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theboldswanreads's review
5.0
First I must sleep!....
Absolutely loved this book! As I've mentioned in other reviews I'm terrible at reviews and I wish I could word vomit my feelings as I'm reading. But I'm still learning! Scales of Ash & Smoke has a piece of my reading heart and I'm anxiously awaiting the releases of book 2 and 3. If you don't already follow Emily on Instagram...do so! She's hilarious and real about her writing journey and it's a blast watching her books come to life.
***Update: listening to the audiobook now 05/20/2022***
Absolutely loved this book! As I've mentioned in other reviews I'm terrible at reviews and I wish I could word vomit my feelings as I'm reading. But I'm still learning! Scales of Ash & Smoke has a piece of my reading heart and I'm anxiously awaiting the releases of book 2 and 3. If you don't already follow Emily on Instagram...do so! She's hilarious and real about her writing journey and it's a blast watching her books come to life.
***Update: listening to the audiobook now 05/20/2022***
apgodsen's review
3.0
I AM IN NO WAY SAYING THIS IS A BAD BOOK. For the record I actually liked reading it, but there were definitely some key issues I found with it that made me like it less. I am going to read book 2 to see how things continue to progress, but only out of curiosity not because I’m obsessed with the book.
Issues:
-The beginning of the book is not well fleshed out. It really just throws everything at you all at once with not a whole lot of context.
-And while I love the wholesome relationship between Kaida and Tarren, it is definitely no slow burn like I was originally informed.
-the whole thing with Kaida’s magic was also confusing. And just like magic in general in this world. I WANT MORE WORLD BUILDING
Upsides:
- story has a unique take on relationships between humans and dragons
- the romance is very sweet and I adore the banter
- introspective look at society is also a nice touch
- the story smoothed out and gets more bulk as it goes on.
Issues:
-The beginning of the book is not well fleshed out. It really just throws everything at you all at once with not a whole lot of context.
-And while I love the wholesome relationship between Kaida and Tarren, it is definitely no slow burn like I was originally informed.
-the whole thing with Kaida’s magic was also confusing. And just like magic in general in this world. I WANT MORE WORLD BUILDING
Upsides:
- story has a unique take on relationships between humans and dragons
- the romance is very sweet and I adore the banter
- introspective look at society is also a nice touch
- the story smoothed out and gets more bulk as it goes on.
plushprose's review
5.0
Overall Rating: 5/5
Spice: 0/5
Plot: 4/5
Romance: 5/5
World-Building: 4/5
Things I loved:
* This book had multiple POVs and I absolutely live for that! I love getting inside characters heads and getting to explore what is going on from different perspectives. Especially when it comes to the relationship building - getting to see both sides was such a treat in this book.
* Our main female character, Kaida, is so charming to read. She is in this world, experiencing terrible things and yet, she still finds the willpower to be sassy and charming and fight back! I love her personality.
* Tarrin, the main male character, is a cinnamon roll wrapped up inside of a flaming ball of sass and feels. I would die for him, honestly. His POV chapters are my favorite!
Things I liked:
* The world building in this book is great. I am excited to see more of it in future books - there are a few places we are introduced to in name only and I really want to know more about them!
* The plot twists in this book are so good. The characters are fleshed out and as things happen, their motivations and character arcs become clearer and clearer. I loved seeing our secondary characters have major, plot changing moments.
Things:
* Eklos and his goons. That’s how you know someone has written a great villain - you want to jump into the pages and fight them. I love and hate a strong villain that is actually difficult for our characters to face!
This YA fantasy romance novel was so well written, with so many twists and turns and shocking moments. I sincerely hope there is a second book in the not distant future because I want to live in this world with these characters longer!
*I received an ARC for review*
Spice: 0/5
Plot: 4/5
Romance: 5/5
World-Building: 4/5
Things I loved:
* This book had multiple POVs and I absolutely live for that! I love getting inside characters heads and getting to explore what is going on from different perspectives. Especially when it comes to the relationship building - getting to see both sides was such a treat in this book.
* Our main female character, Kaida, is so charming to read. She is in this world, experiencing terrible things and yet, she still finds the willpower to be sassy and charming and fight back! I love her personality.
* Tarrin, the main male character, is a cinnamon roll wrapped up inside of a flaming ball of sass and feels. I would die for him, honestly. His POV chapters are my favorite!
Things I liked:
* The world building in this book is great. I am excited to see more of it in future books - there are a few places we are introduced to in name only and I really want to know more about them!
* The plot twists in this book are so good. The characters are fleshed out and as things happen, their motivations and character arcs become clearer and clearer. I loved seeing our secondary characters have major, plot changing moments.
Things:
* Eklos and his goons. That’s how you know someone has written a great villain - you want to jump into the pages and fight them. I love and hate a strong villain that is actually difficult for our characters to face!
This YA fantasy romance novel was so well written, with so many twists and turns and shocking moments. I sincerely hope there is a second book in the not distant future because I want to live in this world with these characters longer!
*I received an ARC for review*
urban_reads's review
5.0
I used to make fun of my brother for reading books with dragons in them and yet this trilogy had me in an absolute chokehold.
Scales of Ash & Smoke is Book 1 in a completed Trilogy (No waiting for the next book to come out!)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Summary: 17 year old Kaida is a slave and belongs to Eklos. He is a dark and dangerous slave master; he is a dragon. Turns out the humans are enslaved to dragons after half the human race was killed over a thousand years ago. One day Kaida is being beaten by a group of dragons, when Prince Tarrin steps forward and saves her. He informs her master, Eklos, that he is taking Kaida away to the royal palace. The royal family reveals to Kaida a secret that she doesn't know about herself; she is a shapeshifter. Kaida can shift into the very creature that enslaved her since she was born. Kaida is part dragon. An uprising begins to stir between dragons and humans, some want peace and freedom and some want to keep things as they are. They begin to prepare for war and love begins to grow. She is forced to reconcile being torn between two identities and two worlds, what will she do?
Pace: Medium
This is truly a YA Fantasy that has a little bit of everything. Battles, betrayal, mystery, plot twists and romance. Sometimes I am shocked by the books that are in the YA section! You don't have to worry about that with this trilogy, I would say high school and above would love this. That being said, I am a 43 year old woman and I devoured these books. Emily wastes no character and their story. Each one serves a very intentional purpose (whether in this book or the other two). I actually feel hate, love, and admiration for these characters. The world building and magic are wildly creative, I could imagine it in my mind. Not to mention there are a couple twists and turns in this book that I didn't see coming, don't worry... No Spoilers here! The relationship that blooms between Kaida and Tarrin is a refreshing look at how you can have independence and fiercely battle for the one you love. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so just make sure to have book two on the ready! You will need it.
I am a huge fan of Emily, she is a must buy author for me now and I have already gifted the trilogy to two people. I would say this is a great trilogy for people who might want to try Fantasy as well!
Check out my video review here!
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRpmYF9h/
Scales of Ash & Smoke is Book 1 in a completed Trilogy (No waiting for the next book to come out!)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Summary: 17 year old Kaida is a slave and belongs to Eklos. He is a dark and dangerous slave master; he is a dragon. Turns out the humans are enslaved to dragons after half the human race was killed over a thousand years ago. One day Kaida is being beaten by a group of dragons, when Prince Tarrin steps forward and saves her. He informs her master, Eklos, that he is taking Kaida away to the royal palace. The royal family reveals to Kaida a secret that she doesn't know about herself; she is a shapeshifter. Kaida can shift into the very creature that enslaved her since she was born. Kaida is part dragon. An uprising begins to stir between dragons and humans, some want peace and freedom and some want to keep things as they are. They begin to prepare for war and love begins to grow. She is forced to reconcile being torn between two identities and two worlds, what will she do?
Pace: Medium
This is truly a YA Fantasy that has a little bit of everything. Battles, betrayal, mystery, plot twists and romance. Sometimes I am shocked by the books that are in the YA section! You don't have to worry about that with this trilogy, I would say high school and above would love this. That being said, I am a 43 year old woman and I devoured these books. Emily wastes no character and their story. Each one serves a very intentional purpose (whether in this book or the other two). I actually feel hate, love, and admiration for these characters. The world building and magic are wildly creative, I could imagine it in my mind. Not to mention there are a couple twists and turns in this book that I didn't see coming, don't worry... No Spoilers here! The relationship that blooms between Kaida and Tarrin is a refreshing look at how you can have independence and fiercely battle for the one you love. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so just make sure to have book two on the ready! You will need it.
I am a huge fan of Emily, she is a must buy author for me now and I have already gifted the trilogy to two people. I would say this is a great trilogy for people who might want to try Fantasy as well!
Check out my video review here!
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRpmYF9h/
mirisss's review
I found that the lack of a clear difference between humans and dragons deterred me from wanting to continue reading. The dragons and the whole world felt way too human for me.
kayladaniella's review
4.0
4/5 stars
I love supporting indie authors when I can and I'm a sucker for dragons. I follow Emily on instagram and when I read about her book, I knew I had to have it. I wasn't really expecting the shapeshifting element, but I actually really enjoyed it as well as enjoying Kaida learning her shifting and her powers.
I really like the villain and the characters that helped Prince Tarrin and Kaida. It was an endearing novel and I'm excited to read the next one.
I love supporting indie authors when I can and I'm a sucker for dragons. I follow Emily on instagram and when I read about her book, I knew I had to have it. I wasn't really expecting the shapeshifting element, but I actually really enjoyed it as well as enjoying Kaida learning her shifting and her powers.
I really like the villain and the characters that helped Prince Tarrin and Kaida. It was an endearing novel and I'm excited to read the next one.
smiley_kylie's review
5.0
4.5
A great start to this YA fantasy trilogy with dragons, magic, conspiracy, and romance!
I absolutely love that there is a pronunciation guide at the front of the book - I wish this was standard for all fantasy novels! The story is engaging and kept my attention throughout. I enjoyed watching Kaida and Tarrin evolve and learn to work and communicate with each other, despite coming from completely opposing backgrounds. They learn a lot about their hidden histories and the evil that's been lurking right beneath their noses. I would have liked more explanation for the *big thing* that happens near the end of the book, but I'm hoping that will come later. By the way, you'll want to have book two handy when you finish this one!
Read it for:
A great start to this YA fantasy trilogy with dragons, magic, conspiracy, and romance!
I absolutely love that there is a pronunciation guide at the front of the book - I wish this was standard for all fantasy novels! The story is engaging and kept my attention throughout. I enjoyed watching Kaida and Tarrin evolve and learn to work and communicate with each other, despite coming from completely opposing backgrounds. They learn a lot about their hidden histories and the evil that's been lurking right beneath their noses. I would have liked more explanation for the *big thing* that happens near the end of the book, but I'm hoping that will come later. By the way, you'll want to have book two handy when you finish this one!
Read it for:
beatrixhaase's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I think that it is a good book to start off with if you are just getting into fantasy. The only reason that I gave it 4 stars is that I believe that it went a little slow sometimes. I would want to read the other books in the series when they come out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
xoxo,
Bea
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
xoxo,
Bea