DNF @ 35%

Disappointing.

*Received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review*


Hopes were high with the summary, promising a look into the distant future where humanity had regressed to hunter gatherers, and although this was fulfilled, very little else was. I truly tried not to DNF but decided it was better to put it down than hate read.

The pacing was strange, characters flat and the sibling dynamics clearly written by someone who has none, and worst of all the dog can somehow understand the words of the protagonist and even bark her name ...

Reading feels like a fever dream, and the story feels hollow despite the death and constant (truly never ending) talk of unity and happiness of family bonds and survival. No emotional payoff even when characters die or get into dire straits.

There is no difference between the writing in slow, peaceful scenes, and those where people are running and screaming.

Protagonist is alone for most of the first half of the book and talks to herself in order to info-dump about the world instead of the author doing leg work, it felt quite lazy. Also, the character who is hundreds of years from our current time, still uses our slang and colloquial terms for things, but this would change even 50 years from now let alone 100s.

Real shame, because the concept was truly interesting.

In this unique and fascinating new novel, readers explore a complex and dangerous post-apocalyptic world where Maya must harness all of her skills to rescue her family and defend her people from the threats facing them in their struggle to survive. Thrust into a perilous quest that will test her limits and her strength of will, she must use everything she has to fight, unite, and lead her people to a safer future. Complex, emotional, and powerfully written, Steve Morgan brings the crazy, dangerous, and intense world of this novel to life in incredible detail. The world-building is on point, and the tension and conflict in this book is absolutely brilliant in its descriptions and prose. Maya and the rest of her allies are well-written and complex figures, and Maya’s growth as she deals with these challenges is particularly satisfying to read. The conflicts are the centerpiece of this novel as the driving force behind Maya’s character arc and the events of the novel, but they are well-written, and the fight scenes are dynamic. Intense, unique, and interesting, this new world is immersive in its details, characters, and conflict, and Morgan’s worldbuilding really brings this story and Maya’s adventure to life.

Embers of Redemption by Steve Morgan, also known as "Huntress: Embers of Redemption," is a story set in a post-apocalyptic world where people have reverted to the cultures and traditions of the past. The story follows Maya, a courageous young woman who must harness her courage, cunning, and ancestral knowledge to protect her family and people in a harsh, primitive landscape.
It’s a story of Strong family units, survival and resilience, patience, perseverance and immense courage. It is a lesson in unity that is born in the face of cruelty and slavery, showing just how powerful a people united can be no matter the circumstances. It has some of the most amazing quotes I have ever encountered.

" A World laced with the turmoil that roars like flames within me. my eyes usually so keen and clear now blaze with the fury of a storm long held at bay"
"We are no longer scattered embers of a dying fire we are a blaze roaring to life."

Our main character Maya is one of the most courageous people in the story. She is not afraid to walk into enemy territory and fight for what she believes in. “Nightfall would be our battlefield and wore believed those who stood against us then” When seeking for help from the seer she accepted her challenge without question even though it leads her to one of the most dangerous place in the land.
In a world where everyone has gone back to the basics, they majorly depend on the family units for survival. For Maya, our main character her family is everything to her and she is willing to die protecting them. The way she understands every member of her family. At the beginning of the story, we see how Maya’s family works together in cohesion to survive the harsh world they live in. The way they constantly support, validate inspire and protect each other is one of the most heartwarming parts of the story.
I will admit I love seeing a family unit in a story. But I am always much more obsessed with a found family because it is just as wholesome. People like Rafe, Skye, Ayla, and Maya by the end of the story feel more like family than just a people united for on purpose. There is also kinship in the story “the fight in Ayla's eyes, unyielding spark Elis clenched jaw, tremulous strength in lily’s bowed head they are fighter warriors like me”
The unity in this story is remarkable. It’s unbelievable how at the beginning of the story communities were fighting each other but the moment a bigger threat to their exitance shows up they all band together to fight the common enemy. “let this… signify more than mere survival… let it be the cornerstone of prosperity, where each clan each individual contribute to a collective future.”
Maya our main character is courageous, logical, strategic, level-headed and patient. Even though she fights for her family because of a deep love for them. she does not allow emotions to cloud her judgment. She is also powerfully skilled in archery. Her tendency to talk to herself humanizes her. “easy Maya, ’I murmur to myself, “Keep your head.” a character is truly inspiring by how she navigates challenging situations and still manages to uphold her values and protect those she cares about.
Rafe is so much like Maya courageous strategic and even logical; he has a silent and watchful element making him the perfect silent Guardian. “Rafe is beside me…resolve an unspoken vow.” His observant nature makes him a keen strategist and a protector who prefers to act behind the scenes. His involvement in training warriors indicates he possesses significant knowledge and skills in combat. This role also hints at his leadership qualities and dedication to ensuring the group's survival.
Skye the Seer is a silent legend almost forgotten but there. Helpful and resourceful in doing whatever needs to be done to help the people who have proven themselves. Her abilities could provide crucial insights and guidance to the characters, helping them navigate the challenges they face.
Zephy is Maya's hound. His unwavering loyalty to Maya is heartwarming. His readiness to protect her at any moment of danger highlights the bond they share. As a strong fighter, Zephy’s presence in the story brings a sense of security and strength. His bravery in facing dangerous situations adds to the tension and excitement. His ever-silent nature gives him a mysterious and stoic quality. This characteristic can make his actions and interventions even more impactful when they occur.
Starting with Maya's struggle for survival in a harsh post-apocalyptic world immediately hooks readers and sets the tone for the challenges ahead. The progression of Maya's journey, her interactions with characters like Skye, Rafe, and Zephy, and the gradual unfolding of their roles in her life keep the narrative engaging. The inclusion of action-packed scenes, particularly those involving warrior training and Zephy's dramatic rescues, ensures a dynamic pace that keeps readers on edge. The deep bond between Maya and Zephy, as well as the mentorship and guidance from characters like Rafe and Skye, add emotional depth and create a well-rounded story.
Maya is a well-developed character whose bravery, determination, and wisdom shine brightly against the bleak world she inhabits. Her journey of mastering forgotten skills like combat, hunting, foraging, and wilderness survival is inspiring. The author does an excellent job of painting the harsh, post-apocalyptic world, making the setting feel real and immersive. The story explores themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to innovate and rebuild even in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative is emotionally rich, delving into Maya's personal growth and the challenges she faces. The evolving relationships and interactions among the characters contribute to the story's momentum and complexity.
Despite all this, I wished for more background on the ancient apocalypse that led to the current state of the world. While the pacing is generally well-balanced, I found certain sections slower than others. At the beginning of the story Maya and Zephy stumbled upon a well-protected sanctuary of the past lost in the apocalypse and the avenue was not explored further.
It is a compelling survival story that combines grit, resilience, and the hope of rebirth. Maya's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making it a memorable read for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction. The intense and captivating post-apocalyptic setting drives home the themes. The dynamics between characters in such harsh conditions are fascinating to read about. It's always interesting to see how people come together and support each other when everything else falls apart.

This was such a great read. It was nice to see a woman portrayed as powerful and not as a childish whiny victim. Loved this story and how everything was writtne.