4.5 (9 ratings)

Heart of Ember

Name: Heart of Ember
Rating: 4.5 (9 reviews)
Author: Bethany Grenier
ISBN: B0C9GZM85N

by Bethany Grenier

ghosts

About this book

December Wright is an outcast in 1989, finding solace in gothic fashion, knitting, and the cryptic premonitions echoing in her mind. Sick of the foster care system, she feels like a ghost in her own life until a freak lightning strike shatters her reality. Suddenly, the magical city of Elysia—a place she has only ever visited in her dreams—becomes her dangerous new reality.

This atmospheric paranormal romance blends historical charm with dark, folkloric magic. As Ember discovers her boss, Whit, is actually her father, she is thrust into a world of ancient oracle societies and ancestral betrayals. Her mother, the ruthless Phaedra Rule, is hunting her to steal her prophetic gifts, forcing Ember to navigate a treacherous path between the spirit realm and her own survival.

With a mysterious, star-crossed love interest by her side, Ember must undergo grueling trials to master her own power. Rich with 80s nostalgia, Victorian-tinged insults, and a unique magic system, this coming-of-age journey is perfect for readers who love high-stakes tension and ghostly mysteries. Can Ember defy her mother’s blood magic and claim her true legacy before the past destroys everything she loves? Her fight for freedom has only just begun.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0C9GZM85N

Reader Reviews

Loved the quirky Heroine

November 2, 2025

Ember is a great character, bumped around in the foster care system, she knows she’s different than others her age. She dresses Goth and hates high school . Only her art teacher and her boss at her after school job seem to get her. Circumstances change abruptly, challenging her to adapt and find her own power. The book is fast paced and fun. Can’t wait for book 2 )

A fun read with a unique magic system

August 21, 2023

\"Heart of Ember\" is a young adult coming-of-age novel set in the 1980s (yes!) in both the normal world and an alternate world of magic. This book is full of song references and lyrics from the 80s, which was fun, and the magic aspects are woven (pun intended - read the book) into the story in a way that resonates (yes, pun intended again) well. The magic system is something new, drawn from the author's personal experiences and passions, and it works. The protagonist shows growth throughout...

Absolutely amazing book!

February 5, 2025

Loved the book and the writing! Please keep the story going! Would love to hear the point of view as she gets older! )

Excellent - I want more!

June 27, 2023

It's hard to be different in 1989. Especially when you don't know just how different you are. This is a story of self-discovery, and what happens when one world comes crashing down around you, and another one pops up in its place. I want more of this world, and you will, too. Thank you to my friend/author for the ARC. )

Well written novel.

March 3, 2024

I enjoyed both of the books that Bethany has written. The story is an interesting read. )