Ash

We finally see things from Ash's pov and it doesn't disappoint. There are so many moving pieces in these interconnected series that it's mind boggling that someone was able to come up with all of it, let alone keep track. ( )

Pure fantasy at its finest. I would say this is less urban fantasy though than the Rylee Adamson series. Even though it's set in the same world, the Elementals keep to themselves making this a lot more removed from the "normal" world. I think for some readers it will be hard to move between the series - for me personally, I'm a massive "classic" fantasy fan before all else so reading this was like coming home and gave me the same warm fuzzy feelings.

The series isn't really anything new in the genre, the same old fantasy tropes (The Chosen One, quest through different lands, evil foe who has spread through the land and must be defeated, etc) appear throughout - but Mayer hits all the right notes with her portrayal.

Wow. Just wow. I don't even know what the hell just happened. Ash is Ash's point of view of the events between Lark getting banished at the end of Windburn right up til Lark confronts Raven near the end of Rootbound (chapter 19 or so). And it's one hell of a story.

I loved getting to see more of Ash. I loved the relationship between him and Peta. I adored Norm (the big Yeti with head trauma). On the other hand I was completely blind-sighted by revelation after revelation after revelation. I have no idea wtf is going on. Too many plot lines all tangled up. Heroes, villains - motives, reasons - mind. blown. I can't wait to get started on Destroyer. I'm dying to know what happens next. ( )

“For that, the heart beats on, gaining in strength as it gained in purpose.” Strong words that show Ash's commitment to Lark. It was so good to read Ash's story and hear his emotions in his own words. His feelings for Lark will carry him far, and give him what he needs to make it through.

His journey starts with the loss of the woman he loves, an attempted coup, and leads to a visit to somewhere never experienced before. Even thinking you know how this ends, you won't see how.

Powerful story in Ash's voice, letting us know some of what occurred after the banishment and pulls together clues received in Lark's story. Not a stand alone, you need to be reading the series to understand how important Ash's story is. If you haven't started the Elemental series, do it now!

Shannon Mayer is a talented author who never disappoints. The characters are strong (and like to kick butt!), the action flows, and the suspense keeps building. If you enjoy fantasy, this is a no miss series! ( )

I was definitely left wondering what all happened to Ash between WINDBURN and ROOTBOUND, so ASH was a welcomed addition to my review schedule. Fans of the Elemental Series might be tempted to read ASH before ROOTBOUND, but you should read the series in order of book #, so make sure to read ASH after ROOTBOUND. I know it's a bit confusing, but there are things that happen in ASH that need the explanations you get from book five.

ASH answered a lot of questions for me, but also added some new ones to the list. She also throws some major curve balls when it comes to Cassava—like you will totally question everything you have thought about her curve balls. I also want to say that I loved the new character addition of Norm in ASH. I see big things coming from him in future books. Rylee would totally love him if she ever met him!

I am glad I got a view of events from Ash's POV and I look forward to seeing him and Lark together again. I'm ready for SPIRIT SOWN.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )