Cover Image: A Land of Fire and Ash

A Land of Fire and Ash

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Member Reviews

It's truly an exceptional book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The setting of the story is incredibly imaginative and unique, creating a vivid and immersive world. The fantasy elements are intriguing and well-developed, making the story even more captivating.

The world-building in the book is excellent, with detailed descriptions that bring the fictional realm to life. From the landscapes to the cultures and societies, everything is thoughtfully crafted and adds depth to the narrative. The magic system is particularly fascinating, with its own rules and intricacies that add an extra layer of complexity to the story.

The book has an abundance of surprises and twists throughout the plot. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story would take an unexpected turn.
The dynamics between different factions and characters added depth and tension to the narrative, making for a compelling read. Additionally, the book delves into the lore behind the magic and the history of the world, providing fascinating insights into the backstory of the setting.

I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy literature. It's a well-written, immersive, and thought-provoking book that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

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This is a combined review for The Dandelion Tree (Prequel/Book #1 of the Dandelion Chronicles) and A Land of Fire and Ash (Book #2 of the Dandelion Chronicles)

The Dandelion Chronicles is a new fantasy series by new Indie author A.S.R. Gelpi. I don't read a lot of hard-core fantasy but the synopsis of these books sounded interesting so I decided to give them a try. I got them as arcs from NetGalley and surprisingly I finished reading both these books in  a week back in April. Since a few months have passed and I don't remember the details, I can only share a few thoughts.

Overall, I liked these books. There were parts that I felt dragged the story but then there were also moments and scenes that, when I visualised them in my mind while reading, were powerful and stunning. Two such moments that I can still recall are the prologue and the final chapters of the second book. I don't know where the author's overall inspiration came from while creating the world/magic/spiritual system in the books but I could sense a few influences of Indian mythology.

According to what I saw on Goodreads, there are more books coming up in the series so the story is far from over.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Silver River Publishing and the author for the e-Arcs of the books.

My overall combined rating for both the books: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫

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This book was difficult for me to enjoy because it was hard to follow, confusing at times and it just seemed to lack the pull that most fantasy books usually have on me.

I assume that newer books in the series will explain more about the characters, plot, etc; however, I am not intrigued enough to follow through.

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thank you to net galley and silver river publishing for the advance reading copy of A Land of Fire and Ash by A.S.R. Gelpi. Kharis must fulfil a task she cant remember, An accident basically wiping her memory is found by a young widow who cares for her. this book compared it self to throne of glass, a court of thorns and roses, and shadow and bone. they are extremely different. this was not nearly as good as any of those series. it fell very flat for me. and I do not believe that the comparisons do any justice to this book.

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This is a story of self-discovering, selfless and strong binding love between two characters that have suffered a lot.
Kharis wakes up in a forest, she is injured and has lost her memory but she is not alone, Leógham is there and promises to stay with her until she finds out who she really is. But this journey to self knowing wont be easy in this world full of monsters and magic.

I really enjoyed this story, it was easy to read and the world building and character building were excellent. It was really intriguing, with the element of politics that it did outweigh the element of romance, something I really liked and made this story different than others.

Since this is the book two of The Dandelion Chronicles, I don’t want to spoil anything but I want to mention that is a good fantasy/politics story that I recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Silver River Publishing for this ebook copy.

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A battle of good and evil. A heroine that has been in a tragic and devastating accident that left her without memory, and worse yet - in a land (and possible realm or time) very different from her own.

Lost in his own deep grief after losing his wife and child in childbirth, Leogham has secreted himself away in a hunting cabin protected by magic. No one is supposed to get in except by invitation of Leogham, himself. Yet, one day while out walking he sees a blue light and is drawn to it. At the edge of his lake he discovers Kharis. She wakes many days later with no memory of her homeland or her family.

And the harrowing, sometimes heartbreaking journey of Leogham and Kharis begin. Bound to stay with Kharis after promising never to leave her, Leogham is drawn into a journey he did not anticipate. And love is the product of it all. Will their love help them set things right and save the world?

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This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley. Thank you for the early read.

This was an interesting read to say the very least. The main character, Kharis, wakes up from a comma with no memory of anything but her accident. A strong storyline and a strong female MC were perfect together. The entire writing style was to make you feel just as lost and confused as Kharis. I don't want to spoil anything so I am not going to write very much other than I am expecting so many more books to break down all the information I need from this.

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3.5/5 stars! I'm really glad that I read the prequel novel to this first because I do think readers who start here might get confused by some of the world. I enjoyed this book and felt like I flew through this book. It wasn't an exceptionally serious book and I liked it as a light fantasy read. I hope that the world-building is a little bit more expounded on during the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

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As it is a volume 2, the goal is not to spoil you the story:)

Let’s talk a little about the cover both cold and adventurous with this person who has a quiver and arrows, a bit to the Rebel, it must be said that she made me want.

Moving on from the story, we meet the main character, Kharis, who after an accident lost her memory, she remembers little, but one of them is a monster named Zahari. Here, we will find a universe full of magic, monsters, magi and mystery. Does this make you want?

Like any fantasy book the author makes us discover an impressive and rather well-built world. Despite this, there are some aspects of the story that serve the main character’s amnesia, some aspects of the story are confusing and I think they will be more developed in the next volumes.

Of course, there is romance, although not too present, we see the relationship of Kharis and Leógham evolve, despite their wounds, they raise each other to heal internally, does not remind you of two characters? If you liked the ACOTAR series, you will be pleased.

You will have understood, I liked the book. It is a new author that I did not know and his pen convinced me. It is fluid and pleasant, I am eager to know what happens next. I just have to discover the next two volumes.

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1 Star

This book started with a blast. And was difficult to follow through. The plot was rocky which made it altogether a difficult read.


Thank you Netgalley and Silver River Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

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Absolutely loved this book!

Loved the fantasy world, loved the characters, lived the setting, lived the whole thing!

I put off reading it becat the cover and synopsis just didn't pull me in, but wow wish I read it sooner. It is terrific.

The characters Leoghram and Kharis will make you fall in love with this story!

Highly recommend.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in return for my honest opinion.

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DNF

This book fell flat for me. The plot did not hold my interest, and the characters felt too one dimensional.

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Sometimes a couple of these fantasy books do capture my attention, and this one did that. I did not expect to enjoy this book, but kharis and Leogham were undeniably captivating. This story takes you on a riveting journey forged with the battle between good and evil, darkness and light. It tells of a deep and binding love that surpasses all expectations, a selfless act that charted a course of pure love and acceptance. It was exciting, captivating, and intriguing.

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I enjoyed this book. It was gripping, addictive and brilliantly written. The dialogue flowed very well and there was sufficient exposition. Toward the end however, things get a little vague. The ending was confusing and maybe it was kept that way because of the coming sequel but it was still unsatisfactory. The romance was so-so. I was still impressed and will look out for the next books from this author.

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A fantasy story about sacrifice, loss and finding oneself again. Had some interesting concepts and while a little confusing some times the story kept a steady pace.

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Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book seems to take inspiration from the Throne of Glass series. While there are fantasy elements throughout the book, I found that it wasn't explained very well which left me confused in some parts. I do want to note though that the main character has memory loss throughout the book, and it was nice to almost be confused along with her. I'm not sure that was the author's intent, but it's a nice thought.

This book is a very quick read and is great if you're looking for something that isn't overly serious.

I will most likely read the second book when it comes out, but it won't be a release that I mark on my calendar.

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How do you grieve the loss of your loved ones when you can’t remember them? This is the reality Kharis faces after she is recused from a lake and nursed back to health by a man named Leogham, who faces his own grief. Her memory loss isn’t the only challenge Kharis faces.. knowledge of her homeland is a mystery to Leogham and Kharis is tasked with keeping her terrifying power under control and a secret.

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Warnings: mild sexual content, some crude humor, violence typical in fantasy

I am really glad I got to read this book! It was a really great read with a creative setting and interesting fantasy set up. I enjoyed the world building and the magic system. There were a lot of great surprises within the book. I love political intrigue and I feel like this book explored that as well as the lore behind the magic and history of the world.
...

When Kharis awakes after suffering terrible injures, she finds herself lost in in a world she doesn't recognize and her memories lost. As she's nursed back to health by the mysterious Leoghram, she soon learns that in order to find out who she is and where she's come from is to trust this man that she doesn't know.

Now, disguised as a man, she has to blend into world whose customs she doesn't know. As she tries to understand who she is, she's thrust into this strange world so like her own. As she discovers more about herself and the ways of this land, Kharis begins to realize that there is more to her past and magic as a fire dweller than she ever realized. Partnered with Leoghram, she works to find her way home. Leogrhram who has his own past and array of trials. Leogrham who is so alike but different from herself.

As politics and her own struggles rise to the surface--Kharis must determine who she can trust before her very being is ripped apart.

...

So, I really did enjoy this book. I thought the memory loss was great and helped us understand the world, I liked the politics and set up of the kingdom. I liked seeing consequences. I liked seeing the character interactions. I did feel like some of the characters and their stories could have been fleshed out a little more. Especially Leoghram and his past. I did feel like his development was really quick from mourning his family to developing a relationship with Kharis. Hrag's character as well. I wasn't expecting him to have as big a role as he did, so by the last third of the book I was a little startled to see so much and how significant he was. But, I ended up binging like 75% of this book in one night.

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A great fantasy read. reminiscent of early throne of glass. Perfect for those who love high fantasy. romance and intrigue. Forgotten secrets, hidden identities and a quick moving plot to save or damn the world. Magic in the Tir is dying, the end has been delayed by 800 years and our MC just may be the answer to all those questions.

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Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

DNFed at 75%

Summary of the plot:

Kharis is saved from almost dying by a man named Leogham. She has little memories of what happened, except that it involved falling down a waterfall and someone named Saya. She also can’t remember much about herself, but she knows she’s a princess and that she’s trained to be a warrior. Leogham, on the other hand, is a widower and finds himself caring for her. He’s also a very important prince. Together, they try to find who Kharis really is and her purpose.

Thoughts on the novel:

I wish I enjoyed this book, but there was really nothing for me to like. Don’t get me wrong. I was intrigued enough to want to know more about Kharis’ past, but nothing really stuck out to me.

The plot was very flat since little was going on. It seems more like a politics book than a fantasy one. Also, there are fantasy elements that aren’t really explained that well—maybe in passing. Overall, the writing felt more “telling” than “showing”, but not so much “explaining” either.

It’s not until 50% of the book is done when the characters start to talk about finding out more about Kharis’ past. But it’s not even until 75% when we find out a little more (which is still not enough). At this point, I just stopped reading because there was nothing keeping my interest.

In the end, I’m sad that I didn’t finish this book because it could have a lot of potential.

Would I recommend this book? N/A because I didn’t finish it.

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