A Ballad of Crystal and Ash by Shaina Anastasi is a dark fantasy, with elemental powers and morally grey MC's. We follow Reen and Pandora, but also get to see the brothers and knights playing a part in the journey Reen and Pandora are going through.

The banter between Pandora and Reen is to die for. I love how Shaina shows all the aspects of the story, the good, bad, hurtful, joyful, everything going on in Pandora's head, and also in Reen's head. We break down with them, but we also get stronger and build everything back up. 

I like the back and forth between timelines. There is this unique structure and chapters weave together seamlessly. Shaina has also mastered writing with a butterfly effect, making this story feel even more exceptional. The incorporation of a Curator to give you additional background information when needed, and the journal entries of both Reen and Pandora, are a really unique and welcome feat.

A Ballad of Crystal and Ash has action, emotional depth, protagonists who are both relatable and deeply compelling, great world building and a heavy sprinkle of trigger warnings and spice. The plot twists and the emotional depth of the story keep you engaged from beginning to end.

With a complex and well thought through plot, great world building and highly emotional and complex challenges, it resonates long after the final page. The ending though… I can't. I am torn, sad, happy, and all other feelings bunched into a ball… I am at a loss because the book is finished.

Thanks to the author Shaina Anastasi  for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. I read this book as an ARC reader, my opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily.