Gates of Rapture

Guardians of Ascension #6

by Caris Roane

Gates of Rapture
Caris Roane

As a vampire and a warrior, Leto Distra is deadly. But after years of being forced to drink dying blood, he is now part beast—a wild savage thing lurking beneath the surface. With war on the horizon, Leto is determined to help the Guardians of Ascension destroy the enemy who turned him into a monster. And there's only one woman who can help him.

Grace Albion is certain that she's meant to be with Leto, but their future may be cut short by the impending battle. Now Grace must embrace her obsidian flame powers—and bind her powers with Leto's—if they're ever going to survive. With the fate of the world at stake, they must tap into powers they never knew they had…and unlock their deepest passions.
Sexy and thrilling, Gates of Raptures is the breathtaking final book in Caris Roane's Guardians of Ascension series.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Angels

406 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 24, 2012

About the author

I confess I've had a love affaire with vampires for several years now, especially warrior vampires, the kind found in the books of Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lara Adrian and JR Ward. Though I've been published in Regency Romance under the pseudonym Valerie King--and yes one of my Regency Novellas features a vampire--one day I woke up knowing I had to create my own contemporary world of the warrior vampire.

For some mystical, magical reason, early in the process, my vampires appeared with enormous beautiful wings and it has been the most amazing experience to include flight in my novels, in both battle scenes and scenes involving spectacle. My special vampire world, published by St. Martin's Press, is introduced in the first book called, ASCENSION (12-28-2010). The second book, BURNING SKIES (May of 2011), opens up the world a little bit more. And even as I write this, I'm on the final draft of my third novel, WINGS OF FIRE (September of 2011). What a thrill it has been to live with my ascended vampires through the creation of this extraordinary, multi-dimensional world!

For more information about my unique take on the vampire mythos, check out my website at carisroane.com and my book release video on YouTube by putting in the search phrase, Caris Roane Ascension.

With every hope you'll enjoy reading my books set in the World of Ascension, All my best, Caris Roane

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers


Now See I loved this book. So So much better than the last one. What shocked me the most is this book made me not hate Marguerite I could enjoy her spunk now that she isn't hoeing around and now that she is all pregnant with the twins being good to Thorne so that was a nice change! I thought I would be upset with Grace over sleeping with Casimir, but she wrote well enough that I wasn't mad about her leaving with him and I grew to even like Casimir. The Reasons she had to Brehs made since to me and I kinda guessed that was where she was going to go with it. I loved Leto He was so strong, and understanding and He was the bigger man forgiving Casimir! Casimir had a great turn around too and I love that his boys will have a better life. I really liked Graces personality. I got her character and I think her and Leto had a nice slow love build without all the stupid fight of bonding. The story was fast action pace and keeps your interest. I like Greave's end lol. I really thought the whole beast man thing was cute (Leto is now a Hulk )lol




The Obsidian Triad thing was pretty cool and different. I loved the stuff going on with Endelle and I loved the James twist. I loved seeing all the wotb and their brehs. I did alittle happy dance at the end with the lil new about Jean-Pierre and Fiona who is my fav. Leto and Grace are a close second to my favs lol. Now I read that this is the last book of this series but that she was going to continue with the series under like a new series title or something if so I hope to she writes about Endelle ,and luken and Jean-Pierre's great grandson Arthur.

[Seena Seena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Miss Roane,

Let me take the time out of my busy schedule of kids, husband, work (job), work (being a housewife)and reading to point out to you that I would like all the books in this series now! I do not believe I am being unreasonable. If you believe I am being "unreasonable" then please blame yourself.

Yes woman you heard me right! All your fault. Why you may ask? Because you write freakishly fantastical amazingly good. You have me in knots thinking about what will happen. Bringing up all these scenarios in my head.

I would like to also point out that I am a very NON patience person. I am yet to grasp the trait of what patience brings to ones self. I do not understand the word at all! So I am finding it quite hard to accept the fact that this book wont be released until December. I am now in May. Now let me tell you, waiting 6 months for this book will cause emotional harm to me.

Also I would like to bring in another issue I have with your books. They are never long enough. To be completely honest with you they should never end. It all just needs to flow from one book to another. And they should NEVER END! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!

I shall try to understand that yes you might have a life other than writing amazingly good books, but come on I am no saint.

Yours Truly,

Psychotic about WOA
Mersina.

**********************************************************************

Official Review 20th January 2013

Miss Roane, you are a freak of nature and woman, I do not know how you capture us readers in this unbelievable world.



The way this journey has ended was nothing short of amazing and to be quite honest I am glad this chapter has come to an end.



But what gets me all excited is the new chapter (which I hope will be soon) that will begin.

So in the most nicest way I could possible effectively communicate.........

HURRY UP!

[Pepito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit it started a bit too slow as it took me a while to get into the story, but once I did I could not put the book down. While Leto and Grace were not my favorite couple (something that surprised me because I was in love with Leto from the previous books and I just thought his book would blow my mind), I still had a great time reading this instalment. The plot got better and better with EVERY page and I completely got into the story. This book helped to remind me why I like this author so much, her writing skills just keep surprising me. She has a way with words that I envy and I just adore her imagination.

Another incredible element in this instalment is that we finally see ...Greaves as the bad guy coming to an end, which was great because if I had to read one more book with the same plot I was truly gonna be mad with this series, but the author was able to realize when this should come to an end, and what an ending! The way everything ended was just perfect. I would have rated this book with 5 stars if it wasn't for the main couple.

PLEASE let Endelle's book come next.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before starting to write the review I want to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with the ARC
Don't read the review if you're not up to date with the series, it has minor spoilers.
Rating: 4.5*
Characters: Grace and Leto

The story starts 5 months from where Thorne’s and Marguerite’s book ended. CR sets the scene perfectly, showing us what Leto and Grace are doing at the moment and, at the same time, giving us information of the changes in her world. Leto, the spy playing vampire, was left in a bad shape: recovering from an addiction to dying blood, with no will to live and, besides all that, his breh leaving with a 4th Earth vampire. Grace is in the house of Beatrice(the woman who collects the proverbs and all), more confident, with a new style and determined to go back to 2nd Earth as soon as possible.

