The Ashes of Winter

The Ashes of Winter is a dark fantasy novella featuring powerful priestesses with nature magic, sweet sapphic romance, found family and a devastating betrayal.

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The young Alma Payne is next in line to lead her people as their High Priestess of Ebroth. It’s an intimidating responsibility, being the only link between the mortal realm and her God, but she finds it easier to navigate with her best friend by her side.

Celia Throckmorton, the future High Priestess of the goddess Dienna, is always there for Alma when she needs her most. Alma is certain nothing could ever break them apart.

But when a fire breaks out in the sacred wilds of Ebroth’s people, it’s immediately clear that it was no accident. The people of Dienna have outgrown their borders, and need to make room for more villages. This betrayal marks the first fracture in the delicate balance of peace, and Alma’s once picturesque life quickly begins to splinter.

Furious, Ebroth turns on his sister Dienna. And unfortunately for Alma, the only weapons the warring gods possess are Their own beloved creations.

Can Alma’s relationship with Celia withstand the wrathful back-and-forth of Ebroth and Dienna, or will it too be reduced to ashes in the devastation of the last winter?

A bloodied dagger in front of a dark, ice covered mountain range with the title The Ashes of Winter

Reviews for The Ashes of Winter:

  • This was a really good prequel. I highly recommend this series and I'm looking forward to the next installment!

    Hayley Anderton, author of Apocalypse and The Last Girls on Earth

  • The author promised me they'd shatter me with this story. They lived up to that.

    Cassandra Yorke, author of Mary, Everything

  • The characters are captivating and the story is harrowing. I honestly wish there was more. I definitely recommend The Book of Payne series for anyone who likes dark stories, magic, and drama.

    Melissa Widmaier, author of The Wind at Oak Hollow

  • I loved this book. It is very rare that I go straight on to continue a series, but that is exactly what I have done. The sapphic romance was written perfectly. Sweet and clean, which I love, and felt realistic. The main character is complex and intriguing.

    Goodreads Reviewer

Trigger Warnings

Though nothing is explicitly described, The Ashes of Winter comes with a few trigger warnings:

  • Death

  • Violence

  • Animal sacrifice

    **What we DO NOT have is any bullying, persecution, or hate based on a character’s sexual orientation. Our worlds will always be queer normative.