This was a fantastic read! The writing was phenomenal; Cosby is a master at his craft!

The plot was excellent, and character development was fantastic. It's gritty, raw, and full of emotions. The ending hit so hard it had my jaw on the floor. For me, this started out very slow, and I wasn't instantly intrigued, but by the fifty percent mark I was fully invested, and by the end I was in love.

The narrator's performance was superb and deserves all the stars! Adam Lazzare-White is an amazing narrator, and it really shows in this. His voice was perfect and really brought the story to life.

First of all, the narrator, Wow! He created the raw, dark atmosphere. I really recommend reading the audiobook version.

This story was a tragic family tale. Two brothers and a sister caught in a mess made by their parents. The setting of the dark streets of Atlanta and the family owned and run crematorian was perfect to tell this story. There were parts that were tragic and others that were shocking but it was so hard to press pause. I wanted to know what happened to their mother and I rooted for a happy ending until the very end.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listeners copy of King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby - narrated by the incredible Adam Lazarre-White.

King of Ashes told the tale of an older brother willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family. Knowing that "everything burns" makes it even more crucial for the newly minted head of the family to leave his life in Atlanta behind, throw his moral compass out the window, and go into battle to save what is left. The characters were well developed and the story moved at a compelling pace, leaving listeners wanting to listen to "just one more chapter". Adam Lazarre-White does such an incredible job with his narration that I cannot imagine truly enjoying an S.A. Cosby book performed by anyone else. His inflection and ability to convey the emotions experienced by the characters.

I rated this book 4.5 stars, the ending felt a bit rushed. The story was so intriguing and so well developed then all of a sudden it was over. While it concluded in an enjoyable manner, the "big showdown" felt a bit lack luster, comparatively speaking to the rest of the book. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book and even more so the audiobook.

💭 My Thoughts
S.A. Cosby is a phenomenal story teller and writer. I was on the edge of my seat for this entire book and couldn’t put it down! Cosby’s writing made me feel so immersed in the story, as if I was a resident of Jefferson Run watching everything play out. The characters are complex and have to make tough decisions, which will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

The icing on the cake is the narration by Adam Lazarre-White. He is EXCEPTIONAL in his narration and brings each character and the story to life. This author/narrator duo is divine!

Easily a 5 ⭐️ read for me!

🙏 Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and S.A. Cosby for this free advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

There is no doubt that S.A. Cosby can write great, immersive, gritty stories! And his newest book, King of Ashes, is no exception. King of Ashes asks how far you would go to protect your family.

Jefferson Run is a town that is down on its luck. Not far from Richmond, Virginia, Jefferson Run has lost most of its previously thriving businesses. The Carruthers family owns and runs a cremation business there - the mother is long gone, the father is in the hospital from a terrible car accident that is most likely not an accident, the youngest, brother Dante is constantly high on either alcohol or drugs or both, the oldest, sister Neveah has been running the crematorium pretty much on her own, while brother Roman lives it up in Atlanta, raking in the dollars by managing other people’s money. When Roman comes home to help while their dad is laid up (in a coma), things go from bad to worse, due to Dante’s reckless actions. And it’s up to Roman to use his smarts in a new way, to outwit the violent gangsters that have taken over his home town and are threatening the lives of his entire family.

I have to admit that this wasn’t my favorite Cosby book, but it was still quite a good read and I kept wanting to know what would happen next. I just didn’t connect with Roman and his family the way I wanted to. My favorite way to “read” a Cosby book is to listen to it, because Adam Lazarre-White does such an amazing job with all the different voices.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

At first, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy this book. It was giving shows like Power and Snowfall. It heavily deals with gang violence and street politics which isn’t necessarily what I gravitate towards. However, Cosby’s writing was absolutely phenomenal and had me gripped the entire time. Also, the ending really tied the whole story together and was so deep and moving. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from Cosby!

From the first page, King of Ashes grips you and doesn’t let go. We follow Roman through the story as he attempts to save his brother and family from a local gang in his hometown, it’s a family drama, it’s suspenseful, it’s a crime novel. The writing is top-notch, the way Cosby tells a story is unmatched. The vivid descriptions, the setting, the complex character building. It takes you through many emotions and layers. I listened to the audiobook and Adam Lazarre-White continues to breathe life into every story he narrates. No notes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC.

Amazing ! SA Cosby is one of the few authors I can listen to on Audio and this one didn’t disappoint. I knew from the beginning that this was going to be amazing. Dont mess with family 🔥🔥🔥

Flawed protagonists, evil cops, evil gang members, innocent women, violence, cruelty…epic crime drama. Doesn’t sound like a departure from Cosby’s previous books, but it is. It feels more like big city crime vibe than small town country crime vibes even though set in a small town. The ending is a departure as well, still thinking about that ending. Cosby’s writing is excellent as it always is.

Man oh man. I don’t think there’s going to be a single book written by S.A. Cosby that I won’t enjoy. The way this man writes? It grabs me from the very first chapter every. single. time. King of Ashes is no exception.

The plot of this book is absolutely wild. It felt like I was dropped into a full-blown action movie and a gritty mystery at the same time. Roman is one of the most unhinged (in the best way) characters Cosby has written. He knew exactly what could destroy his plan… and half the time, he just didn’t care 😭. I love that about him, but between him and his brother, I was STRESSED OUT the entire book. High tension, high stakes, and no room to breathe & I ate it up.

Also, huge props to Adam Lazarre-White, the narrator. His performance was phenomenal. The way he conveyed emotion, shifted tones, and brought the characters to life had me hooked from start to finish. He added so much depth to an already gripping story.

I seriously can’t wait for more people to read this. It’s so good, and I’m beyond excited to see what S.A. Cosby delivers next. 🔥

When Roman returns to his small town following a horrific accident involving his father, after many years away, he discovers his younger brother has gotten himself owning a huge debt to the biggest and deadly gang in town. I’ve never wanted so badly to reach into the book and strangle a character the way I did Danté in this novel. The author does such an amazing job making to want to hate a character and their decisions while simultaneously wanting to comfort them because empathize with their story. The King of Ashes is a family drama with secrets upon secrets layered between the Carruthers family with a whole lot of crime, unlawfulness and bad decisions intertwined.

How far would you go to protect your family? This is a story of how secrets and lies are rip apart lives and shatter bonds forever. Be sure to check out King of Ashes when released on June 10, 2025! Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy! 🫶🏾

How far would you go to protect your family? “Everything burns”

First I would like to thank the publisher for an advance copy of the audiobook in ex change for an honest review.

King of Ashes follows Roman, the oldest of three, who returns home after his father is run off the road and left in a coma. After Roman finds out his brother was mixed up with some bad people, he attempts to fix things.

This is my third book by S.A. Cosby and I have loved every single one. I love his writing style, and I love his characterization. Cosby's characters are often morally grey, but you still find yourself rooting for them or at least understanding where they are coming from. Roman is no different, he is a complex character. One thing I appreciate the most about Cosby's writing, is that he doesn't hold back.

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby is a top-notch thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The narration is fantastic, living up to the high standards set by Cosby's previous works. The story is gripping, with well-developed characters and a plot full of twists and turns.

Cosby's ability to weave intricate narratives with deep emotional resonance is evident in this audiobook. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and secrets that slowly unravel as the story progresses. The pacing is perfect, maintaining a high level of suspense throughout.

Compared to his other works, King of Ashes maintains the same level of intensity and masterful storytelling that fans have come to expect. However, this book stands out for its particularly dark and gritty atmosphere, which adds an extra layer of tension and excitement. The themes explored in this book are profound, touching on issues of justice, revenge, and redemption.

Overall, King of Ashes is a must-listen for thriller enthusiasts and fans of S.A. Cosby alike. It showcases his talent for creating compelling stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.

You can take anything written by S. A. Cosby and inject it directly into my veins. I have read four of his books and loved each one. His writing is gritty and, at times, disturbingly graphic, which is pretty unlike me, but there is just something about it that I can't get enough of. Perhaps it's his excellent character development and relatability, or maybe it's the rural southern settings.

