Title: AIR AND ASH
Author: Alex Lidell
Pub. Date: May 2, 2017
Publisher: Danger Bearing Press
Pages: 284
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Master and Commander meets Tamora Pierce in a seafaring adventure of duty, love, magic, and a princess’s quest to protect her kingdom on her own terms.
After a lifetime of training, seventeen-year-old Princess Nile Greysik, a lieutenant on the prestigious Ashing navy flagship, sails into battle with one vital mission—and fails.
Barred from the sea and facing a political marriage, Nile masquerades as a common sailor on the first ship she can find. With a cowardly captain, incompetent crew, and a cruel, too-handsome first officer intent on making her life a living hell, Nile must hide her identity while trying to turn the sorry frigate battleworthy. Worse, a terrifying and forbidden magic now tingles in Nile’s blood. If anyone catches wind of who Nile is or what she can do, her life is over.
But when disaster threatens the ship, Nile may have no choice but to unleash the truth that will curse her future.
AIR AND ASH is the thrilling first installment of the TIDES series. Recommended for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Tamora Pierce, and Naomi Novik.
Let’s start with, how are you this fine day?
A: Well, that depends on what day it is exactly. The day I’m writing these answers or the day your readers are reading them :) Right now, about a week before the release of AIR AND ASH (and before the release of A COURT OF MIST AND FURY, which I am almost as excited about), I’m feeling anxious and really excited.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
A: Usually while walking. Having a dog helps.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
A: THE CADET OF TILDOR (penguin, 2013) was actually the first book I ever wrote. I am not telling you how old I was :)
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
A: horseback riding, meeting authors and readers, and teaching. I LOVE teaching writing and doing school visits.
What does your family think of your writing?
A: Ha. You had to ask. My husband has not read any of my books. Too many words and too few pictures I think… My mom on the other hand is a fan. Which makes writing kissing scenes just weird…. Why can’t it be the other way around?!
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
A: That after I finish a draft, I have to change half the characters’ names because I inevitably end up with like four main characters whose name all sound alike or start with the same letter.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
A: Five. I can’t pick a favorite, though.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
A: Yes! OMG, I have the coolest, most amazing readers. We talk about all sorts of things. Usually, when they send their first email it’s kinda shy and distant, they might say something about one of my books, or offering book recommendations to me (I love that). And then we find out that we have common interests or sometimes know the same people. Some have become close friends. One thing I’ve started doing now to break the ice is to put riddles or quotes in my newsletter (which you can sign up for HERE, btw) so that people can answer with the correct answer. It’s fun and breaks the ice.
In fact.. haven’t you and I chatted on email waaaaaaaay before this? So you tell me what readers say :))))
Have you even been sent fan art?
A: No, and i SOOOO want some. i’ve gotten fan fic stories though.
What do you think makes a good story?
A: Conflict. Happy people are boring.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A: A musketeer
What is that one weird quirk about yourself, that no one else knows?
A: I still love stuffed animals
If you had your time back what would you tell yourself about writing?
A: invest in a good wrist support!
Last but not least,
Do you believe in ghost? Or have you ever had an encounter with the other kind?
A: No. Yes.
Thank you for answers my questions
Great talking to you!!!!
My Rating: 5 Stars
(I received this book free form the author in exchange for my honest review)
This book was down right out of this world. I had it read in a day and I can't wait for the next book. The opening sucks you in, captures you and you have no choice but to continue reading.
Ash is a wildcat. She's know her trade, her skills and she trust her instincts. She is a sailor to the core, and being one myself I was thoroughly impressed with the ranking, the terms and the structure. You can tell right form the start a lot of research was put into this book, to make it as authentic as possible.
The setting and the world building was fascinating. I wasn't lost, I had a clear picture, and there wasn't any extra filler or babble to take away from the plot. I would have liked for Ash'a mother to have a bit more screen time. The little bit that she is in, was intriguing and I wanted to know more about the Queen. You can tell that she truly cares for her daughter, even if Ash doesn't quite see it herself.
The romance, was subtle but ever present. Ash though confident in her skills as a sailer, has non in the art of flirting or simply being a girl. She's awkward, feisty and doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut. I liked her form the start, she's a sold heroine, she doesn't back down, and I believe she will not stand by a watch as her friends become targets.
Domenic, hot, hot, Domenic. Need I say more? Sure at times I didn't quite like his attitude , but as I said, I'm a sailor, I know rank systems and the importance of chain of command. I couldn't fault him, if my guys were that sloppy, I'd have them on extra duties in a heart beat. He's trying to be a leader, when his captain is undermining him and not actually leading his ship. I believe that captain should have a unfortunate accident☠... just saying..
I also very much enjoyed Catsper. He was the no BS guy that told it straight, but has your back as long as you have his. He's also quite hot, swoon worthy. He basically becomes Ash's first allies, and soon friend. I love how he taught Ash how to fight. He wasn't gentle about it, and it was amusing to read. I hope he has more screen time in the next book and helps Ash and Domenic with the shit storm that's coming their way.
I highly recommend this book, the high seas, magic, war, blood and a hidden princess. It's like Christmas in a cup. This dangerous adventure will have you trapped, on edge, and have you rooting for the disgruntled princess and the vicious first mate.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
Ash is a wildcat. She's know her trade, her skills and she trust her instincts. She is a sailor to the core, and being one myself I was thoroughly impressed with the ranking, the terms and the structure. You can tell right form the start a lot of research was put into this book, to make it as authentic as possible.
The setting and the world building was fascinating. I wasn't lost, I had a clear picture, and there wasn't any extra filler or babble to take away from the plot. I would have liked for Ash'a mother to have a bit more screen time. The little bit that she is in, was intriguing and I wanted to know more about the Queen. You can tell that she truly cares for her daughter, even if Ash doesn't quite see it herself.
The romance, was subtle but ever present. Ash though confident in her skills as a sailer, has non in the art of flirting or simply being a girl. She's awkward, feisty and doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut. I liked her form the start, she's a sold heroine, she doesn't back down, and I believe she will not stand by a watch as her friends become targets.
Domenic, hot, hot, Domenic. Need I say more? Sure at times I didn't quite like his attitude , but as I said, I'm a sailor, I know rank systems and the importance of chain of command. I couldn't fault him, if my guys were that sloppy, I'd have them on extra duties in a heart beat. He's trying to be a leader, when his captain is undermining him and not actually leading his ship. I believe that captain should have a unfortunate accident☠... just saying..
I also very much enjoyed Catsper. He was the no BS guy that told it straight, but has your back as long as you have his. He's also quite hot, swoon worthy. He basically becomes Ash's first allies, and soon friend. I love how he taught Ash how to fight. He wasn't gentle about it, and it was amusing to read. I hope he has more screen time in the next book and helps Ash and Domenic with the shit storm that's coming their way.
I highly recommend this book, the high seas, magic, war, blood and a hidden princess. It's like Christmas in a cup. This dangerous adventure will have you trapped, on edge, and have you rooting for the disgruntled princess and the vicious first mate.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
Alex Lidell is an avid horseback rider, paramedic and ice cream addict. Born in Russia, Alex learned English in elementary school, where a thoughtful librarian placed a copy of Tamora Pierce’s ALANNA in Alex’s hands. In addition to becoming the first English book Alex read for fun, ALANNA started Alex’s lifelong love for YA fantasy books. Alex’s debut novel, THE CADET OF TILDOR, was an Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards finalist. Her second book AIR AND ASH releases in May 2017.
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