Nearly a year ago, I offered to review Crimson Ash, by fellow indie author, Haley Sulich, in exchange for an advanced copy. Due to a combination of procrastination, personal matters, and a full schedule, I am very late with this review, and for that, I offer my sincere apologies. Also of note: unlike most of my reviews, which are often snarky, unfair, and somewhat satirical, this one is serious.
Crimson Ash is a story about two estranged sisters struggling to reunite in a futuristic and dangerous world. This is a dark story full of heartbreak and pain, with many difficult scenes that the reader must endure. Alcoholism and self-harm take prominent positions in the narrative, as does brainwashing and indoctrination on a grand scale, as both sisters repeatedly return (by force or choice) to life in a society that robs them of agency, implying to me that the author is personally familiar with these themes.
As a reader that prefers to bond empathetically to a character, Crimson Ash was an enjoyable read. I found most of the characters to be compelling and believable. For me, this was the high point of the story. At no point did I feel as though the motivations of the characters were understated or obfuscated, and that’s a big win. Many bestselling books by international authors fail to capture my interest on this very basic point.
The low point of Crimson Ash appears in the execution of the plot. While the overall story was enjoyable, at times I found it to be repetitive or abrupt, suddenly shifting between characters, events, or locations. The technology in the setting permits instant teleportation, but teleportation of any kind always leaves me yearning for Bilbo Baggins and a long road. Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination, and Crimson Ash often reads like a series of quick flights between holiday hot spots. Most notably, the book seems to start halfway through the plot (although you will be brought up to speed).
Overall, I recommend Crimson Ash to anyone interested in dark stories written with sincerity. It may not satisfy you completely as a novel, but it is worth your time, and I look forward to any future offerings from Haley.
