From the Ashes (Force of Nature Book 1)

(RabidReads.com)A few years ago I discovered a book titled, Caged, by this author. I fell in love with the characters and the story and read them all until the series was finished last year. I have read this book twice now-once a few months ago, and again yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. And that’s because for a first novel in a series, Amber has exceeded my expectations and has written a book that is just as good as Caged, if not better. That’s something I never thought I would say!

Piper Jones has made her home with the vampire enforcers of New York City. Taken in a couple of years before by the King of the vampires, she had never really had a home until now. When vampire enforcer Merc comes home after a long absence, Piper is inexplicably drawn to him, as he is to her. But Piper has very dangerous enemies and ends up leaving to hide out in Alaska-in the middle of nowhere. It’s not long before she realizes that she didn’t leave the supernatural world in New York, instead she has moved in close to a werewolf pack-one that wants to befriend her. And just so we’re clear, I am not going to mention what supernatural creature(?) that Piper is-or isn’t. That’s just part of the mystery in this story.

The characters in this book were pretty incredible-at least I thought so. Piper has to be one of the strongest characters as far as inner strength that I have read in quite some time. She has been through a lot and continues to persevere even as more is thrown at her. Merc was perfect as a handsome, enigmatic vampire with a tortured past. Knox, the pack leader in Alaska, was my personal favorite of the group. He’s down to earth and caring and seems to be a very sweet man. And he loves his pack and treats them well. It doesn’t hurt that he’s mega good looking! Rounding out the group are Kat, Piper’s best friend and a werewolf from New York City, as well as Dean and Jase, vampire enforcer brothers also from NYC, that have anointed themselves as Piper’s protectors and honorary big brothers. I also should mention a character named Grizz-he doesn’t have a big part, but I absolutely loved him, and look forward to seeing him in future books. He was definitely the comic relief. I will leave it to the reader to discover why.

This story was filled with suspense and life and death moments. Whether it was happening in NYC or Alaska, the action never lagged, nor did the development of the characters or story line. It’s also a romance and probably the most sexual of any books by this author. And yes, I am being intentionally vague about the story line due to spoilers. One more thing, From the Ashes was a pretty perfect title of this book based on the story, and I thought the cover was pretty great as well.

In the end, I came away from the book, both times I read it, wanting more. I would like the second book as early as yesterday! Amber has proven once again to me why I enjoy her work-not that I ever doubted her! I adored this story and highly recommend it to both paranormal romance fans as well as urban fantasy readers-as long as they are adults. Adult, due to sexual situations and violence. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I definitely enjoyed this book. I read it in about 2 1/2 hours which was relatively long for me so i enjoyed that. I liked the combat and confrontation and i liked the budding romance however i wish the timeline of the book had been drawn out.. Spoilers!!! With the way it was she fell in love with merc after 3 days he almost killed her the next day she runs and fall in love with knox like 3 days later! A little too slutty for me. I just wish she would've made the time lapse more believable. Other than that i enjoyed the characters and the intrigue and the action I'm especially happy that piper finally has some powers of hers cause the martyr damsel in distress I'm useless woe is me crap was starting to really grate on my nerves! Overall not a bad book to start just hoping the author fixed some of the more irritating attributes.

I say 2 stories because one half is about vampires and the other about werewolves. The only constant is Piper, an unknown magical force. Everyone pretty much wants her dead but a few who are willing to die for her. She begins as someone who is useless and weak. Though the vampires are mostly to blame. None of them even tried to help her figure out what she was. As you go through the story you get to see her come into herself. It's slow going but soon enough she's going to be confident and unstoppable. Especially since the werewolves are the ones to help crack that shell. I've always been team werewolf so my allegiance lies there. Though the vampires in this read aren't too shabby. Can't wait to continue!

Hello all,
I would highly recommend this book to begin. It seems like it takes off fast, grabs your interest. And will keep it throughout the duration of this book. Now, there is a main character who has some skeletons in her closet. She's been abused, misused, and not always great on her luck.... until one day, Merc shows up. Merc? He's the guy who she has been told to stay away from, and as Hollywood does.... it's the opposite. Well, from there everything starts to unfold and behold a climax scene that you won't want to miss. Start this series and I promise you won't regret it. I would define this as science fiction, vampire, werewolf, supernatural let's put it that way.

This book is an amazing addition to Amber’s world. The main characters are all lovable then you are dragged through so many twists and turns and leaving the book needing the next one right away. Luckily it’s out already!

I wavered so much when deciding to write this review. I read as a kindle unlimited member so I go through a lot of books and I thought this one had promise. The writing was exquisite and the originality of the world and make up was SO refreshing. Then the leading lady had to become the typical weak, insecure, childish damsel in distress that so many other paranormal romance books have in them. Nothing about the leading lady pulls for my respect, concern, or interest in anyway. She's rather pathetic. Yes, I do acknowledge that the book is developing a build up to some fantastic power she has, (so wait until the plain Jane becomes Wonder Woman!) but what of her basic common sense or self preservation? She responds to everything like a teenager. The woman is a bit idiotic and annoying to follow. Also, on eye roll level of dramatics. I hate this because I really loved this story, but the leading lady wasn't like able at all and is the reason I couldn't finish the book. Originality and the ability to balance the show of a woman's weaknesses while pushing forward with strength and integrity she really be something we pursue in regards to portraying women in paranormal romance. I'm sick of the attractive helpless idiot that becomes "badass" by chapter twelve.

Really interesting story that is not the average paranormal read. The story starts out pretty slow so just keep going past the point you think "Okay this isn't really getting anywhere, I'm done" I really had to push to get to the turning point in the story but once that hit it was fast paced until the end of the book. Here we meet an orphan girl that has magic but no clue what or how to use it. She has run the gambit to each paranormal race and all have done wrong to her in one way or another. She finds a home with the vamps but something happens to make her wonder if she really is just bad luck...

I found this myself sucked into this story. I can't wait to find out more about what she is and what her peers can do.

There were some editing errors, but not that many. The writing was great. Amazing cast of characters.

I did find it a tad annoying that she so easily trusted after how horrible her previous experiences were. I honestly think that the last one moved way to fast, trusting them so soon after meeting them. It's one thing to let them know what they are up against and another to completely put your life on their hands.

This isn't your typical paranormal/were/shifter romance. She doesn't know who she is or where she comes from. Her best friends love her...maybe. Her mate loves her...maybe. Her new friends love her...maybe. The bear is the only one we know truly loves her, but that's ok cause with a grizzly on your side you can't go wrong.

Holy guacamole WHAT A RIDE!! Definitely very well written. It took me to a roller coaster ride I didn't expect. Laughter, sadness, sass, and definitely some romance. I can't wait to read more about everyone on the next book. Team Knox or Team Merc?!

The book overall is well written. It's the characters I have issues e with*spoiler alert.

How can the lead female be BONDED as a MATE to one character then flounce off to grab a second mate? This book is supposed to be about supernatural beings. The mate thing is supposed to be stronger than normal wishy washy love. Well not only is the heroine weak but she's a hussy. The first mate's betrayal should have devastated her. And I actually liked her until it was obvious she had forgotten man #1 and was going to hit up man #2.
Two mates shouldn't be able to be in same area as each other. Won't be reading next book.

Wow that was a great book. Loved he writing style and wit of author. The female lead was a refreshing twist. A true survivor and when she finally sees her true potential after a life time of suffering, bullying by peers, lonely, betrayal, she is literally a force of nature. But I'm torn. I don't like love triangles. I like Knox and Merc. Hopefully the author can rectify it in the book.

