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Ascendant #1

Return of the Ascendant

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Expecting to enjoy another typical college night at a frat party with friends, Kyra Vaughn’s plans derail when she’s almost killed…twice. Her savior, a tall, sexy stranger who calls himself TaeDane, claims that he’s the personal bodyguard for the Ascendant of Alametria. She’s convinced he’s crazy. Especially when he insists that she’s the Ascendant. With dark enemies hunting her down, Kyra has no choice but to trust her supposed bodyguard. Ty vows to help her remember her past and return her safely to Alametria, but someone seems intent on interfering, challenging his abilities at every turn. As Kyra’s memories emerge, she remembers that Ty is more to her than he’s let on…much more than he’s allowed to be. She’ll also discover that there are many things about her planet and herself that she’d rather forget. In the end, she’ll have to make a cling to the life she knows, or risk it all to become the person she’s destined to be.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2014

38 people are currently reading
952 people want to read

About the author

Raine Thomas

44 books983 followers
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of more than 20 bestselling romances spanning contemporary romance, Sci-Fi romance, and YA fantasy romance. She's a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning...two areas that intersect far more than one would think. She's also a book fiend, grammar nerd, and editing Red Queen, depending on who you ask.

Be sure to follow Raine on BookBub (https://www.bookbub.com/profile/raine...) to be among the first to learn of any sales, and hop over to her website for your first free read!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Becky Shambley.
46 reviews34 followers
September 3, 2014
I became a huge fan of Raine Thomas' work with her first book, Becoming, which is part of the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy. I knew I loved her by the end of that trilogy, and didn't think she could improve. I was wrong.

Taking place initially on Earth, she literally takes you out of this world with colorful, clear, and descriptive images, to the point that it's like watching a mental movie.
I won't summarize what the book is about, there's other reviews for that:) but, I will say that if you enjoy paranormal romance, this is the ticket. With every book, Raine's writing grows, and you just can't pass up taking a shot at it!!!! :) Unlike so many indie authors, she writes clearly, concisely, and without the grammatical nightmares that are topped with typos. I am a total nitpik about things like that, so for me to say it, it's serious:) Just give it a shot, I promise, you will enjoy your trip to another world. :)
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,476 reviews152 followers
August 7, 2015
Kyra has finally moved out of the dorms into her own place with her bestie her junior year should be amazing. It’s already starting off awesome with a fraternity party with her friends that should be a fun night out. However on her walk across campus she encounters the lights going out and a tall stranger grabs her guiding her surprisingly to her friends who he just happens to know. Thinking it’s a set up the truth never crosses her mind that he’s an alien bodyguard sent to protect her. When they are attached again by the dark creature in the night it becomes apparent that Kyra’s whole world has been a lie, and that the only one who can save her is Ty.

As the truth unfolds Kyra learns that not only is she an alien but she is also expected to be the leader of her people who will bring peace but at what cost. The more time she spends with Ty she can’t deny her attraction to him which goes against the rules because a matchmaker will pair her up. Upon arrival on her home planet she’s welcomed back with open arms but the advisor to her parents quickly wants to lock down her emotions and pull the memories of Ty from her so that he can control her. Will Kyra and Ty be able to be together? What about the Shelvaks the rival race who’s tried to kill her? Can she unite them?

I like Kyra she doesn’t have any of her memories of her past but after being attacked by aliens she handles it well. I wasn’t sure about Ty at first but as the book progressed he was perfect for Kyra they have this fiery chemistry. We have a little bit of her friends from school who are also aliens as well as some new characters on her home planet. However it’s clearly about the future of Kyra and her forbidden relationship between Ty.

