This was a strong start to the Araceli's Blade series, it had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed the fantasy romance of this. It was everything that I wanted based on the description. The characters had that element that I wanted and was glad I was able to read this. Ember Johnson has a strong writing style and am excited for the next book.

Unfortunately I didn't really enjoy this book until the last 10% due to the writing style. I felt that it did not flow well and that there were jumps in the story that weren't explained (characters/names appearing out of seemingly nowhere, changes in environment without explanation). I feel that this book needs a fair bit of editing to make it make sense.
As I mentioned the last ten percent got interesting and made me contemplate picking up a sequel however due to the writing I probably would not.
Overall I can see that the plot itself would have been good but the writing style really wasn't for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Cursebreak Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I absolutely loved the plot of this story and watching Alora’s incredible growth throughout her journey. She truly comes into her own as a shadow princess—slaying in every sense of the word, literally. The unexpected twists and turns kept me guessing, with the ever-changing direction of the story keeping me on my toes.

That said, I struggled with the pacing at times. There was so much happening, so quickly, that I often found it hard to keep up. I had to pause and reread sections to fully grasp what was going on and stay on track with the plot.

Despite the challenges with the pacing, the story's gripping plot and Alora’s remarkable transformation made this an enjoyable read overall. It’s a whirlwind of action, intrigue, and powerful character development that’s worth sticking with if you enjoy fast-paced, twist-filled fantasy. Alora’s journey will definitely leave a lasting impression!

3.5 stars for me!

I did enjoy this book, but I felt like the first 10% had me hooked and then the next ~40% or so was build up and the real story started after and that’s where I really felt engaged. Once I got to the 50% mark, I read the rest of the book in a matter of hours!

As a Caelena Sardothien stan, I love an assassin FMC. Especially one that is on a quest for vengeance! I really liked Lor, the FMC, and thought her turmoil choosing between vengeance and peace/happiness was well done. Since the story is from her POV and first person, the reader feels the constant conflict between her desire for vengeance and also her wanting to just move on and be happy.

The jury is still out on the MMC…I want to love him but I have to see what happens next! ;)

This story ends on a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book to find out what happens!

Happy release day to Daughter of Shadows and Ash! Overall, I would say this was a 3⭐️ for me. I really loved the concept of this book and I thought that the dialogue was really good, especially the love interests scenes with Alora.

I did spend a lot of the time feeling kinda lost. I feel like there was a lot of jumping forward in timelines and I didn’t know it had jumped forward until like halfway through the chapter.

I really did adore Lor as the FMC. It gives Throne of Glass vibes and Lor is also dark and twisty with the ability to manipulate shadows.

I really am hoping for some more world building and more foundation for things that are happening in the plot and maybe less big timeline jumps ✨

Thank you Cursebreaker Books, Ember Johnson and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I grabbed Daughter of Shadows and Ash by Ember Johnson because the premise sounded interesting. Girl vows to hunt down the men who killed the people she loved and along the way she comes to realize who she is and what she is meant to do. While this may have been the intended story, it wasn't what I expected.

Alora is our fmc and she actually spends the first few chapters pining after her best friend but then it turns out he actually did have feelings for her and wanted to marry her all along but then tragedy strikes and Alora's life is turned upside down. The problem is, the story fast forwards and we don't actually see her going through any transformation. It's just a transition to now she is an assassin and I don't think that helps.

The pacing was a little slow in the beginning for me as well. To be honest, I could have done without most of the first part and just jumped right into the assassin portion of the story if Johnson could have figured out another way to share Alora's backstory.

When we meet the mmc Erynd (Ryn) things start to pick up as their one night stand leads into an unexpected betrothal. What Alora didn't know is that Ryn is not only the prince, but also her fated mate. Add to that, the fact that her magic has been what the King has been looking for and he isn't about to let her go.

With the way this book picked up at the end I'm actually interested in picking up the next book in the series. As I mentioned, I think that while the beginning of the book was slow and disconnected, the rest of the story kept me interested in and because of that it did end up being a solid read.

3.5 ⭐ Rounded up!

This was a fun debut!
Betrayal
Magic
Fated Mates
Bad Ass FMC

I would like to thank Net Gallery and the Author for the privilege of reading this ARC and providing an honest review.

The book started off very different than I imagined the direction to go. I went in to this story a bit blind but very happy that I did as things started to unravel and everything picked up in the second half. I loved the sass of our heroine Alora and great witty dialogue.

I will say it is very fast paced- in my opinion so if you are looking for a quick read this is your stop!
The ending was probably my favorite part and book two is looking like it's going to be a wild ride!

This book was given to me as an arc by netgalley.
Oh god. Where to start? The concept and story line were very good however, the execution and pacing required additional looking over. 

The story of Lor and her life was a great idea. It initially gave me very strong throne of glass vibes however, the book did not live up to the idea. 

In several parts of the book, I felt like we missed a few chapters that explained the situation, world building and characters. The book felt too short for the amount of things that happened in it. I think for a fantasy novel, I didn't fully understand the magic system, the way in which the society operated in order to be fully immersed in the book. 

When it comes to the characters, I felt like I didn't know them at all, so when deaths were occurring, I didn't have enough emotional investment in them to truly feel the loss. I didn't cry, and those who know me, know how easy that is to do. 

Mael felt like a fantastic character and kept me entertained throughout the whole book. I also wishes more focus was given to Lucas, who I think at one point got called Logan unless I'd been reading the wrong name in my head the whole time. 

Overall, I think this would have been an amazing draft but in my opinion required additional editing before publication.

Vengeance will be yours? Lor has everything that she needs her grandmother and the man that she loves. But before her & Mael story is cut short. She is all alone now & she loses herself until she meets a woman that changes her life.
Lor only thinks about getting her revenge for all that she has lost. So when she meets Ryn in a tavern little does she knows that her destiny is with him?
But will he ever be able to accept Lor for who she really is? She is taken after the wedding and he doesn’t come for her & Lor realises that she can only count on herself & Mael voice in her head?
What will happen next?
The ending has left me wanting more. A great interesting read full of love, heartache & vengeance. Will Lor ever get the one thing that she craves? What will happen with her powers? Will Ryn come for her?
Great characters & storyline. Lor is a strong woman that has lost so much yet she still keeps true to her goal. I really hope that she finds out the truth
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

I liked the idea of this book, but much of it felt rushed. I wanted to know more about her background, her history with Mael, etc. I did like the world building but couldn’t quite get into the book as I felt more details were needed.

Thank you so much to Cursebreaker Books, Ember Johnson & NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of The Daughter of Shadow and Ash!

I really enjoyed Lor’s story and how she developed and changed as the story went on. From a young, naive & somewhat sheltered girl hailing from a small, unknown village who had her sights set on what she believed was unrequited love with her best friend Maël; Lor’s journey of grief after her loved ones are brutally slain and revenge transformed her into an Assassin, operating in the shadows to rid the world of evil, one mark at a time.

After a chance meeting in the tavern one night, Lor’s path is altered forevermore & she must choose between delivering her vengeance on those that destroyed her home & family or embrace the light and walk down a new path she never dreamed possible.

And of course, what good fantasy book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger making us tear our hair out & simultaneously wish for the sequel to be out already!

Ember Johnson has created an intriguing world of magic, mystery & endless possibilities for the future of this story. I’m so excited to see where Lor’s story takes us next! 🖤

3.5 ⭐️! PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS AT THE START 🫡 This was actually a really easy read by means of writing style, I really loved this author’s world building & charecters! I pictured the world as a movie in my head - it was magical 🌙 but despite the world, I struggled to resonate/feel emotionally attached to the characters which was a shame. I’m not sure if this is because at times the story maybe feels a bit rushed? Its a relatively short book for a fantasy, and I think this author could’ve doubled the length & develop the characters a bit further throughout. It does end on a cliff hanger & honestly I can’t wait for the next one - so do with that what you will! I would say ifs worth the read ☺️

This sits at 3⭐️ for me!

This book explores the story of Alora. From her humble beginnings living with her grandmother and loving her best friend to her journey to being an assassin. It explores her experience as she discovers her powers and how she could be tied to a greater cause.

There are some topics that may be triggering like death, grief, war, torture, murder, and graphic sexual content. These scenes, though, all become imperative to the overall plot.

What worked for me is the overarching fantasy plot and the mystery surrounding Alora as a character. The events she goes through contribute to her overall arc. As an FMC, I like that she is presented as someone who trains and doesn't rely solely on her magic. There are also other characters that I enjoyed reading about. Mael, Logan, Vanya, Davian, and Oryn. These are characters that I really enjoyed reading about. I do hope to find out what happens to them.

While the story was very engaging, some of the pace felt a bit disjointed. It's sometimes difficult to understand if it's a time jump. But I did still manage to follow the story. The ending was also a bit of a cliffhanger so there are things I want to understand further.

This is definitely something interesting to read for readers who enjoy fantasy. It does have romance, but I also think that for this book the focus is more on the fantasy than the romance.

Pick this up if you're looking for:
⚔️Strong FMC
⚔️Assassin
⚔️Secret identity
⚔️Fated mates
⚔️Female rage

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Victory Editing for being given a chance get an ARC of this book.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC! Let’s dive into the dark and enchanting world of Daughter of Shadow and Ash, where the line between hero and villain blurs and danger lurks in every shadow. This book delivered plenty of thrills, but it wasn’t without its bumps.

The story revolves around Kaelith, a young woman born of shadow magic who has spent her life hidden from the oppressive rule of the Sun King. Her journey begins when her home is destroyed, forcing her to confront her dark heritage and the mysterious prophecy linking her to the downfall of the Sun King. It’s a rich premise, and Johnson does a great job setting the stage with vivid imagery and a dark, haunting atmosphere.

What We Loved

One of the standout elements of Daughter of Shadow and Ash is its world-building. Johnson crafts a realm teetering on the brink of collapse, where light magic dominates and shadow magic is outlawed. The oppressive rule of the Sun King and the whispered legends of the Shadow Queen add layers of intrigue. The descriptions are lush, painting a vivid picture of both the radiant, gilded capital and the dark, crumbling ruins where Kaelith seeks answers.

The magic system is another win. Shadow magic isn’t just a tool; it’s an extension of Kaelith’s identity, with powers that feel dangerous and untamed. The scenes where Kaelith unleashes her shadow magic are some of the most gripping. The stakes feel real, especially during her confrontations with the Sun King’s enforcers.

The romance, though subtle, had its moments. Kaelith’s growing connection with Erynd, a rogue with secrets of his own, added a touch of vulnerability to her otherwise guarded character. Their banter and tension provided some relief from the heavier themes of betrayal and survival.

What Could Have Been Better

Now, let’s talk about the flaws. The pacing was uneven, particularly in the middle sections. After an explosive start, the story hit a lull where Kaelith seemed to wander aimlessly in search of answers. These sections felt repetitive, with Kaelith encountering various cryptic figures who dropped vague hints before disappearing into the shadows. By the third encounter, I was craving more action and less ambiguity.

Character development also left something to be desired. Kaelith’s internal struggle with her shadow magic was compelling, but her personality sometimes felt flat outside of her magical prowess. For instance, her dialogue in key moments leaned heavily on clichés like, “I will never bow to the light,” which, while dramatic, lacked depth. Similarly, Erynd’s backstory was intriguing but underexplored. His motivations could have used more fleshing out to make his character feel more dynamic.

One of the book’s biggest missteps was the underwhelming reveal of the prophecy. The buildup was immense, with characters whispering about Kaelith’s destiny throughout the book. However, when the prophecy was finally unveiled, it felt rushed and lacked the weight it deserved. A pivotal moment like this needed more tension and detail to truly hit home.

Another issue was the inconsistent tone. Some scenes aimed for dark and gritty but were undermined by overly flowery prose. For example, during a life-or-death battle, we get a paragraph describing the way light filtered through broken stained glass. While beautifully written, it broke the tension and pulled me out of the moment.

Favorite Moments

Despite its flaws, Daughter of Shadow and Ash had moments of brilliance. The final confrontation between Kaelith and the Sun King was explosive and emotionally charged. The way Kaelith embraced her shadow magic, using it to shatter his oppressive grip, was a satisfying culmination of her journey. Her declaration, “I am both shadow and ash, and I will burn your light to cinders,” gave me chills.

I also loved the scene where Kaelith first discovered the remnants of the Shadow Queen’s sanctuary. The eerie silence, the crumbling statues, and the faint hum of dormant magic were beautifully described, creating an atmosphere of both awe and foreboding.

Final Thoughts

I’m giving Daughter of Shadow and Ash a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars. It’s an ambitious story with compelling world-building, a unique magic system, and some memorable scenes. However, uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a few missed opportunities kept it from reaching its full potential.

Would I read the sequel? Absolutely. Despite its flaws, the book laid a strong foundation for future installments, and I’m curious to see how Kaelith’s story unfolds.

This book is perfect for fans of dark fantasy, morally grey heroines, and anyone who enjoys a richly detailed world with a dash of forbidden magic. If you’re willing to overlook a few imperfections, Daughter of Shadow and Ash is a solid, engaging read that promises more excitement to come.

I would really like to thank the author of "Daughter of Shadows and Ash" for the privilege of reading this ARC.
This book was really fun and easy to read and I finished it in just two days. The writing style is amazing and so detailed that you can easily imagine everything that is happening. I really liked the throwback at the beginning to learn about the main character's background and understand her need for revenge. The relationship between the MC and others felt "real" and you could feel the love she had for her friends and family.

Although I really liked the story and the book as a whole, I didn't love it. I found it quite hard to really get into the story because I wasn't as emotionally attached to the characters as I have been in other books and there weren't many situations where I feared for the MC's life or where I felt the rush of excitement.
The story was a bit rushed and a lot happened in a short amount of time. Sometimes I would have liked to have seen a deeper description of the current situation or the mc's feelings, like as when she found out about the planned marriage, where she just acted kinda...neutral? While the story is mostly written in simple past, some chapters or parts of it (like chapter 3) are written in simple present, which confused me a bit. I would also have liked to know more about other Fae and their magical abilities, to dive deeper into the magical world.

