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Ascension #7
Sins of Eden
There have always been three gods. Always.
Until Elise Kavanagh murdered them.
A demon named Belphegor has entered the Origin and become a new god, triggering genesis: the death and rebirth of the entire universe. He wants Elise to join him in Eden for the end of all things, but only once she’s watched everyone she cares about die painfully under his heel.
With nothing but a dwindling army of werewolves, Elise must enter Eden, slaughter Belphegor, and stop the genesis. But Belphegor’s smarter than Adam ever was, and far crueler. He’s spent lifetimes preparing for this.
He will have his world of Hellfire. He will have victory. And he will have Elise’s life…
Until Elise Kavanagh murdered them.
A demon named Belphegor has entered the Origin and become a new god, triggering genesis: the death and rebirth of the entire universe. He wants Elise to join him in Eden for the end of all things, but only once she’s watched everyone she cares about die painfully under his heel.
With nothing but a dwindling army of werewolves, Elise must enter Eden, slaughter Belphegor, and stop the genesis. But Belphegor’s smarter than Adam ever was, and far crueler. He’s spent lifetimes preparing for this.
He will have his world of Hellfire. He will have victory. And he will have Elise’s life…
304 pages, ebook
First published August 15, 2014
82 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,007 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 21, 2021
🖤 Elise Kavanagh Thou Art the Sunshine of Our Black Withered Hearts Buddy Reread (EKTAtSoOBWHBR™) with the MacHalos 🖤
➽ And the moral of this reread is: Oh wow, I'm still here. Well that's a bloody shrimping surprise. I mean, I sure didn't expect to make it out of this one unscathed. Or even vaguely alive. Or not generally dead.Like pretty much everyone else in this bloody book. I think this calls for a rhythmic celebration and stuff.
See what I did there? Ha!
· Book 1: Sacrificed in Shadow ★★★★
· Book 2: Oaths of Blood ★★★★
· Book 3: Ruled by Steel ★★★★
· Book 4: Caged in Bone ★★★
· Book 5: Lost in Prophecy ★★★★★
· Book 6: Torn by Fury ★★★★★
· Book 8: The Second Coming ★★½
Actual rating: 10 stars.
➽ The Origin. Genesis. Werewolves. Demons. Angels. Gods. Or lack thereof. Hell. Eden. The Garden. Violence. Death. Survival. Nothingness. Eternity. Life. SM Reine, you are officially insane.
➽ This is not the end. It can't be. There will be more. I want Elise back.
➽ And the moral of this reread is: Oh wow, I'm still here. Well that's a bloody shrimping surprise. I mean, I sure didn't expect to make it out of this one unscathed. Or even vaguely alive. Or not generally dead.
See what I did there? Ha!
· Book 1: Sacrificed in Shadow ★★★★
· Book 2: Oaths of Blood ★★★★
· Book 3: Ruled by Steel ★★★★
· Book 4: Caged in Bone ★★★
· Book 5: Lost in Prophecy ★★★★★
· Book 6: Torn by Fury ★★★★★
· Book 8: The Second Coming ★★½
Actual rating: 10 stars.
➽ The Origin. Genesis. Werewolves. Demons. Angels. Gods. Or lack thereof. Hell. Eden. The Garden. Violence. Death. Survival. Nothingness. Eternity. Life. SM Reine, you are officially insane.
➽ This is not the end. It can't be. There will be more. I want Elise back.
October 8, 2014
*** Standard disclaimer ***
I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*** Standard Warning ***
This review contains spoilers for events in the last book "Torn by Fury" and may contain minor spoilers for "Sins of Eden".
Last time we left Elise, the Gaul’s worst fear had come true, the sky was truly falling.
Now we are a step further… standing at the brink towards oblivion.
All the dimensions are transforming, being turned into literal hell-pits by a demon ascended to godhood – Belphegor. Elise’s arc enemy has found a way into Eden and entered the origin, turning him into God and setting a new genesis in motion which threatens to destroy the whole Universe in order to prepare it to be remade.
The only way to preserve the lives of friends and loved ones, to save humankind from extinction, is to kill the newborn God.
One of the most shocking turns in “Torn by fury” was the death of Rylie Gresham. For the wolf girl who could never fully reconcile the violent nature of her wolf with the peaceful nature of the girl, death might have been an inevitability. She tried to hold too many secrets, tried too hard to stay non-violent in a world descending into madness.
Some of us readers found ourselves wondering about how calm and collected Abel appeared after the violent death of his mate. “Sins of Eden” leaves no doubt over the Alpha’s grief, letting us experience all his pain and anger.
A major strength of the story was for me how the early parts of it played out as a sort of legacy to the memory of the wolf girl. We can see how everyone she met in her life, but especially how Elise and Abel have been transformed by her. Avoiding violence may not have worked out for wolf girl, yet it changed the people around her, which lends Rylie’s life posthumous a poetic message of hope – which may seem a bit ironic with the world facing complete destruction. At the same time, those where the hardest parts to go through, the grief of Rylie’s family, her mate, her daughter, her son, and that of her demon best friend Elise – for their pain felt much like my own.
