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Title: Ashes of Roses
Subtitle: Tales of the Latter Kingdoms, Book 4
Author: Christine Pope
Narrator: Valerie Gilbert
Format: Unabridged
Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
Language: English
Release date: 02-20-14
Publisher: Christine Pope
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 34 votes
Genres: Romance, Fantasy
Publisher's Summary:
Even the Emperor of Sirlende cannot always do as he pleases, but when custom demands he find another bride after the death of his betrothed, a princess he barely knew, Torric Deveras defies his counselors and changes the rules rather than make a loveless marriage.
Ashara Millende is the only daughter of a nobleman, but had her inheritance stolen from her by her unscrupulous stepmother. A servant in the house that should have been hers, she dreams of escaping the drudgery of her life and finding someone who will love her for who she truly is.
When Torric invites all the marriageable women in his kingdom to a five-day holiday of feasts, tournaments, hunts, and balls so that he might choose an Empress from among them, Ashara never dreams that she can attend, much less catch his eye and win his heart. Then a woman with hidden secrets appears who will give Ashara the chance to win her heart's desire - if only she is bold enough to take the first step.
Christine Pope's Ashes of Roses sets the timeless story of Cinderella in the world of her best-selling Latter Kingdoms series (Book 4 of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms), weaving a spell-binding tale of royal intrigue, familial deceit, and the magic of love.
Members Reviews:
Meh
Inferior retelling of Cinderella (the author has done so much better with other books), and I think that there were equipment problems for the narrator (who I normally enjoy!)
Wish I could say something nicer, but.....
Nothing like a fairy tale with a happy ending!
Any additional comments?
I thought this may be another Cinderella tale, which Id readily read, because it is a tale hard to grow tired of. However, it has its own unique twists and is truly very glorious, leaving me with an afterglow of extreme satisfaction where good does prevail over wicked.
I enjoyed listening to this story, told in first person, some chapters told in first person by Ashara Millende, others told by the Emperor of Selende, Torric Deveras. Both these individuals are in cages, one gilded and one of drudgery and hopelessness.
Narrator Valerie Gilbert is terrific in her depiction of the step-mother, her moments of hysteria and her harsh treatment of Ashara are over the top. Additionally, a very memorable moment is when the emperors representative spoke with Ashara questioned about where Ashara worked previous to her present station. This is when the emperor is searches for Ashara all over the kingdom. No, there is no glass slipper here.
Torric and Ashara were smittened at first sight. Torric has always wanted to marry for love, but when an emperor is it even possible? The story is sweet when he quickly makes his mind up after meeting some 400 women of eligibility in his realm she is the one to grace his arm as queen. But then, she disappears!
Narrator Valerie Gilbert does such justice to this tale. She tells a tale of a man living in a gilded cage, yearning to be free and learns much from his sister to guide him to the path of happiness.
We see the palace through Asharas eyes. She hasnt seen such opulence in her life. Author Pope creates the wonderland we dreamers wish to discover.
Asharas life with her step-mother and two step-sisters is nothing but drudgery. She is ill-used where in fact, she should be mistress of their town-dwelling, for the property is left to her by her father.
The emperor is looking for a bride.
