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Across Time #1
Fires of the Forsaken
At the end of time, there is only fire.
Addie just wanted a gosh-darn pizza.
She did not have “getting plucked from the 21st century and thrown into a rudimentary fantasy world” on her “things to do after work” checklist. Yet here she is, trapped in the hellscape known as Sakar, where Wraiths flame-broil humans and Celestial armies wage war with each other over a centuries-old spat.
It’s the last stop before the end of time. And Addie is stranded without a return ticket home.
Thankfully, Cheriour, the gruff and grumpy commander of the human army takes her under his wing. He’s blunt, brutal, and socially awkward. Totally not Addie’s type.
So why does she find him so infuriatingly attractive?
As Addie tumbles head over heels for Cheriour, and reluctantly adapts to the brutal Sakarian society, she unravels the mystery of why she was sent to this world. And it’s a doozy…
Fires of the Forsaken is the first book in the Across Time series, an epic grimdark romantasy packed with gritty action and snarky humor.
Addie just wanted a gosh-darn pizza.
She did not have “getting plucked from the 21st century and thrown into a rudimentary fantasy world” on her “things to do after work” checklist. Yet here she is, trapped in the hellscape known as Sakar, where Wraiths flame-broil humans and Celestial armies wage war with each other over a centuries-old spat.
It’s the last stop before the end of time. And Addie is stranded without a return ticket home.
Thankfully, Cheriour, the gruff and grumpy commander of the human army takes her under his wing. He’s blunt, brutal, and socially awkward. Totally not Addie’s type.
So why does she find him so infuriatingly attractive?
As Addie tumbles head over heels for Cheriour, and reluctantly adapts to the brutal Sakarian society, she unravels the mystery of why she was sent to this world. And it’s a doozy…
Fires of the Forsaken is the first book in the Across Time series, an epic grimdark romantasy packed with gritty action and snarky humor.
Unknown Binding
Published May 17, 2023
67 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie E. Donohue
7 books47 followersAdequate author. Amateur graphic designer. Awesome cat mom.
Stephanie enjoys writing stories that take readers on gritty, exciting and dangerous adventures (with some swoon-worthy romance, of course!)
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her two cats, obsessively re-watching The Office, or rocking out to a Pound Fitness class.
Stephanie enjoys writing stories that take readers on gritty, exciting and dangerous adventures (with some swoon-worthy romance, of course!)
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her two cats, obsessively re-watching The Office, or rocking out to a Pound Fitness class.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 2, 2023
I loved the fantasy aspect of this. The Wraiths, hybrids, Pucas, Celestials, and the regular humans thrown into the mix. It was a very intriguing story, and the way it ended - with a cliffhanger, I might add - was almost poetic. The dual POV gave me insight into the past, and it twisted together seamlessly. It's really amazing how everything lined up! My heart hurt for Lass and what she had to go through in her life.
Now, Addie is a different story. I have to be honest, I didn't really enjoy Addie's character to begin with. She talked way too much, and a lot of it was unnecessary and not really humorous to me. She also voiced her inner dialogue without realizing it. Her character just rubbed me wrong somehow, but after getting to know her a little more, I found out it was an anxiety reflex. I still found it annoying in some instances, though I recognize why she does it.
I would recommend this book if you like campy fantasy books with one of the MC being the big comic relief and angel lore. I'm excited to see where the second book leads all these characters, I have so many questions, but please read the trigger warning before. There is a small SA scene I was prepared for and young children dying that got me, considering I have 2 children that age.
Now, Addie is a different story. I have to be honest, I didn't really enjoy Addie's character to begin with. She talked way too much, and a lot of it was unnecessary and not really humorous to me. She also voiced her inner dialogue without realizing it. Her character just rubbed me wrong somehow, but after getting to know her a little more, I found out it was an anxiety reflex. I still found it annoying in some instances, though I recognize why she does it.
I would recommend this book if you like campy fantasy books with one of the MC being the big comic relief and angel lore. I'm excited to see where the second book leads all these characters, I have so many questions, but please read the trigger warning before. There is a small SA scene I was prepared for and young children dying that got me, considering I have 2 children that age.
June 2, 2023
I absolutely love Addie and Cheriour. The way Addie reacts to being trown into a fantasy weird is authentic and hilarious. She is a woman who speaks her mind even when she sometimes doesn't even know it. Cheriour is the total opposite. Hd is reserved, serious and a a serious good soldier.
You also get to know Lass. A mysteries girl who doesn't know her past and begins to live with a kind man. She has difficulties with controlling her powers of fire.
Addie and Lass pov are switching which made it really enjoyable to read. First I sometimes found myself a little confused but that decreased as the story progresses.
The author is so good at world-building. Sakar, is a place you don't want to live in. The world is full of wraiths, hybrid and the Celestials who hunt and fight humans.
This story is a heavy read full of dead, grieve and loss. The humans are a true family where addie quickly belongs too.
Their is also a little romance between Addie and Cheriour. Their relationship exist out funny banter, Addie who can't seem to keep her mouth shut and Cheriour who in the first half of the story doesn't talk much.
The clifhanger is just to huge. I want to know what happens next.
Defintely read this amazing and beautiful story!
You also get to know Lass. A mysteries girl who doesn't know her past and begins to live with a kind man. She has difficulties with controlling her powers of fire.
Addie and Lass pov are switching which made it really enjoyable to read. First I sometimes found myself a little confused but that decreased as the story progresses.
The author is so good at world-building. Sakar, is a place you don't want to live in. The world is full of wraiths, hybrid and the Celestials who hunt and fight humans.
This story is a heavy read full of dead, grieve and loss. The humans are a true family where addie quickly belongs too.
Their is also a little romance between Addie and Cheriour. Their relationship exist out funny banter, Addie who can't seem to keep her mouth shut and Cheriour who in the first half of the story doesn't talk much.
The clifhanger is just to huge. I want to know what happens next.
Defintely read this amazing and beautiful story!
January 12, 2025
This book follows a girl who is dragged into a fantasy world. All she wanted was to go get a pizza and lo and behold, she is taken into a world where she has to learn how to survive.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the story when I first started reading it, but it was very fast paced and it intrigued me from the very beginning.
The FMC Addie talked a lot and used her sarcasm to deal with her anxiety or her fear. I laughed a lot actually during this book. I’m still very curious about the MMC because he’s so quiet and we didn’t learn a whole lot about him, but I thought their little romance was very sweet. The ending was surprising and confusing all at once, so I’m very curious to learn what book 2 is going to have.
Check triggers for this book because it did touch on SA. And also had scenes of death, including children, which was kind of hard to read about, but it was made easier by the FMC and her personality, making things feel lighter.
I rate this 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Recommend if you want a fantasy world in the middle of war with Wraiths, Celestials, Hybrid Humans with powers, and Hybrid Horses.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the story when I first started reading it, but it was very fast paced and it intrigued me from the very beginning.
The FMC Addie talked a lot and used her sarcasm to deal with her anxiety or her fear. I laughed a lot actually during this book. I’m still very curious about the MMC because he’s so quiet and we didn’t learn a whole lot about him, but I thought their little romance was very sweet. The ending was surprising and confusing all at once, so I’m very curious to learn what book 2 is going to have.
Check triggers for this book because it did touch on SA. And also had scenes of death, including children, which was kind of hard to read about, but it was made easier by the FMC and her personality, making things feel lighter.
I rate this 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Recommend if you want a fantasy world in the middle of war with Wraiths, Celestials, Hybrid Humans with powers, and Hybrid Horses.
July 12, 2024
❗️trigger warnings! ❗️
Blood, dismemberment, death, child death, SA, Abuse/SA to children (not in detail), mentions mental health Issues, crude language
This book starts with our main character Addie living her life in New York. She is a hair dresser and is generally happy in her life when all that changes when she goes to pick up her pizza order and wakes up in a completely new world and finds out she’s actually a hybrid, turned by a celestial. She lands in the war ravaged world of Sakar where she is saved by the world’s weirdest horse and a pretty hunky man. It is dual POV and also follows Lass, a hybrid with fire powers that she can’t control.
Addie is my kind of girl, she keeps me cracking up the whole time, I would not have been able to get through the heavy material without her sarcasticness and just general inability to stop voicing her thoughts. My biggest issue with this book is that I have to wait til December for the second book 😭
Blood, dismemberment, death, child death, SA, Abuse/SA to children (not in detail), mentions mental health Issues, crude language
This book starts with our main character Addie living her life in New York. She is a hair dresser and is generally happy in her life when all that changes when she goes to pick up her pizza order and wakes up in a completely new world and finds out she’s actually a hybrid, turned by a celestial. She lands in the war ravaged world of Sakar where she is saved by the world’s weirdest horse and a pretty hunky man. It is dual POV and also follows Lass, a hybrid with fire powers that she can’t control.
