Dark Ascension

Ema Marx #4

by J.D. Brown

When one king falls, another rises…

Defeating her nemesis is just the beginning for Ema Marx. Her past is about to catch up with her. Her future is bleak. A new enemy waits. But her greatest challenge? Surviving her parents.

Or is it surviving her on-off relationship?
Wait … It’s definitely saving her unborn children.
Pretty sure.
​
Dark Ascension is the highly anticipated fourth installment of the awarding-winning urban fantasy series by J.D. Brown. See why readers are comparing Ema Marx to Kate Daniels and Mercy Thompson. Grab your copy today, or start from the beginning at AuthorJDBrown.com

Other books in this series includes:
Dark Heirloom (book 1)
Dark Liaison (book 2)
Athena's Oracle (book 2.5)
Dark Becoming (book 3)
The Warrioress (book 3.5)
Dark Ascension (book 4)

Genres: Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Romance

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2017

About the author

J.D. Brown is the Award-Winning author of the Ema Marx series, the Daughter of Eve series, and the Scorched Mates series. She writes in the urban fantasy and paranormal romance genres. Growing up with autoinflammatory disease, J.D. spent her childhood in hospital rooms seeking her escape between the pages of any book or magazine she could get her hands on. She developed a deep love for paranormal boyfriends, strong female characters, and epically-won battles. A Chicagoland native, caffeine addict, and occult enthusiast, she's usually up at 3 a.m. making moon water and listening to her favorite astrology podcast. Connect with J.D. Brown directly when you follow her on facebook.com/authorjdbrown

Reviews

[Paranormal Books R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Ascension. 5 Stars


Just when Ema thought she might have things slightly under control that little bit of control goes flying right out the window and all manner of crazy breaks loose... again.
She knew she needed the Alpan crowns help and protection for her and all the people she holds dear. But she had no idea that to ensure that help she would have to travel to another country and face the second most terrifying creature she has ever met. And that wasn't even the worst part of her day.

Absolutely fantastic book! From beginning to end the excitement never stops and we get slapped with one surprise after another. Of course I love all the main characters but I was thrilled to find out my favorite side character got a lot more page time! J.D. Brown continues to do an amazing job developing her characters and their world. Bringing her vampires to life more and more with every book.
Plus that epilogue was pure torture!

Ema has a lot on her plate and a whole lot more still coming and I look forward to every page of it. In my opinion Dark Ascension is highly recommended.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book yet again shows just how good this series is. I swear, every book gets better and better. I could not put this book down. There is so much going on, it was not boring at all. And the continuing growth of the characters never ceases to amaze me. Ema does what she has to for the protection of those she loves, even if it means she is a target to others. She is such a strong, wonderful main character. But she has flaws too, which makes her all the more loveable.

But the other characters are written just as well. There is not one who is one dimensional. Though some you may have mixed feelings for, they still make you feel. And the story itself is so well written, I didn't want to come out of it and go back into the real world.

If you haven't picked up this series yet, do so quickly!!!

[Cristine Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!!! I was completely glued to the book! It was so captivating and revealing of certain characters. Ema reunites with her family and ex lover! Finds more out on the pregnancy! What is author J.D. Brown have next? I absolutely loved this series I hope it don't end. I received this book for free in an exchange for an honest review.

[christy baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I love it! You fall in love with all the characters even the bad guys! I have hope for some of them and the stories to come!

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint with this book is that I've already finished it, and now I've can't wait to see how it's all going to pan out, pff! Love this series, Ema has to be one of my favourite characters ever - there's nothing smooth or perfect about her, and it makes her so much more fun. As ever, it's very well written and constructed, fast paced and full of action and suspense. I'll be on tenterhooks now waiting for the next installment!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this whole series. The writing was interesting and creative. I loved Ema, Jesu, Maria and Naamah. The twists and turns in the book kept me wondering what as going to happen next. I look forward to more of J.D.'s books. Voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series. I truly enjoyed Dark Ascension. JD Brown really keeps the suspense going with every book in this series.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I need to say how pleased I am watching this author grow. Starting with her first book and working my way up, to me, is like watching one of my kids grow up. It's an amazing process, and it's becoming addictive! Ema and Jesu have become a favorite couple of mine, even though they seem determined to continuously step on their own toes while trying to build a relationship. I find myself wanting to shake those two until they realize they're perfect for each other and stop acting like such children! Which is when I realize how well written this is. After all, it's only when you react emotionally to a character or a plot that you realize you've been drawn in and are now well and truly hooked.

In Dark Ascension, Ema believes she has finally gotten out from under her worst enemy. We're not that sure. And she has her protection, but will that help? Because it looks like maybe Apollyon might be coming back. This tale of two babies is so twisted, so exciting, I really don't want to take the time to write reviews. I want to get back to finishing this up!

So, intrigue, action, death and destruction with a side of quirk and family drama is what the Ema Marx series is all about, with Dark Ascension being the most intriguing yet. And I am loving this series!

Excellent growth, Jen, excellent work indeed! I'm really enjoying watching your writing ability grow from the first book in the series, Dark Heirloom, to this book, Dark Ascension. Moving on to Dark Heiress!

[Reading to Stay Awake · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say about this book and audiobook? IT'S AMAZING AND I CAN'T GET ENOUGH!!! If the words alone weren't good enough the narration by MJ Webb brings them to life with her emotional and heartfelt portrayal of Ema Marx and all the other characters written by JD Brown. This far into the series I thought I'd be getting bored by the combination of Brown's words and Webb's emotive, and often breathy, narration has me wanting the series to go on and on. I literally can't wait for the next one to arrive.

In this episode we see so much change for everyone; Ema, Jesu, Maria, Nama, Jilmari, The Alpans, Valafar, Lilith, everyone. We see them all and find out what happened with Anthony right back before it all began!!!

There's not much more to say that hasn't already been said in my previous reviews of the first 3 books. All fantastic, you'll be a fool not to listen to the audiobooks; the narration brings an extra level to the words.

I'm definitely going to have to listen to all of the audiobook in one go before I listen to book 5 when it comes out; it will be an epic event over one afternoon and will probably feel like MJ Webb has moved in

If you haven't guessed I love this audiobook series xx

I received a free copy of this audiobook and provide my honest review voluntarily

[Rosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by JD Brown!!
The fourth book from the Ema Marx Series. The fourth and for me the best!
Things didn’t go as I would have imagined in this book! Which was great because it kept me intrigued throughout the whole book!
I love the fact that Ema was so much more bad ass than in the previous books even if she couldn’t use her powers as much because of her pregnancy.
Jalmari was still a jerk until a bit before the end. He actually surprised me with Lilith.
We finally get some answers about Ema’s father which I found super interesting. It’s the mother that’s I’d really like to know more about!
I feel so bad that Jesu and Ema are still not together in this book... the sexual tension between these two is crazy good!
Even the sexual tension between Valafar and King Brinnon is crazy! That’s another thing that the Author I hope will elaborate a bit on. Of course not all of our questions are answered in this book. Actually I had more after the end of this one than I had before I started it. Lol!
Can’t fait For the next instalment of the series!
It’s an awesome series!!

[Clara Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total head twist and turner (in an amazing way!).......

Five out of five stars!!! By far the best in the series yet.... the storyline is riviting, perfectly paced, takes you to assumptions that you believe you have worked out and then blows you out of the pages!! It's amazing, I loved the suspense, intrigue, floavour and depth to each character that she manages to bring out in each and every book adding to their already colourful personalities and quirks.

Bad becomes good and good becomes bad, it all again 180's taking us back again whilst having a few changes inbetween.... confused?? Well, some characters whom we just love to hate (personally I kinda love Val) have some surprises in store both for themselves and for you. Even dependable characters who you thought straight and true make some drastic choices........ when family is in danger and threatened you better believe you are going to pay the ultimate price.

I'm gutted it ended where it dis but I also love the cliffhangers as they keep me going until the next instalment which in hope won't be too long!! I hugely recommend this series as it's simply amazing!!

[Rickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I have to say that JD Brown has become a cool favorite author for me. I’ve read all of the Dark series up to this book. And here I thought Ema had things under control when I finish off the last cliffhanger, but no…..not even close. Starting this series off with title stating “Dark” is very appropriate as each book just keeps getting darker. The characters remain larger than life, but you’re never quite sure who to trust. Ema has even starting looking at Jesu askance because of his relationship with her father. And then having to deal with her mother. What is a girl supposed to do? Keep reading because even this one has a cliffhanger ending….which means more books in the series to pour over. Yay!

[Sherry Tarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. D. has done it again! Dark Ascension is packed full of plot twists and turns, action, adventure and yes love. Dark Ascension is the 4th book in the Ema Marx series . This book picks up where Dark Becoming(book 3) left off. Ema will do whatever it takes to save her unborn children even if it means risking her own life. We get to learn more about Ema's past and her parents, and her ex-boyfriend. We also are introduced to a new and awesome character Shensheng. I love how she develops the characters as each book takes us on an adventure we will never forget.
This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Ascension: A Vampire Urban Fantasy (An Ema Marx Novel Book 4)

This series is definitely a great one, but this book rocks 👏!! I really thought towards the end, it would be the last one, but kinda glad it’s not.. I ❤️ this series, Ema is one of my favorite characters, she is bad ass, - there's nothing unique or perfect about her, and it makes her so much more fun, especially when she talks, thinks or is near Jesu.

Book 4 is fast paced and full of action and suspense as definitely a page turner.... not a series you want to miss, so if you haven’t picked this one up I would definitely recommend it!!!

[Chené Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better...
I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Just when you think an end is coming to a close, there is a complication but in a good way that keeps you wanting more.

My favourite character of the book has got to be Valafar. My heart literally aches for him and all his trials and suffering that he goes through.

I loved Ema's father and really do hope that we do get a little bit more of him in the next book.
Tancrid annoyed me badly, but you do understand why as the story progresses.

Hopefully Ms Brown won't keep us waiting too long for book #5!!

