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Alternity #1
Ascension
If you die in your dreams, do you die in reality?
When Maaya Hasan is devoured by her late grandmother’s mirror, she learns a powerful shadow demon is after her soul. To remain alive, she’s forced to ally with her enemy’s heir—a flirty, cursed assassin who hides the truth about his broken past. With Ares’s help, she must collect the souls of five dead gods in order to return home.
Throughout their journey, Maaya struggles to survive encounters with merciless demons, spirits, and otherworldly creatures like seer plants, heart-stealing vultures, and a demon of illusions… and to resist her desire for Ares, despite his alluring, incessant attempts to charm her.
As secrets are exposed and a dark power stirs within her, Maaya learns her soul is not the only life at stake. She must sacrifice the love she couldn’t help but become entangled in, or risk the lives of innocents across the universe.
For all gods covet sacrifice.
When Maaya Hasan is devoured by her late grandmother’s mirror, she learns a powerful shadow demon is after her soul. To remain alive, she’s forced to ally with her enemy’s heir—a flirty, cursed assassin who hides the truth about his broken past. With Ares’s help, she must collect the souls of five dead gods in order to return home.
Throughout their journey, Maaya struggles to survive encounters with merciless demons, spirits, and otherworldly creatures like seer plants, heart-stealing vultures, and a demon of illusions… and to resist her desire for Ares, despite his alluring, incessant attempts to charm her.
As secrets are exposed and a dark power stirs within her, Maaya learns her soul is not the only life at stake. She must sacrifice the love she couldn’t help but become entangled in, or risk the lives of innocents across the universe.
For all gods covet sacrifice.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2024
10 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Engstrand
1 book17 followersBrittany Engstrand writes primarily dark fiction with hints of romance, challenging herself to write from the most misunderstood depths of her mind… or rather, all of her minds. Before she was published, she graduated cum laude with a BS in Health Sciences in 2013. She is a full time corporate employee and mom to three.
When she’s not daydreaming, Brittany can be found doodling character art, traipsing around Virginia Beach with her husband and kids, or obsessing over her most recent temporary hyper-fixation.
To find out more about her musings and get the most up-to-date information about her future works,visit: https://linktr.ee/beestree
When she’s not daydreaming, Brittany can be found doodling character art, traipsing around Virginia Beach with her husband and kids, or obsessing over her most recent temporary hyper-fixation.
To find out more about her musings and get the most up-to-date information about her future works,visit: https://linktr.ee/beestree
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 11, 2024
Never before has a book made me so obsessed. And so deliciously furious.
I read Ascension faster than most books with such elaborate worldbuilding, lore, and cast. The entire time swearing at the HERO. Why, you ask? Let me tell you... and keep it spoiler-free at the same time. Trust me, you want to feel it all without an inkling of what awaits you.
Because that free fall into the abyss is Ares. That screaming at the abyss is Ares. You don't want to run into him in a dark forest, no, you don't, and yet you want him to wait for you at the edge of Eternity.
Maaya might make you want to yell some more. But it's mostly because you love her. Her task is difficult already, having been thrown into a world she knows nothing about while discovering powers she has yet to master. And there grins Ares. Yes, the same one I was talking about.
Is he hot? Devastatingly so. Does he know it? Unfortunately yes. Can she focus on saving the world with him distracting her? Now that, you must find out on your own. It is worth it.
I read Ascension faster than most books with such elaborate worldbuilding, lore, and cast. The entire time swearing at the HERO. Why, you ask? Let me tell you... and keep it spoiler-free at the same time. Trust me, you want to feel it all without an inkling of what awaits you.
Because that free fall into the abyss is Ares. That screaming at the abyss is Ares. You don't want to run into him in a dark forest, no, you don't, and yet you want him to wait for you at the edge of Eternity.
Maaya might make you want to yell some more. But it's mostly because you love her. Her task is difficult already, having been thrown into a world she knows nothing about while discovering powers she has yet to master. And there grins Ares. Yes, the same one I was talking about.
Is he hot? Devastatingly so. Does he know it? Unfortunately yes. Can she focus on saving the world with him distracting her? Now that, you must find out on your own. It is worth it.
October 16, 2024
Arc review: I absolutely adored this! From the second I began reading, I was so intrigued with the world building & I really enjoyed how fast paced this started, it definitely kept me engaged in the story!
I loved that it was so captivating & I really relate to the fmc, Maaya, as she discovers who she really is, I love a good self discovery story 🙌
Ans my gods the mmc, Ares(shadow daddyyy) - he is a biig time flirt & he stole my heart almost instantly, he's everything you could want in a morally gray mmc 😍
Alsooo the twists & turns really kept me on edge, I love that in a good read!
The magic & romance in this was amazinggg too & ugh the tension (&spiceee) between Maaya & Ares is soooo 🥵 (new shaddow daddy bf?)
I am stoked for the rest of the series & I am so happy I got the chance to read Ascension- it is suuuch an amazing story & will def pull on your heart strings at some moments
I loved that it was so captivating & I really relate to the fmc, Maaya, as she discovers who she really is, I love a good self discovery story 🙌
Ans my gods the mmc, Ares(shadow daddyyy) - he is a biig time flirt & he stole my heart almost instantly, he's everything you could want in a morally gray mmc 😍
Alsooo the twists & turns really kept me on edge, I love that in a good read!
The magic & romance in this was amazinggg too & ugh the tension (&spiceee) between Maaya & Ares is soooo 🥵 (new shaddow daddy bf?)
I am stoked for the rest of the series & I am so happy I got the chance to read Ascension- it is suuuch an amazing story & will def pull on your heart strings at some moments
November 27, 2024
I love a good portal fantasy, and this scratched the itch! It is also a sloww burn, so buckle up and settle in! It probably could have been shorter and still relayed all the same things, but ultimately, it was an enjoyable read. I hope we get a sequel so we can check in on Maaya and Ares!
October 10, 2024
Ascension by Brittany Engstrand ARC Review
Firstly, thank you to the Author, Brittany for allowing me to read her new book Ascension which is being released on 20th October 2024! This was a captivating read that explored self-discovery, personal growth and magic. I had a lot of fun reading this and cannot wait for the remainder of the series.
Ascension is a beautiful blend of self-discovery, fantasy, magic and romance that drew me in from the very first chapter. The plot centered around a relatable FMC whose story of awakening her unknown powers unfolds in a whirlwind of a richly imagined world filled with danger, unexpected love and excitement. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the world to life with their descriptive writing, immersing me in a very vivid setting and emotional moments.
The pacing of this book I felt, was well-balanced, with enough plot twists that kept me engaged. The book really shines in its character development though for both the FMC and MMC as they struggle with inner conflict, personal growth and undeniable attractions. This felt organic and authentic and was expertly displayed through multi POV's. This book felt more than just your typical fantasy adventure with the author doing a great job of weaving in the themes of power, love, belonging, found family and identity that really resonated with me. The undeniable attraction and tension between characters was beautifully written and built a healthy amount of anticipation.
There were a few moments were the plot felt slightly predictable and the fight scenes felt anti-climatic and slightly repetitive, however the overall experience was exciting and enjoyable. These small critiques, however, do not take away from how much I enjoyed reading this book.
In conclusion, Ascension is a very enjoyable read and would be perfect for any fans of fantasy and romance, with interesting characters and an engaging plot. Thus if you liked the sound of it from this review be sure to check it out when it is released later this month!
Firstly, thank you to the Author, Brittany for allowing me to read her new book Ascension which is being released on 20th October 2024! This was a captivating read that explored self-discovery, personal growth and magic. I had a lot of fun reading this and cannot wait for the remainder of the series.
Ascension is a beautiful blend of self-discovery, fantasy, magic and romance that drew me in from the very first chapter. The plot centered around a relatable FMC whose story of awakening her unknown powers unfolds in a whirlwind of a richly imagined world filled with danger, unexpected love and excitement. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the world to life with their descriptive writing, immersing me in a very vivid setting and emotional moments.
The pacing of this book I felt, was well-balanced, with enough plot twists that kept me engaged. The book really shines in its character development though for both the FMC and MMC as they struggle with inner conflict, personal growth and undeniable attractions. This felt organic and authentic and was expertly displayed through multi POV's. This book felt more than just your typical fantasy adventure with the author doing a great job of weaving in the themes of power, love, belonging, found family and identity that really resonated with me. The undeniable attraction and tension between characters was beautifully written and built a healthy amount of anticipation.
There were a few moments were the plot felt slightly predictable and the fight scenes felt anti-climatic and slightly repetitive, however the overall experience was exciting and enjoyable. These small critiques, however, do not take away from how much I enjoyed reading this book.
In conclusion, Ascension is a very enjoyable read and would be perfect for any fans of fantasy and romance, with interesting characters and an engaging plot. Thus if you liked the sound of it from this review be sure to check it out when it is released later this month!
September 24, 2024
A Fantastical Dream That Will Leave You Questioning Reality
Ascension is a fast-paced read with little to no coming up for air. The battles are quick, harsh, and bloody as Maaya races against powerful demons to secure the sacred souls she needs to defeat the BBEG. During some points, it gave me Howl's Moving Castle Vibes, but the bulk of the story reminds me of Stephen R. Donaldson's "A Mirror of Her Dreams" but a Hindu version of because of the names, places, and ascension rules of godhood. The world-building was pretty, the history rich and interesting, but I struggled with the MC. Maaya is sweet and she's been through some heavy stuff, so I see what spurred the conflicts. However, her issues are borderline maddening, and had to remind myself she is only 18 years old. She's got a lot of growing left to do and certainly does throughout her time in Alternity.
The romance though... Y'all. I like a slow burn, but this was the SLOWEST of slow burns bordering on 'throw the book across the room' aggravating. Even so, the back and forth between the MC & LI plucked my heartstrings and caused most of my tears.
Lastly, Ares is my favorite character and deserves all the happiness. Fight me. lol
Ruined Mascara Rating: Ruined
(Visit www.AuthorKPRoberson.com/book-reviews for more info on this rating system.)
*I received a free ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Ascension is a fast-paced read with little to no coming up for air. The battles are quick, harsh, and bloody as Maaya races against powerful demons to secure the sacred souls she needs to defeat the BBEG. During some points, it gave me Howl's Moving Castle Vibes, but the bulk of the story reminds me of Stephen R. Donaldson's "A Mirror of Her Dreams" but a Hindu version of because of the names, places, and ascension rules of godhood. The world-building was pretty, the history rich and interesting, but I struggled with the MC. Maaya is sweet and she's been through some heavy stuff, so I see what spurred the conflicts. However, her issues are borderline maddening, and had to remind myself she is only 18 years old. She's got a lot of growing left to do and certainly does throughout her time in Alternity.
The romance though... Y'all. I like a slow burn, but this was the SLOWEST of slow burns bordering on 'throw the book across the room' aggravating. Even so, the back and forth between the MC & LI plucked my heartstrings and caused most of my tears.
Lastly, Ares is my favorite character and deserves all the happiness. Fight me. lol
Ruined Mascara Rating: Ruined
(Visit www.AuthorKPRoberson.com/book-reviews for more info on this rating system.)
*I received a free ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
November 10, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. The blurb was so promising, and there are many 4-5 star reviews of this book already ... but it just didn't quite hit the mark for me. These are all my own opinions, and there may be readers out there who will love this story. It feels like a darker, more mature version of The Chronicles of Narnia / Labyrinth / Alice in Wonderland, with a sexy shadow-daddy MMC that would appeal to fans of ACOTAR.
I loved Maaya as the FMC, she was totally badass. And Ares was equally promising as the morally grey love interest with a traumatic past and a dark secret agenda. However, I just didn't enjoy their romance. It was too insta-love. Ares saying he would "worship" her within ten minutes of meeting her was a bit too much for me. I liked the flirty banter from Maaya, but I felt that Ares came on far too strong (and it was evidenced in his internal monologues that he was really feeling that - it wasn't just an act). I prefer a slow-burn type of romance.
Brittany Engstrand is clearly a talented writer, describing a complex fantasy world with precision and creativity. There are some fabulous quotes here, particularly out of Ares' mouth that were ridiculously romantic and I'm sure will have readers swooning.
I really liked the opening chapters - it was a strong start that introduced us to Maaya's personality, explained her dysfunctional relationships with both her boyfriend and her mother, and set the scene for the start of her journey into Alternity.
Unfortunately there was a problem with pacing in my opinion. One minute there is urgency to get to the next place before the big threat does, then the next minute there's time to chill with the locals or sneaking into sheds for alone time? And also there was an additional mini-threat every few chapters for them to defeat, which made the book a lot longer than it needed to be. Several chapters could have been cut without affecting the plot. There was so much packed into this book that it could have easily been two books.
I wish Brittany Engstrand well with the rest of her writing endeavours!
I loved Maaya as the FMC, she was totally badass. And Ares was equally promising as the morally grey love interest with a traumatic past and a dark secret agenda. However, I just didn't enjoy their romance. It was too insta-love. Ares saying he would "worship" her within ten minutes of meeting her was a bit too much for me. I liked the flirty banter from Maaya, but I felt that Ares came on far too strong (and it was evidenced in his internal monologues that he was really feeling that - it wasn't just an act). I prefer a slow-burn type of romance.
Brittany Engstrand is clearly a talented writer, describing a complex fantasy world with precision and creativity. There are some fabulous quotes here, particularly out of Ares' mouth that were ridiculously romantic and I'm sure will have readers swooning.
