Serai Valentin was born to be a weapon. Heir to House Valentin, she was raised in shadows—to kill beautifully, to turn grace into violence. But beneath her mother's gilded cage, she’s starving for a life that’s hers alone.
Cael Seraph was born to heal. A son of House Seraph, he carries light in his hands and sees what no one else does: that Serai is more than the blade her mother forged. He looks at her like she's worth burning for.
Their Houses are enemies. Where one rises, the other must fall.
But when Serai and Cael choose each other anyway, their bond becomes treason. To survive, they must face the Love’s Ascension Trial—an ancient labyrinth in the sky that tests not only their bodies, but their souls. Under a blood moon, every fear, every doubt, every hidden truth will be laid bare. If their love endures, they’ll be bound for eternity.
They do.
And it still isn't enough.
For readers who crave love stories where happily ever after is just the beginning of the nightmare.
Love Ascension by Arden Fangs, is a dark romance novella, although it is only 112 page, it packs a punch in just 13 chapters.
The book starts with the character Cael, the depictions of the first scene are so vivid you cant help but actually see it in your mind. I was caught hook line and sinker by page 2! “I'm bound to you,”, "In this life. The next. Forever, until the end of time.","Forever," Damn... 🥷😭❤️ Serai being the FMC..introduced in Chapter 1.
The descriptions and depthness of world building were done extremely well, so vivid and sharp. You can really visualise the scenes as you are reading them throughout. For example, lines like "Lanterns bobbed along the canals, their reflections dancing on water that never quite stilled." And it all just flows so smoothly together, you are never confused.
The depth of descriptiveness towards the characters actions was also mesmerising!! "Serai twirled her dagger between her fingers, the blade catching silver light as it spun. The motion was unconscious, practiced. Comforting. Shadows curled at her fingertips like loyal pets, responding to her presence without conscious command". I loved it!
I loved how the MFC was depicted as a 'bleeding rose'. "The bleeding rose didn't bloom in foreign soil."
And then the story just escalates and takes off!! I loved it!! It is so refreshing to have a FMC who was strong willed and defiant. I do enjoy the damsel in destress, but when it happens over and over again it can be repetitive. So this, this was super refreshing!!
Arden really knew how to pull on your heartstrings in areas when it came to Cael 😭 The twists and the turns and the ending...holy! Loved it. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series now
Love’s Ascension is a beautifully written short story that feels like the opening note of an epic romance. Arden Fang introduces us to Serai Valentin and Cael Seraph—two souls born on opposite paths: one trained to kill, the other born to heal. From the start, their contrast is striking and poetic, making their connection feel both inevitable and dangerous.
Set against a breathtaking world, the story follows their journey through an ancient labyrinth in the sky, where love itself is treated as treason due to their rival houses. The Love’s Ascension Trial is more than a physical test—it strips them bare emotionally and spiritually. Under the blood moon, every fear, doubt, and hidden truth is forced into the open, giving real weight to their choice to stand together.
What stood out most to me was how vividly the world is seen through Serai and Cael’s eyes. The atmosphere feels ethereal and intimate, and the bond between them is tender yet powerful. You can feel that this is only the beginning—that their love will be challenged in far greater ways in the future.
This short story feels like the first step in something much larger. If this is the foundation of Serai and Cael’s journey, the next book has the potential to be truly amazing as their love is tested even further. A haunting, romantic, and promising start to what feels like an unforgettable saga. 💫
This was an amazing start to the series. The world building and descriptive writing really made the book and scenes come to life. I could picture in my head like a movie. I love having a prequel before starting the main story so I can have an attachment to the characters beforehand, and this book did that. I am so excited to see where book 1 takes the characters!
Wow, Arden Fang is killing it! His writing is like a masterpiece, it sucks you in and you're gone, lost in the story. The words flow so smoothly, it's like you're not even reading, you're just there. Takes you right out of reality.
Love’s Ascension by Arden Fang doesn’t just tell a story it pulls you into its world and refuses to let go. Fang’s writing transcends the page, dissolving reality until the story becomes the only thing that exists. From the very first chapter, you aren’t reading about the characters—you’re living alongside them. What makes Love’s Ascension unforgettable is how completely it erases the distance between reader and story. Time disappears. The outside world fades. You are suspended in a love that defies reason, fate, and even reality itself.
At the heart of the novel is a breathtaking take on fated love—one powerful enough to shatter the world itself. Destiny doesn’t arrive gently here; it collides, fractures, and leaves ruin in its wake.
Every scene feels lived-in, every emotion vibrates with purpose. Longing, sacrifice, and devotion are written with such raw intensity that you feel them in your chest. The author doesn’t just show love as something beautiful—but as something dangerous, consuming, and worth the destruction it leaves behind.
“Love is worth risk. Every scar tells a story. Every leap into the unknown could lead to something beautiful.” That right there literally spoke directly into my soul.
This is a story of destiny that devastates, of a love that breaks the world yet refuses to release its hold. Arden Fang has crafted a deeply immersive, emotionally resonant masterpiece—and Love’s Ascension lingers long after the final page, bound to you just as tightly as its characters are bound to each other.
A devastatingly beautiful dark fantasy romance about love that refuses to die.
Serai of House Valentin is forged into a weapon by her mother, sharpened for obedience and bloodshed, molded into the very thing she despises. Though she is made to kill, all Serai longs for is freedom—to break her chains, to become her own person, and to be more than the blade she was forced to become.
Cael is her opposite and her mirror: a healer whose hands are meant to save, yet whose power so often wounds. He fears what he is capable of, fears the damage he leaves behind, and yet he loves Serai with a devotion that costs him everything.
What begins as a single meeting unfolds into a beautifully tragic bond—two souls discovering truths about themselves they were never allowed to face. Their love is deep, aching, and unwavering, powerful enough to defy fate itself.
This novella moves through shifting timelines and ages, revealing different stages of their story. At times, the reader may feel momentarily lost—but that disorientation mirrors the fractured nature of destiny itself, pulling you deeper into the tragedy rather than pushing you away.
At the heart of the novel is a breathtaking vision of fated love—one that does not arrive gently, but collides with the world and leaves ruin in its wake. This is only the beginning of a tragic, unforgettable story, and a must-read for anyone who craves dark fantasy romance that will shatter your heart and leave you crying in the most beautiful way. 🖤
I can’t help but give Love’s Ascension five stars—Arden Fang’s storytelling is so vivid and descriptive that it feels like you’re living inside the pages. Every line is beautifully written, and the prose flows so seamlessly it’s impossible not to be swept away. ✨ Though this is a novella, it leaves a lasting impression. By the end, you are fully invested in these characters and their journey, which says so much about the depth Arden packs into such a compact story. I loved that we meet our main characters as teens and get to watch their bond slowly grow and deepen over the years. Serai is our FMC, raised to be a weapon—able to command shadows to do her bidding, yet never having truly known love, not even from her own mother. 🖤 Cael, our MMC, is her opposite in so many ways, gifted with healing and light. 🌟 They are darkness and light, but what makes their connection so compelling is that they see each other—not just their powers. Their relationship is tender, emotional, and beautifully balanced, making every moment they share feel meaningful. And that ending? It had me immediately wanting the next book. I cannot wait to see what their love will be tested by and just how much it can withstand. ✨ Thank you, Arden Fang, for such a stunning and emotionally rich story.
Loves Ascension ❤️ it takes you truly on an emotional journey one that’s heartfelt as it is unforgettable for this Novella and Arden Fang you have a very AMAZING way of blending the romance, magic, and the character growth into a story that feels both deeply personal and wildly imaginative. Honestly from the first page, I was completely hooked by the world building and the way the setting almost becomes a character in its own complete right. The emotional stakes are high, and I found myself fully invested in every choice, every heartbreak, and every triumph which I don’t want to give much away but mannnn! And I have to say the heart of this book lies in its characters!! The beautifully flawed, and deeply relatable leading characters whose growth throughout the story feels earned and inspiring. And the romance? Chef’s kiss.💋 It’s tender, steamy, and grounded in real connection, exactly the kind of slow-burn that makes you stay up way past your bedtime haha I cannot wait to now read the first book in the series and see where it all unfolds next!
Where do I start ! I am totally lost to the world Arden builds,it’s so beautifully written that you feel you are walking through the pages of a beautiful magical world rather than reading the book ! This is set before After the Sky Falls. you watch two young people Serai and Cael from different houses slowly fall in love threw all the odds and trails against them Serai is a powerful shadow wilder assassin with a toxic mum who treats her more as a weapon then daughter,she is feisty and I love her … to say I’m completely obsessed with Cael( did I mention he has magical healing powers )would be an understatement his powerful without having to show it and says things like “I would haunt the stars to find you”they have a type of love that would span life times,luckily for them as it may have to !!!! Truly amazing!.I will read anything and everything Arden Fang writes moving forward his writing truly captured me in a way I’ve never known before.
Thank you so much to the Author for providing this ARC copy of this novella! 😊🖤
This story is beautifully written and follows Serai (FMC) & Cael (MMC) both separately, getting their independent backstories, as well as, their progression together as they move through their school life and beyond. Serai is a tough as nails, take no crap, female protagonist. Her mother teaches her in the ways of the assassin to act as an emotionless weapon. Cael is a soft spoken, gentle, soul that starts out as a kitchen servant, with a hidden past. Both of these protagonists find themselves at the academy and they slowly get to know each other throughout their time at the school and eventually falling for each other over time, unfolding into this beautiful relationship. This world is immersive and a perfect starting place for the rest of the series! I can’t wait to delve deeper into this beautiful world!
To say I devoured this is a complete understatement. I was immediately hooked by these characters. Serai is everything that I want in a FMC. She is strong and brave, but broken by expectations. I love watching her find herself throughout this story. Cael is patient and kind, but not weak either. They balance each other in such a beautiful way that I just couldn't wait to read more.
The writing itself left me speechless and in awe. It's lyrical and smooth while guiding you through the pages. The imagery is stunning and I can see this beautiful world taking shape in my head. I am left craving more and I'm already jumping in to book one, I know this is going to be an amazing and emotional read. I'm so excited!
This book was amazing for such a short read the details and storyline are amazing! The heart Cael and Serail have, even though they are both forgotten by everyone around them and even by their families. They come together so beautifully and meld so well together. I love how committed to one another they are. The vows they make to one another. I can’t wait to see what happens next and what happens as they get to the bottom of what is happening with the other houses! “I’m bound to you.” “In this life and the next. Forever, until the end of time.” “I’m bound to you, Cael Seraph. In this life. The next. Forever, until the end of time.”
What a way to kick off an emerging romantasy series! Cael and Serai’s love is truly that of youth, impulsiveness, and recklessness. There is this supernatural tether, pulling them toward one another. I have not read many novellas that flowed as eloquently as this. While intended to be short, there was no lack of detail on important parts of their journey. There did seem to be some time hoping (again it’s a novella - I get it) so I found myself rereading some parts to make sure I didn’t miss anything because the time passed seemed large in my brain. Such a minor blip in the overall experience. I’ve already started After the Sky Falls! I am excited to see where this goes.
'Sugar was weakness, indulgence her mother had trained out of her years ago.'
A captivating novella that introduces Serai and Cael and leaves you wanting more. This novella left me with many questions I look forward to having answered as we learn more about this magical world.
Lyrically written, like it's own work of art, we're brought into a world that has it's own magic. The characters have their own individual skills with magic, seemingly, 2 sides of a coin. Along with the world feeling alive and magical itself. One with healing and one with shadows. I'm so curious to see how the world ebbs and flows and the story of their love develops when centuries pass.
in the beginning it was slow and I didnt know the point of Cael, but as I continued to read this Novella I understood. I love Serai, even though she was groomed to be a warrior and a weapon to protect her kingdom or house. She is a badass and can hang with the boys also beat the boys! I love how both Cael and Serai are both the outcast of their own families. I did get confused closer to the end of the novella because at first they were at training school and then I am assuming they went on a date and then the blood moon came out and they had to go through trials and I really thought this story was well done. 4.75 stars.
Love's Ascention is a really good good, I would give it a 4.5 but it only gives me the option of 4 or 5. Arden is so descriptive with every part of the story that it's easy to immerse yourself into the world and live alongside the characters. One thing I wasn't so fond of was how the relationship seemed to just automatically happen seemingly without any courtship before hand. Even with that set back (in my mind, some people won't see it as an issue at all) I never wanted to put it down and when I had to I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Wow! This short Novella is phenomenal! Love Ascension pulled me in right from the start! Once I started I couldnt put it down! Arden Fangs writing style is just so good that it hooks you right in. I could picture what exactly was happening right down to the sounds in the book. I was definitely on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I fell in love with Serai and Cael and I cant wait to see where they go in the upcoming books. This was definitely a good start to something bigger.
This book is beautifully written and richly detailed. The author has a remarkable ability to bring even the smallest moments to life, making the story feel vivid and immersive throughout. The writing style is engaging, with strong emphasis and pacing that keep the narrative exciting and compelling. The story itself is gripping, and I genuinely love the way the author writes — it draws you in and holds your attention. Overall, it’s a truly great read, and one that stays with you long after you put the book down.
If you want a love so devastating and unyielding that it transcends time—and space—across every lifetime, look no further than Love’s Ascension.
This beautifully written novella is the perfect introduction to the series, immersing you in a world steeped in love, pain, and power, all set against the relentless war between House Valentin and House Seraph.
Arden Fang weaves pain and pleasure into a forbidden, doomed romance, wrapped in a magical, whimsical world with undeniable Studio Ghibli energy that will stay with you long after the final page.
This book was my introduction to Arden Fang and it immediately pulled me in. The story is built beautifully and doesnt ever let you go while your reading it. The emotions, the weight of every decision is something that you feel throughout the whole book. And then there is the characters, who love and hate with extreme fierceness that you are also feeling it. I finished this book in one sitting and was absolutely left wanting/needing more.
What a beautiful fantastic story!! You get lost and entranced in Serai and Cael's story. Loves Ascension is a novella for the upcoming trilogy, The Rewritten Fates.
Serai is the trained warrior who weilds shadow magic. Cael the quiet healer. they are from opposite house but find solace within each other.
Arden Fang has a way of bringing this story to life. you don't just read this story. You are there with Cael and Serai.
I recently got in contact with Arden Fang and I received this copy out of pure curiousity, call it book bestie pressure 🤣
But as I started reading, this book spoke to me. Its deep, it's emotionally fully loaded and I just love the MMC and the FMC. Their love is something I have not yet read about, and I have been reading a lot.
I will definitely recommend this book, but after this one, you neeeeeed the next books too. This is a series that will hook you from this very first book
Love’s Ascension was a well written YA story. It is a great gateway into a series. Giving good background on the two main characters. Arden Fang gave nice descriptions of the characters back stories without being overly descriptive which could cause someone’s mind to wonder away from the story. However, the reason for only 4 stars is that I would have enjoyed a little more of how the two May characters got to the point of a love bond. Can’t wait to see where these two take us.
I loved this novella. I wish it went a little more into information about each of the main characters.
Learn about Serai and how her mother trained her (also, what was that blue book she collected from her mark at the beginning). More about Cael and who his mother was, how she ended up having a King's son. Did the King even know Cael was his son, or was he thinking he was related in some other way?
Definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books as they come out.
Love’s Ascension slowly breaks you down with quiet, vulnerable moments and characters who feel painfully real. Love here is messy, complicated, and earned (never rushed or idealized) which makes every emotional beat hit harder. Just when you think you understand where the story is going, Arden Fang completely pulls the rug out from under you with an ending that hits fast and lingers long after the final page. It’s not just unexpected...it haunts you.
I couldn’t put the book down. The world description made you feel like you were truly there. Each chapter dug deeper into the characters’ personalities and their building dynamic. Their stark differences balanced the opposite so purely it was like two magnets being drawn together. This novella laid a solid foundation for the main series and I can’t wait to see how their eternal love is tested through the span of lifetimes in the main books!
The first part of this book had me hooked. The magic touch that was too powerful it destroys what it tries to heal. The shadows that have men at their knees. What happens with cael and his father? One minute he's a servant the next he's in an artifact room finding out about hidden areas then being offered a full scholarship to an academy.
It had promise and then it got confusing and bounced all over the place for a bit. The ending had me curious what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Loves Ascension is brilliantly written. The tone and the plot built so beautifully that you fall right into the world. I got so sucked in I couldn’t put it down until I had finished! The characters are so dynamic and real you can’t help but wanting to fight right along side them! I truly loved this book!
I absolutely devoured this novella! Cael & Serai story, its so beautiful. This is an introduction into what you can expect in After the Sky Falls and it did not disappoint. Amazing world building, character backgrounds, understandingfor when you jump into Book one of The Rewritten Fates. It leaves you hungry for more...
What a great read. I loved it and could not stop. I ended up finishing it in one sitting. The pace at which it moves along is perfect for the way that the story flows. The charcters, wow, you will love them. This is a book that needs to be read. You will not be disappointed. A must ead, for sure.