Ashes of Gold

Written by J. Elle

Narrated by Bahni Turpin

In the “thrilling…masterful” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) conclusion to the Wings of Ebony duology, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicole Yoon calls “bold, inventive, big-hearted, and deeply perceptive,” Rue makes her final stand to reclaim her people’s stolen magic.

Rue has no memory of how she ended up locked in a basement prison without her magic or her allies. But she’s a girl from East Row. And girls from East Row don’t give up. Girls from East Row pick themselves back up when they fall. Girls from East Row break themselves out.

But getting free and finding her friends is only half the battle. Rue vows that when she reunites with them, she will find a way to return the magic that the Chancellor has stolen from her father’s people. Yet even on Yiyo Peak, Rue is a misfit; with half a foot back in Houston and a heart that is half human, half god, she’s not sure she’s the right person to lead the fight to reclaim a glorious past.

When a betrayal sends her into a tailspin, Rue must decide who to trust and how to be the leader that her people deserve, because if she doesn’t, it isn’t just Yiyo that will be destroyed—it will be Rue herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jul 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781797150222

J. Elle

J. Elle is the author of the instant New York Times and Indie bestseller Wings of Ebony, a YA novel about a Black teen who must lean into her ancestor’s magic to protect her inner-city community from drugs, violence, and crime. Ms. magazine calls it “the debut fantasy we need right now.” She also wrote its sequel, Ashes of Gold. Elle is a former educator and first-generation college student with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in educational administration and human development. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found mentoring aspiring writers, binging reality TV, loving on her three littles, or cooking up something true to her Louisiana roots. 

Reviews for Ashes of Gold

[Maria Raby · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. There was so much in this sequel that added to the overall story of Wings of Ebony.

There was a lot of self-discovery in this one that I, even though I'm older than the targeted audience, enjoyed and really appreciated seeing.

I love the found family, friendship and general magic that is this book. I would definitely recommend picking this one up!

[Margaret Long · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book can’t wait for book 3! Must read!

[Alexys Jazzmyn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The narration was excellent! The actual book seem to drag out a bit and didn’t capture me as much as book 1. As soon as I finished book 1 I went into book 2 and I felt a little disconnected. It was still great story and a nice duology.

[Jenna Vaughn · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

So frustrated for 90% of the book. Rue is so selfish and ridiculous. But finally it all works out in the end. Perhaps a little too neatly but it's okay.