Ash Princess
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
"Made for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sabaa Tahir" (Bustle), Ash Princess is an epic new fantasy about a throne cruelly stolen and a girl who must fight to take it back for her people.
Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.
For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.
Then, one night, the kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: Her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.
For ten years the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.
And don't miss the thrilling sequel, Lady Smoke!
Praise for Ash Princess, Book 1 in the Ash Princess Series:
"A darkly enchanting page-turner you won't be able to put down."--Bustle
"A smart, feminist twist on a traditional tale of a fallen heroine, with plenty of court intrigue, love, and lies to sweeten the deal. Good luck putting this one down." --Virginia Boecker, author of The Witch Hunter series
"This searing page-turner is a compelling examination of the complexities of both evil and resistance."--Sarah Porter, author of Vassa in the Night
"A dark and spellbinding epic." --Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless
"Made for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sabaa Tahir" (Bustle), Ash Princess is an epic new fantasy about a throne cruelly stolen and a girl who must fight to take it back for her people.
Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess--a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.
For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.
Then, one night, the kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: Her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn't always won on the battlefield.
For ten years the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.
And don't miss the thrilling sequel, Lady Smoke!
Praise for Ash Princess, Book 1 in the Ash Princess Series:
"A darkly enchanting page-turner you won't be able to put down."--Bustle
"A smart, feminist twist on a traditional tale of a fallen heroine, with plenty of court intrigue, love, and lies to sweeten the deal. Good luck putting this one down." --Virginia Boecker, author of The Witch Hunter series
"This searing page-turner is a compelling examination of the complexities of both evil and resistance."--Sarah Porter, author of Vassa in the Night
"A dark and spellbinding epic." --Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
Fiery and Thrilling | Review of ‘Ash Princess’ (Ash Princess Trilogy #1)Originally posted on Cyn's Workshop
What a brilliant novel. Ash Princess captures a thrilling and unique story by showcasing a magical kingdom conquered by the non-magical. That is probably the one element in the novel that sets this novel apart from any others. Of course, the premise of a displaced princess is not a unique one, let’s face it, it is a story that has been done in a million different ways. That said the added element of the magic users overthrown by brute force is an interesting one and essential to making this novel work and stand out. Honestly, it is a breath of fresh air to see magic not be the omnipotent source in the novel because fantasy has a way of showing magic, especially elemental magic, as this source of godlike power, but here that is not the case. Sebastian takes that concept and flips it on its head while also delivering an impressive narrative.
Theo is such a vibrant character and in some ways resembles Sansa Stark. Her people hate her because they believe she lives in luxury. While this might be true, Theo is also a prisoner, a plaything for the malicious king. However, there is a fire inside her. What begins as an ember, flourishes with life, power, and a strength that she has long forgotten in her golden prison.
Her environment also presents readers with complex characters. Theo is a complex character, as is the prince and Crescentia. These dynamics are so complex and create such powerful tension in the novel because Theo loves these people, not because they are her captors, but because when times were dark, and others abused her, they strove to protect her, to make her life more bearable. However, they are still her guards, and she is still their “pet” despite it all. That is where the novel indeed finds it is fire, in those complex dynamics and the tension that is created by it. Theo exists, stripped of her real name and title, but her heritage, her roots, and her people are something she will never forget. The pain she sees in her people, she cannot let that go, she cannot forgive the Kalovaxian’s for what they have done, and her protectors, well they are still her enemies despite it all.
It is such a complex narrative, but also a relatable one as well. The concept of conquering and slavery is one that the world is all too familiar with, and the hints at the skin tone directly reflect the slave trade. It is unmistakable and sends a powerful message to the reader, a message about what is right and what is wrong and what it means to be conquered, abused, and enslaved. It is essential because it is a part of history that should never be neglected or forgotten and allows for diversity to play a role in the storytelling.
Overall, this was a fantastic novel. It has a compelling voice and complex characters that make it riveting. It is also nice to note that while romance tends to have a high place in young adult fantasy novels, while it may exist here, it is not the focus of the story. The story is about Theo and her goals, her imprisonment and her fight for freedom for herself and her people. That right there is just another part of why this novel stands out. (★★★★☆ | A)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Google+ | LinkedIn
What a brilliant novel. Ash Princess captures a thrilling and unique story by showcasing a magical kingdom conquered by the non-magical. That is probably the one element in the novel that sets this novel apart from any others. Of course, the premise of a displaced princess is not a unique one, let’s face it, it is a story that has been done in a million different ways. That said the added element of the magic users overthrown by brute force is an interesting one and essential to making this novel work and stand out. Honestly, it is a breath of fresh air to see magic not be the omnipotent source in the novel because fantasy has a way of showing magic, especially elemental magic, as this source of godlike power, but here that is not the case. Sebastian takes that concept and flips it on its head while also delivering an impressive narrative.
Theo is such a vibrant character and in some ways resembles Sansa Stark. Her people hate her because they believe she lives in luxury. While this might be true, Theo is also a prisoner, a plaything for the malicious king. However, there is a fire inside her. What begins as an ember, flourishes with life, power, and a strength that she has long forgotten in her golden prison.
Her environment also presents readers with complex characters. Theo is a complex character, as is the prince and Crescentia. These dynamics are so complex and create such powerful tension in the novel because Theo loves these people, not because they are her captors, but because when times were dark, and others abused her, they strove to protect her, to make her life more bearable. However, they are still her guards, and she is still their “pet” despite it all. That is where the novel indeed finds it is fire, in those complex dynamics and the tension that is created by it. Theo exists, stripped of her real name and title, but her heritage, her roots, and her people are something she will never forget. The pain she sees in her people, she cannot let that go, she cannot forgive the Kalovaxian’s for what they have done, and her protectors, well they are still her enemies despite it all.
It is such a complex narrative, but also a relatable one as well. The concept of conquering and slavery is one that the world is all too familiar with, and the hints at the skin tone directly reflect the slave trade. It is unmistakable and sends a powerful message to the reader, a message about what is right and what is wrong and what it means to be conquered, abused, and enslaved. It is essential because it is a part of history that should never be neglected or forgotten and allows for diversity to play a role in the storytelling.
Overall, this was a fantastic novel. It has a compelling voice and complex characters that make it riveting. It is also nice to note that while romance tends to have a high place in young adult fantasy novels, while it may exist here, it is not the focus of the story. The story is about Theo and her goals, her imprisonment and her fight for freedom for herself and her people. That right there is just another part of why this novel stands out. (★★★★☆ | A)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Google+ | LinkedIn
The first few chapters of this book will blow your mind! I don't think there's been a book where such a dark scene takes place so early on in the book and because of that I just wanted to keep reading.
Theo is caught between a rock and a hard place many times and she often questions who her allies really are. She is forced to live in her palace run by the cruelest of king's, the man who dethroned her family, and left her an orphan. He parades her around and uses her as a public deterrent on many occasions, no matter the reason. I thought Laura did a great job at showing just how resilient Theo is. She created a cunning young woman who will do anything, even if it's betraying those she's closest to, in order to save her kingdom.
There is a love triangle in this book and for me it is difficult to pick who I like better! She is torn between someone from her past and someone from her present. Both surprise her in many ways by the actions they take to protect her. I'd be curious to see who ships who more from other reader's who have read this book already!
This book is definitely more about character development and setting up events that I believe will really take off in the next book(s). There is no shortage of intensity, including two major reveals that take place, so don't worry about it not keeping your attention. I have a feeling we will get to see a lot more action and I'm curious to see how some of the other characters will develop over time!
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com/2018/06/06/review-ash-princess
Theo is caught between a rock and a hard place many times and she often questions who her allies really are. She is forced to live in her palace run by the cruelest of king's, the man who dethroned her family, and left her an orphan. He parades her around and uses her as a public deterrent on many occasions, no matter the reason. I thought Laura did a great job at showing just how resilient Theo is. She created a cunning young woman who will do anything, even if it's betraying those she's closest to, in order to save her kingdom.
There is a love triangle in this book and for me it is difficult to pick who I like better! She is torn between someone from her past and someone from her present. Both surprise her in many ways by the actions they take to protect her. I'd be curious to see who ships who more from other reader's who have read this book already!
This book is definitely more about character development and setting up events that I believe will really take off in the next book(s). There is no shortage of intensity, including two major reveals that take place, so don't worry about it not keeping your attention. I have a feeling we will get to see a lot more action and I'm curious to see how some of the other characters will develop over time!
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com/2018/06/06/review-ash-princess
It makes for an interesting story but it just seems like it's already been done. And I'm not a huge fan of love triangles. The protagonist is good but I find her a bit unlikeable. If you like the Throne of Glass series or Children of Blood & Bone, you should check this out!
I mean, the blurb is good...but...the title...
Apparently, it is not the most honorable name to have in this book, but for now, we are not going to pay attention to that fact, lol!
Apparently, it is not the most honorable name to have in this book, but for now, we are not going to pay attention to that fact, lol!
Coming from a picky reader, this was such a good read! I finished all 400 pages or so in three days, and it is filled with wonderful writing. This book for me sounded boring from the back cover excerpt, but the authors writing made this SUCH a good read, and it was WAY more intense and interesting than I originally thought. The characters felt real, and it didn't feel rushed. The author had a great story idea, then doubled down and really gave this book such life. Great tension and political warfare and the surprising amount of survival skills it takes the main character to live in her own home. The main villain was written well, and I can't wait to see his downfall later in the series. Definitely ordering and reading the rest of the series.
https://free-5337369.webadorsite.com/blog/2024512_ash-princess-an-in-depth-review
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