With the dimensions freely bleeding into one another while the Universe around them collapses comes the return of the angel we love to hate – Leliel. Not to witness the end of her enemies, but to help them, because the impending reconstruction of the Universe also means the end to her dream of New Eden. Naturally Abel isn’t thrilled by the idea of letting Leliel help them, in fact far as he is concerned the world can go to hell, which it is in the progress of doing anyway, if only it means that he gets his revenge on the one responsible for the death of his mate.
The God turned demon Belphegor may not have a care for the world, which he is all too willing to show, but he has plans for Elise. First, however, he’s going to break her – by making everyone she ever cared about suffer and die unless she finds a way into Eden and to kill him. The first may prove difficult, the latter impossible, even for the Godslayer.
A lot of tension, and non stop action building to a furious finale, plus heart rending scenes of grief and pain make for a gripping, satisfying end to the series – all that, and Elise’s memory of a terrific sweet moment of romance between her and James, on the evening they decided to retire from the demon hunting business. A scene that was enough to make me momentarily forget all the evils James had done – because how can you possible keep hating a guy who’s shown himself capable of such a romantic display of his feelings.
It’s fair to say that in a series that was all about transformations and people changing, James Faulkner’s character arc was the most surprising to me.
Reading a series is like a love affaire, and so I close this chapter of my life with a laughing eye and a crying eye – saddened by the thought that I may never meet these characters again, happy for the time we’ve got.
I’ll be damned if I don’t already miss my Rylie. :)
I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*** Standard Warning ***
This review contains spoilers for events in the last book "Torn by Fury" and may contain minor spoilers for "Sins of Eden".
Last time we left Elise, the Gaul’s worst fear had come true, the sky was truly falling.
Now we are a step further… standing at the brink towards oblivion.
All the dimensions are transforming, being turned into literal hell-pits by a demon ascended to godhood – Belphegor. Elise’s arc enemy has found a way into Eden and entered the origin, turning him into God and setting a new genesis in motion which threatens to destroy the whole Universe in order to prepare it to be remade.
The only way to preserve the lives of friends and loved ones, to save humankind from extinction, is to kill the newborn God.
One of the most shocking turns in “Torn by fury” was the death of Rylie Gresham. For the wolf girl who could never fully reconcile the violent nature of her wolf with the peaceful nature of the girl, death might have been an inevitability. She tried to hold too many secrets, tried too hard to stay non-violent in a world descending into madness.
Some of us readers found ourselves wondering about how calm and collected Abel appeared after the violent death of his mate. “Sins of Eden” leaves no doubt over the Alpha’s grief, letting us experience all his pain and anger.
A major strength of the story was for me how the early parts of it played out as a sort of legacy to the memory of the wolf girl. We can see how everyone she met in her life, but especially how Elise and Abel have been transformed by her. Avoiding violence may not have worked out for wolf girl, yet it changed the people around her, which lends Rylie’s life posthumous a poetic message of hope – which may seem a bit ironic with the world facing complete destruction. At the same time, those where the hardest parts to go through, the grief of Rylie’s family, her mate, her daughter, her son, and that of her demon best friend Elise – for their pain felt much like my own.
With the dimensions freely bleeding into one another while the Universe around them collapses comes the return of the angel we love to hate – Leliel. Not to witness the end of her enemies, but to help them, because the impending reconstruction of the Universe also means the end to her dream of New Eden. Naturally Abel isn’t thrilled by the idea of letting Leliel help them, in fact far as he is concerned the world can go to hell, which it is in the progress of doing anyway, if only it means that he gets his revenge on the one responsible for the death of his mate.
The God turned demon Belphegor may not have a care for the world, which he is all too willing to show, but he has plans for Elise. First, however, he’s going to break her – by making everyone she ever cared about suffer and die unless she finds a way into Eden and to kill him. The first may prove difficult, the latter impossible, even for the Godslayer.
A lot of tension, and non stop action building to a furious finale, plus heart rending scenes of grief and pain make for a gripping, satisfying end to the series – all that, and Elise’s memory of a terrific sweet moment of romance between her and James, on the evening they decided to retire from the demon hunting business. A scene that was enough to make me momentarily forget all the evils James had done – because how can you possible keep hating a guy who’s shown himself capable of such a romantic display of his feelings.
It’s fair to say that in a series that was all about transformations and people changing, James Faulkner’s character arc was the most surprising to me.
Reading a series is like a love affaire, and so I close this chapter of my life with a laughing eye and a crying eye – saddened by the thought that I may never meet these characters again, happy for the time we’ve got.
I’ll be damned if I don’t already miss my Rylie. :)
August 24, 2014
I received an ARC of Sins of Eden in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ms Reine is without a doubt a very good author, but I dare say she might be the FASTEST author I have read. Wait years for a sequel? NOPE! Just a few months went by from the previous book in the series, and here we are, already at the end. And what an end it was!
OK, where to start.. short version? Up, down, left, right, tangent twist and turn. What a joyride!
