Book Reviews
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Summary
| Stars | Reviews | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star Reviews | 34 | 92% |
| 4 Star Reviews | 1 | 3% |
| 3 Star Reviews | 1 | 3% |
| 2 Star Reviews | 1 | 3% |
| 1 Star Reviews | 0 | 0% |
| 4.8 Stars | 37 Reviews | 100% |
Because Amazon and Goodreads occasionally delete reviews without explanation, some of the reviews below might have links that no longer work. Because they don’t tell me which reviews they delete, I don’t know which reviews, if any, were deleted.
5 Star Reviews
34) Lucas W. Mayberry’s Review ★★★★★
By Lucas W. Mayberry on 25 November 2025 (Amazon UK Review and Goodreads Review)
Ash Bottom is one of the invisible, the bottom of society structure, living on hard floors and eating food found in trash. In a city built on a caste system, he will live like that forever with no hope on self improvement. That is, until one day, through a chance encounter, he saves the life of an Administrator, one of the most respected and affluent people of the city. From there, Ash quickly discovers a startling secret that leads him on the road to greatness. But with this greatness comes some sacrifice. This is a wonderfully written and beautifully crafted fantasy tale. It’s a short novella that can be read in 2 hours, and with its short, punchy chapters, the pacing is like a runaway train, and reading it will feel like a breeze.
33) LeafBoundReviews ★★★★★
By LeafBoundReviews on 6 October 2025 (Goodreads Review)
The Foundling is a fantasy novella following the life of Ash Bottom. Ash was abandoned as a baby and had a hard life living in the slums. The world in which The Foundling takes place has a strict caste system. At the bottom are “bottoms”, which is even lower than the laborer caste.
Here in the bottom rung of society, Ash barely clings to life. Perpetually looking for his next meal and struggling to simply survive, Ash faces a dull existence.
In a twist of fate, Ash saves a man from assassination, and this event completely changes his life. This decision sets Ash on a path to learn about his parentage, which saves him from the slums. In some ways, this is actually a bit out of the frying pan and into the fire situation, as the assassins quickly become very interested in him.
The book has a narrative style that I enjoyed. The pacing of the book is very quick, but it still manages to get into many intimate details. In one example, after saving the man from assassination, Ash stands in front of the man he saved with a bloody brick in his hand and asks himself aloud, “Now what?” The man replies, “You’re the one holding the bloody brick….” This exchange tickled me. The author also describes two weapons given to Ash: an ivory-handled pistol and a Damascus steel dagger. The author’s knowledge of firearms and steel of yesteryear is a nice touch.
In addition to some witty dialogue, I enjoyed the author’s word choice and the pacing. The writing has a quality to it that enabled me to read the book very quickly. I was interested to learn more about this fantasy world, as well as what would happen to Ash next. The book is filled with new, bigger problems than the issues from just one chapter ago. The chapters are also very short, which I think helped contribute to the overall readability of the book.
I think my only complaint about the book might be the length. The last third of the book I felt was just a little too quick for me. While I enjoyed the pacing in most of the book, I thought everything resolved just a touch too quickly at the end. Ash also transforms almost instantly from a street rat to an unparalleled warrior, which was certainly enjoyable to read, although perhaps just lacking a touch of realism. All that said, I still enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
32) Juliette Carter’s Review ★★★★★
By Juliette Carter on 17 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood is not just a novella, it’s a bold declaration of what speculative fiction can be when it dares to say something real.
From the opening pages in the slums of Westburg, Donald weaves a story that is as raw as it is riveting. Jason Redgrave isn’t your average hero; he’s fractured, vulnerable, and burdened with questions most characters in fantasy are too afraid to ask. And that’s exactly what makes him unforgettable. His journey isn’t just a physical escape from poverty and oppression; it’s an emotional confrontation with injustice, identity, and survival.
What impressed me most is how seamlessly Donald blends gritty dystopian realism with the heart of a classic coming-of-age tale. The caste system explored here isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing structure that mirrors the harshest truths of our world, while still offering hope through resistance, loyalty, and quiet acts of rebellion.
The writing is razor-sharp, cinematic in its descriptions, and quietly poetic when it needs to be. There’s a certain rhythm to the prose, tight, confident, and emotionally grounded. Every chapter escalates in both stakes and soul, pulling you deeper into a world that’s both brutal and beautiful.
And beyond the plot, this story pulses with relevance. It asks questions about power, belonging, and what it means to rise when the world tells you to stay small. Fans of Red Rising, Mistborn, and An Ember in the Ashes will find familiar echoes here, but The Foundling stands entirely on its own. It’s not a derivative. It’s a declaration.
Donald isn’t just writing a story. He’s building a legacy, one that bridges speculative fiction, societal commentary, and psychological depth in a way that’s rare and powerful. This is the kind of book I’d recommend to both hardcore fantasy lovers and readers looking for something deeper, something true.
Highly recommended for those who believe stories should challenge the system, move the heart, and linger long after the final word.
31) Crystal Fenerty’s Review ★★★★★
By Crystal Fenerty on 16 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
I enjoyed the book. A bit fast-paced, would be fun if [it were] one day made into a longer, more detailed novel, but as it stands, it is definitely worth reading.
30) Djenica’s Review ★★★★★
By Magnificent Mommas (Djenica) on 3 July 2025 (Goodreads Review and Facebook Review)
Facebook Review:
Just finished The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood by Donald Firesmith, and WOW!! A gritty, emotional ride packed with twists, heart-pounding action, and a powerful story of identity, rebellion, and found family. If you love political fantasy, underdog heroes, and coming-of-age tales that keep you turning the pages… this one’s for you!
Ash Bottom’s journey from the slums to self-discovery is raw, emotional, and utterly gripping. Firesmith delivers a powerful tale of identity, rebellion, and found family.
Goodreads Review:
The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood by Donald Firesmith is a powerful, richly layered coming-of-age fantasy that grabs your heart from the very first page. Ash Bottom, a foundling trapped in the cruel caste system of Westburg, is a compelling protagonist whose gritty survival story quickly evolves into something much deeper, a tale of identity, rebellion, and found family. Firesmith masterfully immerses readers in a dystopian world with political intrigue, class tensions, and an emotional undercurrent that never lets up.
The pacing is excellent, especially the first 10 chapters, as Ash’s journey from Slumtown to discovering his true lineage is filled with action, high stakes, and unexpected twists. The writing is clean and immersive, filled with visceral descriptions that made me feel Ash’s hunger, fear, and growing strength. The bonus story, The Black Wand, is a welcome addition and adds more richness to the lore of this world.
This book is perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson or Robin Hobb. It’s an underdog story with heart, and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Highly recommended!!! D
29) OneTribune’s Review ★★★★★
By OneTribune on 3 July 2025 (OneTribune Editorial Review)
What if your legal identity were the only thing standing between you and slavery? In this book, it is. What happens when that identity is changed overnight? Read on to find out.
Content Warning
While The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood by Donald Firesmith is overall family-friendly and age-appropriate for general audiences, it includes brief references to harsh societal conditions such as poverty, class-based discrimination, minor violence (including death in self-defense), and political corruption. There is no explicit content, profanity, or graphic sexual content. Suitable for ages 13+.
A Coming-of-Age Story That Starts at the Bottom—Literally. In a world where your last name determines your worth and your future is chained to your birth status, what happens when a nobody discovers he’s somebody? Donald Firesmith’s The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood is a genre-blending, politically charged coming-of-age fantasy that explores the fragility of identity and the quiet power of doing the right thing in a society that punishes that very act.
A Tale as Old as Time—Told Like Never Before
The story follows “Ash” Bottom, a literal bottom-dweller in a caste-stratified dystopian society where foundlings are marked by law as part of the lowest class. Firesmith presents this rigid system with unsettling plausibility. We’ve seen caste-based oppression in history and sociology textbooks, but rarely in fantasy this well-researched. Did you know that in some real-world cultures, children born out of wedlock were historically denied surnames or professions? Firesmith uses this chilling reality as fertile soil for his protagonist’s growth.
Class Warfare, Identity, and Found Family
In a society obsessed with labels and arm bands (think dystopia-meets-downtown), Ash is more than an underdog—he’s invisible. That is, until a moment of impulsive heroism catapults him into a life-altering revelation: he is not who he thought he was, and someone very powerful wants him dead for it.
Ash’s discovery of his true lineage is not just a plot twist; it’s a commentary on how systemic injustice can be undone not just by war, but by knowing who you are—and having the right documents to prove it.
