This is a well written novel, describing an apocalyptic world in stark detail that really resonates. I read it in two sittings, so it definitely kept my interest.

The family dynamic between the sisters was sad and brutal at times, as was the treatment of the poor dog. Apart from these issues, I thought the text was suitable for teens upwards.

A worthy read, recommended.

Thank you NetGalley who provided me with an early release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Warning, this review contains spoilers.

Feast of Ashes is set in a dystopian future of Africa in which the entire continent has been destroyed and the survivors are now living in one of the many government controlled biodomes. When I read the summary of the story I was immediately interested. I rarely read dystopian books but this sounded right up my alley.

Let's start with the positives.

The story was interesting. It is unlike anything I've read before, but then again I do not read many dystopian books. After the incident that destroyed Eden Five our MC Adina and the other few survivors are faced with the impossible task of surviving in the wasted lands of Africa in order to find a Sanctuary which will take them in. They are faced with the monsters created by environmental disaster that destroyed Africa, as well as the betrayal of those they hoped they could trust. They are forced to make hard decisions for the sake of survival. The last 50% of this book was very addictive and I read that half in a day, which is rare for me. The side characters were likeable, they all had their own personalities that made surviving together more challenging and so it made the story more interesting.

Now, the things I did not like so much.

I have never disliked a MC so much in my life. Adina is absolutely insufferable and I have never seen such an unjustified victim complex in a MC before. She is a teenager, yes, but she does not care about anything. Her job? Don't care. The feelings of a little girl that just wants to be loved? Don't care. Well-deserved punishment for her wrongdoings? Don't care. Adina only chose herself each and every time. She had intense love for her younger sister Tash, but that is the only person she cared about. She was the victim of every situation and nothing was ever her fault. Her violence against Chiku was absolutely insane, and the fact Adina did a whole 180 when she thought Chiku had died felt completely unbelievable. She has zero communications skills, and it feels like the author is trying to make Adina a misunderstood young woman completely failed because even the thoughts in her head made her appear self-absorbed and careless. Dejen deserved better. The end left me a bit unsatisfied, as it did not seem like a logical choice for the character. Since I felt like her sudden change of heart about Chiku was illogical too, in my head it made more sense that she would have chosen to sacrifice Chiku rather than herself.

Also; Gil Bates.

Overall, a three star. An easy read, but not something I'd write home about.

Thank you Netgalley and Neem Tree Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Victoria Williamson’s “Feast of Ashes” is a strikingly ambitious and emotionally intense YA dystopian book set in post-apocalyptic Africa, offering a compelling blend of science fiction, social commentary, and coming-of-age survival tale. With a futuristic setting grounded in ecological collapse and biotech overreach, the story creates a powerful story that is at once thrilling and thought-provoking.

The story follows 16-year-old Adina, a bright but deeply flawed teenager who lives in Eden Five—one of several biodomes built to preserve life after the outside world became toxic and uninhabitable. As a techie in this seemingly utopian dome, Adina’s life is one of routine and containment—until a catastrophic accident, partly of her own making, wipes out the entire dome population save for a handful of survivors: her sisters Tash and Chiku, her childhood friend Dejen, the enigmatic Otieno, a mad prophet named Baba Weska, and his loyal dog, Yango.

From that point on, the book becomes a harrowing journey through the ravaged African landscape, filled with genetically mutated flora and fauna, toxic air, and unimaginable hardships. With echoes of familiar dystopian novels like The Hunger Games, Williamson builds a dystopian world that feels chillingly plausible both in its environmental collapse and its portrayal of corporate greed and socio-political exploitation.

Adina is one of the most memorable YA heroines in recent dystopian fiction. She is not always likable. Her treatment of the orphaned Chiku is sometimes cruel, and her decisions often frustrating, but her complexity is what makes her feel so real. She’s brave, intelligent, guilt-ridden, and evolving, and her emotional arc is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Her journey from a cocky techie to a responsible, self-sacrificing leader is both moving and believable. The relationship dynamics like with her sisters, her best friend, and the others add emotional depth and nuance, especially in the shifting tensions of the makeshift family they become.

The story also tackles weighty themes without becoming heavy-handed. The dangers of unregulated biotechnology, the ethical dilemmas of GMO crops, and the consequences of environmental collapse all feature prominently. Yet, these scientific ideas are communicated accessibly, never overwhelming the human story at its core.

The biblical symbolism is also powerful, especially with the moment where the characters, like Adam and Eve, pick a forbidden fruit and set in motion a cascade of revelations. This moment of awakening acts as a metaphor for the truth Adina and her companions uncover: the dome’s “paradise” is built on lies, and the outside world, though broken, is more honest in its chaos.

Despite the occasionally polarizing nature of its protagonist, “Feast of Ashes” succeeds as a character-driven survival story with a sharp edge. Its depiction of post-apocalyptic Africa feels both vivid and disturbingly possible, grounded in scientific plausibility and emotional truth.

“Feast of Ashes” is not just a dystopian adventure—it’s a deeply reflective story about guilt, truth, resilience, and hope. Williamson doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of a future shaped by today’s missteps, but she also offers a glimmer of something brighter, carried in the hearts of young people brave enough to question, resist, and rebuild.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for fans of dystopian fiction, climate fiction, or readers looking for YA that respects the intelligence and emotional depth of its audience. With a sequel on the horizon, Adina’s journey is far from over—and many will be eager to follow her wherever it leads next.

Thank you netgally and boundless publishing group for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t think I was the intended reader for this book. I really liked the premise of the book, I usually love dystopian worlds where something happens and a group of people have to flee to a safer place but this book didn’t do it for me.

I really wasn’t a fan of how Adina handled chicu. How she acted towards her really hurt my soul and almost made me stop reading. I also reaaaally disliked otienne, how he acted towards baba and his dog made me want to leave him behind and let the normalies deal with him.

I also didn’t really like how much death happened in the book, yea I know it’s not possible to let everyone live but I hoped for a happier ending for een few people. The pacing of the book was really good tho. I kept turning page after page until I was at the end.

Adi has grown up in the isolated biosphere of Eden 5, but when a tragic accident occurs, she and a few survivors are thrust into a world destroyed by ecological disaster. Adi carries a heavy load of guilt, but still does her best to protect those who depend on her. Is the Amonston Corporation really feeding the world, or is everything Adi's been taught a carefully crafted lie?

It's been a long time since I've read a post-ap story, but this one really engaged me. The setting of the African continent, the realistic situation of agricultural disaster and political manipulation, (and honestly the dog) really made Feast of Ashes a page-turner for me. I like a complex main character that is conflicted, because it feels much more likely than a classic hero. Fans of The Hunger Games and the Pure trilogy will find satisfaction in this story, and there were a few twists that kept me reading. This is definitely a gateway book for me - I'll be checking out Williamson's other work.