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Lost Legacies #4

A Shift in Ashes: A Slow Burn Romantic Fantasy

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Blood oaths aren’t the type of debt that you can ignore. Not if you want to keep your magic or your life. When Eddie offered Nemain a blood oath years ago, she’d accepted because it’d been the only option that had allowed them both to walk away. Eddie swore to take her secrets to the grave, and Nemain promised to take him back to his home realm so he could rescue his lover. When she accepted the oath, Nemain didn’t know what Eddie was or how difficult it would be to open a gateway to his home realm. But everyone’s secrets have been blown wide-open now. Her friend is a dragon, and dragons have a complicated history with daemons. For someone who spent most of her life avoiding complicated situations, Nemain has found herself in a bunch of them lately. She’s sworn her allegiance to the Unseelie Queen, has become the guardian of multiple wanted vampires, and something dark and consuming is forming between her and a certain clever-tongued vampire assassin. But a debt is a debt, and even without the blood oath between them, Nemain always helps her friends. Even on insane rescue missions. When Pele invites herself to come along, an already dangerous task becomes even more so. Because the dragons aren’t just some ancient enemy of the daemons, they’re potentially allied with the exiled fae king as well. Because that’s just what Nemain needs in her life. More enemies.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2023

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About the author

Maddox Grey

7 books74 followers
Maddox Grey is the author of the urban fantasy series, Lost Legacies. Despite having a degree in history and political science, they built a career in technology and worked in both IT and software development.

When not writing code or books, Maddox spends most of their free time playing video games and reading comics, fantasy, and sci-fi books. With some romance books sprinkled in. Despite living in New England for almost a decade, they will never get over their California roots and cannot handle New England winters. After spending the summer camping with their partner and faithful canine companion, Maddox retreats indoors for New England winter and cuddles with their cat on the couch...and complains about the weather.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR:
Hey there! I'm rarely on this site, only popping over occasionally to make sure my books updated correctly. If you have any questions for me, please use the contact form on my website or message me on Instagram : )

If you’re curious about what I’m reading, you can follow my “reviews” here. Personally I’m not comfortable publicly reviewing other authors books. So if I enjoyed it, it gets five stars from me, lol. My taste in books is… chaotic… but mostly some flavor of fantasy.

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5 stars
69 (69%)
4 stars
25 (25%)
3 stars
6 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 26, 2023
Another win for Maddox Grey

I love in devoured this book so fast. This book made me laugh made me cry and made me super nervous. All of the emotions I want to feel when reading a book. Maddox definitely delivered. I am so pleased about the diversity and inclusion in this book it warms my heart. Many authors who aren’t POC don’t always do diversity very well, but I can appreciate the love and time Maddox put into this book. She is now an auto buy by author for me. I cannot get enough of this series. I was lucky enough to get a arc of the upcoming novella. I will go and dive into it right now. If you have not started this series, please do.
Profile Image for Bookshelfenigma.
60 reviews
January 10, 2024
FINALLY THERE ARE DRAGONS!!!! 🐲

I am a devourer of books; those who know me will attest to this. I gobbled this book right up!

After a rocky start to their relationship, Nemain trains with Kalen and Badb to hone her powers.
Her relationships slowly evolve with Mikhail (🌶️x100) and even Dante.
This book focuses on Nemain and her merry band of misfits embarking on a dangerous journey to Eddie's home realm to fulfill her blood debt to him and her order from the Unseelie Queen.
Despite their progress, danger looms ahead as Nemain and their friends rally to prepare against an imminent war with Balor and his allies.
A Shift In Ashes is my favorite book so far.
The world-building continues to expand as we discover new realms and characters.
I love the dynamic of Nemain and her found family. Nemain is cunning and sarcastic, as always. However, she may have met her match in Mikhail. Their relationship had me giggling, crying, cursing, and gasping. I never knew what mood they would be in from one moment to the next, stabby or "STABBY." These two are going to give me a heart attack.
If you're looking for a thrilling and engaging read, this is just what you need. The story is packed with non-stop action and epic quests that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are dynamic and vibrant, each with distinct personalities and quirks that add depth to the story. The clever and witty dialogue makes for an immersive and entertaining experience. And if that's not enough, the slow-burn romance will keep you hooked.
Profile Image for Robin.Bookish.Escape.
103 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
Nemain is my girl, I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. This whole series is one of my absolute favorites and the fact that it is also beautifully written is the cherry on top. With all kinds of magical creatures and found family… the story line just keeps getting better and better. If you like DRAGONS, this one is for you!!!

