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The Way To Dawn: Ascension Zero
The tables have turned… upside down. Greyshio and Demeseus are ever-closer to catching up to the elusive, Derexen. But the cost is rising, and the danger’s frightening. The Righteous Kiras continue to move about within the shadows sending town after town into the darkness. But when the two heroes are finally put face-to-face with their daunting task, something’s a miss. Defeating Derexen. Saving Terra. It suddenly doesn’t seem enough. Resolves are tested as destiny becomes nothing more than a word of legend…
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2013
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Charles Lee
8 books15 followersCharles Lee has always been a fan of stories with greater meaning than what the surface portrays. His love for profound fantasy began at a young age. His growing interest in thought-provoking stories ranged from a gamut of different areas of literature. These are experiences he’s cherished and evolved with for over a decade. It’s his key drive for creating compelling, unique, philosophical stories.
When he decided to begin his own novel, The Way to Dawn, he originally had no intention of pursuing writing as a career. But when he fell in love with his own characters, he became inspired. He was so proud of his creations that he wanted to share this part of himself with others. In no time, writing soon became more than just his way of expression. It became his wings.
When he decided to begin his own novel, The Way to Dawn, he originally had no intention of pursuing writing as a career. But when he fell in love with his own characters, he became inspired. He was so proud of his creations that he wanted to share this part of himself with others. In no time, writing soon became more than just his way of expression. It became his wings.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 19, 2014
This continuation was filled with twist, turns, GREAT battles, and once again, an enriched plot that tickles your head on what's to come.
It's been a long time read a book with such engagement. It really is nothing like I've ever read before. The antagonist is a bit too complex to completely say he's a bad guy. The heroes are questionable yet relatable if yiu where them.
But Ascension Zero is way better than the first. Book one moved a bit slow but kicked up a storm in the second. The ending upset me because the author continues to not play into your expectations. But I'm gully excited for the thrid because of his awesome epiloge. Seems like a lot is bound to happen as things unfold and rise in all directions.
His book is beyond just entertaining, he really does engage you with he characters. You feel evertime they hit the scene. If you haavent read this series yet, you are misssing out. If you're looking for something good but not like the typical reads you are used to, or mainstream, you MUST give this a try. I swear you'll come to love it :)
5* Highly recommend.
It's been a long time read a book with such engagement. It really is nothing like I've ever read before. The antagonist is a bit too complex to completely say he's a bad guy. The heroes are questionable yet relatable if yiu where them.
But Ascension Zero is way better than the first. Book one moved a bit slow but kicked up a storm in the second. The ending upset me because the author continues to not play into your expectations. But I'm gully excited for the thrid because of his awesome epiloge. Seems like a lot is bound to happen as things unfold and rise in all directions.
His book is beyond just entertaining, he really does engage you with he characters. You feel evertime they hit the scene. If you haavent read this series yet, you are misssing out. If you're looking for something good but not like the typical reads you are used to, or mainstream, you MUST give this a try. I swear you'll come to love it :)
5* Highly recommend.
October 17, 2025
Review posted on my blog The Writer's Library.
My head is spinning upon finishing this second book after The Way to Dawn. The first book was one of the most engaging stories I’d come across as of late. I was curious enough to want to continue the series with Ascension Zerø and see how everything unfolded because the plot kept me thoroughly invested!
Before I go any further, let’s look at what the story is about!
Summary
It has been some time since Derexen announced his intentions for Terra. With Greyshio and Demeseus committed to their roles as World Guardians, they set out to find out more about his plans. However, as time goes on, they realize that their journey may not be as simple as just confronting Derexen. As they struggle to piece together what is happening as Derexen continues to attack Terra, they realize that there may be more to their situation than what Derexen has in store for them.
Can they find out what he is up to before it’s too late?
Thoughts
One of the strongest aspects of this sequel is how the author is building upon previously established information from the prequel to raise the stakes and keep the readers on their toes. I love the progression and worldbuilding! The questions I found myself asking (along with the previous ones I had that are answered) kept me hooked at every turn! This world’s lore is fascinating, and I love how it’s been gradually revealed so far.
I also really enjoy the characters’ journeys in this. It doesn’t come across like anyone is who they first appear to be on the surface. While I was surprised by where certain arcs went, I really like that previous characters are also given more depth as we learn more about them and where they are in the story. While not every character was sympathetic, the depth they had made them intriguing to learn about!
Anyway, now that I’ve gotten those random thoughts out of the way, let’s look at the story’s structure!
Structure
This installment is organized differently from the prequel. This time, Demeseus’ and Greyshio’s stories are intertwined in the chapters instead of running concurrently in separate sections. While I wish there had been a clearer split when moving from one character to the next when they’re on their own, when they’re together this type of chapter structure works really well. It added more to their growth as characters as well, as we see how the story’s events continue to affect them and what they do. The narrative allows for clear progression of both their arcs in a manner that is easy to get behind.
I also like that this installment expands upon the worldbuilding of the first novel, showing the setting in greater detail and introducing interesting new ideas. I love seeing more of the setting through all this and piecing together what is going on through the information being given! The structure shows how the plot is progressing in a way that is just as captivating as the prequel!
