This book was pure chaos in the best way possible. Dragons, fae plots, blood debts—A Shift in Ashes is packed with action, danger, and snarky banter that kept me turning pages way past bedtime.

Our protagonist (and resident badass) dives headfirst into a mission to rescue a dragon princess from a realm full of angry dragons. That alone would’ve been enough to hook me, but of course, it’s not that simple. There’s an exiled fae king scheming in the background, a brewing war that could destroy all the realms, and a certain clever-tongued Mikhail who’s definitely up to no good—but in a way that makes you like him anyway.

The thing I loved most about this book is its energy. It’s fast-paced and full of twists, with just enough humor to balance the darker moments. The protagonist’s determination to help a friend, even when the odds are stacked against them, adds a nice emotional core to all the chaos.

That said, the sheer amount of things happening at once occasionally made the plot feel a bit overwhelming. There are a lot of moving pieces, and while most of them land, a few could’ve used more time to breathe. Still, the high stakes and dynamic character interactions kept me invested.

Overall, A Shift in Ashes is a thrilling continuation of the series, delivering the action, intrigue, and character dynamics that make this world so captivating. If you’ve been following the series, this one doesn’t disappoint.

We finally get to go to the Dragon's realm. Yay, but wait, it's not what I expected it to be at all.

First of all, I expected the dragons to be super hostile, but some of them are actually okay. Second of all, the plot thickens, and the corruption is spread so much more than Nemain believed at first.

I liked learning more about the world, the dragons and their history, and I really enjoy how the author is introducing new facts about this very extensive world using each volume for one main world, but the plot is also moving along and it doesn't feel like a waste of time reading about this new realm.

The romance was also really exciting and I can say I called it from the start. I'm happy to see them accept their feelings and start developing the relationship.

I think this was my favorite volume so far, with a strong 4.5 stars/5

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1/5 🌶️

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What to Expect:
🐲DRAGONS (Shifters)!!!
🪄SLOW BURNNN!!!
🐲Enemies to Lovers
🪄One Bed🛏️
🐲Fae Vampires
🪄LGBTQ+ Rep
🐲Witches/Warlocks
🪄Magic
🐲Found Family
🪄Realm Travel/Jumping
🐲Deadly Trials
🪄Touch her & 💀💀

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Book 4 in the Lost Legacies Series: A Shift in Ashes is ticked off my reading list… and oh my gods, this series just keeps getting better as it goes on! Nemain and her crew set out on a deadly mission to help Eddie reunite with his lost love, A LITERAL DRAGON PRINCESS!!!! It’s one thing after another with these characters, from court drama with the Unseelie Queen to dragons, devourers, and deadly tournaments… The DRAMA NEVER STOPS. Nemain’s cunning, snarky energy is on full display, and her chemistry with Mikhail had me both swooning, sweating, and going COME ONN MANNNN. Their tension is OFF THE CHARTS, and the way they keep pushing each other’s buttons—LOVE ITTT. If you’re into magic, deadly alliances, and a slow-burn romance that just won’t quit, this one’s a MUST READ for you.

The world-building is pure magic; each new realm, and its creatures adds another layer to this already epic series/story. And the way Maddox Grey weaves humor and heart into this dark and dangerous plot? OBSESSED! It’s hard not to get invested in Nemain and her found family as they try to survive this wild, magical world. Also, HUGEEEE shoutout to the side characters like Eddie and Pele, who add so much depth and grit to the story, never letting a dual space go by. By the time I reached that insane cliffhanger, I was practically screaming at the pages. I need the #5 NOW! If you want action, tension, and unforgettable characters, A Shift in Ashes should be next on your list.

A HUGE Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this for an honest review. Broadening my reads, one new book and author at a time!

This has been my favourite of the series so far. We’re back to Nemain’s POV which means we are on another “mission” but this time it’s for Eddie. We find ourselves in the dragon realm with trials, secrets and slow burn.

I preferred this book as I do find the amount of different characters and lore a bit much, but being in just the dragon realm for almost the entirety of the book reduced the amount of detail. With the previous books it’s still an easy and quick read, and it featured some good old tropes us fantasy readers love like one bed.

Overall I gave this book 3.75⭐️ which I’ve rounded up. Though it’s been my favourite so far it is feeling like this series isn’t going to get to the big finale soon and I’m not the biggest fan of overly long series.

This was a great fourth entry in the lost legacies series, it had that charm that I enjoyed from the other books. I enjoyed the fantasy elements of this and how the characters worked in this world. Maddox Grey has a great writing style and was invested in the world.

Book Review: A Shift in Ashes (Lost Legacies Book 4) by Maddox Grey

A Shift in Ashes is the fourth installment of Maddox Grey's Lost Legacies series, and it takes readers on another wild ride through a vivid urban fantasy world brimming with danger, adventure, and romance. This book further cements Grey's reputation for crafting a richly layered narrative with complex characters and thrilling action sequences, while also raising the stakes for the world (or worlds) her characters inhabit.

In this book, we follow the protagonist on a mission to rescue a princess who is, quite intriguingly, a dragon. Not only does this twist add a fascinating layer to the “damsel in distress” trope, but the dragons' realm also brings fresh challenges and breathtaking battles. The tension of navigating a realm filled with enraged dragons is thrilling, and Grey does an excellent job of balancing these action-packed sequences with quieter, character-driven moments.

The personal stakes in this mission are heightened by a blood debt and the protagonist's loyalty to Eddie, a friend in need of help rescuing his love. These emotional ties add depth to the story, making it not just a quest but a deeply personal journey where loyalty, friendship, and love take center stage. As the mission progresses, what seems like a straightforward rescue quickly turns into something far more complicated. The exiled fae king's dark schemes threaten all the realms, pulling the protagonists into a much larger, and far more dangerous, plot. This overarching threat keeps readers on edge and adds a sense of urgency to every decision.

What makes A Shift in Ashes truly stand out is its masterful blend of action, world-building, and character dynamics. The protagonist, bold and unflinching in the face of danger, is both relatable and admirably courageous. However, it’s the witty banter and simmering tension between her and the enigmatic Mikhail that gives the story a deliciously addictive quality. Their dynamic provides both levity and conflict, and Grey skillfully manages to keep their interactions sizzling without detracting from the high-stakes adventure. Readers will find themselves rooting not just for the success of the mission, but also for the protagonist to navigate her complicated emotions while keeping Mikhail at a (seemingly impossible) distance.

Grey’s world-building continues to impress, particularly in the way she brings the dragon realm to life. The descriptions are vivid, and the sense of danger feels palpable. The lore surrounding dragons, fae, and the interwoven realms remains rich and well thought out, expanding on the universe established in the earlier books without ever feeling like mere exposition.

While A Shift in Ashes can be read as a standalone adventure, readers who have followed the Lost Legacies series from the start will appreciate the deeper character arcs and unfolding mysteries that have been building across the books. Grey expertly layers each novel with just enough backstory to keep new readers informed while rewarding long-time fans with subtle callbacks and continued character development.

Overall, A Shift in Ashes is a fast-paced, heart-pounding addition to the Lost Legacies series, filled with memorable characters, thrilling action, and tantalizing romance. Maddox Grey continues to deliver a masterclass in urban fantasy with each new release, and this book is no exception. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers to Grey’s world will undoubtedly be drawn in by its intricate plot and dynamic characters. Whether you're here for the dragons, the action, or the romance, A Shift in Ashes will not let you down.


Rating: 4.5/5