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Books of Ascension #2
Equinox
Can you see the story breathing?
The Keep
The most beautiful city on the great Mountain
The pinnacle of Maelir culture
The home of the Inner Sanctum
The place where secrets hide
The fate of the Mountain hangs in balance at the time of Equinox, and even the Keep can no longer remain untouched. The Maelir are desperate to defend it, the Faemir to demolish it, the windriders to claim it. But unknown to them all, a dark force has already emerged from the chaos to seize power.
As Atreu and Verlinden strive to decipher the power of the Talisman that has defined Atreu’s Ascent, Teyth and Valkyra are locked in a desperate battle that neither of them can win. At a time when darkness and light are in perfect equilibrium, when Maelir and Faemir must find a way to break the deadlock and avoid annihilation, the world’s fate lies in the Book of Ascension.
The Keep
The most beautiful city on the great Mountain
The pinnacle of Maelir culture
The home of the Inner Sanctum
The place where secrets hide
The fate of the Mountain hangs in balance at the time of Equinox, and even the Keep can no longer remain untouched. The Maelir are desperate to defend it, the Faemir to demolish it, the windriders to claim it. But unknown to them all, a dark force has already emerged from the chaos to seize power.
As Atreu and Verlinden strive to decipher the power of the Talisman that has defined Atreu’s Ascent, Teyth and Valkyra are locked in a desperate battle that neither of them can win. At a time when darkness and light are in perfect equilibrium, when Maelir and Faemir must find a way to break the deadlock and avoid annihilation, the world’s fate lies in the Book of Ascension.
- GenresFantasy
434 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
1202 people want to read
About the author
Dirk Strasser
80 books82 followersDirk Strasser has won multiple Australian Publisher Association Awards and a Ditmar for Best Professional Achievement. His mythic fantasy series, The Books of Ascension, has been republished by Macmillan Momentum, this time including Eclipse – The Lost Book of Ascension for the first time in English. His novels and short stories have been translated into a number of languages. He also founded the Aurealis Awards and has co-edited and co-published Aurealis magazine for over twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 28, 2015
Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
Equinox is the second book in the Ascension trilogy – a vivid, creative series which has been packed so far with fantastic world building and fascinating stories. I had mixed feelings on the first book, Zenith, with it lacking in strong character development, and I also felt like its pacing was hit and miss. That being said, I thought Equinox was a much stronger novel and it had built on any of Zenith’s weaknesses. It was darker, tense and action-packed, and the growth of our main character Atreu was fulfilling to read. There wasn’t a dull moment in this epic world Dirk Strasser has built up and I was gripped throughout the whole journey and ultimately left eager to read the final book, Eclipse.
Equinox provides complex battles for both Atreu and his brother Teyth and where the action picks up and is completely absorbing throughout this war, hope lies in the Book of Ascension and Equinox takes us on another journey where it is unclear who, if anyone, can be trusted and how it will all eventually turn out. The world building is at such a high standard here that it makes the story so easy to follow. It’s bold and imaginative and the author creates a strong picture in your mind of the location, making the plot easy to buy into and follow. Unlike in Zenith, I thought the plot was consistently intriguing in Equinox and as tension was built, I was racing through it, spellbound by every step and every bit of knowledge and truth uncovered.
Development is where this book really stands out because although Zenith had an interesting, mysterious plot, in Equinox the plot and character development is stepped up a notch. I don’t particularly like any of the characters, and don’t think I ever will, but the changes in them have been delivered brilliantly. Atreu is so different from when we first met him, but realistically different too. I follow a character much better if I can see that they’re learning and being effected by the turn their life is taking and Atreu is an example of this. The author also works a lot on creating believable secondary characters too like Verlinden, who is accompanying Atreu, and I was fascinated by how the relationship between them would be developed. Equinox was an exciting middle instalment in a captivating trilogy and a satisfying read. There’s plenty of action and lots of little sub-plots to keep the interest going and I can’t wait to see what’s left to come.
*Book received for honest review.
January 16, 2015
This book follows Zenith, first in the series. In that book, twins ascended the mountain in search of a greater truth, and those who succeeded would become members of the Holy Orders. Our hero had discovered his truth and all seemed well.
So is all well? Not so much. Turns out that after the first judgment, there's a second judgment and those who fail that one are conscripted into an order who constantly circle the holy keep, but are never allowed inside. And with the hero's truth being so out there (Men and women getting along? Never!), it looks like he's going to be one of those failures. If he can rescue his brother, reclaim his talisman, survive the war and, oh yes, if the keep doesn't fall down around them.
This book had more suspense to it than the first, but I liked the first better, because it had a clearly defined goal. While this book had its moments, I was never quite sure what was going to happen and if I needed to put needles through my eyes to keep from reading some of it. Because some of it was that annoying.
Still, a good tale, and complete unto itself. It's clearer from this one how the third must go, but there's still some mystery left, like whether they'll ultimately win.
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So is all well? Not so much. Turns out that after the first judgment, there's a second judgment and those who fail that one are conscripted into an order who constantly circle the holy keep, but are never allowed inside. And with the hero's truth being so out there (Men and women getting along? Never!), it looks like he's going to be one of those failures. If he can rescue his brother, reclaim his talisman, survive the war and, oh yes, if the keep doesn't fall down around them.
This book had more suspense to it than the first, but I liked the first better, because it had a clearly defined goal. While this book had its moments, I was never quite sure what was going to happen and if I needed to put needles through my eyes to keep from reading some of it. Because some of it was that annoying.
Still, a good tale, and complete unto itself. It's clearer from this one how the third must go, but there's still some mystery left, like whether they'll ultimately win.
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Last week, I reviewed the first book in the Books of Ascension series by Dirk Strasser, Zenith. You can read my review here. Today I’m tackling the second book, and I’ll get to the third book in April.
What Zenith seemed to lack in action for the first half of the book, is made up by Equinox. At the start, we learn about the fate of the Mountain, and how it’s endangered, and about how a dark force has ascended that allies with no one, not with the Maelir or the Faemir, and might unite them to fight against a common enemy, if they manage to set their differences aside.
Atreu and Verlinden try to uncover the power of the Atreu’s talisman, whereas his brother, always more fighter than than scholar, is locked up in a battle he can’t possibly win. Their only hope, and the hope of the world, can be found in the Book of Ascension.
There’s more action in this book, and Atrue goes through a tremendous amount of character developement. The Atreu we see at the end of this novel, is nowhere near the innocent lamb we encountered at the start of the first book. As the book draws closer to the end, the inevitable becomes clear, and each brother must continue down their own path, and fulfill their own destiny.
Last week, I reviewed the first book in the Books of Ascension series by Dirk Strasser, Zenith. You can read my review here. Today I’m tackling the second book, and I’ll get to the third book in April.
What Zenith seemed to lack in action for the first half of the book, is made up by Equinox. At the start, we learn about the fate of the Mountain, and how it’s endangered, and about how a dark force has ascended that allies with no one, not with the Maelir or the Faemir, and might unite them to fight against a common enemy, if they manage to set their differences aside.
Atreu and Verlinden try to uncover the power of the Atreu’s talisman, whereas his brother, always more fighter than than scholar, is locked up in a battle he can’t possibly win. Their only hope, and the hope of the world, can be found in the Book of Ascension.
There’s more action in this book, and Atrue goes through a tremendous amount of character developement. The Atreu we see at the end of this novel, is nowhere near the innocent lamb we encountered at the start of the first book. As the book draws closer to the end, the inevitable becomes clear, and each brother must continue down their own path, and fulfill their own destiny.
April 6, 2014
The first line of the synopsis asks: Can you see the story breathing? The answer is a definite YES! Equinox by Dirk Strasser builds on the foundation of book one, Zenith maintaining the same atmospheric quality and intensely spellbinding plot, this time ratcheting up the tension with eminent danger from presumably dark forces from within The Mountain. The battles rage for domination of The Mountain between the Maelir, the Faemir and now the Windriders and the answers to the world’s fate lies in Atreu’s talisman, the Book of Ascension, but will he decipher its meaning before time runs out?
Two sets of twins cross the lines of prejudice and hatred to work together, finding their own paths to follow. Can Atreu and Verlinden find allies from unexpected sources as the clock ticks on the devastation of the world? For Atreu, this is a steep learning curve, far more internal than book one. He is gaining knowledge, has opened up to the power of his talisman and understanding of his role, his destiny. Will the power hungry deceit of others thwart his mission?
Dirk Strasser does not miss a beat with Equinox. He has already built his world, and he now further develops his characters, losing the youthful insecurity that defined Atreu, as well as his resistance to trust the book and its meaning. Mr. Strasser has picked Atreu up and dusted him off, stronger, more determined and, while still weary from his journey, his inner fortitude rarely waivers as one frustrating roadblock after another is thrown in his way. Verlinden is a positive influence on Atreu and one of the few he can trust, as he recognizes her strengths, too.
This world is still dark, still plagued with secrets and power hungry groups, but truths will be uncovered through the creative mind of Dirk Strasser who is unafraid to add subplot after heart pounding subplot as he builds new depth into all of his characters. This is truly epic fantasy that comes to life in your mind can be read and re-read with ease.
I received this copy as part of the Books of Ascension Tour & Giveaway currently stopping at Tome Tender.
Series: Books of Ascension - Book 2
Publication Date: November 1, 2013
Publisher: Momentum
ASIN: B00FQ75KWA
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Number of Pages: 400
Available from: Amazon
Two sets of twins cross the lines of prejudice and hatred to work together, finding their own paths to follow. Can Atreu and Verlinden find allies from unexpected sources as the clock ticks on the devastation of the world? For Atreu, this is a steep learning curve, far more internal than book one. He is gaining knowledge, has opened up to the power of his talisman and understanding of his role, his destiny. Will the power hungry deceit of others thwart his mission?
Dirk Strasser does not miss a beat with Equinox. He has already built his world, and he now further develops his characters, losing the youthful insecurity that defined Atreu, as well as his resistance to trust the book and its meaning. Mr. Strasser has picked Atreu up and dusted him off, stronger, more determined and, while still weary from his journey, his inner fortitude rarely waivers as one frustrating roadblock after another is thrown in his way. Verlinden is a positive influence on Atreu and one of the few he can trust, as he recognizes her strengths, too.
This world is still dark, still plagued with secrets and power hungry groups, but truths will be uncovered through the creative mind of Dirk Strasser who is unafraid to add subplot after heart pounding subplot as he builds new depth into all of his characters. This is truly epic fantasy that comes to life in your mind can be read and re-read with ease.
I received this copy as part of the Books of Ascension Tour & Giveaway currently stopping at Tome Tender.
Series: Books of Ascension - Book 2
Publication Date: November 1, 2013
Publisher: Momentum
ASIN: B00FQ75KWA
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Number of Pages: 400
Available from: Amazon
February 24, 2014
Though many trilogies struggle through their middle entry, stuck in a sort of narrative no-mans-land between introduction and climax, Equinox, sequel to Zenith, is undoubtedly an exception. Certainly Equinox is a different sort of book to Zenith, but by no means a worse one, and it is by this difference that it performs so well as a second act.
In Zenith, Atreu's journey was very much about the physical; as he travelled across the surface of the Mountain, Strasser introduced its peoples, its cities and towns, and its landscape. Atreu's task was unambiguous. The Mountain was in sight, all he had to do was reach it.
Equinox, however, is a more complex work. Though Atreu has ascended the Mountain and witnessed enlightenment, his next task is about to begin, and is by no means as straight-forward. Confronted by the truth of his Zenith, Atreu must search deep inside himself to find the conviction to persuade the council who rule the Mountain to heed his words before it is too late.
