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Ashes & Dust #3
Out of the Ashes
Don’t miss the conclusion to this riveting and romantic spin-off series from Jenn Burke, author of Not Dead Yet.
Some bonds weren’t meant to be broken.
Vampire PI Evan Fournier has dealt with his fair share of danger and heartache, but nothing prepares him for the pain of a broken bond with his mate—especially when his mate is the one who severed it. Bond or no, he still loves Colin—fiercely. Trust, however, is harder to come by. And when a demon starts terrorizing paranormals in Toronto, trust in one another is exactly what they’ll need.
Former firefighter turned crime-fighting phoenix Colin Zhang knows who Evan was—is—to him, but he doesn’t know if he can give him what he wants. He just needs a little time to figure things out. Unfortunately, bringing down a demon bent on mass murder leaves little time for anything else.
The only way they’ll destroy the demon is by teaming up with an unlikely partner to infiltrate a gang of terrorists. But the only way they’ll save themselves is by finding a path back into each other’s arms—and hearts—once again.
Some bonds weren’t meant to be broken.
Vampire PI Evan Fournier has dealt with his fair share of danger and heartache, but nothing prepares him for the pain of a broken bond with his mate—especially when his mate is the one who severed it. Bond or no, he still loves Colin—fiercely. Trust, however, is harder to come by. And when a demon starts terrorizing paranormals in Toronto, trust in one another is exactly what they’ll need.
Former firefighter turned crime-fighting phoenix Colin Zhang knows who Evan was—is—to him, but he doesn’t know if he can give him what he wants. He just needs a little time to figure things out. Unfortunately, bringing down a demon bent on mass murder leaves little time for anything else.
The only way they’ll destroy the demon is by teaming up with an unlikely partner to infiltrate a gang of terrorists. But the only way they’ll save themselves is by finding a path back into each other’s arms—and hearts—once again.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2022
About the author
Jenn Burke
26 books507 followersJenn Burke has loved out-of-this-world romance since she was a preteen reading about heroes and heroines kicking butt and falling in love. Now that she’s an author, she couldn’t be happier to bring adventure, romance, and sexy times to her readers.
Jenn is the author of a number of paranormal and science fiction romance titles, including the critically acclaimed Chaos Station science fiction romance series (authored with Kelly Jensen) and her newest series, Ashes & Dust, a spin-off of her fan-favorite Not Dead Yet series.
She’s been called a pocket-sized and puntastic Canadian on social media, and she’ll happily own that label. Jenn lives just outside of Ottawa, Ontario, with her husband and two kids, plus two dogs named after video game characters…because her geekiness knows no bounds.
Jenn is represented by Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency.
Jenn is the author of a number of paranormal and science fiction romance titles, including the critically acclaimed Chaos Station science fiction romance series (authored with Kelly Jensen) and her newest series, Ashes & Dust, a spin-off of her fan-favorite Not Dead Yet series.
She’s been called a pocket-sized and puntastic Canadian on social media, and she’ll happily own that label. Jenn lives just outside of Ottawa, Ontario, with her husband and two kids, plus two dogs named after video game characters…because her geekiness knows no bounds.
Jenn is represented by Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 21, 2022
I really like Jenn Burke and her books in this universe, but Out of the Ashes wasn't her strongest in the series.
First of all, you CANNOT read these books as stand-alones, so don't even try. In fact, you should really read the entire Not Dead Yet (Not Dead Yet) series before even the Ashes and Dust books, IMO.
I'm a big Evan stan, and I think having only his POV in the story makes me feel even more so. I'm protective of him and his feelings, especially since I think he does most of the emotional heavy lifting in his relationship with Colin and just tries so damn hard. Colin... isn't great in this story. I felt like he was very wishy-washy and almost dismissive of Evan, and then when Colin decides he is ready for more, Evan just has to hop to it. I wanted more emotions from Colin and I didn't feel like I really got it.
The story has a nice pace and a decent amount of action, plus highlights from past characters in the story, but I even found the "bad guy" to be underwhelming. I wanted more purpose from his storyline.
I'm very hopeful for more books from Colin's son's POV (an offshoot of an offshoot?) because Jenn Burke definitely left that possibility open. I'm also not ready to let this series go, to be honest. However, I've greatly enjoyed these books and this world and I'm simply grateful for Jenn Burke for writing them.
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First of all, you CANNOT read these books as stand-alones, so don't even try. In fact, you should really read the entire Not Dead Yet (Not Dead Yet) series before even the Ashes and Dust books, IMO.
I'm a big Evan stan, and I think having only his POV in the story makes me feel even more so. I'm protective of him and his feelings, especially since I think he does most of the emotional heavy lifting in his relationship with Colin and just tries so damn hard. Colin... isn't great in this story. I felt like he was very wishy-washy and almost dismissive of Evan, and then when Colin decides he is ready for more, Evan just has to hop to it. I wanted more emotions from Colin and I didn't feel like I really got it.
The story has a nice pace and a decent amount of action, plus highlights from past characters in the story, but I even found the "bad guy" to be underwhelming. I wanted more purpose from his storyline.
I'm very hopeful for more books from Colin's son's POV (an offshoot of an offshoot?) because Jenn Burke definitely left that possibility open. I'm also not ready to let this series go, to be honest. However, I've greatly enjoyed these books and this world and I'm simply grateful for Jenn Burke for writing them.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
May 22, 2022
***4+ Stars***
Me, myself and I are very happy with the outcome, but damnnnn do I hate these bittersweet moments when a favorite series is over. What can I say? I'm clingy. 🤷♀️
The end.
Me, myself and I are very happy with the outcome, but damnnnn do I hate these bittersweet moments when a favorite series is over. What can I say? I'm clingy. 🤷♀️
The end.
June 12, 2022
This final installment in the Ashes & Dust series was such a satisfying read. Sure the suspense elements wasn't as exciting as I've come to expect from this author but seeing Evan finally getting his hard earn HEA was worth all of it.
To fully enjoy this you should start with the Not Dead Yet series and go from there.
To fully enjoy this you should start with the Not Dead Yet series and go from there.
April 27, 2022
3.5 stars
[ I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Out of the Ashes is the last book in the Ashes & Dust series by author Jenn Burke. You need to have read the first two books to following along in this one. In this concluding book , Evan is dealing with the aftermath of Colin' breaking their bond and is still on the hunt to find out whose targeting paranormal in the area and stop them.
How many times could a heart break and still continue beating? Surely there had to be a limit. Even though I was a vampire, I wasn't dead, and that achy organ still thumped behind my ribs, its rhythm not quite normal but still regular.
If you've seen my review for the prior books, you'll know that I am ridiculously overprotective of Evan. I did not love when the bond breaks, Colin doesn't remember any of his feelings attached to Evan and reverts to not thinking before he speaks and constantly bruising Evan's heart with his words. Obviously he eventually remembers everything and apologizes, but I still don't like him. In three books, I have grown no attachment to him and honestly think Evan deserves so much better.
I drank down every kiss, every caress, and let it patch together the little bits of my heart that had snapped away when he'd broken the bond.
Evan and all the other side characters in this book universe that by this point feel like family were a pleasure as always. Among them there's a wide range of wonderful queer rep including bi, lesbian, and pan. Also, the fantastic depression rep continues in this one, with Evan acknowledging when he's spiraling or on the verge of a depressive episode. He continues to take care of his mental health by seeing his therapist and taking his meds.
I'm curious on if the author is going to write another "spin off" series in this universe. Maybe following the shifter Maverick and the new Order office he opens in the area. I really liked his character and would love to see him get his own happy ending.
[ I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Out of the Ashes is the last book in the Ashes & Dust series by author Jenn Burke. You need to have read the first two books to following along in this one. In this concluding book , Evan is dealing with the aftermath of Colin' breaking their bond and is still on the hunt to find out whose targeting paranormal in the area and stop them.
How many times could a heart break and still continue beating? Surely there had to be a limit. Even though I was a vampire, I wasn't dead, and that achy organ still thumped behind my ribs, its rhythm not quite normal but still regular.
If you've seen my review for the prior books, you'll know that I am ridiculously overprotective of Evan. I did not love when the bond breaks, Colin doesn't remember any of his feelings attached to Evan and reverts to not thinking before he speaks and constantly bruising Evan's heart with his words. Obviously he eventually remembers everything and apologizes, but I still don't like him. In three books, I have grown no attachment to him and honestly think Evan deserves so much better.
I drank down every kiss, every caress, and let it patch together the little bits of my heart that had snapped away when he'd broken the bond.
Evan and all the other side characters in this book universe that by this point feel like family were a pleasure as always. Among them there's a wide range of wonderful queer rep including bi, lesbian, and pan. Also, the fantastic depression rep continues in this one, with Evan acknowledging when he's spiraling or on the verge of a depressive episode. He continues to take care of his mental health by seeing his therapist and taking his meds.
I'm curious on if the author is going to write another "spin off" series in this universe. Maybe following the shifter Maverick and the new Order office he opens in the area. I really liked his character and would love to see him get his own happy ending.
May 15, 2022
Some bonds weren’t meant to be broken.
Vampire PI Evan Fournier has dealt with his fair share of danger and heartache, but nothing prepares him for the pain of a broken bond with his mate—especially when his mate is the one who severed it. Bond or no, he still loves Colin—fiercely. Trust, however, is harder to come by. And when a demon starts terrorizing paranormals in Toronto, trust in one another is exactly what they’ll need.
Former firefighter turned crime-fighting phoenix Colin Zhang knows who Evan was—is—to him, but he doesn’t know if he can give him what he wants. He just needs a little time to figure things out. Unfortunately, bringing down a demon bent on mass murder leaves little time for anything else.
The only way they’ll destroy the demon is by teaming up with an unlikely partner to infiltrate a gang of terrorists. But the only way they’ll save themselves is by finding a path back into each other’s arms—and hearts—once again.
SPOILERS SPOILERS
Review:
I wanted to second the recommendation to read the "Not Dead yet" trilogy before starting these books and certainly suggest not to start this trilogy from this book. You will be confused - both in terms of character development and plot which was complicated enough.
I reviewed the previous book in this trilogy with Kaetrin at DA and I just had to know the ending even though I had some issues with the second book. In fact since blurb talks about broken bond between Evan and Colin, the bond that Colin broke I think I should talk about first because that was one of my main issues with the book 2.
I am going to reiterate again - I am not the kind of reader who cares much for the " mate bond as a short cut for love" trope. I much prefer when bond develops after the protagonists fell in love, or along with it, or when writer comes up with something interesting and creative to do with the bond. Not just - oh we feel the bond, we are going to be in love forever and ever kind of thing. I would have had no issues with Colin wanting to break/breaking a bond which was behaving strangely and formed under weird circumstances. I got his motivations and seeing him and Evan getting to know each other slowly would have been nice. However, the timing in book two when he actually did it was very much off for me - it felt like a sequel bait.
I was definitely willing to see however where their relationship would go in the book three and I will be honest with you- based on how it went I still mostly have no idea why Colin decided that breaking the bond made sense in the first place. I understood the part that the bond freely formed apparently behaves better, so that kinda makes sense, the only problem is I have not really seen it on page *how differently it behaves*, but whatever. We are told that magic wanted it flies freely or something like that and if I remember correctly that was it.
But the part of getting to know each other, I am sorry when did that happen? Again, I have to make allowances in case I missed something. I was not skimming the book but I was reading it pretty fast. I felt like days passed between the breaking of the bond and when they bonded again. Even if months passed, I certainly was not shown much of them doing getting to know each other, so I know why it felt like very little time passed. And no, in my book talking for hours at one picnic does not count as *getting to know each other* - after the bond was back in place anyway.
Having said all of that, I liked their chemistry, it is just their romantic story line did not feel organic to me.
To circle back to getting to know each other , I understand perfectly that these books also have suspense storylines front and center. I understood that both Evan and Colin were very busy all the time or almost all the time and often their life was in danger. I get it, but it still felt off somehow. It felt like author wanted to create angst out of nowhere, but the characters did not have much time for proper development of their relationship and the story became what it became.
Let's talk about suspense/ mystery storyline. It was certainly a choice to reveal the main culprit so early in the book, but for me it was a disappointing one. Having said that, the suspense storyline ( because thats what book became for me ) was mostly enjoyable, except I had to roll my eyes about Evan and Colin being in the life or death situation and Evan not wanting to call Wes because then everybody would die - everybody who was trying to actually kill them mind you. It is not that I did not understand the idea that Evan did not want everybody to die in theory. It is that I did not buy for a second that Evan would not call Wes being you know, so close to death. And yes, they find a way out, but I thought this way to take Wes out of the fight to be clumsy.
But overall suspense story was fine if we don't take this part into account.
2 stars.
Vampire PI Evan Fournier has dealt with his fair share of danger and heartache, but nothing prepares him for the pain of a broken bond with his mate—especially when his mate is the one who severed it. Bond or no, he still loves Colin—fiercely. Trust, however, is harder to come by. And when a demon starts terrorizing paranormals in Toronto, trust in one another is exactly what they’ll need.
Former firefighter turned crime-fighting phoenix Colin Zhang knows who Evan was—is—to him, but he doesn’t know if he can give him what he wants. He just needs a little time to figure things out. Unfortunately, bringing down a demon bent on mass murder leaves little time for anything else.
The only way they’ll destroy the demon is by teaming up with an unlikely partner to infiltrate a gang of terrorists. But the only way they’ll save themselves is by finding a path back into each other’s arms—and hearts—once again.
SPOILERS SPOILERS
Review:
I wanted to second the recommendation to read the "Not Dead yet" trilogy before starting these books and certainly suggest not to start this trilogy from this book. You will be confused - both in terms of character development and plot which was complicated enough.
I reviewed the previous book in this trilogy with Kaetrin at DA and I just had to know the ending even though I had some issues with the second book. In fact since blurb talks about broken bond between Evan and Colin, the bond that Colin broke I think I should talk about first because that was one of my main issues with the book 2.
I am going to reiterate again - I am not the kind of reader who cares much for the " mate bond as a short cut for love" trope. I much prefer when bond develops after the protagonists fell in love, or along with it, or when writer comes up with something interesting and creative to do with the bond. Not just - oh we feel the bond, we are going to be in love forever and ever kind of thing. I would have had no issues with Colin wanting to break/breaking a bond which was behaving strangely and formed under weird circumstances. I got his motivations and seeing him and Evan getting to know each other slowly would have been nice. However, the timing in book two when he actually did it was very much off for me - it felt like a sequel bait.
I was definitely willing to see however where their relationship would go in the book three and I will be honest with you- based on how it went I still mostly have no idea why Colin decided that breaking the bond made sense in the first place. I understood the part that the bond freely formed apparently behaves better, so that kinda makes sense, the only problem is I have not really seen it on page *how differently it behaves*, but whatever. We are told that magic wanted it flies freely or something like that and if I remember correctly that was it.
But the part of getting to know each other, I am sorry when did that happen? Again, I have to make allowances in case I missed something. I was not skimming the book but I was reading it pretty fast. I felt like days passed between the breaking of the bond and when they bonded again. Even if months passed, I certainly was not shown much of them doing getting to know each other, so I know why it felt like very little time passed. And no, in my book talking for hours at one picnic does not count as *getting to know each other* - after the bond was back in place anyway.
Having said all of that, I liked their chemistry, it is just their romantic story line did not feel organic to me.
To circle back to getting to know each other , I understand perfectly that these books also have suspense storylines front and center. I understood that both Evan and Colin were very busy all the time or almost all the time and often their life was in danger. I get it, but it still felt off somehow. It felt like author wanted to create angst out of nowhere, but the characters did not have much time for proper development of their relationship and the story became what it became.
Let's talk about suspense/ mystery storyline. It was certainly a choice to reveal the main culprit so early in the book, but for me it was a disappointing one. Having said that, the suspense storyline ( because thats what book became for me ) was mostly enjoyable, except I had to roll my eyes about Evan and Colin being in the life or death situation and Evan not wanting to call Wes because then everybody would die - everybody who was trying to actually kill them mind you. It is not that I did not understand the idea that Evan did not want everybody to die in theory. It is that I did not buy for a second that Evan would not call Wes being you know, so close to death. And yes, they find a way out, but I thought this way to take Wes out of the fight to be clumsy.
But overall suspense story was fine if we don't take this part into account.
2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
I felt rather heartbroken for Evan Fournier when this book started - for those of you who didn't know, well, you MUST read the second book first, okay?! The whole trilogy is written from his perspective, so everything that he is feeling, thinking, the depression... it's all there for us readers to read. Of course, I KNOW that this is romance and Evan WILL get his HEA, darn it. Still, it's not an easy way to reach that.
In addition to the complicated relationship with Colin, the threats to paranormal creatures escalated. There's a bombing in shifter bar, Alleys, that frequently visited by Evan, Colin, and the gang. And it raises further questions when Elijah Michelakis, whom everyone thought was responsible, was found dead. Apparently, another big player is behind everything.
I'm quite happy with the re-appearance of Order of the Onyx Shield and the RCMP (kinda-sorta part of INTERPOL) agents to help our heroes. Don't get me wrong, I think Evan, Colin, with network like Hudson and Wes (as a god himself) is great. But for a crime that reaches far, they need a bigger organization. Private investigators alone cannot do much. So I think it works well with the situation, and it gives Evan and Colin a different path to work with (rather than keep being under the "supervision" of Hudson and Wes)
Overall, I think it's a lovely conclusion of the Ashes & Dust trilogy, even if I sort of the final confrontation to be bigger and more fireworks than what was written here
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
In addition to the complicated relationship with Colin, the threats to paranormal creatures escalated. There's a bombing in shifter bar, Alleys, that frequently visited by Evan, Colin, and the gang. And it raises further questions when Elijah Michelakis, whom everyone thought was responsible, was found dead. Apparently, another big player is behind everything.
I'm quite happy with the re-appearance of Order of the Onyx Shield and the RCMP (kinda-sorta part of INTERPOL) agents to help our heroes. Don't get me wrong, I think Evan, Colin, with network like Hudson and Wes (as a god himself) is great. But for a crime that reaches far, they need a bigger organization. Private investigators alone cannot do much. So I think it works well with the situation, and it gives Evan and Colin a different path to work with (rather than keep being under the "supervision" of Hudson and Wes)
Overall, I think it's a lovely conclusion of the Ashes & Dust trilogy, even if I sort of the final confrontation to be bigger and more fireworks than what was written here
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
August 10, 2022
OUT OF THE ASHES concludes Evan and Colin's story as well as a resolution to the mysterious danger attacking the paranormal community in Toronto. The whole gang is involved in this one -- Wes, Hudson, Kat, and Sam -- as well as some new additions from the Order of the Onyx Shield. After everything Evan has been through (in this series and the previous) I'm so happy to see him with his HEA and that he's finally feeling settled.
While I liked how things worked out for Evan and Colin I have to admit that I never really warmed up to Colin. Evan was so happy and in love with Isk in the NOT DEAD YET series and after that ended so roughly for Evan I just wanted him to find someone to care for and love him. But frankly Colin puts Evan through the ringer in this series and he hurts Evan again and again before he finally gets himself together.
Overall, this was a good read and I loved the found family elements. The villain came out of left field a bit and I was disappointed to see Wes made basically useless in the final fight, but I liked seeing Evan's growing confidence and Colin working out his relationship with his son.
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: references to Evan's depression and his worry about going into a depressive episode
While I liked how things worked out for Evan and Colin I have to admit that I never really warmed up to Colin. Evan was so happy and in love with Isk in the NOT DEAD YET series and after that ended so roughly for Evan I just wanted him to find someone to care for and love him. But frankly Colin puts Evan through the ringer in this series and he hurts Evan again and again before he finally gets himself together.
Overall, this was a good read and I loved the found family elements. The villain came out of left field a bit and I was disappointed to see Wes made basically useless in the final fight, but I liked seeing Evan's growing confidence and Colin working out his relationship with his son.
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: references to Evan's depression and his worry about going into a depressive episode
June 16, 2022
I've given this a B at AAR.
Out of the Ashes is the third and final book in Jenn Burke’s Ashes & Dust series of paranormal romances set in and around Toronto, featuring vampire investigator Evan Fournier, his lover Colin Zhang – a phoenix – and their extended family of werewolves, vampires, witches – and a god. The author does include information about the previous instalments for readers new to the series, but I’d advise reading the books in order so as to fully understand the character backstories and the emotional impact of past events.
Please note that there are spoilers in this review.
At the end of House on Fire , Colin made the decision to break the bond that had accidentally formed between himself and Evan (in All Fired Up ). It was risky, but he’s come through it okay – mostly; while he’s retained his memories and knows who Evan is, he has no emotional attachment to those memories, and Evan can tell that every time Colin looks at him, he sees a virtual stranger. Understanding why Colin did what he did makes it no less devastating, and Evan is trying desperately to cling to the hope given him by Colin’s confession of love and exhortation to fight for them in the letter he left before he underwent the spell. But weeks later, and with no indication that anything is changing, a heartbroken Evan is struggling to keep his depression at bay, wondering how long he’ll be able to keep alive the hope that Colin will come back to him.
At the same time as Evan is trying to come to terms with the fact that the man he loves may never again love him back, the Westerson-Rojas household is reeling from the murder of Hudson’s brother by a demon, and the disappearance of Hudson’s niece Priya, who fears she will be accused of the crime. And they’re still no nearer to discovering who is responsible for the spate of attacks on members of the paranormal community over the past few months.
Out of the Ashes opens a few weeks after House on Fire ends, and finds Evan and Colin on a maybe-date, joining their friends for the evening at Alleys, their favourite hang-out. The night has barely begun when the place is rocked by an explosion that kills several of the bar’s paranormal patrons and injures many more – including Colin, who discovered the hard way that using his phoenix powers to control fire isn’t as easy now he’s unbonded.
Amid the chaos, Evan is sure he recognises someone from a recent investigation, a shifter who works as bodyguard to Elijah Michelakis, the man believed to be behind the recent campaign to expose and discredit paranormals in the community. It seems as though the anti-paranormal campaign has been stepped up, but when Michelakis is found dead – apparently by his own hand – it’s clear to Evan and the gang that there’s something – or someone – else pulling the strings.
In my review of the previous book, I said that it posed more questions than it afforded answers and that it moved swiftly without offering more than a cursory exploration of events. As well as the main plotline about the threat to Toronto’s paranormal community, there was a subplot about Hudson’s brother and one about Colin’s former fiancée and his son, and there was so much going on that the romance between Evan and Colin just wasn’t gelling. Even so, the breaking of their bond at the end was a real gut-punch, so I was looking forward to seeing them fall in love ‘properly’ in this book, but while the author does a good job of tying up all the loose ends, I still found the romance a bit lacking, and can’t help wishing Colin’s PoV had been included. Without it, he feels distanced and little more than two-dimensional.
Evan, on the other hand, is superbly characterised, likeable and sympathetic. As has been the case throughout this and the previous series ( Not Dead Yet ) his “asshole brain” – aka, depression – is written realistically and sensitively, and I’ve really enjoyed watching his growing confidence as he comes into his own, still very much part of the family Wes and Hudson have built, but capable of standing on his own two feet and living on his own terms.
The book feels more cohesive than the previous one and the plot is well-paced and developed, but the identity of the Big Bad comes a bit out of left-field, and in the end, their motivations are not particularly compelling. I can’t deny I was a bit disappointed with how certain aspects of the final showdown were handled, but ultimately, Out of the Ashes reaches a satisfying conclusion and is an enjoyable finale to Evan and Colin’s journey, with a firm HEA for them and the hint of a possible spin off/sequel series that will open out the paranormal world Jenn Burke has so strongly established.
If you’ve been following the Ashes & Dust series, then you’ll want to pick up Out of the Ashes to find out how everything turns out, and if not, there’s a lot to enjoy here. If you’re in the market for a series of paranormal romances featuring strong world-building, likeable characters and intriguing plots, with a found-family vibe and plenty of warmth and humour, this one should definitely be on your radar.
Out of the Ashes is the third and final book in Jenn Burke’s Ashes & Dust series of paranormal romances set in and around Toronto, featuring vampire investigator Evan Fournier, his lover Colin Zhang – a phoenix – and their extended family of werewolves, vampires, witches – and a god. The author does include information about the previous instalments for readers new to the series, but I’d advise reading the books in order so as to fully understand the character backstories and the emotional impact of past events.
Please note that there are spoilers in this review.
At the end of House on Fire , Colin made the decision to break the bond that had accidentally formed between himself and Evan (in All Fired Up ). It was risky, but he’s come through it okay – mostly; while he’s retained his memories and knows who Evan is, he has no emotional attachment to those memories, and Evan can tell that every time Colin looks at him, he sees a virtual stranger. Understanding why Colin did what he did makes it no less devastating, and Evan is trying desperately to cling to the hope given him by Colin’s confession of love and exhortation to fight for them in the letter he left before he underwent the spell. But weeks later, and with no indication that anything is changing, a heartbroken Evan is struggling to keep his depression at bay, wondering how long he’ll be able to keep alive the hope that Colin will come back to him.
At the same time as Evan is trying to come to terms with the fact that the man he loves may never again love him back, the Westerson-Rojas household is reeling from the murder of Hudson’s brother by a demon, and the disappearance of Hudson’s niece Priya, who fears she will be accused of the crime. And they’re still no nearer to discovering who is responsible for the spate of attacks on members of the paranormal community over the past few months.
Out of the Ashes opens a few weeks after House on Fire ends, and finds Evan and Colin on a maybe-date, joining their friends for the evening at Alleys, their favourite hang-out. The night has barely begun when the place is rocked by an explosion that kills several of the bar’s paranormal patrons and injures many more – including Colin, who discovered the hard way that using his phoenix powers to control fire isn’t as easy now he’s unbonded.
Amid the chaos, Evan is sure he recognises someone from a recent investigation, a shifter who works as bodyguard to Elijah Michelakis, the man believed to be behind the recent campaign to expose and discredit paranormals in the community. It seems as though the anti-paranormal campaign has been stepped up, but when Michelakis is found dead – apparently by his own hand – it’s clear to Evan and the gang that there’s something – or someone – else pulling the strings.
In my review of the previous book, I said that it posed more questions than it afforded answers and that it moved swiftly without offering more than a cursory exploration of events. As well as the main plotline about the threat to Toronto’s paranormal community, there was a subplot about Hudson’s brother and one about Colin’s former fiancée and his son, and there was so much going on that the romance between Evan and Colin just wasn’t gelling. Even so, the breaking of their bond at the end was a real gut-punch, so I was looking forward to seeing them fall in love ‘properly’ in this book, but while the author does a good job of tying up all the loose ends, I still found the romance a bit lacking, and can’t help wishing Colin’s PoV had been included. Without it, he feels distanced and little more than two-dimensional.
Evan, on the other hand, is superbly characterised, likeable and sympathetic. As has been the case throughout this and the previous series ( Not Dead Yet ) his “asshole brain” – aka, depression – is written realistically and sensitively, and I’ve really enjoyed watching his growing confidence as he comes into his own, still very much part of the family Wes and Hudson have built, but capable of standing on his own two feet and living on his own terms.
The book feels more cohesive than the previous one and the plot is well-paced and developed, but the identity of the Big Bad comes a bit out of left-field, and in the end, their motivations are not particularly compelling. I can’t deny I was a bit disappointed with how certain aspects of the final showdown were handled, but ultimately, Out of the Ashes reaches a satisfying conclusion and is an enjoyable finale to Evan and Colin’s journey, with a firm HEA for them and the hint of a possible spin off/sequel series that will open out the paranormal world Jenn Burke has so strongly established.
If you’ve been following the Ashes & Dust series, then you’ll want to pick up Out of the Ashes to find out how everything turns out, and if not, there’s a lot to enjoy here. If you’re in the market for a series of paranormal romances featuring strong world-building, likeable characters and intriguing plots, with a found-family vibe and plenty of warmth and humour, this one should definitely be on your radar.
July 29, 2024
Oh well another author, I'm late to rhe table, for! I was hoping for a third spinoff. Involving the bureau. They got some explaining. How could a whole crew go rogue with gear and transportation? But Jenn Burke went from paranormal to supernatural. Now have books in science fiction arena. I'm here for it all. Even though the last book was published in 2015.
May 11, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
You’re going to want to read this series in order and bonus points if you also read the previous Not Dead Yet series, from which these books are spun off. There are side characters that carry over, and it also gives you a chance to get Evan’s origin story. This book focuses on two main areas: Evan and Colin’s relationship and the continuing attacks of the paranormal community. In terms of the big picture, we get some resolution to questions that have carried over since the start of the series in terms of who is staging these attacks and why. We also get some exciting scenes and some intensity as the danger ramps up, particularly when Colin and Evan are helping to investigate. I think there were a few areas where things got a little confusing for me, as there are a lot of different groups involved and figuring out how all the pieces fit together was not quite as straightforward as I would’ve wanted.
Overall, I have just loved this world Jenn Burke has created across these two series. All six books work so well as a set, and if you haven’t started them yet, I’d definitely suggest checking them out. And for those of you who have been following along with this series, I think you will enjoy how things come together for Colin and Evan and the rest of the gang.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
You’re going to want to read this series in order and bonus points if you also read the previous Not Dead Yet series, from which these books are spun off. There are side characters that carry over, and it also gives you a chance to get Evan’s origin story. This book focuses on two main areas: Evan and Colin’s relationship and the continuing attacks of the paranormal community. In terms of the big picture, we get some resolution to questions that have carried over since the start of the series in terms of who is staging these attacks and why. We also get some exciting scenes and some intensity as the danger ramps up, particularly when Colin and Evan are helping to investigate. I think there were a few areas where things got a little confusing for me, as there are a lot of different groups involved and figuring out how all the pieces fit together was not quite as straightforward as I would’ve wanted.
Overall, I have just loved this world Jenn Burke has created across these two series. All six books work so well as a set, and if you haven’t started them yet, I’d definitely suggest checking them out. And for those of you who have been following along with this series, I think you will enjoy how things come together for Colin and Evan and the rest of the gang.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 23, 2022
Out of the Ashes is the third book in Jenn’s awesome “Ashes & Dust” spin-off of her Not Dead Yet series (also awesome!). I absolutely adored this trilogy—I read books 2 and 3 back-to-back in a weekend because I had to know what was going to happen with Evan and Colin and the Toronto paranormals.
Jenn has such a knack for combining paranormal elements with gripping mysteries and unforgettable characters. Evan’s depression rep in this series is SO well done, and Colin’s struggle to fit in to his new world is super moving. Jenn also puts the coolest spin on urban fantasy favorites (Vampires! Shifters! Demons! Phoenixes!) and creates an alternate Toronto that comes into life right off the page.
Highly recommend both this series and the Not Dead Yet series!
Jenn has such a knack for combining paranormal elements with gripping mysteries and unforgettable characters. Evan’s depression rep in this series is SO well done, and Colin’s struggle to fit in to his new world is super moving. Jenn also puts the coolest spin on urban fantasy favorites (Vampires! Shifters! Demons! Phoenixes!) and creates an alternate Toronto that comes into life right off the page.
Highly recommend both this series and the Not Dead Yet series!
April 25, 2022
Jenn Burke’s Not Dead Yet universe is one of my favourite fictional escapes in recent years, and Out of the Ashes is an immensely satisfying conclusion to the second series in this universe, the Ashes to Dust series.
There are so many things I enjoyed about this series - Burke’s fresh take on vampires, the urban Canadian setting, diverse characters, found family, twists and turns … I have read many vampire/PNR over the years and it makes me so happy to read something fresh.
Since Book 2 had ended on bit of a cliffhanger, I was super keen to find out what’s next. Which turns out to be a lot – we get to see Evan and Colin’s relationship evolve, old characters pop back in, new characters are introduced, and of course the mystery to be solved. And through it all, we also get to see Evan’s character arc develop, and that is perhaps my favourite part.
PS I am crossing my fingers there will be another spin-off series!
There are so many things I enjoyed about this series - Burke’s fresh take on vampires, the urban Canadian setting, diverse characters, found family, twists and turns … I have read many vampire/PNR over the years and it makes me so happy to read something fresh.
Since Book 2 had ended on bit of a cliffhanger, I was super keen to find out what’s next. Which turns out to be a lot – we get to see Evan and Colin’s relationship evolve, old characters pop back in, new characters are introduced, and of course the mystery to be solved. And through it all, we also get to see Evan’s character arc develop, and that is perhaps my favourite part.
PS I am crossing my fingers there will be another spin-off series!
February 24, 2023
And we come to the end of Evan Fournier's three-book storyline. I'm not as keen on the author's paranormal detective books compared to her sci-fi collaboration series and probably will not buy any further spin-offs from this series in future. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
May 10, 2022
Okay, I get it now, Jenn Burke. The fact that I never quite felt the chemistry between Evan and Colin in the first two book in this series ( All Fired Up and House on Fire) was actually a feature, not a bug. The bond between them has been broken, but Evan remembers Colin's written plea to "fight for us," and he is determined that their relationship can be restored. Or that they can at least go on a date. So we get a chance to see a real love story develop, and finally I can ship vampire Evan and phoenix Colin with all the feelz in my heart. We still don't have Colin's POV but he shines much brighter now, and his appeal is more obvious.
There's quite a bit of fallout from the dramatic conclusion to House on Fire on Colin's relationship with the family who thought he died in 1990. The interactions between Colin and his firefighter son are in turn heartbreaking, hilarious, and heartwarming. I wouldn't mind another spinoff series featuring CJ.
There are several new characters introduced, including a snarky, talented shifter named Maverick, who is also intriguing spinoff bait. The Big Bad is a little disappointing in that its motive is not terribly compelling , but there's still some sleuthing involved in tracking it down.
So, Jenn, I apologize for the meh reviews of the first two books in this series; I didn't understand your strategy. Reading this trilogy as one long story puts the somewhat lackluster initial romance between the two MCs in perspective, so that the eventual HEA is that much sweeter.
I don't think I'm ready to forgive you for the book 2 cliffhanger though.
ARC gratefully received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.
There's quite a bit of fallout from the dramatic conclusion to House on Fire on Colin's relationship with the family who thought he died in 1990. The interactions between Colin and his firefighter son are in turn heartbreaking, hilarious, and heartwarming. I wouldn't mind another spinoff series featuring CJ.
There are several new characters introduced, including a snarky, talented shifter named Maverick, who is also intriguing spinoff bait. The Big Bad is a little disappointing in that its motive is not terribly compelling , but there's still some sleuthing involved in tracking it down.
So, Jenn, I apologize for the meh reviews of the first two books in this series; I didn't understand your strategy. Reading this trilogy as one long story puts the somewhat lackluster initial romance between the two MCs in perspective, so that the eventual HEA is that much sweeter.
I don't think I'm ready to forgive you for the book 2 cliffhanger though.
ARC gratefully received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.
May 5, 2022
After the conclusion of the last book, I thought I was prepared to hurt, but Burke really did put Ev (and by extension, Me), through the wringer in the first part of the book. He's just been through SO MUCH and deserves his HEA more than so many other characters. Luckily, Burke does deliver on that front and by the end I'm as in love with Colin and Ev together as they are with each other. Along the way you also get a lot of action, the best found family, and a new big bad. It was a thrilling and enjoyable conclusion to a very amazing series. In my opinion, it was also a perfect setup for another spin off (CJ and Maverick, anyone?!)
May 17, 2022
I received a free copy through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Out of the Ashes is the third and last book in the Ashes & Dust series and I have to say I was a bit afraid to start this one. After the twist of book 2 and knowing this was the last book in the series I wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily I shouldn't have worried as I really enjoyed this book. Out of the Ashes wraps up the overarching main plot line of this series as well as the romance plot line and it was a satisfying ending to the series.
Evan has a lot to deal with in this book, after the big event at the end of book 2 his romance with Colin is set back and Evan struggles with this. Then there is the plot line where they're trying to find out who is responsible for an attack on the paranormal community and they have to go undercover to solve it. With the romance troubles I had expected a lot more drama and I am glad that wasn't the case. It was still sad and it's clear how much Evan struggled with it, but there was plenty of other things going on so it didn't overwhelm the plot.
The plot is well paced with plenty of going on and it was great seeing how it all played out. There are a few twists and turns. As well as a nice showdown at the end. I enjoyed reading it. I really like seeing all the familiar characters from this series as well as the first series this one is a spin off from. It makes for a great read seeing more of the characters I already like and seeing how they're doing now.
While the romance starts off on not the right foot I liked seeing how things progressed and how they resolved this. I felt they got through this even closer than before and it was great seeing them build this relationship together. I thought the epilogue was great and I also liked seeing which direction their lives went.
I like Evan as main character and it was great seeing how he dealt with the challenges that came at him in this book. I thought the author handled Evan's depression really well, it's definitely a part of him and he still struggles with it, but you can also see his progress. I also appreciated how we don't get pulled too deeply into his depressive thoughts and the episodes don't take too long.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this series ender. There is plenty going on with a bad guy they need to catch as well as romance troubles. The plot is a solid one and I liked seeing how it brought the plot lines form the previous books together and wrapped it all up. Plenty of action and tension as well as some interesting twists. I like reading about Evan and he makes for a great main character. I thought his struggle with depression was realistic, but also didn't overtake the plot. Romance wise I liked how it didn't have too much drama, but still had some things they needed to work through. I liked seeing these two grow even closer and resolve things. The epilogue was awesome and I really liked the glimpse of their future lives. All in all I really enjoyed this series and look forward to what Jenn Burke is writing next!
Out of the Ashes is the third and last book in the Ashes & Dust series and I have to say I was a bit afraid to start this one. After the twist of book 2 and knowing this was the last book in the series I wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily I shouldn't have worried as I really enjoyed this book. Out of the Ashes wraps up the overarching main plot line of this series as well as the romance plot line and it was a satisfying ending to the series.
Evan has a lot to deal with in this book, after the big event at the end of book 2 his romance with Colin is set back and Evan struggles with this. Then there is the plot line where they're trying to find out who is responsible for an attack on the paranormal community and they have to go undercover to solve it. With the romance troubles I had expected a lot more drama and I am glad that wasn't the case. It was still sad and it's clear how much Evan struggled with it, but there was plenty of other things going on so it didn't overwhelm the plot.
The plot is well paced with plenty of going on and it was great seeing how it all played out. There are a few twists and turns. As well as a nice showdown at the end. I enjoyed reading it. I really like seeing all the familiar characters from this series as well as the first series this one is a spin off from. It makes for a great read seeing more of the characters I already like and seeing how they're doing now.
While the romance starts off on not the right foot I liked seeing how things progressed and how they resolved this. I felt they got through this even closer than before and it was great seeing them build this relationship together. I thought the epilogue was great and I also liked seeing which direction their lives went.
I like Evan as main character and it was great seeing how he dealt with the challenges that came at him in this book. I thought the author handled Evan's depression really well, it's definitely a part of him and he still struggles with it, but you can also see his progress. I also appreciated how we don't get pulled too deeply into his depressive thoughts and the episodes don't take too long.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this series ender. There is plenty going on with a bad guy they need to catch as well as romance troubles. The plot is a solid one and I liked seeing how it brought the plot lines form the previous books together and wrapped it all up. Plenty of action and tension as well as some interesting twists. I like reading about Evan and he makes for a great main character. I thought his struggle with depression was realistic, but also didn't overtake the plot. Romance wise I liked how it didn't have too much drama, but still had some things they needed to work through. I liked seeing these two grow even closer and resolve things. The epilogue was awesome and I really liked the glimpse of their future lives. All in all I really enjoyed this series and look forward to what Jenn Burke is writing next!
May 7, 2022
*4.5*
This is such a great finish to the series. Jenn has written really interesting characters and a series plot arc that comes to a head here along with resolution to Evan and Colin's complicated relationship after the last book ended with Colin severing their bond (this is a series to be read in order!)
My heart broke for Evan when things changed for him and Colin but I also understood why Colin did it. There bond was incomplete, not allowing them the freedom to be themselves while also being a couple. Things develop their slowly as, of course, the breaking of the bond caused things to go a bit wonky for Colin and then immediately there is a bomb attack at a known shifter hangout with their suspect list being those involved with their previous cases, someone kidnapping and turning Colin into a phoenix and then another attempting to out the paranormal world via videos of shifters. This time rounds has murder, bombs, demons, and a vigilante group. Everything gets tense when undercover work becomes necessary and Evan and Colin work alongside people akin to the supe police.
This book comes solely from Evans POV and there's highs and lows with the case and with how things progress with Colin. I was happy that Colin had more interaction with his son, CJ, after what happened to him in the previous book and there's a positive approach to mental health and accepting that you come out the other side of your dark days. The voices inside your head don't hold all the power, though, having the support system of family, friends and a bonded mate does go quite a way to making it easier. There's such a good cast of characters here, both good and bad, that help to bring the story to life and I was invested from the start when things definitely go off with a bang.
A highly recommended paranormal mystery series that needs to be read in order. I also recommend reading the Not Dead Yet series first as it is the start for all of the characters, especially Hudson, Wes and Evan.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This is such a great finish to the series. Jenn has written really interesting characters and a series plot arc that comes to a head here along with resolution to Evan and Colin's complicated relationship after the last book ended with Colin severing their bond (this is a series to be read in order!)
My heart broke for Evan when things changed for him and Colin but I also understood why Colin did it. There bond was incomplete, not allowing them the freedom to be themselves while also being a couple. Things develop their slowly as, of course, the breaking of the bond caused things to go a bit wonky for Colin and then immediately there is a bomb attack at a known shifter hangout with their suspect list being those involved with their previous cases, someone kidnapping and turning Colin into a phoenix and then another attempting to out the paranormal world via videos of shifters. This time rounds has murder, bombs, demons, and a vigilante group. Everything gets tense when undercover work becomes necessary and Evan and Colin work alongside people akin to the supe police.
This book comes solely from Evans POV and there's highs and lows with the case and with how things progress with Colin. I was happy that Colin had more interaction with his son, CJ, after what happened to him in the previous book and there's a positive approach to mental health and accepting that you come out the other side of your dark days. The voices inside your head don't hold all the power, though, having the support system of family, friends and a bonded mate does go quite a way to making it easier. There's such a good cast of characters here, both good and bad, that help to bring the story to life and I was invested from the start when things definitely go off with a bang.
A highly recommended paranormal mystery series that needs to be read in order. I also recommend reading the Not Dead Yet series first as it is the start for all of the characters, especially Hudson, Wes and Evan.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 27, 2022
I felt when I had finished this book like the story had come full circle although it was more like an exit from a highway where you feel that you are going around and around but end up going around but just in a slightly different direction. A big part of this book is Evan’s troubles with depression and as someone who has fought depression for decades I must say that Jenn Burke hit it out of the park with this one. The way he feels and talks about things, the way he reacts to situations and the way that people act toward him are so well written. The way that she uses the paranormal aspects of this story are interesting and as much as they can be given that they are imaginary she makes it ll feel really real. I really enjoyed this trilogy especially the characters and would recommend it highly. If you like mm paranormal stories and haven’t read these books yet then now the whole series is out it’s a great time to give this series a try. Enjoy!
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review
October 23, 2022
This ”HEA” actually left me crying, due to the underwhelming “ performance” of Colin as a boyfriend to Ev. I wish Iskander would come back and swoop him off his feet, so Colin could just …piss off and be heartbroken…
Evan has endured so much, never gets a break, his whole existence has been one tragedy after another, but he still fights and fights to even function every day, and his “reward” for all this is … Colin?!? Wtf!!
It still is a good story, and sadly more realistic than the usual HEAs, since life is also unfair a lot of the time…
But my heart is sad and wishes another love story for Ev…
Please please give me a sequel where Colin has to step up to not loose Ev’s love. My GOD I’m pissed off at that lame-assed Colin…
Evan has endured so much, never gets a break, his whole existence has been one tragedy after another, but he still fights and fights to even function every day, and his “reward” for all this is … Colin?!? Wtf!!
It still is a good story, and sadly more realistic than the usual HEAs, since life is also unfair a lot of the time…
But my heart is sad and wishes another love story for Ev…
Please please give me a sequel where Colin has to step up to not loose Ev’s love. My GOD I’m pissed off at that lame-assed Colin…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
Once again really enjoyed this book, and I would not say no to another (spin-off) series.
It took me a little while to get back into this and I felt a little less invested, but that's probably because it's been ages since I've read the previous books. I'll definitely be rereading the series as a whole though! And I still really enjoyed this, I love the balance between a fast-paced, action-packed plot and amazing interactions between the characters.
It took me a little while to get back into this and I felt a little less invested, but that's probably because it's been ages since I've read the previous books. I'll definitely be rereading the series as a whole though! And I still really enjoyed this, I love the balance between a fast-paced, action-packed plot and amazing interactions between the characters.
May 14, 2022
4.5 stars
Poor Evan has been through the emotional wringer throughout this series, and this last instalment continued that. However, through the murders, cultish anti-paranormal groups, and demons, Collin and Evan find their way. The epilogue was perfect and maid me tear up.
I really appreciated how Ms Burke handled Depression. Having this myself, everything rang true and I felt so much for Evan and his struggles.
Poor Evan has been through the emotional wringer throughout this series, and this last instalment continued that. However, through the murders, cultish anti-paranormal groups, and demons, Collin and Evan find their way. The epilogue was perfect and maid me tear up.
I really appreciated how Ms Burke handled Depression. Having this myself, everything rang true and I felt so much for Evan and his struggles.
March 2, 2022
forever cemented as my fave Jenn duo
I think
Plz not to tell Wes
I think
Plz not to tell Wes
May 9, 2022
A satisfying conclusion to an exciting and intense paranormal trilogy! I've been a fan of Evan ever since his appearance in the the Not Dead Yet series, so reading a trilogy from his point of view has been a treat. He's definitely had a rough road, from his not so great entry into vampire life, his struggles with depression, and the lose of loved ones. Out of the Ashes starts with him in bleak place, reeling from the broken bond with Colin, his mate and maybe boyfriend. The two quickly get swept up into danger and embroiled in a new threat to the supernatural community. I've been rooting for Evan and Colin this whole series, and while they put me through the emotional ringer at times, it's so worth it! I really loved the relationship and character development in this final installment, and the ending left me feeling happy and hopeful. This series (and Not Dead Yet) has a large and diverse cast of characters - many of them queer - and it was great to see them all again and watch them face this new challenge. If you enjoy urban fantasy and paranormal romance, definitely pick up these books!
Merged review:
*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A satisfying conclusion to an exciting and intense paranormal trilogy! I've been a fan of Evan ever since his appearance in the Not Dead Yet series, so reading a trilogy from his point of view has been a treat. He's definitely had a rough road, from his not so great entry into vampire life, his struggles with depression, and the lose of loved ones. Out of the Ashes starts with him in bleak place, reeling from the broken bond with Colin, his mate and maybe boyfriend. The two quickly get swept up into danger and embroiled in a new threat to the supernatural community. I've been rooting for Evan and Colin this whole series, and while they put me through the emotional ringer at times, it's so worth it! I really loved the relationship and character development in this final installment, and the ending left me feeling happy and hopeful. This series (and Not Dead Yet) has a large and diverse cast of characters - many of them queer - and it was great to see them all again and watch them face this new challenge. If you enjoy urban fantasy and paranormal romance, definitely pick up these books!
Merged review:
*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A satisfying conclusion to an exciting and intense paranormal trilogy! I've been a fan of Evan ever since his appearance in the Not Dead Yet series, so reading a trilogy from his point of view has been a treat. He's definitely had a rough road, from his not so great entry into vampire life, his struggles with depression, and the lose of loved ones. Out of the Ashes starts with him in bleak place, reeling from the broken bond with Colin, his mate and maybe boyfriend. The two quickly get swept up into danger and embroiled in a new threat to the supernatural community. I've been rooting for Evan and Colin this whole series, and while they put me through the emotional ringer at times, it's so worth it! I really loved the relationship and character development in this final installment, and the ending left me feeling happy and hopeful. This series (and Not Dead Yet) has a large and diverse cast of characters - many of them queer - and it was great to see them all again and watch them face this new challenge. If you enjoy urban fantasy and paranormal romance, definitely pick up these books!
Read
May 20, 2022After the way “House on Fire” ended, I dreaded how OUT OF THE ASHES would start. And yes, it’s a rather rough, a tad painful start; especially for Evan (given his is the sole POV for the whole “Ashes & Dust” books) and not exactly a picnic throughout the story.
Burke really subjected the lead characters through every possible pain, physically and emotionally. While I get where Colin came from, I also resented the hurt he caused Evan and the subsequent insecurity that followed. Yet this entry also showed the resilience and devotion both men displayed (especially to one another). I cheer (and cry over) their journey to get (back) together as well as dealing with endless family issue from either corner.
The twist to the can of worms this motley gang faced all through the series was the arrival of a pair of ambiguous new face. I confess to question their (true) motive and anticipating bad things to strike at all time. That really lent edge-of-the-seat vibes to the story with me fearing and expecting something happened to Evan and/or Colin in equal measures. My one issue over the whole defeating the villain was (considering they had god on their side) how easy it was to manipulate and practically disarm the gang. Other than that, this found family, fated mate, opposites attract romantic adventure is quite a ride. And I’m hoping - wishing? - that this is not the last tale Burke have of this ‘Not Dead Yet’ universe. Fingers-crossed.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Burke really subjected the lead characters through every possible pain, physically and emotionally. While I get where Colin came from, I also resented the hurt he caused Evan and the subsequent insecurity that followed. Yet this entry also showed the resilience and devotion both men displayed (especially to one another). I cheer (and cry over) their journey to get (back) together as well as dealing with endless family issue from either corner.
The twist to the can of worms this motley gang faced all through the series was the arrival of a pair of ambiguous new face. I confess to question their (true) motive and anticipating bad things to strike at all time. That really lent edge-of-the-seat vibes to the story with me fearing and expecting something happened to Evan and/or Colin in equal measures. My one issue over the whole defeating the villain was (considering they had god on their side) how easy it was to manipulate and practically disarm the gang. Other than that, this found family, fated mate, opposites attract romantic adventure is quite a ride. And I’m hoping - wishing? - that this is not the last tale Burke have of this ‘Not Dead Yet’ universe. Fingers-crossed.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
When I finished Graveyard Shift (the final book in Wes and Hudson’s Not Dead Yet series) I was happy with the way things turned out for them. My only regret was the way things were left with Evan. Well, even though Ashes & Dust had me sometimes wondering if the old adage “be careful what you ask for” would come back and bite me, I loved that Evan finally got the HEA he so deserved. Now for my next wish because of course Jenn Burke would introduce a couple of new characters that I’d love to get to know better. #EvilAuthor 😉
I’m sure that I’m not the only reader who waited not so patiently for the release of Out of the Ashes. A lot of that had to do with the way that the author left us hanging at the end of House on Fire. My heart broke for Evan, even though I understood why Colin felt the need to do what he did. Fate is a hard thing to fight though and so was the attraction that was still there with or without the bond.
There were a lot of twists and turns and some surprising allies – as well as some surprising dangerous alliances that took everyone off guard. This was definitely a page turner.
Despite – or maybe because of – all the nailbiting moments and heartbreak, Out of the Ashes was the perfect ending to Colin and Evan’s story. That doesn’t mean that I’m not hopeful that readers haven’t seen the last of the characters in this world. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Out of the Ashes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m sure that I’m not the only reader who waited not so patiently for the release of Out of the Ashes. A lot of that had to do with the way that the author left us hanging at the end of House on Fire. My heart broke for Evan, even though I understood why Colin felt the need to do what he did. Fate is a hard thing to fight though and so was the attraction that was still there with or without the bond.
There were a lot of twists and turns and some surprising allies – as well as some surprising dangerous alliances that took everyone off guard. This was definitely a page turner.
Despite – or maybe because of – all the nailbiting moments and heartbreak, Out of the Ashes was the perfect ending to Colin and Evan’s story. That doesn’t mean that I’m not hopeful that readers haven’t seen the last of the characters in this world. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Out of the Ashes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 8, 2022
We have officially made it to the last book in the series where Evan finally gets his well deserved HEA. I have loved Evan since he first appeared in the Not Dead Yet series. He's just such a sweet, kind hearted character. There was no way readers wouldn't take to him. As his own 3 book series evolved Evan was definitely put through the ringer. His love interest Colin didn't make it easy on him either. Internalized homophobia and the shock of the paranormal were major hurdles Colin needed to jump over before he could truly make a go of it with Evan.
Speaking of hurdles, the last book ended with a major one. Colin had broken the bond between him and Evan, leaving Evan with an emotionless Colin who didn't remember the feelings they shared. My heart broke for Evan and raged at Colin. I understand why it needed to be done, but how could anyone stomach hurting my sweet Evan! On top of dealing with having to remind Colin why they loved each other, there was also the case of a demon terrorizing the city along with a group of paranormal haters. Thankfully after a few very close calls things worked out in the end. The major threat was neutralized and the vampire finally got his phoenix for good, along with a stepson to boot.
Speaking of hurdles, the last book ended with a major one. Colin had broken the bond between him and Evan, leaving Evan with an emotionless Colin who didn't remember the feelings they shared. My heart broke for Evan and raged at Colin. I understand why it needed to be done, but how could anyone stomach hurting my sweet Evan! On top of dealing with having to remind Colin why they loved each other, there was also the case of a demon terrorizing the city along with a group of paranormal haters. Thankfully after a few very close calls things worked out in the end. The major threat was neutralized and the vampire finally got his phoenix for good, along with a stepson to boot.
October 14, 2024
When I began the series, I thought that having read the main series might color my experience with this one, and I wasn’t wrong. Seeing how Evan handled his trauma and grew proved too much a contrast to how Colin learns from and manages his, or rather how he doesn’t. I wasn’t looking fwd to this book, but I wanted see where Evan ends up. Overall, it’s a good finale. It wraps up the overarching case in an interesting way. The primary antagonists aren’t some evil mwuhuhaha one-dimensional assholes, and Evan is so comfortable in himself and his career at the end that it almost makes up for the stagnation of the romance.
Honestly, the series would be a solid 4⭐️ if it was just a PI investigation that uncovers a far-reaching threat to the paranormal community bc everything outside of Colin and his lopsided relationship with Evan is great. By the end, their lack of a real and equitable connection was just so frustrating and badly handled it tanked the story for me. I did not want to spend half of the last book with Evan pining and Colin still pulling away. . . only for Colin to do an about-face into a romantic relationship that can’t be enjoyed or explored bc the plot has no time for it.
I understand that Colin went through something traumatic, but basically using Evan as an emotional support vamp for three books isn’t a good look. He asks A LOT of Evan, giving nothing but hesitance and maybes in return. This is especially notable when he puts Evan in a horrendous spot that almost guts Evan towards the end of the previous book. . . then turns around and painfully cuts the bond with no warning bc he didn’t want to take the time to definitely say “I am doing this” and prepare Evan for the inevitable.
This lack of reciprocal care isn’t bad on its own; such stories can be great journeys—from routes to true love to explorations of power dynamics and/or toxicity. It’s Colin’s lack of characterization that bothers me. Colin’s personality is kind of flattened, illustrated by Maverick. That man’s personality flows from his character, and Colin doesn’t have that. It’s not charisma; it’s simply underdevelopment of who Colin is beyond his painful past and the brush strokes of being brave, resilient and kind. He is all adjustment and trauma. Learning about the paranormal, his suffering, his former fiancé, his son, acting on his bisexuality, etc. means he’s constantly on a rollercoaster of pain, resentment and confusion with no room to grow as a person.
Maybe bc Evan’s relationships weren’t romantic after his distressing introduction to the paranormal world that finding his way and his growth felt more even-handed and organic. Hudson turned him the night Evan decided to commit suicide, and he had to reckon with being a vampire, the emotional trauma that steered him toward suicide and learning to cope with his mental health with love and support from his family but doing the hard work. Here, it seems that bc Colin is in a romantic relationship w/someone almost desperate to be with him, he lets Evan shoulder the brunt of his emotional turmoil without doing work on himself. Colin broke the bond to be free but never does anything on his own. He puts all the pressure on Evan to “fight for them” while he literally has no emotional investment in Evan or their relationship. There’s no time for Colin to step away and learn about Evan, to see Evan as someone he’d like to be with, to not continue to use Evan as an emotional dumpster.
Evan eventually pushes back, but not too long after, Colin suddenly remembers loving Evan (due to a convenient mental adjustment). Mind you, something he only confessed at the end of the previous book in a note and after doing a lot of pulling away when he didn’t need Evan. Evan’s depression makes him doubt, but it’s not a major issue he needs to work through since he and Colin need to get onboard the HEA train as there’s only ~20% left of this 700+ journey. They have their first real conversation as just people almost at the end of the book, which is, of course, summarized as talking points. They’re bonded; they’re in love; but there is no time with them as a fully functional couple. Had there been more heart to hearts or simply more moments of camaraderie not centered on Colin’s needs or no strings sex, it would have felt like a complete emotional arc.
As an aside, I also wasn’t thrilled that Wes is characterized as almost some bloodthirsty judge, jury and executioner. His godly designation is to offer second chances, and in those cases, the people had behaved monstrously (if they weren’t already outright unrepentant monsters). In his series, he killed people who had literally started a war, were killing innocent people (including Evan’s love interest, and tried to kill them multiple times, and who had already chosen to not turn their life around when given chances before. It was never a first option nor something Wes is flippant about doing. I get that the whole point here is to have a unified system of information and protection for the paranormal community that doesn’t involve violence, but they make Wes and his power sound like he's on a hair trigger and jumps at the chance to punish, when that isn’t the goal of his power as he isn’t a god of retribution.
I truly was disappointed by the series. I wish that the only positives for me aren’t just Evan coming into himself as an independent person and falling in love and the new system of protection for paranormals, but alas it is. At the end of the day, it shouldn’t feel like a HFN at the end of a series where the couple was literally bound at the hip the entire time.
Honestly, the series would be a solid 4⭐️ if it was just a PI investigation that uncovers a far-reaching threat to the paranormal community bc everything outside of Colin and his lopsided relationship with Evan is great. By the end, their lack of a real and equitable connection was just so frustrating and badly handled it tanked the story for me. I did not want to spend half of the last book with Evan pining and Colin still pulling away. . . only for Colin to do an about-face into a romantic relationship that can’t be enjoyed or explored bc the plot has no time for it.
I understand that Colin went through something traumatic, but basically using Evan as an emotional support vamp for three books isn’t a good look. He asks A LOT of Evan, giving nothing but hesitance and maybes in return. This is especially notable when he puts Evan in a horrendous spot that almost guts Evan towards the end of the previous book. . . then turns around and painfully cuts the bond with no warning bc he didn’t want to take the time to definitely say “I am doing this” and prepare Evan for the inevitable.
This lack of reciprocal care isn’t bad on its own; such stories can be great journeys—from routes to true love to explorations of power dynamics and/or toxicity. It’s Colin’s lack of characterization that bothers me. Colin’s personality is kind of flattened, illustrated by Maverick. That man’s personality flows from his character, and Colin doesn’t have that. It’s not charisma; it’s simply underdevelopment of who Colin is beyond his painful past and the brush strokes of being brave, resilient and kind. He is all adjustment and trauma. Learning about the paranormal, his suffering, his former fiancé, his son, acting on his bisexuality, etc. means he’s constantly on a rollercoaster of pain, resentment and confusion with no room to grow as a person.
Maybe bc Evan’s relationships weren’t romantic after his distressing introduction to the paranormal world that finding his way and his growth felt more even-handed and organic. Hudson turned him the night Evan decided to commit suicide, and he had to reckon with being a vampire, the emotional trauma that steered him toward suicide and learning to cope with his mental health with love and support from his family but doing the hard work. Here, it seems that bc Colin is in a romantic relationship w/someone almost desperate to be with him, he lets Evan shoulder the brunt of his emotional turmoil without doing work on himself. Colin broke the bond to be free but never does anything on his own. He puts all the pressure on Evan to “fight for them” while he literally has no emotional investment in Evan or their relationship. There’s no time for Colin to step away and learn about Evan, to see Evan as someone he’d like to be with, to not continue to use Evan as an emotional dumpster.
Evan eventually pushes back, but not too long after, Colin suddenly remembers loving Evan (due to a convenient mental adjustment). Mind you, something he only confessed at the end of the previous book in a note and after doing a lot of pulling away when he didn’t need Evan. Evan’s depression makes him doubt, but it’s not a major issue he needs to work through since he and Colin need to get onboard the HEA train as there’s only ~20% left of this 700+ journey. They have their first real conversation as just people almost at the end of the book, which is, of course, summarized as talking points. They’re bonded; they’re in love; but there is no time with them as a fully functional couple. Had there been more heart to hearts or simply more moments of camaraderie not centered on Colin’s needs or no strings sex, it would have felt like a complete emotional arc.
As an aside, I also wasn’t thrilled that Wes is characterized as almost some bloodthirsty judge, jury and executioner. His godly designation is to offer second chances, and in those cases, the people had behaved monstrously (if they weren’t already outright unrepentant monsters). In his series, he killed people who had literally started a war, were killing innocent people (including Evan’s love interest, and tried to kill them multiple times, and who had already chosen to not turn their life around when given chances before. It was never a first option nor something Wes is flippant about doing. I get that the whole point here is to have a unified system of information and protection for the paranormal community that doesn’t involve violence, but they make Wes and his power sound like he's on a hair trigger and jumps at the chance to punish, when that isn’t the goal of his power as he isn’t a god of retribution.
I truly was disappointed by the series. I wish that the only positives for me aren’t just Evan coming into himself as an independent person and falling in love and the new system of protection for paranormals, but alas it is. At the end of the day, it shouldn’t feel like a HFN at the end of a series where the couple was literally bound at the hip the entire time.
April 9, 2023
Now that this series is over, I am not sure how to say goodbye. It has been amazing to watch these two grow into the relationship that they deserved. Trust me, as seems to be the case with Colin and Evan, it wasn't without its ups and downs and its harrowing situations, but there was always family and true friends to see that things worked out in the end.
I will admit that I look forward to seeing what Ms. Burke has in store for us next... *grin*
I will admit that I look forward to seeing what Ms. Burke has in store for us next... *grin*
Read
May 1, 2022Categories
Vampires, Shifters, Gay
Miniseries
Ashes and Dust (Book #3)
Vampires, Shifters, Gay
Miniseries
Ashes and Dust (Book #3)
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