Member Reviews

Sadly DNF at 40%. It was pretty chaotic and dragged on from page one. The characters were not developed at all, and everything was just going on without coming to any conclusion at all.

It was a probe in the new take of angels and demons and sadly nog good enough to captivate me as a reader.
FMC lacking maturity is my biggest ick in all the books i’m reading recently. I can’t anymore reason with adult FMCs but behaving like 5yo
Sadly the story was not for me

Thank you the publishment for the e-ARC of this book, the opinion i leave is my own.

Was this review helpful?

Grave Secrets by Cassandra Aston offers a captivating twist on the classic angels and demons narrative, blending in elements of magic and vampires for a unique urban fantasy experience. The story follows Allie, who has spent six years working for the angels, battling demons. As her time with them draws to a close, she faces complications that impact her life in unexpected ways.

Overall, I found the book to be an engaging read, with a fresh take on familiar themes. The depiction of the angels, particularly Gabriel, as a less-than-sympathetic character added a refreshing layer to the story. The book's pacing kept me hooked from the very first chapter, and the plot twist took me completely by surprise.

However, there were moments where the book could have benefited from a bit more editing. Some of Allie’s actions and decisions, even after the twist, felt inconsistent and puzzling. Despite these minor issues, the story’s emotional impact and the intrigue of its world-building made it a compelling read.

I’m eager to see how the story continues in the next book, especially after the dramatic ending. The unresolved elements and emotional rollercoaster have definitely piqued my interest for what comes next.

Was this review helpful?

This was everything I love in a book! Romantasy with intrigue is always going to be right up my alley. I loved the pace of the narrative and actually enjoyed that the build up was slow as I felt it helped me really to get to grips with the world being built for me as a reader. The premise of the book is what really drew me and and because of that I can also really see myself carrying on with this series.

Was this review helpful?

I looooove me some angel and demon tropes and this book SERVED.
I am in my Urban Fantasy era and I am here for it in Grave Secrets.

Allie has been a demon slayer for the past 6 years paying off a debt she owes to the angels that saved her. Before her time serving them is over, she is on a hunt to solve the mystery of her family's legacy. Along the way she meets a very mysterious man that turns this book into a rollercoaster of twists and turns in every chapter.

Cassandra did an incredible job at weaving a story that keeps readers awake while they're reading in their dark bedroom at midnight (we all know that's a great feat). I cannot recommend this book more. I mean.....who doesn't obsess over a story set in a creepy but beautiful abandoned estate?!

Sign me up for all of Cassandra's future releases! I can't wait to read book 2 and then impatiently wait for book 3's release!

Was this review helpful?

I did not finish this book, I got around 50% into it. I found the concept and general plot interesting, but the pacing was very tedious. Felt like it got too much into every single thing the main character did, including eating every meal and using toiletries. I liked the romantic interest, but didn't feel tension between them and the main character.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this fantasy read. Allie was a really relatable main character and I thought the plot was very engaging and well thought out and executed.

Was this review helpful?

This book had an amazing premise. I loved the idea of the storyline: a girl is working to fight demons after she is brought back to life. The beginning brought me enough intrigue to keep going; however, as I kept reading, the writing wasn't compelling me, and I struggled to continue. I think the pace of the story was a little too slow for me. I really wish I loved it!

As the book wasn't for me, I still say check it out. It has promising reviews, and it probably just wasn't meant for me, but it could definitely be meant for you if you're interested!

Was this review helpful?

this book would be great for YA readers who like urban fantasy. I really liked the premise of the book and that carried through but I found the main character annoying at times.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley for eARC of Grave Secret Secrets by Cassandra Aston.

I was interested in Grave Secrets from the synopsis, and right from reading it reminded my of Shadowhunters. I really liked the premise of the story, but I did find the MC difficult to like. She reads as quite young and whiny, and whilst I think a younger me would have enjoyed her voice, present me found her to be sometimes annoying (but I'm just grumpily approaching 30 and jealous, most likely).

Some great twists and turns, and lots of mystery and fantasy balled together. If you are a fan of vampires, demons, human in a fantasy world, or humans monster hunters, Grave Secrets is one you should pick up!

Was this review helpful?

3.5/5 ⭐️

i really liked the premise of this book: angels, demon slayers, mysterious family secrets, slow burn romance, creepy abandoned mansion... i just had a hard time connecting with the main character, allie, and felt like she was a bit immature sometimes. i also found there were some slight pacing issues. but the plot was definitely unique and there were plenty of plot twists and turns that kept you going! overall, it was an easy read and i had a good time. the writing was engaging and i couldn't stop reading because i wanted to learn more about all those secrets. the ending was good and unexpected but, and i don't want to spoil anything so i'll stay vague, the trope that was revealed towards the end is not one of my favorites. i would still recommend it if you enjoy dark urban fantasy romance with a lot of mystery and secrets!

Was this review helpful?

I had a difficult time making it through the book. The plot was a bit confusing and angels and demons are not my favorite story arc. The writing was fine, just not the book for me.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Cassandra Aston for the eARC.

Was this review helpful?

"Grave Secrets" by Cassandra Ashton is an incredibly inspiring book that I would highly recommend. The story of Allie, who has been fighting demons for the angels for the past six years, shows us that even in the face of adversity, we can persevere and overcome. As her assignment draws to a conclusion, she must navigate the challenges that lie ahead, and her resilience and determination are truly inspiring.

The book takes place at Allie's abandoned family estate, where she encounters Simon - a caring and knowledgeable individual who shares the story of her family legacy. Through twists and turns, the story is full of secrets and unanswered questions. Allie and Simon must work together to unravel the mystery before her time with the angels ends. It serves as a reminder that there are those who are always eager to support us along the journey, even in the face of difficulties.

The book was so engaging and captivating that I couldn't put it down after reading the first chapter. The plot twist was unexpected, yet it left me with an insatiable desire to find out what happens next. I was excited yet curious about the conclusion, which was an intense emotional journey.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so good one of my fav books when it came to romatasy and I cant wait for more and more from this author

Was this review helpful?

This story follows the classic ya urban fantasy plot line, where Allie is a demon slayer, who works for angels. She meets the adorable Simon at her family estate, and the romance is just swoon worthy. The pacing was a little off in the beginning and the writing was starting to lull. Even though the plot is not anything unique, the ending seriously surprised me and I need book 2 ASAP. Overall, I think this is a great read and highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden powers
Family secrets
Love through the ages
Angels and Demons


Allie has been working with angels for the last 6 years getting rid of demons. On the night of her birthday she’s told the deal with them will be ending soon and that means some serious changing will be happening.

Allie ends up going to family’s home which was left to her when her grandfather had died.
Who’s been taking care of this house while she was away? Simon. Simon has looked over her family for year and helps Allie uncover her family secrets.

I loved this so much. I was instantly hooked just from the prologue with questions that I needed answers too. The way the story and plot twisted and turned was done beautifully and it kept reading it all day.
I was emotional with the ending, but I’m excited to see what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley & Cassandra Aston for the arc!

Was this review helpful?

"Grave's Secrets" by Cassandra Aston is a rollercoaster of a read that had me laughing, crying, and questioning my life choices in equal measure. Let's dive into this captivating tale:

First and foremost, our fearless female protagonist, Ali, is the kind of gal you want by your side when things go bump in the night. She's fierce, determined, and has more secrets than a magician at a surprise party.

Now, let's talk about Simon. Oh, Simon, you egomaniacal, alluring rascal. I'm pretty sure he could charm the pants off a mannequin. But beneath that charming exterior lies a mystery wrapped in an enigma, stuffed inside a riddle. I've got more questions about Simon than I have about my own life choices.

Speaking of mysteries, this story is like a never-ending puzzle. It's so captivating that I almost forgot to breathe. It follows the females in Ali's family line, and trust me, they've got more powers than a charging station. But here's the kicker: we have no clue about Ali's family and their powers are! It's like a supernatural guessing game, and I'm here for it.

Simon's love for Rebecca is enough to make your heart hurt. Seriously, I need a moment to recover from all the feels. And speaking of feels, every woman in Ali's family has a heartbreaking story that somehow manages to captivate you and shatter your heart simultaneously.

Now, Alexander, he's something else. I don't know whether to call him a dark and messed-up man or an evil genius. Either way, I hate him.

But let's not forget Simon—he's got moves! I mean, the man is a sweet talker, a panty dropper, and an all-around smooth operator. Kudos to him for keeping the romance alive amidst all the chaos.

As for the powers, yes, they're witches, but how did they get these powers, and what was Alexander trying to do all these years? Is Alexander is gone for good. That guy's like a cockroach—impossible to get rid of.

I appreciate the consent talk in the story, but knowing that Alexander violated Claire, and the others. I hate Alexander even more now. I think I would have liked to see abit more of his machination but the twist your hit with doesn’t leave you wanting more but more jaw dropping wholly mother above vibes.

But let's not dwell on the dark stuff. The twists and turns in this book are like navigating a maze blindfolded. I swear, Cassandra Aston has a Ph.D. in plot twists.

And then there's the ending! I was crying enough tears to fill a lake until that epilogue saved me from drowning in my own despair. Phew!

Shoutout to Jo 🪽for her wholesome grandma vibes. You're the real MVP.

In conclusion, "Grave's Secrets" is a great storyline that's intriguing, unique, and filled with enough mystery, supernatural powers, angels vs. demons, steamy moments, dark twists, and found powers to keep you on the edge of your seat. Thanks, NetGalley and Cassandra Aston, for this wild ride.

Review has been added to Amazon it’s currently processing.

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to get this review copy, but to be completely transparent, this one just didn’t do it for me. I think it was a me thing, not anything against the book.

Was this review helpful?

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Was this review helpful?

There is alot going on in this book but at the same time there are places which seem to drag on with nothing important or interesting happening. What is a 500+ page book I feel could of been told just as well or even better in 350-400 pages as alot of the time things are getting repeated or fleshed out with unnecessary details, we get it you are staying in the pink room and all of the contents within are pink, you don't have to keep reminding the readers of this everytime the character enters the room.

The Angel×Demon part of the story where Allie is brought back to life in return of 6 years of service to the angels as a 'Demon hunter' after which point her memories will be erased and she can live a normal life is a concept I was looking forward to and if that was the whole story I would of loved this book alot more. As the book progresses we also get introduced to a witch, reincarnation,immortality twist to things and introduced to some new (and questionable) characters.
Allie - FMC has struggled her whole life, dies and comes back to life in exchange for 6 years of service to the angels. With only a month left until her service is over she learns about her past & family history and has limited time to figure out the truth before she loses her memories.
Simon- MMC, now I can't really say much about him without too many spoilers but he was likeable if not the way he approached things seemed entirely creepy (maybe that's just me?)
Rebecca - wasn't a fan of her character or the 'plot twist' her character just didn't sit right with me.
Gabriel & 'Zoph' - we don't see much of these character but they are important. Within the book I enjoyed their scenes more than any others within the book.

There are alot of memories/flash backs which happen throughout that read as if they are happening in that moment which was weird going back and forth between those as well as the point of views which are most in 3rd person but switching between different people. It took some getting used to as other characters would interrupt mid flash back and would switch between current scene and fall straight back into the flashback so the pacing would be thrown off and made it difficult to read.

I'm not entirely sure how to rate this book but I think I'm going to stick with 3 stars as although I found the concept Interesting, unfortunately for me it fell flat and I struggled to finish reading as in many places the story just seemed to drag on so I often considered marking it as a DNF.
I'm glad I read it to the end and will consider reading book 2 to see how things unfold.

Thankyou Netgalley for a free E-book copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you actually read this far thankyou, also I apologise as I finished this book at around 2am and trying to write a coherent review that late/early isnt something I'm great at. 😅

Was this review helpful?

Interesting premise, less than satisfactory execution.

When seventeen year old Allie Graves makes a deal to save her life that will turn her into a Reash - a once human contracted to fight demons for the angels - she doesn't stop to think about the potential consequences. Now, six years later, her term of service is almost up and when the clock runs out her memory will be wiped. To top it all off, she's met a boy who seems to know a lot about the family she has never really known and the mysterious mansion that was left to her by her uncle after his death.

Now she has less than a month to figure out what sort of secret her family has been hiding and how to leave herself clues so she can put some semblance of a life back together after her contract is up. What could possibly go wrong?

I really wanted to love this book. Deals with angels turning a young woman into a demon killing machine? Check. Weird creepy family with an even weirder creepy mansion? Check check. Unfortunately, I could not get into this story. The amount of unnecessary detail in the way the story is told is overwhelming. Honestly, it's a little ironic as Allie complains of the very same thing when Simon is telling her his/her family's story.

At 520 pages, I think this story could have been edited down a little further to streamline the action and make this a significantly shorter read. The style of the writing seems to target a fairly juvenile audience and I find it hard to see a teenager sitting through all 520 pages. (Though other reviews have mentioned spice so the tone of the book may not actually match up with the content. From where I stopped, the only "spice" that had happened was a kiss.)

I was intrigued by the plot and wanted to finish this and see how the story resolved, but I just found myself struggling to stay immersed. What I read seemed fairly repetitive and roughly the same exact thing happened during each day in the novel. The information the protagonists were learning did vary from day to day but even that was not enough to break me out of the cyclical feeling that this was giving me.

I would love to see the author consider a revamp of this novel in the future. I think it has potential as a whole, but this just wasn't it for me.

Thank you very much for the chance to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?