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cozy_reading_times's review against another edition
3.0
3.5*
This was an interesting book but not as good as Szpara's debut novel Docile.
The concept was especially fascinating because, as a fantasy novel, one truly couldn't know whether the "magic" in the book was all just made up or held some kernel of truth. It's an exploration of pain and enduration - an obsession so deep that the psyche can't accept the truths that deny it.
The execution wasn't ideal though. At times the story dragged a little and the whole plot line of the geek enabling the protagonist simply because he wanted magic to be real, wasn't deep enough explored/discussed to justify its presence. There were also several times one had to suspend one's disbelief to still enjoy the story - which then led to the whole story seeming less serious (which seemed inappropriate due to the dark topics of the book).
There were several emotional moments and I like how the author always explored very messy themes and doesn't shy away from controversial topics. But as I said, I think Docile had a better execution and was better structured. Plus, the multi-pov story line led to a more shallow exploration of each one's personality. Docile did a better job here, too.
This was an interesting book but not as good as Szpara's debut novel Docile.
The concept was especially fascinating because, as a fantasy novel, one truly couldn't know whether the "magic" in the book was all just made up or held some kernel of truth. It's an exploration of pain and enduration - an obsession so deep that the psyche can't accept the truths that deny it.
The execution wasn't ideal though. At times the story dragged a little and the whole plot line of the geek enabling the protagonist simply because he wanted magic to be real, wasn't deep enough explored/discussed to justify its presence. There were also several times one had to suspend one's disbelief to still enjoy the story - which then led to the whole story seeming less serious (which seemed inappropriate due to the dark topics of the book).
There were several emotional moments and I like how the author always explored very messy themes and doesn't shy away from controversial topics. But as I said, I think Docile had a better execution and was better structured. Plus, the multi-pov story line led to a more shallow exploration of each one's personality. Docile did a better job here, too.
kait_unicorn's review against another edition
4.0
What a very cool concept. Loved the magical realism. Also the queer content themes of chosen family and the magic we make for ourselves.
laschipa's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. That is so much in this book to gush over. I will say that all the writing is evocative and visceral, but particularly the sex scenes. There are many different depictions of sex within these pages and each has its own feel, its own life; whether positive or negative experiences, the feelings the writing evoke are appropriate and accurate and solidly felt. Well done!
embiggs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
areaderamongthestars's review against another edition
5.0
What if you have lived all your whole life training to fight monsters, to use your magic to save the outside worlds from their influence, only to discover that none of it seems to be true? You go on a quest with the help of a cosplayer that would desperately want for magic to be real, obviously.
First, Become Ashes may seem a fun fantasy novel, and yet it’s way darker, more complicated and unique than what it appears. In fact, few writers can write about feelings, pain and trauma, but also healing, like Szpara does, in a way that feels so realistic it almost hurts.
Thanks to different POVs perfectly intertwined, each giving away a different glance on the story, and an interesting word building constantly on the thin line that separates reality and fiction, where it's never sure if magic is a product of the characters’ imagination or something that actually exists, Szpara creates a story in which is easy to dive in. Everything is handled so perfectly from the beginning to the ending, that wrapped the plot in the most satisfying way.
A little detail that I really liked is how, in a very peculiar way, this book highlights the importance of pronouns, showing how the act of stating them together with our name should be a normal and common practice.
I loved all the characters and their relationships, their interactions, so deeply. There is just something heartwarming in seeing the strong bonds that connect them and how they evolve throughout the story, allowing all those broken children to learn to trust in each other and to find comfort in a pair of friendly arms when everything seems dangerous and full of monsters.
This one is a book I still find it pretty difficult to talk about, and definitely not one I would advise everyone to read, as it deals with a few heavy themes. But if you can stand them, I can’t recommend First, Become Ashes enough: a story about the importance of choosing for ourselves which path to take, finding our own truths among what others taught (or imposed) us and, most importantly, deciding where to stop sacrificing everything for what we believe in.
[ an ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review ]
First, Become Ashes may seem a fun fantasy novel, and yet it’s way darker, more complicated and unique than what it appears. In fact, few writers can write about feelings, pain and trauma, but also healing, like Szpara does, in a way that feels so realistic it almost hurts.
Thanks to different POVs perfectly intertwined, each giving away a different glance on the story, and an interesting word building constantly on the thin line that separates reality and fiction, where it's never sure if magic is a product of the characters’ imagination or something that actually exists, Szpara creates a story in which is easy to dive in. Everything is handled so perfectly from the beginning to the ending, that wrapped the plot in the most satisfying way.
A little detail that I really liked is how, in a very peculiar way, this book highlights the importance of pronouns, showing how the act of stating them together with our name should be a normal and common practice.
I loved all the characters and their relationships, their interactions, so deeply. There is just something heartwarming in seeing the strong bonds that connect them and how they evolve throughout the story, allowing all those broken children to learn to trust in each other and to find comfort in a pair of friendly arms when everything seems dangerous and full of monsters.
This one is a book I still find it pretty difficult to talk about, and definitely not one I would advise everyone to read, as it deals with a few heavy themes. But if you can stand them, I can’t recommend First, Become Ashes enough: a story about the importance of choosing for ourselves which path to take, finding our own truths among what others taught (or imposed) us and, most importantly, deciding where to stop sacrificing everything for what we believe in.
[ an ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review ]
misterkait's review against another edition
4.0
People calling this torture porn clearly haven't read Brian Keene. >.<
It was an interesting book and very horny-on-main. I kind of love that we don't know why or how the cult formed, and its villianous leader is absent throughout most of the book. We only know what the characters are experiencing as they experience it. In a story like this about trauma, it's refreshing to not focus on the person who caused it. Szpara is unflinching in his writing, and I dig it.
It was an interesting book and very horny-on-main. I kind of love that we don't know why or how the cult formed, and its villianous leader is absent throughout most of the book. We only know what the characters are experiencing as they experience it. In a story like this about trauma, it's refreshing to not focus on the person who caused it. Szpara is unflinching in his writing, and I dig it.
gcugreyarea's review against another edition
4.0
A very interesting book. I felt the ending was a bit rushed and almost felt like the author ran out of time, but then the book found time to breath again afterwards. I would have liked the climax of the novel to have been a bit more fleshed out.
I really liked Docile and I will certainly read their next book too. Their world-building is great and there's always something unique about the main characters that I enjoy.
I really liked Docile and I will certainly read their next book too. Their world-building is great and there's always something unique about the main characters that I enjoy.
daisysbookmusings's review against another edition
4.0
Where do I begin, this book is full of love, trauma, hope and meaning. Szpara is the best writer at making you question what is real while blurring the lines of your own beliefs.
I swallowed this book whole in such a short period and when not reading I was constantly thinking about Lark and whether magic existed or if he was just severely mentally abused by the cult.
This is the kind of book that will leave you feel that foggy satisfied feeling, full of emotion and pondering metaphors. It really is a triumph.
As a side note there have been a lot of negative reviews regarding the descriptions and levels of abuse within this book. Compared to Szparas first novel this felt somewhat tame and yet wholly real and relevant, the thing is people are hurt physically, mentally and emotionally even as I write this. Szpara is able to use trauma and show the glimmers of hope that can come from a horrific experience and make the reader feel the full breadth of the rollercoaster of emotions that come along with that. Isn’t that what reading is for? To experience emotion, stories and lives we otherwise would not?
I swallowed this book whole in such a short period and when not reading I was constantly thinking about Lark and whether magic existed or if he was just severely mentally abused by the cult.
This is the kind of book that will leave you feel that foggy satisfied feeling, full of emotion and pondering metaphors. It really is a triumph.
As a side note there have been a lot of negative reviews regarding the descriptions and levels of abuse within this book. Compared to Szparas first novel this felt somewhat tame and yet wholly real and relevant, the thing is people are hurt physically, mentally and emotionally even as I write this. Szpara is able to use trauma and show the glimmers of hope that can come from a horrific experience and make the reader feel the full breadth of the rollercoaster of emotions that come along with that. Isn’t that what reading is for? To experience emotion, stories and lives we otherwise would not?
headlessphilosopher's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Physical abuse