Review: Really enjoyable anthology....looking forward to more like it!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 10, 2014
From the Ashes is a very unique anthology. Each author was tasked to write a short story centered on a particular event that takes place during Mardi Gras in the mysterious city of New Orleans. The Krewe of Magus Tableau and Ball that was an ‘invitation only’ event and each author’s story had characters that were attending this ball for one reason or another.The first story was by Michele Breaux-Rowley, titled “A Cult of Personalities”. I thought this was a great way to start the anthology. This story is a mystery and introduces us to a very odd detecting due…Detective Aide Comeaux and Sister Idonie Gilmore. Events unfold around the Krewe of Magus royalty warranting it necessary for Aiden and Idonie to attend the Ball and does the case get solved? You’ll have to read to find out! ; ) Looking forward to more Aiden and Idonie adventures in the future.The second story is “Fire and Ice”, by Sarah Cradit. Every year the Fontenot twins attend the Ball. Fleur and Remy are up to their tricks, trying to do whatever they can go after what they want. Each with their own agenda for the evening set out for some fun and found themselves in situations that they didn’t plan for. This story was an interesting view of some of the royal characters with a paranormal flair.Next, Michelle Graves tells the story of “Fool’s Errand”. The story is about Connall and he has been sent on a specific errand by his mother to see the Mystic. He needs to travel to the Ball to meet the Mystic and learns how he needs to proceed with his future from there. I haven’t read anything else in the series, but I would be interested in learning more about the Guardians and Seers.“Labor of Love” by Brandy Rivers is a little bewitching tale about lovers named Darla and Tomahawk. She is pregnant with Tomahawk’s child and is deathly afraid that her baby is tainted. To protect Tom, she runs away to her mother’s home. They are both miserable without each other. Unbeknownst to them, Darla’s mother arranges for them to meet at the Ball. Will this meeting go as Darla’s mother planned?And last, but not least…Felicia Tatum concludes the anthology with “Heated Hearts”. This charming story is about Leela and Cale. Leela’s cousin, Francesca, was scheduled to make an appearance at the Ball for business. Last minute, she begs Leela and her relatively new boyfriend. Leela and Cale travel to New Orleans to attend the ball. To see what happens at the Ball, you’ll just have to read to find out! ; )I love hearing stories that are based in New Orleans and especially when discussing experiences that take place during Mardi Gras. I particularly love the idea of dressing up in extravagant outfits and wearing masks. The mystery in masquerade is all very seductive and dangerous. I truly enjoyed each of the stories. Thank you, Dauntless Indies! Looking forward to more in the future!