I didn’t know what to expect with this one I didn’t read the synopsis when I decided to start it because I fell in love with the gorgeous cover. I instantly was captivated by the story it draws you in with hot aliens fighting bad aliens to protect the girl. I’ve not read a lot of alien books but they are quickly becoming a favorite of mine the more I read. I found the idea for Return of the Ascendant unique and exciting it’s a captivating novel. I really loved the chemistry between the main characters while they do have a few steamy moments they aren’t overwhelming which I found refreshing. I’m the kind of reader who prefers story to steamy moments and prefer them to be placed tastefully in the story which the author does. This is my first book by the author but I’m a fan of her writing style. I already have the next two in the series ready to go. Looking forward to seeing how the series will play out.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews35 followers
April 13, 2014
Series: The Ascendant #1
Category /Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance
Received from: Raine Thomas (in exchange for an honest review)
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect

This is book one in The Ascendent series. It does stand-alone (no cliffhanger), but you’re going to want to read more. If I could give a standing ovation to a book, this one would have me jumping up and down and screaming for an encore. Oh, wait! There IS an encore coming!!

I only said yes to reading this because it was from Raine. If anybody else had asked me if I wanted to read about Alien Romance, I would have said, “No, thank you.” I am SO glad I did not pass this up. Ty is the perfect bodyguard/boyfriend. He is literally in pain to love his girl and endures it willingly for her. The villain is deliciously evil (I kept picturing Jafar from Disney’s Aladdin.)

I will not miss the next book in the series and have got to read more from Ms. Thomas. She is an author who never disappoints in providing a great story with characters you will love or love to hate.
Profile Image for Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader).
702 reviews680 followers
August 9, 2015
3.5 stars

Did I enjoy this book: Return of the Ascendant is a fun read for sure! It has everything a paranormal romance should have: forbidden love, mind reading lovers, a villain you love you hate, secretly discovering you are the ruler of the galaxy, etc. . . . The characters are fun if not a little cliche, but I can’t hold it against them. Kyra is a wonderfully strong female lead, and I enjoyed cheering for her. I enjoyed the plot lines, especially the concept of aliens who come to Earth to learn “lessons” in order to be better people when they return home. I had a really good time reading this book, but there were a couple of things that kept bugging me as I went on.

When I first picked up the book, I thought, “Oohh The Ascendant, that sounds fun! I wonder what The Ascendant is!” I’m still wondering. What the fudge is the Ascendant?! I figured since it was in the title I was sure to get a good explanation, but I still have no clue. There was a brief mention of a myth or prophesy and a vague reference to “ruler of worlds,” but I want to know more!
Further, I was constantly baffled by Kyr’s complete lack of interest in finding out anything about the alien planet she’s supposed to rule. There’s plenty of time in the beginning of the book for the steamy Ty to explain all of the back story to Kyr, but he never did, and she never asked. I mean, I understand that she would rather make out with him than discuss galactic prophesies and politics, but geez! They can’t get it on all the time. What about the several hours of car trips? Did they sit in silence the whole time? It’s incredibly frustrating.

The only other thing that bothered me is that I couldn’t seem to come up with a good concept of pronunciation of the alien words. I would really enjoy seeing a pronunciation key somewhere in the book. I know the author made some attempts to let us know how to say the titles and words via muddled context clues, but a pronunciation key would be much simpler.

Would I recommend it: I would absolutely recommend this book to any lovers of Paranormal Romance. It was a fun, entertaining way to escape for a couple of hours! While I probably won’t read it again, I’ll definitely read the next book in the series . . . after all — I’m still waiting to find out what it means for Kyra to be the Ascendant!

As reviewed by Sara at Every Free Chance Books.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


http://everyfreechance.com/2015/02/sa...
Profile Image for BookHookup.
1,403 reviews108 followers
April 17, 2014
I have now come to terms with the fact that I will read and enjoy anything that Raine Thomas writes…young adult, new adult, contemporary, romance, fantasy…grocery list… Well, maybe not that last one, but you know what I mean. It’s great to find an author who can write many different types of books and do it all so well! After a couple of contemporary romances, Ms. Thomas is back to her roots with this new fantasy series and I, for one, am glad. Her imagination knows no bounds and this book is proof of that.

