“I want to be free.” The words came rushing out of me before I could think through their implications and consequences.“There are two things you need to know about yourself if you want to be free—what you stand for, and what you stand against.” Lady Penelope held up her hands, brandishing a pair of daggers that had been hidden in her skirts. “This world lives enslaved to its destruction, and so … destruction, and so long as you are living, as long as you are fighting, you will be free.”
I gazed at the daggers, transfixed. Each blade was clothed in a leather scabbard, but the silver and obsidian of the daggers’ hilts winked at me, as though it was calling for me.
Prague, 1870.
For the last ten years, nineteen-year-old Eleanora Svobodová has worked as a servant in her stepmother’s household. Along with her older brother, she dreams of the day they will be free to live life on their own terms.
But everything changes when their estranged grandmother comes to Prague on behalf of Queen Victoria. Throughout Bohemia, a string of murders and secret whispers hint at a larger coup, and Lady Penelope, as the leader of the Order of the Crystal Daggers, an ancient order of spies and soldiers that protect kingdoms and their rulers, is determined to mete out the perpetrators. When their paths unexpectedly cross, Eleanora must make the choice between a life of intrigue and the lives of others.
Can Eleanora find a way to be free and still do the right thing?
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Wow!! I absolutely loved this story and all the elements combined here. I appreciated the incorporation of some truly tender moments with action and intrigue. The author did a wonderful job at creating a unique storyline that was beautifully written and paced. 5 stars!
This story may have gotten its inspiration from Cinderella, but to call it a retelling would be an injustice. This story is unique unto itself and so much more than a romance.
This is a fantasy action adventure story that blends in elements of history with intense intrigue and mystery. The setting is richly developed and provides living, breathing scenery that is as much a part of the story as our characters. Our characters are also well developed, tough, strong and smart, which they need to navigate all of the complexities that the plot will throw at them. I was draw into the story from the start and it never let go, drawing me along to the the conclusion and leaving me anxious to find the next book. Overall, a highly enjoyable experience.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Eleanora’s life changes after the death of her father. She is all but a slave to her step mother. Life may change again if Eleanora chooses to join the Order of the Crystal Daggers. Kingdom Of Ash And Soot had twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I will be reading the rest of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author continues to amaze me with her books. This one is another example of her ability to open up a world and take her readers on a magical journey.
Kingdom of Ash and Soot has shot right into my favorite reads of 2019! This is a fantasy first novel in a historical fiction series that takes the reader on a thrilling journey from beginning to end.
I love the political, romance and mystery entertwined in this novel. It is incredibly well written, with fabulous characters and an intriguing plot.
I love Eleonora. She is strong and feisty, and she dreams of a life of freedom. She is such a relatable and likable heroine. A strong female lead is always fun to read.
I can’t wait to read more of this series. I highly recommend checking it out!
*Read through a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Almost missed out on a great novel! To tell her story,author JOHNSON tells the story of orphans who go from the depths of poverty,to the heights of adventure and intrigue! The book took off from zero to a page-turning spy novel with romance to boot…Can’t wait for the next in this series,I’m hooked!!
Incredible fast-paced first novel in a series that is well-written, engrossing and wonderfully clean without overt sexuality or language. Violence occurs mostly “off stage”. I highly recommend this book and definitely will be reading the next in the series.
Full disclosure – I recently became a member of the author’s readers team. However, this book was written prior to my membership and I purchased it to read on my own – so glad I did!
This book is full of mystery, secrets, intrigue and through it all love and faith. Could not put this book down.
I liked the character development in the book. In the beginning, I didn’t really like the main character. But as the book went along, I began to like her and the support characters. There are interesting twists and turns in this book and at the end you’ll want to know more.
Allow a long weekend for this first part of a twisted version of Cinderella (or is it?). I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
This is the first book in a new, hopefully long, series by CS Johnson. Take Mission Impossible, sprinkle in a bit of CSI and fold in the Cinderella genre and out comes the Kingdom of Ash and Soot, a fantastic retelling of a beloved fairy tale.
However, don’t expect a sweet humble Princess here, just a fast paced, easy to follow, intelligent story that will have you searching for other CS Johnson books as fast as you can. I highly recommend this 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
This story was fantastic! Definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!
It was packed full of political intrigue, but not so much where it went over my head or was hard to remember. The Cinderella twist honestly made it even cooler and will forever look at her story differently, imaging if she became a secret, undercover spy.
The characters were just as amazing as the storyline. (Well, except the bad guys, but even they were “well played.” Hehe!) Eleanora was such a great heroine to cheer for her and her grandmother was no different (though I do confess that my thoughts toward her changed slightly by the end). I also greatly loved Elenora’s relationship with her brother and how close they were. Seeing him grow and change throughout the novel was so wonderful.
AND THE ROMANCE!!! *fangirls* It was perfect and my heart was pretty devastated by a certain event. I honestly can’t wait to read book two and hope that the romance unfolds the way my heart is aching to see. *sighs*
Overall, this was such a fun and incredible story! I loved sooooo much about it and eagerly anticipate book two!