Zenith

Books of Ascension #1

by Dirk Strasser

Imagine…a mountain so great it takes a year to travel from the base to its summit a sun so powerful it drives you into madness if you look at itan ascent so vital it determines the fate of the world a summit so precious it holds the key to the divineThe world of the great Mountain is unstable. Giant pillars erupt from the surface and yawning chasms form unpredictably underfoot. Since the Maelir first stood on its slopes in the distant past, they have sought to still its anger and control its power. Each year, twin brothers are chosen to make a perilous journey to the summit. If they survive they will be witness to Zenith, and the secrets and power will be revealed to them. Atreu and his brother Teyth have been chosen to ascend, but this time unknown forces who have long craved the power of Zenith will stop at nothing to make it their own… even if it means destroying the very thing that sustains all life – the Mountain itself.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction

394 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1993

About the author

Dirk 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.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

With epic quality fantasy and detailed world-building, Dirk Strasser takes us out of our reality and into his in Zenith: The First Book of the Ascension. For true fantasy lovers, this will hook you from the beginning and hold you hostage until that very last page. The Mountain is epic in size, mystery and power to those who can conquer it as part of a coming of age and enlightenment ritual designed to be untaken by twins at age eighteen. Atreu and his twin, Teyth must begin their journey up the Mountain to the peak and witness the Zenith, a struggle that is physical as well as spiritual. Each Ascender is given a talisman, unique to the Ascender. But there are separate races or tribes that each claim rightful ownership of the Mountain, which means power and control, but to whom does the Mountain belong? How much bloodshed and destruction will it take to find the answer? Following Atreu throughout this tale, as he struggles with riddles and wisemen or monks that help “guide” him, he wonders at his talisman, a book with indecipherable words. Will he learn to understand what this book is telling him? He has one year to reach the top and witness the Zenith. One year on a mysterious journey, far from the small village he calls home, will he reach his goal in the time allotted? Will he “see” what he is meant to understand?

Dirk Strasser invites you to leave behind all that you consider “real” and accept the grueling journey on faith as Atreu must. Mr. Strasser writes with a flare for creating a world that becomes real, like a trip back hundreds of years when superstition abounds and life is primitive and hard. Small towns, bitter winds, and the Mountain so overwhelming in size, just as life can be. Only the strong survive and reach their goal, only to have their final fate determined by a group of monks or spiritual leaders that have become set in their ways and insulated from the realities of their world. Tales of the unknown are woven in, while the differences of each group are amplified with distrust, misconceptions and fear. Each page gives more information while adding more mystery. Each character adds their own piece of this saga, can they be trusted? Even the reader will have doubts, which is what makes this so magnetic! Dirk Strasser leaves crumbs along this dark journey, condensing the year into points of interest, while still giving the feel of a long journey with his well-timed slower pace. Zenith is a very solid read and a very solid foundation for the next addition to this series as the tension builds with every step Atreu takes.

I was amazed at how huge this world has become in my mind and how much I NEED to know the final outcome. Well done, magically addictive, fascinating and dark, Dirk Strasser has begun an amazing journey with this tale!


I received this copy as part of the The Books of Ascension Trilogy Virtual Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender starting April 5, 2014.

Series: Books of Ascension - Book 1
Publication Date: November 1, 2013
Publisher: Momentum
ASIN: B00FQ75KNY
ISBN: 0330273930
Genre: Adult/New Adult Fantasy Adventure
Number of Pages: 405
Available from: Amazon

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

(actual rating 3.5)

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

Zenith had a fascinating plot which completely drew my attention to the novel straight away. I love fantasy books which take the main character, and then the reader along with it, on a journey and this book is about Atreu and Teyth, twin brothers on their ascent up the Mountain. The world building in Zenith is fantastic – there’s a lot of vivid, strong detail which describes the setting perfectly and as the journey continues, though we’re introduced to a lot of new characters, it’s the world which captures the imagination and brings across the thing I love the most about good fantasy novels – a setting you just want to explore for yourself.

The novel starts off intriguing, with a beginning which really set my mind working and it felt unpredictable – I had no idea where this book was going to be taken and the mystery kept me reading. It was quite a slow-paced book and whereas at times this really added to the tension and brought edginess to the plot, at others I found it a bit tough-going. Towards the middle of the book, my attention was waning and there were moments that brought me back into it but I did think the journey around the half-way point, although it wasn’t boring, paled in comparison to earlier on in the book. I wanted it to keep me gripped the whole way through and it didn’t do that. As Zenith approached its ending, I liked it a lot more. It became much more compelling and interesting. I was sold. But I feel like the author showed so much skill and writing ability in some sections of the book that it was a little disappointing that my interest kept being lost.

Though I expected Atreu and Teyth to go on different journeys throughout Zenith, I was surprised how much this book focused on Atreu. The fact that they were twins felt quite built up early on so then to see it lacking a little was unexpected for me. The journey itself was about learning, and continually progressing forward. It was about trust and conflict and this aspect I found really captivating. There’s a lot of information built in to this book and rather than it feel like an overload, I found it easy to take in and that it added a lot to the journey. I did feel like if the author had worked on developing the characters as much as the actual world they’re in, I would have liked this novel a lot more. From the main characters to the small-part characters that were involved and then disappeared far too quickly, I generally felt disconnected to them and I wanted to learn more about them. Ultimately, Zenith was an absorbing concept and a satisfying read, cleverly put together and it’s definitely left me interested in the next book of the series. I just hope it feels like a more balanced and complete novel.

*Book gifted for honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is different to what I normally enjoy reading and at first I struggled to fully get into it. However I still found myself getting drawn into the book and I found myself wanting to read more and more of it, like stopping reading it wasn't an option. I recommend that anyone who does struggle at first to persevere with it, it is worth it!

The story and characters are no the usual names, places and worlds you would read about and Jenny is so talented in been able to bring this world alive and keep as a reader captivated and intrigued throughout the entire book. When the twins had to separate and each take their own paths I felt anxious and excited about the characters and their journey. It was like I was part of the story and I was taking the journey with them. I am so glad I finished reading it so I can now rest I felt like such a part of it, it was like I was feeling everything the characters were.

When I wasn't reading this book I was still thinking about it. You know the episode of friends where Joey keeps a copy of The Shining in the freezer? Well that's what I wanted to do with this book so I knew Atreu and his travelling companions would be ok. Even now after finishing it the story stays with me and when I ask people questions I immediately ask myself is that the right question to be asking? Reading this book has opened up a whole new genre of books for me to read and enjoy. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Dixie Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about people living on a mountain. They order their lives around it and around a time in midsummer, that they call zenith. Every year, a pair of twins is sent up the mountain on different paths to reach the summit. This takes a year to complete. Some of those who make it join holy orders, others fail. Some die. It's a mystical journey.

I rather liked the journey myself, although I don't know that the spiritual message of the book makes sense. It seems to have been grabbed from different sources in history, Plato's cave, lama rituals for regulating the body, and so on. However, it was interesting and the ultimate revelation, while obvious, flowed beautifully.

It also happens to be a complete book, even though it's first in a series.

I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Muhammad Saad Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the summary of this book I thought that it wouldn't be exciting. "How can a boy's journey across a mountain be exciting"I thought. At first the story was slow and uninteresting but as Atreu(the main character) embarks upon his quest the reader feels as though he/she is accompanying Atreu, which is a great feeling.
Also the characters become likable and interesting as the story progresses enriching the reading experience . The story becomes dull at some points but overall I felt that it was a well paced plot and the ending is also satisfying.
The only thing that I would have liked added would be more depth to Atreu's character.
I won the book in a giveaway in goodreads first reads.
I recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adventure story for fans of The Hobbit.

Personally, I value a more character driven approach and would like to have seen the development of relationships more in the novel. At times it seemed a little disjointed, and the climax was very short compared to the lengthy build up, but was an enjoyable read.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the fantasy world of Zenith, human kind lives on an enormous mountain. Each year male twins, having celebrated their 18th birthday, ascend the mountain to become holy men and gain an insight on how to protect life on the mountain. We follow the journey of young Atreu, who ascends the mountain at a time of extreme turmoil.

