With Blood and Ash by Michelle River

With Blood and Ash Reviews

• 
  Neen Cohen

  Holy hell ... this book has blown me away. I’ve had to take a few days to write this up as I’m still a little book hungover from the amazing worlds and oh my, I was hooked at elemental magic.
  Here’s a brief run down of my first impression of each of the 7 stories. I’ve tried desperately not to spoil it because honestly, if you like dark fantasy ... you have got to read this.
  - The spring in the desert by Wynne F. winters - such a brilliant fast paced story. A snap shot in a post apocalyptic world of magic and destruction. I was hooked by the characters and was desperate to know more about them.
  - Master and apprentice by David green - Ripped out my beating heart and took a bite. Such a powerful look into heartbreak in familial relationships. Shows how that fine line between love and hate cuts far deeper then a known enemy.
  - The monster of Carroch by Rose Strickman - reminiscent of a retelling of an old story we’ve heard as children of the big bad stealing us from our beds. But such a beautifully written version with its own twists and lores.
  - Fire and wisdom by Joel R. Hunt - Shut up and take my money. Such a powerful world and even more powerful story. His descriptions are phenomenal and his characters tangible, even the ones with the briefest of page time.
  - The child of fire by Michael d Nadeau - I love this world and the mythos of the children and the elements. I felt a little rushed in the conclusion, and almost as though the battle could have been harder (I’m a bit of a bully with characters) but I’m really hoping there is more to read from this author set in this incredible world.
  - What we were made by Crystal Lynn Hilbert - though the begin was a little disorienting being dropped in amidst thoughts with little context my first impressions were of a twisted hansel and Gretel with a taste of words reminiscent of Brian Lumley; spine chillingly beautiful.
  - The hounds of everspire by T.M Brown - oomph, and what a way to end an incredible collection. I want more of this world that feels almost like a commentary of power in institutions - one of my own personal kryptonites.
  
• 
  Liliyana Shadowlyn

  I loved these stories. Magic isn't always the blessing you think it is. These aren't short stories - so don't expect to fly through this volume. Each story has deep world building and complex characters. I was pleasantly surprised that each story was as captivating as the last. I look forward to reading more by these authors and can't wait to dive into collection two. 
• 
  K.B.

  I was provided with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
  
  This was a spectacular read: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up. Seven fantasy writers, one high-quality publisher, and an anthology of elemental magic and fantasy worlds that drew me in like no other anthology has before it.
  
  Each tale was masterfully written, wrapped up as standalones yet with a hint of a greater world beyond their pages. Touching on deeper themes of power, control, poverty, corruption and intent, the authors skilfully wove real-life issues among these fictional settings, and the broad range of ideas that sprung from the prompt of elemental magic is astounding.
  
  With regret, there was one story I did not enjoy at all: compared to its companions, it was clunky and awkward, and while the imagination was there, the skill was not necessarily so. I unfortunately could not finish it, and skipped to the next.
  
  But the remainder absolutely blew me away: these authors have outstanding talent and for an indie-published book, With Blood and Ash oozes impossible quality. It certainly gives me an inferiority complex!
  
  Highly recommended read - there's likely to be a favourite story for every fantasy lover behind that beautiful cover. From humorous to mystical, disturbing to clever, this book is truly full of excellent writing.
• 
  Melody

  This dark fantasy anthology features novellette length stories about "deadly magic". Each of the seven stories in this volume are engrossing and emotional. The magic systems featured are diverse, yet all are primal and powerful with components of elemental magic and the fae.
  
  The stories are longer than the short stories I have been reading lately and each one requires pause and reflection once done. They feel more like "mini-novels" than "short fiction" because the emotional depths and the characters featured are strong and complex. It took me a bit of time to get through this volume, but not because the quality was lacking, rather the opposite.
  My personal favourites are (descriptions are from the amazon page):
  
  Wynne F. Winters - "The Spring in the Desert": There is a world of drought and destruction, where magic is currency and water is life. What dark mysteries await you there?
  
  The first story takes place in the desert where water is the most important element. Here we meet Silas, a woman on the run forced to confront her past. Silas was what I enjoyed most with this story. I found I could connect with this character very easily and she was what drew me in.
  
  
  David Green - "Master and Apprentice": He was supposed to be her father-figure and teacher, but instead he broke the world. Now he wants her back, and is willing to pay any cost.
  
  This story was heartbreaking - and definitely one of the darkest in the volume. I love a good dose of darkness in my fiction, so this one was perfect for me. That said, it wasn't overly graphic or anything. Again, like the first story, we have another strong female lead character. I enjoyed reading about her coming to terms with her former teacher.
  
  
  Crystal Lynn Hilbert - "What We Were Made": For years a vengeful woman slumbered, and now she awaits the offspring of her enemies to return to the forest so she can enact her revenge.
  
  The tone of this story is more folklore than fantasy. A powerful entity must face the descendants of enemies that destroyed her home. While the story starts with revenge, it's really more about the power of found family and sisterhood.
• 
  Rachael Boucker

  Great collection of Dark Fantasy stories!
  
  The Spring in the Desert—Wynne F. Winters
  From the outset you can tell there's more to this bandit than meets the eye, and when Silas tries to rob the wrong person she ends up on a journey that will irrevocably change her world.
  My only complaint would be there wasn't more of it. This story has an epic feel that could easily be turned into a novel with a longer journey and greater exploration of this cutthroat world.
  
  Master and Apprentice—David Green
  Taker Bane is more powerful than any other mage and this power couple with a great loss, creates a recipe for mass destruction.
  While a greater world is hinted at through Sabea's fight with an Earth elemental and backstory, I was left wanting to see more of it. The magic is fantasticly written, having use of multiple elemental magics including spirit, gives a greater scope for creative usage. Overall this is a great story of loss, betrayal and the corruption of power.
  
  The Monster of Carrock—Rose Strickman
  A missing child and hushed stories of a monster in the hills. Callum is the master of the house and much of the surrounding land. When his illegitimate son is snatched, he must hunt down the creature that took him.
  The world and plot are fantastic, but Callum is the standout feature of this story. His abilities and restrictions give interesting dynamics to the elemental magic he calls upon.
  A creative and engaging read.
  
  Fire and Wisdom—Joel R. Hunt
  Wisdom Lorus and his fire elemental familiar learn answers to questions they never thought to ask about their bond and world. All while battling wild elementals and fae.
  I was instantly transported to my childhood with the introduction of Red. He reminded me of the fire demon from Howl's Moving Castle, only this story is much grittier than that.
  I loved the characters and how little details and twists really enhanced and enriched the story.
  
  The Child of Fire—Michael D. Nadeau
  Follows a girl who has been kept in the dark about her heritage and the Jinn that's hunting and killing her kind.
  This one wins the award for most visceral deaths, which gives an fantastic intro into the story. It's an interesting mix of modern and fantasy worlds that can be teleported between, though I found there was so much going on and so many elements and creatures introduced, the words "busy" and "just scratched the surface" came to mind.
  
  What We Were Made—Crystal Lynn Hilbert
  Told from the antagonist's point of view, this haunting tale is reminiscent of Maleficent, only much darker. As the story progresses, it leaves you questioning who the villan really is and the concept of good and evil itself.
  I absolutely loved this one. Though I enjoyed all the stories in the book, this one stuck with me the longest after I'd finished it.
  
  The Hounds of Everspire—T.M. Brown
  Raimund is a Sentinel, a protector. But an encounter with a deadly sorcerer leaves him questioning orders, and his latest quest will see him uncovering lies that have formed his core beliefs.
  Great story in a well thought out world, uncovering corruption through a character you can't help but root for.
• 
  Jennifer Hatfield

  
  I seem to be enjoying reading anthologies at this time. I find I can read the shorter stories right now, get into them, then move on to the next. I don’t have time to get lost in the middle, or have to reread something to be sure I DIDN'T get lost. My favorite part though is being able to see all the different takes on the same theme.
  
  I will admit that a large part of my decision to read this particular book was to read something that included one of my favorite up and coming authors. The cover art, however, if I were scrolling through books or walking in a book store, this cover would be an eye catcher for certain. I am looking forward to reading these tales.
  
  I am always thankful to receive an ARC and I want to specifically call out David Green with Eerie River for offering one to me, thank you very much.
  
  Now that I have completed the book, I have chosen three of my favorite stories to discuss.
  
  The Spring In The Desert: Wynne F. Winters : Wynne’s two characters, Aida and Silas were definitely likeable characters. I was in suspense throughout the story anticipating what was going to happen next. Well done. I loved the lines: “Silas stared at the water, caught between instinct and intellect. In the end one truth made her decision: without hydration she would die, sooner rather than later, and if she had to die then better to do so free of thirst.”
  
  Master and Apprentice: David Green: Bane, Sabea and Hexan are all such likeable characters at certain points throughout. I was immediately drawn into this story line. I have to share my favorite line from this story. “Death, came a whisper. It was not a memory this time, but words cold and emotionless, as if the universe itself spoke to her. Death is the only inevitability, the way it has to be.”
  
  Fire and Wisdom: Joel R. Hunt Lorus and Red are such strong characters in my opinion, described well, and definitely the perfect team. I enjoyed the depth of “showing” that this author was able to produce, at some points I felt as if I was right there. Great story. I chose a favorite quote from this story to share with you as well. “He twisted aside just as a thorn-covered claw raked the air where his head had been. The shock knocked him off balance, and he stumbled away from the next assault.”
  
  An interesting group of stories that, in my mind, were well written. I was very impressed with the lineup and would definitely recommend this book to friends and family. Absolutely receives all 5 of my stars.
  
• 
  O. Sander

  I loved this anthology. I loved the worldbuilding, the characters, the stories. There was not one story here that did not suck me into it's reality and keep me. I wanted more, every time. More adventures with these characters. More time to explore these worlds. More submerging myself so thoroughly into these plots that I ceased to be conscious of anything but the story I was reading and hours passed in a breath or a blink. While I found them all enjoyable, "What We Were Made" by Crystal Lynn Hilbert really stood out from the rest for me, my hands-down favorite. The prose was almost lyrical and the imagery both macabre and magical.
• 
  Michelle River

  A wonderful collection of dark fantasy.
  I loved how each and every story took on the main theme of magic in such a unique and fantastic way. Every story created a wonderfully dark and terrible fantasy world that kept me engaged throughout. Each story was completely different than the last and I love the variety of fantasy worlds created. Great job by all of these authors. I will be watching out for all of them.
• 
  Billie

  This is a brilliant read.
  Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
  Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
  Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
  Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
  Recommend reading.
  
  I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
  
• 
  Elizabeth Nettleton

  Another brilliant collection by Eerie River. There are seven stories in this anthology, and the longer word counts allowed for fabulous world-building and character depth. The stories are all so imaginative and diverse, with no two alike. If you're interested in dark fantasy, I highly recommend this collection. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
• 
  Michelle B

  The second part of an anthology collection, this doesn't disappoint. Each story contains a unique kernel from the fantasy realm and will keep you turning the pages!