Embers of Nia Series by Aspen Kilgore

Sisters Elle and Gingel live a cruel existence, barely scratching out a living from their homestead. Forced to flee their comfortable life and trying to care for what remains of her shattered family, Elle uses her wits and determination to keep them afloat. Her greatest challenge arises when a tragic mishap casts Gingel into the path of an inescapable specter, one who carries an eternal thread connecting himself to her... moreSisters Elle and Gingel live a cruel existence, barely scratching out a living from their homestead. Forced to flee their comfortable life and trying to care for what remains of her shattered family, Elle uses her wits and determination to keep them afloat. Her greatest challenge arises when a tragic mishap casts Gingel into the path of an inescapable specter, one who carries an eternal thread connecting himself to her.The enigmatic Eth seems implacable in his duty to take Gingel from this world to the next. Yet, setting out on a desperate quest to change fate, Elle and Eth find themselves tangled in a web of secrets and shadows, bound together by a hope that flickers in the darkness.With time slipping through her grasp, Elle is caught between two profound loves. Confronting her deepest fears, which heart-wrenching choice will she make? less

Reckless and Headstrong. Anjen couldn't help but agree with the characterization, but she wasn't going to apologize for it. Not when she had been forced into this role. She would run her kingdom her way, all the while hoping and praying her brother would somehow show up alive and take it back... moreReckless and Headstrong. Anjen couldn't help but agree with the characterization, but she wasn't going to apologize for it. Not when she had been forced into this role. She would run her kingdom her way, all the while hoping and praying her brother would somehow show up alive and take it back. Determined to make good use of her newfound authority and freedom, she couldn't find a good reason not to jump at the chance to work with the brusque chieftain to the south to head off a burgeoning conflict brewing on their shared border.Confused by this supposedly artless new regent, Serik had put himself on guard. Dealing with her was a whole new situation, and he didn't like it. She was nothing like her apathetic father and surly brother. No, she was an entirely different animal. Intelligent and fearless, there was a good chance she was a master of manipulation as well. He couldn't help but be suspicious when she suggested the old grudges be done away with and a new alliance formed.Will a dire new threat to their lands be the end of their fragile alliance? Or the beginning of a deeper, no less dangerous connection? less

Nev didn't want to take the job; it wasn't in her line of work. But she needed to take it. It offered protection from her guild and a ticket to anywhere away from Kenarsi. Still, it was dangerous, perhaps only a little more dangerous than her usual employment. Offering herself up to be "kidnapped" by real monsters seemed only a little riskier than dispatching human monsters... moreNev didn't want to take the job; it wasn't in her line of work. But she needed to take it. It offered protection from her guild and a ticket to anywhere away from Kenarsi. Still, it was dangerous, perhaps only a little more dangerous than her usual employment. Offering herself up to be "kidnapped" by real monsters seemed only a little riskier than dispatching human monsters. But sitting bound in the back of a wagon, headed gods knew where, was beginning to feel no more appealing than her troubles back home.All Bren wanted was freedom—a chance to see the world, just once, before being shackled to a throne he didn't care about. And when he finally got what he wanted, it was glorious. Freedom tasted so good. But he must have angered the gods somehow. Their enslavement by a pack of creatures who attacked his ship, abducting him and his men. Now, he found himself agonizing about the safety of the men who looked to him for leadership and trying to find a way to escape. The answer to their deliverance just might be the clever little woman who somehow found herself thrown in with their lot. less