Book Review: An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet

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An Inheritance of Ashes
Author: E.K. Johnston
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy 
Released: October 6th 2015
Publisher: Clarion Books
 

The strange war down south—with its rumors of gods and monsters—is over. And while sixteen-year-old Hallie and her sister wait to see who will return from the distant battlefield, they struggle to maintain their family farm.

When Hallie hires a veteran to help them, the war comes home in ways no one could have imagined, and soon Hallie is taking dangerous risks—and keeping desperate secrets. But even as she slowly learns more about the war and the men who fought it, ugly truths about Hallie’s own family are emerging. And while monsters and armies are converging on the small farm, the greatest threat to her home may be Hallie herself.

I don’t even know where to begin. I don’t even know how to categorize An Inheritance of Ashes. This book has a little of everything and is more of a dystopian story than fantasy yet it has a paranormal feel. Still, what makes this story so special is the relationship between sisters Hallie and Marthe. These two are water and oil. Although they did not have a perfect relationship, from reading, you can tell they love each other. And the ending was such a great ending.

The story begins with Hallie witnessing her father and uncle fight. They are fighting for a land they inherit. Hallie’s father wins and her uncle Matthias decides to leave. Upon leaving he tells her something that will hunt Hallie. As she grows to a young adult, Hallie becomes a hard worker. Her sister, Marthe, is very bossy. She demands many things from Hallie and to avoid disappointments, she works her a$$ off.

In the story, Hallie encounters many challenges. One in which includes crazy monsters from the dark side. Another is a man she meets. She hires this man to help out with the farm… only to find out some truth about him.

The overall story is filled with many elements, slowly built and yet, I found this very consuming. I really enjoy reading about Hallie. Her character held something unique and kept me turning those pages. Some scenes with her sister broke my heart but at at the end, they’re moments were heartwarming. I really loved the 180 twist their relationship turn out to be.

An Inheritance of Ashes is unique and though the pacing is slow, it is a quick read. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story and I hope everyone give it a try because it will bring a smile to your face.