Book Lovers Pt. 13: Ethic Series by Ashley Antoinette

By: Jay Dee, MPH

Ethic by: Ashely Antoinette

The Ethic Series Book Review | A Moth to a Flame Spinoff

You have to read Moth to a Flame before starting The Ethic Series, whew—it definitely adds emotional weight.

This series is layered, heartbreaking, and beautifully messy.

This spinoff follows Ethic, a man rebuilding his life after devastating loss, as he raises his children and navigates love, loyalty, and the long shadow of trauma left behind by the past.

Ethic’s story is complicated and layered. His relationship with Alani is one of the most intense parts of the series. A past mistake of his caused her a major loss, and now he must confront it—disclosing the truth could risk losing the woman he loves. Their romance is emotional, raw, and filled with tension that keeps you turning the pages.

At the heart of the series is Ethic’s deep, unconventional bond with Morgan. Though she isn’t his biological child, he has loved her since working with Benjamin and helping Raven care for her. Their father-daughter relationship is built on shared grief and mutual respect, strengthened by the loss of Benjamin and Raven. It’s beautiful, complex, and at times misunderstood—occasionally causing tension with Bella, his biological daughter—but it’s central to the story. No one fully understands their bond, but those who do respect it profoundly.

Morgan’s coming-of-age journey is emotional and intense. Her relationship with Messiah forces her to navigate love, loyalty, and the consequences of repeating past mistakes. Messiah’s own struggles and trauma make their connection complicated but heartfelt, and watching them grow together keeps you invested.

Meanwhile, Bella, Ethic’s youngest, quietly shines. Fierce, loyal, and wise beyond her years, she learns from the women around her while discovering her own strength. The series also tackles therapy, childhood abuse, molestation among Black boys, ADHD overdiagnosis, grief, and the impact of motherless children—all handled with honesty and nuance.

The Ethic Series is emotional, layered, and unforgettable. It’s a story about family, love, loss, and the choices that shape the next generation. And yes… I’m already waiting for Morgan’s spinoff.

By the end, I was emotionally exhausted—but satisfied. This series is heavy, emotional, and worth every page. And yes… I need Morgan’s spinoff immediately.

Happy Reading,

The Vagina Liberator