I really liked the opening chapters - it was a strong start that introduced us to Maaya's personality, explained her dysfunctional relationships with both her boyfriend and her mother, and set the scene for the start of her journey into Alternity.
Unfortunately there was a problem with pacing in my opinion. One minute there is urgency to get to the next place before the big threat does, then the next minute there's time to chill with the locals or sneaking into sheds for alone time? And also there was an additional mini-threat every few chapters for them to defeat, which made the book a lot longer than it needed to be. Several chapters could have been cut without affecting the plot. There was so much packed into this book that it could have easily been two books.
I wish Brittany Engstrand well with the rest of her writing endeavours!
November 13, 2024
My oh my this book took me a minute to read and I am glad I continued it, it had me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering where it would go and how it would end. I love Maaya, and Ares and the crew the banter was lovely and refreshing.
Ascension is about a girl whom was gifted a heirloom mirror from her grandmother whom recently passed away along with a necklace and a journal. One night she is studying alone in her apartment and falls into the mirror and is swept into another world where she meets a mysterious guy whom she is instantly attracted too he tells her how she is important and will be the savior of this world and they have a long dangerous journey ahead of them
Little does she know she's going to fall in love with the bad boy.
Maaya as a character is ah she's understandable she's a bit broken and misunderstood she's also very much taken advantage of while on this journey with Ares and the gang she is learning as she goes, she finds herself having intense feelings for Ares but she's also torn about pursuing them because she has a boyfriend back in her realm her home where she insist she needs to return to. But she also is on the brink of not really caring because her boyfriend never actually really cared about her and just used her and cheated on her.
Ares is a complicated character he is cursed and also the villain kind of, from the beginning he tells Maaya he is no good and that she shouldn't be with him that he'll just hurt her and maybe even bring her death. But he's also selfish, and can't help but desire Maaya and justifies it at every chance that he can that things will be okay and work out.
This book is a journey of self discovery, confrontation, loss and otherworldly beings portal travel and magic with a dash of forbidden love and enemies to lovers. There is some spice in the book it builds up and comes together near the end
Ascension is about a girl whom was gifted a heirloom mirror from her grandmother whom recently passed away along with a necklace and a journal. One night she is studying alone in her apartment and falls into the mirror and is swept into another world where she meets a mysterious guy whom she is instantly attracted too he tells her how she is important and will be the savior of this world and they have a long dangerous journey ahead of them
Little does she know she's going to fall in love with the bad boy.
Maaya as a character is ah she's understandable she's a bit broken and misunderstood she's also very much taken advantage of while on this journey with Ares and the gang she is learning as she goes, she finds herself having intense feelings for Ares but she's also torn about pursuing them because she has a boyfriend back in her realm her home where she insist she needs to return to. But she also is on the brink of not really caring because her boyfriend never actually really cared about her and just used her and cheated on her.
Ares is a complicated character he is cursed and also the villain kind of, from the beginning he tells Maaya he is no good and that she shouldn't be with him that he'll just hurt her and maybe even bring her death. But he's also selfish, and can't help but desire Maaya and justifies it at every chance that he can that things will be okay and work out.
This book is a journey of self discovery, confrontation, loss and otherworldly beings portal travel and magic with a dash of forbidden love and enemies to lovers. There is some spice in the book it builds up and comes together near the end
October 24, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of being a beta reader for this book. Thank you, author, for the privilege!
Throughout this story, the thing that struck me strongest was Engstrand's ability to weave a magical portal fantasy of epic proportions while also keeping us grounded in the characters and their emotions. There are intensely high stakes...but also lighthearted banter and moving revelations.
We begin with Maaya, the relatable FMC who comes from a dysfunctional family, gets to live every girl's dream of journeying to an enchanted world (while telling herself she must be dreaming, but Maaya! Girl! That MAN in front of you is REAL and SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOUR JACKASS "BOYFRIEND" LEVI!!!), and embarks on a quest of both self-discovery and world-saving.
The action scenes are intense, the dialogue is addictive, but the spicy scenes?!?? WHEEEEEW BABY...They are WORTH. THE. WAIT.
Hot.
Hot.
Hot.
Hotttttttttt.
If you need a slow-burn romance starring a girl-next-door and a shadow daddy, look no further.
Throughout this story, the thing that struck me strongest was Engstrand's ability to weave a magical portal fantasy of epic proportions while also keeping us grounded in the characters and their emotions. There are intensely high stakes...but also lighthearted banter and moving revelations.