All in all, I really liked the aesthetic of the book and the assassin/lover situation. The cliffhanger at the end left me quite excited for the next book and I am once again very grateful for this opportunity.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

**Daughter of Shadow and Ash** by Ember Johnson is a dark fantasy tale that follows a young woman caught between two worlds—one of light and the other of shadow. Tasked with uncovering the truth about her mysterious heritage, she must navigate political intrigue, forbidden magic, and dangerous alliances, all while grappling with her inner darkness. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, she’s forced to make impossible choices that could reshape her world forever.

The world-building in *Daughter of Shadow and Ash* is fantastic, with a vivid and atmospheric setting that pulls you right in. The magic system is intriguing, and the political tensions add a nice layer of complexity to the story. The protagonist is compelling, though her decisions can be frustrating at times, and the supporting cast adds depth and some much-needed levity. The pacing is solid, though the middle does meander a bit before ramping up to an action-packed finale.

That said, while the book is enjoyable, it leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes, and some of the twists felt a bit too predictable. A bit more originality and character depth could’ve elevated it further, but it’s still a fun read for fans of dark, character-driven fantasy.

Overall, *Daughter of Shadow and Ash* is a solid start to what could be a great series. If you enjoy morally gray protagonists, dark magic, and lots of intrigue, this one’s worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but it’s an engaging ride with plenty of potential!

Thank you to NetGalley and Cursebreaker books for an eArc of this book in exchange for a honest, unbiased review!

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.

The story throws you straight into a fantasy world with almost no context, which left me feeling confused about the setting, timeline, and characters. I know this is the first book in a trilogy, but I really wish there had been a stronger foundation for the world-building and a clearer introduction to what’s going on.
Another issue for me was the narration. It kept jumping between past and present tense without any clear reason, which made it hard to stay focused and follow the flow of the story.
I also had a tough time connecting with the FMC. Her personality felt one-dimensional, and her "not like other girls" attitude came across as repetitive and frustrating. Lines like, “No one wanted a wife who could gut a deer or fight like a man” and “They were all so beautiful and dainty, not the type to scrap with men or hunt in the woods” felt overused and made her difficult to relate to.
The biggest struggle for me, though, was the writing style. It felt unpolished, with a lot of repetitive phrasing and awkward descriptions, like “I looked up at the edge of the roof, it was just beyond my reach. I jumped up, attempting to grip the hard edge of the rooftop with my fingertips. The edge slipped my grasp.” and “After barely eating anything last night, I didn’t expect to feel famished. But this morning, my hunger is an angry wench this morning.” Unfortunately, this style wasn’t a one-off but continued throughout the book, which made it hard to stay engaged.
That said, I do think the story has potential. With more polish, better pacing, and deeper world-building, this series could become something really enjoyable. For me, though, it wasn’t quite there yet.

Are you a fan of Lady of Darkness and Throne of Glass? If so, then this book is for you. Our FMC is an assassin who goes through many things from grief, hopes and vengeance. She's strong willed , determined and passionate which is why I loved following along her journey. The dynamic of the worlds of magic, royals and assassins definitely pulled me in and made for a very exciting read. It has action, fated mates and unexpected twist in the story. I can not wait for the next installment.

This was my favourite quote, "If it is, I'll live the rest of my life cursed under your enthrall. I can't help but be obsessed with you."

3.5 ⭐

This is an example of a good book that could be great with some more editing. Granted, I read an eARc, so I tried to look past the typos and tense inconsistencies, but there are also a few plot holes that were left dangling (maybe they will be cleared up in the other two books, but I don't like when books leave me that kind of unsatisfied).

That being said, I loved the story idea. Lor is on an incredible journey. My heart was ripped out a few times and I'm not okay after the cliffhanger. If you get anxious, you might want to wait for all three books to come out before starting.

I agree with other reviewers who note that we're missing things. The first few chapters are almost too long in their details and as the book goes on we're skipping and jumping and falling into insta-love. Where is the depth of the beginning once we get to the meat?!

Again, I think some more editing could have brought this from good to great. I do want to read more, but the way this first book left me dangling with basically no hope or satisfaction also kind of makes me want to forget about it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the eARC.

This book was a page-turning adventure that I could not get enough of. It was a super quick read, which I do enjoy - though part of me wishes it could have had more detail and story, it feels like it just get a new character and bam-at the next part of the story. This alone was honestly the reason why it's not 5 star read for me, but otherwise... The characters were amazing, and the plot was written well and I lost track of both time and place while reading it. I absolutely loved it, and I hated that it ended. I need the next one ASAP!!! There are so many questions to be answered!