Audible Original Romantasy Sensation FORGED BY FIRE (Ashen Crown Book Two) Publishes August 12th

FORGED BY FIRE, the second instalment in the Ashen Crown trilogy by Elli J. Morrigan, will publish as an Audible Original on August 12th, 2026, across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and Germany. The release arrives amid growing interest in exploring a television adaptation of the trilogy.

About the Ashen Crown trilogy

Book One, BOUND BY FIRE, established Ashen Crown as one of Audible's standout romantasy successes and was named one of Audible's Best Romantasy of 2025, became one of the platform's biggest breakout titles, reaching #1 on Audible Germany's Fantasy chart and #2 in Most Popular overall.

FORGED BY FIRE raises the stakes further with darker shadows and a flame that refuses to be extinguished. Fire doesn't burn in water. But Izzy has never played by the rules. Izzy has fled Skarvindar and the wreckage left behind her at the Dawn of Kings with a broken heart, a fading flame and the memory of the man who shattered everything she thought she knew. Her fire is gone, and her only escape leads straight into Nymara - a breathtaking water realm built on balance and secrets, ruled by a queen, whose kindness is her most dangerous weapon. Meanwhile, Queen Kalia's shadows creep closer on the hunt for Izzy, darkening every horizon. But something inside Izzy is waking up as she learns balance, how to control her fire magic and the realisation that only she can forge what Kalia desires most. Caleb has crossed half a world to find her. When he finally does, he is prepared to fight for her, only to find nothing between them is resolved. The woman he finds is no longer the one he lost. The connection that has always burned too bright threatens to ultimately unravel them both. Some powers demand sacrifice. Some desires survive betrayal. Some hearts refuse to let go. And some promises are forged by fire.

Book Three is already confirmed for 2027.

About the authors

Ashen Crown is co-written by Alison Norrington and Jenny E. Kleine under the shared pen name Elli J. Morrigan. The series is written simultaneously in English and German, twin originals rather than translations, one story told natively in two languages at once.

“Book One was one of Audible's Best Romantasy titles of 2025.  Book Two arrives with even higher stakes, launching across five territories on the same day," says Norrington.

"Izzy had to earn her power all over again in Book Two," says Kleine. "So did we - every scene had to work twice as hard, in both languages, at once."

"The pressure with a sequel isn't finding the story - it's making sure it still burns as bright as the first book did," says Norrington. "And with Book Three already underway, we're not done yet."

TikTok: [@elli.j.morrigan_author](https://www.tiktok.com/@elli.j.morrigan_author)

Instagram: [@elli.j.morrigan_author](https://www.instagram.com/elli.j.morrigan_author/)

Facebook: [@elli.j.morrigan](https://www.facebook.com/elli.j.morrigan)

 

Pre-order available now.

For media enquiries please contact Julian Friedmann.

BOUND BY FIRE by Elli J. Morrigan storms the Audible charts

BOUND BY FIRE, the first in Elli J. Morrigan’s Ashen Crown series, has performed tremendously well since its publication in August. First published by Audible in Germany it was No.1 in the German Fantasy as well as the Most Popular/Most Listened Audible charts. Its UK and US publication followed in October, and has already proved extremely popular with English listeners, with an average 4.5 star rating on Audible. It was also featured prominently at Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest trade fair for books.

BOUND BY FIRE is a romantasy novel. Burned out and desperate for change, Izzy has just quit her job and retreated to her late parents’ summer cabin, hoping to rediscover her former self. Instead, she tumbles unexpectedly into the mysterious realm of the Fae – straight into the path of the enigmatic Caleb – a hot, brooding stranger who refuses to let her out of his sight.

If Izzy ever hopes to return home, she has no choice but to follow him into Skarvindar, and the fortress of the ruthless Queen Kalia, who sees more in Izzy than just a lost mortal.

While frantically searching for a way back, Izzy becomes entangled in a deadly game of power where her life is at stake.

But within her, a fire stirs, poised to become an inferno – one that might save her, or reduce everything to ashes.

Meanwhile, a dangerous attraction ignites between her and Caleb, but their connection harbours secrets that could destroy them both.

Izzy faces a crucial decision: will she use her newly discovered strength to return to the person she once was – or to become the person she could be?

 

About Elli J. Morrigan

Elli J. Morrigan is the pen name of writing duo Alison Norrington and Jenny E. Kleine.

Jenny has a background in screenwriting and development, while Alison is a best-selling author, writer & producer. Her debut novel, CLASS ACT, was an Irish bestseller in 2004, with first week sales of over 10,000.

 

Praise for BOUND BY FIRE

‘Couldn’t stop listening! Loved every minute. From the very first scene, I was hooked… If you love slow-burn romantasy, strong heroines, and a touch of danger, this one’s for you.’ – reader review

‘Wonderful character development, a twisty, turny plot and a delicious ‘will they/won't they’ romance. Unexpected and utterly delightful. Definitely excited for the next instalment!’ – reader review

‘Oh. My. Goodness.... fabulous. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Now on tenterhooks for the next book...! Cannot wait!!’ – reader review

 

Follow Elli J. Morrigan on Instagram

Jeanette Ashmole interviewed by Drama Quarterly

Drama Quarterly recently profiled our screenwriter client Jeanette Ashmole, exploring her unconventional journey from criminal barrister, police officer, and criminal investigator—with more than two decades of frontline legal experience—to TV legal consultant and now screenwriter.

Jeanette has quickly established herself as a trusted voice in TV, bringing a rare level of authenticity to the dramas she advises. Her credits include major productions for broadcasters such as ITV, Sky, and the BBC—among them are shows such as Grace, Jimmy McGovern’s acclaimed series Time and Unforgivable, as well as a recent adaptation of a Harlan Coben bestseller. Her legal and police background allows her to help with character development, story, and procedural detail with a precision that can only come from lived experience.

In the article talking about Jimmy McGovern’s ‘Time’, she explains: “I was involved right from the start to build all those character backgrounds and make sure it worked, as well as reading scripts, giving notes, and working with the costume department,” Jeanette explains.

Now, Jeanette is turning her knowledge and expertise into the creation of her own original projects, blending gripping storytelling with the same realism that has defined her consultancy work. She is represented by Julian Friedmann.

Read more about Jeanette and her unique career journey in Drama Quarterly’s article here.

Paul Herzberg’s acclaimed play THE MOTH now published by MethueN

Award winning playwright, Paul Herzberg’s THE MOTH has now finished its tour across the North of England, receiving stellar reviews, and is now available to buy.

The Northern Arts Review gave it 5 stars and wrote “A sure sign of a remarkable and powerful play is that it stays with you, long after the curtain call. Like the moth, this play will linger and flutter in your mind”.

The Palatinate also gave THE MOTH 5 stars, writing that THE MOTH is “Theatre at its most powerful, most harrowing, and importantly – at its most necessary”.

The play stars Faz Singhateh and Mickey Cochrane and features the voice of BRIDGERTON star Adjoa Andoh. The director is Jake Murray, and the play is produced by Jake Murray, Hannah Ellis Ryan and Andy Jordan for Elysium Theatre Company.

Paul has also written about the play, and his own experiences as a conscripted soldier in the Angolan Border War, for the Anti-Apartheid Legacy.

About Paul Herzberg

Paul cut his teeth as an actor at South Africa’s first multiracial theatre, The Space. He left for the UK in 1976 following conscription into the Angolan border war, a time he’s drawn on for THE SONG OF MY FATHER (BBC Radio 4), SWEET LIKE SUGA (Old Red Lion & Centaur Montreal), his award-winning play, THE DEAD WAIT, and THE MOTH. Paul completed a post-graduate diploma at LAMDA and began working as an actor and writer in the UK in 1978.

His work as a writer encompasses theatre, radio, TV and film with several nominations and awards. THE DEAD WAIT was produced at the Market Theatre, Royal Exchange and Park Theatre and was adapted for BBC Radio 4, ABC Australia, and WDR Germany. The play was shortlisted for The Verity Bargate Award and nominated for three Manchester Evening News Awards: best play, production and actor — in which category it won. In 2000 Paul was one of two writers commissioned for The Metropolis Kabarett at The National Theatre.

His screenplay ANNA’S STORY won a place on the Brit List in 2018.

Visit Paul Herzberg’s website

Follow Paul on Instagram