If you’re a reader who hoards portal fantasies, morally questionable allies, political intrigue, slow-burn self-discovery, and heroines who’d really appreciate just one normal day, this debut is written for you. The author is Elizabeth R. Olson. The book is Rise of the Ash Kingdom, and it is the first in the series of A Sun and Moon tale……(I mean the name game is going perfectly, don’t you think).
So, is Rise of the Ash Kingdom worth adding to your ever-growing TBR (that we both know isn’t getting any smaller)? Here’s my honest review—without spoilers, but with plenty of bookish enthusiasm.
Blurb
After enduring a traumatic childhood, twenty-two-year-old Briar Clarke has learned two things: never get close enough for anyone to disappoint her again, and the fire living inside her must never reach the surface. But it’s these two things that prevent Briar from finding the one thing she craves deeply—a home. When Briar is involved in a tragic accident that should have killed her, she wakes in a different world entirely. Elysian, she is told, is a land where the magic powered by the High Queen keeps its creatures living. But the rightful heir is missing, a Dark Queen falsely sits in her place, and the land is slowly dying in response.
Briar must journey through the realms in search of a way back to her world. But when word spreads of this strange human’s impossible arrival, the Dark Queen takes interest, and soon Briar is fleeing more than just the crumpling realms. Forced further into Elysian, she encounters kingdoms plagued by political strife, danger lurking in every shadow, and untrustworthy allies with dark intentions. But with each step closer to her destination, Briar can’t help but feel like she’s moving in the wrong direction. There is something about Elysian soil that has awakened the fire beneath her skin. The very fire she has told herself must be kept buried at all costs. A fiery rage that could aid Elysian in the downfall of its false queen.
Briar has never fought a day in her life, and if she doesn’t do so now, any chance of saving Elysian—or finding home—will crumple to ash.
Genre
Quest Fantasy | Adventure Fantasy
Theme and Tone
Adventrous
Language/Writing Style
Easy to read
Characters
Very thoroughly written, clear-headed, sane characters
Tropes
- Found Family
- Dying Magical World
- Reluctant but Strong female protagonists
- Forced Proximity (to some extent)
- A dark queen rules all | Political intrigue and kingdom conflicts
- Trauma caused by the disappearance of a parent
- Secret Powers
- Quest Fantasy | Portal Fantasy |
My Review
So I started reading this book a while back, and I keep getting distracted because of work and other commitments, but my mind kept coming back to this story……and I keep thinking about the Legend of Zelda game when reading this story….This is a quest fantasy, and I was so intrigued by it. I have to say it did not disappoint me. The thing I loved the most is world building…Briar travels to so many interesting places…..and I was eating all the details up….I think that’s why it reminded me of Zelda….I love a good magical world.
Briar is not a very strong FMC when starting, but she has something in her….she is a survivor, and she is showing potential to become the strongest…..and I think she will become much much more as the story will progress. I usually like the journey of characters, how they become what they are supposed to become. So I truly appreciated it that Briar isn’t instantly transformed into an unstoppable warrior. She struggles, hesitates, and questions herself throughout the story, making her victories feel earned rather than convenient. Fantasy heroines don’t always need to be fearless….they just need to keep going, and Briar embodies that beautifully.
The supporting cast adds another layer of intrigue. Trust is a luxury in this world, and nearly every alliance feels uncertain. Just when you think you’ve figured someone out, the story gently reminds you that fantasy characters have a favorite hobby: keeping secrets.
Dark Queen is a very interesting character…..she reminded me of the Evil Queen from Snow White. And what was up with Zaffar……he was too cocky……I was rolling my eyes at his attempts to flirt with Briar……I was like, Sir, please…..what the what…..But he was entertaining.
If there’s one minor criticism, it’s that the amount of lore and political information introduced early on (I don’t have a problem with that tho). Readers who are looking for immediate action may need a little patience before the story fully hits its stride. Fortunately, the payoff is worth sticking around for. Overall, Rise of the Ash Kingdom is an engaging start. I am very much hopeful for the next in the series because It’s going to get better and better.
On the whole, the story was great. Highly recommend it if you are a fantasy game player; you will love it.
My Rating
- Overall: ★★★★ | 4 Stars
- Plot: ★★★★★| 4 Stars
- Romance: ★★★★| 4 Stars
- Characters:★★★★ | 4 Stars
- Pacing: ★★★★★| 5 stars
- Mystery: ★★★★★| 5 star
- World-building: ★★★★★| 5 star
- Ending: ★★★★★| 5 Stars
The Best Part
- The world-building was really great
- Briar’s journey is intriguing, and there are some mysteries that I keep thinking about.
The Worst Part
- Zaffar’s cockiness was hilarious….I still can’t say it’s the worst part… I was laughing at him, so it counts as something.