I loved the Estilorian realm in her Daughters of Saraqael series and, to tell you the truth, I was fearful that this might feel too “been there, done that”. Boy was I wrong. This new series is NA which adds a completely different dimension to the story and Alametria is definitely unique. What is the same, however, is that once again I’ve fallen in love with the characters and the storyline!

Kyra is from Earth, or so she believes. As her adventure begins, she learns that no only is she from another galaxy but she’s also the Ascendant, someone meant to bring peace to the worlds. Alametria, the planet she’s from, is more advanced than Earth in many ways but, the decisions it’s inhabitants have made also prove to be troublesome. This makes Kyra’s introduction to this world startling. As she begins to gain back her memories of her life, she also discovers that much of what goes on there is not to her liking. TaeDane (Ty) is Kyra’s protector…a bodyguard, if you will. He is fiercely loyal, brave, strong and, well, dreamy!! Yes, totally dreamy!! He’s determined to protect Kyra and in doing so brings all the swoons! I can’t wait to read more about their forbidden love. Their chemistry is definitely hot!! I should also mention that this world has great secondary characters as well. Some I love and some I love to hate!

There are plenty of adventures, twists and turns and evil characters in this book. It’s a quick read…mostly because I couldn’t put it down. I love that this story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger but that, at the same time, you fully understand there’s so much more to come. This story is not nearly done and Kyra and Ty have so much more adventure ahead of them. And, thankfully, I’m sure there will also be more romance in their future…because this girl can never have enough of that!
Profile Image for Lisa.
105 reviews33 followers
August 9, 2014
As far as I am concerned Raine cannot write a bad book,I know for a fact if I see a book wrote by Raine I am going to buy it no matter the genre. I have loved everything she as written so far and Return of the Ascendant is no exception.

Kyra is just like any other girl going to college and hanging with her friends, or so she believes, until one night everything she thought she knew is turned on its head and she learns not only is she from a planet called Alamertri but she is also the Ascendant or in our terms someone who will bring peace to the planet.

We also have the totally swoon worthy TaeDane known also as Ty, Raine is is unbelievable good at writing swoon worthy guys into her stories and Ty is up there in my top 10. I am actually thinking of writing a post dedicated to Raine's gorgeous hunks but lets leave that for another day.

As Kyra regains her memories and re learns who she was before she located to earth she discovers she doesn't like the person who she was and is determined to be the change she is sure her planet needs. Not everyone is thrilled by the new Kyra though.

I love the characters in this story Kyra and obviously Ty as you might have guessed is my favourite but even the secondary characters have depth and the world building as always is amazing. Then there is the villain who I absolutely loved to hate, I was reminded on more than one occasion by my fiancé that I needed to be careful or I would break my kindle but when I am in the reading zone and reading a book as well wrote as this it is so easy to forget your not part of the story and I actually forgot that I couldn't really wring his neck. lol thankfully my kindle is intact and I cant wait to make a start on the next book in the series Rout of the Dem-Shyr which as already being downloaded onto my kindle.

This book is NA but any steamy scenes are done tactfully and not at all seedy.
Profile Image for Take Me Away To A Great Read.
502 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2014
5 out of 5 stars

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

Return of the Ascendant was everything I wanted it to be and so much more!!! I read the short-story prequel to the series in the Take Me To Your Readers Anthology and loved it so much I had to read the series! I was not disappointed at all, this is a kick-butt sci-fi alien book with amazing chemistry romance and snarky banter! You will fall in love with Raine's writing the same way I have once you start, and you won't be able to stop!!!

Kyra has been living on Earth as a college student and learning her lesson that she needs from the planet she is on. She has no memories of her past lessons from other planets. Kyra also does not remember that she is the Ascendant and her role in saving her people. She has forgotten everyone including her protector Ty, the Dem-shyr.

Ty and Kyra have been fighting their feelings for each other and know that their love is forbidden. Every time they are together his arms glow and cause him pain as a reminder of there forbidden relationship.