We begin with Maaya, the relatable FMC who comes from a dysfunctional family, gets to live every girl's dream of journeying to an enchanted world (while telling herself she must be dreaming, but Maaya! Girl! That MAN in front of you is REAL and SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOUR JACKASS "BOYFRIEND" LEVI!!!), and embarks on a quest of both self-discovery and world-saving.
The action scenes are intense, the dialogue is addictive, but the spicy scenes?!?? WHEEEEEW BABY...They are WORTH. THE. WAIT.
Hot.
Hot.
Hot.
Hotttttttttt.
If you need a slow-burn romance starring a girl-next-door and a shadow daddy, look no further.
October 5, 2024
This story follows FMC, Maaya, who inadvertently inherits the weight of a secret world and all its strife after the death of her estranged grandmother. Maaya must navigate in a world full of strange creatures, magic & gods in an attempt to find her way home. But along the way, she meets the misunderstood, morally grey MMC, Ares.
This book is a sloooow burn fantasy romance with a young, at-times infuriating FMC and a morally grey shadow daddy MMC. The world building is quite fanciful & full of interesting places & creatures.
This book is new adult, but portions of the writing felt more stereotypically YA to me. Overall, this book was interesting and different from many other fantasies I’ve read.
This book is a sloooow burn fantasy romance with a young, at-times infuriating FMC and a morally grey shadow daddy MMC. The world building is quite fanciful & full of interesting places & creatures.
This book is new adult, but portions of the writing felt more stereotypically YA to me. Overall, this book was interesting and different from many other fantasies I’ve read.
December 15, 2024
Brittany Engstrand’s Ascension is an engaging dark fantasy romance with a blend of action, mythology, and emotional depth. Maaya Hasan must navigate a deadly quest to outwit a shadow demon, partnering with Ares, a cursed assassin whose charm and secrets keep the tension high. Their dynamic is a standout, balancing wit and vulnerability.
The pacing grips early with vivid action and inventive creatures but slows later to delve into Maaya’s internal struggles. While the world-building is rich, some mythological elements could use more detail. Twists and sacrifices drive a powerful climax, leaving readers eager for more.
With strong characters, imaginative settings, and a compelling blend of danger and romance, Ascension is a must-read for fantasy lovers seeking intrigue and heart.
The pacing grips early with vivid action and inventive creatures but slows later to delve into Maaya’s internal struggles. While the world-building is rich, some mythological elements could use more detail. Twists and sacrifices drive a powerful climax, leaving readers eager for more.
With strong characters, imaginative settings, and a compelling blend of danger and romance, Ascension is a must-read for fantasy lovers seeking intrigue and heart.
August 1, 2024
Fans of steamy, spicy dark fantasy romance, get ready for this one! This book follows heroine Maaya as she navigates a new, secret world, horror creatures, and tempting thoughts about a delicious-looking shadow daddy. All the while, a power grows within her, one that could conquer both worlds, but only if she sacrifices all to claim it. Her character's growth throughout this book makes readers cheer for her.
February 21, 2025
A portal fantasy with a slow-burn romance plot? Sign me up! From the very beginning Maaya's struggles felt real and believable and I liked Ares right off the bat (although, that could be because I'm a sucker for morally gray characters and reformed "villains"). This book totally gave me Spirited Away and Inuyasha vibes. So, if you're looking for a read that'll satisfy the urge for nostalgic anime, look no further.
September 30, 2025
What a wild ride with this debut slow burn romantasy. You are immediately immersed into a darker version of an Alice in Wonderland world except there's no red queen, just a tall dark and handsome MMC. There are twists and unexpected surprises throughout the story, with unique and dark characters you've never met before, which kept it interesting until the end.
July 23, 2024
Dark, sexy, and hits close to home.
Maaya's struggle really spoke to me as someone who went through some of the same things: mother who didn't understand, abusive boyfriend (though she doesn't see him that way)
Though I didn't fall through a mirror into an alternate world to meet a hot, cursed demon daddy.
Ascension is written in a way that you really get to hear, feel, and think how Maaya does. Her struggles, her hopes, her fears, her want to learn more about that hot shadow daddy, Ares.
It was a wonderful journey from start to finish. I cannot wait to have it on my shelf.
Maaya's struggle really spoke to me as someone who went through some of the same things: mother who didn't understand, abusive boyfriend (though she doesn't see him that way)
Though I didn't fall through a mirror into an alternate world to meet a hot, cursed demon daddy.
Ascension is written in a way that you really get to hear, feel, and think how Maaya does. Her struggles, her hopes, her fears, her want to learn more about that hot shadow daddy, Ares.
It was a wonderful journey from start to finish. I cannot wait to have it on my shelf.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews