Series: Broken Destiny, Bk 1
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Release Date: 8/26/14
Price: $29.95
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Length: 8 hours 23 minutes
Format: MP3-CD
Purchase at Downpour or Amazon
My Ratings
Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Narration: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5
Overall: 43/45 = 95%
Synopsis
In a world of shadows,
anything is possible—except escaping your fate.
Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions
of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy
discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is
trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the
dangerously attractive guy who’s bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.
Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him,
but that doesn’t mean he can change his fate, no matter how strong a pull he
feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her
sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn’t: that every step brings Ivy closer to
the truth about her own destiny and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or
later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other—and nothing but ashes
in between.
© 2014 by Jeaniene Frost
Review
Two main things made THE BEAUTIFUL ASHES a must read for me. First, Jeaniene Frost books are always on the top of my TBR pile. She has this ability to coax you in her world, while you are fall madly in love with her characters. And second, I would listen a Phone Book, if it was narrated by Tavia Gilbert. She's able to take an fantastic piece of work, and truly bring it to life for the listeners with her voice. For me, both are "go-to's" when it comes to audiobooks. I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into, with Jeaniene's new series. Although the summary for the book was slightly vague and mysterious, I couldn't wait to jump right into this.
I'm going to try really hard not to ruin this story for anyone, so I'll keep the spoilers to a minimum. One of the most interesting part of this book, is that this book goes to a place that you never see coming. You think you are starting out on one kind of a journey, but you end up on an entirely different adventure. I also like that this wasn't a cookie cutter urban fantasy or paranormal romance, it kept me on my toes. I had no idea what to expect next from the story. It was almost like picking up a new type of genre, that you have never read before. Nothing is just black and white or good and evil. I like how this book lives in the grey.
Twenty year old Ivy's sister disappeared, and then she looses her parents in a car accident. And the police investigation into the disappearance isn't producing any results. Ivy sets out to find her sister at all costs, only to find herself in way over her head. I really enjoyed listening to her journey. She is young and naive in the beginning. I liked that fact that she was a young adult, so this adventure was pretty much about finding her true self. She ends this book, in a totally different place then where she started. I loved watching her personal discovery and growth. I really loved her relationship with Adrian. I mean who wouldn't love a dark, sexy, mysterious male with a 1968 Challanger. She goes from a complete distrust of people around her, to putting her life in Adrian's hands. I like how Jeaniene Frost wrote Adrian as a flawed anti-hero. There are no men riding in on white horse, wearing white hats here. But their destinies are indelibly intertwined.
I'm going to try really hard not to ruin this story for anyone, so I'll keep the spoilers to a minimum. One of the most interesting part of this book, is that this book goes to a place that you never see coming. You think you are starting out on one kind of a journey, but you end up on an entirely different adventure. I also like that this wasn't a cookie cutter urban fantasy or paranormal romance, it kept me on my toes. I had no idea what to expect next from the story. It was almost like picking up a new type of genre, that you have never read before. Nothing is just black and white or good and evil. I like how this book lives in the grey.
Twenty year old Ivy's sister disappeared, and then she looses her parents in a car accident. And the police investigation into the disappearance isn't producing any results. Ivy sets out to find her sister at all costs, only to find herself in way over her head. I really enjoyed listening to her journey. She is young and naive in the beginning. I liked that fact that she was a young adult, so this adventure was pretty much about finding her true self. She ends this book, in a totally different place then where she started. I loved watching her personal discovery and growth. I really loved her relationship with Adrian. I mean who wouldn't love a dark, sexy, mysterious male with a 1968 Challanger. She goes from a complete distrust of people around her, to putting her life in Adrian's hands. I like how Jeaniene Frost wrote Adrian as a flawed anti-hero. There are no men riding in on white horse, wearing white hats here. But their destinies are indelibly intertwined.
Tavia Gilbert's narration of this book is suburb! When I see Tavia is narrating a story, I know that I am in for a real auditory treat. She creates such distinct characters, that you almost forget that the story is only being narrated by one person. She also seems to really do her research into each character, when creating their distinct sound. The characters in this books come from such divers backgrounds, and Tavia really does them justice! Adrian's voice is my absolute favorite. He has this very distinct voice, with touch of European upper crust. I totally got lost in this audiobook, which to me, is a sign of a very talented narrator.
THE BEAUTIFUL ASHES has left me dying for the next book in the Broken Destiny Series! It's full of fast-paced adventures, creative world building, and smart dialog. Jeaniene Frost has a very fresh take on this genre and biblical mythology. I just wished that Jeaniene had dialed up the heat just a little more in this book. I can't wait to see more of Ivy and Adrian's adventures. If you enjoy YA/NA novels, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, this book will be right up your alley!
***Audiobook was provided by the publisher in trade for a fair review***
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