Book Reviews: Ashes of Ruin by Thomas B. Matthews

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure page for more information.

Unexpected surprise! Author Thomas Matthews reached out to me on Instagram and asked if I’d read his book. I’d already seen some glowing book reviews about it, so of course I had to give it a try.

As a huge fantasy fan, I especially love stories built around a quest—it keeps the momentum going in such an exciting way. And wow, this book delivered! It’s an absolute masterpiece and has officially made it into my top 10 reads of the year!

Ashes of Ruin Publishers Blurb: 

"Everything burns, even the dead." Joshua Mason, Prince of the Octava, has been abducted. An act done since he is the only one capable to defeat the crown. Victoria, his reluctant teacher, must prepare him for what's to come. Yet something tugs at her, pulls her closer than expected, leading them along a treacherous path. Together, they'll fight the shadowed foe. An occult, formidable, and ancient force known only as Ashryn.

My Thoughts:

Joshua Mason, Prince of Octava, is living a quiet life on his father’s farm—until a Monk arrives to take him to the Monastery in Odinshire for Alpha training. But before they arrive, a Searcher named Thomas intercepts them, whisking Joshua away to his sister, Micha. In Octava, the Queen, Hephata, and her daughters—Joshua’s own sisters—believe men should never hold positions of power. While his sisters each rule a province from their own castles, Joshua and his father remain on the farm… until fate decides otherwise.

From the very first page, I was hooked. The story sets the scene beautifully, moves at a brisk pace, and is packed with intrigue. It’s easy to read yet layered with depth, and the plot is truly unique. More than once, I caught myself gasping and thinking, What is going on?!

The characters are a standout. Joshua’s journey from humble farm boy to Alpha of the Eagles is inspiring and full of growth. Genoa, fierce and loyal, refuses to let anyone harm her brother. The Alphas—Eve and Alexander—bring a perfect touch of spice and tension, while Launius adds depth and mystery. Every character feels alive, with genuine emotion and complexity.

The world-building is magnificent. Octava feels real—its landscapes, politics, and magic system are so vivid I felt like I was right there alongside the characters. The blend of epic fantasy, elemental magic, and animal-based magic is one of my favorite combinations, and this book nails it. I also love the classic good versus evil theme woven into a fresh, engaging narrative.

If you love epic fantasy, elemental magic, or richly imagined worlds, this book is a must-read. The pacing, the twists, the characters—everything was chef’s kiss perfection. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and see where Joshua’s path leads.

Book Reviews Final Thoughts:

I really enjoyed Ashes of Ruin and will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I will also be reading more from Thomas B. Matthews. A beautifully written story that lingers long after you finish reading. If you're a fan of sword & sorcery fantasy or romantic fantasy books, you’ll want to grab a copy.

🌙 What do you think—read it or skip it? Let’s chat in the comments! And if you want more reviews, fantasy favorites, and bookish treasures, hit that subscribe button.

This series is available at Amazon.