Title: The Ashes
Author: Kyle Prue
Series: The Feud Trilogy (Book 3)
Page Length: 288
Publication Date: Aug. 18, 2020
Publisher: Cartwright Publishing
Synopsis: His fate has been foretold. Unless he can accept his fortune, his nation will fall to its doom.
Teenage warrior Neil Vapros strives to live up to his destiny. Imprisoned at the hands of the Empire, to return to his family and sweetheart, he’s forced to stage a daring breakout. But as he smashes the chains, he uncovers a shocking truth…
On the run and desperate to fight back, his valiant efforts against the rising forces only result in more tragic deaths. And now Neil understands that the only way anyone will live is if he embraces his own demise.
Will Neil pay the ultimate price to prevent freedom’s annihilation?
The Ashes is the thrilling conclusion to the award-winning Epic Feud YA fantasy trilogy. If you like edge-of-your-seat action, gripping suspense, and explosive battles, then you’ll love Kyle Prue’s riveting finale.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
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My Review:
Wow! This is an epic conclusion to The Feud trilogy! Jumping right into the action, The Ashes follows Neil, Rhys, Bianca, Lilly, and Darius as they fight to bring equality to the kingdom and end the emperor’s tyrannical regime. Each on their own path but working toward a joint cause, can Neil, Rhys, Darius, and Lilly defeat the regime that threatens everything they hold dear?
The world-building is immersive and ever-growing, and from the first lines, I was pulled into this fascinating and dangerous world. The author is skilled in creating a vivid and complex world rich with traditions, culture, politics, and more. I love books that pull you into their world, and this series does that from the very first page.
I also love the characters and their stories, even though some left me a bit heart-broken. There are several surprising revelations that I totally didn’t see coming, many of which impact the lives of the main characters. Neil, Bianca, Lilly, Rhys, and Darius face insurmountable obstacles, and their relationships evolve even more, especially the relationships between Neil and Bianca as well as Darius and Rhys. I loved Darius and Rhys and felt that they were true and loyal friends. Darius changes so much from the first book to the last, and his feelings for Rhys epitomize this change.
“What you do is who you are. What’s done to you is not. That’s what I believe. That’s how I do right and wrong.”
“Okay.” Rhys wiped a tear from his eye. “Thanks”
“Always, Rhys. We’re a team.”
“Okay team,” Rhys said.
The bond of friendship among people who started as bitter enemies is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Rhys, Neil, Lilly, and Darius are connected and loyal to each other, and their willingness to reject past anger and work toward a better future together is powerful. There are strong messages here about the power of friendship, teamwork, and trust. Other messages include fighting for what you believe in, understanding the terrible effects of greed, embracing one’s destiny, and having hope.
Like the first two books in the series, this story is filled with heart-pounding action. Neil, Darius, Lilly, Bianca, and Lilly, with the help of new and old friends, engage in epic battles against detestable villains. Antagonists, big and small, threaten the group, and they are relentless in pursuit of their prey.
With richly developed characters, a well-layered and paced plot, tons of heart-pounding fight scenes, and impressive world-building, The Ashes is a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. Thanks so much to the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The action! I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book!
- The characters. Awesome character arcs in this series!
- The messages are powerful and thought-provoking.
Favorite Lines:
When you treat someone like an animal for long enough, you shouldn’t be surprised when they bare their teeth.
Might is sheer strength. Power is your ability to effect the most change with the least amount of effort.
It’s a trebuchet!
All there is to fear is a life without meaning.
You’re the most important cannonball in all of history.
This book sounds amazing and I am always on the lookout for a new good trilogy. Will look this up! 🙂
Yay! I hope you like it! 🙂