I won this book in a giveaway approximately one year ago and though I did not have the time to read it as soon as I wanted to, I really enjoyed it! I gave it a 3.4 stars (3=good) and here are my main reasons for this rating:

What I liked

1) The world building! Strasser succeeds in presenting a believable and interesting world. Through the description of Atreu's sensations the reader gets a feeling of how it must be to live and walk on a gigantic mountain. I loved the images that were brought in my head reading about the Rimforest, the ancient forest hidden underneath the snow and Zenith.
2) Secondary characters! Three words: I LOVE BELZALEL!!! Precious tiny fellow! I also liked Cluric and his brother and sympathized with Micah.
3) I liked how the story passed messages not only about war, but also about gender equality. And the fact that he generally liked to pass messages! I especially loved what he tried to say through Teyth's story - I can't say more!

What I didn't like

1) Not finding the protagonist relatable. He kind of seemed like a failed attempt of a clueless teenager (He didn't feel real). The secondary characters were more relatable for the most part.
2) Pacing. The first 80 pages were uninteresting to be honest. Then the resolution came all rushed - though it felt good being written that way.
3) basically what made the pacing feel all wrong for me in the first 80 pages: the way information was fed to the reader. The first chapter though nice on its own, felt barely connected like it was written out and then included at the last moment. It barely gives any information about the characters and the plot of the book. In continuation we don't learn anything about what it means to ascend except that the twins will follow different roads that pass through different towns to reach the top of the mountain. And what about saying that they spend their entire teenage years preparing? How can they know so little? Memorizing maps is all they did? They literally have no clue what they are doing.

No (substantial) reason was given about why it is important to go there and above all why they would want to go there?! I mean, ok, seeing how it is to be on the top of a mountain alone, yes, it is exciting, but that is not a goal that necessarily will fill hardcore fantasy readers with anticipation and make them want to devour the next couple of pages that remain to see what will happen.

All theses reasons led to the first part being hard to get through.

----------------------------
Anyway despite my ranting on the shortcomings (which I will most likely edit and summarize soon), I did like this book and will continue with the rest of the series!

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book review of Zenith
By Dirk Strasser

The story is about two boys Teyth and Atreu who are twins. As they are twins they have to go on a journey to climb a mountain and reach Zenith. This journey is called an ascent and can only be made by twins. The book focuses on Atreus ascent and is basically the story of his journey and the characters he meets along the way.
The pace of the book is slow which I found difficult to read as there wasn’t much action. The descriptions of the land and scenery were good but they were much too long and tended to detract from the story rather than enhance it. Readers who like lengthy, detailed descriptions will probably enjoy this book but it was just too much for me.
The characters Atreu meets and travel with are interesting but just as you begin to get to know them they vanish from the story and you are left wondering what happened to them. It would have been nice to know more about them to broaden it out a bit. Also, at the beginning of the book a great deal is made of the importance of the boys being twins yet Teyth is not mentioned for most of the book. The story is focused solely on Atreus journey.
The dream sequences I found confusing and didn’t even realise they were dreams until after I had read them. This could have been made clearer if it had been written differently.
At the end of the book I am left wondering what the point of the journey was. I realise that there are more books to come but for me I needed something more conclusive at the end of this one to draw me into reading the next one.
As it is, for me the pace was too slow with too much description. For people who enjoy books about journeys and quests with lots of detail this would be a good choice. For those who like more pace and action then I would give this one a miss.
I received this book as a giveaway from Goodreads.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in 1993, Dirk Strasser’s Zenith: The First Book of Ascension is a sadly uncelebrated landmark in Australian fantasy fiction. While tremendously popular with those who read it, Zenith sadly arrived at a time before the mainstream acceptance of Australian fantasy.

Set on the Mountain, a globe-spanning peak which encompasses the world, the trilogy follows young Atreu the Ascender on his quest to reach the summit of the mountain and experience Zenith, a sort of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Atreu’s ascent is not uncontested however. Forces both misunderstood and malign work against him, and only by harnessing the unique truth of his Zenith can he hope to prevail.

Strasser’s unique blend of adventure, esotericism, Eastern mysticism, and fantasy makes for compelling reading, and the apparent simplicity of Atreu’s task belie its implications. Cleverly escalating conflict pulls Atreu and the narrative along at consummate pace and as the stakes build, so too does the tension.

The influence of Eastern, particularly Tibetan, mysticism is strong in the work, but is absorbed so thoroughly into the mythology of Strasser’s world that there is no hint of contrivance or artifice. Rather than caricature, Strasser has embraced, and Atreu’s journey is as much a divine pilgrimage as it is traditional quest.

Perhaps it is this transcendent influence, or perhaps it is entirely Strasser’s art, but the story of the Mountain is infused with something of the timeless epic. As its plot grows, twists, and turns around on itself, there is the feeling of something much more powerful than the narrative at work. Strasser has not just written down a legend, rather, he has crafted one

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in 1993, Dirk Strasser’s Zenith: The First Book of Ascension is a sadly uncelebrated landmark in Australian fantasy fiction. While tremendously popular with those who read it, Zenith sadly arrived at a time before the mainstream acceptance of Australian fantasy.

Set on the Mountain, a globe-spanning peak which encompasses the world, the trilogy follows young Atreu the Ascender on his quest to reach the summit of the mountain and experience Zenith, a sort of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Atreu’s ascent is not uncontested however. Forces both misunderstood and malign work against him, and only by harnessing the unique truth of his Zenith can he hope to prevail.

Strasser’s unique blend of adventure, esotericism, Eastern mysticism, and fantasy makes for compelling reading, and the apparent simplicity of Atreu’s task belie its implications. Cleverly escalating conflict pulls Atreu and the narrative along at consummate pace and as the stakes build, so too does the tension.

The influence of Eastern, particularly Tibetan, mysticism is strong in the work, but is absorbed so thoroughly into the mythology of Strasser’s world that there is no hint of contrivance or artifice. Rather than caricature, Strasser has embraced, and Atreu’s journey is as much a divine pilgrimage as it is traditional quest.

Perhaps it is this transcendent influence, or perhaps it is entirely Strasser’s art, but the story of the Mountain is infused with something of the timeless epic. As its plot grows, twists, and turns around on itself, there is the feeling of something much more powerful than the narrative at work. Strasser has not just written down a legend, rather, he has crafted one.

[Majanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...

This book was a little tough to get into, but once I got past the introductory scenes, and Atreu and Teyth set off on their journey, I couldn’t stay away from it. Atreu and Teyth are twins, which is rare, and which means they’re chosen to make a dangerous journey to the summit of the Mountain. If they survive, they’ll be witness to Zenith – and all secrets will be revealed to them. Until then, they must look down and avoid Zenith at all costs once that time of the day approaches, or soething terrible will happen. This journey is called the Ascent, and Atreu and Teyth each receive a talisman to lead them onto their path. But their paths lead them astray from the other, in opposite directions. In the mean time, a war is brewing in the land, and dark forces gather to steal the power of Zenith.

We follow Atreu for the most part, after he sets off on his solo-journey after saying goodbye to his brother. He’s a complex character to understand, and while not the most heroic of the two brothers, he has a strange form of courage in his heart, that may ultimately help him find his goal. Along the way, Atreu meets some individuals – some good, some bad, some helpful, some threatening – and learns a lot about life, the secrets of his world, and the secrets of his own heart.

Zenith is a mix of fantasy, mysticism, spiritualism, and action. It takes a while to get used to the pace, which seems to go slow at first, but picks up after Atreu starts his own solo-journey, and to the whole mysticism-vibe that lingers above the book. The writing is solid, and it’s a good set up for what’s to come next, in the sequel.

[David K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, even enjoyed it, but had a number of frustrations with it, too. A good fantasy adventure story with promise in the rest of the series. I do feel, though, that there is some missing background about the world that should have been explained better through the first chapter or two.

My biggest critiques I have are that the book should introduce a few scenes of Tyeth's journey as well, instead of focusing almost exclusively on Atreu. Also, since the journey is known to take a year, there isn't enough focus on maintaining a sense of the passage of time. Since Atreu has several points in his journey where he is delayed and loses track of time, but doesn't make effort to find out what day it is or how far he still has to travel. It contributes to a lack of urgency which needs to be more present and focused, starting earlier than just the last few chapters.

I read the Kindle version, which may have affected my experience, as I only found out after finishing the book that there was a glossary. That might have helped resolve some of my questions and confusion in the beginning, but did not address all of my issues along the way.

