Dominion: Ascension

by D.A. Murray

"This is a stylish and timely read you won't soon forget." -J.H. Ellis, author of The Seven Gates of the Kingdomtrilogy

In post-apocalyptic Dominion, women are in control. After the Great War, chemical weapons made most men infertile and cognitively impaired. Women are the policymakers, law enforcers, captains of industry, spiritual leaders, preservers of history, language, and currency, and still the givers of life.

The roles of men are limited to public works, domestic servitude, and pleasure giving. When males reach the age of twelve, they undergo a cognitive test called Illegis to determine their placement within a caste system, one of which is Breeders. This small segment of the male population is the most revered. The Breeders reside in The Colony, a place where controlled reproduction and scientific advancements of Dominion occur.

Dani Matthews is an investigative reporter and the daughter of a high-ranking official. She is determined to uncover Dominion's sinister architecture. At the Ascension, a national celebration, Dani reunites with her childhood best friend and Breeder, Robbie. Together, they set out to find Haven, a place for escaped Breeders. After a painstaking journey, Dani and Robbie not only find love but make it to Haven only to endure the trials of The Becoming, where failure can be death.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

312 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Nancy •͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ {Comment restriction} · Rating 1 out of 5]

─•~❉ DNF ❉~•─

Fascinating concept ruined by too much telling, not enough showing.

.☘︎ ݁˖ From the synopsis, I could tell this was going to be something akin to The Handmaid’s Tale—only gender-swapped. A matriarchal society where men are the oppressed class. Our FMC, Dani, stands against this system. She believes in equality. Valid. I was genuinely looking forward to loving this book.

If only the execution hadn’t failed so utterly.

.☘︎ ݁˖ The writing is jarringly blunt. While easy to consume, it lacks nuance. The author leans heavily into telling instead of showing. Subtlety? None. Everything is spoon-fed, hammered in, then repeated just in case you missed it the first three times.

Right from the beginning, instead of immersing me in the story or letting the world speak for itself, Dani delivers a five-paragraph monologue about how everything is terrible and how her mother is wrong and how men matter. Not that I disagree, but could I at least see it before being lectured about it? Let me breathe. Let me observe and draw conclusions. I’d agree more if I experienced the injustice through the narrative—not through Dani’s endless narration.

.☘︎ ݁˖ Dani herself? She came across as immature and surprisingly ignorant for someone raised by a high-ranking officer. Did she grow up in a sewer? She seems completely unfamiliar with the world she supposedly grew up in.

Also... the MMC’s name is Robbie? Really?

.☘︎ ݁˖ Beyond all this, I’m left confused about the author’s intent. Am I supposed to feel bad for the men? I could, if their suffering was actually shown instead of filtered entirely through Dani’s rambling for the first 50 pages. But as it stands, I’m just told again and again that men are mistreated without being given the narrative depth to actually feel that mistreatment.

In conclusion: this book is essentially Dani telling me—repeatedly—everything that’s wrong with her life. And honestly? I couldn’t bring myself to care.

Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Dominion: Ascension by D.A. Murray

🔥 Overview
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where women wield absolute control, Dominion: Ascension is a bold dystopian thriller that flips traditional power dynamics on their head. D.A. Murray crafts a visceral narrative exploring survival, rebellion, and the cost of dominance in a fractured society. With its unrelenting pace and stark world-building, this novel grips readers from the first page to its explosive climax.

🔍 Key Strengths
⚔️ Provocative Premise – The matriarchal dystopia is both refreshing and unsettling, challenging gender norms with brutal honesty.
🌍 Immersive World-Building – Murray paints a vivid, gritty landscape where every alliance is fragile and every rule is enforced with iron will.
💥 High-Stakes Conflict – The tension between the ruling elite and underground dissenters drives a plot thick with betrayal and revolution.
🖤 Complex Characters – Protagonists and antagonists alike are layered, their motivations blurring the line between hero and villain.

⚠️ Considerations
📜 Pacing Shifts – Some sections rush pivotal moments, while others linger on atmospheric detail, creating occasional tonal whiplash.
🔮 Thematic Familiarity – Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale or The Power may recognize echoes, though Murray’s execution carves a distinct path.

⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Writing Style → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🎭 Character Depth → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🌐 World-Building → ★★★★★ (5/5)
⚡ Plot Momentum → ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A scorching rebellion against the status quo—where power doesn’t just corrupt; it consumes.

🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Feminist dystopias with teeth
⚔️ Stories of societal collapse and resistance
🖤 Morally gray characters in impossible choices

🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and D.A. Murray for the advance review copy. Dominion: Ascension is a firebrand of a novel, demanding attention and sparking conversation long after the final page.

(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)

[Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book but it was such a struggle to get through. The premise was interesting - a matriarchal society that has developed in response to the ineptitude of men - but the writing was so disjointed, the dialogue was clunky and the characters were a mess. There was so much exposition and it was ALL so clumsy. Added to that, I’m not sure what the author’s motivation is to write the story - am I supposed to feel bad for men? Is this supposed to make men understand how women feel with their rights constantly being endangered or stripped in the real world? Do men really need things explained to them like this book does? Explains a lot.

Dani is a 29 year old reporter, daughter of a prominent scientist/power player in the administration and completely dissatisfied with the lack of equal rights in society. Unfortunately, she sometimes has the maturity of a preteen and she seems to know nothing about the society she lives in. The amount of “tell me” world building is astounding. There’s no way someone who was raised in this culture would need the basic caste system explained to them but also have deep contacts in resistance organizations.

I’m so sorry to say this wasn’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[E.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you very much to Netgalley and D.A Murrary for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book would be good for people that enjoyed The Power by Naomi Alderman and/or the Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. This book had a very intriguing premise that pulled me in. I loved The Power and I felt like this could almost serve as an expansion on that concept while also showing the mirror to the world of the Handmaid's Tale. There were high stakes and complex characters, where good and bad were not easy to identify. Nothing was black and white, everything was grey. Even the concepts and world had complexity and layers. I think that the dialogue often did more telling than showing. The men are described as being abused but it's never really shown. What I mean is, let an interaction play out and let the reader infer "oh, they are being mistreated." It was mostly just our MC telling us “This is what is happening, which is mistreatment'. The MC also should not have massive monologues about the Caste system and the world to help set the scene. This should have been introduced organically as we come into contact with these people and how the Caste worked. At points., I just wanted more descriptions, but it was blunt and to the point too quickly, like it was rushing to the next scene without finishing the previous. Overall, I gave this a 3/5 stars. Thank you again for the ARC!

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. A different type of dystopian story. there is a little smut but only a scene or two. I really like the concept for this book, and I hope that as the series continues, the story will be more captivating. As it is the first book of the series, there is a lot of setting up the story and plot lines. There is some action, but the fmc was boring at times, in my opinion.

[Delenya A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a man or a woman; humans are humans. This book asks what it means to be a human. Following the journey with the protagonist through this sensual dystopian novel takes you away with the author's descriptive and detailed writing. You will be transported to this new world while asking so many questions we all face today about relationships, equality, and basic human rights. I highly recommend this book. From the epic dangers to the spicey love scenes, it is pure entertainment!!!

[Megan]

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately DNFed this book within the first chapter. I tried to stick around till the end of chapter 1 at minimum, but couldn’t even make it that far.

This writing is just incredibly poorly done. All telling, no showing, and basically any and all world building and backstory is dumped on the reader within the first seven pages. There’s no nuance or mystery, it’s all just shoved at you.

The premise of this book seemed so interesting but unfortunately the writing is so unreadable it’s impossible to get interested.

[Emily Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is basically a reverse Handmaid’s Tale, but very poorly done. I found the premise interesting, but honestly had to stop deeply reading pretty early & skim the rest. I wanted to DNF it but felt bad giving a 1 star rating without giving the book my full consideration.

The writing was distractingly bad. The characters were one dimensional and the dialogue was stilted and expository. There was so much showing and so little telling.

In terms of world-building, am I really supposed to believe that the main character (Dani) is a 29 year old reporter & daughter of a high-ranking government official who happens to need the male caste system narrated to her at a gala in the opening pages? Like, the late 20s professional researcher needs that basic societal knowledge told to her at a party? At times a flip switched and Dani seemed to be playing “hard-hitting journalist”, and at others she was an empty receptacle for being spoken to about basic societal knowledge. I got the idea that the story was meant to feel futuristic but there wasn’t anything in the text that achieved it. A real low point for me was the phrase “watching skizzer ball on the aqua screen.”

And the men are supposed to be mentally impaired (as the reason for their subjugation), and yet most characters Dani encountered and who had any speaking roles or agency are male, and not a single one seemed impaired to me.

As for the plot of men losing their rights, it felt tone deaf against the backdrop of today’s political climate in the US where women’s rights are actually being restricted. I honestly looked up the author to see if they were a men’s rights propaganda-spouting whack job. There is a picture of a woman on social media, but no real personal content, so who knows?

Anyways, the whole thing read like the author had a decent-ish idea but didn’t fully flesh it out or ask critical questions and didn’t edit it after the first draft.

Thanks to Netgalley and Koehler Books for providing me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyson Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book: Dominion: Ascension
Author: D.A. Murray
Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Koehler Books, for sending me an ARC. This is sadly a case where I could not get into the book. It does have a lot going for it. After all, this is a gender reversed Handmaid’s Tale. I have such a hard time getting into it.