With enemies closely pursuing Kyra and them trying to save her, will she be able to rise and return as the Ascendant? Will Kyra remember everything that Ty and her have meant to each other? Will Kyra remember her role and power as the Ascendant? Will a new unexpected enemy rise?

You won't guess what will happen next because Raine does such an amazing job of surprising you with great twists and turns. The World Building, Characters, and Details in this book are just Outstanding!!! I am giving it 5 out of 5 stars!!!

Profile Image for Megan.
408 reviews
August 8, 2014
I will admit. I am NOT. A big sci-fi reader. Never have been but I enjoyed this book. I hates when they got back to Alametria though. That place is just awful. I almost couldn't read anymore because I got so sick of her "parents" and all. I was screaming "go back to earth" while reading lol. It was good though!!
Profile Image for Michelle Cornwell-Jordan.
Author 16 books160 followers
April 8, 2014
I was truly excited for the opportunity to read Return Of The Ascendant! I am a true fan of Author Raine Thomas loving all of her works, and so I was beside with excitement with reading a new series from this author!:O)

Return Of The Ascendant follows college student Kyra Vaughn whose biggest concern was the birthday outing she and best friends Avana and Sam would attend. But things changed when her birthday outing was transformed into an introduction into an entirely new world!

Soon not only does Kyra learn that she is not from Earth, but that she is a great ruler…considered an almost Savior in her home world; and also reeling from that knowledge and the fact that the parents(Earth) , her best friends and all that she thought was “real” to her was not…Kyra at some points feels as if she will not be able to deal with it all. But the bright spot in all of that which is happening to Kyra is Ty; the incredibly hot protector who she instinctively is drawn to, although she has no memories him. But when Kyra is returned back to her world, she is not happy with all that she discovers…her birth parents are cold almost indifferent towards her…and many of those in the foreign world…desires to see Kyra destroyed.

As she tries to adjust to her home again and to the knowledge of who she once was and the fact that her love for Ty is forbidden …Kyra has the desire to reject all that’s new and return to what is familiar.

But soon choices must be made and an enemy faced that leaves Kyra with the choice of allowing those she love and those she was born to protect in danger or to fulfill her destiny!

Author Raine Thomas never fails to thrill with her action packed plots, steamy encounters and well written stories! I love Kyra’s strength, her voice is realistic and feisty. Ty is protective, gorgeous and I enjoy seeing the relationship with the two evolve. I sometimes giggle at his frustration when Kyra does not remember who they were to the other, or his slight jealousy of Sem’s (Sam’s) affection for Kyra. But it is very evident there is no one else that can come close to Ty in Kyra’s heart!

I also really liked the characters Avana who would be the type of best friend I would love to have and Sam (Sem) with his “Damon(Vampire Diaries) good-looks…he also made it onto my book boyfriend list as well!!:O)

I truly despise Vycor ugh…that is all I can say regarding this character! Lol

One of the tickle moments for me was when Kyra was introduced to the Palace’s mode of transportation which for this incredibly advanced society was a horse and carriage! Her jaw simply dropped:O)

I truly enjoyed Return Of The Ascendant with its fast-moving plot, well written and well-rounded characters…gorgeous guys and strong females plus very HOT scenes this is a fantastic read! I recommend to anyone that likes Paranormal, Sci-Fi or Fantasy. Also I recommend for 18 years plus due to some adult situations:)

I can barely wait for the next book in the Ascendant series!! Please hurry up Ms. Thomas with the next book!:O)
Profile Image for Ana.
959 reviews27 followers
April 17, 2014
I have now come to terms with the fact that I will read and enjoy anything that Raine Thomas writes…young adult, new adult, contemporary, romance, fantasy…grocery list… Well, maybe not that last one, but you know what I mean. It’s great to find an author who can write many different types of books and do it all so well! After a couple of contemporary romances, Ms. Thomas is back to her roots with this new fantasy series and I, for one, am glad. Her imagination knows no bounds and this book is proof of that.

I loved the Estilorian realm in her Daughters of Saraqael series and, to tell you the truth, I was fearful that this might feel too “been there, done that”. Boy was I wrong. This new series is NA which adds a completely different dimension to the story and Alametria is definitely unique. What is the same, however, is that once again I’ve fallen in love with the characters and the storyline!

Kyra is from Earth, or so she believes. As her adventure begins, she learns that no only is she from another galaxy but she’s also the Ascendant, someone meant to bring peace to the worlds. Alametria, the planet she’s from, is more advanced than Earth in many ways but, the decisions it’s inhabitants have made also prove to be troublesome. This makes Kyra’s introduction to this world startling. As she begins to gain back her memories of her life, she also discovers that much of what goes on there is not to her liking. TaeDane (Ty) is Kyra’s protector…a bodyguard, if you will. He is fiercely loyal, brave, strong and, well, dreamy!! Yes, totally dreamy!! He’s determined to protect Kyra and in doing so brings all the swoons! I can’t wait to read more about their forbidden love. Their chemistry is definitely hot!! I should also mention that this world has great secondary characters as well. Some I love and some I love to hate!

There are plenty of adventures, twists and turns and evil characters in this book. It’s a quick read…mostly because I couldn’t put it down. I love that this story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger but that, at the same time, you fully understand there’s so much more to come. This story is not nearly done and Kyra and Ty have so much more adventure ahead of them. And, thankfully, I’m sure there will also be more romance in their future…because this girl can never have enough of that!
Profile Image for A Book Vacation.
1,485 reviews730 followers
March 30, 2014
To see my full review:

http://abookvacation.com/2014/04/08/r...

Fast-paced and full of heart-pounding adventure, Thomas takes readers on a ride they won’t soon forget as Kyra learns the truth of her heritage in Return of the Ascendant. I am in awe of Thomas’ sheer writing ability, in love with Ty, and dying to know what happens next. Thankfully, Thomas does not make it a habit of leaving her readers on a cliffhanger, and while this novel is the first in a series, it does have an epic conclusion that helps tide readers over as we await the next installment of this amazing alien series.

Currently residing on earth, the only planet Kyra consciously knows she’s ever lived upon, her world comes crashing down as a handsome and mysterious stranger enters her life, carrying her away as the shadows creep down upon her and her friends. Complete with romance, epic battles, and a plot that thickens at every turn, Kyra’s story is sure to entice readers from the very beginning, drawing them in and not releasing until the very last page.

As Kyra slowly begins to remember her past and accept her future as the Ascendant, the ruler of worlds, she must battle the rigid and unforgiving etiquette of a society she wants nothing to do with, and a group intent on stopping her from accepting her right as the Ascendant. It’s heart-pounding fun, and I will admit that there were multiple times that my entire body tensed as Kyra and Ty found themselves up against the odds, facing difficult, dangers, and even heinous situations.

This one is a MUST read; I highly recommend it to all NA lovers 18+–reader beware, there are a few hot hot scenes, hence the age warning.

There is also a short novelette prequel to this novel called” The Ascendant,” which focuses on the memory Kyra shares with Ty concerning a car accident. While explained well enough in Return of the Ascendant, this short novelette is well worth the read as it is more specific and sheds light on the story. I read the novellete first and was dying to read The Return of the Ascendant by the end–”The Ascendant,” too, is indeed a must read. Find it in the Take Me To Your Reader Anthology.
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,987 reviews91 followers
April 7, 2014
A truly magnificent story as Kyra learns the truth of who she is as she fights her way back home. Home to a planet she doesn’t even remember. But once there she may wish she never returned. She slowly remembers her past and the person she once was. Someone who wasn't very nice. Not to mention, a race of aliens wants her dead. And her own parents are less than loving towards her. Her future seems like a losing battle with only one small flicker of hope: Ty. She is starting to remember him and their shared feelings for each other. Forbidden feelings. But as she remembers, her feelings only grow stronger. Will they have a future together? Can she be the leader the prophecy claims her to be, or will she fail before she even is given a chance?

