From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch
Series: Force of Nature #1
Published by Indie
Published on: April 5, 2016
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Pages: 275
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Amazon | GoodReads
Piper Jones can't catch a break.
After a lifetime of animosity and indifference from the supernatural community, she thought she'd finally found a home with the vampire king’s enforcers. Then the dark and mysterious Merc walks into her life, and it takes a disastrous turn for the worse.
Now under attack by enemies both known and unknown, Piper has little choice but to flee her refuge—and start over in a place few vampires ever go. Rural Alaska seemed to fit the bill, except for Knox and his crew of werewolves. The pack shares a connection with Piper that few of them can explain, and none of them can escape. With time running out for answers, Piper must fight the demons of her past to ensure her future—or die trying.
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A few years ago I discovered a book titled, Caged, by this author. I fell in love with the characters and the story and read them all until the series was finished last year. I have read this book twice now-once a few months ago, and again yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. And that’s because for a first novel in a series, Amber has exceeded my expectations and has written a book that is just as good as Caged, if not better. That’s something I never thought I would say!
Piper Jones has made her home with the vampire enforcers of New York City. Taken in a couple of years before by the King of the vampires, she had never really had a home until now. When vampire enforcer Merc comes home after a long absence, Piper is inexplicably drawn to him, as he is to her. But Piper has very dangerous enemies and ends up leaving to hide out in Alaska-in the middle of nowhere. It’s not long before she realizes that she didn’t leave the supernatural world in New York, instead she has moved in close to a werewolf pack-one that wants to befriend her. And just so we’re clear, I am not going to mention what supernatural creature(?) that Piper is-or isn’t. That’s just part of the mystery in this story.
The characters in this book were pretty incredible-at least I thought so. Piper has to be one of the strongest characters as far as inner strength that I have read in quite some time. She has been through a lot and continues to persevere even as more is thrown at her. Merc was perfect as a handsome, enigmatic vampire with a tortured past. Knox, the pack leader in Alaska, was my personal favorite of the group. He’s down to earth and caring and seems to be a very sweet man. And he loves his pack and treats them well. It doesn’t hurt that he’s mega good looking! Rounding out the group are Kat, Piper’s best friend and a werewolf from New York City, as well as Dean and Jase, vampire enforcer brothers also from NYC, that have anointed themselves as Piper’s protectors and honorary big brothers. I also should mention a character named Grizz-he doesn’t have a big part, but I absolutely loved him, and look forward to seeing him in future books. He was definitely the comic relief. I will leave it to the reader to discover why.
This story was filled with suspense and life and death moments. Whether it was happening in NYC or Alaska, the action never lagged, nor did the development of the characters or story line. It’s also a romance and probably the most sexual of any books by this author. And yes, I am being intentionally vague about the story line due to spoilers. One more thing, From the Ashes was a pretty perfect title of this book based on the story, and I thought the cover was pretty great as well.
In the end, I came away from the book, both times I read it, wanting more. I would like the second book as early as yesterday! Amber has proven once again to me why I enjoy her work-not that I ever doubted her! I adored this story and highly recommend it to both paranormal romance fans as well as urban fantasy readers-as long as they are adults. Adult, due to sexual situations and violence. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
This sounds like a great story. It has been a really long time since I read a vampire book. Everything seems to be shifter lately. I’ll have to check this out. Thanks for sharing.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Howl My Name by Celia Kyle (@mlsimmons, @celiakyle)
It was a great read. And there are shifters in the book as well 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
What a gorgeous cover and if you rated this five stars then I just know it is one I need to read as well!
I love the cover! Yes, it was a 5 star read for me, couldn’t put it down-even the second time I read it. I hope you try it 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
Sounds like a good one, not heard of this author but going to put this on my wishlist. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Review of Northwoods
Oh, I hope you do Stormi, I think you might really enjoy it 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
I’m going to guess werewolf? But that’s a bit odd, isn’t it? Werewolves and vampires typically are mortal enemies. In which case, then you’ve sold me. 🙂
I am not telling! No spoilers 🙂 But you are definitely allowed to guess, lol
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
Cover is great and glad to hear that the characters were well done and good to read about
I thought the cover was great also. The characters were wonderfully written, as well 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
Where are those hands?
Now that I couldn’t tell you
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
On his belt loops 🙂
Well hello there From the Ashes…I needs you!!!!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…As Good As New by Jennifer Dawson
I hope you try it and love it (:
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
You find the most interesting series. I definitely want to try this one.
It helped that I have read everything Amber has written! I hope you try it. Comes out next Tuesday!
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
Oh my! This sounds absolutely wonderful, Lorna! I love that Piper has such inner strength as well as being strong and brave. (I also love her name!) You have me very curious about Merc and Knox – and all that’s going down… who the baddies are that are after Piper. It seems like it’s very action packed and yet still a romance. And you read it twice?!? I have Natusch on my shelf already because of your review of Caged. I’m going to have to get those read so I can get to From The Ashes. Excellent review!! 🙂
Yes, I read it twice. Amber wanted some feedback several months ago. She added some to it and I read the updated one last week. On purpose I didn’t mention who the baddies are 🙂 I like the name Piper as well. I think you would like this 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
This sounds right up my alley! Werewolves are always a weakness of mine.
I really like them as well Leona 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try it!
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch (@Mollykatie112, @AmberLNatusch)
This wasn’t even on my radar, but I do love a good PNR/Urban Fantasy. I haven’t heard of the author before, but I am adding her to my list now. Great Review!