What do you think?
Astrid Stone #1
Found in Embers
How far would you go to save your only sister?
Astrid has been trying to keep her adopted sister, Lyric, hidden—their mother’s dying wish—but it proves difficult when Lyric attracts unwanted attention from another realm.
After Lyric gets kidnapped by members of the Jalak Brotherhood, Astrid vows to do whatever it takes to bring her home. Stealing a motorcycle and boarding a strange ship, Astrid travels far from Kansas City, to a realm where magic is real. Low on options, she contracts the help of a dangerously attractive dragonborn assassin.
Can Astrid navigate uncertainty and betrayal to save her sister? Or will she break when forced to face her biggest fear?
Found in Embers is the first book in the Astrid Stone Trilogy, an epic Urban Fantasy. If you like fast paced adventure, sexy shifters, and a sprinkling of dry humor, you’ll love the adventure AJ Blanch has crafted in this series.
Buy Found in Embers now, to read Astrid’s adventure.
Astrid has been trying to keep her adopted sister, Lyric, hidden—their mother’s dying wish—but it proves difficult when Lyric attracts unwanted attention from another realm.
After Lyric gets kidnapped by members of the Jalak Brotherhood, Astrid vows to do whatever it takes to bring her home. Stealing a motorcycle and boarding a strange ship, Astrid travels far from Kansas City, to a realm where magic is real. Low on options, she contracts the help of a dangerously attractive dragonborn assassin.
Can Astrid navigate uncertainty and betrayal to save her sister? Or will she break when forced to face her biggest fear?
Found in Embers is the first book in the Astrid Stone Trilogy, an epic Urban Fantasy. If you like fast paced adventure, sexy shifters, and a sprinkling of dry humor, you’ll love the adventure AJ Blanch has crafted in this series.
Buy Found in Embers now, to read Astrid’s adventure.
370 pages, ebook
Published November 18, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 12, 2026
Disclosure. I am not a fantasy reader. I didn't even know there was such a thing as urban fantasy prior to this book. Based on this book, I could see myself reading urban fantasy again. The vote is still out regarding reading the rest of the trilogy. I definitely want to know more about the characters, since there was a lot left open-ended, but the writing was a little different than I am used to reading. It felt more like the YA genre to me. Also, I was hoping for more romance. The story is more fantasy than romance. Overall, the storyline was unique and moved along quickly (sometimes too quickly where I got confused), so it kept me entertained and I enjoyed the characters. Being new to the KC area, it was fun to see places I now know being referenced.
January 23, 2025
3 Stars.
🔥 The vibes:
book 1 in trilogy
Real world Kansas City / Magical realm
Mysterious set up
Closed door
🔥 My thoughts:
I’m glad I tried this one! The initial set up pulled me in pretty quickly. Astrid and Lyric are sisters and there’s a lot of mystery surrounding their backgrounds. Several times while reading the book I found myself asking what I would do if I were in Astrid‘s position, and I really could feel for Astrid in some of those tough moments.
We also had Tyler - friend and secretly in love with Lyric - along for the journey, and I found him to be a fun character. I really liked him throughout but felt a bit confused by his arc as book 1 ended (no spoilers 🤐).
There were some moments throughout where I was confused with what was going on or where we were at in a scene. We were dialed into Astrid’s thoughts so much that sometimes I didn’t realize the scene / setting had changed. Or a new character started speaking that I didn’t realize was there. Some of these moments pulled me out of the story a little bit.
Another important thing to note is that this book is predominately a set up for the trilogy, and I wouldn’t say there’s romance in this book (though I do see that coming later on).
Overall, I enjoyed the experience as I was reading it. I felt like some parts were a little rushed and other parts dragged a little bit. The ending in particular went way too quick and left me a bit confused as to what exactly what happening in some key moments. This story was interesting and did have me turning the pages throughout, and I do think I’ll try book 2.
A final note- there were some editing inconsistencies here and there; a few words capitalized sometimes and not capitalized at other times; and some repetitive words (ie. Ope) that pulled me out of the story a bit. I don’t typically lower ratings for this, but do note it in reviews. While the editing process could have been improved, the plot and the story was interesting and kept me interested throughout.