Addie is my kind of girl, she keeps me cracking up the whole time, I would not have been able to get through the heavy material without her sarcasticness and just general inability to stop voicing her thoughts. My biggest issue with this book is that I have to wait til December for the second book 😭
May 24, 2023
DNF 49% in 🫶
I hate to do this to a book especially with characters such as Addie herself who made me cackle every 5 mins. Ngl I don’t like the whole aspect of having to go through two perspectives one with Addie and one with Lass. I found myself skimming Lass’s POV
It got boring I was so pumped first few chapter with Addie then I started yawning through the rest. Trust me I did try to push through but it really was a snooze fest I couldn’t handle it anymore😖✋
Off to my next read 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️✌️
I hate to do this to a book especially with characters such as Addie herself who made me cackle every 5 mins. Ngl I don’t like the whole aspect of having to go through two perspectives one with Addie and one with Lass. I found myself skimming Lass’s POV
It got boring I was so pumped first few chapter with Addie then I started yawning through the rest. Trust me I did try to push through but it really was a snooze fest I couldn’t handle it anymore😖✋
Off to my next read 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️✌️
December 20, 2024
{4.75/5}
CW: gore, violence, death of family, trauma, references to r@pe/abortion/abuse, some others.
I was wholly unprepared for the sass, but I loved every minute of it.
After losing her parents in a fire, Addie had a rough go of things. Now that she’s an adult, things seem to have finally leveled out. She loves her job, she knows all the best spots to grab a meal, everything’s going well. Until Addie is kidnapped and dropped into the middle of a fantasy land actively being torn apart by way, that is. To say things are less than ideal would be an understatement.
I’m not sure whether I laughed or cringed more while reading this book, but I loved all of it. Poor Addie’s not-always-internal monologue is hilarious, but the whole ‘whoops did I say that out loud?’ had my secondhand embarrassment pinging off the charts. I still loved it, though.
I don’t know how the author managed it, but this book manages to completely nail being fast paced without feeling underdeveloped. It’s all systems go from page one, and I completely devoured this story. The writing is so easy to get sucked into, it’s a wonderfully fun read that you want to stay immersed in, and it’s completely full of absolutely unhinged dialogue. 10/10 for engagement; no notes.
The snark and incessant commentary from Addie takes what would otherwise be a heavy-ish story and makes it a lot easier to digest. It’s an excellent counterbalance, and I found a lot of things in there that I would probably also say if something similar were to happen to me (most of it boils down to, ‘ah shit, I’m totally going to die’ and ‘god I miss pizza’). For all that, though, it still delivers on a really interesting plot that I think is just going to continue developing into an epic story. It’s kind of the perfect intro to the bigger picture: here’s your MC, here’s her crisis, ooo look at her getting her feet under her, jk—it’s getting real now best of luck and Godspeed.
All this doesn’t even begin to mention how intriguing the actual world is here. We start in familiar territory, and then we (and our unfortunate MC) get yeeted into a completely different realm with 0 warning whatsoever. And that realm is bloody. It’s gory and violent and absolutely lethal, but some parts of it are just amazing. It’s too brutal to really feel like it’s a ‘beautiful’ world, but the scenery and the backdrops for our action is a perfect accompaniment to the rest of the story. The whole tone is just perfect all the way through.
Seriously, I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’ve ever read a fantasy book and thought, ‘huh, I’d be screaming profanities and completely failing at a lot of these physical challenges because I am *not* trained for combat’ then this is the perfect heroine for you. Addie is also screaming profanities and doing her very best not to end up as a past tense. I adore her, and I want to read more about her immediately.
CW: gore, violence, death of family, trauma, references to r@pe/abortion/abuse, some others.
I was wholly unprepared for the sass, but I loved every minute of it.
After losing her parents in a fire, Addie had a rough go of things. Now that she’s an adult, things seem to have finally leveled out. She loves her job, she knows all the best spots to grab a meal, everything’s going well. Until Addie is kidnapped and dropped into the middle of a fantasy land actively being torn apart by way, that is. To say things are less than ideal would be an understatement.
I’m not sure whether I laughed or cringed more while reading this book, but I loved all of it. Poor Addie’s not-always-internal monologue is hilarious, but the whole ‘whoops did I say that out loud?’ had my secondhand embarrassment pinging off the charts. I still loved it, though.
I don’t know how the author managed it, but this book manages to completely nail being fast paced without feeling underdeveloped. It’s all systems go from page one, and I completely devoured this story. The writing is so easy to get sucked into, it’s a wonderfully fun read that you want to stay immersed in, and it’s completely full of absolutely unhinged dialogue. 10/10 for engagement; no notes.
The snark and incessant commentary from Addie takes what would otherwise be a heavy-ish story and makes it a lot easier to digest. It’s an excellent counterbalance, and I found a lot of things in there that I would probably also say if something similar were to happen to me (most of it boils down to, ‘ah shit, I’m totally going to die’ and ‘god I miss pizza’). For all that, though, it still delivers on a really interesting plot that I think is just going to continue developing into an epic story. It’s kind of the perfect intro to the bigger picture: here’s your MC, here’s her crisis, ooo look at her getting her feet under her, jk—it’s getting real now best of luck and Godspeed.
All this doesn’t even begin to mention how intriguing the actual world is here. We start in familiar territory, and then we (and our unfortunate MC) get yeeted into a completely different realm with 0 warning whatsoever. And that realm is bloody. It’s gory and violent and absolutely lethal, but some parts of it are just amazing. It’s too brutal to really feel like it’s a ‘beautiful’ world, but the scenery and the backdrops for our action is a perfect accompaniment to the rest of the story. The whole tone is just perfect all the way through.
Seriously, I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’ve ever read a fantasy book and thought, ‘huh, I’d be screaming profanities and completely failing at a lot of these physical challenges because I am *not* trained for combat’ then this is the perfect heroine for you. Addie is also screaming profanities and doing her very best not to end up as a past tense. I adore her, and I want to read more about her immediately.
March 30, 2024
This book is full of action, goriness, and had me cracking up quite a bit. If I was thrown into this world, I'd have the same type of reactions as Addie, some not all lol.
The dialogue between characters is the best part, especially between Addie and Cheriour. The fact that she doesn't realize when she speaks her mind made me LOL.
I did have to push myself through the first part but I'm glad I continued.
The first 1/4 took me awhile to get used to the writing style because the MC keeps interrupting her own thoughts a lot; which I found annoying at first but then it grew on me because it showed how quirky the character is. It also helped sometimes because coming across a new name, she'd "sound it out" or "skeeters" were explained to be (mosquitoes), helpful for those that may not understand the jargon. I ended up loving her ❤️
The main reason I gave it a 3.5 rating is because the first 70% had hardly any setting or character details. It was hard to paint the picture of what the surroundings were like and the characters usually only had one word at a time to describe them so you had to fill in the blanks for them. The first well-explained character was Seruf, and they don't come up until about 80%.
I was hoping for more back story to explain why there was a war going on but I feel like it'll be explained in future books so I'm holding out for those.
With the great dialogue and description of goriness and what was happening in terms of actions, made this book very enjoyable and kept me wanting to find out what happens next. I definitely plan to continue the series when those books come out!
The dialogue between characters is the best part, especially between Addie and Cheriour. The fact that she doesn't realize when she speaks her mind made me LOL.
I did have to push myself through the first part but I'm glad I continued.
The first 1/4 took me awhile to get used to the writing style because the MC keeps interrupting her own thoughts a lot; which I found annoying at first but then it grew on me because it showed how quirky the character is. It also helped sometimes because coming across a new name, she'd "sound it out" or "skeeters" were explained to be (mosquitoes), helpful for those that may not understand the jargon. I ended up loving her ❤️
The main reason I gave it a 3.5 rating is because the first 70% had hardly any setting or character details. It was hard to paint the picture of what the surroundings were like and the characters usually only had one word at a time to describe them so you had to fill in the blanks for them. The first well-explained character was Seruf, and they don't come up until about 80%.
I was hoping for more back story to explain why there was a war going on but I feel like it'll be explained in future books so I'm holding out for those.
With the great dialogue and description of goriness and what was happening in terms of actions, made this book very enjoyable and kept me wanting to find out what happens next. I definitely plan to continue the series when those books come out!
May 18, 2023
I almost dnf'd at 25% in but i stuck with it and actually wound up liking it more than i expected. I was not a big fan of Addie to start because of how rude she was to everyone for no reason but over time she grew on me. I also wasnt a fan of the crossed out words and corrections from the POV of Lass. I thought i had a proof copy with author edits or something and it was really distracting.
After about 40% though the book got really good and exciting with lots of twists i really enjoyed until the very end with a fairly big cliffhanger. There are a lot of really interesting characters and some really neat worldbuilding and magic if you can push past the 40% mark.
