timsreadingcorner 's review for:

Ascension by S.T. Gibson

4.0

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I just finished Ascension, the sequel to Evocation by @stgibson & I absolutely loved it. I gotta admit that I liked the first book more, but this one was still really good & a strong second book in the „summoners circle“ - series.

In Ascension we follow Rhys in his new position as high priest, with David as his second in command & see at times how his likeness for rules & structure clash with the views of the people around him. 

Ascension focuses on Rhys & his struggle in trying to go after the power he craves, while trying to protect the people closest to him & we get to see his flaws & how he always had ulterior motives, to get him where he wants to go. It’s a constant struggle between power hunger & ambition, but also trying to maintain his relationships & keeping his loved ones saved, while the power he has to apply takes a toll on his physical & mental health. 

In the beginning of the book, the societies stand amongst others of their kind is in danger, because they are perceived as a joke in the occult community, which makes Rhys feel like he needs to up his game, be the best & advance his magical powers. To archive his goals, he keeps a lot of demons on call at all times, which takes a great toll on him. 

It’s heartbreaking to see how Rhys at some point lose himself & doesn’t seem to know who he is, if he can’t rely on demons & the way Gibson writes Rhys & the way all these negative emotions change his behaviour towards other people until he spirals is so interesting to see. His fall from grace is definitely painful, but also really captivating to read.

Story wise this book wasn’t as strong as evocation, but therefor focused more on the characters internal struggles & relationships which I really liked. I adored the interactions of the characters & how their relationship bloomed, but also took hits through jealousy & not trusting each other ( especially David & Rhys ). The fact that new people were introduced into the mix & the way, they explored their polyamory & their boundaries, as well as the jealousy gave the book a nice pinch of spice. 

We also get to see Moiras & Davids affection for Rhys & the way they are scared about the priesthood, being too much for him, but also the way he at times isn’t able to fully accept the trust & love, both wanna give him, due to his past. On the other hand we also learn about Davids affection for Moira more & the way he loves her just as much as he loves Rhys on a less physical but more emotional level. He says she is the person he trust most in the world. We learn that Moira, as soft as she is, has a wild & angry side to her as well & how childish & easily hurt David can get & often times just craves someone’s affection & attention.

I like the new side characters that were introduced, for example David’s new love interest Maximilian Markos or Moiras old friend Dion & S T Gibson writing & wording & intertwining of demonic & holy words are an absolute delight.