Into Ashes and Doom

Through Fire and Ruin #2

by Jennifer Becker, Alice Karpiel

Through fire, into ashes, against all odds of doom…

Trapped in the twisted Turosian palace with her life hanging in the balance, Lora desperately searches for a way out. As an unwilling pawn in the king’s cruel game, she must deny her fiery connection to Eyden to keep him safe. But Eyden seeks to finally take action, falling deeper into Lora’s web of lies.

Amira has all but succumbed to the darkness of her mind until a ray of hope catches her sight. With the help of Elyssa, whose heart ignites with the spark of revolution, Amira must choose to fight for freedom or be swallowed by darkness forever.

Rhay is torn between two sides, challenged by Karwyn’s nefarious ways. Will he ever let himself see the evil that is lurking within the halls of the palace?

Can Lora and Amira join forces and convince Rhay to help forge a better future for all of Liraen?

The thrilling sequel to the new adult fantasy romance novel Through Fire & Ruin. Dive in to find out who rises from the ashes and who falls prey to doom.

Genres: Fantasy

576 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 2023

About the author

Jennifer Becker is one of the debut authors of Through Fire & Ruin, the first book in a New Adult fantasy series. She has been an avid reader for most of her life and has always craved telling her own stories. Jennifer earned her MA degree in film production in the UK and has since been working in the film industry in her home country, Austria, while independently working on her own writing projects. The two things she can talk about forever are good books and TV shows. When she’s not obsessing over a great story or a ship, she’s most likely working on her creative endeavours such as her novel.

Reviews

[Beyond_thebindings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so invested in this series and these characters!

What I liked:
- The complex character development. Though our characters are truly going through some DEEP development and it was heavy at times, I seriously appreciate their struggles and how things developed. Amira and Rhay I think had the biggest progress in development and I was rooting for that after the first book. Rhay steals the show here IMO.

- The story of our antagonist- I am not going to lie, I wasn't ready for how this all turned out. Jennifer YOU GOT ME IN THE FEELS. I didn't think I would feel anything for this character.

- The plot twist - though I kinda saw it coming, I was still shocked.

- MY BABY BOY EYDEN - I just wanted to love this man myself. He is such a cinnamon roll. He is absolutely obsessed with Lora and I am here for it.

- We got a bit more spice. Eyden had that mouth on himmmmm that I love so much.

- The ending was insane - the last I think 100 pages my heart felt like it had a dagger in it.

What I didn't like so much

- Elyssa - IDK - I couldn't get attached to her, but her purpose and chapters were needed. So though I wasn't connected, her purpose was there for me.

- The length - I am not sure it needed to be as long, some repetition in this one.


Overall - I can't wait for the third book - I have so many CONCERNS I need them addressed now ! And I hope our female leads Lora and Amira just get even more badass.

[Jennifer Waldrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series left me dying to continue the adventure so when I got my hands on this ARC I tore through it! The chemistry between Lora and Eyden continues to sizzle. Amira, who drove me a little crazy in the first book, becomes so much more fleshed out and I found myself becoming more and more sympathetic towards her. Rhay is *chef’s kiss* - such a great character and even more of a favorite in this installation.

The arch of the story unfolds gradually but as the plot builds it develops into a satisfying pace that ends…. Sadly bc book three isn’t out yet ….in another cliffhanger.

If you like slow burn romantic fantasy set in an overlapping world with passion, political intrigue and high stakes then you’ll love this!!

[Anakha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED!!
Into Ashes and Doom picks right up from Through Ruin and Fire ends, which is like the worlds best and the most painful cliffhanger. I got the chance the read to this book along with few others before the rest of the world (sorry world) and i am totally kind blown with how Alice and Jen were able to one up from book one. With a perfect amount of plot twists and tension, love and hatred, passion and heartbreak, the stories of Amira and Lora takes you through a multitude of emotions which will make you scream and yell occasionally but leave you satisfied at the end of the day.
Despite the size of the book and one of the most amazingly written slow burn plotline, Into Ashes and Doom is a quick paced fast read novel which will keep you wanting for more. I cannot WAIT to see where destiny takes this group of heroes in book 3 !☀️

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a solid follow up to its predecessor!

This series is up there with some of my favorite fantasy romances. I love each character, and the authors are so so good at making them flawed, yet relatable. These are all people you want to fix, but people you want to be friends with at the same time. I think that’s what drives it home as such a great fantasy book. So many moments where the humanity of these characters shines through, and you get to see what’s beyond the veil of their intentions and insecurities and how they all connect with each other.

The story moves a bit slowly, but I think that’s the only way to build up a relationship with everyone as a reader. And despite the pacing, I never found myself bored or wanting to skip pages. It’s super riveting and I can’t wait for book three!! The cliffhanger 😩😩😩

[Michelle (Michellesbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into Ashes and Doom by Jennifer Becker and Alice Karpiel

Rebels, reunions, and retributions. “Through fire, into ashes, against all odds of doom…”

Into Ashes and Doom is book two in Jennifer and Alice’s debut fantasy romance series Through Fire and Ruin. IAAD picks up right where Through Fire and Ruin left us with excitement and anticipation. Told in the third person with numerous POV’s, we get a front row seat into the elaborate and unique stories and backstories of many of our MC’s. I thought with so many POV’s I would get lost in the plot, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was articulated in a seamless narrative, clearly outlining the facets, transitions, and intricacies of the story.

The lore of Lirean is enthralling and magical. The complex world building and multifaceted characters serve as only a testament to the talent both J and A have as writers. I have fallen so deeply into the hearts of these characters. Lora, Amira, Eyden, Elyssa, and Rhay are key players in this twisted game of chess. A dance between enemies. Right and wrong. Good and Evil.

I can’t wait to see where this series takes me next. But until then I highly recommend picking up this series.

[Lottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have read this as an ARC waaayyy back but I still remember the plot from both this and the first in the series - Through Fire and Ruin!!

I absolutely love the way the characters’ personalities and relationships developed. I was literally giggling and chucking my laptop at my bed reading this because one of the relationships I really wanted came with the best written slow burning and dislike to friends to lovers type of plot line!!!

Just the same as TFAR, Into Ashes and Doom had really well written plot twists which had been hoping would happen after discussing my thoughts and theories with Jennifer and Alice after first reading. Even thinking they might happen, I never expected them and they were so thought out from chapters before!!!

Great LGBT+ rep though the book - developed even more after the first book - but I won’t give any spoilers away, you will just have to trust me !!!!

I am really excited to see if the series will continue to a trilogy or if Alice and Jennifer decide to create a separate series in the same world with other characters. I literally can’t wait !!! Love love love these books and they’re a great length, more than I’d usually read but they have loads of substance and never left me feeling bored or that it was taking too long to read. In fact, I think I read IAAD in about 2 days which is really fast for me considering the density!!

[Jess - Reader of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Through fire, into ashes, against all odds of doom. Together.”
- Jennifer Becker & Alice Karpiel, Into Ashes and Doom (Through Fire and Ruin, Book 2)

ARC review 📝 Is there anything better than slow burn? Yes! Romantasy slow burn 🤌🏼😎
Don’t even try to convince me otherwise. And Lora and Eyden were pure 🔥… pure slow burn 🔥

But in the land of marvelous slow burn, character arc was the cherry on top. Or maybe it was the whole cake and the slow burn was the cherry on top?! 🤔 Regardless, the truth is Amira went straight to my heart after standing for such a long time on the outskirts. And Rhay continues to be one of my favorites despite being a terrible decision maker 🙈😓

I saw the twist coming and yet I was soooooo there for it. More. I want more 😁

What’s inside:
🖤fantasy romance
🖤slow burn
🖤court intrigue
🖤multiple POV

Adult. 4 stars ⭐️

[Booksandcoates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be back in the world of these characters! We see from the POV of a lot more side characters in this sequel but Lora and Eyden’s passion is so amazing to read I can’t help but ship them! The main plot is the rescue of Lora but it did such a good job of not forgetting the other characters traumas and struggles, it made me more sympathetic towards them especially Amira and Rhay.
Rhay is my favourite character as he is flawed but also loveable and finds himself stuck between loyalty and doing what is morally right. A story of war, love, magic and family with lots of twists and turns which left me wanting more at the end.
Really hope there is a 3rd book in this series, the character developments from book 1 to 2 was so well written that it flowed naturally and made them feel real. Into Ashes and Doom gives everything I would expect from a fantasy book - action, passion and it left me enthralled and obsessed with these characters!
I received an arc copy of this book and highly recommend you add it to your TBR for realise this summer.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! There is honestly so much happening in this story, and it is multiple POV, so the interweaving of the different plots is very interesting and intriguing. Lora continues to do whatever she thinks she has to in order to protect the people she loves, and the help her family in the human realm. Meanwhile, the political and magical turmoil at the palace continues to ratchet up to insane levels as Rhay struggles with his friendship with Karwyn and his friendship and alliance with Lora. Then there is the spark between Elyssa and Amira, bringing a very volatile and interesting dynamic into everything. The character arcs and progression in this book are intense, to say the least, and by the end, we find ourselves headed on a new and completely different path that I think is most definitely going to take us in a new direction that is going to have a major impact on every one of these characters.

While the overarching story and plot continue to drive this series forward, with the Fae and their twisted and seemingly dark paths against the humans and their struggles, this is also a heavily character driven story. There is a lot of growth happening here for all of these characters, and it will only continue. And I think it’s this evolution that makes it all the more engrossing. Because there are so many characters to follow, it did take me a bit to get back into the story and recall everyone and their place in the narrative, but as things began to weave themselves together more and more, that final arc point of this book brought everything together in quite a big way. Looking forward to seeing how this story continues.

[Hailey Ciric · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Through Fire and Ruin (book 1) ended, I was so ready to find out what would happen next to our resident faces and human! And IAaD did not disappoint!

The chemistry continued to sizzle between Lora and Eyden and I was sitting in the edge of my seat every time they share a scene together, which is conveniently for me a lot of times!! I loved the progress and pacing of their relationship, even if the slow burn of it kills me many times over.

I admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of Amira in the first installment. I just never felt that connected to her. But she gets more developed and more complex this time around and I was here for it! Finally I can say I am no longer indifferent towards her character.

Did I fall in love with Rhay in book one? Yes. Did I love him even more in this book? ABSOLUTELY YES! He is just perfection and humorous and sassy and totally made the series that much more entertaining.

We get another cliffhanger (!!!) but I thought the story was well paced, albeit at times a tad slow for me. But it did not stop me from enjoying this series very much. I cannot wait until the next book comes out now as I sit in anticipation for months about what might happen next!

If you enjoy fantasy, slow burn, passionate characters, political intrigue, complex characters and storylines, and an intense plot with high stakes than this is a series you will not want to miss 💛

[Tuva Sundström · Rating 4 out of 5]

°。°。°。B o o k • r e v i e w °。°��°。

I just finished Into ashes and doom by Jennifer Becker and Alice Karpiel

One of my favorite quotes: “I don’t fucking care. Take my heart, burn it to ashes, doom it for eternity for all I care. It would be my fucking privilege.”

Rating:
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Genre: NA fantasy
Started: 11/7 - 2023
Finished: 15/8 - 2023
Pages: 668

Summary:
This is the second book in the series.

💌 What I liked:
- Magic books
- The character development
- The world and history

✉️ What I didn’t like:
- Lil’ hard to get into

✎ Review:
I was very happy to get back into this world again. It’s such a fascinating world and I want to know everything about it. I liked that we got to know a little bit more about it and the history in this book! I do wish to get to know more about the Dark King in the next book! I’m holding my fingers crossed for that!

It was however a little bit hard for me to get back into it. I usually read series right after each other and I couldn’t with this one, so that might be why😅 but when I finally got back into it, I was stuck.

I really like the character development in this one. It was nice to see them grow. I’m really worried for Rhay’s wellbeing in the next book. He is not gonna be okay, at all. I’m not okay! So I cannot even begin to imagine what he is feeling.

Oh, and I’m lowkey in love with Eyden 🥰

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Into Ashes and Doom' is the amazing sequel to TFAR which I had been highly anticipating for quite some time! The story is so unique and compelling that I had a hard time putting it down. The concept from the first book was brought to a new level and I haven't read any fantasy story similar this one before.

The different POVs presented in this story were, once again, the highlight and gave all the wonderful characters a lot of depth, which made it easy to build a strong connection with many of them.
Especially the inclusivity in this book needs to be mentioned, because I loved to see all the different representations. It was also amazing to see the individual storylines merging together and becoming one. I think that Lora and Eyden are still my favorites and the development of their relationship was perfect!

The unpredictability of both the plot and some of the characters was also great and made for a lot of tension and I was on the edge of my seat by the end of it all. Some revelations and twists were really surprising and IAAD ends with a LOT of open questions that I need an answer to. I can't wait for book 3 to see how the story will continue!

[Victoria Liiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into Ashes and Doom!
So that just happened. There's a lot going on in the second book of Through Fire and Ruin. We get to see many of the side characters from up close, but Eyden and Lora still remained my sole focus. The second book is about rescuing Lora, after all. Although, Amira is going through her own struggles and learning more about the power inside of her. I couldn't wait for the scenes with Eyden and Lora. Yup. I'm a total sucker for their romance.

Okay, while I absolutely adore Eyden and Lora, Rhay most certainly has a special part in my heart. He wrecks me! He absolutely does. He is the kind of character I want to rescue, and I want to rescue him from the Ashes and Doom this plotline heads towards. But I had no power over the storyline and I could not protect him of anything he experiences as he slowly starts opening his eyes to the happenings in the castle!

Into Ashes and Doom is definitely another rollercoaster ride with your emotions and I absolutely enjoyed it.

I received an early copy of this book and you should definitely add it to your TBR!

[Anna Eder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was a roller-coaster of emotions! Into Ashes and Doom picks up directly after Through Fire and Ruin, so we finally get to know what happens after the most painful cliffhanger.
In this sequel, we also experience the perspectives of other characters, like Elyssa and Ray, which you will definitely enjoy a lot. Of course, there is also some more romance going on, and let me tell you, it gets steamy!
As I read an early version of this book, I'm looking forward to getting the finished masterpiece in June and if you're into fantasy, romance, enemies to lover and all that good stuff, then you should add this series to your TBR!

[Rooha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors for an ARC of this book 🫶🏼✨

After the most agonising cliffhanger, we finally learn about what happens in Into Ashes and Doom, which starts immediately after Through Fire and Ruin.

You will undoubtedly love this sequel a lot more because it also gives us insight to the perspectives of other characters like Elyssa and Ray, which I found really fun bc I LOVE multiple POV's in books. I also adore every single one of the characters that we explore further, the writers are amazing at making them sympathetic despite their flaws.

Although the story develops a little slowly, I believe that's the only way to establish a connection with every reader, overall, I enjoyed it a lot and honestly can't wait for book 3!!

[Katy]

These books are my definition of slow burn! The characters I want to be together are definitely taking their sweet time. In book one, Amira and Lora had connecting plots but were never together on page, so it felt really fun to actually have them interact with each other. I feel deeply connected to the characters throughout this story but I have to say that sometimes I struggle when there are so many POVs. I just personally like books with around 3 POVs. I had some issues with the pacing; I can lose interest in a book rather quickly so I need things to stay exciting and moving along. But I will definitely be picking up book three and I can't wait to see what's next for these characters!

[Mono9000 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

It's with great pleasure that I found Eyden, Lora and their team in #InToAshesandDoom. A nice second volume.

After the cliffhanger we were left with, I was rather impatient to find out how our dear friends would fare. Answers come quickly, as this sequel picks up very quickly after the events of the 1st. There's no downtime, and we're immediately plunged back into court games and other plots. I love this kind of tense atmosphere, I find it very gripping. And it's well done here.
While Volume 1 focused on Liraen's court, here we discover others. The universe gains in depth. This gives us a better understanding of each other's ambitions.

This second volume also gives us the point of view of many more characters. Lora and Amira are no longer the only voices we follow. This construction works well, and I'm totally on board, as we get a very complete picture of what's coming, and the tension builds to a crescendo. All in all, it worked well on me...even if I was less hooked on certain points of view 🙊🙉🙈 Yes, I'm being unfair but I only had eyes for certain characters 😅

I keep my darlings with Eyden and Lora who never ceased to play with my little heart. Their chapters are my favorites 😁
As for Amira, I'm still very mixed. She both annoys and touches me, so it's hard to blame her. Nevertheless, the one who irritated me all along was Rhay. Argh!
I admire the work done on the characters. Impossible to remain indifferent.

