Ashes

Ashes Trilogy, Book 1

By: Ilsa J. Bick

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

It could happen tomorrow....

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions. Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom, a young soldier, and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP. For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it's now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.

©2011 Ilsa J. Bick (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"For fans of postapocalyptic and horror fiction, Bick has created a story of equal parts intrigue and gore…Katherine Kellgren narrates the tension-filled action at a lightning pace…The author’s frenetic characterization of Alex is tempered by Kellgren’s ability to draw the listener into each scene." (Audiofile)

2012 Audie Award Nominee, Female Solo Narration

I loved this story! Could not stop listening.

What did you like about this audiobook?

I haven't read the print version but I loved the audio book and don't get all the negative comments about the reader, I thought she did a wonderful job! She gave a unique and distinct voice to each and every character, I almost forgot I was listening to one person. The story was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end and THEN BAM!! To my shock and horror the book was done, the story was unresolved, because (though nowhere in the books description does it warn you that this is book one of three) its a trilogy. Worse-- the next book is not coming out until September 2012!! Except for that unpleasant little surprise this book was terrific.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

I was already very interested in the subject as I incorporated the use of EMP's in a novel I am presently writing , though with very different results.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

Absolutely, though she gives only one point of view I thought it was interesting. The pace keeps things exciting as well. The constant excitement and the characters, some of whom I'd like to have shaken at various times but that's because two of the main characters are a naive 17 year old girl who sometimes doesn't think things through very well ( like most 17 year-olds) and a traumatized 8 year old. Just realistic in my opinion.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

I loved her performance.

Do you have any additional comments?

I was really peeved that there was no indication that this was book one of a trilogy, if I'd known that I would have waited to buy this because I hate for a story to end on a cliffhanger and then no second book to resolve things for 6 months!

cant wait for the next book!

What made the experience of listening to Ashes the most enjoyable?

loved this book! the voice was a little annoying at times but I was interested the whole time. I cant wait for the next 2 to come out!!!

One of the Best Narrators I've Ever Heard

What made the experience of listening to Ashes the most enjoyable?

The story itself was pretty good although the idea of an EMP and zombies seems a bit like overkill. However, the narrator of this story really brought a sense of urgency and intensity to the scenes, which really made this a great listen.

Have you listened to any of Katherine Kellgren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to any of her other performances, but I definitely plan to in the future.

Terrible pairing of narrator to story

Ashes is a decent YA apocalyptic novel that tries a little too hard to weave romance into a not-necessarily-unique but somewhat interesting zombie story. I wouldn't have hated it if it weren't for the narrator. Oh dear Odin, that narrator. *groan*

It took me a while to stomach the disastrous choice of narrator, and I'm pleased to relate that I powered through the whole book, even though my ears were bleeding by the end of the second chapter.

Her clipped voice came in tersely and haughtily, sounding more like my 11th grade high school English teacher than any of the ordinary, and usually much younger, characters she was supposed to portray. I see in other reviews I'm not the only one bothered by Katherine Kellgren's uptight and shrill narration, but somehow she was still chosen to read all three books in the series. More's the pity. If I decide to continue the trilogy, it's Kindle from here on out.

That said, if I see Katherine Kellgren's name listed as the narrator for, say, an audiobook about a prim Headmistress/Principal or perhaps the authoritarian leader of a cult, I won't run the other way. I have a feeling she'd nail those effortlessly.

Grabbed my attention and didn't let go.

What did you love best about Ashes?

I was surprised by this book. I got it from the Audible daily deals fairly cheap, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'd never heard of the author, but the premise sounded interesting. I was surprised by how much I liked the book, and when I discovered it was a trilogy I had to go and buy the other two books right away so I could continue the story.

Warning: 2nd book of 3 is not due until 9/2012?

Would you try another book from Ilsa J. Bick and/or Katherine Kellgren?

Yes but the 2 book of this Trilogy is not done yet!?

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Waiting on 2nd book

What three words best describe Katherine Kellgren’s performance?

Fine

Was Ashes worth the listening time?

yes

Formula Horror Story

basic Horror Story premise. Heroine makes a questionable action at the start of the story. Then continues to make bad decisions all the way to the end of story, constantly placing herself in more and more danger. At the end of the story...

Strange Days

Where does Ashes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 10
It is one of those stories that could happen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alex. She has a great strength of character. She never gives up.

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

She made you feel what Alex was feeling.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When she had to leave her boyfriend in the store to go get help.

Any additional comments?

Good book. I really enjoyed it.

Ashes good read

Kate Kellgren heightens to post apocalyptic life and it's challenges. A good quick read. On to the next in the series!

Great story, horrible narrator!

I can't wait for the next book! The premise behind the book is really interesting and similar (but not too much so) to The Hunger Games. The book is gripping and fast paced - at times a little gory-er than I was expecting, but not too bad. The story is great...but the narrator is HORRIBLE!! I barely made it through the first couple of chapters - she over acts intense scenes and her voice is shrill (at best) sometimes. You can always tell when a conflict or intense scene is on it's way based on the tone and hurriedness of her voice - never have I been so aware of a narrator during an audio book. I almost gave up on the audio several times in the beginning BUT I have to say, it gets better... if you're listening to this book, hang on about midway her narration gets slightly better. For the 2nd book in the trilogy I might purchase the actualy hardcopy book.