SM Reine's conclusion to the Ascension Series is a page turner. It had everything you want in a great book series. Death, life, tears, and laughter. Blood was shed, but.. death is not always the end, as we learn in Sins of Eden. Death, can also be a beginning, a rebirth and a new start. I cannot think of many book characters that have been through as many changes as Elise Kavanaugh, and we finally get to see where those changes lead her. She was literally born for her actions in this book, and she comes out of it in ways that we, as readers, were never quite sure of. Which "Elise" would be there in the end? Would she end up with James? What about Marion? Poor Rylie.. Would our favorite side characters live? Well, I will tell you..
...nah, sorry, you will have to read it yourself :)
Ms Reine is without a doubt a very good author, but I dare say she might be the FASTEST author I have read. Wait years for a sequel? NOPE! Just a few months went by from the previous book in the series, and here we are, already at the end. And what an end it was!
OK, where to start.. short version? Up, down, left, right, tangent twist and turn. What a joyride!
SM Reine's conclusion to the Ascension Series is a page turner. It had everything you want in a great book series. Death, life, tears, and laughter. Blood was shed, but.. death is not always the end, as we learn in Sins of Eden. Death, can also be a beginning, a rebirth and a new start. I cannot think of many book characters that have been through as many changes as Elise Kavanaugh, and we finally get to see where those changes lead her. She was literally born for her actions in this book, and she comes out of it in ways that we, as readers, were never quite sure of. Which "Elise" would be there in the end? Would she end up with James? What about Marion? Poor Rylie.. Would our favorite side characters live? Well, I will tell you..
...nah, sorry, you will have to read it yourself :)
October 10, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How could I not give this book 5 stars? It is the absolutely perfect and epic conclusion to a whole bunch of really amazing stories. Sure, there could still be some continuing storyline, but I couldn't have asked for a more fitting and satisfying read.
We join our usual band of characters still teeter-tottering on the edge of Armageddon. Elise is still reeling from the decisions James made at the end of book 6, which is a nice place to be. I'm still a little euphoric over the wonderful twisty-turny way that James might have managed to redeem himself. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned for this band of misfits, and sooner than I'd have liked, we are thrown back into battle. Poor James and Elise never get time to talk it out, but they kind of are at their best when they are covered in blood and at least slightly wounded. It was really interesting to watch the dynamic change, even in the first few chapters. These two characters are still my absolute favorite, no matter how they change and grow (or regress, or get reborn, etc etc).
Anthony and Bri are still alive (yay!... kind of... I still hate Anthony) and between all the other allies Elise has picked up along the way, I'm sure all the supernatural types are represented. In an odd sort of symmetry, everyone ends up trying to race towards a battle against god (or the end of the world, or a giant void, the options are endless). I could sit here and describe the battles to you, but it really doesn't matter. It's a hard fought journey that is filled with casualties and mistakes. The highlight is always the characters. Each one of them is beautifully written and ends up changed one way or another at the end.
The end of this book brings with it a truly satisfying ending. All of my questions are answered. All of my wishes have been answered. The author finally took pity on me and threw some truly great spins in the final chapters. Don't worry, no cliffhangers abound! There are true, solid changes that have left me a little stunned, a lot happy, and totally reluctant to even think about picking up another book. I'm still buzzing from a book high and don't want to diminish it with anything. I'd say that you should read this book, but if you're new to this series, you should really start with the first set. You will be greatly rewarded in the end!
How could I not give this book 5 stars? It is the absolutely perfect and epic conclusion to a whole bunch of really amazing stories. Sure, there could still be some continuing storyline, but I couldn't have asked for a more fitting and satisfying read.
We join our usual band of characters still teeter-tottering on the edge of Armageddon. Elise is still reeling from the decisions James made at the end of book 6, which is a nice place to be. I'm still a little euphoric over the wonderful twisty-turny way that James might have managed to redeem himself. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned for this band of misfits, and sooner than I'd have liked, we are thrown back into battle. Poor James and Elise never get time to talk it out, but they kind of are at their best when they are covered in blood and at least slightly wounded. It was really interesting to watch the dynamic change, even in the first few chapters. These two characters are still my absolute favorite, no matter how they change and grow (or regress, or get reborn, etc etc).
Anthony and Bri are still alive (yay!... kind of... I still hate Anthony) and between all the other allies Elise has picked up along the way, I'm sure all the supernatural types are represented. In an odd sort of symmetry, everyone ends up trying to race towards a battle against god (or the end of the world, or a giant void, the options are endless). I could sit here and describe the battles to you, but it really doesn't matter. It's a hard fought journey that is filled with casualties and mistakes. The highlight is always the characters. Each one of them is beautifully written and ends up changed one way or another at the end.
The end of this book brings with it a truly satisfying ending. All of my questions are answered. All of my wishes have been answered. The author finally took pity on me and threw some truly great spins in the final chapters. Don't worry, no cliffhangers abound! There are true, solid changes that have left me a little stunned, a lot happy, and totally reluctant to even think about picking up another book. I'm still buzzing from a book high and don't want to diminish it with anything. I'd say that you should read this book, but if you're new to this series, you should really start with the first set. You will be greatly rewarded in the end!
