I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Athena's Ashes by Jamie Grey
Series: Star Thief Chronicles #2
Published by Clever Crow Press on August 26, 2014
Pages: 350
Source: the author
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It’s Renna’s biggest job yet – convincing MYTH leadership that she’s put away her lock picks and is ready to save the galaxy, despite the dangerous implant in her brain. But with the Athena on the run, she’s working solo and facing her most ruthless enemy, the traitor Pallas, who’ll go to any lengths to destroy the MYTH organization. Including framing Renna for a devastating assault on MYTH HQ that leaves their defenses crippled and hundreds dead.

Now that MYTH believes she’s a dangerous double-agent, Renna escapes their firing squad before they put more holes in her than a pair of fishnet stockings. But the ticking time-bomb in her head is the one thing Pallas needs to complete his master plan and he’s not about to let her get away. Even worse, he’s discovered the only thing that will bring Renna to her knees – threatening Captain Nick Finn.

Out of time and options, Renna’s got one shot to take down the traitor before he annihilates everything she loves, even though winning this battle may cost her everything.

Athena’s Ashes was an epic, action-packed sequel. As always, Jamie Grey has done an amazing job. The Star Thief Chronicles is the perfect example of an amazing world that feels realistic and a group of characters that feel real and relatable.

I adore Renna. I’ve adored Renna since the first book. Yes, she has her flaws – all characters do. But that’s what makes them feel real. She’s such a strong, brave character. She can hold her own and she doesn’t just sit around, letting people die to save her own skin or waiting to be saved. She has grown and changed in so many ways since The Star Thief – emotionally, mentally and physically. She went from working alone and wanting nothing to do with anyone, to having people in her life that she considered good friends, even family. In Athena’s Ashes, Renna takes a bit of a step back with all of this, though. But not for the reasons you’d think. Renna’s physical changes really start to take a toll on her, too, though she fights those changes with every ounce of willpower she has.

Finn.. Oh, Finn. I swooned HARD over Finn in The Star Thief. He’s swoony and adorable and amazing. As he is in the beginning of Athena’s Ashes. And then some things happen and things go down hill and… Well, I got VERY angry with him a few times. And I’m still kind of angry with him. I get why he did what he did. I understand. But I’m still SO mad at him… Grrrr, Finn!!

I really, really liked Dallas but I had a hard time trusting him. I was so nervous he was going to betray Renna, or that we were going to find out he was working with the bad guys. I also adored Blake. I kind of wanted him to be the third component of a love triangle – and I don’t usually WANT love triangles. I don’t mind them, but I don’t seek them out. But I really, really liked him. He was awesome and adorable and he made Finn soooooo jealous! Hehe. But then again… Viktis!!!! I said it in my review for The Star Thief and I’ll say it again: I really, really like Viktis and I’m not sure what this says about me…

I really liked Jayla, as well. Renna needs more girlfriends in her life – ones that don’t betray her. I kept hoping Jayla would be on her side, kept hoping that she wouldn’t turn out to be in league with Pallas. And…. Well, I’ll let you read the book to find out!

The whole Pallas storyline was… Shocking. Unexpected. Mind-blowing. Crazy. I just… There are no words for how surprised I was! Everything surrounding the Pallas storyline was hard-core, action-packed.. I just couldn’t believe what I was reading! And the thing is? Pallas is the scariest kind of villain because they believe what they’re doing is for the good of humanity and that what they’re doing is GOOD and RIGHT, that they are the good guy, not the bad guy. You can’t reason with a person who believes they are doing something for the greater good. And that makes them terrifying.

The story behind the book title becomes VERY obvious near the end of the book… And it was so, so sad! Like.. I almost cried, it was so upsetting! But it happened the way it was meant to and I’m so pleased with the ending. Everything was wrapped up nicely, leaving just enough open that there’s potential for a third book. And if there is? I really, really like the set-up for it!!

There were also some major twists and turns in the ending that I didn’t expect. For Renna, things came full circle. It really kept me on the edge of my seat! Especially the last 44% – I felt like my heart was in my throat the whole time. I got so angry and so scared on Renna’s behalf.

Overall, if you couldn’t tell already, I adored this book. I adore Jamie Grey. She will forever be on my “Auto-Buy Author” list. If you haven’t read her books, I highly recommend them! … So.. What are you waiting for…? Go buy them! Read them! Now, now! :)