Haunted by Ashes

Ash, once a serene tree fairy, is now a man hollowed by loss and rage. He drifts through Vienna, avoiding friends and seeking vengeance for the murder of his lovers, Kek and Lucas. The world is fractured, with fae and humans divided, and Ash is a shadow of his former self, numbing his pain with drugs and violence. He meets a mysterious contact in a pub, hoping for information on his enemies, but the encounter is interrupted by a violent attack. Ash's only link to revenge is lost in the chaos, and he is forced to save a young fae woman, Scarlet, from abduction. Their fates become entwined as they escape together into the night, both marked by trauma and hunted by unseen forces.

A Deal for Vengeance

Desperate for the whereabouts of his enemies, Ash strikes a dangerous bargain with a genie-like figure, Dzsinn, agreeing to an unspecified future favor in exchange for information. The cost is steep, but Ash's need for vengeance outweighs caution. The deal is barely struck before violence erupts, and Ash's chance at closure is literally burned to ashes. The loss of the information packet is a physical manifestation of his inability to move on from the past. Scarlet, the girl he saves, becomes an unwanted companion, her own secrets and trauma echoing Ash's. Their uneasy alliance is forged in fire, both literally and emotionally, as they flee the scene together.

Fire and Flight

The pub attack leaves Ash and Scarlet running for their lives, pursued by both human and fae enemies. The fire that consumes the pub also consumes Ash's last hope for revenge, deepening his sense of failure and loss. Scarlet, traumatized and alone, clings to Ash, who is torn between his instinct to protect and his desire to be left alone. Their escape is frantic and desperate, marked by violence and the ever-present threat of death. The world outside is cold and indifferent, mirroring Ash's internal desolation. The two fugitives are bound together by circumstance, each haunted by their own ghosts.

Unwanted Attachments

Despite Ash's repeated attempts to send her away, Scarlet stubbornly remains by his side, insisting she cannot return home. Her reasons are shrouded in mystery, but her fear is palpable. Ash, used to being the protector, is both irritated and reluctantly responsible for her. Their journey by train is fraught with tension, as Ash's reputation and Scarlet's unknown pursuers make them targets. The dynamic between them shifts from antagonism to reluctant partnership, as they are forced to rely on each other for survival. The emotional walls between them begin to crack, revealing vulnerability beneath their hardened exteriors.

Chased Across Borders

Ash and Scarlet's flight takes them across Eastern Europe, pursued by Russian mafia, corrupt officials, and supernatural threats. The landscape is bleak, the borders dangerous, and trust is a rare commodity. Ash's addiction and self-destructive tendencies threaten to unravel them both, while Scarlet's resourcefulness and hidden strength become increasingly vital. Their journey is punctuated by violence—on trains, in brothels, and in the streets—as they fight to stay one step ahead of their enemies. The constant danger forges a bond between them, even as secrets and lies simmer beneath the surface.

Train of Secrets

On a harrowing train journey, Ash and Scarlet are attacked by would-be rapists, forcing Scarlet to reveal her formidable combat skills. The violence is brutal, and Ash is forced to confront his own failings as a protector. Scarlet's past remains elusive, but her ability to survive is undeniable. The two share moments of vulnerability, their emotional defenses weakening in the face of shared trauma. Ash's addiction and guilt are ever-present, but Scarlet's presence becomes a lifeline, pulling him back from the brink. Their relationship is complicated, marked by mutual need and unspoken truths.

Violence in Steerage

When a group of men threaten Scarlet on the train, she unleashes a ferocity that shocks even Ash. Her fighting is both elegant and savage, hinting at a past far more complex than she admits. The aftermath leaves both shaken, the violence a stark reminder of the world they inhabit. Ash is forced to confront his own darkness, recognizing a kindred spirit in Scarlet. Their partnership deepens, forged in blood and necessity. The journey becomes less about escape and more about survival, as they navigate a world where trust is dangerous and violence is currency.

Scarred and Stranded

Exhausted and wounded, Ash and Scarlet find shelter with a compassionate couple, Vasile and Anca. The brief respite offers warmth, food, and a glimpse of normalcy, but danger is never far behind. The couple's kindness is a stark contrast to the brutality outside, and their stories of loss and resilience mirror Ash and Scarlet's own struggles. The safety is short-lived, as soldiers arrive searching for fugitives. Ash and Scarlet are forced to hide, their presence endangering their hosts. The experience deepens their bond, as gratitude and guilt intertwine with their growing dependence on each other.

Bargains and Brothels

With resources dwindling, Ash is forced to sell his body for money, a choice that both shames and sustains him. Scarlet, refusing to let him bear the burden alone, joins him in the transaction, their intimacy becoming transactional and fraught with emotion. The experience is both liberating and degrading, blurring the lines between survival and self-destruction. Their relationship is tested, as desire, guilt, and vulnerability collide. The brothel becomes a crucible, burning away pretense and forcing them to confront the reality of their situation—and their feelings for each other.

