Out of the Ashes

A Metahuman Files: Classified Novella, Book 1

By: Hailey Turner

Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

War never leaves a soldier behind.

Staff Sergeant Alexei Dvorkin is still recovering from his brief stint as a prisoner of war. While his physical wounds have healed, the emotional scars are slow to disappear. Agent Sean Delaney’s recovery from trauma is likewise slower than anticipated, and he also blames himself for what Alexei suffered through.

The ties between Alexei and Sean were frayed by the enemy’s hand. Mending what was broken between them will require a depth of honesty neither man is ready to face just yet. But if they don’t, they risk losing a future together neither wants to let go.

©2020 Hailey Turner (P)2020 Hailey Turner

Love And Healing

This is the first book in The Metahuman Files: Classified Series. Although it is a shorter book that bridges book 4 and book 5 of the Metahuman Files Series. So, it is really Book 4.5. And you really do need to read the previous books especially book 4 In the Blood. They are totally worth reading and you will understand Out of the Ashes better for it. A sensational book the writing was amazing. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters wonderful. The characters were well developed and thought out. This book focuses on Sean and Alexei as the MC’s of this book and their healing and continuing with life from book 4. There was humor, argument, mission, London, training, psychiatrist, support, frustration and so much more in this book.

Here is a quote from the book, “Sitting up, Alexei leaned over and carefully lifted Sean’s hand to his mouth, brushing his lips over warm knuckles. “Ya tebya lyublyu,” Alexei whispered. It felt more like a confession now than at any time before when they’d said the words to each other. He still meant them with every fiber of his being.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend this book and the series. The narration was wonderful not monotone and used different voices for the characters. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

I’m not leaving

A really lovely addition to “In the Blood” book! I’m extremely gratified to get more of Sean and Alexi. “In the Blood” was full of actions and thrilling excitements. Although I loved it, I felt like I didn’t get enough of these two MCs so I’m very happy to get this shortie.

Sean has major guilt when it comes to Alexi. And he still has nightmares which he dreamt about hurting Alexi and it seriously brought a rift and so much tension between their relationship. It was so fulfilling to see him pull out of this pit himself and our men went on a mission together again. It wouldn’t be Hailey Turner if there isn’t a little bit of excitement. Loved it.

5 I’m not leaving stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️




Audio rating

Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heartbreakingly beautiful

A continuing story in the meta human world focusing on overcoming the severe physical and psychological trauma caused when one heroic couple was kidnapped and tortured. If you haven’t read the previous stories, you won’t be as personally invested in the main characters and won’t have read the actual kidnapping story. The ugly side of survival and PTSD is written with the view towards reconciliation and a hopeful outlook. Healing, not healed. Recovering, not cured. Gentle, steadfast love holding pieces together until it feels ok to let actual arms hold each other. Of course there is action and adventure, but this novella focuses mainly on the mental, physical, and emotional hurdles of our beloved heroes. I personally hate novellas because they’re usually not substantial enough for me to enjoy, but I HIGHLY recommend this one! Greg Boudreaux is fabulous as always- Russian, several British and American accents, perfect pitch, inflection, and timing create a movie in your mind as the story unfolds. This novella is heartbreakingly beautiful.

4.5 stars

I love Alexei and Sean! I loved seeing them grow through their trauma. The action and seeing Liam again was a bonus!

Great Listen

I received an ARC of this audio for my honest review. This is such an amazing series and I am SO glad Hailey kept it going with this new series. I really enjoyed hearing about Sean and Alexei and after what happened to them in the last book I’m glad to see that they are trying to get over it.

sooo good! loved Alexei and Sean!

I loved Alexei and Sean!! Alexei is still recovering from when he was held as a POW. Sean's recovery is taking longer but he's still harboring guilt. This was fantastic!! I was so happy to hear more about Alexei and Sean. Greg Boudreaux did a fantastic narration, I felt like I was right there with them.

A much needed addition to the series

I love the Metahuman series and I always felt that between In the Blood and In the Requiem not much attention was given to the aftermath of what Sean and Alexei went through. Thankfully this novella was written to give us a feel of the mind space of Alexei and Sean. The POV is for the bigger part Sean's, since his torture was mostly psychological, except the dental work, thus having a bigger impact on his psyche and more to work through. I wish that Alexei's state of mind wasn't summed up in "he's trained to overcome things like that" and it's the reason I'm giving the story 3 stars. Alexei's POV mostly entails his desire to help Sean and be there for him no matter what. Greg's always a joy to listen to, various voices, accents and emotions! His Alexei is especially delicious!!!

I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

Their issues were addressed with compassion

This is not a stand-alone book. It builds on a previous story and a darn good one. You can't go through traumatic events without being affected and it was nice to see how Sean and Alexei were dealt with. This could have easily been an epilogue instead of a stand-alone book.

Greg Boudreaux was superb.

Just what I needed

This was a shorter novella but after everything that happened in the last book, I am so glad to see Sean and Alexei work through all of the traumatic aftermath.

Great addition

I’m so glad the novellas have been released on audio. Out of Ashes is one of my favorites. I loved getting more of Sean and Alexi. Narration was spot on!