Wounds of Ash by K.L. Hester is book 1 of the Vendi Chronicles. Courageous Aliyah is raised by her punishment-meting aunt and then sold to the nefarious Sir Caldryk who takes her torture to a new level. With each cut, Caldryk takes Aliyah’s magic. Josen, with his true friend Kaino, has been tracking the killer of his wife for a year; each day draws them closer to The Executioner. However, when they finally catch up to Driel’s horse, they find not a barbaric man who slaughters all in his wake but a young woman being attacked by white-eyed creatures called grarg. Two broken souls are drawn together, but love is hindered by the determined pursuers who are intent on delivering Aliyah to their master—a long-dead Wyvanni.

Wounds of Ash by K.L. Hester is a gripping thriller of a fantasy. With magic users intent on wielding it for evil, huge creatures thought extinct, and antagonists that cause nightmares, this is a dark and haunting story. But Aliyah and Josen’s slow-burn romance, their hurts and hopes make this a completely unputdownable read. The character building of the two main protagonists is what kept me turning the pages and sets Hester apart as a skilled writer. I was hooked on their storylines, willed them to succeed, hoped they would fall in love, gasped near the ending, and can’t wait to read book two! This character-driven fantasy is harrowing, romantic, full of fate, magic, and hope. Wounds of Ash is deeply engaging with a riveting plot, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters.

Wounds of Ash is the first book in KL Hester's Vendi Chronicles, an enthralling blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure set in a richly imagined world filled with magic, intrigue, and danger. Josen loses his wife in an attack on Ringard, the capital of Myral. His father has also gone missing, so he sets out to find his father and avenge the death of his wife. Accompanied by his friend, Kaino, Josen follows a treacherous path that eventually leads to a chance encounter with Aliyah, a Myralian with mysterious powers. Aliyah has been a captive in Caldryk Manor, a place where she doesn’t belong. When she finally escapes from the imposing Sir Caldryk, the meeting with Josen sets them on a journey that will force them to confront ancient powers that seek not only to destroy them but also Myral and Gralanth. Can they survive the onslaught of enemies and save their worlds from destruction?

Wounds of Ash has a stunningly imagined setting and intriguing characters. The story is told from the perspectives of Aliyah and Josen and the author uses this style to build suspense. The inner worlds of the characters are intelligently explored. Josen’s grief slowly cedes place to an unquenchable hunger for revenge while Aliyah discovers her abilities as she confronts new challenges. The bond between these characters stands out. The setting is rich, a world filled with magic, and it takes a unique place in the narrative, affecting the characters in mysterious ways. For instance, Aliyah discovers that she is a Wyvanni, a magical being. Sir. Caldryk is a dangerous manipulator and readers will see him as a monster. Wounds of Ash features gorgeous writing; the prose is descriptive and the dialogues are intelligently crafted. KL Hester has penned an engaging opening for the Vendi Chronicles that makes me want to read more in the series.