Kingdom from Ashes and Fallen From Ashes by Megan Linski!

Princess Bennua is to be married. The daughter of a sultan, her duty is to marry a powerful yet cruel warlord to be her husband, sealing an alliance that will scare the desert of Sahrahn into submission. But the wedding is halted in place when the infamous Raider Prince, king of thieves and leader of the dark city Ashana, threatens to take her city by force. 

Sacrificing her freedom for her country, Bennua agrees to accompany the Raider Prince on his travels if he leaves her homeland alone. Stolen from her charmed life Bennua begins to learn the truth of what lies beyond the palace walls and the suffering that plagues Sahrahn’s people. Bennua begins to plan her escape, but the more she learns from the thieves the more she finds herself becoming one of the them...all while falling hard for their leader, the Raider Prince himself.

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REVIEW:

The society in which this book was centered on was easily explained and the reader didn't feel lost at any point. There culture was explained as necessary and it actually had some very interesting elements that differ from typical Western Culture today. It was interesting to see the world come to live before your eyes.

The writing in Kingdom From Ashes drew the reader in, made them fall in love with the characters and created not so perfect characters, even if they may seem so at the beginning. It was certainly intriguing to watch the characters grow and develop.

The plot line was also kept moving and did not slow for a moment, giving readers tons of things to keep them interested. It was a beautiful and touching story, one that allowed me to fall in Love with Bennua and the Raider Prince.

Queen Bennua has grown into a powerful ruler. With her new laws encouraging rights for both men and women, Haya-Maa has grown from a small city into a prosperous nation. Engaged to Zahid, the handsome Raider Prince, it would seem the young Queen is ready to lead the desert of Sahrahn into paradise. 

But not all are so eager to follow the new Queen. A short time into her rule Haya-Maa erupts into civil war, rebels opposing the idea of a woman in power. Bennua must embark on a quest to find her missing friend, Toshana, who could hold the key to ending the bloodshed. Yet as her journey wears on Bennua discovers her title as Queen powerless against the wrath of gods and the wars of men. At her breaking point, Bennua finds the only way to save her country and defend her people...is to offer a devastating sacrifice.

IMAGE AND SYNOPSIS FOUND ON GOODREADS

REVIEW

It was different to have Toshana's point of view but it certainly allowed the reader to understand her character a bit more.

It was also amazing to see more of Bennua and Zahid, and to see that they were happy. Although that happiness comes into doubt many times, and there might have been some tears shed(once or twice), it was great that the author could draw such emotion from me! 

There were some elements of Fallen From Ashes that frustrated me but it was more so characters that frustrated me, more so than anything the writer wrote. 

I just don't have many more words to say besides the fact that while this book is a bit more painful then the first in the series it also brings some joy.

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These Starcrossed Lives of Ours by Megan Linski

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Christine Fjord is on the run. After making her escape from the cult she called her family for three years, nineteen year old Christie is now wanted dead by the girl she’s loved and idolized forever...the cult's cunning and venomous leader, Annabelle Lane. An expert in the art of deception, Annabelle's threats aren't to be taken lightly, and everybody knows that once you're in the cult, you're in it for life. The only way out is death. 

Christie's break from Annabelle's clutches leads her to a place she never knew existed, a small town called Manchester, Michigan, and into the arms of a man who is the opposite of everything she's been. Ian Rosenthal is kind, forgiving, and willing to sacrifice everything for Christie's safety. Christie resists Ian's efforts to win her over, despite the strong feelings she has for him. Is falling in love again worth risking her life? Christie knows that nobody crosses Annabelle Lane without paying the ultimate price... Official Description from Goodreads.

Our first introduction to Christine isn't exactly the best impression. I can understand why she did it afterward but at first it seems terrible and unconscionable. Especially once we understand why Christine did what she did and what she became part of. Cults aren't typically raised in romance books and so it was a unique plot. It was intriguing to see that look into a cult leader's mindset as well as a cult in general.

Ian on the other hand was comfortable and made the story more humorous. He was adorable and I easily fell in love with him. I don't think anyone could resist once they got to know him. That doesn't mean he has or had the perfect life but it does mean that he's doing the best he can with the hand he's dealt. And helping others as well.

And then there was a huge shocker that I honestly didn't expect but really should have seen coming. It was one of those things that you think possibly could happen but dismiss it once you hear more details. So I was shocked to discover the truth behind Annabeth's past.

These Starcrossed Lives of Ours was an intriguing read that was well written.

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