Note- closed door; some language
Thank you so much to AJ Blanch for the gifted copy.
🔥 The vibes:
book 1 in trilogy
Real world Kansas City / Magical realm
Mysterious set up
Closed door
🔥 My thoughts:
I’m glad I tried this one! The initial set up pulled me in pretty quickly. Astrid and Lyric are sisters and there’s a lot of mystery surrounding their backgrounds. Several times while reading the book I found myself asking what I would do if I were in Astrid‘s position, and I really could feel for Astrid in some of those tough moments.
We also had Tyler - friend and secretly in love with Lyric - along for the journey, and I found him to be a fun character. I really liked him throughout but felt a bit confused by his arc as book 1 ended (no spoilers 🤐).
There were some moments throughout where I was confused with what was going on or where we were at in a scene. We were dialed into Astrid’s thoughts so much that sometimes I didn’t realize the scene / setting had changed. Or a new character started speaking that I didn’t realize was there. Some of these moments pulled me out of the story a little bit.
Another important thing to note is that this book is predominately a set up for the trilogy, and I wouldn’t say there’s romance in this book (though I do see that coming later on).
Overall, I enjoyed the experience as I was reading it. I felt like some parts were a little rushed and other parts dragged a little bit. The ending in particular went way too quick and left me a bit confused as to what exactly what happening in some key moments. This story was interesting and did have me turning the pages throughout, and I do think I’ll try book 2.
A final note- there were some editing inconsistencies here and there; a few words capitalized sometimes and not capitalized at other times; and some repetitive words (ie. Ope) that pulled me out of the story a bit. I don’t typically lower ratings for this, but do note it in reviews. While the editing process could have been improved, the plot and the story was interesting and kept me interested throughout.
Note- closed door; some language
Thank you so much to AJ Blanch for the gifted copy.
June 17, 2025
it was OK. I don't think I'm interested in reading the next book
March 28, 2026
BOOK REVIEW — Found in Embers by A.J. Blanch
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5)
Dragons, danger, and a slow-burn romance—with a few misses.
Astrid Stone has spent years protecting her adopted sister, keeping her hidden from a world she barely understands. But when Lyric is kidnapped by a powerful magical order, Astrid is forced into a dangerous realm where magic is real—and far more brutal than she imagined.
Determined to get her sister back, she teams up with Kai, a dragonborn assassin with a dark past, sharp edges, and a very distracting presence.
And the tension? Definitely there.
I liked the overall concept and the mix of action with slow-burn romance. The mission to save Lyric kept things moving, and the world had some really interesting elements.
But it didn’t fully hit for me. I wanted a bit more depth in both the worldbuilding and the emotional connection between the characters.
✨ What I liked
• dragon shifter elements
• strong FMC
• slow-burn tension
• high-stakes rescue mission
⚠️ What didn’t fully work for me
• worldbuilding could’ve been deeper
• emotional connection felt a bit lacking
• pacing was uneven at times
💭 Overall vibe
A solid fantasy with a great premise and slow-burn romance, but it didn’t completely pull me in.
If you like
• dragon fantasy
• slow-burn romance
• strong heroines
• enemies to lovers vibes
• action-driven plots
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5)
Dragons, danger, and a slow-burn romance—with a few misses.
Astrid Stone has spent years protecting her adopted sister, keeping her hidden from a world she barely understands. But when Lyric is kidnapped by a powerful magical order, Astrid is forced into a dangerous realm where magic is real—and far more brutal than she imagined.
Determined to get her sister back, she teams up with Kai, a dragonborn assassin with a dark past, sharp edges, and a very distracting presence.
And the tension? Definitely there.
I liked the overall concept and the mix of action with slow-burn romance. The mission to save Lyric kept things moving, and the world had some really interesting elements.
But it didn’t fully hit for me. I wanted a bit more depth in both the worldbuilding and the emotional connection between the characters.
✨ What I liked
• dragon shifter elements
• strong FMC
• slow-burn tension
• high-stakes rescue mission
⚠️ What didn’t fully work for me
• worldbuilding could’ve been deeper
• emotional connection felt a bit lacking
• pacing was uneven at times
💭 Overall vibe
A solid fantasy with a great premise and slow-burn romance, but it didn’t completely pull me in.
