Crown of Ash (Emperor's Assassin, Book 5) by Kai Butler; Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo


The action-packed series finale where we finally get to see if Airón and Tallu can unite the Imperium and surrounding lands in peace and get their HEA. A hard fight for love and a well-deserved future.


From the blurb:

As fires burn Tavornai and Bemishu marches on the Ariphadeus, something even more horrifying threatens the happiness Tallu and I have found.


We have finally found an ally that will allow us to retake the Imperium from Kacha and Bemishu’s clutches. Even as we control the rivers that cross the empire, Kacha and Bemishu move with the confidence of experienced generals, keeping us from total victory.

When Bemishu flees into the Ariphadeus, we must follow him because what lives there would change the war in his favor. Can we find it first? And if we do, could we possibly win at last?


SNik's review:

Fifth and finale in series (Emperor’s Assassin), must be read in order. Fantasy. Established couple. Found family. Single POV. 

Airón, Tallu, and all of their supporters are still in the midst of battle with the two traitorous generals that want to see the Imperium conquer all the lands. As Airón discovers more powers and is in a race to save Tallu, peace keeps seeming just out of reach. 

I did not realize that this was the conclusion to the series, but when we finally got to the end result I was happy with the way the story ended. Airón and Tallu remained steadfast throughout, and even though everything was from Airón’s POV I did wish Tallu got to be more involved. I enjoyed the continued sense of found family and would have loved to see all the supporting characters in their found family in the epilogue, but that’s probably too greedy of me. Overall, this series was entertaining, Airón and Tallu were a great couple to root for, and we got to see the empire united and flourishing while Airón and Tallu got to live in peace. 

Michael Ferraiuolo does a fantastic job whenever he narrates, especially when the story is in single POV. He really brings the wit and determined courage of Airón to life and made this another entertaining listen.


Crown of Ash is currently available as an audiobook, e-book, paperback and hardback, and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

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