The second enchanting novel in the Claiming Elfhame fantasy trilogy whisks us into a new part of Fae territory as Kelera races to find the help she desperately needs.
Uncontrollable magic. An ancient prophecy. A bounty on their heads.
And a world succumbing to frost…
Kelera’s power has been unleashed, but not without a cost. Now she finds herself guilt-ridden, terrified of her own magic, wanted for treason… and bound to Prince Adrastus.
Determination continues to drive her and Adrastus as they venture into the Seelie Court, desperate to seek out an army strong enough to stand against Samael and his treacherous Unseelie forces.
But she and Adrastus can’t outrun their enemies or fate for long.
Samael is more determined than ever to claim Elfhame and the mortal realm for himself, and Kelera fears that without the fabled lost heir, the ancient Elder prophecy will soon come to fruition. Dangers are mounting and with the mortal traitor backing Samael, Kelera is resolved to get to her people before they, too, succumb to Samael’s plans.
But her troubles worsen when she finds herself caught between the loyalty she feels toward the mortals and her deepening connection to Adrastus. With time running out, it will come down to a choice between heart and duty.
Can Kelera find a way to save both her people and the man who risked everything for her, or will she be left with nothing but embers and ashes to tend to?
Heir of Embers and Ash is a new adult novel with mature themes. Recommended for 18+ Trigger Warnings include: graphic violence, language, intimacy, harassment, and death.
Heir of Embers and Ash is book two in the Claiming Elfhame series by JM Wallace.
“ “There is a difference between fitting in and belonging. With the mortals, you will always be fighting a war within yourself, trying to be one of them. But here, in Elfhame, you belong. Just as you are.”
Book two is about taking control to find ways to defeat Samael and the unseelie to save Elfhame and its people with a dash of magic, romance and the odd bit of spice 🌶
It did take me a bit to get back into the story and remember what happened last in book one. I’m glad there were little reminders of what happened in Heir of Shadows and Ice.
Lady Kelera aka little thief grows within this story, she becomes more powerful and learns to love herself as a halfling. I love how she fights for what she believes in and becomes this brave person with this new magic power. But what happens when she is forced to choose between love and duty?
“ “You cannot deny that there is something here between us.” He pressed his body against hers and she stifled a gasp.”
I love that there was a return of pooka; a Fae horse. It makes me want a little pooka as a pet. It was such a cheeky little thing.
Overall, an enjoyable sequel and I can’t wait to read the last book in the trilogy soon because of that ending. I hope I understand what it means 🤨
Heir of Embers and Ash is out now.
Thank you to the amazing @j.m.wallaceauthor for providing a digital copy of Heir of Embers and Ash for reviewing purposes.
As the story of Kelena and Adrastus continues, it gets darker and complicated. Adrastus remains steadfast despite all that happens to him, but Kelena is on a rollercoaster of emotions, wavering among doubt, despair, and confidence throughout the book. With the help of Gadreel and others, they reach a destination that will bring more uncertainty to them.
I got an ARC of Heir of Embers and Ashes, and here is my honest review. I reread my review for the first book before writing this and realized that I had the exact opposite experience while reading this book when compared to the first. The first book did not capture my attention until the last 100 pages, but I loved the ending. This time I loved the beginning, but about halfway into the story, Kelera made (in my opinion) a momentously bad choice which almost made me want to DNF the book. I kept reading to see what would happen, and like the previous book, it picked up around the last 50 pages again. The first half of the book and the last four chapters were fantastically entertaining, but the plot was predictable overall. There were two significant revelations in this book that were not surprising and easily guessable while reading the first book. I found Heir of Embers and Ashes a fun (if a bit stressful) read, and I love the world Wallace created, which made up for the story's predictability, but Kelera was very difficult to like or identify with at times. I wish the elements I loved were more consistent throughout the story, such as the descriptions and further exploration of Elfhame. In this book, we got to see the Summer court and a little bit of Autumn and Spring. But half of the book takes place in the human realm. I am excited to read the third book and learn more about the Spring court! The little taste we learned about was not nearly enough.
Kelera and Adrastus finally progressed with their relationship, granted it was a fitful progression, but I think romance lovers will be happy with their progress by the end. I was! Like the first book, I found it hard to consistently like Kelera. She continuously made decisions that made me dislike her, and her reasoning was very one-sided toward humans. By prioritizing the mortals, she abandoned and endangered her magical friends and allies and sided with a group that did not deserve nor appreciate her worry. Kelera's love and fear for her father and mortal friends and her eagerness to protect the unsuspecting mortals were understandable. However, her blind loyalty to a group that constantly rejected her at the expense of the group that accepted her was hard to support, especially when she could have worked with the fae to better protect both races. While I’m on the fence about Kelera, I loved Adrastus and the other supporting characters!
Adrastus is a consistently strong, romantic, and emotionally struggling main character—my favorite! In this second book, we see more of his true nature and heart away from his family. I can not wait to see him and Kelera finally embrace their true power and feelings for each other. We even see Gadreel and Cierine again for a bit, and I loved their loyalty and friendship with Kelera. Samael was still an evil, conniving, power-hungry despot. It was interesting and awful to see that he was eviler than in the first book and a competent bloody conqueror. We also meet some fantastic new characters and allies of Kelera’s! Despite my reservations about the book's second half, the ending pulled me in again, so I am ready and waiting for the third book.
In this second instalment of JM Wallace’s new series, we follow Kelara and Astradus after their unpredictable ending of the last book. True to the authors previous book, the writing in this just effortlessly flowed so beautifully. The world building continued in such a captivating manner, I truly felt transported to another realm. The dialogue between characters , the difference personalities and how the author brings complexities and strength to every single one. JM, you truly have a gift for procuring a gorgeous plot with so many hidden treasures.
One aspect that really stood out to me in this book was Kelaras inner monologue. It was never boring, in fact it was so insightful and thought provoking that I felt myself really resonate with her character growth. Kelara is such a fierce woman, she has so much empathy, love and resilience, and such a protective streak. She’s fiery yet soft when it matters and I find that so comforting.
I also fell more in love with Astradus. Without giving too much away—he stole my heart in this book. Morally grey, broody yet kind, absolutely broken and lost and oh so loveable. I loved getting to learn more about him, and watch the relationship between him and Kelara unfold. The adventures and events were a lot more fast paced in this book, and I devoured it in a day!
I highly recommend starting this series, especially if you love the world of Elfhame, a morally grey broken soul, and a wonderfully badass FMC. The twists and cliffhangers are tantalising and so well procured. And the style and grace of the authors writing is just so lovely to read.
Kelera and Adrastus are still running away from Samiel's court as they pretend to be a married couple. Of course, that comes with it's own challenges. When the lines between real and pretend blur, Kelera realizes that whatever they may have is doomed by the coming war. She must warn her father and the mortal king.
Adrastus has bound Kelera to him both to keep Samiel from getting her magic, but also to help her contain hers. She's got no training or experience with it, and it's proved to be a dangerous gift. As they grow closer, he realizes that he doesn't want her to return to the mortal lands...but she has no other choice.
Desperate to save everyone and naive to the bent truth of the Fae, Kelera finds herself back home and in a cell, ready to be executed despite the fact that she's innocent to the charges. Samiel has captured Adrastus and Kelera can feel his torment through their magical bond. How can they possibly find each other again. Is this the end?
I had a fun time reading this book. The action and adventure never stopped, which was super exciting. I loved the protagonists, and their chemistry was swoon-worthy. Although they were relatively mild, the steamy moments were so beautiful to read.
Kelera was such an amazingly relatable FMC, who was just stumbling through all these new and scary experiences in such an endearing way. I loved Kelera, so it was really tough to read her inner dialogue with how she kept doubting herself throughout the book. She blamed herself for everything, and her self-esteem was extremely low, which made me so frustrated for her. I can’t deny that these are very relatable qualities, but I do wish that she had stopped beating herself up at some point.
All in all, this was an excellent read, with great characters, a really interesting world, and intense action and adventure.
I received a free ARC of this book through BookFunnel and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well, I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading the previous one and I absolutely loved it! It follows on from where the first book ends and continues Kelera and Adrastus as they feel Samael and the unseelie court. They don’t know who they can trust but end up finding some allies as well as battling foes in spectacular fashion as Kelera learns more about her powers and how to control them. As last time, I really love the world building and characters in this story, especially Kelera as a strong but unsure FMC who learns along with us readers just what she is capable of. I have to say I was expecting (part of) the ending, at least the revelation right at the end, but the way it happens was nothing I could have guessed! If you like great characters, great world building and lots of suspense and awesome magic then you need to read this series!
"No, little thief, I believe they are kneeling to you."
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Tension: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
WHAT! What what what! You can't leave me hanging! Go read this! Go get book 1, then come back and read Heir of Embers and Ash! J.M. Wallace is an INSTA buy author from me. I love how we won't have to wait too long for book three... Her writing and world building are just *Chefs Kiss!* Book 2, starts off where book 1 leaves off. Running for their lives they encounter new friends along the way. J.M. Wallace makes us feel all the feels!
If you enjoy: -Enemies to Lovers -Strong FMC -Morally Gray Hero Go read book 1 and then book 2!
I love, LOVE, the development of the relationship between Dras and Kelera, and Kelera's character development. I think J. M. Wallace is gifted in the sense that in all of the books I've read of hers, that she does a fantastic job at making compelling characters and makes you care for their back-stories and development.
My only gripe about this is that Kelera's mindset and arc has started to revolve too much around her and Dras' relationship, and not so much discovering her abilities. I think it might be out of the ordinary for her to do so, but I wish the author wrote a couple chapters in Adrastus' perspective to show him giving the same mindset and devotion to Kelera.
I this book and can’t wait for the next one. Kelera and adrastus are perfect for eachother and I love the chemistry and banter between these characters. Now that they are bound together they make their way to the seelie palace in order to find answers but the high king has managed to amass forces faster than they expect and other roadblocks are thrown in their way. Here kelera is. SLowly finding her true self as in the human world she always had to hide who she was.
Forced proximity One bed trope
Can they stand against the high king and take him down before he destroys and owns all the lands?
I give this about 4.5 stars. Didn't realize as much in the first book but I did feel like the first part of Embers and Ash was a slow-burn. After where we left off in book 1 it felt almost too peaceful given the situation. Overall there were some what the fuck moments and I loved it. I bought both 2 and 3 on Kindle and am glad I did. I was beaming after finishing this book that I simply started up 3 right after. I also finished 2 in one day as it is a page turner. There werent many spots I felt I could put it down and so I just kept reading 🥳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I truly love these characters. I appreciate the speed at which the plot moves and the fact that the story is rooted in Celtic mythology. Did I see most of the “twists” coming… somewhat… but who cares? It was a fun, fast read that gave me the feel-goods and kept me wanting more. That’s an A+ in my book. Can’t wait for the final installment of the trilogy!
[I did receive an ARC of this book, and so hope to jump on the third the minute it is available as well!]
Wallace has presented to us a sequel as good if not better that book 1! It is absolutely flawless as it picks from the tale where Kelera and Adrastus left off fleeing from the Unseelie Court. I read the whole thing in one sitting and as I thought I knew how things were unfolding a new revelation, foe or friend would present a new outcome. I can’t state it enough now much I really enjoyed it.
I’m also big on having wholesome and well developed characters which Wallace delivers on. She presents well thought out characters from Book 1 but shows that their experiences individually and together have changed them. They both grow and devolve all the while progressing the plot effortlessly. Kelera has to face some hard decisions as she must decide between her past in the mortal realm and where her future will take her.
I highly recommend and can’t wait for book 3!
**I read the Kindle Unlimited version of this novel through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. This is my honest and unbiased review**
I not only read the book but I listened to the audiobook at the same time. I highly recommend that you do the same. It takes the reading experience to the next level. Especially when you have someone as talented as Ali Dane. I give 5 stars to both!
The story was intriguing and action filled, keeping me on my toes. The relationship development was heart warming. The sacrifices made for love. Heavy sigh. This is definitely a book I think you should read.
As I said, the narration was done by the amazing Ali Dane. She brought these characters to life! It was easy to distinguish between the characters. Her voice is so smooth. I’ve listened to other audiobooks and she never ceases to amaze me! I could listen to her read the back of a cereal box!
Are you serious?! That's where this one ends! Thankfully book 3 is out because I'd be losing my mind if it wasn't!
This story is so freaking good! If you like Fantasy with a bit of romance then this is one for you! I am hooked!
J.M. Wallace is brilliant! Ali Dane is amazing at bringing this series to life. I am not going to be half as good at reading the next one to myself as she would be at performing it.
Huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to listen to and review the audio version of this book.
I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate it. I thought it was okay. I do wish there was more spice/relationship build between Kelera and Dras and I otherwise thought the storyline was similar to most books like these so I found it be predictable. I’m not fussed if I decide to not read the third book.
Not knowing who to save the lead does he best to save everyone. Finding love or binding herself to someone so others can’t steal her magic seems to be the same side of the coin or is it? She risk it all to save her people to learn they have turned on her. Returning to save the one she love but is she too late or will everything end in death. Will be seeking out the next book.
Yep, I saw this coming a while back! Kelera is the heir, ha that’s gonna piss off Samael something fierce. 😂 I kinda had a clue that Alexander wasn’t showing his true self but never imagined he was that evil. Samael though, wow what a monster 👹 makes sense though look at his evil parents. Onto book 📕 3.
Amazing from start to finish. The ending was a huge shock. I cannot wait to read on in book three to see where everything leads. I listened to the audiobook as I read along and the narrator was perfect.
This book pulled you in from the very beginning and held you to the very end. The main characters keep you on seat flipping these pages wanting to see what they find next (including love). Moving along to the next book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I got books 1 and 2 as an ALC and when I tell you I JUMPED on these so fast...not an exaggeration lol I finished them so fast I'm actually shocked 😂 I'm notorious for taking breaks in a series so I don't get burned out. I listened to these within days of getting them, and I'm genuinely sad the third book isn't available in audio 😂 these books will be gracing my shelves ASAP. Amazing fantasy series AND supporting an indie author? Sign me up 🙌 the cliffhanger this left off on has left me with more questions than answers 😂 and I need ANSWERS. Highly recommend these audios, the narrator was fantastic!
