Scan barcode
A review by hiddenirises
Ash & Feather by S.M. Gaither
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to the author for providing me with e-ARC of the book. I am choosing to leave a review, and all my thoughts are my own honest ones.
My rating is closer to about 4.5.
I cannot stress how SM Gaither has managed to capture my heart with this duology. The world building , the cast of characters, and development of the story were done so well. The politics of the world were so complex and it demonstrated the intricacies of war, rebellion, and the fight for peace. This was my first series by this author and I have already bought books in her other series.
Karys was such a real character and I adore her to bits. She has continuously been put in these impossible situations and to see her struggle yet arrive on top is beautiful. The author does an absolutely stunning job depicting mental health, overthinking, trauma, and effects of abuse via her character. The growth that she has experienced throughout this duology is unmatched. She's flawed and makes mistakes, but continuously pushes through for a brighter tomorrow. I am so proud of her forging her own path after all that she has endured.
Dravyn ughhh my love. This man never fails to have me perpetually on the floor with his mannerisms, acts of service, support, and overall love for Karys. Dravyn outside of his role as love interest is such an incredibly complex character who too must bear the weight of bloody pasts and haunting memories. This poor man was STRESSED this whole book and thus I was as well because he deserves the world. Despite his divine being element, this man is such a gentle caring giant that only threatens to burn it all down when his beloved Karys is in any danger or disrespected.
The romance in this was everything to me. The first book deals a lot with these two fighting their undeniable connection due to their positions on opposing sides, but here we see them hold strong as a power couple in the face of that. Dravyn and Karys demonstrate healthy communication, devotion, and PASSION. These two are soulmates on such an undeniable level. Their moments of intimacy whether small or on the more erotic side never failed to have me sobbing over its beauty. These two are a team and that united front is crucial to their success against the chaos.
The side characters were everything and thus they collectively make the found family aspect of the book so heart warming. Moth my precious baby was definitely the show stealer and we should expect nothing less from our energetic fiery fur ball. I found myself so charmed by him and the people need Moth plushies immediately.
This story is most definitely one of my favorites of all time and it will be held close to my heart. I am so happy that we see Dravyn and Karys have their proper ending, but sad to let them go. I could stay with them forever.
My rating is closer to about 4.5.
I cannot stress how SM Gaither has managed to capture my heart with this duology. The world building , the cast of characters, and development of the story were done so well. The politics of the world were so complex and it demonstrated the intricacies of war, rebellion, and the fight for peace. This was my first series by this author and I have already bought books in her other series.
Karys was such a real character and I adore her to bits. She has continuously been put in these impossible situations and to see her struggle yet arrive on top is beautiful. The author does an absolutely stunning job depicting mental health, overthinking, trauma, and effects of abuse via her character. The growth that she has experienced throughout this duology is unmatched. She's flawed and makes mistakes, but continuously pushes through for a brighter tomorrow. I am so proud of her forging her own path after all that she has endured.
Dravyn ughhh my love. This man never fails to have me perpetually on the floor with his mannerisms, acts of service, support, and overall love for Karys. Dravyn outside of his role as love interest is such an incredibly complex character who too must bear the weight of bloody pasts and haunting memories. This poor man was STRESSED this whole book and thus I was as well because he deserves the world. Despite his divine being element, this man is such a gentle caring giant that only threatens to burn it all down when his beloved Karys is in any danger or disrespected.
The romance in this was everything to me. The first book deals a lot with these two fighting their undeniable connection due to their positions on opposing sides, but here we see them hold strong as a power couple in the face of that. Dravyn and Karys demonstrate healthy communication, devotion, and PASSION. These two are soulmates on such an undeniable level. Their moments of intimacy whether small or on the more erotic side never failed to have me sobbing over its beauty. These two are a team and that united front is crucial to their success against the chaos.
The side characters were everything and thus they collectively make the found family aspect of the book so heart warming. Moth my precious baby was definitely the show stealer and we should expect nothing less from our energetic fiery fur ball. I found myself so charmed by him and the people need Moth plushies immediately.
This story is most definitely one of my favorites of all time and it will be held close to my heart. I am so happy that we see Dravyn and Karys have their proper ending, but sad to let them go. I could stay with them forever.