Overall, I was left wanting more information about the world and perhaps a few too many plot lines resolved even though I knew from the start that this is a trilogy. I am hopeful my remaining questions will be answered later in the series.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Marc Secchia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful coming-of-age fantasy tale which focuses on the adventures of Teyth and Atreu, twins who must Ascend the mountain that dominates their world ahead of an unfolding war. The moment of Zenith promises to reveal many truths to them, truths which will shape and scar them forever.

There is much to commend in Strasser's command of narrative and dialogue as he draws us into the Ascent with Atreu - oddly, the other twin Teyth is abandoned as a point of view and only reappears later on in the narrative. Meantime, we experience Atreu's learning about the world through a series of pointed, poignant and formative encounters with a slew of minor characters as he embarks on his epic, year-long journey scaling the mountain. There are separate races fighting over control over the mountain and its secrets, and the young Ascender is embroiled in the conflict as his journey progresses, providing the necessary conflict alongside the struggle to reach the peak - Zenith - at the appointed time.

While the quest is clearly meant to encompass spiritual enlightenment as well as being a compelling adventure and a cultural exploration, the insights that are indeed gained at the culmination of the book left something to be desired - perhaps fodder for the sequel, I felt. Ultimately a rich and strongly written fantasy tale, highly recommended to lovers of the genre. I received a complimentary copy of this thoroughly enjoyable tale in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this fable-like story is entirely unique and imaginative that it takes on a mythical world all of its own. I’ve never read anything like it and I’d be fascinated to read more.

In an exotic world entirely played out on a mountain side, the Maelir live in awe the power of their surroundings. Every year, male twins, who have come of age, from different settlements start on their Ascent to reach Zenith at the summit of the mountain. Then and only then will they find the peace and knowledge to join the Holy Orders. But few make it.

This year Atreu and Teyth will each face different dangers as they battle different paths up the mountain and hope to reach each other again at the top. But strange things are happening and a different type of people, the Faemir, will do anything to stop Ascenders fulfilling their destinies.

The amount adventure and creativity packed into this book is astounding. In this way I can only compare it to Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, but the world Strasser has created is very different. My one criticism would be that a whole host of colourful, fascinating characters are introduced to us on the journey but often discarded without further explanation. I do hope we come across them again in later books.

Please read it, I need someone to talk over the ideas with! Thanks! ;)

review by Nikki Mason on behalf of Bestchicklit.com

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm... I am unsure truly as to how I feel after finishing this. It was a long read, despite not being "long" and I think it really suffered from its pacing.

I found the characters to be unique, though the dialogue was too repetitive. I was actually getting frustrated reading the constant puppeteer's raves (and just when you thought he was gone, BAM he's back...) and Atreu's incessant questions.

Additionally, I think the novel is lacking a map --even a simple one.

There were more than a few typographical errors too that I was surprised to see in the novel's (2nd?) print publishing. Despite having over a decade to weed any errors out from the first print, the fact that these slip ups were so numerous baffles me.

I will see the second book through because I was given one for free through Goodreads, but it has a lot of ground to make up. If the second continues to improve and head where the end of the first book seemed to be heading, then perhaps the second book will be more enjoyable, and might tantalize me into buying the third in the trilogy.

I hope that the middle tale relies less on dreams. But considering how cumbersome, influential and absolutely dreadful to read that they were in the first... Well let's just say that I'm not holding my breath.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to books about journeys on foot, sign me up. Even though there's a bumpy start, I felt myself getting very into this book and following it along. Dirk Strasser has crafted an enjoyable book and start to a series with Zenith.

The characters are more difficult to connect with. Atreu is a complex character with complex issues. He's not like many that I've read before, and I appreciated the change of pace. I think the confusion, and distrust really, with the characters are what make this novel engaging.

The need to follow on this trek is a big draw in wanting to finish this series. This book is a great beginning to this series, and it holds the promise of an epic read to follow. Fantasy fans will find themselves getting lost in this epic fantasy.

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Enchanted Book Promotions and Dirk Strasser.

[Roxana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a fantasy book about a journey. There is a consistent tradition of fantasy books about this topic. Atreu and Teyth are eighteen-year-old twin brothers on a mission to climb a mountain for the special period of "Zenith". They have a deadline, two symbolic talismans (a book, an axe) and a set of rules to follow (and break). In this novel I've found adventure in an entire new world, powerful and vivid characters and a story worth reading. It also made me think about the choices every person has to face in life, the duality of life itself, as in Atreu and Teyth's path. In the book, we follow Atreu's steps and the things he learns through his experiences, things about the world where he lives, but also about tolerance, love, nature... He mets charactes who make him evolve, become the man for the change. Because "Zenith" is also a story of change, of separation and union.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Susan Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently received a copy of Zenith: The First Book of Ascension by Dirk Strasser. In many ways it is a classic quest fantasy, but it deals with deeper issues as well. The protagonist, Atreau, and his twin must set out to reach the top of the mountain during Zenith, aka summer solstice. Along the way, he learns many lessons from many teachers, some of them intentional. Although some of the philosophy Atreau is exposed to is very Zen and inclusive, it does not reflect the reality of his world at this time. Rather, the world of Ascension is sharply fragmented, not the least between men and women. I thought this was going to be a good-old-boys story until near the end, when it becomes so much more. I really enjoyed the different philosophical underpinnings to the story, which added a great deal of richness and depth to the tale. As this is the first in a trilogy, there is much left unresolved, but Zenith is a fully satisfying book.

[Olav · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.

Zenith is about 18-year-old Atreu, who has to climb a mountain. I find it very hard to say anything about this book, other than that it was hard to get into. This is probably because, although the world described is interesting, the story is very monotonous and repetitive. Also, in my opinion, there are no likeable characters at all.

At the end of the book I was left with a lot of unanswered questions, the most important one being: how could it have taken Atreu so long to get to the top of the mountain, while all the things described in the book could just as easily have taken place in only two months?

[Veerle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a serie for epic fantasy-lovers with an urge for spiritual meanings behind the story.
Allthough the journey of the protagonist is a great metaphore for the spiritual growth one must undertake, I didn't grip me as I wished. I could never "get" into the story as I couldn't relate to the main character.
Reading the book was like undergoing an adventure as the main character did. Never really sure why to go up that mountain, never sure what to expect.
However, I'm sure that this book could compell a lot of fantasy readers as there is enough wonders to be explored, a nice black-white fight between two forces and an overall threat that lies underneath of it all.

[Ceh131973 · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Zenith: The First Book of Ascension] by [Dirk Strasser] has some interesting characters that keeps the story moving. It seems to introduce the idea of light(good) versus dark(evil) along with the quest for enlightenment.

Twin brothers have to go on a journey to the summit of the mountain for enlightenment. The story focuses on one of the brothers journey. I would have liked to read a little about the other brothers struggles. It seemed that the idea of twins went by the wayside.

Overall it was a good fantasy novel that picked up pace as it went on.

[Vilde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read through netgalley.com

Interesting world and world-building; good plot, with a good ending, unraveling some of the mysteries, but giving the reader something for the sequel too. I'm looking forward to see more of the world and learn more about it. But I read it during a busy time, which might have contributed to my opinion that it is a bit tough to get through.

[lfthndofdrknss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a first read. This book isn't action packed but Atreu's journey is compelling and instead of a long back-story the reader learns about this world through the characters' experiences and actions which I find more appealing. I appreciated the lessons Atreu learns during his Ascension, but wish the outcome of his and his brother's journeys hadn't been stated. Overall, Zenith was a good read.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a giveaway.

I ended up really enjoying this book and am looking forward to the second in the series. I wasn't sure if it was going to be good after the first few chapters but it started to pick up pace and I really wanted to know what was going to happen to the main character.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel follows the coming of age quest of one twin as he learns about a mysterious power. He suffers a series of misadventures as the quest goes along. I was reminded a bit of the Stone and the Flute (though Bemmann's story was a little better). It definitely sets up for follow on books, but I'm won't be looking for them.

[Katharine (Ventureadlaxre)]

Katharine 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.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man I won this book in exchange for a review and I am so glad I did. Even though I wanted to kill the main character cos I personally thought him a pain in the rear, I enjoyed joining him on his adventure. Can't wait to read what's next.

[Gary Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a horrible book I just couldn't get into it plan on reading again to see if it was just the day at that time I will write a proper review

[Sheetal Dash]

This book seems interesting. I wanna read it.