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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you Angry Robot Books for gifting me an Advanced Reading Copy of one of my most highly anticipated books of 2025!!!
What can I even say about Ascension!? Saint has done it again!! They crafted a story that is as emotionally rich as it is thematically complex. This isn’t just a tale about magic or mystery (though there’s plenty of both). It’s a story about love; love for others, yes, but also the love of the self. It’s about self-worth, self-preservation, and the alluring, dangerous thirst for power and knowledge. All of these threads are tightly, beautifully interwoven in Ascension, making for a narrative that’s as introspective as it is thrilling.
In this installment, we follow Rhys McGowan’s story, a journey that is often heavy, but undeniably his own. Watching Rhys evolve, both individually and within his relationships with Moira and David, is deeply satisfying. He learns where to invest his energy, and how the pursuit of power can quietly, steadily lead you to places you never intended to go. His growth is raw, sometimes painful, but always compelling!
What continues to stand out to me most in The Summoner’s Circle series is how masterfully Saint handles character dynamics. The relationships in these books feel real. There’s thoughtful, intentional communication between characters (something I genuinely admire) and even when misunderstandings occur, they never drag on to the point of frustration. These characters are messy and vulnerable, but they always try, and that effort makes them feel deeply human.
Seeing my favorite, David, again was an absolute treat! That's my soooon. I loved that he had a parallel journey of his own!! One that enriched his connection to both Rhys and Moira and strengthened the foundation of their polyamorous relationship. Moira, too, shines with her own arc, full of doubt, fire, and resilience. The ending simply wouldn’t have worked without her. She is such a steadfast, sharp, and endlessly capable force. Honestly... we could all use a Moira in our lives!
In short, Ascension was everything I hoped for and more. The pacing was tight, the prose lyrical without ever becoming overworked, and the dialogue? Unmatched. These books continue to be the kind I know I’ll return to again and again, not just for the plot, but for the emotional depth and sincerity tucked into every page.
5 stars for this truly unforgettable book!
What can I even say about Ascension!? Saint has done it again!! They crafted a story that is as emotionally rich as it is thematically complex. This isn’t just a tale about magic or mystery (though there’s plenty of both). It’s a story about love; love for others, yes, but also the love of the self. It’s about self-worth, self-preservation, and the alluring, dangerous thirst for power and knowledge. All of these threads are tightly, beautifully interwoven in Ascension, making for a narrative that’s as introspective as it is thrilling.
In this installment, we follow Rhys McGowan’s story, a journey that is often heavy, but undeniably his own. Watching Rhys evolve, both individually and within his relationships with Moira and David, is deeply satisfying. He learns where to invest his energy, and how the pursuit of power can quietly, steadily lead you to places you never intended to go. His growth is raw, sometimes painful, but always compelling!
What continues to stand out to me most in The Summoner’s Circle series is how masterfully Saint handles character dynamics. The relationships in these books feel real. There’s thoughtful, intentional communication between characters (something I genuinely admire) and even when misunderstandings occur, they never drag on to the point of frustration. These characters are messy and vulnerable, but they always try, and that effort makes them feel deeply human.
Seeing my favorite, David, again was an absolute treat! That's my soooon. I loved that he had a parallel journey of his own!! One that enriched his connection to both Rhys and Moira and strengthened the foundation of their polyamorous relationship. Moira, too, shines with her own arc, full of doubt, fire, and resilience. The ending simply wouldn’t have worked without her. She is such a steadfast, sharp, and endlessly capable force. Honestly... we could all use a Moira in our lives!
In short, Ascension was everything I hoped for and more. The pacing was tight, the prose lyrical without ever becoming overworked, and the dialogue? Unmatched. These books continue to be the kind I know I’ll return to again and again, not just for the plot, but for the emotional depth and sincerity tucked into every page.
5 stars for this truly unforgettable book!
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes