Review: Great paranormal, urban fantasy, thriller
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 1, 2014
"Ash to Embers" is a very well written and absorbing book. After about twenty pages I was hooked in.  In some ways the writing style reminds me of Phillip K Dick (in a good way).  The characters are very well described and have unique personalities and traits.  Tian, at first, I was unsure where or what the character was about, but all was revealed as the plot spun out.  Great dialog and vividly descriptive scenes.  Some of the situations are very intense, but that is not all the book is about.  There are much deeper themes and the flow of the narrative allows the reader a rich tapestry of discussions, action, "magic", power, intrigue and confrontation.  The characters also struggle with their own feelings and their own histories, as well as with events out of their control.  To avoid spoilers, I will not discuss the unexpected plot twists and some of the very uniquely fun aspects of this book.  I did want to know more about the backstory for some of the secondary characters and wondered how they ended up as they are.  The climax left me satisfied, yet ready for more from this talented writer.To me, the novel is not for kids under 13 (language and sexual themes), but for others who enjoys urban fantasy, or paranormal novels (however you define those genres) this novel "Ash to Embers" deserves serious consideration.