The audio version of this amazing. The narrator brings the characters and story to life. He has narrated many of Cosby’s books and I will search them out for a listen
There are some books that take you to the exact place described in the story. SA Cosby has a definitive talent to build a world and the characters in it. His prose are as if he is setting up a movie script, with every detail perfectly articulated. His writing is smart and colorful. His work is gritty, painful and harsh. King of Ashes is exactly as I would have imagined it. The Carothers family - parents, Roman, Dante, and Nevaeh are raised in Falls Virginia. By all accounts they are part of the upper echelon of the area, but in real life theirs is one of lack of love, infidelity and crime. But family always takes care of family.
The story bounces between 2004 and now. The now occurs after their father is in a coma from a terrible accident. Roman, a wiz of a financier, comes home due to the accident and finds his younger brother Dante is heavily involved in the local gang, a brutal and dangerous affiliation that runs the cities corruption. Roman makes deals with the devil to help Dante pay his debts. But, his involvement soon becomes a new way of life that he doesn’t like, but continues to survive. The end of the story is a WOW moment as truths come about and the family is thrown into unimaginable turmoil.

Wow. Just wow. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come!

Roman Carruthers returns to his hometown of Jefferson Run to reunite with his brother Dante and sister Naveah after their father suffers a terrible accident. What follows is a heartbreaking display of a family that has suffered trauma, and the path each of them chooses to cope.

This book is gritty, shocking and devastating but I could not put it down.

Not only is the story unforgettable, but Adam Lazarre-White is incredible narrator and I absolutely plan to seek out more of his work!

UNPUTDOWNABLE!!! A 6🌟read!!

S.A. Cosby is another automatic read author for me. Whatever he writes, I will read it. And he has outdone himself with this Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic. It is gritty and gruesome, more than his other books, and he writes that kind of horror so poetically it’s perfection. This has his signature razor-sharp prose and morally complex characters, that gives us a story that’s both deeply intimate and cut-throat explosive. Every chapter is a masterclass in tension, a slow burn that erupts into flames! 🔥

At a loss for words. I’m too stunned to speak. I sat in place for a good 7mins just in awe of how good this story was. Dramatic much? Yes! I loved it! That man was minding his rich business in ATL, now look at him. The “King of He’ll”. I knew Donte would ended up where he did because he’s dumb, and didn’t listen to save his life…literally!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audiobook.

When Roman Carruthers goes home to Jefferson Run, VA, he thinks it's as simple as being there for his siblings after their father ends up in the hospital from a car accident. Little does he know that his younger brother Dante's actions are about to wrap him into a complicated endeavor that risks all of their lives. Now Roman must use all the smarts he's gained from his upbringing and his career as a financial advisor to the very wealthy to try and get them all out alive.

S.A. Cosby knows how to walk that line of gut-wrenchingly beautiful writing with a slow burn, propulsive plot. Nothing and no one are as they seem and it's an enjoyable frustration to keep reading to see where this author is going to take you, as a reader. The only downside to listening to the audiobook was that the narrator (who I think has narrated Cosby's other novels) is not very good at doing female voices. While the many male characters each have a nuance to the tone of their voices, the women all sound the same--a nasally twang that can distract from their roles in the story. Overall, this another banger from S.A. Cosby; definitely worth picking up.

King of Ashes is out June 10, 2025

Wowwww!! Speechless is the only word I can find to describe S.A Cosby every single time. Because the action packed and plot twist was chef kiss. The audiobook was amazing well done. I will definitely be listening again and can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy when it gets released. This book was 10000/10 across the board and more.

The narrator for this book was amazing. In typical S.A. Cosby writing, the story was detailed, painful, and real. The characters are relatable and it broke my heart as the story progressed. The main character Roman would do anything for his family, and you have to follow his path down a road he doesn’t belong on. Roman was meant for so much more than where he goes in the story and that was difficult. There were points in the story that were drawn out a bit and felt slow and seemed to drag, but overall this was a beautifully written story.

Cosby does it again!!!!! I was hooked from the first page. I was rooting for these siblings and loved the mystery surrounding their mom, the little insider tips of the trade and how we got to truly get to know every single one of these characters! I was blown away and even though I wanted the family to find peace I didn't want this book to end! What a wild ride.

S.A. Cosby just gets better and better! Roman goes back home when his brother Dante gets caught up with a rough crowd, and those men sent them a message by causing an accident that left their father in the hospital and unresponsive. This book legitimately broke my heart. It is about family at its core, and how secrets can burn a hole through an entire family. This book was action packed as well, and raw and gritty like only Cosby can write. I want to talk for hours about this book, but I have to say this one may be as great, if not a tad bit better, than Razorblade Tears (which is/was my favorite book by Cosby). The intricate levels of the family dynamic and how they can fall apart had me absolutely devastated. This is a must read for everyone!

King of Ashes is the new S. A. Cosby thriller novel and, just like in any of his previous novels, the writing and character development are flawless.
It's raw, heavy, violent, uncomfortable to read and yet we, the readers, seem to be hipnotised by it.
If you have read a book by this author before, you know what to expect from this one.
I personally enjoyed most of what I've read by this author, and I was very eager to read his upcoming new book.
I liked it, but it seems that I've become a little less tolerant reader of violent and gruesome stories. Up until 2 years ago (when I last read a book by this author) I loved everything about it, includind the action-packed violent scenes.
But now? I noticed I've been struggling with raw violence in books (as well as in movies). I haven't been enjoying it, really.
And King of Ashes is one of Cosby's most violent books.
Also, there is a big part of the plot about (or focused on) drug-dealers business, which is a topic that definitely does not appeal to me.

This book didn't work so well for me because I am not happy reading a story about drug dealers. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the author's writing, it is just me. The story didn't work for me, that's all. When it focused on the siblings relationships, I loved it. But when it focused on the drugs plot, it lost me.

But I can easily recommend this book to anyone who has read a book by this author and enjoyed the writing style.
I listened to the audiobook, which was once again narrated by Adam Lazarre-White, and it was great, as usual. No complaints or reservations regards the audio production. If you're into audiobooks, go for this one.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for allowing me to listen to a free advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I had the pleasure of receiving an arc of the audiobook King of Ashes by the talented S.A. Cosby, narrated by Adam Lazarre-White who not only has a flawless delivery of character and context, but gives a rich gorgeous baritone flavor for the listener.

King of Ashes is my fifth Cosby book. I discovered Blacktop Wasteland first and hungrily devoured my way from there. When I bring up this author I get polarized answers because of his uniqueness in tone. I want and crave uniqueness in the reading world. I don't want another copy of something, I want to experience different and memorable and that is how I describe Cosby's writing. He delivers a rawness about topics that may be uncomfortable for some readers. Cosby will always educate his readers whether you realize it or not and that's why he is a favorite in my personal library. He delivers very important socioeconomic points within his passages. Brings up scenarios I would have never considered in many situations and why they came to be. There are exchanges in this novel that give you many layers to the characters and makes you think beyond the surfaces. Street gangs aren't always just muscle and weapons. Not everything works out the way you hope it will no matter how many steps ahead you think you are. Sometimes justice isn't carried out ways you think they will.

Roman comes home after being away for many years leaving behind his dad, sister (Neveah) and little brother(Dante). Roman remembers times of hardship his siblings never had to experience. what his parent's had to do to get by and what his father told him had to be done. Neveah had been left with the full weight of the crematorium business when their mom went missing years ago after a scandal and more recently when their dad was attacked and left in a coma. Dante confesses that it's his fault their dad was attacked and he doesn't know how to get himself and now the family out of trouble. Roman assumes the responsible role to get his family out of trouble with his quick wit and knowledge of finances. As the story progresses we meet the gang who is after Dante and why. We also learn that the family has been hiding a very dark secret. Will their dad wake from the coma in time to confess the truth? Will Roman be able to outsmart the BBB gang before he loses everything? In the end we learn...everything burns.

Another outstanding novel by the talented S.A. Crosby - this one of family dynamics and the impact of past trauma. Three siblings: one a money-making machine, the middle sister a hard-working loner, the youngest a drug addict, all brought back together while their father is in hospital following an accident - or was it? This is a gripping family saga that reveals the pain at the heart of the family left by their mother who went missing decades ago. A raw and unflinching look at today’s urban problems with gangs, poor policing, and compromised politicians. This kept me listening compulsively right to the end. Excellent character narration for the audiobook. Highly recommended!
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #KingofAshes for review purposes. Publication date: 10 June 2025. Reserve your copy today!

I have loved all of S.A. Cosby's books, but this one is my new favorite by him and definitely my favorite book I've read this year. It had me on the edge of my seat and felt like a movie in my mind. There were so many elements that I loved, that it's difficult to fully put into words. I think this book made me feel every emotion possible.

I adored Roman. His personality, intelligence, love for his family, private quirks, etc. That man was truly a man of action and didn't play about his people. The dynamics of the family were so layered and complex that every scene involving the siblings grabbed my attention.

The twist towards the end got me good. I found myself replaying just to be sure I heard what I thought I heard.
I don't think any review can really do this book its full justice, so if you're reading this, read the book.

This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be back for more. I received an audio arc for this book.

The narrator is perfection, he should do a romance book at some point. I was happy to see he also narrates other books by this author.

The story kept me engaged the entire time. It was interesting to see the storyline from each sibling's point of view. It didn't end the way I imagined and I could see a potential sequel in the future.

