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Hosting Gods #3
Ascend
Love can destroy you...
The instructions were simple enough.
1. Walk across a bridge made of air, fire, and water.
2. Rally the gods themselves to cross it with you.
3. Blow a magical horn.
Too bad things are never as simple as they seem. Gwen and her group are united at last, but after a betrayal and almost losing her stepbrother, they're having more trouble than ever when it comes to bonding. At least the world of the gods is welcoming, if not quite what they'd expected. The gods aren't exactly clamoring to cross the bridge with them, and when Gwen finds out her mother needs her, she's torn between completing the mission and returning to Midgard.
As Gwen faces her biggest challenges yet, her new family and their god must come together to save Midgard before the giants claim it for their own.
The instructions were simple enough.
1. Walk across a bridge made of air, fire, and water.
2. Rally the gods themselves to cross it with you.
3. Blow a magical horn.
Too bad things are never as simple as they seem. Gwen and her group are united at last, but after a betrayal and almost losing her stepbrother, they're having more trouble than ever when it comes to bonding. At least the world of the gods is welcoming, if not quite what they'd expected. The gods aren't exactly clamoring to cross the bridge with them, and when Gwen finds out her mother needs her, she's torn between completing the mission and returning to Midgard.
As Gwen faces her biggest challenges yet, her new family and their god must come together to save Midgard before the giants claim it for their own.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2018
111 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 20, 2018
This was actually a disappointing end. It was probably to worst one of the three. It had ok moments but overall jumped from one person to the next, didn’t form any strong connections and just felt really light on. Could not get emotionally invested at all. A bit of a shame. Loved book 1, book 2 was ok, book 3 just missed the mark.
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October 26, 2020Well, that got weird...
The series started out YA and became... IDK. It could’ve been better. Although I did like the appearances made by Stella and Harmon.
I have no clue how to rate this. Definitely not more than a three. Maybe a 2.5??? Sorry, I know this review isn’t the least bit helpful. Happy reading!
The series started out YA and became... IDK. It could’ve been better. Although I did like the appearances made by Stella and Harmon.
I have no clue how to rate this. Definitely not more than a three. Maybe a 2.5??? Sorry, I know this review isn’t the least bit helpful. Happy reading!
July 14, 2022
FMC was really young ... tooo young in my opinion. Because of that whole RH concepts ended up being relly slow and just dunno... She had hots for them but was so scared about freacking everything. Simple holding hands was a huge deal.
In my eyes Gwen was too paranoid and scared and for sure had mummy issues. I get it mother was her whole world for long time, still .. We can forgive her because she is just 15...
I hate that author made 9 pieces of the god and then 3 of them were just an add ons for just the sake of adding something. We don't learn much about them besides their names.... And they are mentioned mostly in the time where they gonna be just 'used' and the rest of the time twins are being send to do whatever ... and poor Smith is just being fogotten and being a sad outsider.. Author didn't even try to aclimate them... I wish there could be some 'maybe' for later that when will actually grow up, there could be possible future with all of them together. [or at least Smith, because twins have each other].
In the end of the book it was described that Finn was 'dying inside' without the connection between all the pieces... than what will happen to the elfs and dwarf?? Especially dwarf??? He will be somewhere by himself because the rest doesn't give a s**t they did what the god asked and f**k the rest.
Also autor just teased us about this whole Ragnarok... First Gwens mum saying that Fenrir is about to get loose ... than Finn her visions too... then ppl in Valhalla preparing for it... In the end they fix the bridge and that's it? No Ragnarok???
In my eyes Gwen was too paranoid and scared and for sure had mummy issues. I get it mother was her whole world for long time, still .. We can forgive her because she is just 15...
I hate that author made 9 pieces of the god and then 3 of them were just an add ons for just the sake of adding something. We don't learn much about them besides their names.... And they are mentioned mostly in the time where they gonna be just 'used' and the rest of the time twins are being send to do whatever ... and poor Smith is just being fogotten and being a sad outsider.. Author didn't even try to aclimate them... I wish there could be some 'maybe' for later that when will actually grow up, there could be possible future with all of them together. [or at least Smith, because twins have each other].
In the end of the book it was described that Finn was 'dying inside' without the connection between all the pieces... than what will happen to the elfs and dwarf?? Especially dwarf??? He will be somewhere by himself because the rest doesn't give a s**t they did what the god asked and f**k the rest.
Also autor just teased us about this whole Ragnarok... First Gwens mum saying that Fenrir is about to get loose ... than Finn her visions too... then ppl in Valhalla preparing for it... In the end they fix the bridge and that's it? No Ragnarok???
February 17, 2019
I basically skipped to the end of this book and just read the last couple chapters.
Yet again, sex scenes with a 15 year old is just ick. Fade to black please if this is really necessary.
Then there’s everyone in the RH being her step-siblings, them having one God’s essence split up between them, and the author making a big deal about them being related by marriage. The incest vibe gets creepy (which it shouldn’t be IMHO since they aren’t actually related and they did not grow up together). Yet the author made it seem gross.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Yet again, sex scenes with a 15 year old is just ick. Fade to black please if this is really necessary.
Then there’s everyone in the RH being her step-siblings, them having one God’s essence split up between them, and the author making a big deal about them being related by marriage. The incest vibe gets creepy (which it shouldn’t be IMHO since they aren’t actually related and they did not grow up together). Yet the author made it seem gross.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
April 24, 2024
This could have been better but I have so many wishes for differences:
- they were all just a bit older
- (for the first time in my life) I wish this was just a standard rh romance without the paranormal/ fantasy aspects. The characters relationships could have been cool and believable if they had been built upon more instead of just kinda relying on the fantastical elements to carry it.
-the really intense Christian guilt and almost obsession had by one character was extremely uncomfortable and really wasn’t necessary at all for driving the plot
- it felt like the author wasn’t comfortable/ had no clue how to handle a lesbian relationship. I loved the foundation for the girls and really believe it could’ve been great but it just never became something believable. Like they would transition to a romantic relationship and yet still just call each other “soul sister” or “sister” when they claimed to no longer see each other in a familiar love kinda way. Then the fact that she was like horrified to hook up with her yet had no problem being tempted by the other guys? It’s just felt forced and not authentic which sucked because it had such a solid foundation on the beginning
-the end just felt like nothing happened. Almost as disappointing as the ending of “it was all a dream”. It wasn’t that much of a let down because nothing really happened to begin with
- they were all just a bit older
- (for the first time in my life) I wish this was just a standard rh romance without the paranormal/ fantasy aspects. The characters relationships could have been cool and believable if they had been built upon more instead of just kinda relying on the fantastical elements to carry it.
-the really intense Christian guilt and almost obsession had by one character was extremely uncomfortable and really wasn’t necessary at all for driving the plot
- it felt like the author wasn’t comfortable/ had no clue how to handle a lesbian relationship. I loved the foundation for the girls and really believe it could’ve been great but it just never became something believable. Like they would transition to a romantic relationship and yet still just call each other “soul sister” or “sister” when they claimed to no longer see each other in a familiar love kinda way. Then the fact that she was like horrified to hook up with her yet had no problem being tempted by the other guys? It’s just felt forced and not authentic which sucked because it had such a solid foundation on the beginning
-the end just felt like nothing happened. Almost as disappointing as the ending of “it was all a dream”. It wasn’t that much of a let down because nothing really happened to begin with
January 1, 2019
Read it all together!
I like this trilogy however it seems disproportionate now that I’ve read all three. This book seems to drag a bit in the beginning and introduces new characters (I’m guessing for potential spin offs) but didn’t spend much time with them, I felt they could have been introduced in the previous book. I feel it was a bit anticlimactic they complete their mission and that was sort of it. I think it was Eliot that said it was a bit too easy, yeah it felt that way. If it wasn’t for Loki their wouldn’t be much conflict having said that his interference wasn’t really about their mission so in hindsight it feels a bit redundant (like his just being a nuisance because he can, I know, I get it Loki duh!) The book focuses more on their relationship together, bits a pieces are discussed but still a bit vague. They love Gwen, Gwen loves them but they are still very young and this is new and unconventional that they still keep bits to themselves. I still don’t know how Smith fits - he obviously likes Gwen (maybe like a friend) but not sure and the Twins whilst part of Heimdell are still on the outskirts as well. Maybe I’m just greedy and expected all eight to end up with Gwen somehow.
