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fmcfranny's review
4.0
Mythology, humor, relatable, great story building, and interesting plot. This had it all. It was a fun read. Kept you engaged and interested. The characters came off as real, you could connect with them and it felt like people you could know. The romance felt a bit forced, it seemed to just all of a sudden be a thing. But otherwise, it was a great read.
nemerith's review against another edition
3.0
Empire of Ash is the first book I read by the author and while the plot sounded great, I, unfortunately, didn't like the book :(
Worldbuilding was good, scenes and environments were clear and detailed. As a fan of archaeology (and mythology), it was fun to read about the sites they explored, not to mention the mythological beings/people they encountered.
Character development was decent. We walked alongside Pell (short for Pellucid), an archaeologist, as she tries to undo the mess she caused by reading an ancient scroll she just found. Pell is, in my opinion, a pretty particular person with a lot of inner dialogue (like... a lot a lot). That, I could get on board with, but what bothered me the most was that she doesn't feel or act her age but more like a teenager. Add that to the insistent chatter of her inner dialogue and ... yeah, I really didn't connect with her.
Harpoc, our mystery man in a leather jacket, was well fleshed out and out of the two, strangely enough, felt more real and believable. While he was (and yes, still remains) a mystery, he does open up more and more to Pell.
Pacing and flow were good. A nice balance between conversation and action to keep the story moving forward.
There were no (noticeable) errors and there was no sex described in this book (if that is important to you).
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all I can say that unfortunately, this wasn't my cup of tea. It just felt unpolished and slightly too teens/ya for me. However, if the plot sounds good be sure to give the sample a try, it might be something for you!
Worldbuilding was good, scenes and environments were clear and detailed. As a fan of archaeology (and mythology), it was fun to read about the sites they explored, not to mention the mythological beings/people they encountered.
Character development was decent. We walked alongside Pell (short for Pellucid), an archaeologist, as she tries to undo the mess she caused by reading an ancient scroll she just found. Pell is, in my opinion, a pretty particular person with a lot of inner dialogue (like... a lot a lot). That, I could get on board with, but what bothered me the most was that she doesn't feel or act her age but more like a teenager. Add that to the insistent chatter of her inner dialogue and ... yeah, I really didn't connect with her.
Harpoc, our mystery man in a leather jacket, was well fleshed out and out of the two, strangely enough, felt more real and believable. While he was (and yes, still remains) a mystery, he does open up more and more to Pell.
Pacing and flow were good. A nice balance between conversation and action to keep the story moving forward.
There were no (noticeable) errors and there was no sex described in this book (if that is important to you).
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all I can say that unfortunately, this wasn't my cup of tea. It just felt unpolished and slightly too teens/ya for me. However, if the plot sounds good be sure to give the sample a try, it might be something for you!
rburrows299's review against another edition
4.0
Received ARC for honest review. Rated 3.5-4 stars.
If you like secrets, hot mysterious men, snarky independent heroines, and mythology, then Empire of Ash should make your reading list. L.R.W. Lee spins a clever archeology/mythology romance that will leave fans of Laura Thalassa, C.N. Crawford, and Lindsey Hall intrigued and waiting for more. Right off the bat, Lee introduces our leading lady Pellucid Rose, or Pell as we should call her, and sets the ball rolling with her charm, wit, and intelligence. After finding the archeological discovery of the century, Pell encounters the sexy, mysterious man she deems Crazy Guy. With his announcement that she has unleashed a sphinx (that's right A SPHINX) on the world and that they must put a stop to it before people end up hurt or dead, their adventure takes off.
Initially, I wasn't sure if I was taken in with the story. I liked the chemistry between Pell and the mysterious Crazy Guy and the details that Lee described never crossed the line of too much, always staying at just enough. I thought, eh it was probably a 2.5-3 stars book. But then I realized that I had finished the book in one sitting and stayed up wayyy late to do so, something a 2.5-3 star book could never make me do because I absolutely adore sleep and have to get up wayy too early. What got me wasn't necessarily the new take on mythology that Lee spun or even the witty banter of Pell and Crazy Guy (although I seriously love witty banter and it can make or break a book for me), it was the way Lee spun secrets and mystery into the story. Every page left you wondering and yearning for more. More about Crazy Guy, more about secret magic, more about Pell herself, and the list goes on. Sometimes it can be hard to capture the attention of a reader, so authors withhold information. However, many can go too far and not give you enough information to keep your attention captured. Lee walks this line with finesse and what I thought was going to be an okay book turned into an actually really enjoyable read. I have Kindle Unlimited, so access to literally tons of books that are unique in their own way, but how Lee spins secrecy so well into her story is something unique that I have not really come across before, and I read a lot. I have some guesses as to what secrets Lee will reveal as the series progresses, but the wonderful part of her writing in this story is that I don't know for sure if my guesses will play out. There is still a whole lot of mystery wrapped up in this story that I cannot wait to uncover.
My advice: give this book a chance. You might initially be thinking, eh it's okay but I don't know if it should take my time when I have 20+ other books to read (amen, been there and still there), BUT if you keep going just a little bit past when you think that, you will find yourself devouring the rest of Pell and Crazy Guy's story. At least that is what happened for me. I rate it 3.5-4 stars because of that initial lull, but the end result certainly makes it worth that 4 stars. So seriously, just read it so you can either prove me wrong or joining me in yearning for the secrets Lee will eventually reveal.
If you like secrets, hot mysterious men, snarky independent heroines, and mythology, then Empire of Ash should make your reading list. L.R.W. Lee spins a clever archeology/mythology romance that will leave fans of Laura Thalassa, C.N. Crawford, and Lindsey Hall intrigued and waiting for more. Right off the bat, Lee introduces our leading lady Pellucid Rose, or Pell as we should call her, and sets the ball rolling with her charm, wit, and intelligence. After finding the archeological discovery of the century, Pell encounters the sexy, mysterious man she deems Crazy Guy. With his announcement that she has unleashed a sphinx (that's right A SPHINX) on the world and that they must put a stop to it before people end up hurt or dead, their adventure takes off.
Initially, I wasn't sure if I was taken in with the story. I liked the chemistry between Pell and the mysterious Crazy Guy and the details that Lee described never crossed the line of too much, always staying at just enough. I thought, eh it was probably a 2.5-3 stars book. But then I realized that I had finished the book in one sitting and stayed up wayyy late to do so, something a 2.5-3 star book could never make me do because I absolutely adore sleep and have to get up wayy too early. What got me wasn't necessarily the new take on mythology that Lee spun or even the witty banter of Pell and Crazy Guy (although I seriously love witty banter and it can make or break a book for me), it was the way Lee spun secrets and mystery into the story. Every page left you wondering and yearning for more. More about Crazy Guy, more about secret magic, more about Pell herself, and the list goes on. Sometimes it can be hard to capture the attention of a reader, so authors withhold information. However, many can go too far and not give you enough information to keep your attention captured. Lee walks this line with finesse and what I thought was going to be an okay book turned into an actually really enjoyable read. I have Kindle Unlimited, so access to literally tons of books that are unique in their own way, but how Lee spins secrecy so well into her story is something unique that I have not really come across before, and I read a lot. I have some guesses as to what secrets Lee will reveal as the series progresses, but the wonderful part of her writing in this story is that I don't know for sure if my guesses will play out. There is still a whole lot of mystery wrapped up in this story that I cannot wait to uncover.
My advice: give this book a chance. You might initially be thinking, eh it's okay but I don't know if it should take my time when I have 20+ other books to read (amen, been there and still there), BUT if you keep going just a little bit past when you think that, you will find yourself devouring the rest of Pell and Crazy Guy's story. At least that is what happened for me. I rate it 3.5-4 stars because of that initial lull, but the end result certainly makes it worth that 4 stars. So seriously, just read it so you can either prove me wrong or joining me in yearning for the secrets Lee will eventually reveal.
angelaann88's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story. It was easy to read, and each chapter left me wanting more. I could related to Pell's character and found myself chuckling at her voice. I loved Harpoc's mysterious but endearing character. I would have started to trust him just as easily as Pell did. I can't wait to find out more about his world in the next book.
kmedd's review against another edition
2.0
I’m sorry this book just wasn’t for me. The storyline was all over and the things the MC thought and said we’re cringy at time.
A lot of potential and this plot I found was unique but just missed the mark. It may get better in the next book but I won’t know.
The author’s other series I found was really good and still currently reading it so had high hopes for this one.
Not a terrible book though
A lot of potential and this plot I found was unique but just missed the mark. It may get better in the next book but I won’t know.
The author’s other series I found was really good and still currently reading it so had high hopes for this one.
Not a terrible book though
coffeeaddict118's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book and it is intriguing that I will be looking forward to the next book. It seems to at some points hint at things that make you want to know what is going on. Why was Pell abandoned as a baby? What is going on with the single rose she was found with? How did Harpoc know who she was and where to find her? None of these questions were answered so need to wait for the next book. I did enjoy the hints of romance and will be curious how it comes to be. A good book and fun read but a lot of questions to ponder after you close the story.
lavenderspark's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ainslet's review
3.0
Overall, this was a cute, quick read. There were definitely some errors, but mostly typos that could be easily fixed with a little editing. Not enough to pull me out of the story and I'm a grammar nerd. It was a little frustrating how easily Pell gave in when things bothered her about Harpoc, but I did like it when she held on to it a little bit, since he rarely explained anything.
judy_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 4,5 stars
it took about 60 pages for me to get hooked!!!!!
So I started reading the book and I was a bit confused by what I was reading. All types of food falling and then after going it on it hit me. There was an earthquake.
So I really enjoyed the start of the book. Pell was quite funny and I like the archeology twist. And then MR. Duster came along. Well hello to you too :D
The story revolves around some secret magic and Pell has to make the things right that she messed up. Will not tell you all the details. Just read it.
The story builds up and gets more interesting.
What I really like is that both main characters grow throughout the book. Especially Pell grows a lot which is also quite emotional for her.
Another thing I really liked was the detail in facts about the Egyptian history! It really gives the book charm. I loved the humor in the book and I really hope Pell stays that way.
Overall It is a really good book and definitely has a ya feel to it. I kinda hope the next book has a more mature feel to it.
My rating: 4,5 stars
it took about 60 pages for me to get hooked!!!!!
So I started reading the book and I was a bit confused by what I was reading. All types of food falling and then after going it on it hit me. There was an earthquake.
So I really enjoyed the start of the book. Pell was quite funny and I like the archeology twist. And then MR. Duster came along. Well hello to you too :D
The story revolves around some secret magic and Pell has to make the things right that she messed up. Will not tell you all the details. Just read it.
The story builds up and gets more interesting.
What I really like is that both main characters grow throughout the book. Especially Pell grows a lot which is also quite emotional for her.
Another thing I really liked was the detail in facts about the Egyptian history! It really gives the book charm. I loved the humor in the book and I really hope Pell stays that way.
Overall It is a really good book and definitely has a ya feel to it. I kinda hope the next book has a more mature feel to it.
romanapanda's review against another edition
4.0
E-ARC for the book provided by the writer in exchange for an honest review.
Lee writes this book in a very understandable language, even when you know nothing about excavating and the likes, you'll be good.
Pell finds herself entangled in a web of mysterious activities once she meets this brooding character who shows a lot of secretive behaviour.
The two go on an adventure and eventually find themselves enthralled by each other.
If you love mythology, a sexy guy, a kind main character, and mysterious happenings, this book is certainly the book for you!
Lee writes this book in a very understandable language, even when you know nothing about excavating and the likes, you'll be good.
Pell finds herself entangled in a web of mysterious activities once she meets this brooding character who shows a lot of secretive behaviour.
The two go on an adventure and eventually find themselves enthralled by each other.
If you love mythology, a sexy guy, a kind main character, and mysterious happenings, this book is certainly the book for you!
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