After about 40% though the book got really good and exciting with lots of twists i really enjoyed until the very end with a fairly big cliffhanger. There are a lot of really interesting characters and some really neat worldbuilding and magic if you can push past the 40% mark.
May 17, 2023
Fires Of The Forsaken is the first book in the Across Time series. It is a dark fantasy written from two POVs. There are two female main characters, and one male.
Adelaide (Addie) Collins has not led the easiest life. She was orphaned at the age of five due to a tragic house fire. Subsequently she ended up in the foster care system where she was bounced around from home to home, and unfortunately most folks were simply interested in the government cheque. She has a bit of a mouth on her, and tends to say whatever she is thinking, without any filter. Addie is a hairdresser who is moderately obsessed with pop culture, and proudly has a sleeve tattoo representing some of her favourites. One night, while stopping to pick up pizza for dinner, her life is forever changed. She was knocked out before getting back into her car and wakes up in the middle of a field covered in bodies, and body parts. Before she can really get her bearings, dark riders appear. They look similar to humans except they have pale gray skin, white eyes, long pointy teeth, and emaciated bodies. While she does her best to flee and to fight back, she is ultimately saved by Cheriour, the male main character.
Addie's brain is not catching up to her current circumstances. Cheriour (aka Viking Viktor) does his best to explain that she is now in a place called Sakar where humans are fighting for their lives, casualties of a war between two celestial beings- Raphael and Ramiel. When the war moved from the Celestial City to Sakar, Raphael created hybrids to help protect humanity. Hybrids have powers such as concealers who can hide things which are in plain sight, illuminators who can create light, healers, etc... The creatures who wanted to eat her are Ramiel's creations, humans who no longer have a soul. They act as enforcers of Celestial law and are called Wraiths.
The second main female character is Lass. She lived in a part of Sakar that was ruled by Wraiths. People toiled daily to ensuring daily Offerings were made to the Celestials, regardless of circumstances. The Offering was supposed to be a basket of food, but when disaster or illness struck preventing someone from preparing their basket, an alternative had to be offered, and sometimes this included a human. When Lass' mother succumbed to illness, Wraiths came to collect her as the Offering. While awaiting her fate - to be spit-roasted and served up to Wraiths while still alive - Lass was collected by a Celestial and her life was spared, but forever changed.
Through the book we flip back and forth between Addie and Lass, learning about their respective lives in Sakar and the many challenges they face. Both are stronger than they think, and slowly come into their own, frequently under duress.
It wasn't until a little over halfway through the book that I felt engaged. I was tempted to set it aside but was encouraged by a few others who felt the same but persisted. Like them, I did not regret sticking with it.
So, breaking it down, here are a few things I loved:
-Two strong female characters, including a plus sized one!
-Addie's wit and sarcasm. Yes she talks a lot, but since Cheriour is the strong, silent type, her verbalized thoughts provide a lot of context and insight.
-The celestial aspect woven into the storyline
-Abby Normal! I knew she was going to be something special from the onset. Respecting animals for the win!
-The fun and quirky chapter titles
-The ssssslllllloooooowwww burn. I'm not sure it could get much slower!
-All the pop culture references
-An amazing cliffhanger that left me at the edge of my seat
And here's a couple I didn't:
-How the first half of the book dragged on and almost led to me missing out on a really fun read.
-Lass' spelling errors. I didn't see the purpose, and I found them distracting. Also, seeing as she was essentially raised by someone so enamoured with books and stories, I find it hard to believe that she would have struggled with her spelling.
As you can see, there was definitely a lot more to love about this book than not. I am now eager to get my hands on the second book to see what happens next. I have so many questions and I'm hoping at least some of them are addressed in book 2. While I have no idea how many books are planned in this series, I have a feeling Donohue is going to make us wait before revealing all her secrets. Commencing countdown to book 2 now!
Adelaide (Addie) Collins has not led the easiest life. She was orphaned at the age of five due to a tragic house fire. Subsequently she ended up in the foster care system where she was bounced around from home to home, and unfortunately most folks were simply interested in the government cheque. She has a bit of a mouth on her, and tends to say whatever she is thinking, without any filter. Addie is a hairdresser who is moderately obsessed with pop culture, and proudly has a sleeve tattoo representing some of her favourites. One night, while stopping to pick up pizza for dinner, her life is forever changed. She was knocked out before getting back into her car and wakes up in the middle of a field covered in bodies, and body parts. Before she can really get her bearings, dark riders appear. They look similar to humans except they have pale gray skin, white eyes, long pointy teeth, and emaciated bodies. While she does her best to flee and to fight back, she is ultimately saved by Cheriour, the male main character.
Addie's brain is not catching up to her current circumstances. Cheriour (aka Viking Viktor) does his best to explain that she is now in a place called Sakar where humans are fighting for their lives, casualties of a war between two celestial beings- Raphael and Ramiel. When the war moved from the Celestial City to Sakar, Raphael created hybrids to help protect humanity. Hybrids have powers such as concealers who can hide things which are in plain sight, illuminators who can create light, healers, etc... The creatures who wanted to eat her are Ramiel's creations, humans who no longer have a soul. They act as enforcers of Celestial law and are called Wraiths.
The second main female character is Lass. She lived in a part of Sakar that was ruled by Wraiths. People toiled daily to ensuring daily Offerings were made to the Celestials, regardless of circumstances. The Offering was supposed to be a basket of food, but when disaster or illness struck preventing someone from preparing their basket, an alternative had to be offered, and sometimes this included a human. When Lass' mother succumbed to illness, Wraiths came to collect her as the Offering. While awaiting her fate - to be spit-roasted and served up to Wraiths while still alive - Lass was collected by a Celestial and her life was spared, but forever changed.
Through the book we flip back and forth between Addie and Lass, learning about their respective lives in Sakar and the many challenges they face. Both are stronger than they think, and slowly come into their own, frequently under duress.
It wasn't until a little over halfway through the book that I felt engaged. I was tempted to set it aside but was encouraged by a few others who felt the same but persisted. Like them, I did not regret sticking with it.
So, breaking it down, here are a few things I loved:
-Two strong female characters, including a plus sized one!
-Addie's wit and sarcasm. Yes she talks a lot, but since Cheriour is the strong, silent type, her verbalized thoughts provide a lot of context and insight.
-The celestial aspect woven into the storyline
-Abby Normal! I knew she was going to be something special from the onset. Respecting animals for the win!
-The fun and quirky chapter titles
-The ssssslllllloooooowwww burn. I'm not sure it could get much slower!
-All the pop culture references
-An amazing cliffhanger that left me at the edge of my seat
And here's a couple I didn't:
-How the first half of the book dragged on and almost led to me missing out on a really fun read.
-Lass' spelling errors. I didn't see the purpose, and I found them distracting. Also, seeing as she was essentially raised by someone so enamoured with books and stories, I find it hard to believe that she would have struggled with her spelling.
As you can see, there was definitely a lot more to love about this book than not. I am now eager to get my hands on the second book to see what happens next. I have so many questions and I'm hoping at least some of them are addressed in book 2. While I have no idea how many books are planned in this series, I have a feeling Donohue is going to make us wait before revealing all her secrets. Commencing countdown to book 2 now!
May 13, 2023
This book was an unexpected read for me in a good way!
This story follows two POVs. That of Addie and Lass. One is about a girl, Lass, who is transformed into what is called a hybrid by Celestials and she cannot control her powers and causes her to be hunted by humans and all she’s trying to do is survive and be as normal as possible. The other is about Addie. A woman who was ordering pizza, gets knocked out and wakes up in a field filled with dead bodies…interested yet???
The world that Addie is thrown to is very unique. From what I understand, Celestials are the rulers, Wraiths are the ones who “maintain” the law, and humans are the unfortunate ones who live amongst them. I’m hoping to get more explanation about this world in the next book because I will say that I was wondering the whole time why this world is the way it is, or what is the history of this world, etc. I did get some answers towards the end, but I need more detail!
This book is also termed as a sassy adult romance fantasy, and let’s just say the word “sassy” should be in bold large letters 😂 Oh my goodness! The things Addie says! I would be reading and the situation is all serious right? And then she says something and I just start laughing because I’m like that doesn’t seem to be the appropriate time to say that, but I can’t help but laugh 😂
This is such a unique book, and it has a very dark side to it, despite all the sassiness that is just oozing out of this book, but Lass’ story is heartbreaking and I feel for that poor girl! The horrors she went through, I have to forewarn you it’s gruesome and graphic. And then Addie being thrust into this world she doesn’t understand and has to live there where it’s like the medieval times and she still wants her pizza, she understandably is upset and does tend to complain, but she grows so much through the book basically accepting what her situation now is and helps those in this world fight the Wraiths and Celestials. Not to mention her movie references were awesome and I got every single one!
My biggest issue with this story was the graphicness of it. And that is just me. I will admit I had a hard time with some of the graphic violence in this book and so be forewarned.
