Ruined Ashes is a YA dystopian fantasy that hits with full force from page one. This emotional prequel novella sets the stage for a dark, gripping series filled with betrayal, sacrifice, and a mother’s desperate fight to protect her child. I received an ARC through BookFunnel, and this story immediately pulled me in with its breathless pacing, vivid worldbuilding, and unforgettable heroine.
About the Book
Princess Alyssa’s world collapses in a single night. Her husband—the man she defied her parents to marry—launches a violent coup that leaves the kingdom burning and her family dead. Fire wielders, once respected, are hunted and slaughtered. Explosions shake the land. Ashes cover the palace grounds. And Alyssa’s only thought is reaching her daughter before the tyrant she trusted gets there first.
But the villain is already closing in.
Book HookUp Book Review: Ruined Ashes
Ruined Ashes is tightly paced, tense, and emotionally devastating in the best way. From the opening attack, you feel Alyssa’s panic and urgency as she races through a collapsing kingdom. The worldbuilding is vivid and original; fiery magic, smoldering ruins, and a society turning on its own people. Every scene feels cinematic.
Alyssa is a heroine you immediately root for. She’s terrified, grieving, and shattered, yet she keeps moving. Her desperation to reach her daughter gives the story its heartbeat. She’s a mother first, a princess second, and her courage shines even when she’s overwhelmed.
The villain origin is masterfully done. This isn’t a sudden twist; it’s a descent into darkness. Alyssa realizes too late that her husband is exactly the man her parents warned her about. And the moment that hit me hardest was the throne scene. I won't say more, because I don't do spoilers. I can say, it’s horrifying, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.
The ending leaves you breathless. Alyssa is trapped. Her daughter is still missing. Her people are suffering. And you can feel the spark of rebellion building inside her. I need book one immediately.
BookHookUp Content Note
Clean dystopian fantasy with intense themes: violence, betrayal, loss, and forced separation. No graphic content or profanity. Emotional distress, danger, and high-stakes tension throughout.
***
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
***
I received an ARC of this book through Book Funnel and have received no compensation for reviewing. All thoughts are my own. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect your price and helps support my review work.
Similar Books You May Enjoy
The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout — YA fantasy with danger, betrayal, and emotional stakes.
The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen — political upheaval, rebellion, and a heroine caught between loyalty and survival.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson — fire magic, royalty, and a heroine forced to rise from tragedy.
Let’s connect!
I focus on clean fiction across genres, historical romance, fantasy, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.
📖 Read more book reviews on Book Hookup
⭐ Follow me on Goodreads for updates and reviews across all genres - Goodreads Books I've read
📸 Join me on Instagram for quotes, bookish highlights, and behind-the-scenes posts My Instagram
🐦 Follow me on X (Twitter) for quick book insights and discussion as well as news about my own books. Donna Sundblad
👍 Share this review with readers who enjoy thoughtful, clean, and engaging fiction!
My Newsletter: Imagination in Ink
👉 Sign up now and step deeper into my world. Join my mailing list
As an author of fantasy and historical western romance. Once a month, I open the door to my writing world and share what I’ve been working on, what’s coming next, and a few things you might not find anywhere else.
Pull up a chair, and let’s see where the imagination takes us this month. ✨
📬 One email. Once a month. No spam. Just story.