I am conflicted. On the positive side is a love story complicated by vows and magic, an interesting plot and intrigue upon intrigue. On the negative is the language used. It's a first person story and the dialect used is clearly meant to represent that of an old age but at times it just grates and you find yourself asking "what did that mean?". When the author is in her stride the words flow and the story has pace but during the set up to a scene the language used gets too complicated and you need to force yourself through it to get where the story needs to go. I hope that there is some simplification for future volumes (with everything said I still want to see where the story goes - the links to Arthur that the tale is sold upon don't really have any bearing on the plot and the story that actually unfolds don't really need it!) and maybe some better editing to get rid of the typos, the grammatical nuances that had me adding words like "the" in my head and the clashing metaphors. A good story that just needs a bit of finessing!

I really don't like giving low stars but this book had so many grammar errors it was hugely off-putting. The text clearly hadn't been sent to a proper proof editor (big mistake when self-publishing). The first errors arose in the opening page(!) but I sighed and moved on in hope things would improve. Spoiler: they didn't. The story might be good but without a decent proof edit the book comes across as unprofessional and poorly written. It's sloppy and not ok.

A creative spin on Arthurian legend focusing on lesser known characters, great fantasy story with lots of action, drama and humour too, a touch I loved. Brilliant writing. Highly recommended fantasy.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Loved this book! I love all things Arthurian and this book is an excellent take on the "Arthurverse." It's a brilliant idea to tell a tale about other, unknown characters operating in the same world. Well written, engaging story with interesting characters. Can't wait for the next in the series!

Stacey Lloyd-Briden is a new author for me and one whose works I may return to. From the Ashes is perfect for fantasy fanatics - just like me - filled with engaging characters that are excited to meet the next reader.

This is good fantasy. It's mostly engaging, and incorporates interesting characters and old-ish language. This is a talented author that shows promise.

I really appreciate the NetGalley copy for review!!

From the Ashes is a well-written story within a story set in Britain at the time of King Arthur. It is narrated by David (as an old man) looking back at his youth as he first becomes a Phoenix Knight and then through his travails with fellow knight Andrew and sorceress Arread. The story tells of the struggle against the forces of darkness with a ongoing undercurrent of secrets of what the three friends are and might become.

Reminiscent of Princess Bride, the story starts out as happening to a character and then a story within the story is told, which is the treasure. Many facets or webs are spun in this book and it will be fun to see how they align in the next.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Stacey Lloyd-Briden is a new author for me, but I greatly enjoyed From the Ashes. Briden sets up an engaging frame narrative and interesting characters that keep the story aloft. Perfect for fantasy readers. I really enjoyed the world this author created.