I liked how CR helped us remember what happened in her last books, the conflict and her characters. It would have been perfect but to me all that fallowed till 20-25% of the book was kind of slow. I wouldn’t have minded it so much if Grace wouldn’t have gotten on my nerves with all her preconceptions.

If you have patience and get over the fisrt ¼ of the book you’ll have an amazing story to read. CR wraps all the major plots up, but, thank goodness, opens others. After this book you find more bout 3rd Earth, about James, about Endelle and those scars that were left by Braulio, Grace’s twin, the war, and so much more. I absolutely loved how CR managed to concentrate on the main characters but still gave us details of the life of the other Warriors.


Greaves' view of Mortal Earth and 2nd Earth

Now, my favorite character in all the series, Endelle’s has major involvement in this book. She is more hopeful about the end of the war, still feels the loss of Thorne as her left hand man, but her fashion sense doesn’t change nor her weird sense of humor.

All in all it was a great new installment of the series with lots of action, love and drama. I am very happy it’s not the end of the series and that Caris plans to write the stories of the remaining Warriors and, I hope, of Madam Endelle.


PS: Love the cover! I am a sucker for wings.

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best vampire series romances out there today. Gates of Rapture didn’t disappoint me one bit, as a matter of fact, I enjoyed it more than any other. I loved the connection between the characters and I loved how the whole world was explained. This is a fast pace, fantasy romance, that will leave you thinking that this story has a neat,tied up ending, but don’t let things fool you.

I feel like a lot of people have this series confused with angels, but these are truly vampires, they just live in different dimensional worlds and have different ways of mating. Oh, and how I love the way these vampires mate… (Dragging mind out of gutter LOL). Anyhow, this story has a lot of action that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I loved how everything went down with Graves and the death vampires and how just about every character was a part of the whole scheme of things.

Leto and Grace are perfect together. To those that have read book 5, we were left with Grace leaving with Caimir, but we all knew she belonged with Leto. When Leto turns into the beast he keeps calling for her, and what do you think happens when she finally answers his call? Well you have to read the book to find out. All I can say is I wish I had a Leto too. Grace’s role in the story is wonderful. Once she finds out what she can do she will stop at nothing to do her best.

Casimir, has an awesome strong role in this story and I loved the direction the author took with him and his powers. I hope to read more about him and Patience one day.

I have to give Caris Ronae huge credit here. The publisher pulled the plug on this series way before it was intended. I felt Caris did an OUTSTANDING job delivering what looks like the closing of the series. I know it must have been hard for her to go back and rewrite everything and close it out, so huge KUDOS for a fantastic job Caris!! I also have to state here, if you think this is the end, well you better think again. There are more paths in the publishing world now then there used to be.

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to the author, this book is the last in the series under the current publisher. She will be self-publishing the rest of the series. As such, there were a lot of tying of loose ends to make it look like the end of the series. Ironically, this wrapping up of plot-threads is what made me hesitant to give the book 5 stars.

I was sad to read that St. Martin Press wanted a different series from the author thus having to end this one early because I love the premise of this series. I love the different concept shown in this series. I'm a little sci-fi girl at heart and I'm amazed at how the author create the world from the concept of different dimensions. Seldom do I read anything that touches on different dimensions, alternate reality is more explored in the fiction world.

There were a lot of answered questions in this book. It touches upon how Grace could have two breddens (mate). (I had a theory on that and it turned out to be right but not fully) Relevations on James (the guy from Sixth Earth) which didn't surprise me with the little hints dropped along the way.

As I said earlier, with all these tying up of loose ends, it felt that there wasn't enough to the explore the relationship between Leto and Grace. The pace of their romance was too fast, in my opinion. Its still good but I would have liked to savour it slowly.

[iced coffee ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT!

This was such a great ending to a wonderful series!

I just hope for more stories, like Luken, Zach and Santiago's story.
And Endelle's own story. It all ended so SUDDEN!

But hey, I'm not complaining since it does have a HEA! :)

Read this series peeps! :D

[Kajol · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 stars!

An advance copy was provided by the publisher through Netgalley.

The story of Leto Distra and Grace of Albion is the one, that I have to say I liked most in the whole Ascension series, and not just because of the characters- because Jean-Pierre and Fiona win that trophy- but because of the whole, overall picture that was so nicely and entertainingly presented.

The best part about this book was that it was the most well-developed, well-written and consisted characters you could actually connect and sympathize to. The writing improved vastly compared to the prior books, and I have to say that I adored it.

For so long, my complaint has been about the use of a somewhat same story-line that shadowed every book— with such slight tweaks here and there, that the concept soon got ancient— and the lousy writing that would emerge without warning in particular scenes. This novel, surprises us with a roundabout look at the breh-hedden and the story which I really, really liked. Also, no one blamed Endelle for anything like the other protagonists had the tendency of doing in the previous books- and since she's my most favorite character in the whole series, I was immensely gratified.

The thing that I felt could be improved was, repetition. Like I said, the plot was more miscellaneous than any of the other books in the series, but the intimate scenes between the main leads has proved to be nigh the same in every book. Not 'what' they do or 'how' they do it, but the writing style, their dialogues, the situation, it's almost as if a broken record playing over and over again.
I wish the author would remedy that and come up with new ideas to sustain the carnal and emotional relationships between the protagonists because more often than not, I found myself drifting away from the story and just skipping those parts soon after the main leads got past the newness and well, on the price of being crude, have had sex with each other at least once.

