Eighteen year old Izzy’s limited world begins to feel cramped after she completes her self-appointed book dare. After reading two-hundred and fifty books, a thought that had been once tucked away as tightly as the books on her library shelves becomes too irresistible to ignore…”Who am I?”Memory loss prohibits Izzy from remembering her life before age seven when she was injured in a fire. … fire. Jonathan Gudwyne and his head housekeeper rescued her and took Izzy in as their own, but who did she belong to before they took her in?
Crippling panic keeps Izzy from wandering beyond the stables but Tubs, the Gudwyne’s young stable boy, encourages Izzy to go beyond the property’s rock wall to a world that promises possible answers, but also great danger. A scorched castle in the woods and a mysterious cellar filled with secrets sets Izzy on a path to the New World, where she will not only have to face her own terror but face the people responsible for her scars.
It is here, in the untamed wilds of the seventeenth century that she finds love and a home in the most unexpected of places.
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This was a good book. It was interesting how she told the story of how Native Americans were treated in early America. I also thought it was interesting how she wove native stories to teach Izzy who she was and where she came from. I liked seeing the healing and growth that took place with the characters. I liked seeing Izzy find her strength as she struggled on her own for a time. I think we all see growth as we do that so I thought that was a good element to have. It was an interesting book but it did take me a few chapters to understand what was going on but once I got past that point, it did end up being a good read. I look forward to reading the next book in her series.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
White Wolf and the Ash Princess
The White Wolf #1
By Tammy Lash
As a young child, Izzy came to into their home. She was hurting and afraid. And her memories are buried deep within her hidden away. But occasionally a fragment would escape and what Izzy remembers just further complicated things. What she does remember is Jonathan Gudwyne being there for her since she was brought to his home.
For years Jonathan has been her closest friend and her guardian but everything is about to change and nothing is quite what she has always believed it to be. But who does she believe when not only her present but her present and her past will be determined by what she chooses.
He has loved her for years, but the secrets he kept may divide them forever. But he made promises and the time has come to fulfill them. But will Izzy listen to him and hear the truth or will she believe the half-truths she’s been told? And if he loses her forever can he find the will to go on without her?
White Wolf and the Ash Princess is an interesting story that is broken into parts. We are given glimpses into Izzy’s past that are just enough to keep one’s interest piqued. Who is Izzy? We like Izzy want to know the answer to this question. It is obvious as one progresses that both Izzy and Jonathan have been broken and the bond that they share gives them strength but it is also a hindrance. I for one am interested to see where exactly this series takes us in the next book.
Intriguing is how I would describe this book. It held my attention from the first word and I care about the characters. This book will touch you on an emotional level and you may need a tissue or two during your time within these pages, especially during a couple of scenes. This book is well-paced and paints a vivid scene to be enjoyed and explored.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations – all thoughts expressed are my own.
This book surprised me. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but it still exceeded any expectations I did have. It was a bit slow to start off but the characters were so life like that I was more than happy to continue along. Right off, I was rooting for Izzy as she took brave act after brave act, all throughout this book. I could see parts of myself in her too, which I always appreciate finding in novels, to be reminded we’re not alone in our struggles.Immediately I loved the bond between Izzy and Jonathan – they went through so much on each of their journeys. And little Tubs – his character was definitely one of my favorites too. He was an absolute sweetheart, and I loved how much and well he took care of Izzy.While I dearly enjoyed both settings for this book, how it started off in England and then the remainder was spent in America, I think we really got to see Izzy’s character grow the most in the New World, which was a delight to see. She grew, but her same character still shined through – I love when that happens; when a character is still themselves but grows to see more of their strengths instead of just their weaknesses. There were lots of adventures to be had among the pages, and some heart-wrenching moments. It was a beautiful and enjoyable story, and I’m very glad I had the pleasure of reading it! And looking forward to the next book :)Also, the authors-note at the end was truly lovely. One of my favorite parts of the book as well. I love seeing the authors heart displayed among the pages of their book. <3
Thanks to the author and Just Read Tours for the copy of the book.
Fascinating and wondrous, there is a fairy tale feel as the story of White Wolf and the Ash Princess first begins to unfold, and also a sense that something monstrous happened in the past – in the memories that Jonathan is keeping for Izzy. And as Izzy’s memories begin to return and secrets are discovered, the sheltered and somewhat idyllic life she has been leading in Jonathan’s English cottage gives way to danger and adventure as they travel back to the New World.
I had a nebulous idea of genre going in, and while there are elements that could have seen this story taken in different directions, this is plainly – and wonderfully – historical fiction. Beautifully written by author Tammy Lash, there is so much to this story that straddles the two worlds of seventeenth-century America and England. It is part coming of age, part survival story, mixing Christian faith with Ojibwe legends, and weaving a slow burn friendship to more romance into a tale of cruelty and forgiveness.
