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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert | Book Review

[Short Story Review] Ash and Steel by T.L. Branson

September 29, 2017      Erica Robyn      Leave a Comment

Book Review of Ash and Steel by T.L. Branson

Ash and Steel by T.L. Branson is a short story that is inspired by the world and characters of the upcoming release of the first book in the Soul Stones series, Soul Render.

While short, this story is action packed and very well written! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more releases from this author!

Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way. 

My Thoughts on Ash and Steel (Soul Stones Origins Book 3) by T.L. Branson 

First of all… how interesting is that cover?! That drew me in immediately!

As for the novel, I have to say that I’m not usually a huge fan of short stories. However, I was totally captivated by this one! The storyline itself was very intriguing and perfectly paced, and the whole thing was also so wonderfully written.

I loved learning a bit about the setting and the characters of the series. While lacking a bit of world building and explanation, I thought what the author did here was absolutely brilliant! He gave you just enough information to really draw you in. The lack of information, rather than irritating me, just made me antsy to get my hands on the next book so I could learn more!

The characters were also interesting, though we didn’t get the chance to really get to know them just yet. I do hope to see more of Callum and Drygo in the upcoming series! *fingers crossed*

This author has a wonderful way of describing things. As I was reading, I could not only picture things, but I could also hear all of the sounds that were being described in my head. This truly hasn’t happened for me in quite a while!

Check out this updated cover design:

Updated cover design of Ash and Steel by T.L. Branson

My Final Passages from Ash and Steel

The shing of swords being drawn and the heavy pounding of boots filled the room.

Drygo steeled himself and slid his sword from its sheath, gripped its solid hilt in both hands, and prepared for the coming onslaught.

Flames rose up above city rooftops. Black smoke billowed high into the sky. The metallic smell of blood mixed with that of burning wood.

His face contorted in anger, an ache in his heart.

My Final Thoughts on Ash and Steel

I loved this short story! I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on Soul Render so I can dive back into this world!


Snag a copy using my Amazon Affiliate link or inquire at your local indie:

Thanks for reading!

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review
  • Spider to the Fly by J.H. Markert | Book Review

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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