Roman Carruthers returns to his rural hometown to deal with his father’s suspicious accident, only to find his family drowning in debt, danger, and secrets. As he tries to protect them, old wounds resurface and the line between savior and sinner starts to blur.

But let’s start with Dante. He is easily the most frustrating Cosby character I’ve come across. I wanted to reach through the audiobook and shake him. He’s reckless, stubborn, and self-destructive in ways that push the limits of sympathy. And yet, that’s Cosby’s gift: writing characters who make you mad because they feel real.

I appreciated seeing more than one female voice in this book (finally)! Neveah, especially, added depth and grit to the story. Cosby has a tendency to center men in chaos, so the added female perspectives gave the narrative a welcome balance and emotional weight.

This was probably my least favorite Cosby novel so far, but let’s be honest: even a “lesser” Cosby novel still punches above most crime fiction. The writing is tight and rich, the kind that makes you want to hit rewind just to hear that line again. There were moments I had to pause the audiobook just to say “dayyyyum” out loud.

And speaking of the audiobook, Adam Lazarre-White delivers again. He brings a kind of cinematic intensity to Cosby’s world that elevates the whole experience. Nobody does Southern noir narration quite like him.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!
#KingofAshes #NetGalley

Writing: 😍
Plot: 😍
Characters: 😀
Impact: 🙂
Kept Interest: 😀

This was my first SA Cosby book and I was blown away. I was hooked in the opening chapter. This is probably the first book I’ve read where I wanted the main characters and succeed and fail at the same time. The lies, secrets, betrayal within the families dynamics kept me on edge until the very end. Also the production of this was absolutely amazing! I cannot wait to read of his work though I need a little time to recover from the constant palpitations felt in this!

Absolutely one of my most anticipated books this year… S.A. Cosby’s King of Ashes is on the shelves today!!! It was so worth the wait and worth any hype it gets.
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Cosby can tell a story and tell it well. I was instantly engaged. An amazing crime drama played out in my mind as I read the author’s words. I could not even begin to imagine how Roman was going to get his family out of the mess that his brother, Dante, had made.
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This was gritty, thrilling, shocking, intense, brilliant…all the adjectives that add up to another winning story that I will be recommending to many.
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Roman returns home when his father is seriously hurt only to find out his brother got on the wrong side of serious drug dealers and the consequences are grievous. Roman forms a plan to save his brother, his sister and get them out from under this muck. Roman is smart, but smart enough?
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I loved this book, I read it and listened to the brilliant audio narrated by Adam Lazzare-White, thanks to @MacmillanAudio for my advanced copy.
The only problem I have now not that I have to wait for Cosby’s next book.

S.A. Cosby has done it again!

Much like all of his other books, King of Ashes reads so much like a movie. I had a cast all imagined and watched this play out in my head and loved every second! @realadamlw always does amazing with every book he narrates and I was so so happy to have the opportunity to listen to this one.

I loved our main character, he was sweet and gruff and knew when to turn it off and on but deep down he was a genuine good guy. Actually, I loved all three siblings and the love they all had for one another. The plot twists we left off on… 🤯 it was everything I hoped for and I could have taken a thousand more pages of this.

Intense and action-packed, King of Ashes is a valorous family drama/thriller that you do not want to miss. I listened to this in one sitting and want to thank @flatiron_books for my advanced audiobook.

S.A. Cosby is one of my favorite authors, and his newest book does not disappoint. It is gritty, and heartbreaking, and a look at what family will do for one another. I was lucky enough to get an ALC of this book, and the narrator does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life and keeping the reader invested in the story. King of Ashes deals with some heavier topics, and isn't always an easy read. And the characters - you might not like some of the characters, but the way they are written leaves you with tons of emotions towards them, whether that be loving or loathing. This is definitely a must-read book in my opinion.

King of Ashes
S.A. Cosby

(Audio)

Have you ever read a book that burrowed itself into your subconscious?

So, I finished the audiobook early this morning and all day this book has been on my mind. While I was prepared for all characters to be morally gray. I don’t think I grasp the scope of what would be possible in the duration of this story.

Dante’s inclination to be the life of the party, caused him to make poor decisions. Roman being the more responsible brother, makes it his duty to “fix” the problem that Dante has carried to their door step. Neveah is the middle child and only daughter. She’s been given far too much responsibility. Everyone has their role 👀.

When I 🤔 think about this novel, I see two very clear perspectives. One is that of Dante and Roman omitting information from Neveah. The other is Neveah piecing everything she knows brick by brick.

I didn’t expect so many twists and I’m glad I didn’t.

#AdamLazarre-White was the perfect choice as narrator. His invocation wasn’t gimmicky. It felt authentic for each character.

Thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley.

#readandtellwithshantel #SACosby #kingofashes

I Need Some Air Otis Spann

Cosby knows how to spin a compelling and dark narrative. Violent, suspenseful, and heart pounding, he again writes a story that has an ending that's just as satisfying as it is tragic.

S.A. Cosby has done it again!

Every time I put my hands on one of his novels, I know I'm in for a wild ride! This one was no different!

It starts out with Roman being called home from Atlanta back to Jefferson Run, Virginia. His dad has been involved in a hit and run and is in a coma. Once he gets home, he quickly realizes there is more going on than he could have ever imagined. Things quickly take a turn.

I could not stop listening to this! The narrator, Adam Lazarre-White, did an amazing job and was the perfect person for this book! I highly recommend it!

While I did purchase the physical book, I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the advanced copy audiobook they allowed me to listen to in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own!

This book is described as Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic and dazzling family drama, and that is the perfect way to describe this book. This story checks every box with great writing and storytelling, rich characters, and descriptive setting. Roman is a complex character, and I loved him from the start and found myself rooting for him throughout the book. He was faced with impossible choices at every turn, and shows how far someone can be willing to go to save their family. This book is action packed and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The build up to the finale was incredible. And the twists!! I certainly did not see those coming. I highly recommend this gritty and intense read.

Narrated by Adam Lazarre-White, who did a phenomenal job. I was only a few chapters into this book before I researched if Lazarre-White narrated Cosby’s previous work— which he did, and I will absolutely be doing the audio for the other books. The cadence of his voice and inflections were perfect for the characters and setting. He also did a great job creating a distinct voice for each character. Highly recommended the audiobook!

From the moment I started “King of Ashes,” I couldn’t put it down! S.A. Cosby has a way of writing that feels both brutal and beautiful. Every sentence hits hard, and every character feels real. This book is dark and intense, but there’s a strong emotional core that really caught me off guard in the best way. It’s not just about crime. It’s about consequences, pain, and the hard choices people make. Easily one of the most gripping reads I’ve picked up this year!

4.5 ⭐️
King of Ashes is a cinematic, emotionally intense thriller that completely captivated me from the very first chapter. The story follows three siblings—Dante, Nevaeh, and Roman. Roman, who has been living separately from his family, is pulled back home after receiving a call that their father has been in an accident. From there, things spiral quickly. Dante makes a mistake that forces Roman to step in, and what unfolds is a gripping, deeply layered narrative filled with tension, family drama, and sharp twists.

S.A. Cosby’s writing is electric. Every scene feels like it belongs on the big screen—vivid, fast-paced, and emotionally grounded. Even when I wasn’t actively listening to the audiobook, I was thinking about it and couldn’t wait to get back to it. The narrator also deserves a shoutout for an outstanding performance that elevated the experience and pulled me even deeper into the story.

I don’t typically gravitate toward thrillers, but Cosby has officially converted me. His storytelling is compelling, his characters are complex, and his pacing is razor-sharp. I’m so grateful to have received an Advanced Listening Copy of this book—he has easily become one of my favorite authors.

S.A. Cosby has done it again—this book is absolutely explosive, both figuratively and literally. It delivered everything I was hoping for in a gripping family drama and crime story. Reading it felt like watching my favorite show unfold. I absolutely loved it!

King of Ashes

This is dark and heavy and gritty. The narrator does a fabulous job of bringing you into the story, giving you the voices of each character and keeping you coming back for more.

The story line of Roman, returning home when his dad is in an accident, to help his family out of a sticky spot, is raw.

Check this out if you’re a fan of crime, dark and gritty stories and fabulous narration!

Ohh, how I’ve missed S.A. Cosby’s penmanship. This novel had me absolutely enthralled, if it weren’t for responsibilities, I would’ve devoured it in one sitting. Cosby tells a story like no one else, giving us flawed, complex characters who fight tooth and nail to overcome impossible odds.

And that ending? Whew.
This is definitely a must-read.

I’m so grateful to have received the audio ARC @mcmillianaudio it truly felt like a movie. The narrator as always did a great job and really captured the essence of the characters.

King of Ashes is an absolute must read. Trust me when I tell you that you will absolutely devour this book from page one until the very end. This fast-paced story dives into the dark world of gangsters, murder, and family secrets , while also exploring themes like loyalty, love, and the lengths people will go to protect their family. The characters are raw and compelling, especially as the plot progresses and secrets are revealed. The family dynamic is twisted yet you are drawn to them and the loyalty they ultimately have for one another and the strength for them to continue to go on although their life has been turned upside them. This book was high paced and high stakes as danger arises and new secrets are revealed about the truth of the mom’s disappearance. The ending oh wow that ending hit me so hard but in a great way. It was really the best twist I didn’t see coming. Overall, I felt this book to be gripping, emotional, and twisty. I highly recommend to my thriller lovers this was such a great book I really enjoyed it from the very start.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the advance listeners copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan audio for an arc of the audiobook.

S.A. Cosby has another hit. He paints a world of gritty violence that is dark and full of pain. The characters are all interesting and the plot holds you in a grip. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Roman is a great main character full of flaws that he uses to his advantage. Dante did bother me a bit because I kept saying, "just listen to your brother!"

This book had me in a chokehold. It's gritty and raw the plot is so well thought out. Described as a Godfather style Southern crime drama and family saga, this book had everything. It has such well developed characters, my heart was breaking for this family, as we delve into the mystery of what happened to their mother. Roman is such a bad ass. His character is smart and savvy and his ending in the story was perfect. All the stars!

KING OF ASHES
S.A. COSBY

This is my first time reviewing an audiobook. Adam Lazarre-White is S.A. Cosby's extremely
talented narrator across all his novels. He has a deep and compelling voice. This is the third
time for me experiencing Cosby's books in audio format. On all three occasions Lazarre-White
sucked me directly into the storyline.

Let's talk about Cosby now. Absolutely love his gritty noir style. What an extremely talented
wordsmith he is. His dialogue is extremely intelligent and biting.
This book is so atmospheric. When our protagonist Rome is confronted by the antagonists I
feel sweat rolling down the back of my neck. That is how deep this author can pull you into his
story.

Because of his precise and tight writing style I understand how an individual might feel when
trapped in a situation almost like an insect specimen pinned to a display board where it cannot
escape and is there to be examined.

Character development is something I treasure in a novel. Cosby takes us way back into the
family's history to help us understand why Rome and his siblings react as they do in situations.
This book makes you wonder constantly when or if our antagonist will cross the line into
becoming an antagonist.

This is a drama of a very fractured family. The eldest brother tasks himself with trying
to glue back together a family severely damaged by very bad choices that family members have
made in the past, especially his addict baby brother.

Reading a saga based around a family who own a mortuary is quite creepy. We experience the
inner workings of a crematory.

It is so fascinating to be dragged into this families problems and have to face dark and
dangerous gang bosses as well as crooked cops and politicians. Throughout the novel I felt so
invested in the siblings and the “good” guys and gals they have to aid them in helping the family
survive.

A huge thank you to S.A. Cosby, his publisher Flat Iron Books and NetGalley for allowing me
access to an advance copy of The King of Ashes. Publication Day is June 10, 2025.

5 🌟 

Wow! Everything burns, indeed. This is only my second book by S.A. Cosby, but now I need to read the rest of his back catalog. 

Roman Carruthers returns to his hometown after his father’s suspicious car accident, only to find his family in crisis. His brother Dante is in deep debt to dangerous criminals, and his sister Neveah is overwhelmed trying to keep their crematorium business afloat. As Roman tries to settle Dante’s obligations, he discovers that his usual financial tactics won’t work with real criminals. He is forced into dangerous work, but he uses his sharp mind and hidden strengths to protect his family. Meanwhile, Neveah digs into the mystery of their mother’s long-ago disappearance. With mounting threats, the siblings are pushed to their limits.

I couldn’t stop listening to this. As Roman and Dante are drawn further into a world of crime, the stakes continue to rise. The plot thickens, and I had to know what would happen next.

Adam Lazarre-White provides the narration, and he does an incredible job. His narration brings the characters to life and makes the danger feel real, making it one of those stories you can’t put down. I could listen to this man read a phone book.

Recommended for fans of dark crime dramas. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

When eldest son Roman Carruthers is summoned home after his father’s car accident, he finds his younger brother, Dante, in debt to dangerous criminals and his sister, Neveah, exhausted from holding the family—and the family business—together. Mortality draws even closer when it becomes clear that the crash that landed their father in a coma was no accident and Dante’s recklessness has placed them all in real danger. Roman realizes that he has only one thing left to offer to save his brother: himself, and his own particular set of skills. Roman begins his work for the criminals while Neveah tries to uncover the long-ago mystery of what happened to their mother, who disappeared when they were teenagers. But Roman is far less of a pushover than the gangsters realize. He is willing to do anything to save his family. Anything.
Because everything burns. 

Does it make you a bad person if you do a terrible things but have good intentions? That questions is explored in this page turning thriller filled with decisions made by each of the siblings, all with their own vices. This is my first S.A. Cosby but I get the hype, he writes his characters in this way that feels so authentic. I could not put down this book and the audio narration is so insane! I kept checking to see if this was all voiced by one person because that range. This novel introduced me to a whole subgenre and I immediately placed on hold other books in the same genre from my library.