Reviews

Dawning Ascent by Jen L. Grey

books_with_becki's review against another edition

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4.0

Good start

I liked the story. Didn't really like Prince Nick. Cliffhangers suck, but it could have been worse. Will probably read next book.

bookswith_becki's review against another edition

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4.0

Good start

I liked the story. Didn't really like Prince Nick. Cliffhangers suck, but it could have been worse. Will probably read next book.

tardislibrarian's review against another edition

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4.0

This book, just WOW! I absolutely enjoyed this wild ride. There is not too much I have to say about this book (except I would LOVE to get a paperback copy, cuz, why not?).

Ariah lives in a kingdom where only women can harness power and her family was named as a target in a prophecy reigning over the four kingdoms. Logan was the first-born child of the Pearson family, and considered a disappointment by King Gabe, and Logan's father. Next to be born was Ariah, the first daughter. But she was not the one they wanted. Second born daughter Emerson is thought to be the Savior, except it seems that Ariah is more fit for this task! Okay, so it sounds a little weird so far, but trust me, it gets really good.

There is one small issue I had with the story. Sometimes the vocabulary used was not what I would expect from people living in a Kingdom such as this one. I don't believe a date/year was given for the time this story takes place, but the odd-placed vocabulary (like "hillbilly") just felt a little strange. It also pulled me from the story. I continued to think, "What? That's weird. That doesn't sound like something someone would say while living in a far-off kingdom?" 

Other than those occasional issues, this story was so good!

--

Check out my blog for the release blitz!

bekanne's review against another edition

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4.0

Good start

I liked the story. Didn't really like Prince Nick. Cliffhangers suck, but it could have been worse. Will probably read next book.

inkedbookdragon's review against another edition

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5.0

https://inkedbookdragon.blogspot.com

Dawning Ascent was one of those books that I had trouble putting down. I love a good fantasy that transports me to another place. It started off strongly. The author set up the story so well that it flowed beautifully. It was well written and I was greatly impressed by the character development. This did not feel like a debut novel.

I find myself wanting to write a lot more but I would end up giving away important details and I hate spoilers. I have the story playing out in my head and I want to share everything. However, I won't but I will say that this book left me longing for more. I was drawn in deeply and cannot wait to see where the story will take us.

I am rating this book Five Stars because it was a phenomenal book. I am still in amazement that it was a debut novel. The only true downside that I found is that I was left with a cliffhanger and am a bit frustrated that I have to wait to see what happens. Highly recommend.


InkedBookDragon

bookwormbunny's review

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5.0

Dawning Ascent by Jen. L. Grey is book one in her Pearson Prophecy series. Dawning Ascent starts us off with a prophecy concerning a family and two daughters who will be born to that family. King Percy is determined to be the one who holds the power of the Pearsons but he also is determined to hold the power of the kingdoms and he will do what he must to achieve this. This desperation for power will divide a family but it will reach further with each passing day.
Ariah is the first born daughter of the Pearson's and for that fact alone she is cast aside in the eyes of all around her except for her brother who does his best to love and care for her. Ariah's younger sister, Emerson, is treated like a princess by the royals as it is believed that she is the Chosen One of the prophecy. Ariah is strong. She's stronger than they believe her to be but she must hide her powers to stay below the radar of the King. He's cruel and dangerous and has no qualms harming her or her brother. As their lives begin to change and shift Ariah and her brother must come to terms with the changes coming but must also brace themselves for something much much bigger.
This is the first book that I have read by Jen L. Grey and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I will admit that I struggled a bit trying to place it in a time era but I finally just quit and enjoyed the story. This book starts out a bit of a mix-up for me because there is the prologue and then it shifts gears into following Ariah and there are moments of where I'm working to understand but once I do this book really flows. I love the fact that we are given the prophecy right at the beginning. I had to go back and reread it once and once I did the story goes up a notch for me in excitement. You see the cruelty of the king right from the beginning. He's so focused on power that he resents needing anyone for any reason so his cruelty knows no bounds. There is a star-crossed romance in this story and it's sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. I love the small elements and pieces as they come together to make this story a truly engaging read.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I'm excited to see what Ariah continues to develop into and what lies ahead for her. This is a definite must read and one that I will be recommending. Great job on this one!

apageinthelife's review

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4.0

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

I absolutely loved this story. It was extremely engaging and that ending! How am I supposed to wait for the next one?! I was a little disoriented with the setting (specifically timing and a few anachronistic details), especially in the beginning, but I was so wrapped up in what was going on that I stopped noticing about a third of the way in. I highly recommend, and I cannot wait to see Jen's next installment.

tardislibrarian's review

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4.0

This book, just WOW! I absolutely enjoyed this wild ride. There is not too much I have to say about this book (except I would LOVE to get a paperback copy, cuz, why not?).

Ariah lives in a kingdom where only women can harness power and her family was named as a target in a prophecy reigning over the four kingdoms. Logan was the first-born child of the Pearson family, and considered a disappointment by King Gabe, and Logan's father. Next to be born was Ariah, the first daughter. But she was not the one they wanted. Second born daughter Emerson is thought to be the Savior, except it seems that Ariah is more fit for this task! Okay, so it sounds a little weird so far, but trust me, it gets really good.

There is one small issue I had with the story. Sometimes the vocabulary used was not what I would expect from people living in a Kingdom such as this one. I don't believe a date/year was given for the time this story takes place, but the odd-placed vocabulary (like "hillbilly") just felt a little strange. It also pulled me from the story. I continued to think, "What? That's weird. That doesn't sound like something someone would say while living in a far-off kingdom?" 

Other than those occasional issues, this story was so good!

--

Check out my blog for the release blitz!

feliciareads11's review

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4.0

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I adored this book! I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning and could not put my Kindle down at all. I had to know what happened next.

I loved how complex the characters are and how well they all work together. I really enjoyed that this story showcased strong and weak family dynamics and that they happened to be the same family that portrayed both types.

The very abrupt cliffhanger at the end literally had me screaming at my Kindle. I need to know what happens next right away!

Overall, I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy stories with magic, romance, betrayal, strong and weak family dynamics, and a cast of characters who make you never want to put the book down. I can’t wait to read the sequel to find out what happens!
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