Inked in Ashes

A Twisted Fairy Tale Retelling (Inkbound, Book 1)

De: Shannon Mayer

Narrado por: Amelia Hugh

From New York Times bestselling author Shannon Meyer comes a riveting dark romantic fantasy fairy tale retelling of Cinderella, where a cursed heroine must navigate forbidden love with the King’s brother, a brewing revolution, and haunting secrets that could shatter the kingdom and change her destiny forever, perfect for fans of Once Upon a Time and Wicked.

Escape the page, or die trying…

I’ve spent twenty-five years in the Hollow, poor as dirt, cursed with a stepmother who hates me, and dreaming about a faraway land that I don’t understand. Only two things that make life worth living are my falcon, Fetch, and my best friend, Molly.

But when Molly’s plot to land a royal husband at the palace ball goes horribly wrong, I find myself staring at a king with a glass stiletto buried in his chest and a blood-covered Molly standing over him. We’ve got to move…and fast, or we’ll both wind up swinging from the hangman’s noose.

Worse? The palace sorcerer is using everything he can to find the culprit including raising the dead.

More complicated? Duncan…brother to the King, whose eye I’ve unintentionally caught, a man whose secrets might be deadlier than the undead soldiers breathing down our necks, is making me second-guess everything I’ve ever known.

With revolution brewing and a mysterious man calling to me from my dreams, I have no choice but to embrace my fate…

But what if my fate is beyond anything I could ever imagine? What if the only land I’ve ever known isn’t home at all?

What if I’m trapped inside a fairytale, and the only way out…is through?

©2025 Shannon Mayer (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Fairytale adventure with a Delightful twist!

whimsical, easy read. Enjoyable characters in fairytale setting. Looking forward for book 2 and next fairytale adventure!

loved it

Oh my yes, I need more please. This is a fairytale retelling on steroids. A hint of many different stories all smashed up tossed in the air, and this addictive story comes out. Harmony and her amazing sidekick Fetch are just amazing. Molly is a work in progress and Prince Duncan is yummy.
This story yanked me in and just wouldn't let me out. I adored it and can't wait for more

A great ride!

I love this book and I can’t wait to read the rest of them. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble they get into next time.

Wow.

This book… I’ve never read a fairytale retelling and I’m so glad this was the one to catch my eye. This book was filled with an original plot, hints of multiple fairytales, a dark army, a sprinkle of romance and perfect pacing.

Another great start to a new series

Absolutely loved it not giving any spoilers but Shannon never disappoints and her wonderful storytelling

what a ride

This was amazing and unlike anything I have read/heard! Shannon Mayer never disappoints. this is a must read or listen.

Average

Unlike the other stories by Ms Mayer, this was underwhelming. I could not finish it. I abandoned it half way through. The narrator did not emote well w the characters and also helped me jump ship.

Not bad but not great

I really wanted to love this book and, while it’s not bad, it’s pretty forgettable. I mean, I finished the book yesterday and I’m struggling to remember enough plot to form this review. I think probably the issue is that because it’s setting up the next book(s) there isn’t much plot to indulge into - it’s just drips and dabs of other stories loosely tied together.

I loved the main character and best friend storyline but the romantic storyline felt forced and just sort of crammed in. The prince is a plot device, sure, but the immediate, obsessive love doesn’t make sense with how the story is written except that it’s a fairytale retelling.

The hints of storylines are interesting so I would maybe check out another book if it’s in sale/member but otherwise I probably won’t bother.

Great Story Line, But…

Great storyline, can’t wait to listen to the second one. But… really don’t like the narrator. Her voice is rushed and forced, and not at all enjoyable.