This one is set in a post-apocalyptic world where women lead every major institution in society. Following a devastating war, chemical weapons left most men infertile and mentally impaired. As a result, women became the dominant force in politics, industry, religion, and culture, while also retaining their roles as caregivers and life-bringers. Men are relegated to limited roles such as manual labour, domestic service, or providing physical pleasure. At age twelve, boys are tested through a cognitive exam known as the Illegis, which determines their caste. The most valued among them are Breeders, a select few who live in The Colony, where the future of reproduction and scientific advancement is managed under strict oversight. Dani Matthews, a driven investigative journalist and daughter of a high-ranking leader, begins to question the true nature of Dominion. During Ascension, a national festival, she reconnects with her childhood friend Robbie, now a Breeder. As they journey together in search of Haven, a rumoured sanctuary for Breeders who’ve escaped, they face harsh trials and uncover difficult truths. Along the way, they discover a deep emotional connection but must endure The Becoming, a deadly rite of passage that could cost them everything.

The idea behind this one pulled me in. A world where women are in charge and men have limited roles sounds interesting and different. That’s why I agreed to read and review it. At first, I was excited, but as I kept reading, I started to feel like something was missing.
The biggest issue for me was how the story was told. A lot of things were just explained instead of being shown. It felt like I was being given a list of facts instead of being pulled into the world. There was a lot of inner monologue right from the start. I usually enjoy that in books, but here it felt like too much, too soon. We didn’t get to see the world through Dani’s eyes before being dropped into her thoughts. It made it hard to connect with her or understand the world she lives in.
The book tells us that men are treated as second-class citizens, but we don’t see that in action. It’s explained to us early on, without showing real examples. I wanted to watch how people treated Robbie and others like him. I wanted to figure things out for myself and feel how unfair the world was. The same goes for the women in power. I was told how things worked, but I didn’t get to experience it through scenes or real interactions. It didn’t feel like a dangerous or broken world, even though I think it was meant to.
Dani is supposed to be uncovering dark secrets, and Robbie is one of the rare Breeders, but it didn’t feel like the story gave enough time to let their world come to life. Everything moved quickly, and I didn’t feel the tension or danger that should have been there.
I think this story has a great setup. The world, the characters, and the journey could have been really powerful. It just didn’t land the way I hoped. I wish the book had shown more and trusted readers to figure things out on their own. This could have been an amazing story if we were given more time to really see and feel what Dani and Robbie were up against.

Overall, this was a miss for me. The bones of a great story are here. I think with a little cleanup, this could be a huge hit of a book.

This book comes out on July 29, 2025.

[SD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review (sorry it's a little delayed--but given my rating, probably for the best).

Where to begin with the story? I guess I'll start with the positive: the premise is interesting/fairly unique (or not often done, anyway).

The negatives are...almost everything else. I mean, I didn't hate it (so I'm finding it hard to rate 1 star), but it was just so...batshit insane?

The first couple chapters, multiple phrases were repeated as if they hadn't been said before. This continues throughout the book, sometimes sentence after sentence. Nouns and verbs sometimes are used incorrectly (lay vs "lied," "poised" vs posed, etc). The info dumps go on and on, between Dani's internal monologue to conversations with other people. Everything must be explained at all times.

Literally EVERYTHING is described, but in such a way that is distracting instead of being helpful. I really don't care to know how Everyone is dressed and what Every Room Looks Like.

Dani (FMC) has a seesaw relationship with her mother that imitates one a 15 year old girl would have with her mother and not one a...29 year old woman would have??? And at the end of the novel they completely switch personalities and also their relationship totally changes, on very little new information?

Also Dani apparently "loves" an escaped Breeder (Robbie) but yet they last saw each other as 11 and 12 year olds and barely see each other again in their late 20s before professing love??? Dani is having a romantic, emotional, and sexual relationship with ANOTHER Breeder both before and after Robbie, and yet she jumps from man to man and basically transfers her feelings every time??? Multiple other men try to seduce her and she's somewhat receptive to their overtones??

Dani is the perfect Mary Sue who is perfect at everything, bad at nothing, and constantly flaunts how "good" she is at reading people and doing her job and getting what she wants.

Characters constantly tell stories in such a way that no one IRL ever does--with perfect thorough descriptions and as if they're reading a novel?? One male character describes his love/work affair with blatant sexual verbiage to Dani and Robbie, who are basically strangers to him, and also sexualizes this woman in his story the entire time??

A shit ton of things happen in this novel but nothing causes feelings or feels impossible for the mains because they're constantly escaping and getting their way??? It's basically a novel where they're on the run almost the entire time and yet not much changes about their circumstances. Dani ends up in the same place she started, more or less.

Also, in a novel dozens of years in the future, in a futuristic/apocalyptic society, we have names like Dani, Linda, and Robbie...and nearly everyone else has made-up futuristic names?

At one point a man shoots his daughter and it's not even the most ridiculous thing that happens in this novel.

I started skim/fast-reading this story and I'm not sure I missed much.

Read this only if you want something absolutely bonkers. Istg I came in with good intentions and left utterly perplexed. Do not recommend, will not be reading any sequel(s).

[Himanshu · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥀D. A. Murray's Dominion: Ascension transports you to a world that is both amazing and unnerving, where rules are unchangeable, power is absolute, and strength isn't always enough to survive. You sense the heaviness of a civilization that has been rebuilt after a disaster, yet it is far from ideal, from the first page. The scene is situated in a post-war society where control is simultaneously evident and imperceptible. Every function, rule, and custom is meticulously designed to preserve order. However, what happens if someone starts to wonder what that order is really about? This is when the story's heartbeat starts. The author's writing is engrossing, infusing each scene with tension and atmosphere.

🥀There is a persistent sense of anxiety, as if one choice could put one in danger at any moment. Every character feels as though the unwritten rules are bearing down on them, and you can practically hear footsteps echoing in quiet hallways. A resolute voice that is smart, ambitious, and hesitant to take things at face value is at its core. Instead of being a hero with unstoppable powers, this person is brave enough to ask the questions that others are scared to utter. You begin to see the fissures in Dominion's meticulously painted exterior via their eyes. This book's emotional depth comes from recurrent themes of friendship, loyalty, & the price of truth. The relationships are complex; every alliance feels risky, and trust is never straightforward here. Even when characters' agendas aren't totally evident there's a certain allure that keeps you interested.

🥀The way this book deals with the idea of control not only by using physical force, but by establishing nearly indestructible institutions, customs, and expectations is among its most remarkable features. Action is not the only source of tension; the gradual recognition that freedom might require more than someone is willing to provide is another. Then there is the journey, which is perilous, unrelenting, and uncertain. There are many unexpected turns on the route through Dominion. Sometimes the speed calms down just enough to ensure you wonder what might be coming next, and other times it beats like a steady beat under threat.

🥀From the viewpoint of a male reader, this book strikes a different chord imagining a future in which men are deprived of agency yet defined only by the roles that society permits them to play is unnerving, intriguing, and occasionally uncomfortable. The author's construction of this matriarchal dystopia keeps you engrossed in its mystery, peril, and emotional depth while compelling you to consider privilege, vulnerability, & identity in unexpected ways.

🥀The stakes are stronger than ever by the latter chapters, yet the most important questions still stand: how much is too much for the truth? For independence, the extent that would you go? Can love endure in a society that is based on control? This is a disturbing, provocative exploration of power, rebellion, & the human spirit that goes beyond simply being a dystopian novel. This is the kind of book that will captivate you, keep you speculating, and leave you pondering long after you've turned the last page.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Layered, Emotional Rollercoaster I Didn’t Expect to Love

I’ll be honest: I don’t usually read dystopian fiction. My reading tends to lean toward other genres, but I decided to try something new after seeing several intriguing reviews of Dominion: Ascension. Wow… I’m so glad I did.

From the very beginning, D.A. Murray pulls you into a world that is richly imagined, complex, and deeply emotional. The descriptions are so vivid and immersive that I felt like I was right there—seeing, touching, smelling, hearing, and even tasting every detail woven into the Dominion. What surprised me most was just how many layers this story contains. It explores not only power and politics, but also identity, loyalty, loss, truth, and—at its core—love.

The main character, Dani, is relatable. I deeply felt her internal struggle as she fights to break free from the heavy burden of her mother’s expectations. Her journey shows how guilt can steal your joy if you let it, and I found myself rooting for her to rise above the fears and doubts she didn’t ask to inherit. Dani’s relationships—with her family, her friends, her love interests, and even her country—are beautifully depicted. Each connection feels meaningful and uniquely complicated.

Murray isn’t afraid to confront bold themes.
The gender controversies in Dominion are provocative and, at times, uncomfortable, but they make the world feel frighteningly real. The book also weaves in the dangerous influence of misinformation—how the power of political propaganda can shape truth and threaten what people believe. These ideas feel unsettlingly relevant to our world today.

The story’s pacing is thrilling. The characters are intriguing, the stakes are high, and I often felt like I was on a wild rollercoaster of emotions—from frustration to hope, heartbreak to exhilaration. I flew through the chapters because I had to know what would happen next.

I picked this book up feeling unsure if dystopian stories were for me, and I’m putting it down as a complete dystopian fiction convert. If you’re hesitant about this genre, let Dominion: Ascension be the book that changes your mind. It certainly changed mine.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a long time follower of her on social media so I was anticipating the release for a while.

Set in a world where power structures have been turned upside down, the novel uses its speculative premise to explore timeless questions about identity, love, and justice. Rather than leaning on shock value, Murray delivers a story that feels both intimate and bold.

At the center is a daughter trying to define herself outside of her mother’s shadow. Through her, the book explores how identity is shaped — and sometimes distorted — by family, expectation, and survival.

Murray builds this character arc within a society where women hold systemic power and men are rendered subordinate. That reversal isn’t played for shock — it’s interrogated. The book examines how control operates in any structure, even one meant to right the wrongs of the past. Tensions rise between resistance movements, knowledge-holding classes, and state forces, making this more than just a reversal — it’s a reckoning.