Ever since I read Thomas' THE ASCENDANT in the anthology TAKE ME TO YOUR READER, I got a hunger for this one. I was giddy with excitement when I thought of there being more of Ty to read about. I needed more than a few pages of him and Kyra, and here we get it with this one. And I can honestly say that the hunger was justified. Thomas did a fantastic job bringing these two together once again and building the feelings between them. I loved watching their feelings grow into something that was new to us, even though they had experienced this many times before.

Yes, I absolutely loved the story. Like love-loved it. It is amazing the lengths that an author will go to, to make a story not only enjoyable but memorable as well. From the well written story line, to the excellent constructed characters all the way to the perfectly executed ending. And ending that gives you a conclusion for this book but a wanting for the one to come.

Read it, loved it, recommend it! 5 Out of this World Stars!
Profile Image for Eliana.
57 reviews38 followers
June 8, 2015
http://itsyouandeverything.com/2015/0...

Plot: Kyra thinks she is an ordinary human girl, but that is only because she doesn’t remember her past. In reality she is an Alematrian. Not only does she come from a different planet, she also comes from a different galaxy.

The Plot is interesting, but I must admit that especially in the beginning it was very confusing. The explanations over how Alematria works were not very clear, so even when something was explained in the book, you needed time to understand the explanation.
Although the learning curve for this book is not big, the unclear manner in which things were explained made the world a lot harder to grasp.
However, overall there were not any plot holes that I can say I noticed, or that bothered me, which is surprising because this book is short. So, it was a pleasant surprise that the world was created so well within so few pages.

Characters: The characters in this book, is what made me want to keep reading. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Kyr and Ty, plus I really want to know what happens with these “star-crossed lovers.” The only thing that bothered me a bit was all the weird names and stations within the world’s social class. I feel like those could have been explained better. It is like there was a hierarchy, but it wasn’t really applied throughout the book. (I do not know how to explain it)
Overall: Generally, this book was a very quick read. The books is fairly fast paced and it is a good page turner. It is enjoyable to read and for anyone who is a fan of fantasy YA, I would definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for EndlessReading.
519 reviews34 followers
June 29, 2014
Firstly I want to thank the lovely Raine Thomas for kindly providing me with a copy of "Return Of The Ascendant" to read and review.

I've seen this book posted around a few times and I kept telling myself that's next on my list to read, but I never got the chance, but NOW I have, and OMG.! I can't believe I waited so long....

Return of the Ascendant is action packed with a sprinkle of forbidden romance to keep the reader intrigued...

Kyra thinks her friends are pranking her and some "HOT" dude is just in on it for the sake of a few shits & giggles....but oh no....she really is in danger, and she's from another planet entirely....oh and did I mention that she's not only some holy princess but the Ascendant?....yeah shit's just got real....

Always on the lookout for the enemy Ty is finding his job harder and harder the more time he's spending with Ky....although he knows of their past, she does not.

Ty is strong, loyal, and of course overbearing, but he's totally swoonworthy and droolworthy

As Kyra slowly begins to remember her past and accept her future as the Ascendant, things start to seriously hit the fan, enemies are at the forefront, loved ones stand against her...

Who can she really trust?

There are lots of trials and hurdles that both Ky & Ty have to face, but the question is...do they face it alone, or together as one?

Will they have a future together?

Can she be the leader the prophecy claims her to be, or will she fail before even given a chance?
3 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2014
The first thing I noticed when I started reading was that this book was written in third person. I'm not overly fond of third person writing and have sometimes opted not to read a book because it bothered me. However, with really awesome books you get used to it and then it doesn't matter. This is one of those books that are really awesome! The beginning felt devoid of emotion for me and I would have liked to see more of her friendship with her college friends rather than saying they were friends and then just leave them out. One thing I really loved about this book was how they fell in love. In too many books it seems to happen so quickly and outrageously. One minute they are strangers and the next minute they can't live without each other but not here! In this book, feelings developed quickly yes but the couple has a long past so it was more of feelings being remembered. I liked that; it didn't seem rushed. The story line was AMAZING! So creative and it really drew me in. I couldn't put it down! When she arrives on her home planet I immediately dislike her family and what her family/planet deemed proper on how to act and treat others. As the book progressed I continuously disliked her family more and more, but with that there are also friendships being made too :) And then WOW with the ending! I immediately purchased the second book on my Kindle.