If I rate this tome more harshly, it's because it has lengthy parts, mainly due to repetitive scenes. Beautiful scenes, of course, but the pattern is almost identical every time...and I thought that was a shame.
And I guessed an element of the ending, which didn't transport me more than that. But let's see where we go with it.

An in-between with some lengths, but good things are in store for volume 3. I need to see that!

[ponytailedbookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

R e v i e w :

Into Ashes and Doom picks right up from the first book’s insane cliffhanger and continues in the same exciting tone as the first installment. It’s fast-paced, deeply immersed in a delicious fantasy world created by the authors, filled with enticing plot twists and a perfect combination of the most intense of emotions for the characters and the plot; love, hatred, heartbreak, ‘screaming-in-the-sky’ and everything that makes a good fantasy story. The characters are even more fleshed out in this book — Rhay keeps on stealing the show! — , the stakes high as ever, the romance burning, the world every fantasy lover’s wish.

I won’t be giving too much away, but beware; there is a cliffhanger and book 3 isn’t out yet. But it certainly leaves the reader in anticipation of it! As it should! [4.5/5⭐️]

[Amanda Callies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Fire and Ruin was one of my favorite fantasy books last year and Into Ashes and Doom was one of my most highly anticipated books for 2023 and it did not disappoint.

We got more, more and more.

More Lora and Eyden whose enemies to lovers trope is just chefs kiss perfection.

More Rhay which I desperately wanted when reading book 1.

More Amira - we even get her pov which was amazing!

This book was the perfect sequel to an already fantastic book and I am now on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3.

[Philipp Eckhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second part really held up! It was so fun seeing the characters become more of their own and seeing the story unfold.
Can't wait to read the third one!!

[Hope (boba.nbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

This sequel to Through Fire and Ruin is action-packed, romantic, emotional, and keeps the story going in the best way possible.

Lora finds herself trapped in the palace with no way to return home to her family on Earth. Though she and Eyden have obviously developed a connection, Lora has to hide it so Eyden can stay safe and far away from the king's games. Still engaged to the king and tormented by her half-brother, Amira is doing whatever it takes to deny her true self, but she finds solace in the most unexpected person: her maid. Rhay is still finding himself caught in the middle of his emotions. Should he continue to turn his head from the evil he has witnessed his childhood friend commit? Or should he finally step up and do something about it? Into Ashes and Doom takes the character development that happened in the first novel and runs with it, giving readers insight into and connecting more of the cast of characters together.

I loved the way this story continued, and I'm excited to see what happens in the third book of this trilogy. I did find the pacing to be slightly off in some places and the book to be a tad long overall, but that didn't stop me from eating this book up. I truly enjoyed the plot and the character development, and the plot twist?! It totally got me.

Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Danielle L. Jensen will absolutely devour this series.

[AJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was so incredibly boring. 90% of it i just wanted to be done reading it. the last 5% of content was the only part i was actually interested in. this book is so long for barely ANYTHING to be happening at all. it was kind of painful.

Amira was annoying for most of it. the only time she wasnt annoying was the last 100 pages or so, and thats only because we heard so little from her.

i cant stand rhay. all he does is drink and close his eyes to problems that surround him, then degrade himself for doing just that, but doesnt change his behavior at all.

lora is the only saving grace. shes a smart ass who ACTUALLY has limitations that inhibit her, not just doing nothing for the sake of it. shes a strong fmc and she has multiple motivations and she has so much to lose it actually sets you on edge.

the spice felt very out of place. i skipped over most of it bc it felt very YA and then all of a sudden it wasn’t and it made me uncomfortable. the characters could all very well have been 15-17 and i dont want to read abt them banging.

overall, i love lora, this book shouldve been much shorter, and i hate everyone else amen

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are again with book 2! Can't believe I have two books (and one novella) out now, crazy.

I may be a tiny bit biased, but I might love this sequel even more than I love book 1. The characters really go through it and change a lot. My babies don't have it easy haha

To anyone reading this, I hope you love our sequel. It was a rollercoaster to write and I hope it's just as enjoyable reading it ;) Thanks for picking up the sequel! Book 3 coming 2024...

IAAD playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qW...

TW: physical/emotional abuse, violence, depression, self-harm, death/grief, alcohol/drug abuse, consensual sex

[Riss 🫶🏻☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly rec this book for readers who are fans of NA Fantasy Romance!