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The Gateway Trilogy #3

Spirit Ascendancy

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A POWER TOO TERRIBLE TO CONTROL...

IN THE WAKE of their terrifying escape from Fairhaven Hall, sisters Jess and Hannah Ballard find themselves on the run, pursued by the two most powerful groups in the history of the spirit world. On one side, the Durupinen, determined to capture the girls and prevent their role in an ancient prophecy that promises to destroy them and unleash the spirit hordes on the earth. On the other side, the Necromancers, ancient enemies of the Durupinen, hellbent on bringing the same prophecy to fruition. When the girls are betrayed and one of them falls into the Necromancers’ hands, both face decisions with cataclysmic consequences.

Will the lure of power prove too great to resist, or will the bond between the sisters survive this last, most crucial of tests?

399 pages, ebook

Published November 15, 2015

2798 people are currently reading
2180 people want to read

About the author

E.E. Holmes

33 books1,037 followers
E.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.

She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.

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5 stars
3,957 (59%)
4 stars
2,006 (29%)
3 stars
640 (9%)
2 stars
66 (<1%)
1 star
26 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
Profile Image for Ronda.
890 reviews179 followers
February 9, 2020
A good ending to a very enjoyable trilogy and a hint of what is to come within The Walker Series, which I will be reading!

I found E. E. Holmes' writing to be easy, her words flow well which allows the reader to breath in her world. I do find YA an enjoyable genre and these books definitely fit in there very well.

Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Cam.
1,217 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2020
So happy someone told me about this series..... I really enjoyed it. There is another series connected to this story line that I’m very excited to start.
Profile Image for Karen.
28 reviews
August 27, 2018
A true test to the newly linked sisterly bond Jess and Hannah are put to the test! On the run with all the danger unfolding before them, not knowing who they could trust they must make the decision and act fast to avoid being captured or worst killed. With both Necromancers and Durupinen hell bent to win the war in the ancient prophecy, the girls are faced with some hard choices that could effect the fate of not just the prophecy and the newly discovered world that they were just thrown into but of the entire world. Can the sisters bond be strong enough to overcome the ancient prophecy? I can say that this series is well written and very fast read. I very much like the fact that the story is not of some knight and shinning armor to the rescue but of learning that sometimes you are the only one who can save yourself. Also that of sisterly love and bonds can be stronger than you think. The ending is very much trying to tie up loose ends but at the same time E. E. Holmes leaves it open for possible continuation....which is what she did. Yes the trilogy ends and if you are happy with leaving it at the 3rd book you could happily go on your marry way. But there is a second series that follows that will tell a new story of the girls if you so choose. Which I plan on doing!
Profile Image for Alexis.
412 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this series so much. Every twist, every turn, every moment of character development it was like not a stone was left unturned. This was such a thorough ending to such an incredible trilogy. We get all of the answers we crave in book three. We are also given a a touch of romance which in my opinion we were all waiting for. I didn’t want this book to end. I thought the second installment was my favorite until I finished this one. I saw that the author has another spin off series from this one, which is excellent news. I really couldn’t get enough of the character development, the bonds the characters make throughout the stories, and especially the new additions in this one. I absolutely loved the travelers camp portion and all that was learned there, I also loved the way Milo was incorporated in this book. Milo is an absolute fan favorite and almost feels like you’re own personal spirit guide by the end. We finally get Justice for Jess and Hannah. We see Finn truly understand his duties. It’s such a beautiful trilogy. If you loved Harry Potter growing up and always wanted something like it in a college sense, this is the series for you.
1,268 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2015
Wow! Definitely worth the wait. Everything comes together, great twists and turns, reveals, and the feels. It was awesome how some characters in the previous books made an appearance again. Finn, Lucida, Carrigan- and everyone else, loved how everything was connected. Sorry to see this end but hoping for more just the same. This author does not disappoint.
Profile Image for Allison.
496 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2021
Like book #2, this was about 90% setup and 10% action - not my favorite ratio. Then, to make matters worse, all of the planning that took place in the setup played out exactly as planned when we got to the action - no surprise "that won't work after all" or "we lost a key component and have to make it up on the fly" twists. The only thing added was some detail (ex what was the Aether like?). Pretty disappointing.

There were a few questions answered this book, which I was happy about, mainly the girls' father (wouldn't have guessed that one!) and why Hannah was put up for adoption.

But sadly, that wasn't enough to redeem the series for me. #1 was far and away the best, and it was pretty forgettable after that. I won't be reading the spin-off books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jack Murphy.
270 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2015
I loved Spirit Ascendancy!The third book in the Gateway Trilogy was definitely worth the wait. I loved how everything comes together with great twists and turns, reveals, and the chemistry between Jessica and Finn. I couldn't put the book down.It was awesome how some characters in the previous books made an appearance again. Finn, Lucida, Carrigan-and everyone else and I enjoyed how everything was connected.I loved the characters of Jess and Hannah, and I'm sorry to see the series end but hoping for more just the same. This author does not disappoint.

Jack Murphy
246 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2015
Loved this trilogy

This third book tied everything up from the first 2. I really liked it. Full of action, lots of action. Jess has her hands full regarding the Gateway and to save probably the world that would have been full of spirits. If there if an4th one, it would have to be new adventures.
Profile Image for P.R..
Author 2 books49 followers
December 26, 2019
This third volume was an excellent conclusion to The Gateway Trilogy.
I have enjoyed all three, although in my opinion the first was the best. The story which connects them is original, clever and well written.

My only gripe, which removes one star, is with the author's perception of the UK and our dialogue. I am most disenchanted with the supposedly English Savvy, who continually refers to Jess as 'mate'. I wonder why the author chose to set books 2 and 3 in the UK when she seems not to have first hand knowledge of this country?

Otherwise, a gripping and compulsive series which I was sorry to finish, although I note that there is another series to follow, which I will undoubtedly enjoy.

Would I read the series again? Yes!
99 reviews
February 5, 2024
Very entertaining, easy to read and it kept me page turning until the exciting end.
Great storyline with plenty of detail and emotion. Couldn’t be less than 5 stars.

The Elemental creature reminded me of Gollum in the way it talked to itself in the 3rd person.

Just a comment, like for book 2, where there are similarities to Iron Flame. In this case, the role of Scribes looking after the libraries.
Profile Image for Edi.
190 reviews7 followers
October 8, 2023
Now, this was a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. There was quite a lot of angst as the sisters were separated, some heartbreak for the fallen, a few gasps for the plot twists and revelations, warm and fuzzy for the emotions and one huge "hell yeah!"
Jess has proudly entered my list of favorite YA heroines. I like my book gals smart and reasonable. Will definitely reread the trilogy one day.
Profile Image for Lauren.
72 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2022
Originally thought four stars, but an extra star was given for the way everything was wrapped up neatly. Some books just end, and maybe that leaves room for our imagination, but there is just something so satisfying about tying up loose ends.
757 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2021
A fascinating Trilogy. Ghost demons, murder, deceit, love and heartbreak all combined in this series. Loved the characters and the different settings, and the wonderful worl that the author opened up to me.
Profile Image for Chrys Minter.
855 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2023
Awesome

Enjoyed this story. The series is so great. I'm finding it very hard to put down with each one I read.
Profile Image for Katherine Thomas.
126 reviews
March 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this series. I normally don't enjoy YA or college age story lines but this one was well written, great characters, great plot and world building.

Profile Image for Alexandra Fraser.
41 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2021
The twins, Durupinen and, the Necromancers are on a collision course to the finalization of the prophecy for destruction of our world, never a dull moment for the twins and their spirit guide Milo. The twins are on the run and there are many unknown factors in play. Jess and Hanna are having to battle Durupinen distrust, a Traveler Clan, and Necromancers with their manipulative factors. It is a whirlwind of active on all sides.
Profile Image for Thomas Tymstone.
348 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2020
☆☆ SPOILER ALERT ☆☆

I wish I liked this book better. I listened to the first one and liked most of it OK. I couldn't find the second on audiobook so I went with the first. It didn't matter the stories are kind of self contained and not that hard to follow. I so didn't like the main character this time. She was even more of a B#$@h than before. Yelling and scolding, sassing and snapping. If she had a reason or so wit I would have enjoyed it. I really a strong female character, but not some women whose just needs to have her say even if it helps nothing. She snapped at her friends and felt helpless in front of her enemies. Took chances with other people's lives and couldn't see the writing on the wall, even neon.
I enjoyed a lot of the other characters along with the silly gay ghost.
The way she begrudged her sister's looks after the delema was kind of petty. Also the line "she's fragile, but strong was tiring after the 10th time.
I'm sorry I don't think I'll be listening to any of the rest of the series, even though I love magic and ghost stories. ✌🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for molly.
613 reviews14 followers
September 28, 2021
This installment felt like the weakest link to me. This problem often happens towards the end of a until then fun trilogy for me- I am tempted to think that often the amount of material is stretched out just a bit too long to reach the three book goal. In this case the part where Jess is learning Walking with the Travelers and Finn is off being angsty just stretched out way too long. All of the big Reveals fell kind of flat because they seemed obvious from all the previous hints?

I think a better and cooler ending would have been Hannah realizing all along that she was getting snowed by the Necromancers. Was disappointed that she became the Frail One yet again.

The part towards the end in the Aether was interesting and I wish more had been done to explore that.
Profile Image for Tasha.
1,490 reviews26 followers
December 1, 2015
The pain of having to wait days for this book (didn’t have enough money on my Amazon Gift Card) almost drove me insane… This is the last book in the series…. This series has had so much….. (is there a word to describe what I want)… If you have read this series, then you know what I am trying to say that doesn’t seem to express enough what this series has been like to read. Usually I am one to read romance but this was different this was filled with drama and so much excitement that at every turn I would move closer and closer to the edge of my seat waiting for the….. next thing to happen hoping it wouldn’t end with a cliff hanger.
Profile Image for Nathalie Gonzalez.
2 reviews
July 26, 2017
I loved the first two books so much! Waited such a long time for the third installment. (well waited a long time to read it) the reason I gave it a 4 star was that jess the main character took a step down. She seemed so strong in the last two books and on this one she became an annoying brat in my eyes. Always yelling at everyone and it just seemed excessive. Just a bunch of crying and OMG LIFE ISNT FAIR type moments. The small amount of romance did nothing to reach my heart either. Seemed so plain and thought of quickly. It is worth the read though, because the story line did close up nice and neat. Everything was how it should be when a book ends.
349 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2018
A great series

I just finished the third book..In 8 days. I've downloaded the first in her new series as well. If you are a real Stickler for perfect editing then maybe you should pass. I find most of my Kindle books aren't perfect. I also don't like crude language or swearing, all are here.
But, when a book is well thought out and written and the characters are fleshed out and real an exception is to be made. The story concept was interesting and exciting. I enjoy off the norm stories and this is different. I fell in love with the characters. They were real and not phony, strong and even flawed.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
24 reviews
November 22, 2015
Fast paced action

I waited on pins and needles for this book and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the journey. Jesus was a good character,I felt her too hard or too stubborn. I didn't expect perfection, but how she treats Finn and few others was, well, harshly immature and unreasonable. But each character was of this book, series, sucked you in. A definite re read.
Profile Image for Tracy.
55 reviews
November 24, 2015
The gateway trilogy book 3

Fantastically written, I could not put it down so many twists and turns totally hooked would love to read more about Jessica and Finn well worth the wait to read this just loved it
Profile Image for Madhulika_pathak.
7 reviews
September 8, 2017
I'm running out of words!!!
I loved this book so... much. Unexpected turns of events, mind-boggling surprises and shocking twists were there. I smiled, cried and laughed with the book. It was really a very good series....😊😊
Profile Image for Caroline.
206 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2017
Engrossing and addictive

I bought the trilogy on a whim because of an advertisement on Facebook. I never do that. I was immediately swept up into a world of power, secrecy, and honor. I can't wait to start the next series.
Profile Image for nickiknackinoo.
661 reviews7 followers
August 26, 2020
Fantastic again!!

If I could give this whole trilogy ten stars I would!!.I've absolutely loved them!!! What a great story!!. I won't tell you the story as some do! READ IT YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!!!
Profile Image for Ivy.
466 reviews26 followers
October 9, 2016
Loved the trilogy. However, somewhat disappointed, Jess and Finn's story could have been developed, lenghthened. something was missing.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,402 reviews52 followers
February 22, 2021
3.5 stars 🌟

As a whole, I enjoyed this series. As for the last book, not so much. Well, let me rephrase that. I did like this book, but it also annoyed me quite a bit. So to me, that took away from the experience.

Why? Well, as a character, Jess did annoy me at times (in all the books) but for some reason, in this book it drove me crazy. She came across a rude, snippy, condescending....getting a picture? Especially towards Finn. And that bothered me more than anything. Of course, as the reader, we were given clues that Finn had feelings for her, but apparently this just flew right over Jess' head. Apparently, she was so annoyed with EVERYTHING the whole protector role entailed that she never ever gave a decent or courteous word towards Finn. Granted, he sometimes or maybe even oftentimes gave her reasons by being short with her, but for the most part, he was frustrated because it was his job to protect her and all she did was try EXTREMELY hard to do the opposite of whatever he suggested. I really do not blame him for leaving. Other than that, when you look at the big picture, she had antagonistic relationships with a lot of people - Lucida, Finn, Milo, Finvarra and Peyton and her crew. Then, even Carrick at the end. Obviously, most of those people ended up being bad guys and it was then apparent that she had pretty good discernment when it came to people, but Milo? Really? It just made it hard to be rooting for her when she was so prickly. ESPECIALLY when she has that conversation in the car where someone is basically opening up their heart and she can not even come up with a reply. Not even one word. So yep, that bothered me.

Also, the ending of this was just a bit too far out of my believability purview. I am more than willing to put reality somewhat aside in this genre of books, but the way it all came down just ended up being way too convenient. And then everyone was okay with a certain persons actions after the fact? The certain person (I'm trying not to give out any spoilers..) that ended up doing so much destruction and enabled the takeover of a certain property? I didn't want that person sent to the gallows or anything, it just seemed like a HUGE betrayal that would have had world shattering consequences and we never heard one person even mention anything. Yep, that one was hard to swallow.

Bottom line, book one was the best. Book 2 was not too far behind that and there was lots of intrigue and interesting drama in it. Book 3 though, while I'm glad that certain answers were finally given, I spent more time being pulled out of the story than I was comfortable with.

Will I continue onwards with the next spin off series? I'm not sure yet. I think I may just jump into a different genre for a bit and then maybe come back. We'll see.....
Profile Image for Corey Beth.
351 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2020
Great Finale for a Great Trilogy

*This review is for the entire Gateway Trilogy by E. R. Holmes.*
I picked this trilogy up as part of my Kindle Unlimited trial, but I enjoyed it so much that I plan to buy hardcopies of the books as well. Jess is a great heroine, full of spunk. Her reactions as she is introduced to a world of paranormal activity are 100% believable & realistic. I would say that Holmes' depiction of hauntings, ghost hunting, & overall treatment of the paranormal in general is among the best I have ever read. This is a fully drawn supernatural aspect added to a familiar world populated with a variety of well drawn, likable secondary characters & it is fun to watch them all grow throughout the trilogy. The writing is clear & concise, a tight storyline with great pacing that drew me in with the first few pages. I am looking forward to reading more by this author, particularly the second series of the World of Gateway. I would recommend these books to anyone that likes mystery, paranormal, urban fantasy, etc. One thing that might throw some people off (but which I actually liked) is the lack of romance throughout the trilogy. While there is a love interest, he doesn't really become important until the 3rd book & then not only due to a romantic capacity but as a fully drawn character in his own right. I found this so refreshing, & enjoy the slow burning possibilities it opens for the second series. Too many books these days try to throw in a romance to fit the genre but end up with unbelievable insta-love (which I HATE) or unconvincing relationships that actually detract from the story. Not this one! The plot of these books is so action-packed & exciting that you won't have time to miss that romance aspect, if that's something you normally look for. So, for a quick, fun, fully engrossing & highly original read, check out the Gateway Trilogy- Spirit Legacy, Spirit Prophecy, & Spirit Ascendency. You won't regret it! 👻
Profile Image for Dee Rodden.
409 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2021
This series was a surprise for me in how much I really liked it. I think it is really difficult to find something that has an original idea and is then capitalized well. This trilogy takes an idea and fleshes it out to provide the reader with a good solid story made up of characters who are not quite as cookie cutter as it seems.

I honestly picked up the first book as a quick read for killing time. The unique idea was sort of captivating. The introduction of secret society might have gone in a poor direction but the author really laid it out well and it became a logical course. I felt that the universe this author created within our own familiar reality wasn't so fantastical as to be ridiculous. The characters were basic (good guys, bad guys, mean girls, screw ups, sad sacks, clueless, etc.) but in a real way as they related to the main character.

Overall, I really liked these three books. I would recommend to someone who enjoys supernatural type fiction (witches, vampires, werewolves, angels, etc.). It really cannot be compared with Twilight or Hunger Games as I think the subject matter is completely different. If pressed, I'd say that it is more like Hunger Games in that the main character is a girl thrown into a world where she must constantly find her way through unknown dangers and must decide if saving the world is worth dying for. BUT, this is not taking place in some futuristic post apocalypse world, it is most certainly NOW and while the passage of time is tough to keep track, it is obvious that the story takes place in our own reality.
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