This part of the story explores Eddie and Nemain’s blood debt, which I absolutely love their relationship. The picture on the wall of Eddie’s office has haunted Nemain since the first time she saw it. Now the opportunity has arisen for Nemain to not only meet the Woman from the painting but help a friend. To top it all off, she is a dragon PRINCESS?? Accompanied by the usual suspects, the band sets off to rescue the love of Eddie’s life. What could go wrong? The exiled Fae King has plans of his own and has no plans of stopping until all the realms are under his rule.

I appreciated how although the main part of the story focused on Eddie, we still got to see Nemain’s relationship with Mikhail blossom and all the emotions, the highs and lows, that came with it.
Fast paced, action packed, fantastical realms and the creatures that inhabit them, throw in some good risking it all for those you love… I cannot get enough of this series! Maddox Grey has created a fully immersive world that you will be entranced with and will leave you thirsting for more.
Profile Image for Teresa.
204 reviews21 followers
December 28, 2023
A Shift in Ashes is labeled as a slow burn romantic fantasy and absolutely lives up to that!

After a rocky start to their relationship, Nemain trains with Kalen and Badb to hone her powers. Her relationships are slowly evolving with Mikhail and even Dante!

This book focuses on Nemain and her motley crew embarking on a dangerous journey to Eddie’s home realm to fulfill her blood debt as well as her order from the Unseelie Queen.

Despite the progress they’ve made, danger looms ahead as Nemain and their friends rally to prepare against an imminent war with Balor and his allies.

Tropes/themes:
Action-packed
Banter
1 🛏️
Found family
Touch her & 💀
Deadly trials
Political intrigue
Ballroom dance scene
Slow burn 🌶️

This is my favorite installment so far. The world continues to expand as new realms and characters are introduced and I love the dynamic of Nemain and her found family. Nemain is cunning and sarcastic as always but she may have met her match in Mikhail.

This series is perfect if you’re looking for an action-packed story with epic quests, colorful characters, top tier banter, and a slow burn romance!

**I received a free e-ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you to Maddox Grey for the opportunity!**
Profile Image for Jessica Beatty.
101 reviews
August 10, 2024
*AUDIOBOOK REVIEW*

SO MANY DRAGONS!!!!! Y'all, I really love this series! It's such a fast paced with lots of action and tons of magical folk! I love how many types of mythical beings and creatures are in this series. The world building is awesome and I love all of the characters! I can't say too much without giving things away since this is the 4th book in the series, but there is a slow burn romance that has been simmering for the last few books that may FINALLY come to a boil! My only gripe about this book is that there isn't more Jinx 😂

I've gotten used to the narration style since this is book 4, so the occasionally "Siri" voice doesn't bother me as much. At any rate, she does great with the characters so it doesn't really matter.

I hope you add this to your TBR if you haven't already, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have! Book 6 comes out on August 13, so I'm getting started on book 5 now!

This series is for you if you love
✨️A badass, feline shifter FMC
✨️Lots of fun and sexy side characters
✨️Tons of action and suspense
✨️Unique magical abilities
✨️Found family
✨️Slow burn romance
✨️Banter
✨️Awesome feline companion that can ruin your day with bad luck if you piss him off 🤣
236 reviews8 followers
July 29, 2023
It’s incredibly easy to become so engrossed in this book. Granted you do have to give it your absolute attention because of the plethora of characters. However, it is definitely worth it for the relationship dynamics and banter.

The slow burn is SPOT ON! The emotional weight and sexual tension between Nemain and Mikhail was intense and delicious, and everything I needed in a book that is full of fast paced action.

The action really is a key part of this book, but that made me enjoy it even more with the tournament and heist vibes.

One of the main things that I love so much about this series is the huge amount of fantasy creatures present. With Nemain being able to travel between realms this is expected, but come on, there’s vampires, shifters, daemons, dragons, and even characters paying homage to the Greek Gods. See now this may seem like a lot, but all of the realms, characters, and their magical heritage works together seamlessly.

I received an arc copy of this book and can confirm that this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah Elyse | Retro Girl Reads.
1,371 reviews83 followers
January 6, 2024
In reading this series, I’ve completely fallen in love with this world and become obsessed with these characters - every book has been amazing, and “A Shift in Ashes” was no exception!

Eddie finally called in his favor from Nemain, but at this point, I think she would’ve helped him even without it. The found family trope is strong in this series, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Eddie, Nemain, Magos, Mikhail, and Pele all end up in the dragon realm to try to form an alliance between dragons and daemons as well as reuniting Eddie with the love of his life.

A variety of new characters were introduced in this one, and for the most part, I enjoyed learning about them! I loved Cerri especially because she was strong, confident, and sassy - all personality traits that I admire.

I also was so pleased with how Mikhail and Nemain’s relationship develops over the course of this book - certain scenes had me giggling like a little girl, whereas others made me want to cry. This was definitely a 5 star read for me!
Profile Image for Rachel.
312 reviews6 followers
April 9, 2024
That is how you end a book!! 👏👏👏
One of my favorites of the series so far!

What I loved
- I loved being back in Nemain’s head. Her thought process, inner dialogue, and overall awesomeness are my favorites. Plus, her ability to self-reflect (even if it’s hesitantly at first) just proves that you can always grow no matter how old you are
- The best found family
- Enemies to lovers (or as a good friend lovingly calls them, idiots to lovers 🥰)
- DRAGONS
- More action and scenes with our favorite side characters (and some new ones!)
- That epilogue 🫢

Side note: For those who read and enjoyed Throne of Glass, do you remember how great it was to have a really long series with characters you love and events that keep you on the edge of your seat? I was afraid I’d never find another series like that again, but here we are 😍.

I cannot wait to see where Maddox sends us next!!
Profile Image for Clairelettersandmore .
66 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2024
I absolutely loved "A Shift in Ashes" The dragons brought an extra layer of excitement and danger to the story, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish. The plot seems simple—rescue the princess—but when the princess turns out to be a dragon in a realm full of angry dragons, things get complicated fast. The stakes feel high with an exiled fae king plotting, and the characters, especially the strong and witty protagonist, make it even more engaging. The combination of action, dragons, and twists kept me hooked throughout!

Krys Janae’s narration was phenomenal and brought the story to life in such a captivating way. Her ability to differentiate characters and deliver emotions made the entire experience even more immersive. Her voice truly added depth to the action-packed plot, making the story all the more exciting and memorable.
Profile Image for Read2escape  M.
246 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2023
I was one of the privileged to receive this book as an Arc and I can’t truly describe how much I loved this book ! Hands down my favorite of this series so far ! The banter the action the continuation of this amazing story line was just chefs kiss ! Fast paced action packed deft would recommend reading this book in order and also the novella in between so you know all the characters involved so you can enjoy these stories that much more and love where nemain came from and why and how she is the way she is !! And mikhail omg swoon the banter and friction so hot 🥵!! 100% would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys action , adventure, fantasy Lgbtq 🏳️‍🌈 characters, and just a damn good read to get lost in !
Profile Image for Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews).
1,115 reviews21 followers
August 17, 2023
Book 3 in the Lost Legacies series finds Nemain thrust into a dangerous mission to fulfill a blood-oath and rescue Eddies lost love from the Dragon Realm accompanied by Pele who has her own agenda.

Add in some political shenanigans with the Unseelie Queen, a bit of meddling from Nemain's parents and the ongoing attraction between our Shapeshifter and her Vampire friend all lead to an action packed, drama filled story that is impossible to put down.

Despite the character roster growing to a series high, Maddox Grey's writing allows the reader to separate and compartmentalize the individual friends and foes to create an engaging story
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,159 reviews104 followers
October 15, 2023
Here we are at book three and Nemain is fulfilling her blood oath to Eddie, to help him save his true love. Eddie’s home realm is dangerous and exciting and is full of dragons and per usual all is not as it seems. It’s a fast paced and action packed read that helps you find yourself drawn back into an amazing world and back with our fabulous characters as their journeys continue. It’s a fantastic fantasy read and a fantastic addition to this incredible series as they try to find out what the evil fae king is up to.
100 reviews
January 3, 2024
It’s time for Nemain to make good on her promise to help Eddie get back to his lost love. Of course, this means fun and games for all the gang in a realm full of dragon shifters, some of whom are allied with enemy forces.

I really enjoyed this one. I think Eddie is a really fun character, and it was great to get to know him better. I thought the Nemain/Mikhail storyline finally came into its own here, and felt natural and plausible. Highly recommended (did I mention dragons?).

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Batwoman.
500 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2024
Holy cow, this book was amazing. The last few chapters really had me tense with what might happen! I feel like this book got more intense to the other books in this series. But now I seriously can’t wait to read the next book so much happened in this book especially at the end. I absolutely loved reading it. I would very highly recommend this series/book. It will take you on a very unique adventure and you will meet so many amazing characters. And then there’s never a dull moment with them. Very highly recommend!
Profile Image for Molly Lauren.
9 reviews
August 7, 2024
Maddox Grey surprisingly has managed to claw my interest back after a thorough disappointment in book 3.

This book is fantastic, the plot, the pacing, the tension was delicious.

Nemain and Mikhail finally got together after the will they, won't they that had been a theme throughout the series, I personally feel it was dragged out a little too much but when it happened I'd be lying if I didn't shout "YES!" At the top of my voice.

I was prepared to DNF the series after Bryn's novella which I very rarely do but this book has fully restored my faith in the series and Maddox as an author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
49 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2024
Narrator: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Spice: 2 (Spice is totally subjective)

The twist in the Epilogue! I will not give spoilers but the group of friends that Nemain has is ever growing and even more wonderful in each book. Seriously, this series is my favorite I've read in a long time. It is hard to step away from the books. Their dedication to each other makes the characters all ones you want to be friends with and you really don't want anything bad to happen to all of them. This book will make you squeal in delight and potentially yell if you're that kind of reader. Please read this series. It is amazing.
Profile Image for nvl_reads.
361 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2024
The fourth book in the series is just as engaging and action-packed as the rest! In this installment, Nemain and her friends journey to the Dragon realm to fulfill her blood debt to Eddie to find his love. She also is there under order of the Unseelie queen. The slow burn romance between Neiman and Mikhail continues.

I absolutely love this series! With each new installment, we are introduced to new realms and characters. The author seemlessly brings them together and weaves the story full of action vampires, shifters, demons, dragons, and Fae. I can’t wait for the next one.
7 reviews
July 21, 2024
There were so many moments in this book where I was screaming! The build up to Nemain and Mikhail has been so good and it really paid off in this book. And we finally get to meet Eddie’s love and a bunch of other dragons! And I love the relationship between Pele and Nemain, glad we got to see more that in this one. The cast of characters in this series is so freaking good!
Profile Image for Pandora.
226 reviews99 followers
August 10, 2024
Is it possible that these books just get better and better??

First there's the reference to a slaughter party (heck of a good time if you ask me). Then the slow burn turning into an inferno between Mikhail and Nemain. Followed by moments that make you go holy sh!t that did not just happen! Finally the ending that has you sitting there with your mouth hanging open.

Running off to the next book now.
Profile Image for Lisa Couch.
52 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2024
This series gets better and better. The emotional growth that Nemain goes through, and the new realm she and the gang explore, is such an amazing story. The amount of times a gasped and screaming is embarrassing, but I live for it!
Profile Image for Ashley Flynn.
9 reviews
February 5, 2024
I mean... dragons. How was I not going to love this? Also I adore Eddie so this book was kind of an instant win for me. And also...

This series is filling a Kate Daniels sized hole in my heart and I love it for that.
Profile Image for Rose Dudley.
17 reviews
February 15, 2024
To me this was the best book in the series! I love that Nemain and Mikhail FINALLY got together! I love all the detail that goes into ALL the books too. The only thing I would say is I wish there was a little bit more spice in the book. Not loads more but just more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Saltysalamander.
137 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2024
Will go into a more detailed review when I finish the series. I have to say the action/fighting scenes, banter/quips, and just general shenanigans in this one has to be my fave so far.

Oh fk me, I just realized the last two aren’t on Audio yet. 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩
Profile Image for Dana kovacs .
81 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2024
Can’t put the series down and don’t want it to end! Thus it’s a 4. But I feel Mikhail and Nemains romance was rushed. Hopefully we get more in the later books
26 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2024
Another hit from this series! I can not express how good this series is. And each book just keeps pulling me further in. And the spice 🤌 chefs kiss!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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