There’s a weighty symbolism in the paper that reclassifies Ash. In a world where official records mean survival, the literal signing of a birth certificate becomes a more powerful magical act than any wand-waving. It begs the question: Who are we, if not our names on paper?
Family-Friendly Without Feeling Sanitized
Despite the high stakes — murders, betrayal, and the occasional street ambush — this book never dives into graphic content. Violence is present but framed responsibly: always consequential, rarely glorified. Firesmith respects his readers, especially younger ones, by focusing more on the characters’ ethical decisions and emotional resilience than gratuitous drama.
Ash never romanticizes poverty or crime, and when the narrative flirts with grim reality—drug addiction, hunger, even prostitution—it does so to underscore choice and dignity, not shock value. Firesmith walks the delicate line between honest storytelling and accessibility with grace.
Who This Book Is For (And Not For)
For:
– Readers who loved The Giver, Mistborn, or The Hunger Games
– Teens and adults who enjoy political intrigue without the gore
– Fans of grounded fantasy and societal “what-ifs”
– Families looking for smart, challenging fiction that’s still safe for younger readers
Not for:
– Readers seeking high fantasy full of dragons and spellcasting
– Those looking for romance as a primary plotline
– Readers who prefer fast-paced action over rich internal development
Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Yes, this book earns a full 5 out of 5 stars. Why? Because it’s rare to find a fantasy novel that’s socially relevant, thematically mature, narratively compelling, and entirely readable by a family audience. The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood is not just a book—it’s a lens. It takes a clear-eyed look at how societies construct class and how individuals can break that mold — not with a sword, but with a signature.
28) The Chrysalis BREW Project’s Review ★★★★★
By The Chrysalis BREW Project (Kajori Sheryl Paul) on 3 July 2025 (The Chrysalis BREW Project Editorial Review)
The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood is a fascinating novella penned by Donald Firesmith. It is one of those rare books that will not only take you on a thrilling adventure but also leave you with an important life lesson.
Right after being born, Ash is left at the doorstep of the Westside Home For Orphans and Foundlings. He is quickly declared a Bottom, the lowest caste in the highly segregated society of Westburg. At sixteen, he is left in the streets of Slumtown, compelled to fend for himself with little to no resources.
When he turns twenty-three, his life takes an astonishing turn. A young man of the Administrator class ventures into Slumtown. Never having seen a man of such high status in the poverty-stricken area, Ash becomes curious. He decides to follow him when he sees a shady man shadowing the Administrator. This decision changes his life forever.
Will Ash ever find his parents and know his true identity? How will meeting the Administrator change his life? Most importantly, will he be able to fulfill his destiny?
Master world-builder Donald Firesmith crafts a highly relatable world. The city of Westburg, with all its discrimination and corruption, reminds us of the injustices of the real world. Firesmith shows us the inherent evil of the caste system. He underlines the importance of respecting everyone and treating them with equality.
Ash’s situation actually pains the heart. His helplessness and invisibility are beautifully captured in Firesmith’s writing. He is able to make us feel for the boy and root for him. Seeing Ash’s transformation is indeed a treat. Ash truly made an indelible mark in my heart.
All the Redgraves — be it Alice, Marshall, or Franklin — touched my heart. Firesmith is able to make us empathize with Alice and her dire situation. This is no easy feat, as what Alice does is not easily forgivable. Marshall and Franklin are amazing human beings. I love how they took everything in stride. Thalia intrigued me the most. Firesmith was able to make me curious about Harker. Though he was an antagonist, I was eager to know what made him that way. Duke Haroldson was a well-developed character as well.
The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood is beautifully written. Donald Firesmith is successful at blending action and drama with an important moral. I like how he includes fascinating action sequences without being redundant. Each and every scene serves a purpose and works toward the progression of the plot. This makes the story both fast-paced and gripping.
I have to say that I was especially happy with how the setting changed with each chapter. This was done in a seamless manner — a rare feat accomplished by very few authors.
I was enmeshed in Donald Firesmith’s The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood. The author weaves such a tale of intrigue, action, and drama that I found it difficult to put down the book even for a second. I highly recommend this amazing novella to fans of action-packed fantasy thrillers.
27) The Weight of a Name ★★★★★
By The Book Reviewer on 2 July 2025 (Amazon US Review)
What if the name they gave you was the first lock on the cage you’d spend your whole life trying to escape?
In The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood, Donald Firesmith doesn’t just spin a tale — he constructs a social experiment and drops us right into the belly of it. Through the eyes of Ash, a casteless nobody resigned to scavenging in filth, we witness the quiet brutality of systemic injustice not from a grand political perch, but from the sidewalk where survival is a daily referendum.
Ash isn’t heroic in the way we expect. He’s angry. Starving. Sometimes selfish. But he makes choices. One of them — a choice to interfere in someone else’s looming tragedy — sets off a chain reaction he never could have predicted. Firesmith’s brilliance lies in how this isn’t framed as fate or prophecy, but consequence. Ash is a nobody who becomes a someone not by birthright, but by paying in blood, by refusing to accept what the world tells him he’s worth.
What hits hardest is the emotional dissonance: the sting of a long-awaited “mother” wrapped in fear, the price of new clothes soaked in old scars, and the absurd intimacy of learning how to eat a full meal when you’ve spent years rationing hunger. The prose never panders. It respects the reader enough to let silences speak louder than exposition, and dares to show healing as something more complicated than forgiveness.
This isn’t just a fantasy novella — it’s a mirror turned sideways. One where the reflection asks uncomfortable questions about identity, privilege, and what happens when you refuse to stay invisible.
26) 5.0 out of 5 stars Rags, Revolt, and Riverwater ★★★★★
By Donna on 2 July 2025 (Amazon AU Review)
Some stories begin with a hero. This one begins with a stain—on a cheek, on a name, on a soul marked disposable at birth.
In The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood, Donald Firesmith doesn’t give us a chosen one; he gives us a discarded one. Ash, a bottom-dweller in every social sense, is the kind of character we’re taught not to see—filthy, hungry, easy to ignore. Firesmith dares us to watch him anyway, and what follows is not a journey of magical transformation, but of survival, rage, and earned dignity.
The beauty of this book lies in its grit. It lingers in the stench of Slumtown, the ache of empty bellies, the quiet shame of being forgotten. It’s not about saving a kingdom. It’s about crawling your way out of the garbage heap long enough to ask, why was I thrown here in the first place?
But don’t mistake this for hopelessness. Firesmith plants seeds of rebellion not in grand speeches but in small moments: a stolen brick, a battered birth certificate, a boy staring down the father who tried to erase him. It’s not just about changing a corrupt system—it’s about unlearning what that system has whispered in your ear since birth.
25) Where Caste Meets Character ★★★★★
By Sam on 1 July 2025 (Amazon AU Review)
Firesmith has crafted a tale that asks: what if your entire worth was decided at birth—no exceptions, no do-overs? The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood answers this through the unlikely lens of a young man born into the bottom rung of a stratified society.
This isn’t your average sword-swinging, fireball-hurling fantasy. Instead, it’s a deeply anthropological exploration of power, class, and identity, all wrapped inside a narrative that reads like Les Misérables crashed into The Hunger Games with a dash of Oliver Twist. The brilliance lies not in monsters or magic, but in the systemic realism of the world Firesmith builds. And it’s a painful one: clean hands are rare, clean consciences rarer.
The protagonist—nicknamed “Ash”—is not a chosen one by prophecy or magic birthright. He’s literate only because he taught himself by scavenging children’s books. His weapon? Hunger. Not just for food, but for dignity. That hunger permeates the novel with raw urgency. The real antagonist here isn’t a single villain but the cruelty of apathy, the silence of systems that permit suffering because they wear the veil of tradition.
For readers interested in sociology, ethical dilemmas, or character-based world-building, this is a quiet masterpiece. But don’t expect dragons or fairy godmothers. This is for the reader who chews on questions like, “Can a society be noble if it forgets its most invisible members?” and “What defines real kinship—blood or belief?”
Who this book is not for: those expecting nonstop action or magical deus ex machinas. Think more Shōgun than Shadow and Bone.
But for the thoughtful teen, the budding ethicist, or the adult craving a coming-of-age tale where growth isn’t magical but moral, Firesmith delivers with surprising grace.
24) Queen’s Review ★★★★★
By Queen on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
it’s absolutely epic! The plot is full of intrigue, and the character development is phenomenal
23) Minawati’s Review ★★★★★
By Minawati on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
I love it
22) Angel’s Review ★★★★★
By Angel on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
A gripping, fast-paced tale of identity, injustice, and rebellion. The Heir of Ash and Blood delivers raw emotion and high-stakes twists perfect for fans of underdog revolutions.
21) Epic, immersive, and emotionally powerful! ★★★★★
By WiridQu1000 on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood by Donald Firesmith is a captivating blend of dark fantasy, rich world-building, and a coming-of-age story that truly stands out. The journey of the main character from mystery to self-discovery is gripping and well-paced, with layers of political intrigue, ancient magic, and emotional depth. Firesmith crafts a world that feels alive and dangerous, with characters you’ll root for and secrets you’ll want to uncover. Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy who crave something fresh yet timeless.
20) Panda Tu’s Review ★★★★★
By Panda Tu on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
A thrilling, emotional journey of identity and uprising—gritty, powerful, and impossible to put down.
19) ayya’s Review ★★★★★
By ayya on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
A classic fantasy tale about an ordinary boy thrust into an extraordinary destiny — filled with magic, danger, and self-discovery.
18) Anwinel’s Review ★★★★★
By Anwinel on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
What amazing book! You can feel that this book was written by an extraordinary person!
17) “An Epic Beginning for a New Fantasy World!” ★★★★★
By Qisthiana on 1 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
This book is truly surprising! With only 34 ratings but a perfect score of 5.00, I got curious — and it turns out… it’s absolutely worth it!
Right from the start, the story is intriguing: a main character who seems ordinary but secretly holds a great destiny. The fantasy world-building is detailed and imaginative, instantly pulling me into a dark yet captivating universe. The characters feel alive, the plot is solid, and there’s enough mystery to leave me eager for the next installment.
If you love adventure, mystery, and epic journeys from low-born to legend, this is a must-add to your TBR!
16) Butter’s Review ★★★★★
By Butter on 30 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
This book is a must-read! The story is gripping, and the characters are so well-written.
15) Feliciaaa’s Review ★★★★★
By Feliciaa on 30 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
The Foundling pulls you into a rich and well-built world from the very first page. Donald Firesmith’s writing is detailed and immersive, with strong character development and an engaging plot. The journey of the protagonist is both emotional and inspiring. I loved the balance of action, mystery, and worldbuilding. Highly recommended for fans of deep and thoughtful fantasy!
14) Nayya’s Review ★★★★★
By Nayya on 30 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
well crafted narrative and compelling themes, love how the character development and plot progression
13) Shiya’s Review ★★★★★
By Shiya on 30 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
The author masterfully weaves a world that is both harsh and haunting. The main character’s journey from the streets to something greater is filled with suspense, emotion, and depth. A powerful start to what promises to be an epic saga!
12) Lia Lia’s Review ★★★★★
By Lia Lia on 30 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
Wow let’s go to read this book.
11) Rayew’s Review ★★★★★
By Rayew on 30 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
A powerful underdog story bursting with grit, heart, and rebellion. can’t wait to see Jason rise from the ashes!
10) Ann Keeran’s Review ★★★★★
By Ann Keeran on 24 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
Ash, born at the bottom, ascending to the top. Donald Firesmith brings elegance to the climb for survival.
9) The Book Dragon’s Review ★★★★★
By The Book Dragon (Kirsty McKay) on 28 June 2025
Donald Firesmith delivers a compelling fantasy novella that weaves themes of identity, class struggle, and destiny into a tightly paced narrative. The Foundling Heir to Ash and Blood introduces readers to Ash, a character whose journey from the lowest social tier to discovering his true heritage forms the heart of this engaging story.
This is essentially Oliver Twist meets Star Wars—combining Dickensian social commentary about class disparity with the mythic arc of a hero who must ultimately face his own father as the final antagonist. The pace moves quickly throughout, keeping readers engaged from the opening act of kindness to the revelation of Ash’s true destiny. The characters are genuinely engaging, each serving a clear purpose in the narrative, while the dialogue feels credible and natural throughout.
The story opens with a deceptively simple act of kindness—Ash, a “Bottom” from the poorest class, inexplicably feels compelled to save an Administrator from a mugging. This single moment serves as the catalyst that transforms Ash’s entire world. Firesmith uses this seemingly minor incident to unravel a much larger tapestry of secrets and destiny.
The pacing is particularly well-handled for a novella format. Firesmith wastes no time in establishing the world’s social hierarchy while simultaneously building intrigue around Ash’s mysterious impulses. The revelation of Ash’s true heritage unfolds naturally, avoiding the common pitfall of rushed exposition that often plagues shorter works.
Ash emerges as a genuinely compelling protagonist whose internal conflict drives the narrative forward. His initial confusion about his own motivations gives way to a deeper understanding of his place in the world, creating a satisfying character arc. The tension between his humble origins and his birthright creates authentic internal conflict that resonates throughout the story.
The supporting characters, particularly the Administrator whose rescue sets events in motion, serve their purposes well within the constraints of the novella format. Each character feels purposeful rather than merely functional.
Firesmith creates a believable social stratification system with the “Bottoms” and “Administrators” that feels both familiar and fresh. The class distinctions are woven naturally into the narrative without heavy-handed exposition. The world feels lived-in and authentic, with enough detail to ground the reader without overwhelming the story’s momentum.
The central theme of identity versus destiny is handled with nuance. Ash’s discovery that he was abandoned as a baby “for good reason” adds layers of complexity to the typical “hidden heir” narrative. The ultimate conflict—that Ash must destroy his own father to claim his rightful place and prevent tyrannical rule—elevates the personal stakes beyond simple self-advancement.
The class commentary embedded within the fantasy framework adds depth without becoming preachy. Firesmith uses the genre conventions effectively to explore themes of social mobility, inherited responsibility, and the cost of power.
Firesmith’s prose is clean and engaging, well-suited to the novella format. The writing maintains momentum while allowing for character development and world-building. The dialogue feels natural, and the action sequences are clear and impactful.
As with many novellas, some readers might wish for more extensive world-building and character development. The constraint of the shorter format means that certain elements feel like they could be expanded upon, though this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood is a well-crafted fantasy novella that successfully balances character development, world-building, and plot progression within its compact format. Firesmith has created an engaging story that works both as a standalone piece and as a potential introduction to a larger world. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with themes of identity and social justice will find much to appreciate here.
The novella succeeds in creating a complete, satisfying narrative arc while leaving readers interested in seeing more of Ash’s world.
I award 5 stars.
8) Wow! An amazing Book. ★★★★★
By Margaret Osburn on 24 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
It was so well written.
I couldn’t put it down. It was so well paced. An intriguing plot. Well fleshed out characters. Nonstop action. So suspenseful.
You really don’t want to miss this one.
7) Donald Firesmith writes a profound tale ★★★★★
By Amy Shannon’s Book Reviews on 16 June 2025 (Amazon Review)
In The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood, the reader is brought into the life of Jason Redgrave, who was born as Ash Bottom. Ash was abandoned as a baby, grew up poor, and is hard pressed to survive and make it until tomorrow. I am a big fan of Donald Firesmith and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination and talent for showing the story. It’s not just a coming-of-age or survival story, but there is more to why he was abandoned in the first place, and how his life would’ve been different had he not grown up poor and on the streets. Then, Firesmith brings in the twist that will turn Ash’s life upside down. Insert Marshall Redgrave, target for an assassin, is saved by Ash. Firesmith has this great talent for building the story, letting the reader get to know the character, and always keeping the reader wondering what will happen next. Captivating all the way to the end, and you never know what’s going to happen.
And, BONUS, Firesmith shares a grand short story, “The Black Wand,” another story, compelling to the end, and keeping the reader entranced by this wand, a legendary weapon of destruction, so what could possibly go wrong? Both stories were unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood and “The Black Wand” are definite recommendations by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
6) Ava’s Review ★★★★★
By Ava on 16 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
What if the truth about who you are could get you killed—or set you free? In The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood, Donald Firesmith doesn’t just tell a story; he unearths one. Buried beneath layers of social order and silence is a young man named Ash, a bottom-tier nobody in a world that makes sure he never forgets it. But what if the labels aren’t the truth? What if the system is built on a lie?
This book isn’t loud. It doesn’t shout or rush or spin you dizzy with plot tricks. It listens, it watches, it waits. And in that stillness, you start to see what matters. A boy grows up in a caste where the only inheritance is hunger. He picks through garbage and dreams of parents who will never come. He expects nothing—so when everything begins to change, it’s not triumph that fills him. It’s confusion. Rage. A deep, nearly religious uncertainty. Who is he now that the system says he’s someone else?
You feel every word of this transformation not because the world around him is fantastical (though it has the shape of political fantasy), but because the emotions are achingly familiar. Being unseen. Being underestimated. And then, suddenly, being seen too much—by the wrong people. Firesmith captures that terror with unnerving clarity. There’s no fanfare when Ash becomes “Jason.” No glowing moment of destiny. Just paperwork. A blue armband. And assassins.
And yet, the novel’s power lies not in action scenes—though they are there, brief and sharp—but in the intimacy of change. What does it take to leave behind everything you knew, even if all you knew was suffering? What do you do with safety when you’ve never had it? Can you really be family with people you just met, just because they’re blood?
Firesmith doesn’t force the answers. He lets the questions breathe. He also refuses to caricature evil. The villain of the story is terrifying not because he cackles or rages, but because he’s plausible. Ruthless, yes, but cold. Bureaucratic. The kind of evil that hides behind titles and inheritance. The kind history has seen more than once.
Don’t come to this book looking for spells or dragons. Come for a quiet revolution. Come for a boy who learns to carry a dagger but still hesitates to use it. Come for a family that is broken, then strange, then slowly something else. Come for a mother’s regret and a brother’s debt and a future that keeps changing the farther they flee.
This is a story for readers who’ve wondered if the rules are real. For anyone who’s looked at their life and asked, “What if I’m more than this?” And it’s especially for those who never got an answer—because this book knows that the answer might be the wrong question. Maybe it’s not about what you are. Maybe it’s about what you do when you finally get to choose.
Firesmith delivers a novel that is gentle in tone, fierce in substance, and brave enough to say: even in a world of castes and control, a single act of kindness can begin to burn everything down.
Five stars. Quiet ones—but no less bright.
5) Etim Mary’s Review ★★★★★
By Etim Mary on 3 June 2025 (Goodreads Review)
This book is really so interesting !!
4) Victor’s Review ★★★★★
By Victor on 29 May 2025 (Goodreads Review)
Donald Firesmith delivers a compelling and thought-provoking novella in The Foundling: Heir to Ash and Blood, a gripping tale of identity, injustice, and transformation set against the backdrop of a deeply stratified society.
From the bleak streets of Westburg to the corridors of power, Firesmith crafts a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and socially relevant. The protagonist, Ash—a forsaken foundling living at the lowest tier of society—embarks on a journey of startling discovery and dangerous consequence. His evolution from outcast to heir of a noble bloodline challenges not just personal destiny, but the very framework of the caste system that shaped his life.
The strength of this work lies in its powerful themes and the professionalism with which they are executed. Firesmith deftly blends elements of dystopian grit with high-stakes political intrigue, while never losing sight of the human story at the core. The characters are authentically drawn, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged from the very first page.
Readers who appreciate the depth and moral complexity will find much to admire here. With its sharp social commentary, rich emotional layers, and polished narrative style, The Foundling is a standout addition to modern speculative fiction.
3) Margaret’s Review ★★★★★
By Margaret Bentley on 28 May 2025 (Goodreads Review)
This a remarkable book about a baby boy left at an orphanage in Westburg, a city organized under the caste system, he was assigned to the lowest caste, Bottom. The boy was assigned the name Ash Bottom. He grew up always hungry and learned to scavenge in the local dump for what edibles he could find. He had no chance to improve his status or get an education. However he taught himself to read from children’s books he found in the dump.
Through a number of coincidences, at age 23, he saved the life of a stranger, who was so grateful, he brought him to his home where he was recognized by the man’s mother as the baby she had to give away at birth to save his life. When she related what had gone on, it became clear that his father was in line to one day ascend to the throne and had sent an assassin to kill his half brother to ensure his ascendancy.
Since the entire family was meant to be assassinated Ash, now correctly named Jason, immediately left the city. They we pursued by numerous assassins.
The Foundling is a powerful tale of class injustice, identity, survival, and vengeance. Jason’s story evolves toward an epic transformation from outcast to revolutionary. This novella is realistic and quite emotionally written.
2) An inspiring tale of social conscience… ★★★★★
By Kim (txdoc) on 28 May 2025 (Amazon Review and Goodreads Review)
From a multi-award-winning author known for superlative speculative fiction comes an unexpected treat. The Foundling: Heir of Ash and Blood is an inspiring tale of social conscience as told from the perspective of young man known as Ash who, merely by the circumstances of his birth, was relegated to the lowest echelon of the harsh society in which he lives. His kind are deemed unworthy of respect, compassion, or even simple eye contact. Ash does what he must to survive in this pitiless environment yet still has the courage and decency to come to the aid of a complete stranger when he spots danger. That daring act changes his life and sets in motion a chain of events that changes the whole of society. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put this story down until I finished the whole thing in one sitting. It offers wonderful characters, some good, some dastardly, some mysterious and some intrepid. The plot is wholly engaging and, to me, seemed to offer a faint tip of the hat to Oliver Twist. There is plenty of action, swordplay, treachery, and unbridled heroism. Above all, there is a message of hope, acceptance, and equality for all people that, in my opinion, provides a truly satisfying reading experience. How the author managed to pack so much into a novella of slightly less than a hundred pages is unfathomable to me but he did and I truly believe that everyone who reads this story will find it intriguing, inspirational, and utterly enjoyable.
1) Ann Daniel’s Review ★★★★★
By Ann Daniel on 26 May 2025 (Goodreads Review)
I was honoured to be asked to proofread this by Donald and I have to say this is a great story, I really enjoyed it, it’s different from his usual stories but it’s brilliantly written. the story is about the life of a young man who goes from the bottom of society to the top with a lot happening in-between. yet again another great story from one of my favourite writers 😃
4 Star Reviews
1) Christie’s Review ★★★★☆
By Christie on 2 July 2025 (Goodreads Review)
While I liked this story, I would have liked a few more details here and there. Loved the idea of this story, and I really liked Ash as a character.
3 Star Reviews
1) Classic Hero’s Journey’s Review ★★★☆☆
By Gayle on 2 July 2025 (Amazon US Review)
What’s here is very polished but while archetypal tales can be appealing, this story just feels undeveloped. I liked Ash, but he was the only character with any dimension at all, and even he was very simply drawn. The world building is minimal and raises more questions than it answers. Were in a city with a caste system – not a country, a city – and the untouchable types don’t head for the next town over where there can have a life? Our hero gets the best of the villain trying to kill him, then leads him through the town at knifepoint. Knifepoint? Through a crowd. Also, the first AI image worked well. The second was ill proportioned and didn’t match the description of garments just given in the story. No excuse – make it reasonable or don’t use it. Overall, it’s very idealistic and, yes, rather touching, but it needed a lot more work to live up to its potential.
2 Star Reviews
1) Felt like an extended synopsis ★★☆☆☆
By Dan Williams on 31 October 2025 (Goodreads Review)
Ash Bottom, surnamed for his foundling status, saves a member of Westburg’s nobility from assassination, setting in motion a chain of events that leads to a rebellion.
Clichés are fine if done well. For me, this was not done well enough to make for an arresting read. The plot was plausible enough, but the characters’ natures and motives seemed implausible. There were improbably clear-cut goodies and baddies, and none of the slight distrust, inner conflict and the outer duplicitousness to which it gives rise, that plagues real humans; even if an attempt was made to ‘tell the reader’ this was present, it was not well ‘shown to the reader’ by the characters. The MC, theoretically brought up in the slums with little or no education, possessed what felt to me like unlikely gifts of wisdom, judgment, and inner reflection. The world-building felt incomplete, with pieces of ‘world’ taken wholesale from medieval Europe and the colonial United States. The result was an ambiguous impression of ‘some other world, somewhere else in the universe’ or ‘an alternative earth’ ruled by a quasi-feudal system, apparently, ripe for conversion to democracy. The world-building raised more questions than it answered.
I found the writing lacked suspense; instead, it opted for minimal jeopardy for the MC and his supporters. Together with the book’s brevity (a quick read), the effect was that of an extended synopsis told through a monotonous, somewhat improbable inner monologue with a smattering of dialogue.
To give credit where credit is due, the plot is smooth and seamless, though unarresting. Would not recommend, though it is brief and harmless enough.
1 Star Reviews
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