September 28, 2014
As final books in a series go, this one certainly delivers. Elise and James have dealt with A LOT since we first met them. We've seen them stumble. We've seen them die. We've seen them be consumed by things out of their control. Frankly, I had no clue how they were going to wiggle out of the mess they found themselves in. Heaven, Hell, and Earth are on a hardcore collision course and things looked bad.
And they were bad. As bad as bad could get. Belphegor's desire to break Elise and destroy everything she cares about, no matter how peripherally, was painful. His one goal is to bring Elise to her knees. He slaughters. He sends his armies after her and her people. He does things that only a demon who had spent years plotting and planning could.
It's not pretty.
But Elise being Elise, she uses what he does to her and finds a way to turn it around. Again, it's not pretty. The worlds are crumbling and badness seems inevitable. Good thing Elise doesn't know how to give up, right?
A deeply satisfying ending that gave us answers to some lingering questions and found a way to give all the characters the ending they deserved. Well, wait. Maybe not all of them. There were some pretty gnarly deaths in there that hurt, but for the most part things worked out as well as they could.
I'll miss Elise and her demons, Rylie and Abel and their wolves, James and his power. It's always sad to say goodbye to a series that you love. That said, it's been a long, crazy ride and I think it ended perfectly.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
And they were bad. As bad as bad could get. Belphegor's desire to break Elise and destroy everything she cares about, no matter how peripherally, was painful. His one goal is to bring Elise to her knees. He slaughters. He sends his armies after her and her people. He does things that only a demon who had spent years plotting and planning could.
It's not pretty.
But Elise being Elise, she uses what he does to her and finds a way to turn it around. Again, it's not pretty. The worlds are crumbling and badness seems inevitable. Good thing Elise doesn't know how to give up, right?
A deeply satisfying ending that gave us answers to some lingering questions and found a way to give all the characters the ending they deserved. Well, wait. Maybe not all of them. There were some pretty gnarly deaths in there that hurt, but for the most part things worked out as well as they could.
I'll miss Elise and her demons, Rylie and Abel and their wolves, James and his power. It's always sad to say goodbye to a series that you love. That said, it's been a long, crazy ride and I think it ended perfectly.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 25, 2014
What an amazing, fantastic ending to a great series! So much happened in this last book! It truly kept me turning the pages until the very end!
Sins of Eden the last book in the Ascension Series is much more than one could have hoped for and so much more then I had expected. Sins of Eden like all the others in the Elise books truly are some of the most unique books that I have ever had the pleasure to read. I could not guess from page to page what would happen next. The end especially left me smiling and happy where I believed I would be devastated and sad.
There is so much that I loved about this book, but mostly to have it be concluded with Elise the Demon coming into her true destiny and finding the peace that she deserved through her whole troubled life.
The character’s that were lost in this last book broke my heart and the ones that were saved and brought back had me celebrating…the mixed emotions that this book, let alone this series brings out in you is truly unique and I dare say I look forward to rereading it again.
Well done Sara! Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for review, it was a pleasure and a privilege.
Sins of Eden the last book in the Ascension Series is much more than one could have hoped for and so much more then I had expected. Sins of Eden like all the others in the Elise books truly are some of the most unique books that I have ever had the pleasure to read. I could not guess from page to page what would happen next. The end especially left me smiling and happy where I believed I would be devastated and sad.
There is so much that I loved about this book, but mostly to have it be concluded with Elise the Demon coming into her true destiny and finding the peace that she deserved through her whole troubled life.
The character’s that were lost in this last book broke my heart and the ones that were saved and brought back had me celebrating…the mixed emotions that this book, let alone this series brings out in you is truly unique and I dare say I look forward to rereading it again.
Well done Sara! Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for review, it was a pleasure and a privilege.
September 5, 2014
The last book in the series has arrived and it does not disappoint as you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as events unfold in the final instalment. This author makes you care about the characters, no matter whether they are demons with a heart that has softened over the years or a witch that has a god complex but has seen the error of his ways, well almost. Elise's humanity was back in this book and her anguish and guilt of those she could not save made you like her more because she genuinely loved those few she allowed to get close to her. Plenty of OMG moments and so much action packed into this final book that you don't want to put it down no matter how late at night it gets. I enjoyed the crossover with Riley and her werewolves and all the loose threads were tied up quite nicely in the end.. Some of the ending I had guessed but I was surprised too at times although I would have liked a few more HEA's. I know I am vague but I don't want to give anything away. This is one series that I will happily re-read again and again in the future.
August 24, 2014
I bought this the moment it was available on Kobo and devoured it overnight. This book is the final book in Reine's Ascension series and all I can say is WHAT. A. RIDE! Although almost all questions are answered, the book is left open for a possible new series to begin. Elise and James' journey may be complete, but others' are just beginning.
This book alone has a cast of characters that one has (hopefully) learned to love or hate over 6 books. Although this series mainly focused on Elise Kavanagh, Reine's way of portraying all of her secondary and even some of her tertiary characters is unique. She shows you their flaws, their strengths, weaknesses, struggles and triumphs. Her language for description flows from the pages without taking up page after page of unnecessary blather.
To sum up, this bittersweet ending to an action-packed, emotional, wonderful series has twists and turns out of nowhere, culminating in an ending that, while not perfect, leaves the reader with tears in their eyes and a smile on their lips.
October 12, 2014
“They” say that all good things must come to an end. I have two questions; firstly, who are “They” and secondly, why??
This book is nothing short of a triumph. A masterful weaving of a storyline so very complex, your head will spin. And yet, all the threads are pulled together in this, the final book, to bring it all rushing to a fitting conclusion.
I had more than one “lightbulb” moment, and more than one point where I just didn’t see how this was all going to end well. There may have been a bit of leakage from the eyes (probably a bit of grit in there…) BUT, the author said to trust her to give the story the ending it deserved, and she did. Oh boy, she did.
I am sad that this part of the story is over. But, unlike some conclusions I have read, we were not short-changed by this ending. Expect more from this world…..
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is nothing short of a triumph. A masterful weaving of a storyline so very complex, your head will spin. And yet, all the threads are pulled together in this, the final book, to bring it all rushing to a fitting conclusion.
I had more than one “lightbulb” moment, and more than one point where I just didn’t see how this was all going to end well. There may have been a bit of leakage from the eyes (probably a bit of grit in there…) BUT, the author said to trust her to give the story the ending it deserved, and she did. Oh boy, she did.
I am sad that this part of the story is over. But, unlike some conclusions I have read, we were not short-changed by this ending. Expect more from this world…..
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
October 28, 2014
I won't be a grammar Nazi, but will say that this book did have FAR less errors than the previous books, so that was good.
I only gave this book three stars because I did not care for the ending. It felt rushed and after such a dark series the ending just did not flow for me. I don't want to get detailed about what didn't flow because I don't want to be a spoiler. I will just say it felt like being in a pitch black room and blinded when someone turns on a bright light.
I do not regret the time I spent reading the book, the whole series has told a great story. I just feel a little cheated with the ending.
I only gave this book three stars because I did not care for the ending. It felt rushed and after such a dark series the ending just did not flow for me. I don't want to get detailed about what didn't flow because I don't want to be a spoiler. I will just say it felt like being in a pitch black room and blinded when someone turns on a bright light.
I do not regret the time I spent reading the book, the whole series has told a great story. I just feel a little cheated with the ending.
August 23, 2014
So many questions left unanswered and I really want the author to bring Elise back in another series.
I never cared much for the other characters. They were too whiney or too grunty and sometimes just too annoying. Elise was by far my favorite and at the end of this book I am left wondering if she is really normal or a God inside of an avatar (hopefully the latter). Confusing but still a very good read but over too quickly :(
I never cared much for the other characters. They were too whiney or too grunty and sometimes just too annoying. Elise was by far my favorite and at the end of this book I am left wondering if she is really normal or a God inside of an avatar (hopefully the latter). Confusing but still a very good read but over too quickly :(
July 9, 2017
After reading book 1-3, I skipped book 4&5 but didn't want to miss the big final of this more or less 3 series containing story. It wasn't too difficult with 2 books missing, the author explained a lot of previous events though I am glad I picked up book 6 as well, as a lot more happens there.
Sins of Eden, the final book, gives us the end of the universe and a new genesis and finally the more or less overall happy end we all deserve from reading about 20 books leading up to it.
The character developments through the whole descent/ascension/moon season is really good. I finally like Elise who became so much more “whole”. Abel became a better wolf/man as well and I never understood why they didn't like Nash because I thought he is awesome. Summer always was a saint and we even get a bit more about Abram and his motives. Some stay idiots (Levi) and some find a way to quick death without comeback (Neuma, Gerard).
And James, well, James is James and Elise finally realises this...
I don't know what to think of the end though. But it's probably suitable to leave you a bit puzzled of what might still be coming....
There are several more books out now with characters from here, but I think I'll take a break from Mrs Reine's world. But it is nice to know that you can come back for more of the family stories although I wonder if the author will ever write something totally different....
Overall 5 stars (even though the individual books didn't receive more than 4,5 from me ;) )
Sins of Eden, the final book, gives us the end of the universe and a new genesis and finally the more or less overall happy end we all deserve from reading about 20 books leading up to it.
The character developments through the whole descent/ascension/moon season is really good. I finally like Elise who became so much more “whole”. Abel became a better wolf/man as well and I never understood why they didn't like Nash because I thought he is awesome. Summer always was a saint and we even get a bit more about Abram and his motives. Some stay idiots (Levi) and some find a way to quick death without comeback (Neuma, Gerard).
And James, well, James is James and Elise finally realises this...
I don't know what to think of the end though. But it's probably suitable to leave you a bit puzzled of what might still be coming....
There are several more books out now with characters from here, but I think I'll take a break from Mrs Reine's world. But it is nice to know that you can come back for more of the family stories although I wonder if the author will ever write something totally different....
Overall 5 stars (even though the individual books didn't receive more than 4,5 from me ;) )
May 11, 2017
This whole series has left its mark on me. The same could be said for the first one about Elise. The path Reine took through this last book was amazing!! It pulled at all my emotions. Not just my heart but also anger. If I had been reading a paperback I would have thrown the book across the room a few times just to have some release of the anger. So not doing that with my tablet.
All I can say is that this was an AWSOME ending to this series. There were no strings dangling. I will be reading this series again and again.