[TE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Ascension is the 4th book in the Ema Marx series and picks up where Dark Becoming left off. Things really came to a head in this one and I didn't see some of the stuff coming. Especially the climax. Yikes! Shensheng was introduced as a new (and helpful) character. She was pretty neat and I hope we see more of her in future books. My only complaint is that I wish a couple parts of the story were a little more PG - just my opinion. ;) All in all, a good read.

For those who want to know: This one has language, violence and sex.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up after the epic battle to defeat Apolloyon. But is he really gone for good? New worries for Ema. Will Brinnon uphold the deal his father made, what of her unborn children? Old family issues and what will her being Romani change? Vampyre politics are like a no holds barred fight. And fascinating to read about. Plots and subplots and you never see the next twist til it's happening. The emotions of the characters are so genuine. They give Ema, Jesu, Valafar, etc such depth that love or hate whomever you want to know more. A wonderful read from beginning to end.

[Leigh Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me first say that there has not been a book in this series that hasn’t been amazing... and this one does not fall short! Lots of twists and turns and definitely some surprises. The back and forth between Ema and Jesu sometimes has me yelling at them in my head lol. I get sucked into every one of these books and cannot put them down. In this book you learn a lot about Val, and why he is the way he is. As with each of them, I will warn that there is a cliff hanger. My biggest issue is.... What Will I Do Until The Next Book Comes Out?! LOL

[Karen Tankersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

I loved this one so much!!! This time the story is split between Ema’s POV and Valafar’s, which ended up being an awesome choice. He was a kind of minor side character up until now, but I found myself seriously rooting for him. And Ema’s Dad plays a much larger role, as well as meeting another new character. You find out more about Ema’s children, and the roles they are prophesied to fulfill. There’s a battle with a villain which seemed a little too easy… we’ll see what happens in the next one. This author sure likes to keep us guessing! Lots of action—highly recommend!

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

j.d brown certainly knows how to write a book

this one keeps you in suspense right to the last page and even then you are left wanting more...

this is one hell of a book to read that answers some of your questions and leaves you with new ones.. and its so well written at a pace that will leave you wanting more and more

it carries on from where the last book left off, so you wont be disappointed and now we have to wait for the next book in this amazing series

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from Ema’s defeat of her nemesis, she has to address repercussions affecting one of her unborn twins, as well as facing political negotiations with the new king and his family. As in the previous books there are twists and actions packed adventures galore, Ema’s fight to protect her babies means she has no time to put her feet up and relax. Looking forward to reading the next part of this gripping tale.

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think the series could get any better but I was wrong. Ema reunites with her father, finds out more about her childhood and deals with her mother. Trying to balance humans with no idea about the truth of vampyre and vampires with her life as a vampyre becomes a real challenge. Battling to save her twins, struggling with her feelings for Jesu and wondering if the contract she made is worth it makes for a gripping story for Ema. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Liz Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just hang me from a flagpole because J.D. Brown has me twisting in the wind ! Lol!
This is, by far, the best installment of the Ema Marx series to date. Ms. Brown has become a master plot-manipulator and keeps the story twisting and turning. She answered a lot of our questions in this book, and then she left us with more. She has built a world and a story that you will gladly walk into but will definitely not want to leave.

(I read this book on KU when it was available on that program.)

[Charlotte Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

Keeper me reading all day just to see what happens. I still don't understand why she thinks she can't be with Jesu. She fights it so much. I know he has to protect someone else. But why can't they still be together? I sure hope book 5 comes out soon I need it now. I still don't understand why she wants to go and train for 20 years and miss her kids grow up. Especially if her son could be bad. Not sure how she thinks sometimes.

[Silver Surfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Episode four in th Ema Marx saga, and yet again it is just as good as the other three. This series keep on giving time after time after time. If you liked the other three this one will not disappoint. Can't wait for number five, this author knows how to write a vampire & demons story that's for sure. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended must read.

[Denise Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read this installment to see how things turned out after the last one. Overall it was a great read. We get a lot of Ema's parents and interaction with them. I think this really adds to the storyline for her being pregnant. You get a better understanding of why Ema is so set on the contract. If you like reading an engaging story about vampires versus succubus this is your book!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I find myself frustrated because I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens next. I love Ema's character and how she's not perfect but she tried to do what she feels is right. I've always thought that the animosity between her and Jalmari would lead to them having to work together. I hope he realizes they have to fight together to make the right decisions for their twins.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark ascensions
Ema Marx is back and more trouble I'd brewing again. She is pregnant and finds out that she is having twins. Her mother, who doesn't know, or won't admit what Ema has become, tells her she carries "the devil's seed".
Well written, great plot and characters. Looking forward to book 5!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntary give my honest review.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant episode in the enthralling and engrossing saga of Ema Marx. I loved this book even more than the previous ones…if that is even possible! I absolutely and wholeheartedly recommend this book, this series, and this author. She is genius!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

J D Brown writes us to a place where vampires and demons live. Emma thinks finally she has things somewhat under control. Soon she finds that little bit of control goes flying right out the window with Vampire politics, unborn children, Jesu and many more little or big hiccups.