This book is beautifully written and completely different from anything I have ever read before. This could partially be due to it being slightly off-set from my typical preferred genre, but I think it was more than that.
There are fantasy elements to this novel, but they are extremely subtle. For the most part, this story reads like an historical romance, though the romantic elements are also extremely subtle and woven into the story in such a way that make it almost seem that they aren't really there, or that the story doesn't need them. There's a hint of steampunk, a glimmer of Christian Inspiration, and a whole lot of adventure. It's one of those books that just sort of has a bit of everything. And while it boasts no dragons or magic or dark lords of evil intent on conquering the world (or... are there...?) it still captured my heart completely.
The characters truly step off the page. Though books written in first-person present tense are not usually my favorite, I found that I did not mind riding around in the main character's head. Perhaps it is because Izzy feels more like a real person than a caricature, as can often be the case with first person present tense stories. She is a character who is unsure of who she is, she has holes in her memory and cannot remember anything prior to coming to live at Gudwyne cottage—though she knows she was burned in a bad fire at some point before then, she has the scars and the memories of being cared for after they happened, but she does not know how or why she was burned. And yet, her uncertainties do not define her. She is not crippled by her doubts and fears, but works to overcome them, and even uses them to spur herself on when faced with adversity.
Jonathan is Izzy's self-appointed guardian. Though he is only 8 years her senior, he has been taking care of her since she was seven years old. Back then, Izzy gave him permission to keep her past a secret, to hold her memories for her. But now, Izzy is eighteen and starting to feel the weight of those secrets... she wants to know who she was and what happened to bring her to the Gudwyne's, but Jonathan seems unwilling to loose the secrets he has been holding for the past eleven years.... so Izzy sets out with her young friend, Tubs, to find the answers to the secrets Jonathan refuses to tell her. However, in spite of her curiosity, she is unprepared for the truth. When she sees a glimpse of what has been hidden from her, Izzy is not sure she will ever recover... or see Jonathan the same way again.
But events are transpiring swiftly, and before she can begin to cope with the fragments of her stolen past that are returning, she finds herself thrust into a new adventure across the ocean to the New World, where the rest of her history and heritage lie waiting for her to claim them, as well as her rightful place among her true people.
There were moments in this story that made me laugh out loud. Izzy has a no-nonsense, self-deprecating sense of humor, and her stray thoughts are often truly amusing.
There were moments in this story that got me a little choked up. And there were moments in this story that had me sobbing uncontrollably and incapable of reading further until I could clear my eyes of the tears that made the pages swim into an unreadable jumble of blurry letters.
There were surprises, and adventures, and a beautiful Christian message of forgiveness and salvation woven throughout the story in a way that was both gentle and not-at-all-preachy or allegorical. If you like stories such as The Sign of the Beaver, Hind's Feet on High Places, Pride and Prejudice, and The Ilyon Chronicles, this book is one I think you would definitely enjoy: it has elements of all of these.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
All 2 for you in this series
See full series
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Intriguing!
White Wolf and the Ash PrincessThe White Wolf #1By Tammy LashAs a young child, Izzy came to into their home. She was hurting and afraid. And her memories are buried deep within her hidden away. But occasionally a fragment would escape and what Izzy remembers just further complicated things. What she does remember is Jonathan Gudwyne being there for her since she was brought to his home.For years Jonathan has been her closest friend and her guardian but everything is about to change and nothing is quite what she has always believed it to be. But who does she believe when not only her present but her present and her past will be determined by what she chooses.He has loved her for years, but the secrets he kept may divide them forever. But he made promises and the time has come to fulfill them. But will Izzy listen to him and hear the truth or will she believe the half-truths she's been told? And if he loses her forever can he find the will to go on without her?White Wolf and the Ash Princess is an interesting story that is broken into parts. We are given glimpses into Izzy's past that are just enough to keep one's interest piqued. Who is Izzy? We like Izzy want to know the answer to this question. It is obvious as one progresses that both Izzy and Jonathan have been broken and the bond that they share gives them strength but it is also a hindrance. I for one am interested to see where exactly this series takes us in the next book.Intriguing is how I would describe this book. It held my attention from the first word and I care about the characters. This book will touch you on an emotional level and you may need a tissue or two during your time within these pages, especially during a couple of scenes. This book is well-paced and paints a vivid scene to be enjoyed and explored.I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own.