I hereby bestow the crown to the S.A. Cosby, the KING of crime fiction. Some of the content of Cosby ‘s books are horrific, but he writes in such a smooth, comforting style, that I will literally read and love anything and everything he writes. Roman, the protagonist, is such a strong, enthralling character made more so by the buttery smooth voice of Adam Lazarre-White, whose voice made me swoon on every auditory page (or whatever is equivalent to a page in an audiobook). What a magical combination White and Cosby make. I’ve read all of Cosby’s books and I can safely say that this book had the most disturbing violence of them all, but may also be packed with the most love and devotion, if that is possible. The plot was complex, but understandable, and so unique. I can’t express the feeling I get from finishing a book by S.A. Cosby. Unless you have delicate sensibilities, give this a try! Unending thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The books starts a little slow, Roman has to go back home because something horrible has happened. His Family owns a crematory, his fathers in the hospital and his siblings are in their own ways living in disarray. Roman sets out to protect his family by any means necessary even and he does just that. S.A Cosby is an amazing story teller and he left me which my mouth on the floor.

I am telling you now that this book will be a movie. Hands down.
Whew!! ROMAN!
King of Ashes was so good. It exploded from the plot. The structure of the plot is well-written.
The characters are well-developed and the chemistry jumped in your face.
I don't want to give away too much but there are twists and turns and heartbreak.
The creamaotorium setting.. spot on!
"eventually... everything burns"...
The criminal world that after Dante (Roman's brother) is ROUGH. But Roman doesn't play.
READ THIS BOOK!

SA Cosby’s darkest book yet, which is truly impressive. The type of read where 45 mins in, you know there’s no “good” ending possible.

Thanks to Flatiron and NetGalley for an early audiobook copy. Related, Adam Lazarre-White should read all the books, he’s that good.

King of Ashes by SA Cosby is the story of Roman Carruthers, a financial advisor in Atlanta, who gets called home to help his sister and brother after their father is hospitalized following a bad car accident. After returning home his brother tells him the truth of what happened to their father and Roman is sucked into the criminal underworld of Jackson Run, the town where he grew up.

The story that follows is an edge of your seat thriller that puts its foot on the gas and never lets up. Cosby weaves an intricate drama of a family grieving a loss, who are in over their heads with in a business that they only sort of understand. Underneath all of that the story also is a mystery and Nevaeh, Roman's sister, works to uncover the truth of what happened to their mother - who disappeared when the kids were all young.

I couldn't stop turning the metaphorical pages of this book (I was listening to it on audio) and several times found himself stopping what I was doing to just stand and listen to the book. I even messed up an entirely meal as I was entering into the climax of the book because I was too invested and stressed out over what was happening to the characters.

On top of all of that, writing was excellent. That combined with great characters and a great story means that I'm definitely going to dive into all of SA Cosby's other books. This was definitely a 5-star read for me.

And because I listened to the audio I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Adam Lazarre-White was a fantastic narrator. Enough so that I probably add all the other books he's worked on to my TBR.

Thank you to SA Cosby for writing this, and Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for supplying me with the ARC, and as always to NetGalley for being the vehicle with which I received this book.

4.5 Stars. I was excited to receive the ARC for S.A. Cosby's latest book, The King of Ashes. Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this exhilarating and gritty family drama. It was a violent, brutal, and disturbing story of family secrets, loyalty and revenge. Although the story was dark, the writing was lyrical and packed an emotional wallop. Cosby is an absolute favourite author, and I stop whatever I am reading to move his books to the top of my list. The talented narrator, Adam Lazarre-White, does an outstanding job, and it was impossible to put the book aside.

A crematorium is in the background and sometimes moves to the forefront. As events become darker, the only light emitted is from the crematorium furnace. The family characters are flawed and intriguing while evoking sympathy. They make some terrible choices. I found it fast-paced, gory, explosive, and stress-inducing. I loved it!

"Everything burns, but sometimes end up in the gutter where they belong." My only problem was the vast number of secondary characters, girlfriends and sociopathic gang members. With an audiobook, it wasn't easy to go back and keep the names straight. I intend to read a print book as soon as it is available. I have no doubt it will be a 5-star review.

Roman Carruthers is called to come home because his father was in a terrible car accident, and lies near death in a coma. His father and mother started the Carruthers Crematorium, and the father was referred to as the King of Ashes. The mother disappeared when the three children were teenagers. Roman is proud of being a financial genius with the talent of making his clients rich. He rarely uses ethical means, but as long as his client's funds increase, so do his. Roman arrives to find his younger brother Dante in danger. He owes a lot of money to hardened gangsters, borrowed to support his alcohol and drug addictions. His sister, Neveah, is exhausted from running the crematorium alone and has little time on her own. She is obsessed with her mother's disappearance. Rumours have circulated that their father murdered her. Dante keeps a reckless lifestyle, always making their problems worse.

Roman will do anything to save his family. It has become clear that his father's fatal injury was not an accident. Roman is overconfident. He pays most of Dante's debt to the gangsters but thinks he can make a deal with them. He tells them he can earn them significantly more money than they are owed. They refuse, and Roman ends up doing some jobs for them as demanded. Is Roman morally justified in going so far to save his siblings? How much is too far? He has no experience dealing with deadly, depraved sociopaths.

The story has many disturbing twists. It is highly recommended, but be aware that it is grim, brutal and heart-wrenching. The publication date is June 10th.