All I can say is that this was an AWSOME ending to this series. There were no strings dangling. I will be reading this series again and again.
July 20, 2022
I enjoyed this story from the box set I have because it continues Elise's struggles and sees how the other characters cope with all the changes.
Plenty of action, as usual, plus dilemmas and - who's going to die?
There was a conclusion of sorts with this one, despite the next book in the series - read it to find out why.
Great writing except for the constant 'off of', which is unnecessary and spoils the flow.
Overall, a recommended read.
Plenty of action, as usual, plus dilemmas and - who's going to die?
There was a conclusion of sorts with this one, despite the next book in the series - read it to find out why.
Great writing except for the constant 'off of', which is unnecessary and spoils the flow.
Overall, a recommended read.
August 13, 2017
I don't have the right words to explain how great this book was. I know it is the end of a series, but I know I will read it again.
So much I loved about this book.
Well worth the read, though I'd start at the Descent series first just because seeing where it all started makes the story that much richer of a read.
So much I loved about this book.
Well worth the read, though I'd start at the Descent series first just because seeing where it all started makes the story that much richer of a read.
March 31, 2018
4.5 stars. Sad to see it come to an end but it is necessary.
July 15, 2019
Just like the last one, wish I could give it a 6/5
December 2, 2019
Thank you
Lots happened throughout the series but the one thing I am happy about is James and Elise. Thank you. I don't think I could have coped otherwise.
Lots happened throughout the series but the one thing I am happy about is James and Elise. Thank you. I don't think I could have coped otherwise.
June 14, 2020
Great story
Loved the story, bu after third book sipped sex scenes. Lack of diversity in that department. Otherwise, story is great, fast pacing, fresh.
Loved the story, bu after third book sipped sex scenes. Lack of diversity in that department. Otherwise, story is great, fast pacing, fresh.
October 29, 2020
Excellent
Wow, an excellent ending to this wonderful, exciting, action packed series. I am somewhat bereft at the realisation that this fantastic journey is over.
Wow, an excellent ending to this wonderful, exciting, action packed series. I am somewhat bereft at the realisation that this fantastic journey is over.
December 31, 2022
Really good conclusion to this story arch for Elise. I was at the edge of my seat for most of the book; it had some great twists to it.
March 15, 2025
Great ending to the series
Great ending story for The Ascension Series. Lots of action once again, with the main characters and their storylines being well wrapped up.
Great ending story for The Ascension Series. Lots of action once again, with the main characters and their storylines being well wrapped up.
August 19, 2014
I have never wanted more to give a book more than 5 stars. *sigh*
I received Sins of Eden in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was both everything I expected it to be and nothing like I expected. Have I lost you?
Sins of Eden marks the end of S.M. Reine’s Ascension series. What did I expect? Well, considering that this author is notorious for not holding back or sugar coating anything, I expected the intensity, the danger and the loss. What I didn’t expect was the level of any of those things. There were times while I was reading Sins of Eden that I was absolutely crushed by what these characters were experiencing.
I’d love to go on and on and on about everything that I both hated and loved about this book… I just can’t. Partially because I can’t find the words, but mostly because just about anything I say will give something away. This is a book that you need to experience yourself. It’s one that I want to talk about and one that I want to re-read so I can experience it all over again. As far as series ends go, there are few that have come to a more satisfying end than the Ascension series for me.
I’m going to tell readers this one more time. If you haven’t read any books by S.M. Reine, pick one up now. Don’t start with this series though. To get the full affect and become as emotionally invested in these characters as you need to be, start at the beginning. I started with the Seasons of the Moon (Rylie, Seth & Abel) series. You could also start with the Descent (Elise & James) series. The Ascension series combines the two, so the background is important.
I still have some back tracking to do, but it won’t take me long to catch up. Once I do, I’ll start the Ascension series all over again and wait patiently for more.
I received Sins of Eden in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was both everything I expected it to be and nothing like I expected. Have I lost you?
Sins of Eden marks the end of S.M. Reine’s Ascension series. What did I expect? Well, considering that this author is notorious for not holding back or sugar coating anything, I expected the intensity, the danger and the loss. What I didn’t expect was the level of any of those things. There were times while I was reading Sins of Eden that I was absolutely crushed by what these characters were experiencing.
I’d love to go on and on and on about everything that I both hated and loved about this book… I just can’t. Partially because I can’t find the words, but mostly because just about anything I say will give something away. This is a book that you need to experience yourself. It’s one that I want to talk about and one that I want to re-read so I can experience it all over again. As far as series ends go, there are few that have come to a more satisfying end than the Ascension series for me.
I’m going to tell readers this one more time. If you haven’t read any books by S.M. Reine, pick one up now. Don’t start with this series though. To get the full affect and become as emotionally invested in these characters as you need to be, start at the beginning. I started with the Seasons of the Moon (Rylie, Seth & Abel) series. You could also start with the Descent (Elise & James) series. The Ascension series combines the two, so the background is important.
I still have some back tracking to do, but it won’t take me long to catch up. Once I do, I’ll start the Ascension series all over again and wait patiently for more.
