Serpent Ascending

by Jenna Kinkade

As the head of House Blackhand, Arwynn is a master of disguise and espionage. While his federation of assassins works in the shadows, he and his three lieutenants devise strategies, manage alliances, and most importantly, manipulate information-the key to their power. When the Sathiian priest Welbley Blaythe requests an alliance, Arwynn is as intrigued by the cult's possible motives as he is unsettled by the mysterious floral smell of Blaythe's peculiar messenger.

As Arwynn seeks to divine and derail Blaythe's agenda, others are fashioning alliances and betrayals of their own. Princess Selene of Dûhr is quietly positioning her resources to take advantage of a power shift, her broken mind perfectly piecing together fragments of plots and possibilities. Kaleena, the Crimson Witch and Eater of Children, lives up to her villainous reputation by aiding the Sathiians in their underhanded dealings, knowing that as long as she's maddening her nemesis, no one will question her motives. Meanwhile, the Temple of Wargrum has gone rogue in its zeal to thwart the Sathiians and protect the realm from an insidious threat coiled beneath the obvious.

At his full mental acuity, Arwynn knows that he could untangle these threads. But sleep eludes him...

499 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2024

Reviews

[Lia Anshar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna Kinkade’s "Serpent Ascending" immerses readers in a dark, intricate world of power and deception. At the heart of the story is Arwynn Blackhand, a ruthless assassin who commands the fearsome House Blackhand. This organization is a hierarchical network where members must undergo rigorous training and tests to ascend the ranks and earn a place in Arwynn’s inner circle.

The plot intensifies with the introduction of Lord Priest Welbley Blaythe of Wirith, a wicked priest whose request for House Blackhand’s services sets the stage for a gripping tale. Despite knowing Blaythe's treacherous reputation, Arwynn accepts the mission, driven by a desire to uncover the priest's true intentions. This decision is a catalyst for the unfolding drama, where trust is a rare commodity and betrayal is a constant threat.

Blaythe's insidious strategy includes planting a spy, Tehru, within House Blackhand to uncover the secrets of its formidable power. Tehru's loyalties are ambiguous, adding layers of tension and intrigue. Is he genuinely working for the priest, or has he been swayed by the allure of House Blackhand? This uncertainty keeps the characters in a state of suspense.

Kinkade excels at creating a world where every character's loyalty is suspect, and power dynamics shift unpredictably. The members of House Blackhand, each with their skills and ambitions, are portrayed with depth, making their potential for betrayal a constant, palpable threat. But, while the story is intriguing, it occasionally has too many details impact on slowing the pace.

Even though the story falls short in pacing, overall "Serpent Ascending" is a good read. It is more than just a dark fantasy, it is a deep exploration of loyalty and power. Kinkade’s narrative is compelling, filled with suspenseful twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy a richly woven tale of intrigue.

[Jelly Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serpent Ascending by Jenna Kinkade is dark fantasy in its most distilled form that makes the readers be introduced into the world of espionage and related power games. The central character is Arwynn Blackhand, the smart and also extremely merciless head of the Blackhand, a hidden organization of assassins of the same name. Information control and the strategic marriages that he was able to arrange, as well as alliances, are features of his power, as depicted in the drama in the details of the power struggle in his house. 
 
Perhaps one of the more pronounced aspects of the book is the vivid world-building that the authors give to the story. Kinkade is a master of setting up a vivid stage in which every character, starting with the conniving priest Blaythe Welbley to the suspected spy Tehru, contributes to the story. The tackling of the characters is good; the characters are distinctive in motive and skill, as well as making the story rather interesting. 
 
Depicted below are some of the features that I especially appreciate in Kinkade’s work: interconnectedness, farmor, and elements of mystery and suspense woven into a plot. There is constant speculation about which person is going to betray the other, and the constant shifting of one’s loyalty is the driving force of the plot. The only thing that truly stands out and makes ‘Gone Girl’ what it is is the author’s capacity to keep the reader in suspense while also building and twisting character relationships. The vivid description and the entangled and twisting nature of the stories make the reader interested in exploring the hidden mystery within the story. 
 
At times, the writing can be quite slow because each scene can be described in so much detail, but this complexity contributes to the depth of the story, and as a result, readers who enjoy detailed development of the world and the characters would find ‘Serpent Ascending’ quite enjoyable. 
 
All in all, ”Serpent Ascending” is suitable for those into dark fantasy and those who like books with detailed political conflicts and battles for power. Anyone who has read such books as “Game of Thrones” or “The Witcher” will find Kinkade’s novel quite interesting and a worthy addition to the collection. This book is a great fit to be read by those who enjoy a very twisted and intricate narrative, anti-heroes and sideline villains, and a rather grim magical setting.

[Faith Ukaegbu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Kinkade's book, Serpent Ascending, is one of the most detailed dark fantasy novels I have read. I say this because of how deliberate she was with her characters; we had Arwynn Blackhand, in my own words, a ruthless assassin, who was the leader of House Blackhand; he had his crew, with their different level and abilities. You must undergo training and tests to rise in levels and enter Master Blackhand's inner cycle. But this book is not just about him. Lord Priest Welbley Blaythe of Wirith, a wicked priest with a mission, sends a messenger to House Blackhand, requesting their services; despite knowing the Priest cannot be trusted, Arwynn accepts the request to find out more about the plan of the Priest. While seeking the services of House Blackhand, the Priest plants a spy named Tehru to find out why House Blackhand is so powerful. So the big question is, does the spy work for the Priest, or is he loyal to House Blackhand? Are the members of House Blackhand genuinely loyal to their Master Arwynn, or are they waiting for the perfect time to betray him? You will get the answers to these questions and much more as you flip the book's pages.

One of the major things I like about this book is how well the author diversified the characters, their features, special abilities, motion flow, and everything. The character that stood out to me was Ciridan Lothloran, the shadow, and how precise, intuitive, and observant she was. She went from being a frightened little girl to a stalker of men. Everything about this book was just excellent, from the power struggle to the character development; I also like how the author kept bringing more character, which helped the story.

I dislike nothing about this book; everything about it was beautiful; the author carried the reader along and straightforwardly explained scenes. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you love dark fantasies and adventures, you will love this one.

[Okocha Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of movies like The Vikings, the Witcher, and the rest, you will love this one. It starts with the protagonist, Arwynn Blackhand, the leader of the House Blackhand; he is cunning, intuitive, and so vigilant that nothing can escape his instincts or sight. After one conversation with the messenger, a formal representative of the Church of Sathiishe, he realized that the messenger wasn't a human, even if he moved, reasoned, and spoke. How can such a being even exist? Ask Welbley Blaythe, the Lord Priest of Wirith, who creates these beings through unfathomable methods. House Blackhand and the Church of Sathiis agree to enter a covenant, even if none has an ounce of trust for the other. With the involvement of a spy, the priest seeks to know everything about House Blackhand. Does this spy successfully carry out his mission?

One of the most remarkable characters to me is Urath Lindrowe, who made me love House Blackhand the most; he was a man who used poison to the point it became a part of him. The author has the talent to write such a lengthy book and still bring it to life ideally. I love how the author described the scenes and feelings of the characters, making it very easy to understand what the characters felt. I also love that the author introduced a lot of characters and was able to follow up with all their stories and character development.

The writer described the scenes extensively, and though it was a bit much, it didn't affect my reading experience. This book is 5 out of 5 stars because it is what I call a complete story and delivered to my expectations. I recommend this book to lovers of adventures and dark fantasy.

[Gladys Nakote · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Serpent Ascending" starts off with drama and suspense, meeting readers with two shadowy characters in sharp polarity with each other. This opening scene with vivid symbols of chairs and walkers in juxtaposition is a perfect illustration of the main struggle of dominance and conflict between the young and the old.

It is also a well-developed novel with conspiracies, magic, and complex relationships between the characters placed in a well-thought-out fantasy world. Thus, the novel written by the author has a rather profound plot and quite a complex plot structure.

The scene of the summoning is one of the most impressive in the whole novel. The preparations made by Kaleena, the act of chanting, and the daemon described in detail make it easier for me to hear the chants in their heads and visualize the ritual.

One character highlighted is Arwynn Blackhand, who is the master assassin. Specifically, when dealing with the Church of Sathiis’ messenger, the real-life characters drawn by the author are engaging. A wide use of negotiations is presented in the tehelu ceremony, which, under the coercion of a powerful drug, insists on telling the truth. I would imagine that during the negotiations, the main action fuels the tension and conflict.

In my opinion, the novel perfectly demonstrates how the author creates numerous interrelated arcades and develops the characters’ personalities. But I would suggest that you include it among the books that you read.

[UjBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Serpent Ascending" by Jenna Kinkade is a captivating dark fantasy novel that delves into the complexities of power, betrayal, and intrigue. The story follows Arwynn Blackhand, a master of espionage, as he navigates a treacherous landscape of shifting alliances and potential treachery.

The novel's strength lies in its intricate plot and well-crafted characters, particularly Arwynn, whose depth and cunning make him a standout protagonist. The story's complexity is reminiscent of epic tales like "Game of Thrones," with themes of honor, justice, and redemption skillfully interwoven with darker elements of horror and moral ambiguity.

While the novel is impressive, it's not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven, and the extensive backstory in early chapters may overwhelm novice readers. Additionally, the prose occasionally veers into over-description, disrupting the flow of action. The author's direct summaries also break the narrative's immersion, pulling the reader out of the story.

Despite these critiques, "Serpent Ascending" is a complex and rewarding journey for fans of dark fantasy. Its elaborate world-building and multifaceted characters promise a thrilling experience for those who enjoy tales of sorcery, power struggles, and shadowy politics. I look forward to future works by Jenna Kinkade and recommend this novel to readers seeking a deep and engaging fantasy adventure.

Recommendation: For fans of dark fantasy, epic tales, and complex characters.

[Rahman Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering the first couple of chapters, the rest of the book offered great expectations for following Arwynn and solving all the mysteries together with her. The author includes death scenes as well as provides detailed descriptions of the world in which the book is set and develops realistic characters, which makes it interesting and powerful for those who like to read novels in the fantasy genre.

The line between specific details and the overall plotline is rarely blurred, which is a major advantage of the narrative. Thus, by introducing nuances into the story, Arwynn’s dialogue with the messenger can be viewed as containing much more than its literal meaning.

Arwynn’s thoughts regarding the Black Church and what it can do to enslave the Great Houses show that the conflict is not just kids going on a quest to defeat evil. This moment broadens the concern from an individual struggle for preservation to a political one and proves to be beneficial in terms of lore development and the overall messages.

There is tenseness and passion in the strategic manipulation and the consequences of treachery depicted in the script. Arwynn being able to outsmart a possible enemy effectively conveys the treacherous nature of his life, thus keeping the readers engaged.

In conclusion, fans of dark fantasy fiction with an emphasis on the characters’ growth and the intrigues of the political sphere should consider reading “Serpent Ascending.”

[kennedy Omondi Odindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The two men faced each other across a wide expanse of scorched land, purple robes and colored sashes flapping in the breeze.” This nailed it for me, marking the beginning of an engaging reading. 

Then I met Arwnn as he sat in a room with a mysterious messenger, one there on behalf of the priest of the Black Church, Blaythe. Then along comes a hurriedly convened meeting, attended by Arwynn’s men, aimed at finding Blyathe’s ulterior motive in seeking the House of Blackhand’s services and, above all, to brainstorm further on the mysterious messenger. Then, I encountered Blaythe himself as he pumps his spy for information. Then I met Ciridan when she was being tested, as the other observed closely. 

From there, I got immersed in the plot, eager to know if Blaythe will ever succeed now that alliances are being made and the House of Blackhand is cautious.  With Arael Laran battling it out on one end and the other, Blaythe is dealing ruthlessly with those who defy him, notably Tehru, not even in the slightest tearing his eyes off his objective, I burrowed deeper into Kinkade's well-crafted world, on which men spill blood, magic rules, evil spreads, poisonmaster betrays his master and so much more is going on. 

I don’t usually read dark fantasies or anything fantasy. That’s because their story worlds are often too complex for me. But this book impressed me, which is why I’m giving it five stars and recommending it to readers of dark fantasy.

[Abdul · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my reading experience, the novel can be categorized under the high literature genre, as it makes for an interesting read that involves politics, supernatural features, well-developed characters, and more.
 
The plot is well developed, but the author excellently creates the setting of the events. The sewers, temples, and other locations are described in such a way that every place is as real as real life. It is worthy of note that the degree of tension that the author manages to give us is commendable, more so the details on the risks that come with the characters’ choices.
 
Arael Laran shows a great deal of character development as she battles her remorse and accountability. Her interactions with characters like Pendaro and Kargan Teahl are accurately portrayed to demonstrate their interactions. Other characters are also helpful in the storytelling since they add depth of backstory and motives to the primary storyline.
 
The author has focused on a writing style that is descriptive and full of vibrant words, which contributes to the creation of the great imagery in the novel. I admire this approach because it allows for the development of characters and the disclosure of certain events in the discourse.
 
