Reviving Embers: Prequel to the Guardians of Areli Series - Hardcover

by Paige Reed (Author)

Winner of the 2026 SCWC Notable Book Awards, Reviving Embers and the Guardians of Areli series is perfect for fans of Carrie Cotton's The Huntress, Karen Hancock's Legends of the Guardian King, Roseanna White's Awakened, Ronie Kendig's Abiassa's Fire, or Morgan Busse's Ravenwood Saga.

Twelve years ago, the Shields of Power saved Paul Marshall's family from annihilation. Now a man, he'll stop at nothing to earn a place among the elite council sworn to protect the Shields' source of strength.

But no one with common blood has been appointed for centuries.

To rise, Paul must train with the nobility and secure influential connections in a world that doesn't want him. His chances go from slim to impossible when he attracts formidable enemies-and the affections of a woman he can never have.

Verity Scillician, noble born and destined to marry the crown prince, struggles to accept the path laid out for her. Emptiness haunts her, forbidden pursuits call, and Paul tugs at every hungry place inside her. But breaking free from the expectations of her family and class could ruin her.

Subversive influences sweep Areli into a war of ideologies that threatens their past and future. As they fight to preserve their heritage, and the attraction between them deepens to love, Paul and Verity must decide if they will obey the ancient warning to stoke the fire within ...

Even if the flame consumes their dreams.

***

Reviving Embers is the first book in the epic romantic fantasy series, Guardians of Areli. This saga is set in an alternate earth history, non-magical - but supernaturally fantastical - story world. Readers who love ...

Character-driven tales

Forbidden romance

Deep love stories (emotionally meaningful/fade to black)

Class prejudice

Ideological/political warfare

Conspiracies and betrayal

Soul stirring journeys

... will find all this and so much more in Reviving Embers and the books to follow.

This series has been written for the adult market and is best read in order even though each book has its own satisfying ending.