I'm terribly sorry if my review is so vague I just really do not want to give any tiny little thing away. If you love paranormal romance you will love this series! READ and you will not regret it! :)
Profile Image for The Color of Ink.
330 reviews24 followers
April 8, 2014
Kyra has plans for the night and she is already running behind schedule. She was on her way through the college campus expecting to meet her friends and spend the evening at a frat party. However, shouldn't you always expect the unexpected? Something completely unexpected is exactly what you will get when you read Return of the Ascendant.

Kyra is your everyday run of the mill college student or so she thinks. When the shadows creep in on her, the world and everything she knows comes crashing in on her. She is in danger and a handsome stranger is determined to keep her safe. Although Ty isn't a stranger, but he is physically and mentally powerful with a sweet side of sexy to boot. As the night unfolds Kyra learns she is the, Ascendant, future ruler of worlds. Nothing will stop Ty from doing his duty and getting her to remember who she is. With an undeniable attraction resurfacing and her life in danger will they make it back to her home world?

Dive in and discover the planet of Alametria where you will find that there are things that some would rather forget. Where making a choice could risk it all or raise her up to the person she is destined to be. It seems new worlds and special beings come naturally to Raine Thomas. Her characters are interesting with just enough steamy encounters to not overwhelm the story. And the story is a unique one that deserves all the attention. You don’t want to miss this one. I cannot wait until the second book is available.
Profile Image for Amberr Meadows.
50 reviews36 followers
April 8, 2014
Disclosure: I received this book for purposes of an honest review. Opinions are my own and unaffected by other parties.

"She's Destined to Rule Worlds. He's Determined to rule her heart."

Return of the Ascendant was superb from beginning to end. An excellent story line starting on a college campus and ending somewhere deep in the universe, combined with a steamy romance between the main protagonist, Kyra, and her smokin' hot protector, Ty, leaves me waiting on the edge of my seat for the second book in the series to come out. Kyra's true friends and Kindred are endearing characters while her real parents are nauseatingly clueless, leaving it difficult for Kyra to ascend without hateful interference from a villain who you love to despise. His fate is a spoiler, but it did leave a smile on my face. A Utopian society in Alametria seems too good to be true, and enough foreshadowing let's the reader know it is too good to be true and a darkness is coming to be dealt with by Kyra in the future. With her spunk, charm, beauty, and intelligence alone, I have no doubt she'll be the ruler of worlds to exceed all expectations of anyone doubting her. This is a must read book if you love New Adult, Sci-Fi, and steamy, sweet sexual interludes without raunchiness. Loved it!
Profile Image for Sarah.
72 reviews40 followers
March 12, 2014
I really enjoyed Return of the Ascendant! I found the characters easy to connect to and the story line easy to follow. I found it interesting that the Alamertrian ways included removing memories of lessons they deemed unnecessary but was pleasantly surprised when Kyra disagreed with that practice upon returning. The connection between Kyra and Ty was fun to watch develop as Kyra didn't have access to her memories of him initially but felt drawn to him. I'm a huge fan of strong female characters who aren't afraid to also ask for help when needed and Kyra played that role wonderfully. Return of the Ascendant is an action packed with just the right amount of romance and intrigue sprinkled in!

I feel like there is something ore going on with Kyra's birth parents and hope that is explained more in future books, along with seeing more of Avana, Sem and Kyra's Kyndred.
Profile Image for Stacey.
307 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2014
Ascendant
Raine Thomas
This book had me hooked the from start to finish
Kyra is a young girl who is just your average girl ( is she ) , living day to day while at college life is alway a battle , lucky her two best friends are there to help keep her busy , happy , loved .
All this is shuck up when the darkness comes to life .....
Then appears Ty omg he's one hot man
He's her protector I know your saying why she need a protector I thought the same .
Well her life is turned upside down , inside out and on its head .
Things you see are not what you see , life is not what you remember . You are someone different but who .
The ascendant is awesomely written the story is full of life . The story is so unreal it's makes it true . I have to admit I'm a convert this book blew me away
Raine Thomas was a new author to me but one I'm keeping a close eye on
Profile Image for Debra.
428 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2014
Kyr was not your average college student at all! She is an important person on another world but I will leave out the details and won't spoil it for anyone. You want to know, read this book. I received my copy in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, a little bit of forbidden romance (not over the top like typical romance novel) , and some interesting adventures thrown in. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
50 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2014
LOVED Return of the Ascendant. Between Kyra's spunky and feisty personality and Ty's smoldering protectiveness, this book was a was absolutely amazing! Raine pulled this story together with full on action, suspense and the forbidden love between two people. I couldnt put this book down! The characters are incredibly well conceived. The plot line is thorough and riveting. Kudos, Raine. Very well done.!!
Profile Image for Sue M. Van.
237 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2014
This is the book that started my passion for Raine Thomas' stories. I simply could not put this book down until I had finished it. The characters are very well developed and the love between royalty and someone considered below her station in society is beautiful and yet challenging. The story flowed smoothly and was easy to follow. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal/sci-fi combined with a great love story, this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Bethany Lopez.
Author 102 books2,119 followers
March 13, 2014
Return of the Ascendant is the return of the Raine Thomas that we all know and love. The way that she build new worlds and beings is one of my favorite things about her writing. And, as always, I love her men. Ty is strong, loyal, and sometimes overbearing, but totaly swoonworthy. I cannot wait to read book 2!
Profile Image for Felicia Semmler .
370 reviews
November 5, 2014
Oh how I loved this book. It was fast paced and the character were so easy to connect too. I am dying for the next book to come out to see what happens between Krya and Ty - their love made my heart ache for them. And I cannot wait to see what happens next!! Totally worth the money and time to read!!
Profile Image for Kristyn Smith.
29 reviews
July 10, 2014
I really enjoyed reading the Ascendant. It was a bit different from most of the books that are currently out there, which I absolutely loved! I was able to easily get into the storyline and I was hooked right away. The story didn't end with a cliffhanger or anything, but I was definitely wanting more.
Profile Image for CJ.
6 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2016
I purchased this book in the collection Curses, Fates, and Soul Mates, which was an impulse buy as it was on sale the day I purchased it. Ms. Thomas’ story certainly made the collection worth the purchase. The storyline was entertaining, and the characters were well defined. This is so much more than a Sci-Fi love story, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,043 reviews18 followers
June 23, 2017
This was a great start to a series, and I can't wait for the next book. I have high hopes for Kyr and Ty's relationship. I really really like Ty. Vycor, or nasty pants as I now like to call him, I am sure will be getting in the way more with his crazy manipulations. He disgusts me to no end. And the Guardians were quite disappointing, too. The worst parents ever.
Profile Image for Kelly Brown.
27 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2015
Loved!

Kyra is just an ordinary college student... or is she? While on her way to meet her best friends she encounters a mysterious guy that changes everything she thought she knew. I loved this book!! I liked how it gave two sides of the story both from kyr's and Ty's perspective. I cannot wait to start the next book... right now!
Profile Image for Meowzilla Y.
240 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2019
Loved the story! I first read the prequel in Take Me to Your Reader and was super psyched when I found out the sequel is already out! Really love the main characters and their love story. Can't wait for the next book!
2 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2014
Love this book and really don't want it to end!!Cant wait for the next one :) Really great!! So if you have 5 mins pick it up and give it a go, you will be drawn in within seconds and wont be able to put it down. You wont be disappointed :) xx
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