Vengeance will be yours? Lor has everything that she needs her grandmother and the man that she loves. But before her & Mael story is cut short. She is all alone now & she loses herself until she meets a woman that changes her life.
Lor only thinks about getting her revenge for all that she has lost. So when she meets Ryn in a tavern little does she knows that her destiny is with him?
But will he ever be able to accept Lor for who she really is? She is taken after the wedding and he doesn’t come for her & Lor realises that she can only count on herself & Mael voice in her head?
What will happen next?
The ending has left me wanting more. A great interesting read full of love, heartache & vengeance. Will Lor ever get the one thing that she craves? What will happen with her powers? Will Ryn come for her?
Great characters & storyline. Lor is a strong woman that has lost so much yet she still keeps true to her goal. I really hope that she finds out the truth
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

I liked the idea of this book, but much of it felt rushed. I wanted to know more about her background, her history with Mael, etc. I did like the world building but couldn’t quite get into the book as I felt more details were needed.

Thank you so much to Cursebreaker Books, Ember Johnson & NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of The Daughter of Shadow and Ash!

I really enjoyed Lor’s story and how she developed and changed as the story went on. From a young, naive & somewhat sheltered girl hailing from a small, unknown village who had her sights set on what she believed was unrequited love with her best friend Maël; Lor’s journey of grief after her loved ones are brutally slain and revenge transformed her into an Assassin, operating in the shadows to rid the world of evil, one mark at a time.

After a chance meeting in the tavern one night, Lor’s path is altered forevermore & she must choose between delivering her vengeance on those that destroyed her home & family or embrace the light and walk down a new path she never dreamed possible.

And of course, what good fantasy book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger making us tear our hair out & simultaneously wish for the sequel to be out already!

Ember Johnson has created an intriguing world of magic, mystery & endless possibilities for the future of this story. I’m so excited to see where Lor’s story takes us next! 🖤

3.5 ⭐️! PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS AT THE START 🫡 This was actually a really easy read by means of writing style, I really loved this author’s world building & charecters! I pictured the world as a movie in my head - it was magical 🌙 but despite the world, I struggled to resonate/feel emotionally attached to the characters which was a shame. I’m not sure if this is because at times the story maybe feels a bit rushed? Its a relatively short book for a fantasy, and I think this author could’ve doubled the length & develop the characters a bit further throughout. It does end on a cliff hanger & honestly I can’t wait for the next one - so do with that what you will! I would say ifs worth the read ☺️

This sits at 3⭐️ for me!

This book explores the story of Alora. From her humble beginnings living with her grandmother and loving her best friend to her journey to being an assassin. It explores her experience as she discovers her powers and how she could be tied to a greater cause.

There are some topics that may be triggering like death, grief, war, torture, murder, and graphic sexual content. These scenes, though, all become imperative to the overall plot.

What worked for me is the overarching fantasy plot and the mystery surrounding Alora as a character. The events she goes through contribute to her overall arc. As an FMC, I like that she is presented as someone who trains and doesn't rely solely on her magic. There are also other characters that I enjoyed reading about. Mael, Logan, Vanya, Davian, and Oryn. These are characters that I really enjoyed reading about. I do hope to find out what happens to them.

While the story was very engaging, some of the pace felt a bit disjointed. It's sometimes difficult to understand if it's a time jump. But I did still manage to follow the story. The ending was also a bit of a cliffhanger so there are things I want to understand further.

This is definitely something interesting to read for readers who enjoy fantasy. It does have romance, but I also think that for this book the focus is more on the fantasy than the romance.

Pick this up if you're looking for:
⚔️Strong FMC
⚔️Assassin
⚔️Secret identity
⚔️Fated mates
⚔️Female rage

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Victory Editing for being given a chance get an ARC of this book.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC! Let’s dive into the dark and enchanting world of Daughter of Shadow and Ash, where the line between hero and villain blurs and danger lurks in every shadow. This book delivered plenty of thrills, but it wasn’t without its bumps.

The story revolves around Kaelith, a young woman born of shadow magic who has spent her life hidden from the oppressive rule of the Sun King. Her journey begins when her home is destroyed, forcing her to confront her dark heritage and the mysterious prophecy linking her to the downfall of the Sun King. It’s a rich premise, and Johnson does a great job setting the stage with vivid imagery and a dark, haunting atmosphere.

What We Loved

One of the standout elements of Daughter of Shadow and Ash is its world-building. Johnson crafts a realm teetering on the brink of collapse, where light magic dominates and shadow magic is outlawed. The oppressive rule of the Sun King and the whispered legends of the Shadow Queen add layers of intrigue. The descriptions are lush, painting a vivid picture of both the radiant, gilded capital and the dark, crumbling ruins where Kaelith seeks answers.

The magic system is another win. Shadow magic isn’t just a tool; it’s an extension of Kaelith’s identity, with powers that feel dangerous and untamed. The scenes where Kaelith unleashes her shadow magic are some of the most gripping. The stakes feel real, especially during her confrontations with the Sun King’s enforcers.

The romance, though subtle, had its moments. Kaelith’s growing connection with Erynd, a rogue with secrets of his own, added a touch of vulnerability to her otherwise guarded character. Their banter and tension provided some relief from the heavier themes of betrayal and survival.

What Could Have Been Better

Now, let’s talk about the flaws. The pacing was uneven, particularly in the middle sections. After an explosive start, the story hit a lull where Kaelith seemed to wander aimlessly in search of answers. These sections felt repetitive, with Kaelith encountering various cryptic figures who dropped vague hints before disappearing into the shadows. By the third encounter, I was craving more action and less ambiguity.

Character development also left something to be desired. Kaelith’s internal struggle with her shadow magic was compelling, but her personality sometimes felt flat outside of her magical prowess. For instance, her dialogue in key moments leaned heavily on clichés like, “I will never bow to the light,” which, while dramatic, lacked depth. Similarly, Erynd’s backstory was intriguing but underexplored. His motivations could have used more fleshing out to make his character feel more dynamic.

One of the book’s biggest missteps was the underwhelming reveal of the prophecy. The buildup was immense, with characters whispering about Kaelith’s destiny throughout the book. However, when the prophecy was finally unveiled, it felt rushed and lacked the weight it deserved. A pivotal moment like this needed more tension and detail to truly hit home.

Another issue was the inconsistent tone. Some scenes aimed for dark and gritty but were undermined by overly flowery prose. For example, during a life-or-death battle, we get a paragraph describing the way light filtered through broken stained glass. While beautifully written, it broke the tension and pulled me out of the moment.

Favorite Moments

Despite its flaws, Daughter of Shadow and Ash had moments of brilliance. The final confrontation between Kaelith and the Sun King was explosive and emotionally charged. The way Kaelith embraced her shadow magic, using it to shatter his oppressive grip, was a satisfying culmination of her journey. Her declaration, “I am both shadow and ash, and I will burn your light to cinders,” gave me chills.

I also loved the scene where Kaelith first discovered the remnants of the Shadow Queen’s sanctuary. The eerie silence, the crumbling statues, and the faint hum of dormant magic were beautifully described, creating an atmosphere of both awe and foreboding.

Final Thoughts

I’m giving Daughter of Shadow and Ash a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars. It’s an ambitious story with compelling world-building, a unique magic system, and some memorable scenes. However, uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a few missed opportunities kept it from reaching its full potential.

Would I read the sequel? Absolutely. Despite its flaws, the book laid a strong foundation for future installments, and I’m curious to see how Kaelith’s story unfolds.

This book is perfect for fans of dark fantasy, morally grey heroines, and anyone who enjoys a richly detailed world with a dash of forbidden magic. If you’re willing to overlook a few imperfections, Daughter of Shadow and Ash is a solid, engaging read that promises more excitement to come.

I would really like to thank the author of "Daughter of Shadows and Ash" for the privilege of reading this ARC.
This book was really fun and easy to read and I finished it in just two days. The writing style is amazing and so detailed that you can easily imagine everything that is happening. I really liked the throwback at the beginning to learn about the main character's background and understand her need for revenge. The relationship between the MC and others felt "real" and you could feel the love she had for her friends and family.

Although I really liked the story and the book as a whole, I didn't love it. I found it quite hard to really get into the story because I wasn't as emotionally attached to the characters as I have been in other books and there weren't many situations where I feared for the MC's life or where I felt the rush of excitement.
The story was a bit rushed and a lot happened in a short amount of time. Sometimes I would have liked to have seen a deeper description of the current situation or the mc's feelings, like as when she found out about the planned marriage, where she just acted kinda...neutral? While the story is mostly written in simple past, some chapters or parts of it (like chapter 3) are written in simple present, which confused me a bit. I would also have liked to know more about other Fae and their magical abilities, to dive deeper into the magical world.

All in all, I really liked the aesthetic of the book and the assassin/lover situation. The cliffhanger at the end left me quite excited for the next book and I am once again very grateful for this opportunity.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

**Daughter of Shadow and Ash** by Ember Johnson is a dark fantasy tale that follows a young woman caught between two worlds—one of light and the other of shadow. Tasked with uncovering the truth about her mysterious heritage, she must navigate political intrigue, forbidden magic, and dangerous alliances, all while grappling with her inner darkness. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, she’s forced to make impossible choices that could reshape her world forever.

The world-building in *Daughter of Shadow and Ash* is fantastic, with a vivid and atmospheric setting that pulls you right in. The magic system is intriguing, and the political tensions add a nice layer of complexity to the story. The protagonist is compelling, though her decisions can be frustrating at times, and the supporting cast adds depth and some much-needed levity. The pacing is solid, though the middle does meander a bit before ramping up to an action-packed finale.

That said, while the book is enjoyable, it leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes, and some of the twists felt a bit too predictable. A bit more originality and character depth could’ve elevated it further, but it’s still a fun read for fans of dark, character-driven fantasy.

Overall, *Daughter of Shadow and Ash* is a solid start to what could be a great series. If you enjoy morally gray protagonists, dark magic, and lots of intrigue, this one’s worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but it’s an engaging ride with plenty of potential!

Thank you to NetGalley and Cursebreaker books for an eArc of this book in exchange for a honest, unbiased review!

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.

The story throws you straight into a fantasy world with almost no context, which left me feeling confused about the setting, timeline, and characters. I know this is the first book in a trilogy, but I really wish there had been a stronger foundation for the world-building and a clearer introduction to what’s going on.
Another issue for me was the narration. It kept jumping between past and present tense without any clear reason, which made it hard to stay focused and follow the flow of the story.
I also had a tough time connecting with the FMC. Her personality felt one-dimensional, and her "not like other girls" attitude came across as repetitive and frustrating. Lines like, “No one wanted a wife who could gut a deer or fight like a man” and “They were all so beautiful and dainty, not the type to scrap with men or hunt in the woods” felt overused and made her difficult to relate to.
The biggest struggle for me, though, was the writing style. It felt unpolished, with a lot of repetitive phrasing and awkward descriptions, like “I looked up at the edge of the roof, it was just beyond my reach. I jumped up, attempting to grip the hard edge of the rooftop with my fingertips. The edge slipped my grasp.” and “After barely eating anything last night, I didn’t expect to feel famished. But this morning, my hunger is an angry wench this morning.” Unfortunately, this style wasn’t a one-off but continued throughout the book, which made it hard to stay engaged.
That said, I do think the story has potential. With more polish, better pacing, and deeper world-building, this series could become something really enjoyable. For me, though, it wasn’t quite there yet.

Are you a fan of Lady of Darkness and Throne of Glass? If so, then this book is for you. Our FMC is an assassin who goes through many things from grief, hopes and vengeance. She's strong willed , determined and passionate which is why I loved following along her journey. The dynamic of the worlds of magic, royals and assassins definitely pulled me in and made for a very exciting read. It has action, fated mates and unexpected twist in the story. I can not wait for the next installment.

This was my favourite quote, "If it is, I'll live the rest of my life cursed under your enthrall. I can't help but be obsessed with you."

3.5 ⭐

This is an example of a good book that could be great with some more editing. Granted, I read an eARc, so I tried to look past the typos and tense inconsistencies, but there are also a few plot holes that were left dangling (maybe they will be cleared up in the other two books, but I don't like when books leave me that kind of unsatisfied).

That being said, I loved the story idea. Lor is on an incredible journey. My heart was ripped out a few times and I'm not okay after the cliffhanger. If you get anxious, you might want to wait for all three books to come out before starting.

I agree with other reviewers who note that we're missing things. The first few chapters are almost too long in their details and as the book goes on we're skipping and jumping and falling into insta-love. Where is the depth of the beginning once we get to the meat?!

Again, I think some more editing could have brought this from good to great. I do want to read more, but the way this first book left me dangling with basically no hope or satisfaction also kind of makes me want to forget about it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the eARC.

This book was a page-turning adventure that I could not get enough of. It was a super quick read, which I do enjoy - though part of me wishes it could have had more detail and story, it feels like it just get a new character and bam-at the next part of the story. This alone was honestly the reason why it's not 5 star read for me, but otherwise... The characters were amazing, and the plot was written well and I lost track of both time and place while reading it. I absolutely loved it, and I hated that it ended. I need the next one ASAP!!! There are so many questions to be answered!

Daughter of Shadows and Ash is a quick read fantasy book that basically combines every fun part of the genre into one. You have powers, assassins, dynasties, death and love all wrapped into one delicious book one of a fun series.

Our main character Alora battles death fairy quick in the start of the book, and readers get to see her battle through the 9 lives it feels like she lives throughout the book. While left on a cliff hanger, the tension felt in the last 50 (or so) pages keeps you guessing and throwing out theories of what you think is going to happen, which is something I always love in a book! I can’t wait to see where this series goes and what happens to our main character.

Daughter of Shadows and Ash wasn’t bad but also want my favourite. It was a fast read, especially since the pacing is quite rapid. The characters didn’t have a lot of depth and their motivations were curious. The direction of the plot threw me for a loop and not really in a good way, but I think that’s because the characters lacked a lot of depth and that’s why their choices didn’t make sense.

I probably won’t pick up the next one in the series, but this book could be for you if you like a fast and easy read with a little bit of spice.

This was sooo good!!

A book perfect for fans of Lady of Darkness and An heir comes to rise. Our FMC goes through so many struggles with grief, vengeance and hope.

This book includes betrayal, magic, romance, fated mates and feminine rage. I couldn’t put it down, I wish it was longer! Also, that ending OMG, bring on the next book.

2.5 stars for me. I don’t feel like there was a lot of depth with the characters. Lor, the FMC, seems to be bouncing around but you never get many details of jobs she’s on or the other characters that she builds relationships with. She meets someone and the next chapter it’s 2 years later and they’re best friends. So it just felt very rushed with not a lot of backstory. You do get some of Lor’s early 20s at the beginning and a little bit of her childhood is revealed.

I will say the story line got better and seemed to slow down a little once you meet Ryn, one of the many MMC in the book. And I mean that in the sense that the beginning, middle, and end, each place a different MMC in Lor’s life as her companion/lover. But I’m assuming Ryn is supposed to be the one to stick around the rest of the story.

The writing itself was great. The story flowed well. The author used a lot of descriptive words to help describe the people, villages, buildings… it definitely made it easier to follow.

Daughter of Shadows and Ash is a quick, fast-paced read with everything many fantasy fans love—strong female protagonists, assassins, a mate bond, shadow magic, and royals.

Alora, the main character, is a fierce assassin with shadow powers who is out for vengeance, making her journey both thrilling and emotional. As she navigates her world of magic and danger, the book introduces a mix of relationships, from best friends to enemies and even a romance that ties into the fated mate bond.

The book’s pacing is rapid, and it doesn’t waste time diving into the action. I loved the dynamic world of royals, assassins, and magic, all of which come together in a way that’s both exciting and intriguing.
The story takes unexpected turns, and the romance happens quickly
There’s a lot of action, power dynamics, and political intrigue mixed in with the romance, and I think fans of fantasy will really enjoy it.

It’s the first book in a why choose trilogy, so if you're into series that explore multiple love interests, this one is for you. The ending, of course, leaves you hanging with a cliffhanger that will make you want to pick up the next book right away.


Honest Thoughts:


It wasn't a bad read at all, and for people who like something quick, this is definitely for you.
I don’t mind fast-paced books, but I was a little thrown off by the direction of the story—first, the whole revenge and assassin thing, and then suddenly a one-night stand ends in a mate bond and arranged marriage?
If you like this, you’ll eat this book up, but I personally love development and don’t care for the “we’re strangers but if you say we’re mates, I guess we will be together now” vibe.
Still, it’s a quick read with fantasy elements that has something for everyone—a decent book, but don’t expect a mind-blowing new high fantasy.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book is interesting and the world building felt immersive. I love that a playlist was included at the start, it really set the tone!

Alora is a strong FMC and the beginning of the book provides a captivating and emotional backstory to really understand her motivations throughout.

However, the story felt rushed as it developed. The relationship between Lor and Ryn needed more build up and tension, especially since they are fated mates, the bond seemed forced. With such an intriguing start, I wish the book had been longer to allow for balanced pacing and a deeper connection with the characters, as some of them fell flat.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The ending left me with a lot of questions so I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Cursebreaker Books for providing me with an ARC.

3.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

This book had me hooked from the beginning! I loved the opening scenes. I was completely on the edge of my seat for the first few chapters. I will admit I did not read the description so the plot felt super twisty in the best way. Lor and Maël need a HAE. I hope I’m not in denial that there is still a story there.

I loved Lor’s journey and her character development. I still have so many questions and Im holding out hope we get those answers in book 2.

“I was vengeance, I was power, and with newfound confidence, I was beautiful.”

What held me back from rating this 5 ⭐️
I wanted more details, with thicker chapters. A lot of this book was beautiful but many parts felt almost like a rough draft just waiting for the author to fill it up with more information. I was hoping for more in depth scenes some background on the side characters. Some parts of the story felt like they were rushed and towards the end many months are skipped over so while Lor may build a strong connection with the prince during that time, it was hard as a reader to feel that same chemistry. I think the ending would’ve had more of an impact if we had felt the same way she did towards her husband. It was also repetitive with the wording. Ex “Bracing myself, I steady myself.” The same character saying “you’d do well to…” twice on the same page. I might be a bit picky but I truly did love this book and can absolutely see the potential this author has.

I'd give this book a 2.5 stars.

It has so much promise but fell short on some of the delivery. I enjoyed the beginning, with the friends to lovers trope, and it was sad when Lor's village was destroyed. I understood this developing into a plotline about revenge and how she ends up becoming an assasin. The book is reasonably fast paced here which is a strength but there is a lack of world building. I have no real sense of the war that is going on. We have no real knowledge about Lor's powers, what other powers there might be out there. There is no wider context.

When Lor leaves for Epherinia I have no idea why she had to go see a Mage or why there is a prophecy or how it was determined really why she had to marry the Prince. It felt really random. Also when Ryn declares him and Lor as mates this felt a bit random. A bond was perhaps alluded to but I think I only identified this once the mate trope was revealed because I'd read other fantasy books. It did feel like a suprise and mates could've been introduced earlier, even at the beginning when Lor reveals she loves her friend.

When Lor is in the palace it's a bit surprising she stops looking for Vengeance. I get that she's falling in love and wants to embrace this happiness but it seems strange she'd forget the years she's tried to hunt down the people in her village especially with one having been seem in the palace.

When she is kidnapped at the end, this was exciting. We knew people were jealous of her. But again it felt a bit jarring and too random to find her being imprisoned in the castle, allegedly by the King and Prince. There was no previous indication of her being at risk from them. Perhaps with wider world building, information about her powers and the politics in the kingdoms this might make more sense.

Overall I enjoyed the direction of the book and the main plot and I think this book and world has so much potential. Just without the wider world building I was a times left a bit confused and some developments felt a bit random.