development isn't great. I can't remember if these guys ever have more than a 2D personality, but they don't at the moment. This is a slow-build harem, with no steam at all in this first book.
📚 Completed Series
👀 POV: Multiple, First Person
📖 Urban Fantasy
❣️ Reverse Harem
🎱 Tropes: Fated Mates • Magic • Academy • Stalker •
🧁 FMC: Traumatized • Tortured/Abused/Experimented on • Powerful • Unsure • Withdrawn •
👥 Harem: Slow build. Six men in the completed harem.
🌎 5/5 World-building Stars
⭐️ 4/5 Plot-line Stars
😱 3/5 Angsty Stars
🤓 2.5/5 Character Development Stars
🍒 Virgins: None
♥️ 0/5 Romance Stars
🌶 0/5 Spicy Stars
🔥 Slow Burn
👄 Kinks: None
🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
‼️ Triggers: Physical Assault/Abuse • Flashbacks of past torture • Medical Trauma • Stalker • Violence • FMC was sterilized against her will
Quick Synopsis
Meet Ember, a 24-year-old female Anchor with supernatural powers called Changed.The Changed are humans who developed supernatural abilities after a solar flare 200 years ago and formed their own community. They have extended lifespans and typically form polyamorous bonds, usually anchored by a female—though Anchors are rare these days.
Ember has been held captive since she was born by an evil group of humans called EvoGen, who seek to develop powers for themselves. She has been subjected to brutal experiments and routine torture her entire life. Through a twist of fate, Ember is rescued and reunited with her twin brother and biological fathers… but are the Changed any better than the sinister human organization?
Short Review
I enjoyed this story, though probably less the second time around, but it was still good. The world-building was well done and immersive. However, the character development isn't great. I can't remember if these guys ever have more than a 2D personality, but they don't at the moment. This is a slow-build harem, with no steam at all in this first book.
📚 Completed Series
👀 POV: Multiple, First Person
📖 Urban Fantasy
❣️ Reverse Harem
🎱 Tropes: Fated Mates • Magic • Academy • Stalker •
🧁 FMC: Traumatized • Tortured/Abused/Experimented on • Powerful • Unsure • Withdrawn •
👥 Harem: Slow build. Six men in the completed harem.
🌎 5/5 World-building Stars
⭐️ 4/5 Plot-line Stars
😱 3/5 Angsty Stars
🤓 2.5/5 Character Development Stars
🍒 Virgins: None
♥️ 0/5 Romance Stars
🌶 0/5 Spicy Stars
🔥 Slow Burn
👄 Kinks: None
🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
‼️ Triggers: Physical Assault/Abuse • Flashbacks of past torture • Medical Trauma • Stalker • Violence • FMC was sterilized against her will
March 2, 2023
Wow... There are no ways to tell you how awesome this book is; no words will suffice to properly explain how I'm feeling after finishing Lost Ember Found. As soon as I read the foreword I knew it had every possibility of becoming one of my favorites for this year: a slightly dystopian future setting, clear expectations if you're a powerful woman in this world, a lack of women making harems a part of the world, ... High expectations often lead to disappointment, but not with this one. It was even better than I dared to hope! This is one of those books that should allow for a six star rating.
Lost Ember Found grabbed my attention from the first page and refused to let go until I read the final words. The plot development is awesome, every chapter well thought out with great world and character building, lots of suspense and twists and turns you don't see coming. Something I love about Aisling Cousins is how she gives a voice to some characters that aren't members of the harem. It adds an interesting layer to the story making them "more" than some characters on the side.
In any way, there is nothing not to love about this start of a new series. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series!
Lost Ember Found grabbed my attention from the first page and refused to let go until I read the final words. The plot development is awesome, every chapter well thought out with great world and character building, lots of suspense and twists and turns you don't see coming. Something I love about Aisling Cousins is how she gives a voice to some characters that aren't members of the harem. It adds an interesting layer to the story making them "more" than some characters on the side.
In any way, there is nothing not to love about this start of a new series. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series!
August 5, 2022
Soooooo good!! Words can't even describe how much I loved this book and cannot wait for book 2!!
I was hooked and I truly mean HOOKED from page one. Everything about it just had me completely engrossed. This is almost definitely going to be one of my favourites series.
For a why choose paranormal romance this is so full of fantastic plot and still such an easy read. You don't even notice that there's no spice in this book. Some medium burns feel like everything is too slow, but honestly it was like I blinked and the book was done.
Effortless world building.
Excellent characters.
Strong female main character.
Beautiful relationship building between characters.
Epic feeling plot.
Ah this book just hit me in all the places I needed! I just don't understand how we're expected to patiently wait for book 2?
I recieved an arc of this book (and wow am I so greatful) and I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.
Ps: I will be shouting praises about this book to everybody!
I was hooked and I truly mean HOOKED from page one. Everything about it just had me completely engrossed. This is almost definitely going to be one of my favourites series.
For a why choose paranormal romance this is so full of fantastic plot and still such an easy read. You don't even notice that there's no spice in this book. Some medium burns feel like everything is too slow, but honestly it was like I blinked and the book was done.
Effortless world building.
Excellent characters.
Strong female main character.
Beautiful relationship building between characters.
Epic feeling plot.
Ah this book just hit me in all the places I needed! I just don't understand how we're expected to patiently wait for book 2?
I recieved an arc of this book (and wow am I so greatful) and I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.
Ps: I will be shouting praises about this book to everybody!
