Saturday, June 20, 2020

The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost


Title: The Beautiful Ashes
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Series: #1 in the Broken Destiny series
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Blackstone Audio (August 26, 2014 )
Source: Purchased/ Kindle Freebie
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: 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.

My Thoughts: For a character who is 20 years old she acted like a teenager in lust rather than a mature adult. What a shame.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: This book was, unfortunately, bogged down with an immature heroine, inst-love, and too many "really?" moments to be a great book. So many people have labeled this a YA novel but with a 20 year old heroine it is more in lines with a New Adult rather than it's younger counterpart. The best part of this book was Frost's world building. Sure the angels and demons trope has been done repeatedly but I really liked the spin she put on it.

I think the biggest flaw of this book is the hero. He is a typical anti-hero in statue and attitude. He refuses to communicate with Ivy yet expects her to be forthcoming. He kidnaps her...at which she bats her eyelashes at him and thinks about his good looks and how she should be worried about being kidnapped but he is soooo handsome. Barf. Ok so he's not the biggest flaw...they both are.

I chose to listen to this book on audio and Tavia Gilbert did an Ok job. I was able to listen at a faster speed than normal but not quite my usual of 2x because she gets a little chipmunkie.

Besides the world building, the action was really good and nonstop. Oh and the gargoyle was amazing.

In a Nutshell: Even with Jeaniene Frost's wonderful world building and action I'm way too character driven to really like this book. Eventually I'll finish the trilogy but I'm not in a hurry to do so. Even though I purchased the first one...because it's Frost after all, I will look towards my local library for the rest.

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