You realize the odds of how excruciating it must have turned, when in a book of 431 pages- a lot of which were laden with these scenes- I've had to skip portions just because I grew weary of them. I'd suggest a refreshment in the language and writing used, although it must be said, that the author came a long way from the initial point where she'd started with Ascension, which if you think about it, is actually quite great.

I also thought that instead of retracing the same steps, instead of having the leads finally come together wholly- near the end- only after they've been hit with something huge and life-threatening, the author could find something new to delight us with.

And can I just say, how anxiously I await for Endelle's novel?

A small tid-bit: For a hardcore PNR ficiton and UF fan, it's easy to categorize and sort through moments that are so convenient and easy in sequence that they, in their complex simplicity, can be utterly ridiculous. Like it sometimes happens in the movies, you know.. the hero to kill the villain even while he's bleeding like the bloody Thames and already limp with a fracture. Ha, don't put any real effort here, just sit there and flex.

So I guess what I've been trying to state is that despite all the negatives, the author has fashioned the story into something a reader can truly relish and thus this novel has yet, proved to be the absolute best in the series(and I've been noticing a consistent improvement in the writing style and plot development from book four, which has lead to this remarkable progress here and now) and has actually prompted me to hold on and sit tight for the next ride. Also, it goes without saying, that I am going to read Endelle's book, so there's that to anticipate.

This review can also be read on-
The Dark, Delicious and Dreamtastic.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampire and Warrior Leto Distro can feel himself getting more unhinged, his breh fated mate, Grace Albion is not there too five her blood to him. Grace is in an unusual situation she is mated to Casimir who she chose to leave with. Now Grace feels that she must get to Leto and what does that mean for Casimir? This was an unusal twist in the story.

On top of adjusting life for Leto and Grace, you also have the war with Greaves amping up. Will they be able to survive the threats to their lives?

This was fantastic, full of twists and turns. There is so much to detail but I dont want to ruin it for readers by giving too much away. All the favorites from previous books are there. Endelle is one of my favorites, she is just crazy. Caris Roane is able to write a story that is so vivid you can imagine each and everything that happens. Another wonderful read.

[Hbeebti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one so far. Loved it!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the final book in the Guardians of Ascension Series, GATES OF RAPTURE had some pretty big boots to fill! Not a problem! In the telling of the tormented Leto's story, the joining of the Obsidian Flame's Triad, the impending battle against the evil Greaves and his Death Vampires, and the almost human-like behavior of Endelle, this was a turbulent, fast-paced, action-packed read!

Without telling too much, the love story between Leto and Grace, with their insecurities, trust and guilt issues was very-well told. These two were a good match, bringing out the best in each other at the worst of times.

Greaves was evil personified, worse than ever. Endelle, I love her, always have, but to see so many sides of her in this story was awesome! This woman rocks!

Its sad to see the series end, but the wrap up was a strong story with so many loose ends tied off, and the feeling that the future was going to be faced head on with characters that stood together as one! Any author that can evoke so many emotions and bring these characters to life so well truly has a gift!

Okay, I admit it, I want a complete book about Endelle, all Endelle, all of the time!

This ARC copy of Gates of Rapture was given to me by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leto Distra, was thought to be a traitor to the warriors of second earth. Over 100 years ago, Leto left the warrior’s guild and joined Greave’s by building him an army. But all isn’t what it seems, Leto was asked to take his place with Greave’s as a spy. Now he is back in the warrior’s fold but suffering for the choices he had to make under the heartless Greave’s.

Grace Albion is Leto’s breh and a member of the obsidian flame power that could save 2nd Earth. Grace must embrace her power as well as Leto’s claim to overcome the plans Greave’s has for both 1st and 2nd Earths.

This is the final book in the Guardians of Ascension Series. I have been following this series from the conception and am a big fan. Gates of Rapture provided an adventure filled, passionate romance with an ending that left us still wanting more. I want to say thank you to Caris Roane for a fantastic ride! Gates of Rapture was a brilliant conclusion to this fabulous series. 4 Stars

This ARC copy of Gates of Rapture was given to me by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had not read the previous books in this series, and I wasn’t exactly lost. The author did catch up the reader on the goings on of the character’s as the story went along, and there was a glossary of terms. I suppose it was because this is the last in the series that the author felt she had to wrap up every storyline. For me that was a problem, there were so many characters with so much going on it was hard at times to focus on the main hero and heroine.

I liked the idea of the book. I haven’t seen or read anything dealing with ascension since Stagate SG-1 got cancelled. The idea that vampire’s are higher beings, almost angel like, that were once human was cool. And the alternate dimension Earth’s, although confusing at times, was also a cool idea. Unfortunately the book just didn’t click with me. I didn’t really care about the character’s or this world. I also never felt inspired to go back and read the previous books. However the sex scene’s were hot and the idea’s were good, so maybe I’ll give her next series a try.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall I really liked this series. The 1st, 2nd and 5th books were awesome, but the 3rd and 4th were only okay. This last one is a terrible disappointment. It took me about 5 days to finish it. I usually can't put a book down and have finished the others in 1 1/2 days. There was way too much going on and much of that content was not very interesting. There were too many little battles. I love hearing from other favorite character's p.o.v.s but there was way too much to follow. I often got frustrated by the amount of times the story moved along with "somehow I knew" or "my intuition tells me". I liked the happy surprise for Endelle at the end. I'm not really disappointed that this is the last in the series since it was not much fun to read. However, Luken really deserves an h.e.a. so I hope he at least gets a novella.

[Bryanna Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhere in between 4 and 4.5 Stars!

Gates of rapture has to be one of my favorites of the series. As the battle against Greaves comes to a head, Leto and Grace must play their roles and find their path in both the war and their breh. I must commend Caris Roanes for the other characters like Endelle, Casimir, Patience, Brulio etc. They're amazing secondary characters that I wouldn't mind hearing more about. Casimir in particular. I still have a big soft spot for Alison and & Kerrick and Antony & Parisa even now, so while Leto and Grace aren't exactly my favorite couple of the series, they do have great chemistry. If you are a big fan if the series then this is a do not miss.