December 8, 2014
Whew! Okay. Trying not to let spoilers slip. But Whew! If I could only tell you!!!!
I am finally catching up with S.M. Reine's writing. This was Sara's last of the Ascension series. Everyone you know and love from her previous series shows up in this book. Everything you know--poof!
If you haven't started this marvelous universe, start with Six Moon Summer of the Seasons of the Moon series. Until I read the book that started it all, I wouldn't read anything about werewolves. Or anything scary. But know I think I may have graduated. Ms. Reine has presented beings to me that I wouldn't have tried to read, had she not so gently pulled me through. All of her characters are believable. Even the ones who seem to be evil have traits that make them likable. Though her worlds are this world and beyond, in spiritual space and time, she has built the stories of her own that transcends all other stories I've heard or read about these .
Gosh, this whole review is not living up to the wonder that is Sara Reine's work. But I don't want to tell you about this ending of the series book as I don't want to ruin the process of reading all of it yourself. There is action, adventure, dark and light and love, not the wishy-washy romantic kind, though there is a little of that, too. I couldn't stop reading. How was the author going to make it all happen? I mean, sometimes I did know bits but the how of it did work out sometimes caught me off guard.
Oh, blah, blah, blah. All I mean to say is this is great! You should read it!
By the way, I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
I am finally catching up with S.M. Reine's writing. This was Sara's last of the Ascension series. Everyone you know and love from her previous series shows up in this book. Everything you know--poof!
If you haven't started this marvelous universe, start with Six Moon Summer of the Seasons of the Moon series. Until I read the book that started it all, I wouldn't read anything about werewolves. Or anything scary. But know I think I may have graduated. Ms. Reine has presented beings to me that I wouldn't have tried to read, had she not so gently pulled me through. All of her characters are believable. Even the ones who seem to be evil have traits that make them likable. Though her worlds are this world and beyond, in spiritual space and time, she has built the stories of her own that transcends all other stories I've heard or read about these .
Gosh, this whole review is not living up to the wonder that is Sara Reine's work. But I don't want to tell you about this ending of the series book as I don't want to ruin the process of reading all of it yourself. There is action, adventure, dark and light and love, not the wishy-washy romantic kind, though there is a little of that, too. I couldn't stop reading. How was the author going to make it all happen? I mean, sometimes I did know bits but the how of it did work out sometimes caught me off guard.
Oh, blah, blah, blah. All I mean to say is this is great! You should read it!
By the way, I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
October 20, 2014
There have always been three gods. Always.
Until Elise Kavanagh murdered them.
A demon named Belphegor has entered the Origin and become a new god, triggering genesis: the death and rebirth of the entire universe. He wants Elise to join him in Eden for the end of all things, but only once she’s watched everyone she cares about die painfully under his heel.
With nothing but a dwindling army of werewolves, Elise must enter Eden, slaughter Belphegor, and stop the genesis. But Belphegor’s smarter than Adam ever was, and far crueler. He’s spent lifetimes preparing for this.
He will have his world of Hellfire. He will have victory. And he will have Elise’s life…
This is it. After years of enjoying the highs and lows of Elise Kavanagh and her witch, James, after years of reading about Riley's werewolf pack, it's over.
With Sins Of Eden, it all ends. I found it hard to believe, as a fan, that we will never hear from Elise and James again. They quickly became some of my favorite characters.
I can't say too much about the book because I don't want spoilers here, but I will say it's everything you'd expect from a writer as talented as Ms. Reine. You have danger, violence, evil, good and yes, even love.
The characters are all at their best, even the injured ones. Hell, even the dead ones! The story is as vivid and tantalizing as the previous books, if not more so. All the stops were pulled out here to make this a finale the reader will never forget.
I can bet you, years later, we'll be giving our teenage kids these books, telling them, "This is the best stuff you'll ever read..."
Until Elise Kavanagh murdered them.
A demon named Belphegor has entered the Origin and become a new god, triggering genesis: the death and rebirth of the entire universe. He wants Elise to join him in Eden for the end of all things, but only once she’s watched everyone she cares about die painfully under his heel.
With nothing but a dwindling army of werewolves, Elise must enter Eden, slaughter Belphegor, and stop the genesis. But Belphegor’s smarter than Adam ever was, and far crueler. He’s spent lifetimes preparing for this.
He will have his world of Hellfire. He will have victory. And he will have Elise’s life…
This is it. After years of enjoying the highs and lows of Elise Kavanagh and her witch, James, after years of reading about Riley's werewolf pack, it's over.
With Sins Of Eden, it all ends. I found it hard to believe, as a fan, that we will never hear from Elise and James again. They quickly became some of my favorite characters.
I can't say too much about the book because I don't want spoilers here, but I will say it's everything you'd expect from a writer as talented as Ms. Reine. You have danger, violence, evil, good and yes, even love.
The characters are all at their best, even the injured ones. Hell, even the dead ones! The story is as vivid and tantalizing as the previous books, if not more so. All the stops were pulled out here to make this a finale the reader will never forget.
I can bet you, years later, we'll be giving our teenage kids these books, telling them, "This is the best stuff you'll ever read..."
