Book Review : Daughter of Shadow & Ash by Ember Johnson

I had mixed feelings about Daughter of Shadow and Ash. The book started off slow, diving into layer upon layer of backstory that often felt like a backstory to another backstory. While I appreciated the author’s effort to build a rich world and complex history, it detracted from the main plot and left me feeling disconnected early on.

The connection between Mael and Alora showed promise, and I was starting to enjoy their dynamic. However, I didn’t feel their bond deeply enough to truly experience the heartbreak that the story seemed to demand. If the emotional weight of their relationship had been stronger, I think I would have been more invested in Alora’s transformation into an assassin.

By the halfway mark, I realized I still didn’t have a clear sense of the main plot. While some parts of the protagonist’s journey were enjoyable, the story lacked the tension and engagement needed to keep me turning the pages. The climax, when it finally arrived, was packed into the very end of the book and felt rushed.

The conclusion left me feeling more confused than intrigued. It seemed intentionally vague, likely to set up the sequel, but instead of building anticipation, it left me wondering, “What did I just read?” I even reread the ending, thinking I had missed something, but it was simply the way it was written.

While Daughter of Shadow and Ash had its enjoyable moments, the slow pacing, lack of clarity, and rushed conclusion made it difficult to fully connect with the story. If I come across the sequel, I’ll read it out of curiosity, but I won’t be waiting eagerly for it.

Amazon : 4 Stars

Fable : 3.47 Stars

Good Reads :3 .47 Stars