The Librarian's Husband's Book Club discussion

You’ve finished King of Ashes—let’s get into it.

What did you think of the story’s pacing, the characters’ arcs, and how everything burned down in the end? What surprised you—or didn’t?

Share your full thoughts here, and remember to tag spoilers so everyone can jump in safely.

I loved this book but I love anything by this author, one of our young stars in the mystery genre today. I am not presenting a review at this point but I am warning folks. Cosby has a lot of violence in his books (all of them) and that has led to arguments and serious discussion on Goodreads and other places. I am able to slide right over the violent spots (maybe because I know they are always there or maybe I always look for justice). Cosby, like many of our favorite authors always brings about justice in the end. I do not mean this to inform you of secrets in the book. He always has violence, so be ready. I loved this book and I love and respect this Southern crime writer. peace, janz

Well, John, the pacing is much like Cosby's other books - some parts fast, some parts slow --- I do not think about this because I know there will always be scenes where everyone is shooting or spitting or screaming at the same time. And his books almost always have a chapter at the end when things have calmed down and there is hope for a better life. This is often the weakest part of the book - as it is in this book. Cosby shows us evil, bitter evil that seems to not get any worse -- but it does. His best book (according to me) is Razorblade Tears. And we always have a "good" character - sometimes this person evolves as the story goes on. In this book, Cosby gives us the "good guy" at the beginning and lets him continue. The item worth discussing is the younger brother -- did he bring on suicide or was he unstable enough that he thought he could kill some of the bad guys? This is unusual behavior for a character in Cosby's books. Yes, some of them get killed but we were expecting death. The little brother was unstable and unrealistic throughout the book. I just could not like him. And the oldest brother was tiring after a while. The ending was a surprise, as it often is with Cosby. Can't wait for the next one.

This was my first experience reading S.A. Cosby, and it won’t be my last. The conclusion was impressive, I genuinely couldn’t predict how things would fall into place for the main characters. Cosby brought it all together in a way that felt both surprising and earned.

When it comes to the characters, Dante stood out but not necessarily in a good way. I found him reckless and often oblivious to the ripple effects of his decisions. He created chaos, for himself and those around him, and didn’t seem fully aware of the damage.

Nevaeh’s story, on the other hand, absolutely gutted me. She’s the quiet force holding everything together, receiving little to no recognition for the weight she carries.

Then there’s Roman. I’m hesitant to call him the “good guy,” but he’s definitely one of the most compelling characters. The novel raises an important question, how far would you go to protect your family? Roman pushes that question to its limits and delivers on it in a way that left me both unsettled and impressed.

Meg - good review. Try Razerblade Tears. Very emotional. Some lovable folks - some awful ones. peace, janz

Finally got around to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Good read.

SPOILERS: SPOILERS: SPOILERS: SPOILERS



Well, I zipped through this audiobook! What an odd cadence the narrator gave to Torrance.

I think Dante was unstable and trying to hide from his life but wonder if he was unstable because of what he saw when he was young and what happened with him, his brother and mom. That was a big lightbulb moment for me when it was revealed. And if they had only told their sister.

I truly wish there were written about Roman before he got the call about his dad. I would have appreciated the spiral downward more, I believe.

Did Roman stay and become the gang leader? I think I need to listen to the last chapter again.

Julie — i agree about the sister comment. When their dad was in his final situation, I couldnt believe Roman was stillllllll trying to keep it under wraps. As a strong independent FMC I felt as though she was written to be able to handle the news as an adult and found myself almost wanting to beg Roman to spit it out!

A friend’s review said this is a cinematic novel. They took the words right out of my mouth. From start to finish this book started off intensely but played out in a way as if i was on the edge of my seat watching it like a movie or binging episode after episode. This is a classic case of the point of no return when entering gang life.

At times I did find it a little repetitive but not enough to take from the story. I could see where the ending was going early on but wasnt sure exactly how itd be done and after some thought it was just okay. Enough to keep me interested but nothing that surprised or wowed me.

This authors writing style is definitely unique. I look forward to trying other books by Cosby. Next up might be Blacktop Wasteland’s physical copy thats currently collecting dust begging to be started. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

I gave the story 4 stars. I agree this book definitely gave me the feels of a movie. I did a mix of Audio and Reading. I dont know that i will seek this author out but would read more by him. I was a little surprised, not with the ending and Roman, but with the other big reveal. I guess there were clues but I sure didnt go that direction.

I was also disappointed with how the brothers treated Nevaeh. She was a strong, independent woman, and she deserved more from her brothers. They drove her to where she ended up. And I am picturing her off somewhere living an amazing life.

Dante needed something. He kind of froze in time and did not get past egotistical child. And everyone made excuses.

Here is my review:
This story took a lot for me to get into. Not being from that life, not growing up in a city like this kind of blows my mind. Makes me so sad for what is going down in this world.

I didn't like the book at first. The language, life, and drug use were just almost too much for me. But I got thru the story, and it came together.

I think this book would be recommended to a different crowd than my normal group. But it really opened my eyes to a world I do not ever want to take part in.

A lot of sex, drug use, and language.