I like this trilogy however it seems disproportionate now that I’ve read all three. This book seems to drag a bit in the beginning and introduces new characters (I’m guessing for potential spin offs) but didn’t spend much time with them, I felt they could have been introduced in the previous book. I feel it was a bit anticlimactic they complete their mission and that was sort of it. I think it was Eliot that said it was a bit too easy, yeah it felt that way. If it wasn’t for Loki their wouldn’t be much conflict having said that his interference wasn’t really about their mission so in hindsight it feels a bit redundant (like his just being a nuisance because he can, I know, I get it Loki duh!) The book focuses more on their relationship together, bits a pieces are discussed but still a bit vague. They love Gwen, Gwen loves them but they are still very young and this is new and unconventional that they still keep bits to themselves. I still don’t know how Smith fits - he obviously likes Gwen (maybe like a friend) but not sure and the Twins whilst part of Heimdell are still on the outskirts as well. Maybe I’m just greedy and expected all eight to end up with Gwen somehow.
January 22, 2019
The third instalment in this author’s Hosting Gods series, this book is the final book in the trilogy. It picks up right where book 2 ends. I mean, RIGHT where book 2 ends. I’d suggest rereading it if you haven’t in a while. I liked this book, BUT I just couldn’t give it five stars. It was great in that Gwen finally got to know the other characters better and some things got answered; the world building is still brilliant, but this book just felt so rushed to me. So many of their quests were just glossed over, when there could have been a real chance to get some action in. It also didn’t feel like there was a climax. Not really, and not compared to the other books. I suppose my other criticism for the book was that it didn’t really feel like it ended. It felt a little bit like an ellipsis in the story; trailing off and not really sure what’s going to come next. I get that was probably done to give the author a chance to revisit Heimdall’s nine pieces, but it was just a bit too open-ended for me. I still glad I read it, and it still ended the story, I just feel like there could have been a bit MORE to it.
April 14, 2019
Wow! I am so sad to see it end. I love gwen‘s journey. The ending was perfect everything came together. All of my questions were answered. There were no threads left untied. I am happy that Gwen got everything she wanted in the end. The action was perfect for the last book and it didn’t lack anything. I can’t believe that fin was the one to kill Joaquin! I did not see that coming! I’m happy that Xander and Gwen got their happy ending. Also Fin and Gwen. I’m sad to see that the elves and Smith our leaving because they are a part of the group and The group should stick together. That relationship between Xander and Gwen was a long time coming. I loved all the Keens and their personalities and quirks. This entire series was awesome. There were definitely times when I wanted to punch one of the characters or yell at one of the characters. This book was just so emotional and it really took you on a ride with the characters and left you wanting more. Everyone should read this series. I hope to see these characters in other spinoffs and sequels. Lena is an awesome author and everyone should read her books. Lena Mae Hill you rock! ❤️😀😀 👍👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2018
Not my favorite of the series
I fell in love with the cover and blurb from book 1 and instantly preordered it. It didn't disappoint. Book 2 wasn't as good as book 1 for me but still a great read. I was look forward to book 3 and was disappointed. It moved slowly in the beginning. I also found myself really not liking Gwen at all in this book. She acted like a hateful spoiled brat. Usually since it's the last book, the MC has grown into themselves. It was almost like she was a completely different person. It's the same thing with the relationships. Nothing really happened until the end and then it was rushed and really only got a full relationship with 2 of her guys. I gave it 3 stars because the story did get better about half way through the book. The ending left me very unsatisfied with character growth and development and also the severely lacking relationship with her guys and girl.
I fell in love with the cover and blurb from book 1 and instantly preordered it. It didn't disappoint. Book 2 wasn't as good as book 1 for me but still a great read. I was look forward to book 3 and was disappointed. It moved slowly in the beginning. I also found myself really not liking Gwen at all in this book. She acted like a hateful spoiled brat. Usually since it's the last book, the MC has grown into themselves. It was almost like she was a completely different person. It's the same thing with the relationships. Nothing really happened until the end and then it was rushed and really only got a full relationship with 2 of her guys. I gave it 3 stars because the story did get better about half way through the book. The ending left me very unsatisfied with character growth and development and also the severely lacking relationship with her guys and girl.
December 16, 2018
Aaahhh, the last book in this trilogy when all the pieces come together just like a finished puzzle. I don’t usually read RH books but Ms Hill handled this one very gently. I especially loved the world building. So much involved the different worlds of Greek mythology I was awed by how well described they were. Also, the characters were many and distinct in their own right. I felt they were my friends, my enemies, my acquaintances just as much as they were to Gwen our heroine. I was glad to read that this author is going to continue writing in this world with POVs of some characters we have met here but didn’t get to know their backstory very well. I’m looking forward to reading them as well.
December 20, 2018
One more time
This author isn't bad. I'd have given 3.5 stars if I could have. It's bothers me when there are contradictions in the storyline. And there are those. It also bothers me when an author uses unbelievable psychology to further a PC agenda. Or uses her writing to further her own agenda. I cannot suspend my logical & fact based beliefs because of authors' license. Not when it is anyone's agenda based bull-oney. I guess being an attorney assists her in this endeavor. Proof reading mistakes can be overlooked, but twisting the established storyline to serve later emotional ploys grates on my nerves.
And the word is spelled FAZED. NOT phased.
Those two words have entirely different meanings. Yo.
This author isn't bad. I'd have given 3.5 stars if I could have. It's bothers me when there are contradictions in the storyline. And there are those. It also bothers me when an author uses unbelievable psychology to further a PC agenda. Or uses her writing to further her own agenda. I cannot suspend my logical & fact based beliefs because of authors' license. Not when it is anyone's agenda based bull-oney. I guess being an attorney assists her in this endeavor. Proof reading mistakes can be overlooked, but twisting the established storyline to serve later emotional ploys grates on my nerves.
And the word is spelled FAZED. NOT phased.
Those two words have entirely different meanings. Yo.
August 4, 2019
I really enjoyed book one but I didn’t like the F/F thrown in.
I like my RH to just be men that are only with the MC.
And I don’t like when it is not mentioned in the blurb that there is M/M or F/F. It makes me wary to read anything by the author again as there is no telling what could pop up in the book without warnings.
So that knocked a star off for me.
I also thought the build up to saving the bridge and world was a let down. They skipped large portions of their journey and it just kinda fell flat. It made it seem easy since large chucks were missing.
I also wanted her to get with the twins and the dwarf as that is what made sense as it was their group.
I like my RH to just be men that are only with the MC.
And I don’t like when it is not mentioned in the blurb that there is M/M or F/F. It makes me wary to read anything by the author again as there is no telling what could pop up in the book without warnings.
So that knocked a star off for me.
I also thought the build up to saving the bridge and world was a let down. They skipped large portions of their journey and it just kinda fell flat. It made it seem easy since large chucks were missing.
I also wanted her to get with the twins and the dwarf as that is what made sense as it was their group.
August 28, 2019
Final book in this trilogy and I was not happy about that ending. I feel like too much was left without answers. Yes, we know that every one likes her too, but we don't know what they are going to face once back in their own world. What is going to happen to all of them when they aren't traipsing thru Asgard and the other worlds? I was so excited to start this book and see where they ended up, but this just was not what I hoped to get out of it. Maybe one day, their group will be revisited and some of those questions will be answered, but for this to be the planned end of the trilogy, its very lacking.
August 7, 2023
There should be a law against writing reverse harem books about 15 year old, and just to make things worse they are family!!!
The storyline was lacking the relationships were so juvenile but that’s what you get with a group of 15-16 year olds.
Why on earth anyone wants to listen to a series based on such young kids just blows my mind, the lowest age should be 18! Over the age of 21 is even better!
I’m actually shocked a publisher would make these books and not insist that the writer change the ages! Yuck!
The storyline was lacking the relationships were so juvenile but that’s what you get with a group of 15-16 year olds.
Why on earth anyone wants to listen to a series based on such young kids just blows my mind, the lowest age should be 18! Over the age of 21 is even better!
I’m actually shocked a publisher would make these books and not insist that the writer change the ages! Yuck!
December 25, 2018
Lots of action
The story continues with trying to find the pieces of a god so they could fix the bridge and return home. Our main character is still struggling on how she is going to have all her loves. She also has to deal with an old enemy that you never believes is back for more. Truly enjoyed the story definitely left room for more, can't wait to see what happens in the other worlds.
The story continues with trying to find the pieces of a god so they could fix the bridge and return home. Our main character is still struggling on how she is going to have all her loves. She also has to deal with an old enemy that you never believes is back for more. Truly enjoyed the story definitely left room for more, can't wait to see what happens in the other worlds.
December 25, 2018
she is a good writer, and creates cool world-building.
but after during this book i found myself not caring about the story or the characters anymore.
Also, its the first RH where the girl is also having a relationship with another girl - who is the other guys sister. i dont know this just didn't work for me.
But on the plus side this is the last book in the series.
but after during this book i found myself not caring about the story or the characters anymore.
Also, its the first RH where the girl is also having a relationship with another girl - who is the other guys sister. i dont know this just didn't work for me.
But on the plus side this is the last book in the series.
December 28, 2018
I really enjoyed getting to see Gwen and the rest of her group more. The whole world that this series created is beautiful. I really enjoyed reading about the Norse gods and them being split up into different beings. This was a pretty good ending to the series but I really hope for more books in this world.
May 14, 2019
What a way to end!
Ascend is the wrap up of an amazing series. The story is complete and there is a unique HEA but the best part is that the story feels like it ends with a transition to the next stories of the group. I love this because I didn’t have the typical grief that you feel when a beloved series ends.
Ascend is the wrap up of an amazing series. The story is complete and there is a unique HEA but the best part is that the story feels like it ends with a transition to the next stories of the group. I love this because I didn’t have the typical grief that you feel when a beloved series ends.
December 26, 2018
Great Series
Loved the ending. This is a cool new spin on gods. Loved the interaction between the characters and all the surprises that came with it. Add this series to your must read list
Loved the ending. This is a cool new spin on gods. Loved the interaction between the characters and all the surprises that came with it. Add this series to your must read list
January 10, 2019
Good story
This was a good finish to a good series. It wrapped up everything into a nice neat little package and tied it off with the perfect bow. Definately recommended or to others
This was a good finish to a good series. It wrapped up everything into a nice neat little package and tied it off with the perfect bow. Definately recommended or to others
February 23, 2019
I love this series and I loved this book don't get me wrong but I felt like there was loads left unfinished.
ie peyton talking to her girlfriend .
Them all telling their parents that they are together.
Stuff like that.
ie peyton talking to her girlfriend .
Them all telling their parents that they are together.
Stuff like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2019
Awesome read
I really loved this book although I found things wrapping up a bit too easily at the end. I'm glad there are spin off series in this universe because there's a lot of material waiting to be woven in. xx
I really loved this book although I found things wrapping up a bit too easily at the end. I'm glad there are spin off series in this universe because there's a lot of material waiting to be woven in. xx
December 7, 2023
too short
Just finished reading the 3 books and my only impression was can this be finished already I just couldn’t wait to finish such a waste of time (sigh). DON’T RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!!!
Just finished reading the 3 books and my only impression was can this be finished already I just couldn’t wait to finish such a waste of time (sigh). DON’T RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!!!
December 23, 2018
What a last story. Too bad it had to end. Will Gwen and her crew make it on time to save the humans from the giants? Started out a bit slow, but well worth continuing. Excellent
March 29, 2019
This was fun to listen to on audio, and I finally got used to the comical male narrator. Definitely a must-read if you've read the other 2 books in the series.
June 10, 2024
This book felt lacking, as if the author were rushing to finish the story. I was left unsatisfied.
July 3, 2025
The story was ok, as the end of the series it was good as well, but I don’t really care for any of the characters and in my opinion, this is my least favourite book here.
November 4, 2021
Great Read
I loved the first 2 books. This third book was a bit slow at the beginning but really picked up towards the end, may have been a bit rushed. But overall loved Gwen and the guys.
I loved the first 2 books. This third book was a bit slow at the beginning but really picked up towards the end, may have been a bit rushed. But overall loved Gwen and the guys.
January 31, 2019
Pages: 208
My rating (stars): 4
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
Acending is the last volume of the trilogy Hosting Gods.
Now that all parts of Heimdall are united, only the Bifröst has to be saved for Ragnarok to take place.
This band is a good ending for the trilogy. Since Ragnarok did not take place, the author can spin more stories in this world.
Deutsche Rezension:
Acending ist der letzte Band der Trilogie Hosting Gods.
Da nun alle Teile von Heimdall vereint sind muss nur noch der Bifröst gerettet werden, damit Ragnarok stattfinden kann.
Dieser Band ist ein gute Ende für die Trilogie. Da Ragnarok nicht stattfand, kann die Autorin weitere Geschichten in dieser Welt spinnen.
My rating (stars): 4
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
Acending is the last volume of the trilogy Hosting Gods.
Now that all parts of Heimdall are united, only the Bifröst has to be saved for Ragnarok to take place.
This band is a good ending for the trilogy. Since Ragnarok did not take place, the author can spin more stories in this world.
Deutsche Rezension:
Acending ist der letzte Band der Trilogie Hosting Gods.
Da nun alle Teile von Heimdall vereint sind muss nur noch der Bifröst gerettet werden, damit Ragnarok stattfinden kann.
Dieser Band ist ein gute Ende für die Trilogie. Da Ragnarok nicht stattfand, kann die Autorin weitere Geschichten in dieser Welt spinnen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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