August 5, 2022
Ember has spent her whole life in the captivity of EvoGen where she was experimented on. The changed are able to wield magic where humans cannot. She’s taken to flee by one of the doctors who has an ulterior motive for her and they get in an accident. She is found and sent home to her father where she sees her brother after 14 years. Everything is new and different for her to experience and she is tested as an Anchor. She finds two of her Sept (group) that are called to her Atticus and Vertus, but it seems that she may have more in the coming books. I enjoyed reading about Embers healing and experiences and I can’t wait to read the next book!
August 11, 2022
Another awesome first in series from Aisling.
Ember has been treated as less than a person but still remains strong and determined, willing to sacrifice herself for those she cares about.
This is a slow burn which as the series progresses will turn into a reverse harem. I’ve enjoyed reading the first sparks between the characters and guessing who will be part of Embers Sept.
The world building has been enjoyable to read with new magic lore. Humans are at first made out to be the worst in the world but all of that can change. The conclave has the typical ‘we must do what is best for the greater good’ mentality.
I’m looking forward to seeing where this story goes.
Ember has been treated as less than a person but still remains strong and determined, willing to sacrifice herself for those she cares about.
This is a slow burn which as the series progresses will turn into a reverse harem. I’ve enjoyed reading the first sparks between the characters and guessing who will be part of Embers Sept.
The world building has been enjoyable to read with new magic lore. Humans are at first made out to be the worst in the world but all of that can change. The conclave has the typical ‘we must do what is best for the greater good’ mentality.
I’m looking forward to seeing where this story goes.
December 4, 2023
Excellent read from a new to me author!
Fantastic, it had all the elements I was looking for. A “damaged” heroine, and kind loving men in her life afterward. I love how we see Ember warm up and grow.
I dislike how the events of the date was glossed over and told instead of lived in the moment. I’d have liked to build up some emotions with Atticus.
I like the characters that are on Ember’s side. I really dislike the antagonists of course.
I’m not entirely clear on certain deeper aspects of their society, but I like where it is going.
I’m excited to see where this goes tbh.
Fantastic, it had all the elements I was looking for. A “damaged” heroine, and kind loving men in her life afterward. I love how we see Ember warm up and grow.
I dislike how the events of the date was glossed over and told instead of lived in the moment. I’d have liked to build up some emotions with Atticus.
I like the characters that are on Ember’s side. I really dislike the antagonists of course.
I’m not entirely clear on certain deeper aspects of their society, but I like where it is going.
I’m excited to see where this goes tbh.
July 13, 2023
I am at a loss as how this book has a medium 4 star rating.
The writing is sophomoric, at best and the FMC and the MMC's don't have unique voices at all.
The author did no research (or chose to disregard any research) on how torture, abused, and caged individuals respond/reenter society. One of the MMC's .
Included in the novel are adult POV's and they seem at a loss as to how corrupt the Conclave members are. Like, how is that surprising?
There is a good concept of a story in here; however, it's wasted on the delivery by this author.
The writing is sophomoric, at best and the FMC and the MMC's don't have unique voices at all.
The author did no research (or chose to disregard any research) on how torture, abused, and caged individuals respond/reenter society. One of the MMC's .
Included in the novel are adult POV's and they seem at a loss as to how corrupt the Conclave members are. Like, how is that surprising?
There is a good concept of a story in here; however, it's wasted on the delivery by this author.
August 4, 2022
Lost Ember Found by Aisling Cousins is book one in her Anchor for the Changed series. We meet Ember when the compound she's forced to live at is under attack and is fleeing. She survives and makes her way back to her twin and her father. She's Changed so she's part of the Changed community. She meets her family. She meets some of her mates that are called to her. Some trigger warnings to be aware of. Really great start to a new series. Left with a cliff hanger. Looking forward to seeing what's next.
August 6, 2022
This was a fantastic read! I loved Ember. She has had a rough life being in captivity and experimented on. That comes to an end when she is rescued and goes to live with her father, twin brother and the rest of their family. Of course, since Ember is special others want her too.
This was a remarkable story that will pull you in and is full of characters with magic abilities, danger and mystery. I definitely can’t wait to see what happens next!
This was a remarkable story that will pull you in and is full of characters with magic abilities, danger and mystery. I definitely can’t wait to see what happens next!
August 8, 2022
I'll start by saying, while I do enjoy a good fantasy/Paranormal book, it has to be really well written and really hook me from the beginning. Sometimes fantasy books get a little too out there for me to enjoy. This one though, was written so perfectly, I couldn't put it down! You connect with the characters, especially Ember, and your heart just breaks for what she went through and is still going through. I'm so hooked! And that ending! I'm dying to see how this plays out!
August 8, 2022
Ember is one tough cookie. You might expect someone who was used and mistreated for so many years to be meek and broken, yet while she is certainly guarded, she is no wilting flower. The strength it takes to meet your problems head on instead of shying away is the sign of a true fighter. This is definitely a slow burn, but it fits the story perfectly. I can't wait to find out who the rest of Ember's Sept is and where that cliffie is going to lead us!
August 10, 2022
Another instant hit from Aisling Cousins! I could not put this book down. The writing is phenomenal, the characters are well developed and interesting, and the cliffhanger is great while not being soul-crushing. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and to read anything else Aisling publishes.
I received an ARC for an unbiased review. Aisling writing is a pleasure to read and I hope to see a lot more from her soon.
I received an ARC for an unbiased review. Aisling writing is a pleasure to read and I hope to see a lot more from her soon.
August 12, 2022
Fantastic and fascinating beginning to a new storyline! The amount of horrible things Ember has endured is beyond heartbreaking. Seeing her start to heal with the help of her twin, her father and the rest of the family and her to-be bonded is wonderful. She starts to come into her own and take back control. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews