Feast Of Ashes

• Written by Victoria Williamson
• Published on 5th October 2023 by Neem Tree Press
• Genre : YA, Dystopian Fantasy

Sam (@SamJDThomas)

Having followed along with Victoria’s publications to date, which have been some incredible Middle Grade titles, I was pleasantly surprised to see that her latest title falls into a new category, that of YA. Teenagers will be delighted, and fans of her earlier chapter books, intended for readers 8+, will definitely delight in continuing to have Victoria’s amazing writing to escape with as they grow.

Feast of Ashes is set in 2123, one hundred years from currently, and begins with life in the dome like structure that is Eden 5. We come to learn that this place exists as a sanctuary to those living there following a global disaster, and that it isn’t the nicest of places to call home either, with a lot of injustice, and corporate greed at the heart of it. None of this dampens the spirits of the books main character, Adina, who is full of kindness and compassion, not just for those she loves dearly like sister Tash, but also for others that are ridiculed and mistreated like Baba Weska, a man from her village who speaks of life before the dome, and other ominous things. He has a lovely dog, and the pair became my favourites to read about.

So when Adina plans something seemingly so innocent, with logical reasoning for why she will follow through with her decision, it wasn’t with the intention of killing 14,756 people, and now she feels utterly guilt ridden and awful because she knows she is responsible for the death and destruction around her. There are a small group of survivors however, and they must work together if they are to have any chance because they are all in imminent danger, and must journey to safety, Adina is definitely battling her own demons, but she needs to focus on the journey ahead if she and the others are to have a fighting chance.

Such a gripping read, I loved Feast of Ashes from the get go, and the illustrations depicting the structural design of Eden 5 at the start of the book is a brilliant find. This detail made following along with the story, and envisioning it unfolding in my head much easier. I really liked how realistic and believable Eden 5 became within the book, and that the name Eden ties in with the central moment that changed the entire existence there, this being when Adina picks the apple from the tree of knowledge. I like things like that a lot in books. I know this is going to be an incredible series for Young Adults, and look forward to what is to come, and bringing you along with me as I continue to enjoy reading Victoria Williamson’s utterly brilliant books.

• As I am part of the blog tour for the 8th October I added my review to the same post on our blog, to avoid duplicating links, so what follows is fellow blogger, Helen, writing her review for the 3rd October tour date, which was previously posted then. A double feature…enjoy!

Helen (@HelenByles)

Victoria Williamson is one of my favourite authors. She has had a few books out this year and in my opinion she gets better with each book.

All her books have been MG and they have all been different. But they all have one thing in common, they have a message, and they all make you think and they make you take a look at yourself.

So when it was announced that she was writing her first YA novel I knew two things, first I knew I needed it in my life, and second it was going to be a masterpiece.

So I put everything to one side and I dived in.

The Earth’s ecosystems have collapsed and only ashes remain. Is one girl’s courage enough to keep hope alive in the wastelands?

It’s the year 2123, and sixteen-year-old Adina has just accidentally killed fourteen thousand seven hundred and fifty-six people. Raised in the eco-bubble of Eden Five, Adina has always believed that the Amonston Corporation’s giant greenhouse would keep her safe forever. But when her own careless mistake leads to an explosion that incinerates Eden Five, she and a small group of survivors must brave the barren wastelands outside the ruined Dome to reach the Sanctuary before their biofilters give out and their DNA threatens to mutate in the toxic air.

They soon discover that the outside isn’t as deserted as they were made to believe, and the truth is unearthed on their dangerous expedition. As time runs out, Adina must tackle her guilty conscience and find the courage to get everyone to safety. Will she make it alive, or will the Nomalies get to her first?

This was an amazing read. This is a masterpiece and a work of art.

The main character Adina was so interesting, she is strong, knows her own mind and very protective of her family. She is only 16 years old but knows what she wants. This is set a century ahead of us so life is very different, they seem to live happy lives. She has been brought up in an eco bubble and she has no idea what the outside is like. She has always believed that she will always be safe.

Adina makes a mistake and causes an explosion and incinerates their home. 

Adina has a best friend Dejen, and sister Tash who are everything to her.

We soon learn that her dad has had an affair, and half sister Chiku will do anything to be accepted by Adima. And as the story goes on you see a change in the relationship. There were times that I felt sad because we see how hard Chiku has had it, and how she wants to be part of the family.

Adina also seems to be the only person who cares for Baba Weseka who has been exposed to the outside world and has been left with mental health problems. 

By the time we reach the end of chapter 2 we see that there are already 2 issues that people can relate to.

The first paragraph was so powerful and made you want to read on.

This was so good and I’m pleased that this is the first in a series of three books.

I also liked the small cast of characters. I am so looking forward to where the series goes next.

• Be sure to check out the entire Feast Of Ashes blog tour using the information on the banner below.