Monday, April 2, 2018

Review: Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

Title: Ash Princess
Author: Laura Sebastian
Series: Book One in the Ash Princess Series
Published By: Delacorte (April 24, 2018)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Queen of Flame and Fury, was murdered before her eyes. Ten years later, Theo has learned to survive under the relentless abuse of the Kaiser and his court as the ridiculed “Ash Princess.” Pretending to be empty-headed and naive when she's not enduring brutal whippings, she pushes down all other thoughts but one: Keep the Kaiser happy and he will keep you safe.

When the Kaiser forces her to execute her last hope of rescue, Theo can't keep her feelings and memories pushed down any longer. She vows revenge, throwing herself into a plot to seduce and murder the Kaiser's warrior son with the help of a group of magically gifted and volatile rebels. But Theo doesn't expect to develop feelings for the Prinz. Or for her rebel allies to challenge her friendship with the one person who's been kind to her throughout the last hopeless decade: her heart's sister, Cress.


Cornered into impossible choices and unable to trust even those who are on her side, Theo will have to decide how far she's willing to go to save her people and how much of herself she's willing to sacrifice to become queen.









I know what you are thinking, trust me I do. Not another YA fantasy series about a girl that gets her throne taken away and must battle to win it back right?

And you would be right, this story is about that. But what if, instead of the heroine being kick butt because she can weld a sword or have some magical power, she is kick butt instead because she uses her head? Because she is smart and crafty and bids her time. What if, instead of going in swords blazing she plans and concocts and uses her smarts to get her out of trouble?

Not so much the same right?

This really was a fun take on something that has been done before while still giving it a breath of fresh air and a new feeling to the same old over used storyline. In fact, it didn't feel overused or overdone or same old same old at all. It felt fun and entertaining and oh so unbelievably hard to put down.

I didn't want to take a break from it. Once I picked it up and started, I was completely and utterly hooked. And the only thing I regret about reading it, is the fact that this was an ARC and now it means I have to wait even longer for the second book to be out. I wasn't ready for this to be over, I didn't want to say goodbye and more than anything, I already feel like I need to know what happens next.

I'm invested, I care, I'm a fan already.





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

52 comments:

  1. Oh wow, the way you described this book was awesome. We definitely need more heroines who use brains over brawn! ♥ Lovely review!!!

    - Aimee @ Aimee, Always

    ReplyDelete
  2. The book sounds good and a breath of fresh air to the same old story line is very promising. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much and it was nice having it be different from the norm right now.

      Delete
  3. I have to say, I was thinking exactly what you wrote in the first few lines of your review. But then, you changed my mind. It really is a different concept when they have to use their brain, not brawn. Excellent review, Ali.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great minds Tyler! And thanks, it did add a new element maybe to the story that isn't always there with these reads. Definitely kept it interesting.

      Delete
  4. You know YA fantasy covers are always so good. Glad you liked this Kindlemom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, they really do have some of the best covers.

      Delete
  5. I love that this is different from the slew of these type of stories emerging in YA this year. Wonderful review.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oooh a smart heroine! This sounds really good, Ali. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Can't wait to try it myself.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like the sound of smart, cunning heroine. That makes this well worn tale worth a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really was nice to have something different MC wise.

      Delete
  8. I'm a skeptical fantasy reader but your enthusiasm of this book is so contagious.

    Great review, Ali.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can be too especially in this genre lately but it really was a good one. ;)

      Delete
  9. I haven't seen a lot of reviews of this one but the way you make it sound definitely has me wanting to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's so fun to find a book that hooks you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I want to read this book so bad!! Ughhh. Great review! Glad you enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow, nice review! Sounds great. I love that instead of being a badass warrior she's smart and uses her smarts to be badass instead. I'll keep this in mind for sure for my next YA fantasy read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, me too, it really was a nice and welcome change.

      Delete
  13. Ooh I really like that the MC uses her smarts in this one. It does make it a bit different from the usual fantasy fare.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does and I think that is why it stood out so much for me.

      Delete
  14. I can honestly say that I think this is one of the best, if not the best, review I've ever read of yours. I don't even like this kind of fantasy and you have me intrigued!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh that does sounds a bit different. Glad this was good and hope the wait isn't too bad for the next book!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. That is different. I wish more young women were portrayed with a mind worth getting to know. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    ReplyDelete
  17. Loved the way that you described this book. I wish it was the book's description instead of the generic synopsis. You don't really find much YA books where the main character isn't impulsive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree about the impulsive thingand thanks so much!

      Delete
  18. I have been keeping my eye out on this one, wow really high praises, now I am even more excited!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I've been eyeing it for awhile now wondering if it would be something I'd like. I love that she uses her smarts to get what she wants, and that seems to be a nice spin. You've convinced me. :)

    Do You Dog-ear?

    ReplyDelete
  20. She fell in love with the enemy's son? Sounds fun. Need to check it out! Btw, I'm loving the cover <3

    ReplyDelete
  21. I had to chuckle at your first words. It's actually not a tired trope for me since I haven't read any of those, but I can see where such a refreshing take on it would appeal to those who have read several. I love the sound of her using her smarts.

    Enjoyed your review. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Awesome to hear about a YA Fantasy that is worth the read. Great Review!
    Tori @ In Tori Lex

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am a huge fan of YA Fantasy so for me this is a must read! Great review

    ReplyDelete
  24. I definitely like the sounds of a crafty and smart heroine! I usually love fantasy so might have to give this a go. Plus the cover looks amazing! Glad you loved this! Awesome review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much and I really do hope you consider reading it, it was a lot of fun.

      Delete
  25. I'm glad you enjoyed a new take! Fun with a book catches ya like that.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yes, to a whip-smart heroine who uses her brain to be fierce! I'm so happy this was a page-turner for you Ali!! I definitely am excited for Ash Princess. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just know you will love this too Kim, at least I'm keeping my fingers crossed you will!

      Delete