“There will always be another threat lurking in the darkness. Another plot. Another battle. That is the way of the world, little thief. But it is in these moments that we must appreciate what life is handing to us. You can fight for your people and still claim something for yourself in the process.”

Heir of Embers and Ash

Thank you, J.M. Wallace for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Uncontrollable magic. An ancient prophecy. A bounty on their heads.

And a world succumbing to frost…

Kelera’s power has been unleashed, but not without a cost. Now she finds herself guilt-ridden, terrified of her own magic, wanted for treason… and bound to Prince Adrastus.

Determination continues to drive her and Adrastus as they venture into the Seelie Court, desperate to seek out an army strong enough to stand against Samael and his treacherous Unseelie forces.

But she and Adrastus can’t outrun their enemies or fate for long.

Samael is more determined than ever to claim Elfhame and the mortal realm for himself, and Kelera fears that without the fabled lost heir, the ancient Elder prophecy will soon come to fruition. Dangers are mounting and with the mortal traitor backing Samael, Kelera is resolved to get to her people before they, too, succumb to Samael’s plans.

But her troubles worsen when she finds herself caught between the loyalty she feels toward the mortals and her deepening connection to Adrastus. With time running out, it will come down to a choice between heart and duty.

Can Kelera find a way to save both her people and the man who risked everything for her, or will she be left with nothing but embers and ashes to tend to?

While Heir of Shadows and Ice didn’t grab me until about the 70% mark, I was invested in Heir of Embers and Ash from the start. Like in the first book, I enjoyed the worldbuilding, setting descriptions, and the elements of Scottish Fairy folklore. It’s so interesting to see the origins of familiar myths told in a new light.

The pacing dragged in the middle, but the addition of the new side characters that Kelera and Adrastus meet on their journey and the development of Kelera’s character made up for it. Watching Kelera learn to use her powers and become more confident was definitely one of my favorite parts. Closer to the last third of the book, though, the plot picked back up, especially with the twist at the end. Admittedly, I did see the twist coming, but that didn’t make it any less fun to read.

I’m excited to see where the next book takes me. I loved how Kelera and Adrastus’ relationship developed. He’s strong and romantic, and I can’t wait to see how their feelings for each other continue to grow as they progress through the impending war.