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The continuing story of Ash’s journey, and what a journey!
Ash’s story of survival, the people who share her journey and their finding of a truth within despite the threat of death.
Wonderfully written, touching your emotions as the story draws you in.
Great reading.

(Goodreads) October 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved the first in the series, but this one might be my favorite of the two…
This was a devastatingly beautiful book. I knew it was going to be good because I’d read the first one in the series (Crown of Fire) but this one really took my breath away. The story in this series is something I can always get lost in—it’s truly epic. But what moves me so deeply is the way the author has of storytelling around concepts like trauma, wounding, dysfunctional emotional patterns, and healing. She takes extremely complex ideas and makes them so simple and clear through the use of story and metaphor.

Even though this a fantasy novel with a setting that has a medieval feeling to it, the themes and the story are so relevant and current to today. I’ve been feeling a major shift on the planet for the past decade (and I know I’m not alone), and the exact shift that I’m seeing our society going through currently is perfectly mirrored in this novel. Again, the author does such a superb job of showing major societal shifts and what that actually looks like, that it feels seamless. The way she weaves together the struggle of the individual person with their own trauma, and how that affects society and humanity as a whole, it’s just so well done.

As always with this series, too, I love love LOVE the characters. Ash, the main character, is of course my favorite—I just adore her—but I also love the supporting cast. I got so attached to the colony of people who come to follow Ash in this installment that I was on pins and needles with some of the hairpin turns in the plot that involved them. I won’t include any spoilers, but suffice to say that this second book in the series has a ton of suspense in it, and you’ll be holding your breath a few times as you wonder if some of the characters are actually going to squeak through.

I loved the first book in the series, but I think this one might be my favorite of the two. It’s exquisitely well-written. I am so looking forward to reading the third! I highly recommend this one (and the entire Awenmell series) to anyone who loves medieval fantasy, epic fantasy, fantasy with romantic elements, and strong heroines.

(Amazon US) July 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A beautiful story and so much more.
I loved this book. It’s a story about a woman becoming her full, powerful self and the challenges she faces along that path. The story and it’s cast of characters hooked me. I especially loved the wisdom gently woven into it – there’s so much beyond the story that feels true and stays with you. I couldn’t help be connected to the main character, Ashling. Her inner struggles were familiar and I felt that kinship with her throughout. After I finished the book, I knew I would continue to use it almost like a reference or guide on my own journey. It has a ton of heart and I’m so glad for the experience of reading it. I know others will love it too.

(Amazon US) March 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Beautiful and Thrilling.
Rise is the eagerly-awaited sequel to Crown of Fire…and it doesn’t disappoint! It’s a beautifully written book, full of imagery that is inspiring and encouraging.

Ashling’s quest continues to unfold, with growing tension and urgency. This series is great for anyone looking for something a little deeper than just adventure…if you like books that open new ways of thinking about the world and our place in it, you will love the Awenmell series.

(Amazon AU) February 2022