"The Beautiful Ashes" Packs Quite The Action Packed Burn

The Beautiful AshesTitle:  The Beautiful Ashes (Broken Destiny #1)
Author:  Jeaniene Frost
Format:  ERC
Length:  304 pages
Publisher:  Harlequin
Rating:  4 Stars

In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who's bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn't mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn't: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…  -Goodreads

My Thoughts

Ivy is a character who takes some getting used to. Though her circumstance at the beginning of the read lead one to believe that she is a very sympathetic leading lady; the bravery and moxie she shows soon after, quickly dispels any notions of "shrinking violet" syndrome previously held.
Ivy's backstory seems to get lost amid the various character introductions, plot twists, and world construction that takes place,as the story finds its feet.

The introduction of leading man Adrian, his backstory, and the intertwining of the Ivy's and his fate, is where thing really start to get good. He is truly a major plot engine for this story, and it is a pleasure to see him work.
He also serves as the vehicle for several key revelations concerning Ivy's purpose, gifts, and history.
Not to mention the fact that he is the epitome of sex on a plate!

Supporting cast members worth a nod of recognition.

Zac - The good guy. He is the equivalent of an angelic Q to Adrian's James Bond.
He is always around for the occasional costume change, to give advice, or the much needed aftermath cleanup. When it comes to the heavy lifting however, Ivy and Adrian are pretty much left to sink or swim.

Demetrius - The bad guy. He is the puppet master not so behind the scenes making things happen. Just when it seems that there is nothing more that he can do, you are once again reminded that his powers of manipulation know no bounds.

Jasmine - The bait. Ivy's sister and the reason that she embarks on her quest I the first place. There is not much to say about her because her character remains seriously underdeveloped.

Costas - He can most easily be described as Adrian's roadie. Some who is always there to follow him around, bring the car, carry the guns, die a few times...you know, 
the fun stuff.

The Minions - The various realms of this books are filled with a wide array of interesting demo helpers. They range from the hideous to the insidious.

This is a great, action packed, whirlwind of a read. Relying more on plot complexity and breakneck pacing, than the sexy sadism that has been a hallmark of previous works. This is a true departure from the known, and the start of a wonderful new adventure from Queen Frost.

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