August 22, 2014
Book Review - Sins of Eden by S M Reine
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review!
I do not know where to start with this book. Let me just say that this review with be short because I don't want to include spoilers.
This was a incredible read for me. I love Sara's books and I have read all of her series' except one (which I do have on my kindle ready to read)
This book was everything I expected it to be and so much more. Sins of Eden is the last book in the Ascension Series. It defiantly goes out with a big bang but we would expect nothing less from Sara.
In this book there is stuff I just didn't expect to happen, I knew there would be loss and death because lets face it, there always is in these books but I was completely shocked and heartbroken by who and how it happened. You need to experience this book yourself to get the feelings that I am getting. I am still thinking about this book now, even though I finished it last night. It was the first thing I thought about this morning. This book and all of Sara's books will always be some of my most favourite books I have ever read.
No review will get you ready for what you are about to read.
If you haven't read any of Sara's books yet, YOU NEED TO PICK ONE UP NOW!! You will not disappointed.
I will read all of Sara's books again and again, because they are that AMAZING!!
Well done to Sara on such a great ending to a fabulous series. Not everyone always gets the ending right but you did!!!!
5/5 Star Rating. (I wish I could give it more)
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review!
I do not know where to start with this book. Let me just say that this review with be short because I don't want to include spoilers.
This was a incredible read for me. I love Sara's books and I have read all of her series' except one (which I do have on my kindle ready to read)
This book was everything I expected it to be and so much more. Sins of Eden is the last book in the Ascension Series. It defiantly goes out with a big bang but we would expect nothing less from Sara.
In this book there is stuff I just didn't expect to happen, I knew there would be loss and death because lets face it, there always is in these books but I was completely shocked and heartbroken by who and how it happened. You need to experience this book yourself to get the feelings that I am getting. I am still thinking about this book now, even though I finished it last night. It was the first thing I thought about this morning. This book and all of Sara's books will always be some of my most favourite books I have ever read.
No review will get you ready for what you are about to read.
If you haven't read any of Sara's books yet, YOU NEED TO PICK ONE UP NOW!! You will not disappointed.
I will read all of Sara's books again and again, because they are that AMAZING!!
Well done to Sara on such a great ending to a fabulous series. Not everyone always gets the ending right but you did!!!!
5/5 Star Rating. (I wish I could give it more)
October 24, 2015
Wow what an incredible end to an awesome story. I both loved and hated some things about this series but the hate was in a good way. The character growth of Elise is just incredible. I can't say to much without spoilers but some really tragic shit happens and some great things as well. This whole series really plays on your heart strings like few other series I have read. This series also really fucks with you emotionally. There are bad guys/ villains and then there are good bad guys, I know confusing right? Yeah half this series I spent hating James fucking Falkner and the other half I spent loving the dude. Sometimes Elise's naitivity with James really bothered me. After reading this final book I finally established that I loved all of it.
August 28, 2014
S.M. Reine delivers again! This book was packed with action from beginning to end. Although the ending was what most would consider a "happy ending" I found it to be bittersweet knowing that it was the end of the series. I felt like Elyse and James were part of my family and I found comfort in reading their story. Now that it is over I am happy for them that they found their fairy tale life and deserve it rightly so (especially after what they went through in the last 2 books!) I feel sad that they are gone. The story details are fantastic I can picture every thing in my head as it is happening. I would love to see this series in a full length movie! One good thing about the book is that many stories were complete, but they left room for future stories!!
September 15, 2014
Wow! I don't know where to begin with this review! This book was utterly intense! Elise is faced with the most difficult choices she has yet faced, and anyone reading any of the books she is part of know that hard decisions are a lifestyle for Elise. There is a lot of intense action given to us from many different perspectives. I am sad that this series is at an end, but it goes out with a huge bang. It was worth all the wait! If you haven't read anything by S.M. Reine and you love intense action with no holds barred writing, I suggest you pick up every series she has written! I hope to see a lot more from this amazing writer in the future. I was given this book by the author in exchange for a fair review.
Read
September 21, 2014Beyond fabulous
This is the second book I have read this week that was ending a series. I am beside myself with grief. I loved these book and the last one is no exception. Such an emotional rollercoaster. I was ever worried that my characters could die in this being the last one,and I have to say that there are heartbreaking scene but there is so much satisfaction in the ending that readers will be most pleased. Thank you Ms Reine for a great adventure that I will be singing your praise to all. And I will be reading anything you write, as you have a wonderful talent. Anyone looking for a meaningful story, please read both the Descent series and the Ascension series. You will be far from disappointed.
Thank you for the lovely ride. Bravo!!!
This is the second book I have read this week that was ending a series. I am beside myself with grief. I loved these book and the last one is no exception. Such an emotional rollercoaster. I was ever worried that my characters could die in this being the last one,and I have to say that there are heartbreaking scene but there is so much satisfaction in the ending that readers will be most pleased. Thank you Ms Reine for a great adventure that I will be singing your praise to all. And I will be reading anything you write, as you have a wonderful talent. Anyone looking for a meaningful story, please read both the Descent series and the Ascension series. You will be far from disappointed.
Thank you for the lovely ride. Bravo!!!
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