If you like
• dragon fantasy
• slow-burn romance
• strong heroines
• enemies to lovers vibes
• action-driven plots
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2024
This was a great story. I really enjoyed it. It's full of magic, half truths, betrayel and loyalty. The characters were very well developed and the plot was engaging. I will be checking out more of this authors work.
Astrid and her sister Lyric lost their parents in an accident and all Astrid has ever known is to protect Lyric. Lyric had trouble walking and quite frequently required a wheel chair. Astrid suffered from extreme migrane headaches. When Lyric and her friend disappeared, Astrid went into protection mode. Astrid, Lyric and Tyler ended up in a strange predicament. They all ended up getting captured by Goblins and sailing on a ship to a different world. During Astrids perilous escape from the goblins she knew she had to find her sister. Tyler & Astrid gained the help of a scary dragon born and set out to find her sister. Along the way Astrid learns her whole life has been a lie. She will have to sift through it all and find the courage to do what must be done.
Astrid and her sister Lyric lost their parents in an accident and all Astrid has ever known is to protect Lyric. Lyric had trouble walking and quite frequently required a wheel chair. Astrid suffered from extreme migrane headaches. When Lyric and her friend disappeared, Astrid went into protection mode. Astrid, Lyric and Tyler ended up in a strange predicament. They all ended up getting captured by Goblins and sailing on a ship to a different world. During Astrids perilous escape from the goblins she knew she had to find her sister. Tyler & Astrid gained the help of a scary dragon born and set out to find her sister. Along the way Astrid learns her whole life has been a lie. She will have to sift through it all and find the courage to do what must be done.
June 14, 2023
I was bored, I didn’t really enjoy the narration. I won’t continue the series it’s just not my cup of tea with no real urge to want to know more about the main characters or where they go from here.
Not for me.
Not for me.
February 1, 2026
This was an interesting story! It's an urban fantasy with higher fantasy vibes, since the story starts in KCMO and with an unexpected boat ride leads to another dimension and a bunch of different creatures and magic! It did start off a little slow for me, but once it started to pick up, it just kept going!
Astrid was an interesting character who took a little time to grow on me and there were a few moments where I wanted to lecture her about her decisions. Though, she did turn it around and grow as a person throughout the story and I liked her character growth because it showed the natural progression of growth rather than stubborn one moment, patient and thoughtful the next. Her loyalty to her sister is commendable, I don't think I'd dimension travel to save one of my siblings, but I also don't have cool kickbutt powers to help save my life, so good for her.
I really liked the world(s) the author created. It almost felt like I was there, since she gave great detail to them. Astrid is an artist and her character was able to describe the locations with incredible detail. There are different creatures, powers, shifters, and magical rules. Plus, a dictator of a ruler! There's a slight hint of romance in the story, but this story is definitely more for the plot than romance.
The secondary characters played their parts well, Lyric was a typical teenager, but had a big heart. Tyler meant well, but there were times where his jokes interrupted the flow of the story. And Kai...the mysterious Kai who has a tragic backstory and attitude that I would love to see more of in future stories!
I hope that more books come out in this series! The characters were wonderful and interesting and I hope to meet them again!
I liked the narrator, I thought she did a fine job. I listened at 1.2x speed, since I found that speed more to my liking. Her differentiating between inner thoughts/monologues was different than what I've experienced in prior listens. She made her voice softer and really helped the inner thoughts stand out against the speaking voice or the general narration. I liked the differentiation, though sometimes it was a little softer than the listening level I had my earphones at, so that would be my only dislike for that. Otherwise, I'd listen to another book narrated by her because she did a good job!
Astrid was an interesting character who took a little time to grow on me and there were a few moments where I wanted to lecture her about her decisions. Though, she did turn it around and grow as a person throughout the story and I liked her character growth because it showed the natural progression of growth rather than stubborn one moment, patient and thoughtful the next. Her loyalty to her sister is commendable, I don't think I'd dimension travel to save one of my siblings, but I also don't have cool kickbutt powers to help save my life, so good for her.
I really liked the world(s) the author created. It almost felt like I was there, since she gave great detail to them. Astrid is an artist and her character was able to describe the locations with incredible detail. There are different creatures, powers, shifters, and magical rules. Plus, a dictator of a ruler! There's a slight hint of romance in the story, but this story is definitely more for the plot than romance.
The secondary characters played their parts well, Lyric was a typical teenager, but had a big heart. Tyler meant well, but there were times where his jokes interrupted the flow of the story. And Kai...the mysterious Kai who has a tragic backstory and attitude that I would love to see more of in future stories!
I hope that more books come out in this series! The characters were wonderful and interesting and I hope to meet them again!
I liked the narrator, I thought she did a fine job. I listened at 1.2x speed, since I found that speed more to my liking. Her differentiating between inner thoughts/monologues was different than what I've experienced in prior listens. She made her voice softer and really helped the inner thoughts stand out against the speaking voice or the general narration. I liked the differentiation, though sometimes it was a little softer than the listening level I had my earphones at, so that would be my only dislike for that. Otherwise, I'd listen to another book narrated by her because she did a good job!
January 15, 2025
Okay, let me talk about what I really enjoyed first off. The magic system is interesting and there is a lot of action. I thought the characters were interesting and I genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen to them and how this was going to play out. I’d be interested to see more of the dragons, so I hope we get more of them in the next one. The writing held my interest and I was holding my breath for everyone in a couple of parts. I liked Astrid, she was strong and sensitive and genuinely loved her sister and wanted to do what is best for her. She’s trying her hardest to provide while still being a kid herself. Tyler might be my favorite character. He was so funny and I genuinely wanted to know how his story ends up. The jury’s out on Kai, do I like him? Do I not? I don’t know yet.
To me there is not a lot of a romance which I am okay with in a fantasy, but want to give a heads up. I guess if you love enemies to lovers, but this just felt more enemies than lovers to me, so I didn’t find it romantic. Kai was pretty mean.
The zen/being one with the earth and such was a bit different for me in the magic system, but it’s magic so I can’t complain too much.
The language bugged me a bit but honestly that’s a me problem. I would kind of classify this book as YA, maybe NA? (with caution because I’m a bit overprotective I wouldn’t want my child of 12 or 13 reading a book with curse words)
So after all of my ramblings, do I want to know what happens next? Absolutely. This held my interest and I am curious about the next one!
CW: swearing (f word once), other words sprinkled throughout, violence, unaliving people.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To me there is not a lot of a romance which I am okay with in a fantasy, but want to give a heads up. I guess if you love enemies to lovers, but this just felt more enemies than lovers to me, so I didn’t find it romantic. Kai was pretty mean.
The zen/being one with the earth and such was a bit different for me in the magic system, but it’s magic so I can’t complain too much.
The language bugged me a bit but honestly that’s a me problem. I would kind of classify this book as YA, maybe NA? (with caution because I’m a bit overprotective I wouldn’t want my child of 12 or 13 reading a book with curse words)
So after all of my ramblings, do I want to know what happens next? Absolutely. This held my interest and I am curious about the next one!
CW: swearing (f word once), other words sprinkled throughout, violence, unaliving people.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 25, 2023
This is the first book I’ve finished in years. I’ve been in quite a reading slump for many reasons…so, I just want to say thank you to this author for reigniting that passion.
That may sound overly dramatic, but this book pulled me in immediately, kept me interested in the plot and the characters, and moved fast.
There were a few places where I felt like I was missing pieces, holes here and there, and because of that I was going to rate it a 3.8. But I rounded it up to a 4 because it was just so freaking fun to read!
I can’t wait until the next book, where I’m sure those missing pieces will come together.
Well done!
That may sound overly dramatic, but this book pulled me in immediately, kept me interested in the plot and the characters, and moved fast.
There were a few places where I felt like I was missing pieces, holes here and there, and because of that I was going to rate it a 3.8. But I rounded it up to a 4 because it was just so freaking fun to read!
I can’t wait until the next book, where I’m sure those missing pieces will come together.
Well done!
August 18, 2023
I always think I don't like urban fantasy/portal-type stories, and then I read books like this and wonder why I think that. This might make me rethink it, actually! This was such a fun, quick read with likable and complex characters, a cool magic system, and some unexpected twists. Astrid was easy to care for, and I liked how her focus remained on her sister for the whole story (as opposed to some books that start out with someone trying to find a family member and then forgetting about them when a love interest comes along). Can't wait for book 2!
January 4, 2026
I am not a big reader but I decided to give these books a try!!! OH MY GOODNESS BEST DECISION! I could not put these books down! I would get to the end of the chapter and tell myself to stop for the night and read 3 more chapters! I got hooked to the characters and their developments were insanely good!! I can’t recommend these books enough!!
January 29, 2026
This book came to me as a free book on my Kindle. I liked it, so I bought the other two books from the trilogy. It is a cute story, a bit predictable, but interesting. I've already started reading book 2, so I know how things develop between between Astrid and Kai. It's fun.But nothing is set in stone, so let's see where this journey through the Light Lands and other realms will bring me.
September 23, 2025
3.5 stars.
This was fun enough to read but the writing felt slightly juvenile and inconsistent in style at times. This is maybe more for older teens than adults. I can’t say I’m interested in reading more.
This was fun enough to read but the writing felt slightly juvenile and inconsistent in style at times. This is maybe more for older teens than adults. I can’t say I’m interested in reading more.
January 31, 2026
Excellent
My husband doesn't understand what a great writer you are to keep me captivated so I have to finish your book before I can sleep. Now I have to wait until tomorrow to read the second book.
My husband doesn't understand what a great writer you are to keep me captivated so I have to finish your book before I can sleep. Now I have to wait until tomorrow to read the second book.
June 12, 2026
This book had a really promising start. But as I continued reading, it got less and less appealing. I think as this author matures more as a writer, I might try one of her books again in the future, but it read like a ho-hum YA novel.
November 23, 2022
Couldn’t put it down!
This book had such a natural, beautiful flow. It pulled me in right away and left me wanting more. Loved it!
This book had such a natural, beautiful flow. It pulled me in right away and left me wanting more. Loved it!
November 28, 2022
I can’t wait for the sequel
So good. It’s always nice to find another world you can get lost in. This is top notch urban fantasy.
So good. It’s always nice to find another world you can get lost in. This is top notch urban fantasy.
April 3, 2023
A good read, and introduction to a new series, I can't wait for the next instalment
April 3, 2023
4 stars
September 14, 2023
Very well written! Sort of D&D adjacent, modern/real world vs. fantasy world fun.
November 12, 2023
Crossing Realms
What a delightful fantasy! AJ Blanch has crafted a fantastic adventure bridging our world with an amazing one; one filled with intrigue and danger.
What a delightful fantasy! AJ Blanch has crafted a fantastic adventure bridging our world with an amazing one; one filled with intrigue and danger.
December 17, 2023
Easy to read teen drama with a scifi thread to it.
do-not-buy
July 13, 2024I can already tell by multiple things - cover included - this is a miss-labeled Young Adult book. On my do not buy shelf you go!
Did Not Finish
January 13, 2025February 10, 2023
Paused reading this and now it's no longer available on KU
Paused reading this and now it's no longer available on KU
March 8, 2025
I was undecided about these characters in the beginning but they grew on me. I absolutely adore Tyler!!!
May 1, 2025
What a wild ride! This urban fantasy does not go in the direction that you think it will. The world building is really good and the story is even better. Definitely recommend.
June 21, 2025
It was a great book. I loved that it was based in a real-world place. Especially since it's someplace that usually gets forgotten in stories. It also helps that I grew up there.
December 26, 2025
Wow!! This book is incredible!! Left me wanting more and more, Kai is a super intriguing character and left me wondering if I like him or hate him can’t wait for the next book!!
May 21, 2026
Brilliant
What a fantastic read AJ, enjoyed every page, full of thrilling adventures and wonderful characters. The landscape of this book was colourful and vibrant!
What a fantastic read AJ, enjoyed every page, full of thrilling adventures and wonderful characters. The landscape of this book was colourful and vibrant!
June 6, 2026
Great adventure!
Well developed characters and well paced story! I love reading an epic story, this one is a memorable and exciting legend.
Well developed characters and well paced story! I love reading an epic story, this one is a memorable and exciting legend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews