Ashes

Ashes Trilogy, Book 1

By: Ilsa J. Bick

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

It could happen tomorrow....

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions. Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom, a young soldier, and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP. For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it's now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.

©2011 Ilsa J. Bick (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"For fans of postapocalyptic and horror fiction, Bick has created a story of equal parts intrigue and gore…Katherine Kellgren narrates the tension-filled action at a lightning pace…The author’s frenetic characterization of Alex is tempered by Kellgren’s ability to draw the listener into each scene." ( Audiofile)

2012 Audie Award Nominee, Female Solo Narration

Not for thinking people.

Started promising then quickly went from bad to worse. The narrator seemed to be hyperventilating and the meaningless descriptions of gore added nothing.

This book doesn't deserve the bad reviews it has

Would you listen to Ashes again? Why?

Yes. I first was introduced to the series years ago when I didn't even use audible. I read the books, and they captured my attention. While everyone seems to think the narrator of this Audiable book is too whinny, I think they are missing the point. The characters portrayed as whinny, are. So I thought it was a great representation of that.

Who was your favorite character and why?

In book one, Tom is my favorite characters. Also, there seems to be some critique of Alex being "captured" by Rul and made to go to school... whoever is making that critique really isn't understand the book.

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

While there is some screaming and yelling, she honored the book very well by bringing to life the personality of the characters.

Any additional comments?

I think if this genre is your think, you will really like the unique and easy perspective of the "the world coming to an end" The focus on survival, and the portrayal of the bad guy is one I hadn't see before.

Great start

Book 1 was very good. Unfortunately it goes downhill FAST. Book 2 was OK and book 3 was horrible. It was in part due to the narrator (a big part) that ruined the story. However, it's hard for me to believe all 3 books were written by the same person. Book 1 was so descriptive I was immersed into the story almost immediately, but by book 3 I actually skipped 5 hours to the last chapter just to get it over. Yes, it was that bad! I seriously doubt I will evey buy another book by Ilsa J. Bick.

Decent

The story was good. But, the narrator was a bit much. Over theatrical most of the time.

Superb!

The author is a genius with her use of imagery and setting. I found the storyline very fresh, the characters believable, and the ending a heart-stopper! Ms. Kellgren caught the character's personalities perfectly...especially the eight year-old girl. Does an eight year-old whine and throw temper tantrums? Any parent will tell you that yes she does. Ms. Kellgren got it spot on. I love this book so much I purchased it for my NOOK and have ordered the hard back. Can't wait for the next installment!

The Best Zombie Apocalypse Novel!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to strangers on the street! It is fast-paced, thrilling, and terryfing with the perfect spice of a love triangle that is totally believable, even though there are zombies and pheremon dog connections with the protagonist!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ashes?

I love Chris! So, I would have to say the most memorable moment for me was at the very end, when Alex is riding the horse and trying to leave Rule and Chris is chasing her screaming for her to stop! She doesn't know what she is doing! Another memorable moment would be her fight with the three zombie-kids to save Tom while he is in-capacitated on the gas station floor.

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

She was great! Katherine did an excellent job, especially with her Tom and Chris voice! I was very impressed!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely! I have already listened to it twice in a week!

Any additional comments?

I recommend this audiobook to everyone! I am not a big zombie or apocalypse fan, and I'll admit I even scoffed at it when the book was recommended to me. However, after listening to the story, I am beset with excitement for the sequel!

Watch your volume!

What did you like best about Ashes? What did you like least?

From the begining the narrator sounded as if she was yelling the entire story. When I adjusted the volume, the way she spoke and her intonation still gave the impression of yelling.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

See above

Any additional comments?

I will avoid this narrator from now on.

Excellent Narrator!

Overwhelming at first, the narrator practically turns this reading into a one woman show. She uses enthusiasm, accents, tempo, everything to add color and excitement to the story. A fun post-apocalyptic book. Buying the next one soon!

Not your typical Apocalyptical story!!

I absolutley loved this book! It was beyond amazing. At points, I, ME who never gets scared was terrified! I really was. It was OMG will this ever end kind of scared. It was an unknown kind of scared. Author Ilsa J Bick has an amazing talent of writing this genre. Her characters, her story line, her EVERYTHING is over the top! If you love end of world type of books, zombie-like books, survival of end books THIS SERIES IS FOR YOU! BUT BE WARNED...there is more to this series than just your typical-the world is ended we need to survive. There is so much emotion, so much to learn about human species in general. It is actualy an emotional rollercoaster! I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!!!!!!! **I am putting this SAME review on all three books of this series. I will not give away an spoilers and just encourage you read this series. The narrator is FAN FREAKING TASTIC!!!!!!!

Different in a good way!

I really liked this book. It was another end of the world as we know it scenerio, but I liked the EMP caused it. Can't wait for book 2.