Overall a great book.

ARC provided by Netgalley for my honest review.

[Griff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace is awesome. Love her and Leto's story. So many unanswered questions finally answered.

[TBA66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very exciting and satisfactory conclusion to the series. I wasn't sure how CR was going to make the Grace-Casimir part of the love triangle be okay, but she did. I think I would have liked to know more about Endelle and Braulio. The final showdown between Endelle and Greaves was interesting. Of course, there were HEAs all around.

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Ms. Roane books. This series have not disappoint. I know it all happened in a Dystopian World yet some facets can still reach today's society where the good has overwhelmed and crushed the evil of the world. There is always a Psychopathic Megalomaniac who wants to rule the world and has to be put down like the rabid dog he has become.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vampires of Ascension have returned and are in full scale sexiness!! Caris Roane has ridden this wave to it's peak and now lets forth the fury of her words and allows it to crash to the shore!!!

We have watched the Warriors fall one by one and finally we see Leto find his way. We left Second Earth with Grace having found out that she has not one but two Breh.. an unheard of concept and Grace choosing Casimer not Leto.. seriously? Leto is all that is noble, having given up decades of his life to the cause and Casimer was nothing but a hedonistic sadist.. and that was his best quality. How could Grace have made that choice?

Grace Albion has spent her entire life seeking solace, finding faith, serving the "greater good" (a phrase I personally loathe and use in a less than complimentary manner, Caris never used this term, it is my implication). She despises the war and all it stands for but even more so she has issues with the actual acts of war, both those on the side of right AND those on the side of might, so it has to be hard for her to accept that she is Breh to one such as Leto or Casimer for that matter. We find Grace on Fourth Earth with Beatrice and Casimer hoping to make a difference in Casimer's life. She senses that Casimer must live in order for Leto to live. Grace has choices to make, does she return to Second Earth and the earthiness that is Leto or does she stay on fourth, in sanctuary (in a way)? For Grace who has accepted that yes, she did have two Brehs but had spent a decade writing erotic poetry (while cloistered with the sisters) all the while imagining Leto as her muse, returning to Second Earth was her only choice.

Leto, had given his life for the cause. Decades spent as a spy amongst Greaves' elite Warriors, building his armies, even taking dying blood knowing it's addiction, now finds himself returned to Endelle's service without his Breh and having a confusing new er talent. Seems Leto has become Second Earth's very own Incredible Hulk.. and just as any other Hulk, he has absolutely no idea how to control it. Convinced that he is atoning for abandoning his brethren in the fight against Greaves, seeing no purpose in what he spent the past years doing, wondering how he could ever redeem himself, he still manages to go on. To create a militia within the hidden colonies on First Earth. A respected man but an outcast in his own mind. After all had he been truly good, his Breh would have chosen him.. Grace's return changes everything!

Leto and Grace are an interesting couple, both have so much they think they have to atone for. So much duty fills them that they have problems letting go of control. While they both accept the Breh-heddon, and are willing to submit to it, both also accept that something is missing. They know it is the right thing to do. Seems to me that duty always prevails with these two.. oh but what a luscious duty it is for the rest of us. Steamy, sensual, a simply sinful delight, these two prove that sometimes sex really can fix just about anything *grins*. But seriously Caris writes a wicked world as she maneuvers these two in the direction they need to go.

Grace must figure out how to work her part of the Obsidian Triad and learn how to use it in tandem with Fiona and Marguarite.. Figuring out not only how to use it but why they have it. Together the three of them learn of powers untold and they use it in some really creative ways.. And in the process really tick Greaves off.

I want to just go on and on and on about this book, it was that good but I am going to slow down.. there was just so much happening, a whirlwind of facts dancing on the edges of this spectacular relationship. Grace and Leto create quite a core unit and it's great that we get to see all the other Warriors and their Breh. The only ones really missing were Malechi (Parisa makes a brief appearance) and Gideon's Breh Elise.. it sorta of irked me. Yeah I know get over it.

The end battle of this book was rather anti climatic even though it was well written and served the book and it's purpose wonderfully. Endelle was rather subdued in Gates, but I do like that maybe she too might get... *grins*

I also enjoyed the explanation of the name for this book.. it was a beautiful use of the term.

If you missed the point.. I absolutely ADORED This book. Caris wrote a wonderful conclusion to this part of the Ascension Series. I understand that she will be writing Novellas to add to the series so I am hoping all of the Warriors will get their Brehs. After all there are still three Warriors who haven't met their match yet.




Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Gates of Rapture provided by netgalley and is scheduled for release on December 24, 2012

For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is also available at my blog:
http://neverkissandblog.blogspot.com....

This is the sixth and final book of the Guardians of Ascension series, with the story continuing later with The Darkening, which will be the second of the Dawn of Ascension spin-off novella series. This will be following on from Brink of Eternity.

Caris Roane has done it again. Going into Obsidian Flame, I was ready to hate Marguerite but I ended up loving her. However going into Gates of Rapture I was really, ready to hate Grace. In fact I think I did hate her a little. Now I can live with her. I don’t approve of her actions or the way she treated Leto in Obsidian Flame, yet now I can like her when I forget what she did, and when I realise that Leto forgave her.

At the end of Obsidian Flame, Grace can scent the breh-hedden with both Leto and Casimir. She chose to go with Casimir, despite all the things he’d done to help Greaves enslave Second Earth. This was not a good start, especially since both books made it very clear that Grace slept with Casimir. I had thought that the twin breh-hedden scents might mean that Patience, Grace’s missing twin sister would be Casimir’s breh, so that turn of events was pretty surprising, and unwanted to me. In Gates of Rapture, we start off with Leto’s POV and he’s been celibate the entire time Grace was missing, which just makes Grace and Casimir more insulting.

