Author Description

Self-proclaimed loner Ash arrives at university nervous to be away from home for the first time, but at a first-night party he’s swept into a surprise connection with charismatic horror movie fanatic Ezra. The two form a whirlwind bond fuelled by gory makeup workshops and late-night Xena: Warrior Princess marathons, one which leads to an unlikely but thrilling friendship group.But when his new friends don’t approve of an intense romance with his English classmate Jonah, and Ash’s insecurities mount, a dark cloud threatens to overwhelm him. Caught between desire and companionship, can Ash balance the two? Now that he’s finally found a deep connection, will he lose it if he makes choices Ezra doesn’t agree with? And are they really kindred spirits if their friendship is so conditional?The debut novel of a bright new voice in queer fiction, Cold Like Ash is an emotional university drama about balancing the human need for validation with self-acceptance, and the importance of valuing the defining first friendships we choose for ourselves.