************************Potential Spoiler*********************** Quit looking if you don't want to know.

It did not quite kick into 3 for me, which would mean I might purchase the next book. There was a time when I thought it would be a 4.5 or 5 star - unfortunately somewhere around the time she went to Alaska my mind changed about that.
I am all for girl power, but whether it is guy or girl, I am a love the one you picked type. Not love em until it gets ugly then find another. I also don't really understand her appeal. At first I thought she was doing great, but for me everything fell apart when she left. It almost seemed like they were 2 different story lines. The first happened to get her to Knox, and then it was just too much insta love for me. She insta falls for Merc, but then that just disappears with very little angst. A lot of woe is me, but no real - why would he turn on me like that. And if she fell for Merc that fast and didn't want to fight for him, or even keep herself from fairly inst bedding the pack leader - well....
I just can't do it. She has all this loyalty from all these people, and she doesn't seem worthy @ least for romantic love.

Wow! This was an amazing, addictive read. I was disappointed when I realized it had just been released and the sequel(s) weren't out yet, but I'm excited this author has other books. She most certainly gained a new fan.

The writing is good, well paced, and well edited. I loved the characters, especially Knox. All in all, I feel like I found a gem, not just in the book, but in the author.

Wow! This was an amazing, addictive read. I was disappointed when I realized it had just been released and the sequel(s) weren't out yet, but I'm excited this author has other books. She most certainly gained a new fan.

The writing is good, well paced, and well edited. I loved the characters, especially Knox. All in all, I feel like I found a gem, not just in the book, but in the author.

This book is an amazing addition to Amber’s world. The main characters are all lovable then you are dragged through so many twists and turns and leaving the book needing the next one right away. Luckily it’s out already!

I immediately was hooked to the story. I knew something was off with Merc when his behavior changed. I only gave it 3 stars because I can't stand love triangles. I will read the next book only because I hope it answers the question of what Piper is. I hope the triangle isn't a huge part of the next book.

So crazy good! The character Piper is young and a bit naive for someone who had her rough life. She may fall into bed a little too easily, but who didn't in their twenties?

Loved the action and the plot twist, definitely looking forward to the next book!

Piper started as a very weak character and had to survive around gifted paranormals. She survived with people who couldn't resist in wanting to be around and help her. It was disheartening to read what she went through with Kingston and Merc that drove her away. However, she gained her strength and self-confidence slowly with Knox. It will be interesting to see her grow her power and who she'll be in the long run.

While I really wanted to enjoy this book, I ended up scanning a lot. You have tons of insta-love. I might follow up and read the next book just to see how the story goes because it honestly has promise.

Interesting premise but ugh the writing bugged me. Every one of the characters felt forced and fake. Just acting/saying things i dont think people would actually say/do. Like big warrior men (who have inexplicably decided to love her in a brotherly way) guessing what she's thinking/feeling. Saying just the right thing... Just felt like the writer was writing a daydream where everyone loved the tragic heroine

A very entertaining, action packed, fast paced read paranormal romance. I really enjoyed the supernatural "world" that Amber has created. I can't wait to get more in depth with Piper and all of the other characters and learn their powers a little bit more. BTW...Team Knox!!

What an absolutely amazing story that leaves you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't get enough!! I can't wait to see what book 2 has in store. I live Merc not too fond of Knox, but it's not my decision to make.

Amber's storytelling never disappoints, and she hit it out of the park with this start to her new series. Piper is looking for her place in the world, and just when she thinks she might have found it, all sorts of circumstances conspire to threaten her newfound security: old enemies, new "friends," and a man that just might be her undoing. The story is gripping, and the characters are awesome.

This book has great promise - vampires, werewolves, a snarky heroine who loves to dance - all my favorite stuff. I would have liked to have seen the relationship between the main character and Merc develop a little more. For me his declaration seemed a bit rushed, but the second half of the book really made up for it. A great start to a new series!

I wanted to like this book, the idea intrigued me and I did like some of the characters. However, the main character really ruined any possibility for this book. Mood swings, insecurities, and insta love prone. She got on my nerves so bad that I found myself skimming over portions if dialogue. I wasn't able to connect with her at all.