"Serpent Ascending" will be interesting for attentive readers who like to probe deeper into characters’ feelings and their psychological development. 

[Emily Dacho · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Serpent Ascending" by Jenna Kinkade is a great read for fans of dark fantasy, especially those who enjoyed George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones". The main conflict revolves around a duel between Awynn, a master of disguise and espionage, and Blaythe, a Sathiian priest. Arael is on a mission from her lord priest, Aerkon, and is joined by others, including Pendaro. Princess Selene of Dûhr is also interested in the upcoming events.

Kinkade's characters are driven by their desire to succeed and defeat their opponents, leading them to constantly strategize, form alliances, engage in combat, and use magic.

Kinkade’s writing is accessible to a general audience, painting vivid scenes that allow readers to engage with the characters and the story's world.

Although the plot may be complex, this book had me hooked from the first page to the end, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy immersive, longer stories, with the only requirement being attentive reading to get a solid grasp of the book's plot.

[IsrealWinsEVERYTIME · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happen to be an avid reader of the Game of Thrones book by George R.R Martin and this felt like such an easy comparison to the complexities of character and power struggles from the book, that I couldn't help but love it just as much. The world building is excellent and the characters are vivid and well written. The plots and machinations within the book are not half assed or skimmed through but elaborate ploys that instantly has the reader enthralled and guessing. Although it has its own drawbacks but not necessarily faults, mostly in the form of the lengthiness of description involved, mostly in the early chapter and then through the book. In a bid to fully stimulating the imagination of the reader by vivid description, the length though intriguing for avid readers could come off as overwhelming to newer readers or readers with a taste for shorter descriptions and books. Regardless it remains a very interesting book I have no regrets picking up.

[Eseosa Abizu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story moved into issues of loyalty, treachery, and the pursuit of power while developing the mystical underpinnings of this fantastical world with a progressing storyline through action, political maneuvering, and magical encounters.

The Magical elements seemed to blend into the story, and they added a feel of the fantastic without ever overstating the character development arcs. Praise must be given to how the multiple storylines inlaid together masterfully into one cohesive super story. I rate it perfectly giving it 5 out of 5 stars. Anyone interested in a detailed epic fantasy with touches of politics and magic battles should go for this book.

[Kayla Uzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5, as I absolutely found it thrilling and interesting. It was definitely a satisfying end to that craving. I recommend it to readers with a love for books centered around political struggles for power, betrayal, mystery and intrigue. I must point out that for readers more used to fast-paced writing and events, the book might come off as hideous and ultimately uninteresting. Perhaps this is a point to take note of more for the intended reader as opposed to the author.

[MATILDA IHIEOMA NELSON-OKOH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit that Jenna actually did a lot in her book. It was her smooth writing style that kept me reading. Her descriptions of the different personalities, groups, and places are fantastic and wonderful. The complicated plot structure is where the book loses some points for me. The book gets a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. The book is a recommended read for those into dark fantasy, intricate settings, and characters that are interwoven with one another.

[Kayla U-Zie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serpent Ascending, written by Jenna Kinkade, takes place in Realms Humani, where there is an intense focus on politics as well as dark magic. It was a great tension that kept the book’s intensity really high. I am giving the book 4 out of 5 stars. The book excels in creating an elaborate setting and holding suspense throughout the storytelling, but fails when it comes to integrating the characters with the theme of politics that runs through.

[Joy lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the center of this turbulent war fought in dark lies the main character of Arywnn. The master of the federation of assassins, controlling and manipulating events and information for his own purposes. Things turn around when he is approached by Blaythe with intentions that he's yet to figure out for an alliance, could this be a true or a daily trap veiled beneath countless machinations? I love this book for its exposition on power plays. Its a book I highly recommend.

[Asibor Eromosele · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's something I love about the book, it's the presence of quite a few characters of close intellectual levels and i also love the writing style of the author. I give the book a rating of 5 out of 5, and highly recommend it to experienced readers of the dark fantasy genre.

[Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to pick up on your shelf. The characters are well-developed too. I give a 4 star rating

[Rotimi Oluwaseun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book storyline is interesting to read with it unravelling moments of betrayals,politics and power play. Its definitely worth the read!

[Giwa Fuad · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Billy Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reviewed "Serpent Ascending" by Jenna Kinkade and gave it 5 stars! Check it out: https://www.ebookfairs.com/Book/Title...