💥Overall opinion: Like the first book, I'm freaking OBSESSED! The chemistry between Kalera and Dras was off the charts and I love the way Ms. Wallace brings these characters and the fantasy world to life.
⛔️Brief Story Summary: Uncontrollable magic. An ancient prophecy. A bounty on their heads. And a world succumbing to frost…Kelera’s power has been unleashed, but not without a cost. Now she finds herself guilt-ridden, terrified of her own magic, wanted for treason… and bound to Dras. They venture into the Seelie Court, desperate to seek out an army strong enough to stand against Samael and his treacherous Unseelie forces. Kalera isn't sure if there's a way to save both her people and the man who risked everything for her, or if she'll be left with nothing but embers and ashes at the end.
⚡️POV: Third person
💋Tropes: Friends to Lovers Fake Marriage Kidnapped(reverse) Alpha Hero Forced Proximity Unhinged Magic One Bed
💣Main Character Rating: Kalera - 4.5 ⭐️ - I've loved her character since book one! She's resilient, fierce, empathetic, and relatable in her thoughts. My only issue is she seemed to have a low self-worth/esteem in this book and she deserves more credit given all she's been through. It was hard to see her inner thoughts and how hard she was on herself but it was also insightful and brought understanding to the growth that she needs.
Dras - 5 ⭐️ - I don't think this character rating will ever change. Since the beginning, I knew his potential to be something great and his character only seems to get better through each book, which I didn't know was possible!
💧Sadness level: 0/5
🌶Spice level: .5/5
📚Descriptive spice scenes: Yes there are one or two and they're steamy
🚫Closure: I had high hopes for book two and boy did she deliver! I did want more though because I couldn't get enough. The action and adventure was a nice add to this story and im so happy with where the author took it. I love Elfhame and it's inhabitants, so I can't wait to see what's next in the third and final book!
Now that Kelera has bound herself, and her power, to Prince Adastrus, they’re continuing on their journey to the Seelie Court to alert them to the danger and amass an army to fight Samael. However, Kelera has misgivings as she’s torn between the mortal realm, where she grew up, and the fae realm, where she’s starting to feel accepted for the first time.
In the second novel of this series, Kelera really had some demons to fight – with her power, past, and dreams for the future. She grows so much throughout the course of this book. Adrastus remains a calm, caring character, and I love the chemistry between him and Kelera.
This was a quick and jam-packed read full of action, magic, great side characters, and a bit of spice. I’ve really loved this series so far and can’t wait for the third book to see what happens next!
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
Well, I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading the previous one and I absolutely loved it! It follows on from where the first book ends and continues Kelera and Adrastus as they feel Samael and the unseelie court. They don’t know who they can trust but end up finding some allies as well as battling foes in spectacular fashion as Kelera learns more about her powers and how to control them. As last time, I really love the world building and characters in this story, especially Kelera as a strong but unsure FMC who learns along with us readers just what she is capable of. I have to say I was expecting (part of) the ending, at least the revelation right at the end, but the way it happens was nothing I could have guessed! If you like great characters, great world building and lots of suspense and awesome magic then you need to read this series!
Hab die Fortsetzung von Heir of Shadow und Ice sehr genossen, und da ich es direkt im Anschluss an Band 1 gelesen habe, war ich natürlich auch gleich wieder in der Geschichte drinnen. Es hat mir Spaß gemacht, die Welt weiter mit Kelera und Adrastus zu erkunden, mich zu verlieben und weitere Herausforderungen zu meistern.
Es geht auch sofort wieder rasant weiter, und wir bleiben jetzt in Elfhame. Wir lernen mehr über das Land kennen und auch die verschiedenen Courts. Wir entdecken neue Städte, lernen neue Freunde kennen und stellen uns Samael. Denn der macht es den beiden natürlich immer noch nicht leicht.
Das Ende hat mich sprachlos zurückgelassen, obwohl ich schon echt damit gerechnet hatte, dass es in diese Richtung gehen wird. Ich freu mich mega auf Band 3 und hoffe, dass dieser bald erscheinen wird.
I absolutely loved the 1st book (Heir of Shadows and Ice) in this series and this book picked up right where the story left off. J.M. Wallace creates such a vivid world that you can see and feel around you. Her words flow beautifully from page to page and at points I couldn’t turn them quick enough. The story continues to be packed full of action, adventure, magic and a bit of spicy romance! The chemistry between Kelera and Dras is off the charts and keeps me wanting more! J.M. you left me hanging again but in the best way possible and I am so excited for the release of book three!!