Kingdom of Fallen Ash (The Order #1) Review
As a book blogger always on the hunt for captivating stories, I have to admit that Kingdom of Fallen Ash by Celestine Martin grabbed me from the moment I read the synopsis. A dystopian world where societal divisions run deep draws me in like a moth to a flame, and this one had the enticing twist of exploring the life of the privileged as opposed to the struggles of the lower class. Despite some early hiccups with the writing style, I was hooked, and I couldn’t help but share my reflections.
At the center of our story is Forest, the main character, who is both frustrating and fascinating. I often found myself wanting to shake her out of her wishy-washy tendencies—especially when one moment she harbors disdain for the “Unfortunates,” and the next, she shows them kindness. It felt like a rollercoaster of emotions, which, for me, kept the pages turning. There were moments I yelled out loud in exasperation, looking to hold Forest accountable—oh, the joys of character frustration!
But what made it all worthwhile was her relationship with Fallen, a character who is not just your typical brooding love interest. He’s complex, layered, and oh-so-deliciously flawed. I found myself rooting for them together, especially during some of those spicy moments—three chilly peppers definitely apply here! It’s worth noting that the heat takes its sweet time building up, but when it finally arrives, let’s just say my heart raced alongside the story.
Of course, the love triangle aspect with Xavier added a whole new layer of tension. I’ve never struggled so much in deciding my loyalties! On one hand, you have the smoldering chemistry with Fallen, while Xavier’s charm is hard to ignore. His character had me questioning my loyalties continuously, and even though I was rooting for Fallen, Xavier certainly made a compelling case with his blend of power and allure. Let’s just say, his actions in the final chapters left me reeling—ouch!
“It is within ourselves we will find the strength to set us free and unbind ourselves from the wickedness that scorches this earth.” This quote resonated with me deeply as it encapsulates one of the core themes: the struggle for autonomy in a world riddled with corruption. It reflects not just Forest’s journey, but also a broader message about self-empowerment amidst adversity.
To address the elephant in the room—the writing style did pose some challenges for me. While I had a few reservations, I appreciate that Celestine Martin has been open about the lack of an editor for this project. But don’t let that deter you! The story itself is gripping enough to pull you into the narrative, and I often found myself longing to return to the world of The Order.
I wholeheartedly recommend Kingdom of Fallen Ash to fans of dystopian fiction, especially those intrigued by morally gray characters and romance that keeps you on your toes. If you enjoy emotional rollercoasters, and can overlook a few stylistic bumps, you’ll find yourself immersed in this world, just like I did. Thank goodness I grabbed book two before finishing the first—this journey is far from over!
There’s so much more to unpack, but I’ll leave it here—go pick up a copy and join me in this thrilling adventure!
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