Anyway, now that I’ve discussed the story’s structure, let’s move on to the writing.
Writing
In this installment, I think mood and tone are the biggest components that keep a snap going in the writing. This is because the mood of a scene kept me on the edge of my seat with the tone of the prose accentuating it. This kept me as heavily invested as I was in the plot that unfolded. I also like that the tone keeps a sense of mystery going. While I have no idea where this story is going to go next, things that I thought were straightforward in the prequel are fleshed out here in a way that has me questioning things. This is largely helped by how tone is used in this novel, where things aren’t so clear-cut because the tone changes in ways that keep me guessing and wanting more.
However, I have to admit that the writing didn’t always flow smoothly. This seemed to occur more toward the end of the story, and I have to admit it distracted me, even if only momentarily. This is similar to what I saw in the prequel, and while the story’s plot and characters were enough for me to not be completely thrown out of the narrative, it did distract me when I did see it.
Well, I think I’ve covered everything I wanted to. With all that said, let’s wrap this review up!
Conclusion
I know I’ve said it a few times already, but the progression of the plot and worldbuilding is really captivating in this installment! I’m still so curious about many different aspects of this story, its characters, and the setting. While I did catch some things I didn’t love, I’m still really happy with what this follow-up does for the overall narrative.
I’m honestly pretty excited to see where this story goes next and – for that reason – I will be giving this sequel four stars.
My head is spinning upon finishing this second book after The Way to Dawn. The first book was one of the most engaging stories I’d come across as of late. I was curious enough to want to continue the series with Ascension Zerø and see how everything unfolded because the plot kept me thoroughly invested!
Before I go any further, let’s look at what the story is about!
Summary
It has been some time since Derexen announced his intentions for Terra. With Greyshio and Demeseus committed to their roles as World Guardians, they set out to find out more about his plans. However, as time goes on, they realize that their journey may not be as simple as just confronting Derexen. As they struggle to piece together what is happening as Derexen continues to attack Terra, they realize that there may be more to their situation than what Derexen has in store for them.
Can they find out what he is up to before it’s too late?
Thoughts
One of the strongest aspects of this sequel is how the author is building upon previously established information from the prequel to raise the stakes and keep the readers on their toes. I love the progression and worldbuilding! The questions I found myself asking (along with the previous ones I had that are answered) kept me hooked at every turn! This world’s lore is fascinating, and I love how it’s been gradually revealed so far.
I also really enjoy the characters’ journeys in this. It doesn’t come across like anyone is who they first appear to be on the surface. While I was surprised by where certain arcs went, I really like that previous characters are also given more depth as we learn more about them and where they are in the story. While not every character was sympathetic, the depth they had made them intriguing to learn about!
Anyway, now that I’ve gotten those random thoughts out of the way, let’s look at the story’s structure!
Structure
This installment is organized differently from the prequel. This time, Demeseus’ and Greyshio’s stories are intertwined in the chapters instead of running concurrently in separate sections. While I wish there had been a clearer split when moving from one character to the next when they’re on their own, when they’re together this type of chapter structure works really well. It added more to their growth as characters as well, as we see how the story’s events continue to affect them and what they do. The narrative allows for clear progression of both their arcs in a manner that is easy to get behind.
I also like that this installment expands upon the worldbuilding of the first novel, showing the setting in greater detail and introducing interesting new ideas. I love seeing more of the setting through all this and piecing together what is going on through the information being given! The structure shows how the plot is progressing in a way that is just as captivating as the prequel!
Anyway, now that I’ve discussed the story’s structure, let’s move on to the writing.
Writing
In this installment, I think mood and tone are the biggest components that keep a snap going in the writing. This is because the mood of a scene kept me on the edge of my seat with the tone of the prose accentuating it. This kept me as heavily invested as I was in the plot that unfolded. I also like that the tone keeps a sense of mystery going. While I have no idea where this story is going to go next, things that I thought were straightforward in the prequel are fleshed out here in a way that has me questioning things. This is largely helped by how tone is used in this novel, where things aren’t so clear-cut because the tone changes in ways that keep me guessing and wanting more.
However, I have to admit that the writing didn’t always flow smoothly. This seemed to occur more toward the end of the story, and I have to admit it distracted me, even if only momentarily. This is similar to what I saw in the prequel, and while the story’s plot and characters were enough for me to not be completely thrown out of the narrative, it did distract me when I did see it.
Well, I think I’ve covered everything I wanted to. With all that said, let’s wrap this review up!
Conclusion
I know I’ve said it a few times already, but the progression of the plot and worldbuilding is really captivating in this installment! I’m still so curious about many different aspects of this story, its characters, and the setting. While I did catch some things I didn’t love, I’m still really happy with what this follow-up does for the overall narrative.
I’m honestly pretty excited to see where this story goes next and – for that reason – I will be giving this sequel four stars.
August 16, 2016
The first thing I can say is that the book is as compelling as its predecessor. My previous review may also be applied for this book. Before we begin, I would like to merit Charles Lee. For the first time anything happens to me, and I want to highlight it without spoilers about the matter. My favorite characters are not the protagonists. However, I believe that this issue is better than the first, with a broader and mature plot, and characters that are acquiring own identity, and an attractive underlying conflict to confrontation main power of the story in the world created by Charles Lee.
The story continues with the same characters, with some new, and more complications. Slowly the reader plunges deeper into the argument. You start to learn more about Greyshio and Demeseus. The one time the dye argument gives the impression of being much more apocalyptic than shown in the second part, which even feel suffocating, but is softened with subtle hints of successful humor, which reaches not exaggerate or caricature. The tension increases chapter to chapter. Which is appreciated, there is no time to get bored.
In this book there is a struggle that includes The Righteous Kiras, beings that illuminate the story and left even more death and mystery to the reader's eyes, and as well as details about the lives of the protagonists are known, is known more of the secondary characters, giving them almost life in the threads to give the feeling that they are main characters rather than secondary. I do not know if any of you reading this had the opportunity to enjoy one of those mind games that you are leaving clues and puzzles at random, then your wits have to solve to get away in a certain amount of time of a room mysterious and seemingly no way out. For so I felt through these pages, and I think the characters as well. This book is like a psychological game to see how much resists the reader. Here are a mystery, stress, false hopes, betrayals, action and a mental game that will keep awake more than one. I think I got zero survive the Ascension.
Again I am left wanting more, and close the book with the desire to start immediately the next. A more than worthy continuation. I hope that the third book is equal to or better than this.
The story continues with the same characters, with some new, and more complications. Slowly the reader plunges deeper into the argument. You start to learn more about Greyshio and Demeseus. The one time the dye argument gives the impression of being much more apocalyptic than shown in the second part, which even feel suffocating, but is softened with subtle hints of successful humor, which reaches not exaggerate or caricature. The tension increases chapter to chapter. Which is appreciated, there is no time to get bored.
In this book there is a struggle that includes The Righteous Kiras, beings that illuminate the story and left even more death and mystery to the reader's eyes, and as well as details about the lives of the protagonists are known, is known more of the secondary characters, giving them almost life in the threads to give the feeling that they are main characters rather than secondary. I do not know if any of you reading this had the opportunity to enjoy one of those mind games that you are leaving clues and puzzles at random, then your wits have to solve to get away in a certain amount of time of a room mysterious and seemingly no way out. For so I felt through these pages, and I think the characters as well. This book is like a psychological game to see how much resists the reader. Here are a mystery, stress, false hopes, betrayals, action and a mental game that will keep awake more than one. I think I got zero survive the Ascension.
Again I am left wanting more, and close the book with the desire to start immediately the next. A more than worthy continuation. I hope that the third book is equal to or better than this.
February 21, 2014
In Charles Lee's sequel to his debut action-adventure novel The Way To Dawn, he continues the story of world guardians Greyshio and Demeseus, and success deeper into their respective psyches and again makes the reader question how clear the lines between good & evil really are.
Greyshio has been taken over by his list for revenge against Derexen, the evil Demi amorphoid who killed his best friend Brad and wants to cloak the world in darkness. But he doesn't expect to meet Sopherie and her son, Coda; the encounter that could truly break him.
Demeseus is struggling with his lost love, Michelle, who proved to be a Righteous Kira named Minerva and almost killed him.
They need information on how to kill Derexen, but the one place they need to go has a pathway littered with secrets, war & death.
In this sequel (the review for the original I posted yesterday) Lee writes with a descriptive and passionate hand, taking his original story one step further in violence, emotions & visualization.
While the same editing errors that were in the previous novel remain here, I again say that, with a story this excellently crafted, no mere typo can take away from its excellence.
It again reads like a Japanese anime film, or an episode of TV's Supernatural. It is a book for action fans, but it doesn't discriminate: fans of any genre can try their hand at The Way To Dawn and The Way To Dawn: Ascension Zero. I think everyone can find something they like here, whether it's character depth, the fantasy plot or even the little bit of romance that is sneaked in there.
Great book: highly recommended.
Greyshio has been taken over by his list for revenge against Derexen, the evil Demi amorphoid who killed his best friend Brad and wants to cloak the world in darkness. But he doesn't expect to meet Sopherie and her son, Coda; the encounter that could truly break him.
Demeseus is struggling with his lost love, Michelle, who proved to be a Righteous Kira named Minerva and almost killed him.
They need information on how to kill Derexen, but the one place they need to go has a pathway littered with secrets, war & death.
In this sequel (the review for the original I posted yesterday) Lee writes with a descriptive and passionate hand, taking his original story one step further in violence, emotions & visualization.
While the same editing errors that were in the previous novel remain here, I again say that, with a story this excellently crafted, no mere typo can take away from its excellence.
It again reads like a Japanese anime film, or an episode of TV's Supernatural. It is a book for action fans, but it doesn't discriminate: fans of any genre can try their hand at The Way To Dawn and The Way To Dawn: Ascension Zero. I think everyone can find something they like here, whether it's character depth, the fantasy plot or even the little bit of romance that is sneaked in there.
Great book: highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews