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Ancient and deadly secrets. Rogue magic. A dark and sexy god. They’re nothing she wants, but everything she needs.
Archaeologist Pellucid Rose discovers THE find of the century when an earthquake hits her Mycenae, Greece dig. But before she can claim it, a dark, dangerous, and very sexy stranger steps from a swirl of shadows claiming she’s loosed a sphinx on the world by translating an ancient secret on one of the scrolls.
What’s more, he insists Secret Magic requires her to go with him to capture the ferocious creature.
Against better judgment, Pell teams up with the hot stranger to protect the world from her mistake only to discover more than she bargained for about Secret magic and the influence it has on Earth. But worse, she discovers that this ancient god has dangerous secrets of his own that could destroy the world, and only she has what it takes to stop him.
Empire of Ash is the first book in the enthralling God of Secrets paranormal romance series. If you love discovering little known Greek gods, you’ll enjoy the mystery that is Harpocrates, Greek god of secrets, by USA Today Bestselling author L. R. W. Lee. It’s a slow-burn, fated mates, paranormal romance with potent sorcery and mythical intrigue.
Buy Empire of Ash to dive into a secret affair today!
★★★★★ “A strong-willed and feisty woman is thrown into a new world, creating a comedic adventure that will soon become your next favorite read. The snark is charming and funny while also making the heroine instantly likable. Well worth the ride, Empire of Ash is a brilliant tapestry of adventure, romance, and mythology.” – L. Konkel, Readers’ Favorite
★★★★★ “It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been able to truthfully say I can’t wait to see what happens next, but here it is! Very descriptive, very original, I’ve honestly not read a book like it before, and I have Kindle Unlimited for a reason! Bravo!!!!!!!!!!! – Alicia L. Amazon Reviewer
★★★★★ “Ohh, I love this story so very much! The healthy dose of humor mixed with physical attraction and intrigue are definitely a winner.” – Peggy Frese, Senior Editor
★★★★★ “The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities.” – Kaye, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
★★★★★ “An awesome start to a new series written by a brand new author for me. I highly recommend.” – Scarolet Ellis, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
What are you waiting for? Scroll up and click buy now to be captivated by the secrets and slow-burn romance of these fated mates!
MelodyMP3 –
Better than Baklava
February 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
Empire of Ash (God of Secrets #1) is better than baklava or Mythos beer.
L. R. W. Lee has buried some magical artifacts into this story, and I’m thrilled to have started to unearth them. Harpoc, Mister Ancient Sexy Bod God of Secrets, and Pellucid Rose make a dynamic pair. I’m ready to dig into the full site and discover the rest of the treasures yet to come.
If you can, listen to the audio version. The storyline is gold, but the silver-lining that makes the main female character shine is the voice of Narrator Sarah Kisko. She really breathes life into Pell.
Notable Quote:
‘I look down, busying myself zipping my own jacket. Pugh, I stink. He wrinkles his nose, and I laugh.
But the next thing I know, the smell of jasmine replaces puke.
“Much better,” he says.
I don’t disagree.’
PRBC –
Different, engaging, well-written
March 30, 2022
Not the usual for me, but a pleasant departure from reality. Heroine is a bit naive. I think I know what’s coming next, but will have to have to go on to book 2 if I want to see whether or not I am right….
Mary Dean –
Fantasy and history combined for an epic story
June 29, 2021
I loved this book so much. And this narrator did a great job as the voice. She told this story perfectly. If you are a history fan like me you will love how this author took history and fantasy and combined them. Pell is a woman trying to prove herself in the archaeology field run by men. First off, I loved her. She was so cool and I loved the fighter she was. Not just for herself, but others. She doesn’t put up with lies. She uncovers what she thinks is the biggest find in history and is going to give her the credit she has been fighting for. But then she meets Harpoc. He’s a stranger to her and ends up being a keeper of secrets. Little does Pell realize, she has just created a giant mess they have to clean up. Throw in a jealous colleague who is a scumbag, action, adventure, hard choices, secrets revealed (literally), and some romance and you have one epic start to a series. I highly suggest this book. You won’t be disappointed.
Cath McTernan –
Hidden Away Secrets Bring About an Adventurous Change in Life
September 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is book one of the God of Secrets series and the main character is archaeologist Pellucid (Pell) Rose, who is working on a dig in Greece, with a group of male colleagues and has to work hard to keep her place amongst some of them and their attitudes towards women. Only another couple of years doing digs and then she should be able to get a job as a curator at any museum she wants. If only she didn’t have to put up with characters like Irik, it would be great. It’s like being back at the group home where she was brought up. After a sudden earthquake, they go to check on any possible damage to their dig and Pell goes to check on the hidden staircase and underground cistern. She stumbles across the find of the century, with a secret room full of scrolls.
Only problem is, that by pulling out one of the scrolls and using her skills to read the hieroglyphs out loud, has unleased the creature the scroll was keeping a secret about. After she read it, a strange but mysterious and handsome man appears out of a swirl of shadows, to inform her that she has released the creature, a female sphinx on the world. It was a statue in the Louvre in Paris, that she had visited and seen, but she doesn’t believe this stranger until matters are forced by news reports later that day. Shortly after this, this stranger turns up in her hotel room, to see if she is ready to stop the sphinx or not.
No matter how strange things may be, she doesn’t want the thought of anyone’s deaths on her shoulders or mind. By reading the scroll out loud and for the being to be released, it seems she has some sort of secret magic, like Harpoc, as she finally gets to find out the name of the strange man. But there is a lot more for her to find out about this stranger, as well as more adventures to go on! Secret Magic is so much more than magic, but also the magic of secrets and the power that they hold. She now holds a scent of this secret magic and could herself be in danger from any being or creature she has released. He is not very forthcoming about himself and it took her long enough just to get his name from him, but that may not be the full truth, when he asks her to call him King of Roses, when they go after her third mistaken release.
The reality of what she is dealing with seems impossible, but she will soon find herself out of work, when what she discovered has to be hidden away. She will discover many myths are true and could kill her and many others if they get away from her. That crooked rich people with corrupt secrets, are nothing new, as figures in history have also been in this position. Her memories of a particularly handsy adult in the group home and his attention and treatment of a friend, has made her attention to scandal and crooked people in power positions, strong in her make-up. She is mixing now with the powers of Gods and secrets from the past, which could have world changing effects and it seems only she will be able to stop her handsome but strange companion.
An interesting read and definitely one that is a page turner, as you follow what is happening to Pell and get to laugh at her ridiculous inner voice and her lack of grace having her tripping up all over the place. Her mind may be wandering over this handsome man who has suddenly appeared in her life, making her do things that are not in her normal remit of comfort and making her vocalise many of her thoughts and desires. Pell’s very future is going to change as this stranger becomes a part of her life and everything that happens round her. I look to reading the next book in this series soon. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Kindle Customer –
Amazing
August 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
Great book from lrw lee new series is as gripping as always fab characters and interesting premiss well worth a read
Laurie Anne –
Percy Jackson vibe from female character POV
June 5, 2021
So I’ll start by saying I was offered this audio in exchange for an honest review. This is a YA fantasy novel which is not my usual genre I read, but both my sons are avid readers and I wanted to see if this would be a good book for them.
I know neither of them will read it because it’s all from a female point of view and they are not at the the maturity level for this book. However, as a mom of a teen I would most definitely recommend it for a teen who’s looking for that feel of Percy Jackson but more from a female POV.
There is a cliffhanger, or more of a 3 book series that I think just cuts off at a point.
If you buy this book, you’ll want to buy the next. I have not reviewed it to say if there’s any adult content (sex, etc) but this book had nothing explicit which is perfect for teen, IMHO.
I really loved the plot, storyline was good and the narration was excellent. she did a fantastic job voicing multiple characters including male and I found her voice perfect for what this lead character.
Crystal –
Great start
February 23, 2023
This first install of this series really got to me. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that really captivated my whole attention. The characters are amazing and the story is really getting good.
Lyric1 –
A Bit of Everything
May 31, 2021
I’m not sure what I liked most about this book – the adventure, the jet-setting, or the history! Truly, there is a bit of everything in Empire of Ash and hints of even more. Between the descriptions of exotic locales and explanations of ancient myths and history, I was fully engrossed in the book and probably learned more than I ever did in school! I fully enjoyed the interaction between Pell and Harpoc and can’t wait to read more about them. I though Pell was well written as a whole character, and liked getting to know her gradually throughout the story. Harpoc was also well thought out, but he remains a big mystery and I can’t wait to know more about him. I did appreciate the way in which bits and pieces of his personality began to emerge throughout the story. I definitely want to read the next book in the series.
Luv2Read –
Great story with a gusty female lead
March 23, 2021
This is my first book from L R W Lee. and I’m loving this series. The book starts off at run and continues the entire way. Can’t wait to listen to the next audiobook.
Brenda Allen –
Good book & worth the cost
March 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a good book I really enjoyed the characters & story line of this a new series for me! I can’t wait to read the next one! It is worth the cost if you like books on magic.
Marcelle Ellis –
Awesome
February 27, 2021
This is a new author and narrator to me. Love the character development and plot detail. Can’t wait to see more work from them both.
Christine Workman –
Who’s the dark stranger?
February 25, 2021
I love archaeology, geography and history. Reading about a young female archaeologist was very interesting including the side bar discrimination she faces with a few colleagues. I want to listen to the rest of the series to see how Pell and the stranger flush things out between her discovery and their relationship. I did think there was a bit of a longer pause between chapters than I am used to, I kept thinking someone was calling me and interrupting the audiobook but it wouldn’t prevent me from listening to the rest of the books.
J. MCCANDLESS –
Fun read
February 19, 2021
Young adult book with some bipolar tendencies. I had a bit of a hard time deciding if I like this book but despite myself I enjoyed it. The story line is fun and I’m curious about where it will go. If you can get past constant “inner voice” dialogue and the occasional feminist rant it’s good. Overall I would recommend to anyone liking this genre.
Krystle Smith –
Just when you think it’s over
February 16, 2021
So many things happen in the book, from the adventure to the mythological creatures to the God’s to the many kept secrets and so much more. I was hooked from start to finish wanting to know everything Pal did and feeling like I learned so much. There was a lot of information in this book, too much for me to retain, that it still fascinated me as to how much I still didn’t know but that I was curious to see how everything was connected. Archeology has always been a mystery to me and I wondered the stories behind it. This was an insight.
Anyway, these two characters are amazing. Their first adventure comes and goes so quick that you wonder how there is more to the story, but their adventures continue along with their banter, her growing desire, and his secrecy. It’s worth continuing the story and leaves you wanting to know what adventures await Harpoc and Pal in book 2.
escritora –
Myths and secrets!
February 13, 2021
Pellucid Rose is a devoted archaeologist on a dig in Greece, when she finds what appears to be an ancient antiquity. She excitedly translates the hieroglyphics and unleashes a sphinx onto the world. Black smoke surrounds her and a very handsome, mysterious man appears. He is a calming influence on Pell and he begins to tell his story. First, he informs Pell that, since she is responsible for the sphinx’s release into the world, she’s the one who has to recapture it and take it back where it belongs. It’s a dangerous mission and Pell comes to understand that there are more secrets than she could ever expect. She still doesn’t know who he is and gives him names like Mr. Cocky Pants, Crazy Guy, but it’s really Harpoc and he’s the god of secrets. As they travel around the globe, recovering and replacing secrets, there’s an attraction brewing between Harpoc and Pell that is sweet and still mysterious. I got a little annoyed with Pell’s inner voice, especially when she whined or shouted over Pell. And I didn’t like the addition of the messed up world and the corrupt politicians. It came up at the beginning and it was still a major point at the end. I want to be immersed in a fantasy, especially one that is woven this well. Pell and Harpoc are wonderfully fleshed out and have personalities that jump off the page. They’re secretive and and amusing as they confront enemies who seek to destroy the god of secrets’ power.
Sarah Kisko does an excellent job with the narration. The voices are clear and dynamic as she brings each character to life!
NG👩🏫📚 –
Exhilarating
February 10, 2021
I really enjoyed listening to the first book in this series. It was wonderful. I loved Pellucid Rose. She is strong, quirky, and very relatable. The unique details and narrator brought this book to life.
R K –
Great Start to a new Series
February 10, 2021
This book while having a developed plot for Pell the archaeologist to make a new discovery yet to have to not tell all about it. The author has woven into the book some of the struggles women go through while working in predominately male fields giving readers a glimpse of how Pell dealt with them and giving the reader the opportunity o think about how they too might deal with these same issues. Interwoven in the story is the paranormal twist and complications being thrown at Pell and Harpoc, the mystical man she also uncovered at the dig site. The two find themselves dealing with problems caused by scrolls uncovered at the first dig site. but re-buried along the way, We are left at the end of the book wondering what new discoveries the two will find and need to deal with in Book 2.
Isabel –
Empire of Ash is a really good book
February 10, 2021
well all i have to say is , this is a well written story, from start to finish. its funny and the slow romance is so cute. I cant wait to see what happens next. the narrator did a really good job too. i would so recommend this book to family and friends.
BigT –
Fantastic story
February 10, 2021
This was fantastic I loved the story just reading it myself but this narrator just brings out the story and characters and I fell in love with it all over you need to get this you’ll love it
Lisa L –
Interesting start to a series
February 9, 2021
Great start to an intriguing storyline. The story is fast paced and well constructed. The characters are interesting and you want to root for them. I look forward to more entries in this series.
LA –
Love it!
February 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed the characters & storyline of this “ new to me” series! I can’t wait to get & read the next one!
Georgia McNabb –
Absolutely Wonderful Listen/ Read!!
February 6, 2021
I have Never read or listened to this author before, got the book on Audible and listened to it there. Narrator was Excellent and brought the storyline to life. I found this Author’s sense of humor so good, just a hoot!! The inner monologue Pell has throughout the book made me laugh more times then I can say. Pell the Main Character is quite a Character and she has the same deep streak of Curiositie as myself which just made me laugh all the more.
Highly recommended this Story and really want to listen to the 2nd book in this Series.
Somanea Khoeurm –
Love Love Love it!!!
February 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this novel very much. A paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres to read. Once I started this book I read straight through. I love the heroine and her sarcasms. Both main characters were very intriguing. The heroine have spunk and I like the girl to have a backbone. And this one have plenty. Sarah Kisko made it more enjoyable with her narration. Five stars for her without a doubt. If you like reading paranormal romance, check this one out. You will not be disappointed. It is different from some of the paranormal I enjoyed reading before. Now I have another series on my list to follow. This one is definitely on my list.
Mysticmuse1979 –
Keeps you up
February 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
I had to stay up and finish this installment. I felt the heroine is relatable. She has had some tough times and this is another one. It leaves you wanting more. I got this book from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Daryl jones –
Awsome book a must read
February 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and I can hardly wait to hear more books by such a great author
🎧Mandy🎧 Sawyer 🎧Audiobook 🎧Obsession🎧 Reviewer🎧 –
Brilliant
December 16, 2020
This is a well written book with great, likeable characters. The storyline is action packed with lots going on to keep you hooked. A fantastic performance from Sarah.
TarraLyn –
Amazing new series!
December 9, 2020
Verified Purchase
Empire of Ash is the first book in a new series by L.R.W. Lee and I knew I was going to love it before I even read it. The story follows an archeologist named Pellucid (Pell, for short) as she uncovers secrets hidden in her Mycenae, Greece dig. She meets a handsome stranger, who steps out of shadows, and wants to help her fix a few accidental mistakes she made since unearthing the secrets.
This book is nonstop action, adventure, and just so much fun to read. Lee has a way of writing that is effortless and immersive in her storytelling. The characters are relatable, I loved Pell’s inner monologue. It sounded a lot like somethings I tell myself on a regular basis. All the others that come into the story just add a richness and makes you want to know more about them.
I was so drawn into this world that I immediately picked up book 2: Empire of Secrets!
Kasaundra C. –
Loved It!
September 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
I loved every detail of this book and the characters were an excellent pair with their combative and intriguing personalities.
H. Bane –
Great book
August 28, 2020
This is book 1 of the God of Secrets series. I thought this was a great start for the series. I enjoyed the storyline and thought it had a great flow. The character work was great and your interest was held from start to finish. I’m looking forward to the next book and would recommend reading.