The Grace-Casimir subplot is solved with the magic of deus ex machina, because the moment Casimir stepped into one of Fourth Earth’s redemption pools they both lost the ability to scent “their” breh scents. This annoyed me on two levels; One, it was a cop out on actually having to redeem Casimir because the redemption baptismal pools did it for him. And two, it meant that Grace’s intuition was used to excuse anything Grace did to do with going to Fourth Earth. And the fact that Roane was trying to act like Grace’s betrayal was what she had to do annoyed me.

I finally got to the meat of the story and I managed to enjoy it. Since the middle and ending were good I couldn’t give this only 1 or 2 stars, but I’m still really aggravated by that beginning which I nearly DNF-ed at my most angry.

I liked Casimir in this book. I sort of forgave the redemption pools thing as he mentions that his motivation for going through it was actually his fear of dying. The way he acted was a great mix of good guy and remorse. He finds a breh (a real one this time) and he is really aware he has no idea how to be in a relationship, just to seduce. He also acts as a Guardian of Ascension to Leto, which is interesting in the way he goes about it.

This book brings to an end all the stuff about Greaves, and Endelle’s side wins. I don’t like that so much emphasis was placed on the Obsidian Flame triad. Not that I’m against how it played out, but it did sort of belittle how good the women of the first three books truly are as they didn’t do much, especially Parisa who was emphasised a lot as being special with her Royle wings.

I also really struggled with what Grace’s Obsidian Flame power is, and how it basically takes away the flaws that were holding her back from Mary Sue-dom. She can look into anyone’s soul and copy their abilities, and their experience with it; not just their magical abilities but personality traits and skills gained through practice as well, like strategy or sword-fighting. Nevertheless let’s not forgive Leto completely, he has his Gary Stu moments too. The horrible beast form that terrifies him is a Third Earth Warrior form and it just makes Grace lust for and love him more.

I’m actually kind of disappointed that this is how the series ended. While the immediate threat was dispatched in Greaves, there is still the awesome Endelle who deserves, far more so than some of the other characters *cough* Grace *cough* a HEA; and three Warriors of the Blood that we haven’t really met yet. I think you can see my disappointment, because I’m really struggling to find positive points to mention, because this really, more than any other the other Guardians of Ascension books is flawed.

If you’ve been following the series, read this. If not make your own judgement. I will be looking for The Darkening if only to hope that some of my favourite remaining characters get some pagetime.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gates of Rapture
Caris Roane

As a vampire and a warrior, Leto Distra is deadly. But after years of being forced to drink dying blood, he is now part beast—a wild savage thing lurking beneath the surface.  With war on the horizon, Leto is determined to help the Guardians of Ascension destroy the enemy who turned him into a monster. And there’s only one woman who can help him.

Grace Albion is certain that she’s meant to be with Leto, but their future may be cut short by the impending battle. Now Grace must embrace her obsidian flame powers—and bind her powers with Leto’s—if they’re ever going to survive.  With the fate of the world at stake, they must tap into powers they never knew they had…and unlock their deepest passions.

Sexy and thrilling, Gates of Raptures is the breathtaking final book in Caris Roane's Guardians of Ascension series.

Review

Praise for the Guardians of Ascension series by Caris Roane…

"Roane has clearly established herself as a formidable teller of paranormal tales!"  —Romantic Times  (Top Pick!)

“Caris Roane powers into the paranormal romance genre with a sexy, cool, edgy, romantic fantasy that gleams like the dark wings and lethal allure of her Guardians of Ascension vampires. Prepare to be enthralled!”—New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian

“Roane’s worldbuilding is complex and intriguing, and in addition to her compelling protagonists, she serves up a slew of secondary characters begging to be explored further. The Guardians of Ascension is a series with epic potential!”—Romantic Times (4 1/2 stars)

“A super urban romantic fantasy in which the audience will believe in the vampires and the Ascension…fast-paced…thrilling.” —Alternative Worlds

“A great story with a really different take on vampires. This is one book that is sure to be a hit with readers who love paranormals. Fans of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series are sure to love this one too.” –Red Roses for Authors Blog

“Ascension is like wandering in a field of a creative and colorful dream. There are many interesting, formidable, terrifying, beautiful and unique images. They surround and envelop you in a story as old as time.” –Barnes and Noble’s Heart to Heart Romance Blog

“Incredibly creative, Ascension takes readers to another level as you learn about two earths, vampires, ancient warriors, and a new twist on love. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride, climbing until I hit the very top only to come crashing down at lightning speed. Once you pick this book up, clear off your calendar because you won’t be able to put it down. Best book I have read all year.” –SingleTitles.com

“Tightly plotted and smoking hot…a fantastic read.”—Fresh Fiction

From the Back Cover

The great battle has finally arrived, where love will be tested…and a world will be won.

A BATTLE FOR THE AGES

As a vampire and a warrior, Leto Distra is deadly. But after years of being forced to drink dying blood, he is now part beast—a wild savage thing lurking beneath the surface.  With war on the horizon, Leto is determined to help the Guardians of Ascension destroy the enemy who turned him into a monster. And there’s only one woman who can help him.

A LOVE FOR ALL TIME

Grace Albion is certain that she’s meant to be with Leto, but their future may be cut short by the impending battle. Now Grace must embrace her obsidian flame powers—and bind her powers with Leto’s—if they’re ever going to survive.  With the fate of the world at stake, they must tap into powers they never knew they had…and unlock their deepest passions.

“Sexy, cool, edgy romantic fantasy…Prepare to be enthralled.”

—New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5♥s

Leto was thought to be a traitor to the Warriors of the Blood, but it was revealed that he'd been a spy in the enemy's army—Darian Greaves' army—for 100 years. Previously, Grace rescued Leto from Greaves and Leto and Grace discovered that they were brehs, fated mates. Unfortunately, Grace also discovered that she was the breh of the hedonistic enemy, Casimir. She sees in a vision that she must leave Leto and be with Casimir in order for Leto to survive in the future. And so she hurts Leto and leaves with Casimir.

