Only Ashes Remain (2) (Market of Monsters)

This is an exciting, intense and horrifying fantasy sequel to Not Even Bones about betrayal, revenge, and the darkness within. Nita is no longer imprisoned in the black market and is now with a group that offers protection to “unnaturals” like her. However, she is not yet safe because her ability to heal herself has made her a target and she has her heart set on killing Fabricio, who sold her in the first place. With Fabricio also trying to kill her, she has to figure out how to get him first, avoid those that are hunting her and create a future for herself. The characters are well developed, emotionally wounded and complicated, especially Nita. Other characters, Kovit, Adair, and Diana are also interesting and important in their own way. All of them are quite bizarre yet also likable; disturbing and yet you find yourself cheering for them. The story is well written and well-paced. There’s subtle romance and some of the language is inappropriate for younger readers and the violence is pretty graphic. For this reason, I do not believe readers younger than sixteen should read it. Older readers will enjoy this suspenseful and brutal story about dealing with the darker side within.