Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

Ashen Lands by Tess Manchester centers on Randall Colt, a seasoned military veteran who must travel across a civil war-ravaged America. Bombardments have fragmented and reduced it into chaotic regions characterized by mass burial grounds, burnt-out woodlands, and ruthless armed groups. He must deliver a vital package to a covert group of technical experts in Southland. Colt meets two performers named Plum and Blush, who are escaping a destroyed settlement. Reluctantly taking responsibility for them, he leads them through increasing dangers. Their journey becomes horrific when scavengers inside a dark mountain tunnel capture them. The horrifying encounter forces them to use brutal self-defense and quick thinking to escape. The survivors then seek refuge in an abandoned outlet mall after discovering yet another wrecked settlement, stockpiling supplies before they continue. During a dust-storm ambush, the package’s contents are exposed. Colt realizes he carries the foundation for restoring order and presses on despite constant threats and impossible odds as they continue to adapt and endure a risky and uncertain future. Will Colt succeed in delivering the mission?

Ashen Lands is focused and immersive. Tess Manchester’s straightforward style uses clear, modern language. She develops settings using sharp imagery and visceral action, describing every situation with remarkable clarity. The story moves forward fast. The atmosphere is tense and tough, and the narrative remains accessible and dynamic. The characters feel real, relatable, and human, and the relationship that grows between the characters gives a sense of kindness and warmth in a difficult world. Surprising information is revealed in a natural way, which increases the excitement and makes the reader feel satisfied. The themes are about survival, moral choices, human connection, trauma-driven transformation, rebuilding order, and hope while seeking structure, trust, and renewal in a collapsing world. The combination of visual impact, emotional weight, and steady suspense makes the book especially engaging for adults and mature YA readers who are fans of immersive, post-apocalyptic survival adventures, action thrillers with meaningful emotional depth.