King of Ashes is about Roman Carruthers, the oldest son of a crematory owner. He returns to his rural hometown after his father is left in a coma after an accident that wasn't really an accident. He finds that his sister is carrying the family and their business while his brother has spiraled into the dangerous world of drugs and drug dealers. His brother owes a huge debt, and Roman thinks his financial success can help save him. However, he has greatly underestimated the power of the local gang. This story is full of danger, violence, family bonds, as well as family secrets. The story is expertly narrated by Adam Lazarre-White, whose voice I could listen to all day! Cosby and Lazarre-White are a perfect pairing.

Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of King of Ashes.

This book just solidified my love for S. A. Cosby! Another incredible thriller novel.

What didn't I like about this novel. I liked the action, the family saga, the cunning, and twists. I especially loved the narrator, Adam Lazarre-White. His voice was such a perfect choice for this story.

If you haven't read the description, the book is about a guy who is forced to come home and help his sister with the crematorium while their father is in a coma, their mother is missing, and his brother is in trouble again with the local gangsters. Some say it has a Godfather like quality. While, I don't know much about that story, I do not that King of Ashes is every bit worth the read with your eyes or your ears! 5 out of 5! Highly Recommend!

Thanks again Netgalley and McMillan Audio!

Very good audio. Loved the narrators. Mostly told through the eyes of the brother. There were some surprises and twists! Highly entertaining with multiple twits.

If you’re looking for an action packed gritty and entertaining crime thriller, this is the book for you. The characters really hit the ground running in this one. Roman is a successful businessman who returns to his hometown of Jefferson Run, Virginia to help his family after his father is injured in a car accident and is in a coma. His sister, Neveah needs help with the family crematorium business and Roman discovers that his brother, Dante is in deep trouble with the local drug-dealing, gun-running crime family. What transpires is some very creative problem solving on the part of Roman with help from his vigilante friend, Khalil. Several complicating factors also come into play including Neveah’s relationship with a local cop, Roman’s involvement with the sister of the crime bosses, Dante’s reluctance and the unsolved, decades-old disappearance of the siblings’ mother. The book is very creatively written with absolutely no dull moments. Very suspenseful! I listened to the audiobook and would definitely recommend this format and the narrator. He made the story so entertaining.
Beware of trigger warnings - the violence is graphic. I have mixed feelings about it because it was too graphic for my taste but I don’t think the book would have had such an impact without it.
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

I could not stop listening to this audio, the narrator was GREAT. It was messy and full of family drama. I got chills at the last line. If you decide to pick this up, I highly suggest the audio but also check your triggers!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This is only my second S.A. Cosby book and was so enraptured by this story of family and loyalty. Cosby draws you in from the very first chapter and the ending doesn’t happen the way you think it does but I think that’s what makes it so so good!

Well, this was quite a read, and so much darker than S. A. Cosby's previous works. In both Blacktop Wasteland and Razor Blade Tears I found something to laugh about as well as action packed crime. In the King of Ashes, the mood was more Shakespearean vengeance - with Roman Caruthers returning home to avenge his father's accident, and to help his younger brother, Dante, get out of a huge jam with the local drug running brother duo. I mostly listened to this book, and once again, the narrator Adam Lazare-White does a fantastic job bringing Cosby's characters to life. Once I got to about 50% in I switched to the digital ebook, because I can read faster than I can listen, and I needed to know how Roman planned to get his family out of this mess. In the book there are also flashbacks to June 6, 2004, the day that Bonita Caruthers, the mother of Roman, Dante and sister Nevea calls him home when their father has a car accident and remains in a coma. There was so much crime, guilt, and remorse in this novel - all three siblings carry their own demons forward from that fateful day when their mother disappeared. Roman has an S & M kink to assuage his guilt, Dante has a drug addiction, and Nevea is chained to her hometown, and the crematorium that bears her families name. Although I think Cosby is a tremendously talented writer, and can really spin a tale of vengeance and guilt - I did not enjoy this book as much as others. Thank you to Netgalley for both the audio and ebook advance reader copies.