Though there is no lack of intrigue, action, and excitement, it is in Equinox that Atreu truly develops most as a character. Naivety lost, he must learn the meaning of power and truth, and the responsibility with which both must be wielded.
Strasser is to be commended for not giving into the urge to rush a conclusion or meander pointlessly, but instead delivers meaningful character and plot development while continuing the same high standard of world-building, adventure, and wonder which make Zenith so enjoyable.
Highly recommended to fans of Zenith, and a worthy lead-up to Eclipse.
In Zenith, Atreu's journey was very much about the physical; as he travelled across the surface of the Mountain, Strasser introduced its peoples, its cities and towns, and its landscape. Atreu's task was unambiguous. The Mountain was in sight, all he had to do was reach it.
Equinox, however, is a more complex work. Though Atreu has ascended the Mountain and witnessed enlightenment, his next task is about to begin, and is by no means as straight-forward. Confronted by the truth of his Zenith, Atreu must search deep inside himself to find the conviction to persuade the council who rule the Mountain to heed his words before it is too late.
Though there is no lack of intrigue, action, and excitement, it is in Equinox that Atreu truly develops most as a character. Naivety lost, he must learn the meaning of power and truth, and the responsibility with which both must be wielded.
Strasser is to be commended for not giving into the urge to rush a conclusion or meander pointlessly, but instead delivers meaningful character and plot development while continuing the same high standard of world-building, adventure, and wonder which make Zenith so enjoyable.
Highly recommended to fans of Zenith, and a worthy lead-up to Eclipse.
May 12, 2015
If the stereotype is that sequels (or middle books in a trilogy) shadow in the success of their predecessor, then Strasser has broken that stereotype. Overall, I'd say the process of reading Equinox was much more enjoyable than that of Zenith. I wasn't too impressed with what I had read in Zenith, so my thoughts were that I would have to struggle through Equinox, but that was simply not the case. (I read the latter 300 pages over the course of five hours.)
I think part of what made Equinox so much better in my eyes was that it had a more developed and more intriguing plot. The conflict was a little more tangible. I cannot comment now, but I want to guess and say that This should be marketed as a duology (with books 2 and 3 actually being books 1 and 2). At that point, Zenith would be released as a prequel novel. It would require some tweaking, and I don't know if that's even possible, but it seems like this book 2 was the true beginning of the conflict that drew me in.
I wasn't planning on quickly finishing off the trilogy, but the mountain-hanger (ha ha ha) has piqued my interest.
I also want to make a note here and say this: I love the concept of the reader within this novel, and the power that books-within-books gains in this middle novel.I find it absolutely fascinating, albeit I'm still trying to puzzle it all out in my mind, and will be doing so for some time.
"I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads."
I think part of what made Equinox so much better in my eyes was that it had a more developed and more intriguing plot. The conflict was a little more tangible. I cannot comment now, but I want to guess and say that This should be marketed as a duology (with books 2 and 3 actually being books 1 and 2). At that point, Zenith would be released as a prequel novel. It would require some tweaking, and I don't know if that's even possible, but it seems like this book 2 was the true beginning of the conflict that drew me in.
I wasn't planning on quickly finishing off the trilogy, but the mountain-hanger (ha ha ha) has piqued my interest.
I also want to make a note here and say this: I love the concept of the reader within this novel, and the power that books-within-books gains in this middle novel.I find it absolutely fascinating, albeit I'm still trying to puzzle it all out in my mind, and will be doing so for some time.
"I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads."
November 18, 2014
As is so often the way with adventure series, this second novel, Equinox, is so much darker than the first.
Now ascenders Atreu and Teyth have reached the summit and Atreu has controversially completed Zenith, he is taken into the Keep, a glorious city at the top of the mountain presided by the Holy Orders of the Maelir. There, within it’s beautiful walls, he expects to find peace and enlightenment only to discover that his world is ruled by lengthy, archaic conventions which ignore the urgency of the war waging below them and the possible destruction of the mountain.
Meanwhile Teyth fights a sadistic yet passionate battle with Valkyra, leader of the Faemir who want to defeat the Maelir and rule the mountain themselves. But Arteu has discovered that there is another option, a third way. The windriders are rising, the mountain is collapsing and a threat, more powerful than the current war, is showing itself in Arteu’s talisman: the book of Ascention.
Vibrant, complex and adventurous; it’s always a pleasure to read something which is trying something different. Strasser is creating a new folklore within his mountain world – a grasping, ferocious, adult place where trust is hard won and pleasure seldom found. Beneath the new terrain and devilish creatures, lies the oft heard cry of, “why can’t we all just get along?”
review by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChapLit.com
Now ascenders Atreu and Teyth have reached the summit and Atreu has controversially completed Zenith, he is taken into the Keep, a glorious city at the top of the mountain presided by the Holy Orders of the Maelir. There, within it’s beautiful walls, he expects to find peace and enlightenment only to discover that his world is ruled by lengthy, archaic conventions which ignore the urgency of the war waging below them and the possible destruction of the mountain.
Meanwhile Teyth fights a sadistic yet passionate battle with Valkyra, leader of the Faemir who want to defeat the Maelir and rule the mountain themselves. But Arteu has discovered that there is another option, a third way. The windriders are rising, the mountain is collapsing and a threat, more powerful than the current war, is showing itself in Arteu’s talisman: the book of Ascention.
Vibrant, complex and adventurous; it’s always a pleasure to read something which is trying something different. Strasser is creating a new folklore within his mountain world – a grasping, ferocious, adult place where trust is hard won and pleasure seldom found. Beneath the new terrain and devilish creatures, lies the oft heard cry of, “why can’t we all just get along?”
review by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChapLit.com
April 23, 2014
This book delivers! I was drawn in immediately as I continued the story from the first book. There is more action in this part of the series, and I found myself more easily engaged. Equinox excels at its job as the middle part of this trilogy, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it.
The character development grows by leaps and bounds during the course of this section. No longer am I shying from Atreu. I feel like he grew up quite a lot, and I appreciate the author's talent in showing that growth.
With the first book setting the stage, Dirk Strasser casts his characters into their roles perfectly. This series is unfolding into a complex tale that reminds me of why I have a deep rooted love for epic fantasies. Again, fans of fantasy, you will not be disappointed with Strasser's Book of Ascension series!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Enchanted Book Promotions and Dirk Strasser.
The character development grows by leaps and bounds during the course of this section. No longer am I shying from Atreu. I feel like he grew up quite a lot, and I appreciate the author's talent in showing that growth.
With the first book setting the stage, Dirk Strasser casts his characters into their roles perfectly. This series is unfolding into a complex tale that reminds me of why I have a deep rooted love for epic fantasies. Again, fans of fantasy, you will not be disappointed with Strasser's Book of Ascension series!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Enchanted Book Promotions and Dirk Strasser.
June 12, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. In the first book I was annoyed by Atreu but I can honestly say I am liking him a little more since he is at least taking action in this second book of the series. I am hooked!! I had so much fun reading this I ignored everyone until it was finished. Now if I can get a hold of book three maybe I can finally breathe! Yes because breathing was a definite challenge with all of the action! Awesome second book in a series which is not always the case.
October 28, 2014
I found this book at a local bookstore years ago and absolutely loved it. The world-building and storytelling was excellent, though I never got around to finding the other installments in the series. Perhaps it is time to start looking again because I really loved this second installment in the series. Folks that enjoyed Ian Irvine's The View from the Mirror quartet will dig this series as well.
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August 2, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
November 24, 2014
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing.
A pretty good fantasy set in a unique fantasy world. I enjoyed it enough, I'll look for other books in the series.
A pretty good fantasy set in a unique fantasy world. I enjoyed it enough, I'll look for other books in the series.
January 20, 2015
Awesome series read 1 first I received as a giveaway I am so glad that I got a chance to read both books
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews