Review: Out of The Ashes by Ari McKay

Out Of The Ashes (Asheville Arcana, #1) ( Dreamspun Beyond, #1) by Ari McKay
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 220pgs

3.5 Pants Off

Blurb: Asheville Arcana

In their differences, they’ll find strength—and love.

Alpha werewolf Eli Hammond returns from a fishing trip to discover a nasty surprise—five members of his pack murdered and the rest missing. He needs help locating and rescuing his pack mates, but the supernatural council in Asheville, North Carolina, turns him away.

Except for one man.

As they work together, Eli is stunned—and not especially thrilled—to discover half-elf Arden Gilmarin is his destined mate. But as Arden and his friends struggle to help Eli in his quest, Eli surrenders to the demands of his body—and his heart. They’ll need to bond together, because the forces opposing them are stronger and more sinister than anyone predicted. The evil has its sights set on Arden, and if Eli wants to save his mate and the people he is entrusted with protecting, he’s in for the fight of his life.

Review

 OUT OF THE FRYING PAN & INTO THE FIRE

I’ve now moved on to the Dreamspun Beyond series and I am really looking forward to what this entire imprint has to offer. Out of the Ashes was a cute read, and I am looking forward to reading the other books.  

Alpha Werewolf Eli Hammond has come back home only to find some of his pack mates dead and all the others missing. He can’t quite explain as to why it happened but he does know the neighbouring pack had something to do with the deaths and his missing friends. Instead of rushing in and trying to avenge and rescue,  Eli realizes he will need the help of the supernatural council. When his concern falls on deaf ears, Elie realizes he’s going have to get things done on his own, until the beautiful half elf Arden offers up his help and expertise. What Eli never anticipated was finding his mate through all the hardship and while at anytime it would be something to celebrate, Eli knows a mate has no place in his life especially one that isn’t a wolf. 

Arden is unusually drawn to the Alpha Wolf Eli and before he knows it he’s offering his help an getting caught up into something that is more sinister than pack rivalry. When Arden finds out that Eli is his mate he’s hurt that the man doesn’t seem to want to honour a bond that is as old as time. While he’s willing to to put in his all, Eli keeps him at arms length but Arden realizes he’s willing do anything to keep his very reluctant mate safe. Because demons are on the horizon and they are out to destroy some things. 

First, I really liked the world building. I love all things fantasy and with a bit of fairytale element and this book had it. Think of any lore creature, and this book had it in drones. It was just so fantastical and I really enjoyed the world.  

Secondly, Eli and Arden worked for me. While there was nothing so amazing about them, they have presence and their story kept me entertained. They were fun and with their friends it offered up a great eclectic mix of characters that could be a delight for many readers. 

Thirdly, the weakest part of the story, is the overall plot. Demons should strike fear and all that but if anything all of it was very comical made even more so by the dismissal by the supernatural council of something so dire. Like demons were out there possessing people and shit and everyone was just out there coasting. From what I’m gathering this will be a series within the Dreamspun Beyond series, and I am really looking forward to how it will progress. This world has got me hook, line, and sinker.  

Overall, an entertaining read and a great start to DP line. Looking forward to finding out more about these demons because right now they skills is surely lacking. So ready to revisit the world Ari McKay created.