In Stephanie E. Donohue's Ashes of the Earth, the second installment of the Across Time series, Addie's year continues its catastrophic descent. Caught in a brutal biblical war in the dying land of Sakar, she battles not only wraiths and celestial forces vying for control, but also the gnawing power within her. Amidst the chaos, a fragile hope blossoms in her relationship with the gruff but secretly endearing Commander Cheriour. Their connection, however, is tested as Addie undertakes a desperate mission to save her loved ones, uncovering dangerous secrets that threaten to unravel everything. This grimdark romantasy blends gritty action with witty humor, delivering a thrilling and emotionally resonant tale of love, loss, and the fight for survival in a world teetering on the brink of oblivion.

Review Ashes of the Earth
Oh my gosh, I absolutely devoured Ashes of the Earth! Picking up right where Fire of the Forsaken left off, this book throws you headfirst back into the brutal, beautiful, and utterly captivating world of Sakar. I felt that familiar pang of excitement and dread all over again – the kind that comes from knowing you're about to embark on a wild ride with characters you've grown to love (and maybe a few you love to hate).
Addie, our wonderfully snarky and resilient protagonist, is just as captivating as ever. Her first-person perspective gives you this incredible intimacy with her thoughts and feelings, making her struggles and triumphs feel intensely personal. She's not your typical damsel in distress; she's messy, flawed, hilarious, and brave beyond measure. Witnessing her growth throughout the story was a real highlight – the way she navigates the horrors of war while still clinging to her humor and compassion is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
And Cheriour? Sweet grumpy Viking warrior, I'm completely smitten. The slow burn between Addie and Cheriour is perfection. The banter between them is witty and charming, adding a layer of lightheartedness to the otherwise grim setting. Watching their relationship deepen amidst the chaos of war was incredibly satisfying. The author perfectly balances the intense action and danger with moments of tenderness and connection, making their romance feel completely earned and authentic.
The world-building in Ashes of the Earth is simply phenomenal. Donohue expands on the lore and mythology established in the first book, painting an even richer and more detailed picture of Sakar. From the terrifying Wraiths to the enigmatic Celestials, every element of the world feels fully realized and believable. The descriptions are vivid, pulling you into the heart of the conflict, making you feel the dust and grime, the fear and desperation. And let’s not forget Abby Normal, the nightmare horse! Pure comedic gold.
The plot itself kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The action sequences are thrilling and intense, leaving you breathless and wanting more. There are moments of pure, gut-wrenching suspense where I wasn't sure if my favorite characters would survive. The stakes feel incredibly high, and the constant threat of death adds a palpable tension that keeps you hooked. While there’s a lot happening, and the information flow towards the end is quite rapid, it all contributes to the story's momentum and doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment.
In short, Ashes of the Earth is an absolute masterpiece. It's a thrilling, heartbreaking, and hilarious adventure that perfectly blends gritty action, snarky humor, and a truly captivating romance. I couldn't put it down, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. If you enjoy grimdark fantasy with a touch of humor and a slow-burn romance that will steal your heart, then you absolutely need to add this series to your TBR pile. Seriously, do it!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.43 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 572
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- I. ATrashcan Some Hobo Shat In
- Stupid, Stubborn Viking
- 3. Why Is The Rum Gone?
- 4. AToast To Mourn The Living
- 5. Secret Secrets Hurt Someone
- Two Peas In A Fucked-Up Pod
- 7. Rat Zoomies
- 8. Greeting The End ofthe World Happy and Shitfaced
- 9. Tickle Fetish
- Three Week Blackout Bender
- The Kraken
- Explorers On The Enterprise
- There's Always Moonlight In Halloweentown
- Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo
- Hungry-Hungry Hippo
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