Award-winning author Cassandra Aston has captivated readers with her Prophecies of Angels and Demons series, available in eBook, print, and audiobook. The series has enthralled audiences worldwide. Her debut novel, Grave Secrets, achieved great success during the 2023 award season, claiming first place in the Pencraft awards and second place in the Outstanding Creator Award for Best Fiction Book of Clash of Champions. Grave Secrets wasn't done there, garnering several other nominations throughout 2023.
Looking forward, Cassandra has several projects in the works including her current WIP - The Deadly Fae Doulogy, which is slated to release in mid to late 2025.
When she isn’t writing, you'll find Cassandra nestled in a cozy mountain cottage, soaking up the beauty with her family. This serene environment fuels her imagination and the fantastical worlds she creates.
I have a lot of thoughts and feelings. Mostly feelings.
To summarize:
Why are men? What gives them the right? Body falling apart at 23? RELATABLE (�.and full of symbolism??) Fireflies will probably make me cry now (even though I knew this was going to happen). Simon needs a hug. And therapy. And…I don’t even know what else, but he needs all of that too. I’m hungry for chocolate and apples (and don’t think I don’t know what apples mean, Cassandra!!!)
I was so invested in this and the characters that I quite literally forgot I knew how certain character arcs would end until after I finished it. This is an extra impressive feat if you know just how deeply I’ve been diving into wild theories and participating in a reread of the second book for the last few weeks.
This was a roller coaster of emotions, and I’m still processing. Having read this after Grave Prophecies (instead of before) simultaneously helped me connect dots and then added like 5 more. I’m not sure if I have more questions or more answers.
As usual with this series, my only complaint is that there hasn’t been more of it!!!
Thank you so much, Cassandra, for torturing…I mean giving me the privilege�.of an ARC of this one!!!
4.5/5. This hurt my heart so much but the ENDING!!!
Y’all, this book broke me. Seeing the origins story of two of my favorite characters in the series cleared up so much and yet it made me so sad because of all that they had gone through. I love how we saw the developing strength of both of them and how they loved each other through it all. I think my favorite part was the ending � I will not spoil it, but it made me happy after a book filled with sad. I would recommend this series to fans of darker urban fantasy.
This novella completely shifted my perspective on Rebecca. Initially, not her biggest fan, I now find myself utterly enamored with her character. I'm currently reeling from the emotional impact. Everything suddenly clicks into place regarding her actions and demeanor. Her unwavering love and dedication to Sarah, her daughter, were truly remarkable, and witnessing what she endured was heart-wrenching. Simon, too, deserves compassion for his trials and sacrifices for Rebecca. The book's conclusion left me in profound sorrow; while I anticipated a non-traditional ending, the sheer devastation was unexpected. As I process these emotions, I eagerly await the next novella, "light," hoping for some solace and closure. Cassandra's brilliance never ceases to amaze me
This novella.. this was the novella everyone needed. Rebecca was so misunderstood and this novella absolutely crushed my soul because her story is so much more than we all could have imagined.. to begin with, the sensory overload this book gave me was unreal in the best way, the sights, the touches, the smells, the tastes, all of it was so appealing I couldn't help but immerse myself completely into this story. Simon and Rebeccas story needed to be told and experiencing it for the first time had me sobbing. Their love was so epic. And speaking of love, as someone who calls their daughter sweet girl, I couldnt help but immediately appreciate all the love and thought put into Rebecca's story of motherhood, the struggles she went through and still put her daughters need above her own.. absolutely beautiful. This story also had a lot of time appropriate history.. without being a history lesson.. there is war and gore and devastation so make sure you're ready for this heavy tale! It's an amazing one if you can handle it!! I was left sobbing and wanting to be held.. and I don't regret a second of it.
Wow how heart wrenching. I haven’t read Grave Secrets so I can only imagine how much background this prequel provides. But holy smokes this reads as a great stand alone!
Definitely peeked my interest into continuing the series. I honestly haven’t been moved (moved to tears more specifically) by a book in a while. This is typical not my choice of reads but it was so worth it.
I have so many questions so I must read on! Loved the writing, the characters, and the story.
Simon and Rebecca’s story wrecked me 😭😭 I was not prepared. This novella is heart wrenching & so important to this series but man. It makes SO much more make sense from the first two books.
I just hope the next book heals my battered my heart.
Spoilers if you haven't read Grave Secrets or Grave Prophecies.
Just wow. I have not cried so much over a book in a while. I knew going into this that it was going to be sad. I've read Grave Secrets and Grave Prophecies, so I knew what happened between Simon and Rebecca. There's even a warning at the beginning that says, "If you were looking for a happy ending, stop reading now." That still did not prepare me to have my heart ripped out of my chest.
I never really had a problem with Rebecca I don't think. I felt more connected to Allie because that's who I was first introduced to and it was kind of jarring to have her disappear when Rebecca took over. Even though they are maybe technically the same person, they still feel so separate in my head. I definitely started to connect with Rebecca more in Grave Prophecies, when her guard started to come down and there were glimpses of her pain. It's like we saw the hard, tough, unlikeable exterior in the beginning, but each book after has been peeling back the layers that make up the person, allowing us to see the circumstances that formed them. And the circumstances are horrible! Rebecca was just a woman who loved her daughter and Simon, and her abusive, manipulative father destroyed her life and turned Simon into a night creature slave. After this beginning and the reincarnating and the dying, I would be a b**** too!
The scenes with Simon were tough. I've always loved him because of his devotion and he seemed to carry the weight of his past pretty well. Seeing it all laid out, the horrors that he witnessed in the war and the acts he committed in order to save Rebecca are eye popping. A weaker man would have caved. My heart was continuously breaking as Simon and Rebecca were torn apart again and again in the final years of her life.
I will say that I think this hit harder for me because I had read books one and two first. The scene of Simon clinging on to Rebecca towards the end of Grave Prophecies is seared into my brain, and that's what I kept picturing when I read this. Simon loved Rebecca for LIFETIMES, and it was full of so much pain and sacrifice and crappy circumstances. But he never stopped fighting for her. It's all just tragic and I'm tearing up again.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed reading this. I love this series. This was a great addition to the series! I love knowing more about prior events!!!
This Book is a Novella 1.5 in A Prophecies of Angels and Demons series. This Book should be read with the other books due to possible spoilers if read before book 1. The Romance is the book is somewhat of a slow burn, with a little bit of a miscommunication trope. The book is fairly clean, as the MCs situation doesnt offer much opportunities to be spicy. The Book moves at a quick pace following the MCs after her father had changed their lives forever. The characters are wonderful. This book really fills in the blanks, and answers any questions you may of had of the MCs in the series. The world building is complex, and remains set in the world established in the series. It follows along a timeline that is mentioned in book one. Giving us a deeper look into the MCs past.
Firefly is a must read for those who are fans of Grace Secrets. This novella is heartbreaking and takes us back in time to Simon and Rebecca’s relationship.
We learn in real time how Simon, Rebecca, and Sarah were treated by Alexander. It is so emotional and it gives us a little more understanding to Rebecca and why she reacts the way she does in Grave Prophecies.
I found it interesting that this book give me both more empathy for Rebecca, but more anger for Simon with how he’s treated by her in Grave Prophecies. They’re both in an awful situation, and just trying to do that best they can.
Thank you for having me on your street team, @cassandra.aston.author
This is my first dark fantasy book and I adore it. If this is my first book in the universe that Cassandra Aston wrote then I definitely want more!
The characters were so captivating and the magic and fantasy were presented well.
This book definitely tugged at my heart in so many levels. I definitely will never look at fireflies the same ever again🥹
Although this novella can be read as a stand alone, definitely read the first book in the Prophecies of Angels and Demons for the best reading experience!
Firefly," the 1.5th installment in the "Prophecies of Angels and Demons" series, is scheduled for release on May 16th. Set in the 1940s, this novella delves into the history of Simon and Rebecca's narrative, offering a deeper understanding of their experiences. Additionally, it includes a subtle reference to Gabriel, hinting at potential future developments in the storyline.
I am really curious to see where Grave Secrets takes the story next.
Idk why Cassandra likes to tear hearts out but she does. ***important to note, this novella is best read WITH the series, BUT it can be read as a standalone if you really want to
The dedication even reads, “If you were looking for a happy ending, stop reading now.� That’s your only warning before reading and being torn to shreds. ☺️
Simon and Rebecca’s story is dark, but man this book shed so much light to how dark it gets. The writing is phenomenal and so emotional. I learned so many answers I needed but also have so many more questions that keep me on the edge for book 3.
“He glanced over at the jar of fireflies buzzing against the glass. Rebecca was just like those fireflies: a bright light trapped within invisible walls. But he would find a way to free her.�
Phew! This novella is a tear-jerker. This story between Rebecca and Simon was so heartbreaking. I just wanted happiness for all of them. I’m so glad that Rebecca’s daughter, Sarah, has Simon in her life. Seeing both Rebecca’s and Simon’s determination to reach love and happiness, whether that was Simon fighting for Rebecca and Sarah’s happiness or Rebecca fighting for her daughter’s happiness and trying to stay strong for Simon, was admirable! The author’s writing makes you feel for her characters and their story, and I always love that.
It’s suggested to read this novella between books 1 and 2 (though it can be read as a standalone), but I didn’t get to finish the first book yet prior to starting this one. And after that ending, I’m excited to go back and finish reading the rest of the books in this series. Plus, I think it will allow me to have a bigger picture of Simon and Rebecca and give me a greater appreciation for this novella and the series as a whole.
Read this if you like: 🖤 Cinnamon roll MMC 🤍 Found family 🖤 Love that transcends time 🤍 Dual POV 🖤 Reluctant hero 🤍 Against all odds 🖤 Demons and witches 🤍 Magic
Thank you so much Cassandra for accepting me as one of your ARC readers and for the opportunity to review your book! 🫶🏼 I can’t wait to jump back into your other books in this series! 💕
Firefly is a novella in Aston's Prophecies of Angels and Demons series. (My 5-star reviews for Grace Secrets (book 1) and Grave Prophecies (book 2) can be found online.) Those books center around Simon and Allie, however Simon loved before Allie. This is Rebecca's story.
The author slots this book between books 1 and 2. I can understand that. This book provides readers with Rebecca's background. We gain a better understanding of her life, her challenges, and her love. She has not had an easy life but her love for her daughter Sarah has kept her going. They have a beautiful relationship.
For such a short work, this book definitely packs a punch. Once you pick it up, it will be hard to put down. The author did a wonderful job of setting the scene, and bringing readers along for the journey. You can experience the pain, the frustration, the fury, as well as the love, the adoration and the joy.
I am keen to read more by this author as she never disappoints!
I liked this book as the interesting beginning and prequel to the series. Although it left me with more questions than answers as it is both a course and a blessing. I want more to clarify where the daughter comes from, who is the father and what is the story. I also need more for Simon, the magic that surrounds his transformation is obscure and I want to know how they get rid of Alexander. I liked to discover more about Simon and the relationship he has with the main character but don't love him as a character as he is too obscure and clipped for my liking. Overall I suggest the read and would recommend the series if you are a lover of mysterious magic, courses and evil fathers. I find the novel is perhaps a touch too dragged on with too many questions and too little answers but I think I shall just wait and see for the rest of the series for the final verdict.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Cassandra once again did it again. This novella gave some much look into Simon and Rebecca's time. The emotional roller coaster I felt with each passing page. Holy cow. I could not put it down and devoured it. It does add so much more context as to why Simon is the way he is with Allie. I mean given everything Alexander put him through along with Rebecca. You just want them to make it through it, even though you know this is a prequel. So if you loved the first two books, you need to read this. And if you have not had a chance to read them, do it! The books are so wonderful and I cannot wait for the next one!
So full disclaimer, I hadn't realized that this novella was part of a series, and I had not read the other books. It is advertised as a standalone though but I felt like I was missing information as it read as if the reader was supposed to have some knowledge of the story. It is unfortunate, I think it would have been a better experience if I had read the previous book.
I am intrigued though about the world and magic system, I think I might give the series a try, and then maybe the puzzle pieces will click together in my mind at some point 😅
I received an early copy of this book and I'm voluntarily giving my honest opinion.
Oh this gives you a whole different point of view from the first two stories! I got some of my questions answered but at the same time, I want to say that i am still missing a few details. Not that it would change anything from how I feel towards the book.
One thing I did like was that I still felt connected to the characters in the story. It didn’t shift the way the story was meant to be or loose track or focus.
It was amazing getting this perspective that I so needed that I didn’t realize until I started reading Firefly. It was perfect! It will make you tear up due to the way the story goes and what you’ll find out. Not always something happy.
This is my first dive into the world that Cassandra has created and I'm now looking forward to reading the others within this series. I was warned in the beginning that there was no happy ending and I still wasn't prepared for the emotions that I felt. I have enjoyed reading about Simon and Rebecca. The ending has me more excited to immerse myself in the series, thats for sure! Fireflies will probably make my heart ache a little any time I see them now.
Ok so I probably should’ve read Grave Secrets first but I had no idea when I signed up to read this ARC. But it was good. Even though I was a little confused in the beginning it was good. It was a tragically, beautiful story. I hated Alexander and the way he treated his daughter and granddaughter. It riled me up. And Simon didn’t deserve anything he got in this book. I was rooting for him and Rebecca the whole time. I’d say this was pretty close to a forbidden romance. The last couple chapters had me so emotional. I almost teared up. Don’t be like me and not read Grave Secrets first lol.
Before Allie and Simon, Rebecca and Simon had their own story.
Ok, I will admit, Rebecca hasn’t been my favorite character. It’s not that I dislike her altogether, I knew Allie first, loved her first. Then Rebecca came along and brought a significant amount of jealousy with her. So, I really enjoyed reading Rebecca and Simon’s story without Allie’s influence. I loved their connection, their love story. This is a great addition to an already amazing series! Light, with Gabriel’s POV is coming soon and I am so excited to see what is going on in that angel brain of his!
I'm not going to lie, I was about halfway through and thought to myself, am I missing a part of the story? To only realise there is a book before this one, I am definitely adding it to my tbr pile!
I loved seeing the characters' development throughout the book. How Rebecca would do anything and everything for her daughter Sarah and poor Simon, he tried to do everything to be with Rebecca.
I definitely want to read the other book and come back to update my reviews.
But I loved this book, and I can't wait to read more by this author.
This was so beautiful, heartgribbing, and tragic. Rebecca story made me see her in a different light, I really disliked her previous, but this novella explains why she was the way she was, her dedication to her daughter Sarah, her struggles, what she endured.
The way Simon and Rebecca kept getting torn apart repeatedly broke me, It was tough. I had a consistent lump in my throat.
My heart hurts. This was a book I didn't know I needed.
I haven’t read any other books by this author. With that being said it has mad me so excited to read her other books! I sat down and read this novella from cover to cover (figuratively since it was my kindle). I really enjoyed seeing Simon and Rebecca’s story and can’t wait to see what happens in Cassandra Aston’s other books.
This novella fills any gaps that were still there in Allie's memory, after book 1. My heart broke in a thousand pieces while reading this story. I still don't think that Rebecca is a sympathetic character, but I do have a better understanding of her now. And poor, poor Simon!
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I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.
A great novella for Cassandra's fans for her trilogy, she have done a fabulous work with plotting this novella to make it truly heart wrenching for Simon and Rebecca's story. Cassandra have shown the misunderstood character of her series Rebecca in a new light, that not only carves her out with her character arc and motivation and even provide a vivid backstory to know more about.
This novella was well written and broke down some character depth for me. In my opinion this is a must read if you like Cassandra’s other books! Thank you for explaining Rebecca more for me. I agree that this was needed to understand her as a character.
I have not had a chance to read book 1 yet but if it’s anything like this book dang!! This book was amazing and at the end it gave me goosebumps. I can not wait to read more :) def well worth the read
Cassandra is such an outstanding writer and her storytelling brings so many emotions out with every book. I was not ready for this Novella end and am looking forward to seeing what happens with the characters that were developed so beautifully.