This world is so unique and I loved the hints of romance and steam in the book, but that ending. Now, I love cliffhangers, but I’m a little annoyed that I didn’t get my answers 😠 but that just means I’ll have to read the next book! 😂
I received a free digital copy to read, thank you to the author 🥰. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story follows two POVs. That of Addie and Lass. One is about a girl, Lass, who is transformed into what is called a hybrid by Celestials and she cannot control her powers and causes her to be hunted by humans and all she’s trying to do is survive and be as normal as possible. The other is about Addie. A woman who was ordering pizza, gets knocked out and wakes up in a field filled with dead bodies…interested yet???
The world that Addie is thrown to is very unique. From what I understand, Celestials are the rulers, Wraiths are the ones who “maintain” the law, and humans are the unfortunate ones who live amongst them. I’m hoping to get more explanation about this world in the next book because I will say that I was wondering the whole time why this world is the way it is, or what is the history of this world, etc. I did get some answers towards the end, but I need more detail!
This book is also termed as a sassy adult romance fantasy, and let’s just say the word “sassy” should be in bold large letters 😂 Oh my goodness! The things Addie says! I would be reading and the situation is all serious right? And then she says something and I just start laughing because I’m like that doesn’t seem to be the appropriate time to say that, but I can’t help but laugh 😂
This is such a unique book, and it has a very dark side to it, despite all the sassiness that is just oozing out of this book, but Lass’ story is heartbreaking and I feel for that poor girl! The horrors she went through, I have to forewarn you it’s gruesome and graphic. And then Addie being thrust into this world she doesn’t understand and has to live there where it’s like the medieval times and she still wants her pizza, she understandably is upset and does tend to complain, but she grows so much through the book basically accepting what her situation now is and helps those in this world fight the Wraiths and Celestials. Not to mention her movie references were awesome and I got every single one!
My biggest issue with this story was the graphicness of it. And that is just me. I will admit I had a hard time with some of the graphic violence in this book and so be forewarned.
This world is so unique and I loved the hints of romance and steam in the book, but that ending. Now, I love cliffhangers, but I’m a little annoyed that I didn’t get my answers 😠 but that just means I’ll have to read the next book! 😂
I received a free digital copy to read, thank you to the author 🥰. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 28, 2023
First and foremost let me just emphasis how much I LOVE chapter titles! And omg Stephanie E. Donohue’s chapter titles are EVERYTHING 😂 I hadn’t even started the book and I was already LMAO!
Fires of the Forsaken follows the story of two women in a dual POV narration. The first FMC, Addie, is introduced living her normal life in the 21st century and in the next moment she is waking up in a war ravaged land between humans and Celestials trying to piece together what has happened to her and simultaneously trying to stay alive. Our other FMC, Lass, narrates a heartbreaking tale of her life, losses, and her journey trying to comprehend what was done to her and how to control her power.
This book was so well written! In one chapter I’d be cracking up and the next my heart tearing in two! Addie’s POV had me laughing so hard and I did not expect that! She has experienced trauma (and don’t get me wrong, some of her situations are intense) but most of her narration is humorous and sarcastic which helps break up some of the more extreme aspects of the storyline. She has a severe case of word vomit and saying exactly what she’s thinking aloud without realizing it. At times the rambling is a little much but I believe this is done intentionally and given her circumstances I can cut her some slack.
I really enjoyed how the author breaks up these chapters. Lass’ tale is basically a struggle for survival and endless heartbreak. After reading a chapter about Lass it’s nice to transition into Addie’s more lighthearted perspective. About midway through the book I began to understand the connection between the two women and I cannot wait to learn more!
Overall I really enjoyed this read. The world building and the plot are very well done and the narration was unique to the characters. I also enjoy a good slow burn romance and there was just enough to keep the plot at the forefront but satisfy the itch. I had so many questions right up until the end…and now I have so many new questions 😂 Plenty of humor, sassy characters, relatable culture references, love interests, and secrecy Stephanie E. Donohue’s Fires of the Forsaken is a wonderful read!
Fires of the Forsaken follows the story of two women in a dual POV narration. The first FMC, Addie, is introduced living her normal life in the 21st century and in the next moment she is waking up in a war ravaged land between humans and Celestials trying to piece together what has happened to her and simultaneously trying to stay alive. Our other FMC, Lass, narrates a heartbreaking tale of her life, losses, and her journey trying to comprehend what was done to her and how to control her power.
This book was so well written! In one chapter I’d be cracking up and the next my heart tearing in two! Addie’s POV had me laughing so hard and I did not expect that! She has experienced trauma (and don’t get me wrong, some of her situations are intense) but most of her narration is humorous and sarcastic which helps break up some of the more extreme aspects of the storyline. She has a severe case of word vomit and saying exactly what she’s thinking aloud without realizing it. At times the rambling is a little much but I believe this is done intentionally and given her circumstances I can cut her some slack.
I really enjoyed how the author breaks up these chapters. Lass’ tale is basically a struggle for survival and endless heartbreak. After reading a chapter about Lass it’s nice to transition into Addie’s more lighthearted perspective. About midway through the book I began to understand the connection between the two women and I cannot wait to learn more!
Overall I really enjoyed this read. The world building and the plot are very well done and the narration was unique to the characters. I also enjoy a good slow burn romance and there was just enough to keep the plot at the forefront but satisfy the itch. I had so many questions right up until the end…and now I have so many new questions 😂 Plenty of humor, sassy characters, relatable culture references, love interests, and secrecy Stephanie E. Donohue’s Fires of the Forsaken is a wonderful read!
May 28, 2023
NOT FOR THE FAINTHEARTED. An epic, dark, gritty, and twisted fantasy. Fires of the Forsaken is fast-paced and infused with moments that will either make your jaw drop or make you laugh hysterically.
I’ve never read a story quite like this! It’s like Outlander meets Supernatural meets The Great. Right off the bat, you’re introduced to Addie, who gets dumped into this strange and terrifying world. Though she isn’t always PC and says some off-the-wall things, she provides the story with this comedic buffer that oftentimes is needed. I can see some people thinking she is too much, but as the story develops and she develops along with it, you really start to understand why she has no filter and tends to joke even in the most life-threatening situations. Plus, this story is dark and heavy, so I found myself particularly drawn to her chapters because she provided a lot of humor. Addie also gets bonus points because she’s a film freak like me and I loved that character detail about her.
After Addie, we are introduced to our second and final pov, Lass. Sometimes I struggle when jumping from being in the mind of one character to another but didn’t find that to be the case with this book. There was this beautiful contrast between Lass and Addie that I enjoyed. Lass provided more thoughtfulness and gave these raw emotions that balanced out all the humor you get from Addie’s chapters. I did feel for Lass. She’s such a tortured soul and all I want is for her to live a long beautiful life. Another thing that I loved about Lass’s chapters was the way in which they were written and thought showing her writing mistakes were clever. It was something I’d never seen before and thought it was a nice touch.
Stephanie’s writing style is brilliant and captivated me throughout the entire story. I also appreciate the originality so, so much! This book isn’t like anything I’ve read before. If you aren’t squeamish, love dark epic worlds, love mild romance, and enjoy a great sense of humor, then I strongly suggest you read Fires of the Forsaken!
I’ve never read a story quite like this! It’s like Outlander meets Supernatural meets The Great. Right off the bat, you’re introduced to Addie, who gets dumped into this strange and terrifying world. Though she isn’t always PC and says some off-the-wall things, she provides the story with this comedic buffer that oftentimes is needed. I can see some people thinking she is too much, but as the story develops and she develops along with it, you really start to understand why she has no filter and tends to joke even in the most life-threatening situations. Plus, this story is dark and heavy, so I found myself particularly drawn to her chapters because she provided a lot of humor. Addie also gets bonus points because she’s a film freak like me and I loved that character detail about her.
After Addie, we are introduced to our second and final pov, Lass. Sometimes I struggle when jumping from being in the mind of one character to another but didn’t find that to be the case with this book. There was this beautiful contrast between Lass and Addie that I enjoyed. Lass provided more thoughtfulness and gave these raw emotions that balanced out all the humor you get from Addie’s chapters. I did feel for Lass. She’s such a tortured soul and all I want is for her to live a long beautiful life. Another thing that I loved about Lass’s chapters was the way in which they were written and thought showing her writing mistakes were clever. It was something I’d never seen before and thought it was a nice touch.
Stephanie’s writing style is brilliant and captivated me throughout the entire story. I also appreciate the originality so, so much! This book isn’t like anything I’ve read before. If you aren’t squeamish, love dark epic worlds, love mild romance, and enjoy a great sense of humor, then I strongly suggest you read Fires of the Forsaken!
April 25, 2023
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!! No seriously, I fell in love with this book and the characters that Stephanie has created in the fist chapter.
I ran the gamut of emotions reading this book, happy, laughing out loud, tense of what would happen next, desire and swooning, and sadness and tears.
I have so many thoughts and theories running through my head after reading this book, that I can’t wait for the second installment. Yes it does end on a cliffhanger but honestly it’s a good cliffhanger, not one that makes you angry, it’s the cliffhanger of a really good first season of a series that you can’t wait for fall to get hear so you can dive back in for season two.
Okay let’s run the checklist, and the rating scale and I will let you go so you can get this book:
✅ strong female leads (yes I said leads I am putting Addie and Less and both leads).
✅ sexy, male leads that make you swoon, hard.
✅ fun banter, pop culture references, and Addie acts like how anyone would if they were thrown into an unknown world.
✅ fun new world, with great details that I can visually see.
✅ two separate timelines that your not sure how they will connect, but loving every second of it.
✅ talking/showing mental health issues
I give this book a 5/5⭐️ for sure.
A 3/5 🩸 for blood and gore, it is detail in that but not so much that made my stomach (I like horror films, so keep it in mind.)
A 3/5 💕for romance, maybe a 2/5 🌶️ for sexy times scenes- their really only one part where our two leads (not going to mention which ones) have a very hot session) but it’s the perfect amount of romance I feel for this book. It’s the slow burn that I want.
I am so happy I was able to read this book, it’s for sure on my short list for best book of 2023. Please go read the synopsis that’s in the comments and then GO GET THIS BOOK! I promise you won’t regret it.
Happy Reading 💜
I ran the gamut of emotions reading this book, happy, laughing out loud, tense of what would happen next, desire and swooning, and sadness and tears.
I have so many thoughts and theories running through my head after reading this book, that I can’t wait for the second installment. Yes it does end on a cliffhanger but honestly it’s a good cliffhanger, not one that makes you angry, it’s the cliffhanger of a really good first season of a series that you can’t wait for fall to get hear so you can dive back in for season two.
Okay let’s run the checklist, and the rating scale and I will let you go so you can get this book:
✅ strong female leads (yes I said leads I am putting Addie and Less and both leads).
✅ sexy, male leads that make you swoon, hard.
✅ fun banter, pop culture references, and Addie acts like how anyone would if they were thrown into an unknown world.
✅ fun new world, with great details that I can visually see.
✅ two separate timelines that your not sure how they will connect, but loving every second of it.
✅ talking/showing mental health issues
I give this book a 5/5⭐️ for sure.
A 3/5 🩸 for blood and gore, it is detail in that but not so much that made my stomach (I like horror films, so keep it in mind.)
A 3/5 💕for romance, maybe a 2/5 🌶️ for sexy times scenes- their really only one part where our two leads (not going to mention which ones) have a very hot session) but it’s the perfect amount of romance I feel for this book. It’s the slow burn that I want.
I am so happy I was able to read this book, it’s for sure on my short list for best book of 2023. Please go read the synopsis that’s in the comments and then GO GET THIS BOOK! I promise you won’t regret it.
Happy Reading 💜
December 1, 2024
✨Fires of the Forsaken✨
Ok, first and foremost, this book is HILARIOUS. If you’re a nerd for LOTR and campy tv/movie references along with a feisty, clumsy, speaks-every-thought-aloud FMC, this is your next read. And not only was I completely entertained by this urban portal fantasy, but Stephanie’s writing style is so easy to maneuver as if they are your own thoughts. I immediately settled in and felt like I got into the story. Especially with first lines like, “burnt human flesh smelled like cooked pork fat” and chapter headers like, “creepiest mofo in the animal kingdom”.
In this updated version of FOTF, we follow a singular first person POV. Addie is a 30+ FMC who has been through the worst of traumas and is now living life as a hair dresser. When her pizza run suddenly turns south, she finds herself thrust into a world ravaged in war, terrifying zombie creatures, death, meddling celestials, hybrids, and humans with only one purpose: to survive a war they cannot win. Steph does NOT romanticize the details of war, scant accommodation, and the five sense that come with it. 😅 We get real world smells, sights, and feels and I enjoyed that. This land is harsh and ugly but the people are good.
Following the calm and minimal speaking “viking” leader, Cheriour, Addie must learn how to hold her tongue, work through her fears, fight, and be courageous if she wants to ever find her way back home.
With epic banter and a delicious slow burn, this grim dark Romantasy gave me all the laughs. Cheriour is a perfect balance to Addie and I love how Steph has created a uniqueness between them while also giving us a hilarious dysfunctional found family.
Tropes you may find in FOTF are slow burn with no spice, cinnamon roll MMC, FMC who is NOT all of a sudden powerful or super amazing and I love it, plot twists, hidden identities, and found family.
FOTF is out now!
Ok, first and foremost, this book is HILARIOUS. If you’re a nerd for LOTR and campy tv/movie references along with a feisty, clumsy, speaks-every-thought-aloud FMC, this is your next read. And not only was I completely entertained by this urban portal fantasy, but Stephanie’s writing style is so easy to maneuver as if they are your own thoughts. I immediately settled in and felt like I got into the story. Especially with first lines like, “burnt human flesh smelled like cooked pork fat” and chapter headers like, “creepiest mofo in the animal kingdom”.
In this updated version of FOTF, we follow a singular first person POV. Addie is a 30+ FMC who has been through the worst of traumas and is now living life as a hair dresser. When her pizza run suddenly turns south, she finds herself thrust into a world ravaged in war, terrifying zombie creatures, death, meddling celestials, hybrids, and humans with only one purpose: to survive a war they cannot win. Steph does NOT romanticize the details of war, scant accommodation, and the five sense that come with it. 😅 We get real world smells, sights, and feels and I enjoyed that. This land is harsh and ugly but the people are good.
Following the calm and minimal speaking “viking” leader, Cheriour, Addie must learn how to hold her tongue, work through her fears, fight, and be courageous if she wants to ever find her way back home.
With epic banter and a delicious slow burn, this grim dark Romantasy gave me all the laughs. Cheriour is a perfect balance to Addie and I love how Steph has created a uniqueness between them while also giving us a hilarious dysfunctional found family.
Tropes you may find in FOTF are slow burn with no spice, cinnamon roll MMC, FMC who is NOT all of a sudden powerful or super amazing and I love it, plot twists, hidden identities, and found family.
FOTF is out now!
June 16, 2023
Fires of the Forsaken and author Stephanie E. Donohue really reminded me of some of my all-time favorite fantasy and urban fantasy books and authors — Kate Danley, Darynda Jones, AJ Aalto, and even Christopher Moore — the authors who offer a whole lot of humor alongside everything else. I don’t know what I expected this book to be, but what I got was a delightfully fun, campy, and really funny story of a girl who’s definitely not in Kansas anymore (or wherever she’s originally from.) Don’t let the humor fool you, though. This book is dark at times, there’s a whole lot of heartbreak and pain, but the humor helps offset all of that and adds a bit of hope.
The world-building was fantastic. I loved the fantasy world that the author created. Much of it was brutal, as were many of its inhabitants. I also adored the characters, particularly Lass, and I loved how the brutality of the world really enhanced her internal struggle and how hard she fights not to succumb and become a monster like the ones that surround her. Addie was also a delight, I loved her strength and her adaptability and how she often underestimates herself. She is definitely stronger than she thinks. There’s also a bit of romance, which I always look forward to, and this particular romance was a definite slow-burner. I can’t wait to see how things develop in book 2.
All told, a delight from start to finish. This is one I’d definitely recommend for anyone who likes their fantasy with plenty of humor, spunky characters, and lots of intrigue and mystery. Many thanks to R&R Book Tours and the author for gifting me a copy for the
The world-building was fantastic. I loved the fantasy world that the author created. Much of it was brutal, as were many of its inhabitants. I also adored the characters, particularly Lass, and I loved how the brutality of the world really enhanced her internal struggle and how hard she fights not to succumb and become a monster like the ones that surround her. Addie was also a delight, I loved her strength and her adaptability and how she often underestimates herself. She is definitely stronger than she thinks. There’s also a bit of romance, which I always look forward to, and this particular romance was a definite slow-burner. I can’t wait to see how things develop in book 2.
All told, a delight from start to finish. This is one I’d definitely recommend for anyone who likes their fantasy with plenty of humor, spunky characters, and lots of intrigue and mystery. Many thanks to R&R Book Tours and the author for gifting me a copy for the
July 11, 2023
Fires of the Forsaken is the first book in Stephanie E. Donohue's Across Time series and you are not going to want to miss out on this rip-roaringly fun fantasy novel.
Addie loves her job at the salon, and after a hard day at work, all she's thinking about is getting her hands on that delicious cheesy pizza she ordered. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned. Right when she's so close to getting home with pizza in hand, someone grabs her and her whole life is turned upside down. So long 2st Century and hello fantasy world filled with war, danger, weird monsters, death, and a ton of drama!
Brace yourself for a fanciful story that will keep you page-turning to the very end. This book is told from dual POV. You get Addie, and all her snark. I worried that it would be overdone on the snark element, but I actually enjoyed it. LOL! Addie does cross a line here and there, and you're going to hang your head in shame for her, but she's a really fun character. Then there is the second character. Your heart is going to break for her. She just wants to live her life. Or have it ended so that people will finally leave her alone. Her story is more tragic, but no less riveting.
Don't like cliffhangers? Well, you're just going to have to either swallow that and enjoy the book or wait until the next one is out. (Come join me in my torment while we wait! LOL). This is a really fun fantasy novel that is an absolute page-turner. You'll get to see just how much the author has worked on this book when you read the final pages (after the story). So I'm looking forward to what comes next.
5 out of 5 stars
Addie loves her job at the salon, and after a hard day at work, all she's thinking about is getting her hands on that delicious cheesy pizza she ordered. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned. Right when she's so close to getting home with pizza in hand, someone grabs her and her whole life is turned upside down. So long 2st Century and hello fantasy world filled with war, danger, weird monsters, death, and a ton of drama!
Brace yourself for a fanciful story that will keep you page-turning to the very end. This book is told from dual POV. You get Addie, and all her snark. I worried that it would be overdone on the snark element, but I actually enjoyed it. LOL! Addie does cross a line here and there, and you're going to hang your head in shame for her, but she's a really fun character. Then there is the second character. Your heart is going to break for her. She just wants to live her life. Or have it ended so that people will finally leave her alone. Her story is more tragic, but no less riveting.
Don't like cliffhangers? Well, you're just going to have to either swallow that and enjoy the book or wait until the next one is out. (Come join me in my torment while we wait! LOL). This is a really fun fantasy novel that is an absolute page-turner. You'll get to see just how much the author has worked on this book when you read the final pages (after the story). So I'm looking forward to what comes next.
5 out of 5 stars
August 21, 2025
I can’t say this enough: if you pick this one up, go for the dual narration audiobook. Having Lass’s past layered into Addie’s chaotic present made the story hit even harder on both counts.
This book is SO dark. The world is apocalyptic, brutal, and relentlessly bleak; soulless monsters, venomous horses, war tearing humanity apart. But Addie’s humor made it more palatable. Her sarcasm is pitch-perfect, giving levity to a twisted setting and making it so much easier to sink into the story. Honestly, it’s exactly how any of us would handle being dropped into a fantasy hellscape: badly, but with jokes.
And the romance? Completely caught me off guard. Cheriour is soft-spoken, gentle, incredibly kind, and not at all the type you expect to be center-stage; he gave total “side character” energy for this genre. I was THRILLED when he turned out to be the actual love interest. Their relationship was unique, slow-burning, and surprisingly tender against the backdrop of carnage and chaos.
The worldbuilding is complex and grim, and while I loved nearly every moment, I’ll admit the ending felt a little messier. It was clearly designed as a hook into what comes next, but it left me more confused than intrigued. Still, that didn’t take away from how much fun I had with this story.
Fires of the Forsaken is sharp, hilarious, and devastating all at once; a perfect pick if you want gallows humor to soften the darkness and a romance that feels refreshingly different. Highly recommend this one!
Thank you so much to R&R Booktours and the author for the complimentary copies of both books. I'm diving into the next immediately! This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This book is SO dark. The world is apocalyptic, brutal, and relentlessly bleak; soulless monsters, venomous horses, war tearing humanity apart. But Addie’s humor made it more palatable. Her sarcasm is pitch-perfect, giving levity to a twisted setting and making it so much easier to sink into the story. Honestly, it’s exactly how any of us would handle being dropped into a fantasy hellscape: badly, but with jokes.
And the romance? Completely caught me off guard. Cheriour is soft-spoken, gentle, incredibly kind, and not at all the type you expect to be center-stage; he gave total “side character” energy for this genre. I was THRILLED when he turned out to be the actual love interest. Their relationship was unique, slow-burning, and surprisingly tender against the backdrop of carnage and chaos.
The worldbuilding is complex and grim, and while I loved nearly every moment, I’ll admit the ending felt a little messier. It was clearly designed as a hook into what comes next, but it left me more confused than intrigued. Still, that didn’t take away from how much fun I had with this story.
Fires of the Forsaken is sharp, hilarious, and devastating all at once; a perfect pick if you want gallows humor to soften the darkness and a romance that feels refreshingly different. Highly recommend this one!
Thank you so much to R&R Booktours and the author for the complimentary copies of both books. I'm diving into the next immediately! This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
May 27, 2023
This book left me speechless. I could rave about it if I had the time.
Stephanie has done such a fantastic job of winding two separate timelines together. The entire read, I was guessing and making predictions (some of which I was right, others, I was way off). It always amazes me when an author can pull this off successfully. This book has all the makings of an epic fantasy, but the humor and voice of this book bring it back to make it not quite such a heavy read.
I loved Addie. She was funny, sarcastic, and snarky. She wasn't your typical heroine, and definitely wasn't the badass female character so many books have now a days. But she wasn't weak. She had her strengths, and she knew how to use them. Her relationship with Cheriour was *chefs kiss*. Their tension and the steamy scenes were absolutely perfect.
Lass was such an interesting character, and I can't wait to find out how she is tied to Addie. I felt her pain through the book, and my heart broke for her. I desperately hope she has an HEA.
Stephanie's writing was so smooth, the humor was perfect. It was dark and gritty, and while I can see where some people won't like it, I personally loved it. It really took the book to a whole new level and I couldn't have enjoyed my read any more. As a fantasy, this book has a definite medieval era feeling, and if you think back to that time, it was gross and dirty and not pretty. Stephanie nailed it. She didn't sugar coat anything, and I found it refreshing.
Overall, I can't request this book enough. I loved it. And I can't wait for book two.
Stephanie has done such a fantastic job of winding two separate timelines together. The entire read, I was guessing and making predictions (some of which I was right, others, I was way off). It always amazes me when an author can pull this off successfully. This book has all the makings of an epic fantasy, but the humor and voice of this book bring it back to make it not quite such a heavy read.
I loved Addie. She was funny, sarcastic, and snarky. She wasn't your typical heroine, and definitely wasn't the badass female character so many books have now a days. But she wasn't weak. She had her strengths, and she knew how to use them. Her relationship with Cheriour was *chefs kiss*. Their tension and the steamy scenes were absolutely perfect.
Lass was such an interesting character, and I can't wait to find out how she is tied to Addie. I felt her pain through the book, and my heart broke for her. I desperately hope she has an HEA.
Stephanie's writing was so smooth, the humor was perfect. It was dark and gritty, and while I can see where some people won't like it, I personally loved it. It really took the book to a whole new level and I couldn't have enjoyed my read any more. As a fantasy, this book has a definite medieval era feeling, and if you think back to that time, it was gross and dirty and not pretty. Stephanie nailed it. She didn't sugar coat anything, and I found it refreshing.
Overall, I can't request this book enough. I loved it. And I can't wait for book two.
December 24, 2024
I originally read the eARC of Fires Of The Forsaken back when it was a dual POV between Lass and Addie, so I was really interested in seeing how this read without Lass' chapters. Tbh I loved it because i really loved Addie and sticking with her story continually gave me that satisfying feeling of not waiting between chapters... Though I did love Lass' chapters in the original don't get me wrong...
I absolutely loved Fires of The Forsaken.
The writing style in this novel is full of dry wit and sarcasm, I really loved the style and I revelled in it with all its glory.
The world building is phenomenal and the creation is so richly produced you can imagine being there going through the emotions with Addie, because let's face it, in her shoes we would be the same.
I thought Addie was brilliant, I related so much to her and was laughing out loud at her internal musings that weren't so internal. I really enjoyed how her character was created and I loved her development throughout. I also loved Cheriour, he played the grumpy MMC well and I loved how he slowly let down his grumpiness with Addie.
The storyline was fascinating, the fact that 21st century Addie is dropped into the middle of "no where" to fight a war that she has no clue about for people that she's not even part of was intriguing. I really loved the developments and the way the story progressed. The revelations towards the end and the realisation there's more to our characters than meets the eye.
I was hooked reading this novel and I can't wait to read book 2.
I absolutely loved Fires of The Forsaken.
The writing style in this novel is full of dry wit and sarcasm, I really loved the style and I revelled in it with all its glory.
The world building is phenomenal and the creation is so richly produced you can imagine being there going through the emotions with Addie, because let's face it, in her shoes we would be the same.
I thought Addie was brilliant, I related so much to her and was laughing out loud at her internal musings that weren't so internal. I really enjoyed how her character was created and I loved her development throughout. I also loved Cheriour, he played the grumpy MMC well and I loved how he slowly let down his grumpiness with Addie.
