Book review of Daughter of Shadows and Ash

by Ember Johnson (Author)

Updated at: 10/02/2025

In Ember Johnson's Daughter of Shadows and Ash, Alora's life shatters when tragedy strikes, leaving her consumed by a burning desire for revenge. Her path leads her down a dark road, becoming a skilled assassin in a war-torn land, a symbol of hope amidst despair. But fate intervenes when a passionate encounter with a mysterious stranger thrusts her into the Sunnevean court, where she's betrothed to the hateful prince – the same stranger. Torn between her vow of vengeance and the unexpected possibility of love, Alora must navigate treacherous political machinations and the looming threat of war. This fast-paced, first-person narrative explores themes of revenge, fated mates, and found family, as Alora battles her inner demons and fights for a future she never anticipated.

Daughter of Shadows and Ash (Aracelis Blade)

3.9 / 11 ratings

Review Daughter of Shadows and Ash

Daughter of Shadows and Ash was a thrilling ride! Ember Johnson's writing swept me away into Alora's world, a land torn by war and steeped in shadows, where vengeance and fate intertwine. From the moment her loved ones are brutally murdered, sparking Alora's relentless quest for revenge, I was hooked. The pacing is undeniably fast, almost breathless at times, plunging you straight into the action and keeping you guessing. It's a first-person narrative, and Alora's voice is strong and compelling, even when she's grappling with the devastating consequences of her choices. I found myself completely invested in her journey, feeling her grief, her rage, and her surprising capacity for both ruthless efficiency and unexpected tenderness.

While the plot moves at a whirlwind pace, which some might find slightly rushed, I personally appreciated the momentum. There are moments where the timeline jumps forward more abruptly than I'd prefer, leaving a few minor gaps in understanding, but it never truly detracts from the overall story. The world-building is intriguing, though I do agree with other readers that a little more depth and detail in certain areas would enrich the experience. The political intrigue, simmering beneath the surface of Alora's personal journey, adds another layer of complexity, making the kingdom of Sunnevean feel richly textured and believably fraught with conflict.

The romance is a key element, though perhaps not the primary focus. The "fated mate" trope is handled well, offering a compelling tension between Alora's commitment to revenge and the unexpected pull of her connection with Ryn, the hateful prince. Their relationship, while initially fraught with animosity, holds a certain electric charge, promising a captivating development in the subsequent books. I also appreciated the introduction of other characters, hints of a found family emerging from the darkness. The death of Mael, a significant character in Alora’s past, resonated deeply, adding emotional weight to her journey and leaving a palpable sense of loss that lingers throughout the narrative.

My only significant criticism revolves around a few pacing issues and some potentially underdeveloped elements of the world. However, these are minor complaints compared to the overall engaging nature of the story. The cliffhanger ending, while frustrating in its abruptness, is undeniably effective; it left me desperate to know what happens next and completely ready to dive into the next installment. Daughter of Shadows and Ash is definitely a book that will appeal to fantasy fans, particularly those who enjoy strong female leads, morally grey characters, and a blend of action, romance, and political intrigue. It's a fast-paced, emotionally engaging read that, despite a few minor flaws, delivers a thoroughly satisfying and exciting experience. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of Alora's story.