Ashes of Austen by Zoe Blake: Review

I was never a huge reader of the classics like Austen, but I have read a few stories and watched re-creations of her works in the movies.

However, I have read many adaptations of some classics by today’s authors, and I’m always surprised by them. This upcoming release is one of those surprises that I could not stop reading. Check out my review below.

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Ashes of Austen by Zoe Blake
Series: Shadows of Pemberley #1
Publisher: ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication date: ‎ January 19, 2027
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250434371

SYNOPSIS:
Aristocratic scandal. Murder. A legacy cursed by Northanger Abbey.

Jane Austen’s novels are not romances; they are a warning. Her poisoned pen exposed the arrogance and greed of British high society, even as she cursed them for it.

Reborn as a modern story of obsession, control, and dangerous desire.

To save her family from ruin, Julianna Whitcombe must marry the cold and enigmatic Lord Victor Tilney.

But within the crumbling walls of Northanger Abbey, danger lurks at every turn. Her wedding gown is destroyed, poison appears in the food, and a near-fatal accident makes one thing clear: someone is determined to stop the wedding. As whispers of a deadly bridal curse spread through the abbey, Julianna begins to uncover Tilney’s dark and twisted legacy.

Yet the greatest mystery is Victor himself. Fiercely protective and dangerously possessive, he may be the only man who can save her―or the one she should fear most.

Dark, seductive, and steeped in gothic suspense, Ashes of Austen will leave readers breathless as love battles the forces of vengeance and a deadly curse that may destroy them both.

Ashes of Austen by Zoe Blake Review

What do you get when you combine an intense alpha-type, angry man with a forced bride-to-be? Then throw in an old house with secrets, ancient history, creaks, and moans. Let’s not forget the freaky staff and relatives who are not to be trusted.

What we get is Ashes of Austen – a story that you do not want to put down.

I have to admit I had a tough time settling into the characters at first. I felt Julianna was weak and the forced marriage was archaic.

Victor was kind of a jerk; loud and demanding. The author was giving him alpha vibes, and it took me a bit to warm up to him.

But the deeper we got into the story, the more it became an atmospheric Gothic vibe that really drew me in. It became one of those stories where you tell yourself just one more chapter.

I’ve never read this author before, and her adaptation of this Austen classic is captivating, with romance and a little dark suspense, along with questionable characters that you love to hate.

I love the fact that the forced marriage actually became a force of marriage in all aspects. Both of the main characters grew and developed the further you read.

For me, the insta-love hot/cold passion was not the height of the story. The mystery and curse of the family house and dead woman- now that’s intriguing!

Overall, Ashes of Austen delivers a highly symbolic story with a flair of gothic realism, suspense, and romance.

3.5 rolled to 4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.