In White Wolf and the Ash Princess, Tammy Lash has created characters and a story world that is difficult to describe without giving in to the desire to share everything. First in the White Wolf series, this is easily among the best books that I have read this year. Highly recommended for Young Adult and Adult readers who enjoy rich Historical Fiction with a hint of fantasy.
This review refers to a finished paperback copy I voluntarily received from the author. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
If you read the book description, you may think you’re picking up a fantasy read with White Wolf and the Ash Princess by Tammy Lash. That’s what I thought anyway. But this is actually a historical fiction book with some Native American legends mixed in there.
Izzy fears the outside world yet longs for freedom. She can’t remember much about her past and depends on Jonathan for a lot. Jonathan is a protector at heart, but he doesn’t always make the wisest decisions. As Izzy sets out on her journey of discovery, the read is swept along in the saga.
Lash’s vivid prose cements readers in each scene from England to the sea to America, and the characters (even the secondary ones) all have unique personalities you can’t help but feel a connection with (or as disconnect with when it comes to the villain). But what I enjoyed most about White Wolf and the Ash Princess were the twists and turns I never saw coming. I love when an author surprises me, and Lash managed it multiple times.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
To say White Wolf and the Ash Princess surprised me would be an understatement. I actually thought the book was going to be an entirely different genre than what it actually was. The cover and the back blurb gave me the idea that it was going to be fantasy, not historical fiction. I’m not going to give anything away other than to say, it’s historical fiction.
Ok, that being said, what a fascinating story. It was so different than the typical historical fiction I read. I think what sets it apart is how the author writes. She brings the characters and setting to life in the lilt of the story. It’s almost a storytelling, if that makes sense. There was a sense of authenticity in how the author wrote the thoughts and conversations of the characters.
It was so interesting getting to know the main characters of Izzy and Jonathan. You could feel Izzy’s wariness to everything outside of the home she’s living in. In Jonathan you learn immediately that he’s a protector. While he wants to stretch Izzy outside of her fears, he’s incredibly aware of them and will only push “so far”.
When the story begins to unfold, a light bulb goes off an all of the puzzle pieces fall into place! Things begin to make sense and for me, I worried about what was to come! I think the author writes the main characters in such a way that your heart is immediately pulled in to the story & the lives of the characters. There are highs and lows… and the lows brought tears to my eyes. Seriously, I ended up loving each of the characters so much, I was completely invested.
This author is new to me, and I’m ready to move on to book 2 immediately, Letters of the Dragon’s Son, which is already out. I honestly think you’ll be fascinating with this story!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
This is a good historical fiction read and a good story line. This is the first book in a series by this author and you definitely want to read more when this story ends. Izzy can’t remember much before 7 years old and she has some bad scares that are from the time she can’t really remember. Jonathan has been taking care of her all this time and refusing to tell her much other than she needs to go back to her family someday. There is so much going on and just when you think it is figured out another change happens. Definitely have tissues just in case and there is a mention of her mom’s book which is a bible; which adds some more interesting aspects to the story. Definitely a must read if you enjoy a good clean historical story.
Loved this book. It pulled me in, made me laugh, made me cry! I can’t wait to read more from Tammy Lash.
This is one of those stories that gets under your skin and consumes your soul. Ms. Lash’s debut novel is a rare treasure indeed. Rarely do books these days move me to tears, but this historical Christian novel with just a dash of steampunk and fantasy did just that. I reviewed this book back when it first released but somehow I must have forgotten to post it here, so I’m going to rewrite it because this book deserves it!!
One of the things I loved most about this book was the characters. They are so real they felt like my friends by the time I finished reading, and left me longing for more. They made me laugh, they made me cry, they made me mad, they made me sigh…Jonathan was such a terrific tragic hero, truly swoon worthy and at other times SO FRUSTRATINGLY MALE lol. I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Izzy was spunky, fragile and so real, I felt as if she were a mirror of myself at times. And Tubs, don’t get me started on him because I could talk all day about him.
I’m not usually a huge fan of historical fiction, but this story cured me for the genre. Ms. Lash had such a fresh perspective on how she dealt with history and yet made it her own world at the same time, with hints of steampunk technology and just whispers of fantasy. Her White Wolf legend was absolutely stunning, and how she weaved it throughout the story…so well done.
Usually, I like to leave at least one constructive comment on what I would have liked to have seen differently, but I loved everything about this book. I think the only thing I can say is, “I wish it hadn’t made me cry” LOL because it truly was wrenching at times, yet the ending is so full of hope and left room for the next book in the series. I can’t wait to read book two.
Content: I would rate this story PG-13 for thematic elements. There is no language or sexuality in this book.