The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
Blackstone Audio
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Date Read: March 6, 2016
Source: Purchased
Length: 8 hours 21 minutes
★★★☆☆
In a world of shadows, anything is possible – except escaping your fate.
Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse – her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who’s bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.
Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn’t mean he can change his fate, no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn’t: That every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other – and nothing but ashes in between.
This was kind of meh for me. I didn’t hate it or anything but I didn’t love it either. This story honestly just didn’t do a whole lot for me which makes me a little sad. I feel like this book should have been incredibly exciting based on the blurb….ancient legacies, visions of strange realms, powerful relics…how can that be anything but exciting? I was never pulled into the story and could always easily set it aside but I did think it had some high points.
The basic plot was promising and things were going on from the very beginning of the story. Ivy has had hallucinations her whole life. She has seen doctors and has taken medication to control the her visions. But it turns out that what she sees is real. She is actually seeing the demon realm and has a few abilities that she didn’t even know about.
We are soon introduced to Adrian. He seems to know what is going on but doesn’t necessarily feel the need to share what he knows with Ivy. Ivy isn’t even sure which side Adrian is on and can’t completely trust him. I never had a great feel for him to be honest. We know he is hot based on Ivy’s descriptions but he is so selective on what he shares with her I never could tell what was real. He is a lot more skilled at handling the demon realm than Ivy could even dream of being.
Ivy is kept in the dark about a lot of things in this book. Unfortunately, since the book is told from Ivy’s point of view so is the reader. Over and over in the story we would learn that what we thought was true wasn’t. It became somewhat tiring. I don’t mind a few surprises but please give me something to build on. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Ivy and Adrian that should have been there either so the book romance didn’t do a lot for me either.
I liked the narration for the story. Tavia Gilbert does a great job with the different characters in the story. I could always tell who was speaking as I listened to the story. Ivy was full of emotions and I thought that the narrator did a great job with portraying all of them. I would definitely listen to other audiobooks from this narrator.
At this point, I am really not sure if I will continue with this series or not. I have found that the first book in a new series is often not quite as good as subsequent installments. I liked enough about this one that I may give the second book a try before giving up on the series completely. I generally love everything Jeaniene Frost writes so it is hard to give up too quickly.
About the AuthorJeaniene Frost is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author whose works include the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, and the Broken Destiny series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in North Carolina with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her. Jeaniene is represented by Nancy Yost at Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
hopefully book 2 is better
I have my fingers crossed. I really hate to give up on this series.
This does sound meh which is unfortunate because the premise sounds so interesting. It sounds like a different perspective would have made this book way better as you wouldn't have had the constant this is true wait no it isn't.
I would have loved to get inside of Adrian's head for part of the story. Ivy didn't have enough information to make good decisions for much of the book.
I haven't read anything by this author yet, but this is one that sounds like I would want to read it. But now after your review I'm not sure. I'm going to be meeting her in September at the NOLA Storycon, and this was what I was going to read and have her sign if I liked it. Hmm. Now I will have to think again about it. Your review is not the first "meh" one that I've seen for this book unfortunately.
I love, love, love her Night Huntress series. I would be thrilled to meet her. That should be a great time, Lisa!
This book has been on my wish list forever. I hope you love the next one!
I do too, Lekeisha! Sometimes a series gets a little better with each book so I am hopeful.
I know how you feel when a book isn't bad but it isn't great either. Unless I've heard that the sequel is a brilliant improvement I tend not to continue with the series – there are so many other things to read, what can I say? If you do continue I hope you like it better and your next book is more of a success 🙂
Enchanted by YA
I agree. I will probably look for a few reviews for book two before jumping in.
We have similar thoughts and rating on this one. I'm with you when you say it wasn't as exciting as the blurb gave off. Could have been so much more but it was just…an okay read. Not sure I want to read the sequel either. Good review.
The description is amazing. This should have been so much better but it was missing something.
I have heard that this book didn't meet up to expectations especially with Frost as the author. I am not sure I will be reading it, but who knows!! I do adore her World Huntress series.
I love Frost! I think that is really why I was so disappointed with this one. I expected a lot and didn't get it.
I felt the same way. I was excited because, hello? Jeannine Frost! But yeah, it was just okay.
Exactly how I felt, Joy. Maybe book 2 will make everything better.
Great review! This one has been on my TBR forever but I've been waiting for the next book before I read it.
That might be a good idea, Danielle. Of course, I am glad to have a break after this book. 🙂
Aww… I'm sad to see it was only a meh book for you. I've had this on my TBR for I-don't-know-how long. I hope the second one makes the series better for you. 🙂
I was a little sad about it too. It was okay but not as good as I was hoping for.
The premise does make it sound fascinating. It's too bad you didn't like this one more, Carole. Hopefully, if you do try the second book, you will enjoy it. I really need to read more by this author. I've only read one book by her so far.
I love just about all of her books. This was okay but nothing too special. Still an author that I usually recommend.