The storyline was fascinating, the fact that 21st century Addie is dropped into the middle of "no where" to fight a war that she has no clue about for people that she's not even part of was intriguing. I really loved the developments and the way the story progressed. The revelations towards the end and the realisation there's more to our characters than meets the eye.
I was hooked reading this novel and I can't wait to read book 2.
May 10, 2023
Stephanie Donohue is a VERY talented writer. The fact that she could create too absolutely distinct voices for her two POVs and not have them leak into one another was wonderful. We follow Addie and Lass, two different timelines with Addie being the main pov. Addie is a modern, sassy woman thrown into a land with no pizza, no bathrooms, and nowhere safe.
Each povs have a budding romance, though Addie's is much more prominent. I loved her character and her spunk. But because of how she speaks, it took a lot away from the spicier moments, in my opinion. I also had a hard time connecting with her love interest, Cherior. And not just because she describes his oniony BO on several occasions. He doesn't speak much throughout the book, which I understand is part of his character, but in the end, we don't know much about him, we don't really know what's going on in his head. There is no banter, which I realize I just crave in romances.
Now this is completely personal, but when I read, I want to escape. I want there to be something in the world that I love and draws me in. This book does NOT have that. Except for maybe the puca. The world that Addie is dropped into is full of bloody limbs, charred bodies, guts and gore. There is no happiness in it. So with that, the book was not for me. Thank goodness for Addie's pov because if it was just Lass's, it'd be depressing.
Side note: I also think that Lass's misspellings did nothing but distract from the story. I did not see the point of them, and I also found it a bit hard to believe that someone who spoke as eloquently as she as well and having a guardian who was a bookshop owner would not know how to write...maybe just me!
I would love to give this book 4 stars. I do think the writer is very talented, the world is well thought out, and each character is distinct. But in the end, it just wasn't a world I enjoyed, so for me personally, I rate is a 3/3.5. Others may absolutely love it though!
Each povs have a budding romance, though Addie's is much more prominent. I loved her character and her spunk. But because of how she speaks, it took a lot away from the spicier moments, in my opinion. I also had a hard time connecting with her love interest, Cherior. And not just because she describes his oniony BO on several occasions. He doesn't speak much throughout the book, which I understand is part of his character, but in the end, we don't know much about him, we don't really know what's going on in his head. There is no banter, which I realize I just crave in romances.
Now this is completely personal, but when I read, I want to escape. I want there to be something in the world that I love and draws me in. This book does NOT have that. Except for maybe the puca. The world that Addie is dropped into is full of bloody limbs, charred bodies, guts and gore. There is no happiness in it. So with that, the book was not for me. Thank goodness for Addie's pov because if it was just Lass's, it'd be depressing.
Side note: I also think that Lass's misspellings did nothing but distract from the story. I did not see the point of them, and I also found it a bit hard to believe that someone who spoke as eloquently as she as well and having a guardian who was a bookshop owner would not know how to write...maybe just me!
I would love to give this book 4 stars. I do think the writer is very talented, the world is well thought out, and each character is distinct. But in the end, it just wasn't a world I enjoyed, so for me personally, I rate is a 3/3.5. Others may absolutely love it though!
November 25, 2024
Game of Thrones type fantasy with Deadpool type humor, Outlander type romance and Supernatural type lore… ummmm… yes please!! With hybrids, celestials and wraiths, war, time travel and a girl who just wants a pizza. This cyclone of an epic fantasy with a sprinkle of romance, beautiful writing and worldbuilding that has captivated me and has me running for book 2. The twists and turns, witty banter, and perfect comedic timing kept the pages turning.
This story follows Addie, the FMC who was just out for some pizza and finds herself thrust into a fantasy realm where a centuries old war is being raged between celestial armies over what feels like nothing more than a spat. With no perceived way home, the commander of the human army, the dashing Cheriour, takes her in. Annoyed with how fierce, forthright and socially awkward he is, Addie can’t help but feel herself noticing him more. As she adjusts to her new surroundings and basically accepts her fate, the mystery unravels as to why she found herself there in the first place.
Addie has a habit of saying the quiet part outload which was often hilarious and is an FMC after my own heart. A heroine who knows her strengths, is sassy and gives as good as she gets, and is a breath of fresh air when it comes to females in books. And Lass has a heartbreaking back story and will have you all in your feels by the end of the story. I am officially hooked on Stephanie E. Donohue.
This story follows Addie, the FMC who was just out for some pizza and finds herself thrust into a fantasy realm where a centuries old war is being raged between celestial armies over what feels like nothing more than a spat. With no perceived way home, the commander of the human army, the dashing Cheriour, takes her in. Annoyed with how fierce, forthright and socially awkward he is, Addie can’t help but feel herself noticing him more. As she adjusts to her new surroundings and basically accepts her fate, the mystery unravels as to why she found herself there in the first place.
Addie has a habit of saying the quiet part outload which was often hilarious and is an FMC after my own heart. A heroine who knows her strengths, is sassy and gives as good as she gets, and is a breath of fresh air when it comes to females in books. And Lass has a heartbreaking back story and will have you all in your feels by the end of the story. I am officially hooked on Stephanie E. Donohue.
May 17, 2023
Addie just wanted a pizza, but the next thing she knows, she's in a different time in the middle of a war.
Lass doesn't remember anything about her past, but it will come to haunt her.
Both are struggling with controlling powers they don't understand while trying to survive a war.
----
This starts slow but picks up in the second half.
The characters are well-developed and you become invested. It is dual point-of-view. When it switched points of view it also changes times, so it can be a little confusing until you figure this out. The one point of view also has intentional misspellings and crossing out like it's a journal entry. At first, I thought this was something to do with the ARC copy, but figured out it was intentional.
I really like Addie. She's a strong FMC but not in the sense that you normally think. She's not strong physically but she knows her strengths and weaknesses and uses those. She's also snarky and witty. I love her banter and it makes the book also funny at times.
The world-building is great and the creatures the author created are downright creepy.
I would love to read the next book when it comes out.
I did get a copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Lass doesn't remember anything about her past, but it will come to haunt her.
Both are struggling with controlling powers they don't understand while trying to survive a war.
----
This starts slow but picks up in the second half.
The characters are well-developed and you become invested. It is dual point-of-view. When it switched points of view it also changes times, so it can be a little confusing until you figure this out. The one point of view also has intentional misspellings and crossing out like it's a journal entry. At first, I thought this was something to do with the ARC copy, but figured out it was intentional.
I really like Addie. She's a strong FMC but not in the sense that you normally think. She's not strong physically but she knows her strengths and weaknesses and uses those. She's also snarky and witty. I love her banter and it makes the book also funny at times.
The world-building is great and the creatures the author created are downright creepy.
I would love to read the next book when it comes out.
I did get a copy of this book, this is my honest review.
May 21, 2023
Wow Wow Wow this was an adventure! Somebody needs to get Addie some gosh-darn pizza.
I very much enjoyed the characters in this story, especially Addie. She was a very fun character to follow! Her sense of humor isn’t for everyone but I thought she was hilarious. Cheriour was such a mysteriously fun character to get to know. I knew from the minute he appeared I would love him and I really did. Kaelan, though not in it for long, was one of my favorites. It was funny watching him be so utterly confused every time Addie mentioned anything about Earth. (I also like Quinn and I can’t wait to learn more about him in future books!)
I loved the whole mystery as to why Addie was there and that thing in Lass’s story connected to Addie’s. We can put some points together but ultimately we are left very excited for the sequel! The fighting scenes were well written and had my eyes glued to the pages.
I also loved the characters that showed up at the end (not saying incase of spoilers) but their dialogues were literally so fun to read, I love writing characters like that so reading is always a good time!
Overall really enjoyed the story, the plot, and the characters! If you’re looking for a fun fantasy with a little romance I recommend this!
I very much enjoyed the characters in this story, especially Addie. She was a very fun character to follow! Her sense of humor isn’t for everyone but I thought she was hilarious. Cheriour was such a mysteriously fun character to get to know. I knew from the minute he appeared I would love him and I really did. Kaelan, though not in it for long, was one of my favorites. It was funny watching him be so utterly confused every time Addie mentioned anything about Earth. (I also like Quinn and I can’t wait to learn more about him in future books!)
I loved the whole mystery as to why Addie was there and that thing in Lass’s story connected to Addie’s. We can put some points together but ultimately we are left very excited for the sequel! The fighting scenes were well written and had my eyes glued to the pages.
I also loved the characters that showed up at the end (not saying incase of spoilers) but their dialogues were literally so fun to read, I love writing characters like that so reading is always a good time!
Overall really enjoyed the story, the plot, and the characters! If you’re looking for a fun fantasy with a little romance I recommend this!
May 19, 2023
Well that was unexpected.
Fires of The Forsaken has left me with more questions than answers….
Although it was a slow start, I think it was worth sticking through to the end.
In the book you get two POVs. In the first POV you meet one of the main characters, Addie, right way and stay with her the entire rest of the book. The second POV, you are led down a different timeline altogether, without knowing exactly WHO this POV is from. It keeps your mind working throughout the entire book as to who it could be. Not to toot my own horn or anything 😉, but I had a hunch about halfway through and figured it out.
The plot twists at the end *chefs kiss*
Addie - She had me laughing at some of the comparisons she made throughout the book and I loved the courage she had tucked away despite the constant fear she was riddled with being in a new world.
Cheriour - had my heart from the beginning. The way he was described and with being tasked with training other characters gave me major Cassian vibes and I was here for it.
Long story short I need more of this story..as soon as possible.
Spice Rating: 🌶️
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fires of The Forsaken has left me with more questions than answers….
Although it was a slow start, I think it was worth sticking through to the end.
In the book you get two POVs. In the first POV you meet one of the main characters, Addie, right way and stay with her the entire rest of the book. The second POV, you are led down a different timeline altogether, without knowing exactly WHO this POV is from. It keeps your mind working throughout the entire book as to who it could be. Not to toot my own horn or anything 😉, but I had a hunch about halfway through and figured it out.
The plot twists at the end *chefs kiss*
Addie - She had me laughing at some of the comparisons she made throughout the book and I loved the courage she had tucked away despite the constant fear she was riddled with being in a new world.
Cheriour - had my heart from the beginning. The way he was described and with being tasked with training other characters gave me major Cassian vibes and I was here for it.
Long story short I need more of this story..as soon as possible.
Spice Rating: 🌶️
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book but there were some things that I didn't quite agree with with Addie's character. The humor placed in it was very uplifting at points and had me cackling quite a bit. The world building was phenomenal and I found it very easy to follow along the timeline also. I like when I can get consumed or lost into the world that the author creates and I found that very easy to do in the world that Stephanie has created.
Let's be honest....If we were dumped into a strange world like Addie we would all probably adapt and react just like her. I love her quirkiness and her banter. She adds such witty humor to the story line. If there was ever a character that spoke her mind with no filter Addie would fit the bill perfectly. Lass adds to the suspense of the story and gives the extra bit that this story needs to put it forefront in your mind. The back and forth between these two gives such different perspectives that it's hard to choose which one I like more. If you enjoy funny characters with outstanding word building then this is for you too!!
Let's be honest....If we were dumped into a strange world like Addie we would all probably adapt and react just like her. I love her quirkiness and her banter. She adds such witty humor to the story line. If there was ever a character that spoke her mind with no filter Addie would fit the bill perfectly. Lass adds to the suspense of the story and gives the extra bit that this story needs to put it forefront in your mind. The back and forth between these two gives such different perspectives that it's hard to choose which one I like more. If you enjoy funny characters with outstanding word building then this is for you too!!
July 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
This book has promise. It has good things and bad things IMO.
I was initially put off by Addy’s biting sarcasm and dry humor. She described her parents dying in a fire and literally burning to death in a way that seemed awful, out of place, and disrespectful. I didn’t love it initially but after chapter 1 the narrator’s style is a highlight of the book. I really enjoyed her outlook on life and refreshingly sarcastic commentary.
The plot however leaves something to be desired. Not a whole lot happens until about 85%. I mean there are a few things, but nothing made me gasp or caught me by surprise. The last 10-15% is a wild ride but also… wtf is going on…? Like logic has left the building. Idfk what happened.
Oh and there’s no sex in this book which is always disappointing. There is good tension though.
I really appreciated how she described how terrible everyone smells after war. So many other books leave this out and there’s a sex scene after war which sounds truly disgusting and Addy agrees with me.
🫑/5
One heated make out scene but fully clothed
This book has promise. It has good things and bad things IMO.
I was initially put off by Addy’s biting sarcasm and dry humor. She described her parents dying in a fire and literally burning to death in a way that seemed awful, out of place, and disrespectful. I didn’t love it initially but after chapter 1 the narrator’s style is a highlight of the book. I really enjoyed her outlook on life and refreshingly sarcastic commentary.
The plot however leaves something to be desired. Not a whole lot happens until about 85%. I mean there are a few things, but nothing made me gasp or caught me by surprise. The last 10-15% is a wild ride but also… wtf is going on…? Like logic has left the building. Idfk what happened.
Oh and there’s no sex in this book which is always disappointing. There is good tension though.
I really appreciated how she described how terrible everyone smells after war. So many other books leave this out and there’s a sex scene after war which sounds truly disgusting and Addy agrees with me.
🫑/5
One heated make out scene but fully clothed
December 11, 2024
Points for effort. The prose has a lot of gory, visceral detail that puts you in the scene. The FMC’s personality is the comedic shtick: she is one of those nonstop word-vomit chatterboxes who talks at a million miles an hour and makes movie references. The “oh, did I say that out loud?” joke gets old pretty quickly. The book ends immediately after a big, confusing conflict where secrets are half-revealed and then the people who could explain things just disappear or fall unconscious. And there’s an annoying “recovered memory” trope where the FMC is just about to land on something juicy and certainly important, but then just digs her heels in and is like “nope, not gonna remember that, byeeee” *sigh* Action pacing is good, slow burn is too slow for me but might not be for someone else. I prefer books to be standalone/shared universe rather than long fantasy series. I don’t think I’ll be picking up the rest of this one.
April 27, 2023
Amazing, well-developed fantasy world? Check. Two unlikely heroines who aren't what you typically find in fantasy books? Check. A plot that hooks you and keeps you reading for hours? Double check. I cannot tell you how much I *love* this book. Addie and Lass are amazing, and I don't think I could pick a favorite between them. Addie has her life turned upside down, and Lass is just struggling to not become the monster she appears to be. I just couldn't help but love them, and their male counterparts. The story will capture your imagination and your heart, and although there is some romance, I wouldn't say it's the central focus of the plot. More fantasy with a side of light romance. By the end, I just really wanted to spend more time with Addie and Lass, they're two characters I won't be able to forget anytime soon!
January 28, 2025
If you're looking for an upbeat, quirky fantasy adventure, look no further. Fires of the Forsaken is hilarious, relatable, and so heartfelt. Addie's journey is filled with scary things, especially being in a world with no pizza. And ghostlike, scary stalker horses. Her relationship with Cheriour was real AF. This was no tall, uberhandsome fantasy man. Let's be real, sometimes we need to read a more down to earth, non-earthbound, stinky man in our books. I loved how it grew and blossomed so naturally, it almost felt like a sigh.
This book manages to be both fast paced and yet not rushed at all. I wish there was more on certain aspects like the Celestials and their relationship to Addie, but that's just me wanting more. All in all, I adored this book and am so glad to have discovered this (new for me) author.
This book manages to be both fast paced and yet not rushed at all. I wish there was more on certain aspects like the Celestials and their relationship to Addie, but that's just me wanting more. All in all, I adored this book and am so glad to have discovered this (new for me) author.
August 21, 2025
FIRES OF THE FORSAKEN
🌶️
“Dragons were old news. Venomous horses acting as bodyguards? That was the new trend.”
🔥Ok this was a entertaining grimdark fantasy adventure! I did not expect to be smiling or actually laughing out loud often. The quirky FMC alone was so witty and amusing with her thoughts and things she said😆.
Think… if Game of Thrones, Supernatural and Deadpool had a baby; you have the Deadpool type humor/banter, The Game of Thrones grim, gritty world and violence mixed with Supernatural vibes! So if you’re a fan of those, you should give this book a shot!
“She just wanted a gosh-darn pizza. The apocalypse had other ideas.”
💜Grumpy x sunshine
🔥Hot Viking warrior
💜Reluctant hero
🔥Fight training
💜Banter
🔥Mature (age 30+) FMC
💜Pop culture Easter eggs
🔥Touch him 💀
💜Found family
🔥Action packed
🌶️
“Dragons were old news. Venomous horses acting as bodyguards? That was the new trend.”
🔥Ok this was a entertaining grimdark fantasy adventure! I did not expect to be smiling or actually laughing out loud often. The quirky FMC alone was so witty and amusing with her thoughts and things she said😆.
Think… if Game of Thrones, Supernatural and Deadpool had a baby; you have the Deadpool type humor/banter, The Game of Thrones grim, gritty world and violence mixed with Supernatural vibes! So if you’re a fan of those, you should give this book a shot!
“She just wanted a gosh-darn pizza. The apocalypse had other ideas.”
💜Grumpy x sunshine
🔥Hot Viking warrior
💜Reluctant hero
🔥Fight training
💜Banter
🔥Mature (age 30+) FMC
💜Pop culture Easter eggs
🔥Touch him 💀
💜Found family
🔥Action packed
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