Despite the scale, the novel remains grounded in the human. Love — romantic, maternal, and communal — flows through the story as both a lifeline and a complication. The push and pull between personal desire and collective justice keeps the stakes emotional as well as political.

The world itself is vividly rendered, eerie in its plausibility. Murray’s writing is lush but clear, with imagery that draws you in and pacing that keeps you slightly off balance in the best way. Every choice feels deliberate, from setting to character motivation.

Dominion: Ascension is less about escape and more about confrontation — with power, gender, family, and the risks of rebuilding a broken world. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it invites meaningful reflection. And for that alone, it’s worth reading.

[Ivan Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly Powerful and Hard to Put Down

I’ll start by saying I don’t normally reach for epic fantasy. My shelves are filled with suspense/mystery, history, business, health, and the occasional science-fiction novel. But Dominion: Ascension by D.A. Murray pulled me in from page one and refused to let go.

This book blends world-building, mythology, political tension, and character psychology with a confidence you don’t usually see in a debut. It reads like a collision between classic fantasy and the pacing of a thriller—complex, fast, and deeply immersive.

The plot drives forward like a storm, with sharply drawn characters whose motivations feel layered and realistic. The writing is cinematic and bold—I often found myself rereading sentences because they were just that good. Murray doesn’t just describe a world; she unveils it, piece by piece, in a way that feels intentional and rewarding.

One thing worth calling out: the role of men in Dominion’s society. Without giving spoilers, I’ll just say it’s definitely controversial. At moments, it made me uncomfortable, but in the way good literature should—it forced me to engage, question, and reflect. It’s a risk, and while some readers may struggle with it, it undeniably raises the stakes of the narrative. It challenged me, and ultimately, that’s part of why the story stuck with me.

Regardless of your usual genre, there’s a lot here: action, mystery, philosophy, and a deep emotional throughline. If you enjoy worlds where every detail feels intentional and every character is walking a tightrope, this is absolutely worth your time.

A captivating and thrilling read. I’ll be watching for whatever Murray writes next.

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wild Ride of Action, Ideas, and Book Club Fun!

I’ll be honest—at first, I was a bit annoyed because there wasn’t an audiobook version. I have a long commute to work and usually rely on audiobooks to get my reading in. I almost passed on this one… but I am so glad I didn’t!

My book club chose Dominion: Ascension, and it turned out to be an absolute blast. The story is chock-full of vivid world-building, nail-biting action, spicy love scenes, and dynamic characters—some I loved, others I loved to dislike. Best of all, the plot was not predictable, which kept all of us guessing and theorizing right up to the end.

We also used the Dominion Book Club Kit, and it made our meeting next-level fun. The kit included cocktail, beverage, and food menus inspired by the book. Each member brought a dish based on the book recipes, and our hostess mixed the featured cocktail, “Lunar Elixir.” The games and the AI teaser were fantastic, and we even created an extra game from the glossary section! It truly felt like an elevated, immersive book club experience.

But what surprised us most was how deep our discussions got. We talked about gender roles, family and self, mother-daughter dynamics, patriotism, and how technology and society shape identity. It sparked one of the most thought-provoking and balanced conversations we’ve had—especially since a few of the guys showed up and, for once, really engaged (and even stood their ground!).

If I have one criticism, it’s that I wish it had been longer. Three hundred pages felt too short for such a big story. I can’t wait to see where D.A. Murray takes the world of Dominion next. Highly recommend—especially if you love smart, stylish, action-packed stories that give you plenty to talk about after the final page.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about what would happen if women ran society. The premise really hooked me. I am a sucker for a good gender-roles flip! The concept of the book is great and the plot points themselves really could hook me. I was invested in her relationship with the guy flirting with her at the event where her mother was getting a reward and with the breeder who escaped. The seedy dark side of what happens when one of the few fertile men in the world retires kept me wanting to know more. I also really enjoyed how her job as a reporter helped give the reader necessary information without it feeling like forced narrative.

The issue? There was an over-reliance on telling me what was happening rather than showing me. For example, Dani (fmc) mentioned how man are mistreated but it wasn't shown very much (minus some allusions during a few scenes). Otherwise, we're just told basically "well this happens". It would have been more powerful if I had been shown later these things happening or the evidence of those things happening. That made it feel like the book dragged on and was slower than it probably was. I can see the potential there for amazing storytelling. The style for this one just made it harder for me to get through. I don't like feeling I'm being fed the narrative with no subtly. It was easy to read and follow but I was hoping for more complex prose. I am going to give more books by the author a chance. I think the more they write the stronger their writing will be. But this one wasn't it for me. I would give it 2.5 stars.

I am grateful to NetGalley and the author for this ARC read.

[Ashley - The Tattered Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs

𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:

ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴏᴇʜʟᴇʀ ʙᴏᴏᴋs ғᴏʀ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜɪs ᴇ-ᴀʀᴄ!

𝒟𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃 ɪs ᴀ ᴘʀᴏᴠᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴅʏsᴛᴏᴘɪᴀɴ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ sᴇᴛ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴘᴏsᴛ-ᴀᴘᴏᴄᴀʟʏᴘᴛɪᴄ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴇɴ ʜᴏʟᴅ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ. ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴠᴀsᴛᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴡᴀʀ, ᴄʜᴇᴍɪᴄᴀʟ ᴡᴇᴀᴘᴏɴs ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʟᴇғᴛ ᴍᴏsᴛ ᴍᴇɴ ɪɴғᴇʀᴛɪʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏɢɴɪᴛɪᴠᴇʟʏ ɪᴍᴘᴀɪʀᴇᴅ, ʀᴇʟᴇɢᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴛᴏ ʀᴏʟᴇs ᴏғ sᴇʀᴠɪᴛᴜᴅᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ.

ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡs ᴅᴀɴɪ, ᴀɴ ɪɴᴠᴇsᴛɪɢᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ ʀᴇᴘᴏʀᴛᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏғ ᴀ ʜɪɢʜ-ʀᴀɴᴋɪɴɢ ᴏғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ, ᴡʜᴏ ᴜɴᴄᴏᴠᴇʀs ᴜɴsᴇᴛᴛʟɪɴɢ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜs ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴏᴄɪᴇᴛᴀʟ sʏsᴛᴇᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ's ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴄɪᴛʏ. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴇʟᴠᴇs ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇᴍᴇs ᴏғ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ, ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄs, ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇʙᴇʟʟɪᴏɴ, ᴄʜᴀʟʟᴇɴɢɪɴɢ ᴛʀᴀᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ɴᴏʀᴍs ᴀɴᴅ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴs. ᴡʜɪʟᴇ sᴏᴍᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴍᴀʏ ғɪɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ ᴜɴᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴛ's ᴘʀɪᴠɪʟᴇɢᴇᴅ ᴘᴇʀsᴘᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴏᴄᴄᴀsɪᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ғʀᴜsᴛʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ, ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴏғғᴇʀs ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ sᴏᴄɪᴇᴛᴀʟ sᴛʀᴜᴄᴛᴜʀᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟ ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ.

𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈:

✨ ᴍᴀᴛʀɪᴀʀᴄʜᴀʟ ᴅʏsᴛᴏᴘɪᴀ
✨ ɪɴᴠᴇsᴛɪɢᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴀʟɪsᴍ ᴀs ᴀ ᴛᴏᴏʟ ғᴏʀ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ
✨ ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇx ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs
✨ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄs
✨ sᴏᴄɪᴇᴛᴀʟ ᴄᴏʟʟᴀᴘsᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇsɪsᴛᴀɴᴄᴇ

𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉: 𝒟𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃 ᴏғғᴇʀs ᴀ ʙᴏʟᴅ ʀᴇɪᴍᴀɢɪɴɪɴɢ ᴏғ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ, ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛʀᴀᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ʀᴏʟᴇs ᴀʀᴇ ᴜᴘᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ. ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ɪᴛ ᴍᴀʏ ɴᴏᴛ ʀᴇsᴏɴᴀᴛᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʟʟ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs, ᴘᴀʀᴛɪᴄᴜʟᴀʀʟʏ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ sᴇᴇᴋɪɴɢ ʟɪɢʜᴛᴇʀ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴠᴇs, ɪᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅᴇs ᴀ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ-ᴘʀᴏᴠᴏᴋɪɴɢ ᴇxᴀᴍɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ sᴏᴄɪᴇᴛᴀʟ sᴛʀᴜᴄᴛᴜʀᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇxɪᴛɪᴇs ᴏғ ʀᴇʙᴇʟʟɪᴏɴ. ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇsᴛᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴄʜᴀʟʟᴇɴɢɪɴɢ ᴅʏsᴛᴏᴘɪᴀɴ ᴛᴀʟᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ sᴛʀᴏɴɢ ᴛʜᴇᴍᴀᴛɪᴄ ᴇʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs, ᴅᴏᴍɪɴɪᴏɴ ɪs ᴀ ɴᴏᴛᴇᴡᴏʀᴛʜʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ.

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
ᴡᴡᴡ.ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ.ᴄᴏᴍ

[Sonia P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

June 20, 2025
Dominion Ascension by D. A. Murray is a riveting dystopian, post apocalyptic novel set in the fictional country of Dominion. After the four-year great war ended in 2030, and destroyed the United States, 26 unified Republics were formed. The story is told by investigative journalist, Dani Matthews, who is reporting on the enslavement and emasculation of men through chemical weapons rendering them infertile and cognitively impaired as a result of the great war. Men are limited to domestic servitude and pleasure giving.
Women control everything. They emerge as captains of industry, lead the government, and create policy. They decide that boys from aged 12 will become Breeders and, propagate Dominion offsprings. In their quest to create a utopian society, women suppress expressions of dissent, particularly by the Breeders. Dani’s investigation into what happens to the Breeders after they reach 30 leads her to reconnect with Robbie, a childhood friend. Now in his mid-20’s he expressed to Dani his desire to leave Dominion and be free. Dani and Robbie embark on a long and arduous journey to the remote region of Haven in their fight for freedom. Their struggle to survive kept me frantically turning the pages and, I can’t wait to read what comes next.
Author D. A. Murray draws inspiration from Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler, and slave narratives of resistance, as well as the present political climate.

[Alison Spear · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the description of Dominion is obviously a very unjust society and the more that is revealed the more deplorable it is. I admire Dani for fighting against a society that in all reality grants her great privilege and I enjoyed how she asked the tough questions
However, Some things didn’t add up for me, Dani had a hard time touring the transformation center, was sweating and out of breath, then later on the road to Haven she’s supposedly an experienced rock climber and expected to climb 2,000 ft, the fact she use to rock climb for sport at Onyx national part seems awfully convenient and seems to be pulled out of thin air.
I also wish there was more character relationship building. Dani seems to instantly fall for Collin, then run away in love with Robbie. Not even two chapters later Josie is making heart eyes with Robbie. I think the author missed the mark on describing these relationships and differentiating between teenage crushes, lust and true love.
I find it strange that Dani is an investigative reporter, but never seems to be taking notes for her story …
The book ends with a lot lose ends and unanswered questions, leaving room for these to be answered in a second book

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book throws you into a world where the balance of power has completely shifted, where women are in control, and men’s roles have been reduced to survival and servitude. The concept is bold, and the political setup combined with the world building definitely stands out in the dystopian genre. It’s the kind of premise that immediately grabs your attention and gets you thinking.

The follow through didn’t fully click for me. The story slowed down a lot in parts, with heavy descriptions and info dumps that had my mind wandering on other things, and it didn't grab my attention fully.

Dani is positioned as a strong lead, but her emotional arc and relationships didn’t always land in a believable way, which kept her feeling distant even though I wanted her to win.

If you love dystopias centered on power structures, politics, and societal shifts, there’s definitely something here to enjoy. It’s a thought provoking setup that could open the door to some really interesting conversations.

Personally, it ended up being a middle of the road read: not one I’ll rave about, but not one I regret picking up either.

Thank you NetGalley, and Koehler books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Van Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominion: Ascension isn't just a stunning debut; it's a necessary read that immediately captivated me. D. A. Murray is a world-building master, crafting a brilliantly realized, immersive world. The complex concept of Dominion and its fascinating caste dynamic and chilling socio-political architecture felt utterly engrossing, and I couldn't put it down.
What truly grabbed me was the courageous and insightful exploration of gender dynamics and power. Murray doesn't just tell a story; she forces me to critically examine the costs of control, making me think deeply about the themes long after I finished it. This bold, timely, and deeply thought-provoking narrative is propelled by phenomenal pacing.
The protagonist, Danielle, is such a compelling and relatable heroine; I was fully invested in her emotional journey from naive beginnings to relentless determination. Her relentless quest for truth drives the plot. The complex characters and a perfect slow-burn romance woven into the high-stakes story added such a layer of heartfelt intensity.
This was a powerful and unforgettable reading experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Dominion: Ascension. It’s an essential read, and I’m already counting down until the next book in the series.

[Kayleigh R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominion: Ascension marks the beginning of a compelling dystopian series set in a world where women have ascended to all positions of power. However, this societal shift has led to an ironic reversal: men are now subjugated and oppressed. The narrative follows Dani Matthews, an investigative reporter and daughter of a high-ranking official, as she uncovers the dark truths underpinning this new world order. Her journey reveals that the post-war society, rather than being an improvement, mirrors the injustices of the past.
netgalley.com

The novel excels in challenging traditional gender norms and roles, highlighting that the oppression of any gender is inherently flawed. It serves as a poignant reminder that true equality cannot be achieved through the dominance of one gender over another. Dani's quest for truth and justice evokes comparisons to The Hunger Games, particularly in its portrayal of a young protagonist confronting a corrupt government and striving to make a difference.

Fast-paced and thought-provoking, Dominion: Ascension is a worthy read for those interested in dystopian narratives that delve into themes of power, gender, and societal structures.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominion is the kind of dystopian novel you reach for when you want a pensive, lingering read — the sort that stays with you long after you close the book. In a moment when dystopian fiction feels more plausible than ever, Murray captures the slippery‑slope descent into chaos that emerges when a fierce, dynamic humanity is forced into unnatural, externally imposed confines.

What struck me most is how Murray subverts the usual gender coding of dystopian narratives. Instead of defaulting to male‑driven authoritarianism, she places women in charge — not as a corrective, but as a way to reveal a harsher truth: that the engine of dystopia is control, not gender. Power seeks to preserve itself, no matter who holds it.

And yet, in counterpoint to this system, Murray threads a quieter but potent theme: the resilience of individual love, connection, and companionship. These human bonds become acts of resistance, reminders that the self can still stand against the machinery of control and choose truth, care, and authenticity.

This is my first book by Murray, but it will not be my last.

[Judith Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something is off.

No one is better equipped to unearth the truth about Dominion’s secrets than Dani Matthews, an accomplished investigative reporter who looks beyond her affluent status to notice the human suffering surrounding her. Women have emerged as the power brokers, while men, cognitively impaired in the aftermath of a devastating chemical war, serve to please females. Men also hold lower positions. Dani senses deception within Dominion's societal framework and risks everything to uncover the truth.

While this debut novel may be reminiscent of popular dystopian tales like The Divergent Series, D.A. Murray infuses the genre with a fresh signature voice through well-drawn characters, careful storytelling, and vivid world-building.

Murray’s work provokes lingering thoughts about gender expectations, class, ambition, romance, and impossible choices with the nuanced poise of a writer clear-eyed about the disturbing social implications of the Dominion worldview. This is a stylish and timely read you won’t soon forget.

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting premise - kind of a dystopian future where men have become cognitively impaired and infertile (for the most part), and women rule society. It was kind of like the Barbie movie if things were still pretty terrible and they tried to actively oppress the Kens instead of just ignoring them. Dani, our protagonist, rails against this for reasons that are never made entirely clear, despite easily falling into two relationships, one with her former neighbor and one with a Breeder who has clearly drunk the Kool-Aid but cannot marry her. In the midst of Dani's turmoil, she also discovers a mad scientist who caused this whole debacle and the mythical Haven that she has to go through a gauntlet of challenges to enter. The story struggled to figure out what it was - is it a dystopia? Adventure story? Romance? I didn't feel that the characters were fully fleshed out, and it was kind of hard to understand most of their motives. That being said, the story wasn't bad, the writing was fine albeit a bit prosaic, and the premise is pretty neat.

[Amy Smyth Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually not a dystopian novel reader. I typically read Historical Fiction and Novels with strong female characters. However, I loved the Hunger Games and thought I would give this one a go. I am so glad I did. I LOVED the development of the main character, Dani. She starts out as someone with an independent streak (love that!) but as the plot develops, her character acquires more depth. As for plot - there are some good cliffhangers and chapter endings that kept me reading. At a few points I was very disappointed that I had to stop reading because life called! I also love mysteries and spy novles and there was an element of that in this story. From what I understand, there will be a sequel to this book and I can't wait to read it. I'm sure some of the mystery will be carried through. I also want to see the further development of the relationship between Dani and her mother. Definitely a page turner!

[Shawna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started as a 3-star review for me, but quickly dropped to 1. I'm not even sure I was able to force myself to get to the halfway point.
It started out okay - a post-apocalyptic world than is similar to that of The Handmaid's Tale. Here the women are in charge and the men are basically their servants. For EVERYTHING. I was like, "okay, this will be interesting". But the writing style really lost my interest. It just felt disjointed and chunky - with no real depth to it. I felt as if the FMC was an idiot. That or HIGHLY immature. Either way, I just could not force myself through it.

I typically make it a point to finish a book and rarely do I DNF one - but this unfortunately fell into that category for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in return for my honest review.

Pub Date: 29 July 2025

[Merkie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a really interesting concept. That is what led me to this book. However, I feel that the overall storytelling fell a little flat and didn't necessarily live up to the premise. The dialogue felt a little clunky most of the time. The characters were a little disjointed. The story relied a lot on one character telling another character things that should have been obvious given the world that they lived in. Especially in the beginning. It isn't the best way to accomplish compelling storytelling. I don't think this was necessarily for me based on some of my feedback. But I didn't enjoy the idea behind the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was a good dystopian sci-fi read that reminded me a lot of Octavia Butler. As a guy I found it to be a good exercise in empathy with the gender role-reversal and appreciate that it was not anti-man, unlike some of the fiction that is popular these days. In particular, I liked how the main character is complex and likable and shows several sides of the Dominion world as we follow her story. I did think there was quite a lot of scene setting narration, but I attribute that to it being a sci-fi novel and needing to build up the world. Overall I would say this is an excellent debut for a first-time published author!

[ReneeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place in a post-apocalyptic "Dominion" where most men infertile and women are in charge. To me, this sounds like an exciting new take on the traditional patriarchal society type books and while it is that, this one missed the mark a bit for me. Some parts of the plot moved slowly, and the characters didn’t feel as fleshed out as they could have been. There were interesting concepts and moments of suspense that kept me turning the pages and overall it was entertaining. This book ended on a cliffhanger but I don't know if I'm interested enough to continue this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Köehler Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.