Confessions and Confrontations

As they journey deeper into Romania, Ash and Scarlet's secrets begin to surface. Ash confesses the trauma of his childhood, the abuse and abandonment that shaped him. Scarlet reveals her own guilt and the crime that haunts her—a murder she claims was not an accident. Their confessions are raw and painful, stripping away the last of their defenses. The truth binds them together, even as it threatens to tear them apart. Their enemies close in, and the line between friend and foe blurs. The past is ever-present, shaping their choices and their future.

The Monster Unleashed

Cornered by enemies in the depths of a cave, Scarlet's restraint shatters. Freed from the goblin metal that suppressed her powers, she transforms into something both beautiful and terrifying—a dark dweller and a natural Obscurer, a being of immense and forbidden power. Her magic is lethal, her control tenuous. She slaughters their attackers with ease, her humanity slipping away in the process. Ash is both awed and horrified, recognizing the depth of her power and the danger it poses. The revelation changes everything, recasting Scarlet from victim to potential threat—and ally.

Into the Caves

Seeking to remove Scarlet's magical restraint, Ash and Scarlet journey to the legendary Valea Cetatii caves, hoping to find the spirit Talyssa who can free her. The caves are a place of ancient power and danger, and the ritual to remove the bracelet is fraught with risk. Talyssa is a vengeful spirit, her own story of betrayal and loss echoing the themes of the novel. The encounter is tense and transformative, as Scarlet's true nature is finally unleashed. The cave becomes a crucible, burning away the last of their secrets and forcing them to confront who they truly are.

The Truth Revealed

In the aftermath of the cave battle, Ash demands the truth from Scarlet. She reveals her lineage: she is Raven Haley Scarlet Dragen, twin sister to Rook, daughter of Queen Kennedy and Lorcan Dragen—a princess and a being of immense, dangerous power. Her entire life has been shaped by the need to suppress her true nature, to protect others from the darkness within her. Ash is stunned, forced to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about her. Their destinies are now inextricably linked, their choices carrying consequences for themselves and the world.

Blood and Betrayal

The revelation of Scarlet's identity brings new dangers. Betrayed by those she once trusted, including her former friend Eve, Scarlet is hunted not just for what she has done, but for who she is. The Russian mafia, supernatural assassins, and political enemies converge, each with their own agenda. Ash and Scarlet are forced to fight not just for survival, but for agency over their own fates. The lines between love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, blur as they navigate a world where everyone has something to hide—and something to lose.

The Princess of Darkness

With her true identity revealed, Scarlet—now Raven—must come to terms with the power and responsibility she carries. Ash, forever changed by their journey, must decide whether to embrace the future or remain shackled to the past. Their enemies are relentless, and the world is on the brink of war. The story ends on a note of uncertainty and anticipation, as Raven and Ash prepare to face whatever comes next—together, or alone. Their journey is far from over, and the land of ashes is only the beginning.

To Be Continued

The novel closes with the promise of more to come. Raven's origin, her family's secrets, and the fate of Ash and the world hang in the balance. The emotional and narrative arcs are left open, inviting the reader to continue the journey in the next installment. The land of ashes is a place of endings and beginnings, where the past is never truly gone and the future is unwritten.

Characters

Ash Hemlock Rowan

Ash is a tree fairy whose life has been shattered by the loss of his lovers, Kek and Lucas. Once the emotional anchor of his found family, Ash is now adrift, consumed by grief, rage, and addiction. His journey is one of self-destruction and reluctant redemption, as he seeks vengeance against those who wronged him. Ash's protective instincts are both his strength and his weakness, drawing him into dangerous bargains and unwanted attachments. His relationship with Scarlet/Raven is complex, marked by mutual need, distrust, and a growing, undeniable bond. Ash's arc is one of painful transformation, as he is forced to confront his own darkness and the possibility of healing.

Scarlet / Raven Haley Scarlet Dragen

Scarlet, later revealed as Raven, is a young fae woman on the run from her past and her own dangerous abilities. She is resourceful, stubborn, and fiercely independent, but also deeply traumatized by guilt and betrayal. Her true identity as a princess and a natural Obscurer—a being of immense, forbidden power—shapes her every action. Raven's struggle is one of self-acceptance and control, as she battles the monster within and the enemies without. Her relationship with Ash is fraught with tension, desire, and unspoken truths, each seeing in the other a reflection of their own pain. Raven's arc is one of revelation and empowerment, as she steps into her true self.

Kek

Kek is Ash's former lover, a demon whose death haunts him throughout the novel. She represents both the possibility of love and the inevitability of loss. Kek's memory is a driving force for Ash, shaping his quest for vengeance and his inability to move on. Her presence lingers in Ash's thoughts and dreams, a symbol of what was lost and what might be regained.

Lucas

Lucas, Ash's other lover, is murdered by his own brother, a trauma that defines Ash's journey. Lucas is remembered for his kindness, optimism, and belief in the best in people. His death is a wound that never heals, fueling Ash's rage and sense of failure. Lucas's memory is both a comfort and a curse, a reminder of what Ash has lost and what he still seeks.

Dzsinn

Dzsinn is a shadowy figure who offers Ash the information he seeks in exchange for a future favor. He embodies the dangers of bargains and the unpredictability of fate. Dzsinn's presence is a catalyst for the events that follow, setting Ash on a path of violence and loss. His motives are inscrutable, and his power is both alluring and terrifying.

Vasile and Anca

Vasile and Anca provide Ash and Scarlet with shelter, food, and compassion in a world marked by brutality. Their kindness is a rare gift, offering a glimpse of normalcy and hope. Vasile's own history with the spirit Talyssa mirrors the themes of betrayal and forgiveness that run through the novel. Their brief presence leaves a lasting impact on Ash and Scarlet, reminding them of what is worth fighting for.

Eve

Eve is Scarlet's former friend and bodyguard, revealed to be working with the Russian mafia. Her betrayal is a devastating blow, shattering Scarlet's trust and sense of safety. Eve's motivations are complex, shaped by her own history of trauma and survival. She is both victim and villain, a reminder that trust is a dangerous commodity.

Nikolay the Bloody

Nikolay is a half-Vampir, notorious for his cruelty and power. He is the primary antagonist, orchestrating the pursuit of Scarlet/Raven and Ash. Nikolay's motives are personal and political, driven by a desire for revenge and dominance. His presence is a constant threat, forcing the protagonists to confront their own limits and fears.

Talyssa (the Vâlve)

Talyssa is a powerful spirit who controls the metals of the earth. Her own story of betrayal and loss echoes the novel's central themes. She is both a threat and a savior, capable of freeing Scarlet from her magical restraint. Talyssa's actions are guided by emotion and memory, her power both a gift and a curse.

Dubthach

Dubthach is a healer and spiritual guide in the mountain commune. His presence is marked by suspicion and curiosity, particularly toward Raven. As a Druid, he represents a different kind of power and knowledge, one that is both respected and feared. His interactions with Raven hint at deeper connections and future revelations.

Plot Devices

Trauma as Catalyst and Obstacle

The narrative is propelled by the characters' unresolved trauma—Ash's loss of his lovers, Raven's guilt over her crime, and the betrayals that haunt them both. Trauma is both a motivator and a barrier, shaping their actions and relationships. The story explores how pain can lead to self-destruction, but also to unexpected connections and growth.

Reluctant Partnership and Forced Proximity

Ash and Raven are repeatedly forced together by circumstance, their initial antagonism giving way to reluctant trust and eventual intimacy. Their partnership is forged in crisis, each saving the other in turn. The forced proximity of their journey—on trains, in brothels, in hiding—intensifies their emotional and physical connection, blurring the lines between need and desire.

Hidden Identities and Revelations

Both protagonists conceal their true selves—Ash behind addiction and rage, Raven behind lies and magical restraint. The gradual revelation of their identities is a central plot device, each confession deepening their bond and raising the stakes. The final revelation of Raven's royal lineage and forbidden power recontextualizes the entire narrative, setting the stage for future conflict.

Supernatural Politics and War

The backdrop of political upheaval, war, and supernatural intrigue elevates the personal stakes. The struggle for power—between fae, humans, and hybrids—mirrors the protagonists' internal battles. The looming threat of war, the rise of a new queen, and the machinations of the Russian mafia create a sense of urgency and inevitability.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The recurring imagery of ashes, fire, and destruction symbolizes both loss and the possibility of renewal. The burning of the pub, the destruction of the information packet, and the unleashing of Raven's power all serve as turning points, marking the end of one phase and the beginning of another. The motif of ashes underscores the theme that from destruction can come new life.

Duality and Transformation

The novel plays with dualities—Ash as both protector and destroyer, Raven as both victim and monster. Their transformations, both literal and metaphorical, are central to the narrative. The suppression and unleashing of Raven's power, Ash's journey from numbness to feeling, and their evolving relationship all hinge on the tension between who they were and who they are becoming.

Analysis

Land of Ashes is a dark, emotionally charged fantasy that explores the aftermath of trauma, the complexity of identity, and the possibility of redemption in a world on the brink of collapse. Through the intertwined journeys of Ash and Raven, the novel examines how grief and guilt can both destroy and transform, forcing individuals to confront the monsters within and without. The narrative is driven by secrets, betrayals, and the relentless pursuit of vengeance, but it is ultimately a story about the search for connection and meaning in a fractured world. The use of supernatural politics and war as a backdrop amplifies the personal stakes, making every choice a matter of life and death. The novel's structure—marked by shifting alliances, hidden identities, and explosive revelations—keeps the reader off balance, mirroring the protagonists' own uncertainty. At its core, Land of Ashes is a meditation on the cost of survival and the courage it takes to face the truth, both about the world and oneself. The ending, with its promise of more to come, leaves the reader suspended between hope and dread, eager to see what rises from the ashes.

Last updated: September 24, 2025