Early in Gates of Rapture, Grace returns to Leto. At the time, Leto is in a form that he calls his "beast." He morphs into a larger, more deadly version of himself that he can't control. He despises the form. He blames it on having to partake of dying blood while he was under Greaves' command. But is his beast form what he believes it to be?

The war between Greaves' army and the good guys—Endelle's army—has reached its peak. Leto, the ultimate general among the Warriors of the Blood, has used his skills to build up Endelle's army. And used his knowledge of Greaves and his army against him. For her part, Grace is a powerful member of a trio of woman known as obsidian flame. To unlock her powers fully she must complete her mating with Leto. But are they ready for that step? What will happen if they're not? And even if they unlock the full strength of her powers, will they be enough to defeat the army that Leto built for Greaves and his death vampires?

♥

Gates of Rapture is about the culmination of the war between Greaves' and Endelle's forces, which the entire series has been leading up to. It's a Christmas present that loyal fans will enjoy unwrapping.

Leto is a hero to die for—and Grace just might. He's a sexy, commanding, powerful, alpha male who nonetheless is tender and understanding with Grace. Leto's journey is one of forgiveness, acceptance of himself, and redemption for his years as a spy. The truth of his beast form is significant, but I don't want to wreck the revelation.

Grace is on her own journey, one of learning to live life out of the cocoon that she has wrapped around herself. She has her name down pat—she is full of grace. But she must learn to trust in herself, be brave, and be bold. The fates of Mortal Earth and Second Earth rest upon her shoulders. She is the pivotal member of obsidian flame. Both she and Leto play crucial roles in the showdown with Greaves.

Although Grace and Leto have had their eyes on each other for two thousand years, and Grace even wrote erotic poetry about Leto while in the convent, they aren't sure they can make their relationship work now that they are finally together. They have both been through too much to let down their guards.

Casimir returns a changed man in a surprising new role. No spoilers here. The relationship between Casimir and Leto is complicated, and they have much to work out between them.

The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful. The war with Greaves becomes personal and deadly for Grace and Leto. As the key to obsidian flame, Greaves wants to eliminate Grace. And he has a score to settle with his traitorous former general.

Fan-favorite Thorne plays a large role in Gates of Rapture, as do Alison, Fiona, and Marguerite, of course. All of the Warriors of the Blood have their parts to play. Endelle is surprised with a revelation that I loved!

Many story lines seem to be wrapped up ("seem" being the operative word), and we catch up with all the Warriors and their brehs. The books is a satisfying end to the series. But is it the end? Not really. St. Martin's Press will no longer be publishing The Warriors of Ascension series, but Caris Roane will be self-publishing the stories of Luken, Zacharius, and Santiago. And she'll be taking us to Third Earth. Luken's book will be released in the summer of 2013, and I'm looking forward to his story!

ARC provided by NetGalley

[M.D. Jerome · Rating 2 out of 5]

*This Review Reveals Exert's from the Novel*
Gates of Rapture the sixth book in the Guardian of Ascension Series receives a 2
I have just finished this book and can't help but feel both disappointment, somewhat of acceleration and cheated.

Firstly disappointment because I have waited what feels like a decade for this continuation of this series; I ordered it from Chapters and have waited two weeks since I have purchased it to read this novel so that it would be given my full intention without interruptions from my life. I enjoyed immensely 'Obsidian Flame' and the little exerts involving both characters Leto and Grace in that novel I couldn't wait to read about the two characters however imagine my surprise when it does not meet with the standards on the pedestal I have placed it in. The characters were not as advanced as I wanted them to be; in each novel her characters have restraints as to why they cannot give themselves fully to their brehs however both Leto and Grace's were annoying. In Obsidian Flame it left off with Grace's discovery of having two brehs Leto and Casmir but in Gates of Rapture it skipped a whole five months of that situation and went straight to Grace leaving Casmir and going after Leto which is a disappointment. I found the characters lack of development left me feeling annoyed with them and I could not take anything they were doing seriously. Caris Roane's writing skills were not up to par as they were in her last novels and all in all in comparison to Obsidian Flame which really got my adrenaline going for this novel left me extremely disappointed

Secondly, the novel however does contain some high qualities throughout the novel Caris Roane writes a lot of battle scenes which I really drunk up and had me kicking and screaming.

Lastly, as a devoted reader to the Guardians of Ascension series I felt totally cheated. The war had somewhat come to an end Endelle and Greaves had their face off and Greaves was taken to the Fourth Earth with his mother in order to redeem his soul. The fight scene between the two rulers were only two pages and very boring, the war had come to an end and the third portal had been open and it was all written in less than twenty pages; I always imagined that the third portal would open in one book and in the last told by Endelle the war would break out with a huge battle scene and a face off with her and Greaves in another novel it was all very rushed and to be honest sloppy I felt cheated out of what she was building up too since the beginning of the series. As well what I have been truly waiting for is both Endelle and Braulio's own story like the other novels she did implant scenes with them together a little teaser however at the end of Endelle's battle her and Braulio end up together which is not WRITTEN ABOUT and skips over to the celebration of the Warrior's and their Brehs. Again I cannot stress how cheated I feel there are three other warriors still left to find brehs and it does not give any pre-warning or hint as to if their will be a sequel. I feel cheated out of the ending I had imagined was going to happen it was rushed, sloppy, and left me disappointed and immensely upset with the outcome of the series.

[Liz F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, Gates of Rapture was the sixth and final installment in Caris Roane's Guardians of Ascension series. Man, I wanted to love this book but I think the shine wore off for me with this series a few books back.

Grace is our heroine in this book and she's spent a good portion of the last few hundred years in various convents and in religious contemplation. She's an extremely good person and cares about people and I'm pretty sure she hasn't had even a handful of bad thoughts about anyone in her life. And that was pretty much my main and only complaint about her: she was too good. An absolute goody-two-shoes. I thought she was too pious, too sweet, too kind, too understanding. It was somehow overwhelming and yet boring. Then, she's a little too afraid of everything. I can understand WHY she's afraid, I mean, she's been sheltered pretty much her whole life and has lived for so long in the convent. So I got it but that doesn't mean that I liked it. I know that I'm supposed to like the fact that she was fearful and then overcame her fears to become a powerful warrior but by the time she comes into her own, I was already a little bored with her.

Leto was pretty cool character. His story started in the previous book and has continued (and obviously concludes) in this one. But basically, Leto was a spy in the bad guy's army and was recently released from that assignment. It has taken a great toll on him and he was close to death in the previous book. But he's better now and is ready to move on to becoming who WAS before he became who he is now. Ha! Try to figure THAT one out! LOL! That was one of the things I loved about Leto - how he wanted to start doing the right thing again. I loved how he felt a bond with all of the fellow warriors and I REALLY loved how he became something of a mentor for Grace. He's also discovered that he's changing as well. He's able to sort of morph into what he calls "Beast Mode" where he's still himself but he's bigger (all over, ladies!) and WAY stronger. I really loved Beast Mode and it was cool to watch him go from absolutely hating it to embracing it.

Grace and Leto were a great couple because their journeys were so similar. They both go from hating where they are or hating aspects of themselves to more than acceptance. They're embracing who they are and what their destiny is. And Grace was good for Leto because her over-the-top goodness acted as a kind of balm for his tortured soul. It doesn't hurt that they were seriously hot together too!

I don't think I would recommend this as a stand-alone novel because way too much has gone on in the previous books. The war that has been hinted at for the five previous books comes to a head here and if you aren't aware of what is at stake and who the players are, none of it will mean a damn. But it was a pretty decent book and I would recommend it for anyone who is already a fan of the series. It's a fairly satisfying end to an amazing series.

[Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gates of Rapture, sixth book of the The World of Ascension Series and therefore also the final one! I have to say I was really looking forward reading this book! But I have to say I have some mixed feeling while writing this review. For one thing I had never taken so much time to finish a book. I just couldn’t get in to the flow. It was absolute not a page turner. Although the story is strong, world building realistic and the characters as good as they can get. I still was missing something!

This book contains al the right elements like shape shifters and vampires and strange different levels of earth. But what I missed most was the interaction between the main characters, Grace and Leto! Don’t get me wrong the action is trilling and the hot love scenes are steamy but between them there was absolutely nothing!

Although I was reading the story about Grace and Leto, my mind was with a other character. I was finding myself wishing there where more lines about Endelle, she is fantastic with great outfits and snarky comments and wishing there was much less about the bad villain Greaves! As a final book I really hoped for a little bit more closure for all the previous characters from The World of Ascension Series!

So for me there was a lot I was missing and also a few pages that in my opinion could have been skipped. Way to many pages where fillers, or some situations to much explained so that the reader didn’t have to use his or her’s imagination. Not all things or situations have to be spelled out with every word. It was not in the previous 5 books so why now? This is just me telling you this, one readers opinion, some people like it, some don’t.

For example:
The main character has wing we know it because it we are already on pag. 40

“At last, his consciousness began to fade, and he fell down on her so that she collapsed under him.” (here it should have stopped) but Caris adds everytime that little filler! In this case…the real sentence ends with “…and under de covering of his wings.”

Overall the book is OK. A great read for the Paranormal fans and even better for the fans of this Series. But for the expectations I had, it was a little bit of a dissapointment. Don’t get me wrong this book is great and you should make up you own mind about this one! When you have read it. Please share your experience with me!

Review based on E-ARC copy of Gates of Rapture via Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, Endelle needs her own book!
Overall
This is the last book of the series (from her publishing house at least). What I liked about this book was that Leto and Grace were able to complete the breh-hedden without any of the drama of the other pairs. Though that’s not entirely true either - as the only reason why they completed it was because they both had a certain intuition that they needed to do so. Really? A gut feeling? Too much of any course of action in this series is because someone had a ‘feeling’.

The pace of the book was definitely a bonus, more action but still a ton of romance. Though I have to admit, I skipped over the sex just because there’s just way more than I wanted to read and because it’s still all just the same.

Although I never mention Casimir in my previous book reviews, I think he’s my favorite character. He shows much more depth than any of the leading male warriors. At least he gets his own happy ending for which I’m grateful and actually giddy about.

Everything was wrapped up pretty quickly and smoothly. The two sides wage war, the good guys win and that’s that! Although I understand each book centralizes on a main couple, I wish Roane gave the warrior bachelors a better wrap-up other than a last mention to Blood and Bite. I will read the books for Zacharius, Luken and Santiago, but not the Dawn of Acension series.

The Couple
Oh woe is me, I’m a bad person - I feel guilty and not good enough for my Breh is the ongoing theme with this couple. Leto feels guilty about his betrayal and Grace feels guilty about giving up her child. I was expecting more of a back story to the latter but no, it was just mentioned off hand once or twice.

Once again my main problem is that this couple is boring. Yes- that’s it. Not enough is told about each of them other than a singular moment that defined their lives from that moment on. Too much time is spent on the sex and not enough time is used to develop a relationship. So Grace had a crush on Leto for the longest time ever - it was barely touched on other than the erotic poems she wrote about him and, yeah that’s it.

http://whateversu.tumblr.com

[Ally · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

Wolf with Benefits is only the second book I've read in the Pride series and I have to say I love this series. It is laugh out loud funny. I read this while at home which I was glad about because then I only get funny looks from my other half instead of random strangers or co-workers wondering what the hell I'm reading.
Toni is a great character. Actually all the characters in Wolf with Benefits are well written and humorous. But Toni really shines through she feels she's not the smartest in her family of 10 siblings so she see's her job as looking after all her gifted siblings and running around after them. Now that her family's settled for the summer Toni thinks it's time she got herself a job other than looking after her siblings. Although the job she takes is just as hard as managing her genius siblings. She lands a job working for the shifter hockey team and her first assignment, negotiate with the Siberian bears in Siberia. Luckily Ricky Lee is her bodyguard and is the most chilled out hero I've ever read. He just seems to be along for the ride waiting for trouble and hilarity which seems to follow Toni around. While I really liked Toni and Ricky Lee together and they did have great chemistry I felt their relationship took more of a back seat in Wolf with Benefits and other plot lines and characters took precedence.
Toni's siblings were one of the best bits of the book in my opinion. They kept me laughing throughout the book. It was great to see Bo (from book 6, Beast Behaving Badly, the only other book I've read in this series) as he's part of the hockey team Toni now works for and his OCD for schedules and order was hilarious mixed with Toni's unorganised sibling's. We also meet Toni’s friend Livy (who's the heroine of the next book Bite Me out in 2014) Livy is a total hardcore character yet she's funny and totally there for Toni and her sibling's.

Overall, Wolf with Benefits was another great addition to this series (yes even though I've only read two of them) and I will eventually get round to reading the other books in the series hoping there was good as this one!

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers first meet Leto as one of Greave’s death vampires. Leto even fights Alison in a spectacle event in Ascension. Leto has built Greave’s one hell of huge army while he worked for him. As the series has progressed we discovered that Leto was working for someone else, and that someone is also taking orders from someone else. Readers discover so much about all of this. I loved Leto from the beginning. The hero that was once an unknown is always my favorite.

I was a bit nervous about Grace initially. She willingly moved into a convent. The World of Ascension books are highly sexed and very sensual. I wondered how Grace and her lifestyle would play into that. I was not disappointed. Grace may in fact be an ascended vampire, but she transforms more than any of the previous heroines. She is the final member of the obsidian flame triad.

I was blown away by Endelle. Something was done to her towards the end of Obsidian Flame. This affects her in so many ways. I’ve enjoyed Endelle from the very beginning. She is warrior rough and the leader of this breather of warriors that she directs in an attempt to protect all of Second Earth from the evil mechanisms of Greaves. Endelle is as tough as her warriors. I can’t wait to read more of her.

I loved the fact that so many of the heroes and heroines from the previous books in the series had such large roles in Gates of Rapture. The Warriors of the Blood and the breh’s of the mated ones pulled together to put up a tremendous fight against Greave’s and his power mongering ways. They even had assistance from several unexpected fronts.

I was thoroughly pleased with the wrap-ups and revelations that were made in Gates of Rapture. This book makes many conclusions that will lead most readers to believe it is the final book of this series. I found a post on Roane’s website that tells readers about her future plans with the series. I was delighted by this. There are so many possibilities where she can take her extraordinarily sexy Warriors of the Blood. I know I will follow those sexy warriors.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5stars actually

The last of a series is always bittersweet and has so much work to do -- but luckily the adventures of our kilted, flying vamps is spun off to a sister series but not before doing their due diligence here.

Tortured warrior Leto Ditra's star turns starts a little slow for my taste as he is still in mourning for his relationship with Grace Albion. But not for long as Grace's decision to join the war as a fighter kick-starts the action in Endelle's camp as well as in Greaves' as Grace's return seems to cause a domino effect with all the action set pieces of this installment that do not disappoint. Greave's does his villainous best to carry on as usual in his quest to annihilate the WOTB's once and for all - but business isn't as usual with 2 of his top lieutenants outcomes in the last episodes. What he mostly accomplishes this time out (IMO) is the art of being actually busy. (It ain't easy bein' Greaves) Featured roles from past star couples brings things full circle and complete the arc of this set in the series. Promising peeks of Fourth and glimpses of Third ease the pain of leaving Two and Mortal Earth as they manage to raise anticipation. make no mistake this installment is full of action set pieces as the true Obsidian Flame is revealed; the climax of the war with Greaves; Stannett's self indulgence; the star couple; not to mention the fare-welling to the familiar places of this series. It was also great to see the WOTB's on the offensive instead of the defensive for a change.

However, I have the same question at the end of this book that I had at the beginning of the first book -- What the hell is Endelle wearing?!?!? I don't know what's more entertaining about Endelle, I vacillate between her wardrobe, her speech and her ego but she definitely needs her own book - dare I hope it will come soon!?!?! At the same time I hope she doesn't get one soon, I love the mystery that is her.

[Marsha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated it. I've never loved this series but I have continued to read it because it has some interesting ideas despite its irritating presentation. I also had faith that the rocky start would smooth out with each installment and the writing would improve. I thought it was improving but this installment was just not good.

I actually went back and checked to see if the author had an endorsement deal that would explain the constant tossing out of brand names like Ketel 1, Droid Ascender, Hugo Boss, etc. in places where vodka, cell phone, and suit, would not just have sufficed but would have been less pretentious and irritating choices.

Grace is boring. No amount of sex (and there's an eye-rolling quantity as usual) could make her relationship with Leto seem interesting. There was no tension, no humor and the attempt to add obstacles was laughably transparent and frustratingly awkward. At some point after completing the Brehedden Leto actually says he lacks a connection to Grace.... after surfing her brain, browsing her soul, thoroughly investigating her vagina, and knowing her for a couple millennia... what the fk else could anyone want???

The more I think about it, the more flawed the world building is. The government and society structure makes no sense. If Copass can outlaw direct murder by Endelle and Greaves, they tacitly permit it by everyone else. The exception creates the rule, and if there is no consequence, for the regular murders that occur in the series, there is, essentially, no law.... so what are the constraints? It is never clear what structures, if any, exist to punish Endelle or Greaves if they break the "rule" so what the hell is the point? And unfortunately, most of the series is based on this weak construct.

Everytime I finish a novel in this series I feel like maybe I've been punked and it really is a parody.