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Ascension #8
The Second Coming
Elise Kavanagh was once known as the Godslayer - a woman born to kill Adam, a man become God. But she defeated him and stepped into his role, taking her lifelong partner into the pantheon with her. Now she must navigate her mortal goals with her divine life, beginning with substantiating into an avatar to have James Faulkner's baby, and ending with vengeance.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2019
44 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,007 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 19, 2021
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
My dear Elise Kavanagh, it is a truth universally acknowledged that you are and forever shall be one of my top 3 UF heroines ever. I 💕lurves💕 you loads and stuff (as I may or may not have previously stated somewhere ↓↓) but you should have retired at the end book 7. All this OTT nonsense about being a spoiler spoiler spoiler is, err, um, well, a bit too OTT for my taste (as I may or may not have previously stated somewhere ↓↓). I mean, I know this is fantasy and stuff, but there's suspending disbelief and then there'splain silliness SUSPENDING DISBELIEF. Also, I liked you better when you were just a plain spoiler spoiler spoiler turned spoiler spoiler spoiler. You know, back in the days when you were skewering evil things for a living. And even after, when spoiler spoiler spoiler happened and you ended up spoilering spoilering spoilering over spoilers spoiler spoilers? Bloody shrimping hell of the stinking fish, now those were the days! But gone gone gone your scrumptious Descent and Ascension years definitely seem to be, ergo slightly crushed I am.
And that’s putting it mildly.
➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): if you 💕lurve💕 Elise,
set her free
don't read this book. The end and stuff.
• Book 1: Sacrificed in Shadow ★★★★
• Book 2: Oaths of Blood ★★★★
• Book 3: Ruled by Steel ★★★★
• Book 4: Caged in Bone ★★★
• Book 5: Lost in Prophecy ★★★★★
• Book 6: Torn by Fury ★★★★★
• Book 7: Sins of Eden ★★★★★
[May 2020]
Putting this one on the Back Burner of Doom (BBoD™) forever now. Because as much as I 💕 lurves 💕 Elise, there's only so much OTT, subpar fanfic-like writing I can take. Besides, this series was supposed to be finished, concluded, completed, wrapped up and generally over and done with, and I'm not sure I want to know what happened after Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character's real name) spoilered spoilered spoilered after spoilering spoilering spoilering with Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character's real name, either). Especially NOT when the premise of this instalment makes no bloody shrimping sense and is not bloody fishing coherent at all with the way the series supposedly ended and stuff.
So.
Trying enough times these are, and disappointed by my beloved Elise too much to take for me would be, so bailmost un-nefariously preemptively I must.
👋 To be continued.Or not.
P.S. The book covers in this series...
My dear Elise Kavanagh, it is a truth universally acknowledged that you are and forever shall be one of my top 3 UF heroines ever. I 💕lurves💕 you loads and stuff (as I may or may not have previously stated somewhere ↓↓) but you should have retired at the end book 7. All this OTT nonsense about being a spoiler spoiler spoiler is, err, um, well, a bit too OTT for my taste (as I may or may not have previously stated somewhere ↓↓). I mean, I know this is fantasy and stuff, but there's suspending disbelief and then there's
And that’s putting it mildly.
➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): if you 💕lurve💕 Elise,
• Book 1: Sacrificed in Shadow ★★★★
• Book 2: Oaths of Blood ★★★★
• Book 3: Ruled by Steel ★★★★
• Book 4: Caged in Bone ★★★
• Book 5: Lost in Prophecy ★★★★★
• Book 6: Torn by Fury ★★★★★
• Book 7: Sins of Eden ★★★★★
[May 2020]
Putting this one on the Back Burner of Doom (BBoD™) for
So.
Trying enough times these are, and disappointed by my beloved Elise too much to take for me would be, so bail
👋 To be continued.
P.S. The book covers in this series...
September 23, 2019
Elise Kavanagh is not supposed to reduce me to tears - especially not before my first cup of coffee.
Confession time… Although I have sworn to myself to read everything from this author and urge everyone who will listen to do the same, the premise of Second Coming didn’t really appeal to me. There were a lot of readers who were anxious to read a story about Elise and James having a baby. I was not one of them. Not that I didn’t like James and Elise or thought that they more than deserved a HEA, I just couldn’t picture Elise as a loving, caring, nurturing mother figure. Turns out, neither could she, but she would pretty much do anything for James.
Because of my indifference, I wasn’t really curious enough to read a chapter at a time, so I skipped this one when it was offered to readers on Reine’s website. When it was released as a full book however, it was harder to ignore. I was pleasantly surprised that Elise and I were both wrong about that mother thing. Unsurprisingly, motherhood didn’t come naturally to Elise, at least not at first. It also didn’t take long for all H*ll broke loose – in true “Descentverse” fashion. James was gone, demons were trying to kill her and she was saddled with a helpless infant that she had no idea what to do with. To add insult to injury, the world that she and James re-created after Genesis was not at all what she expected it to be.
I had no idea what to expect when I first picked up Second Coming, but I ended up getting a lot more. There were terrifying moments, totally unexpected tender moments, heart stopping as well as heartbreaking moments (honestly – who expects to be reduced to tears by Elise Kavanagh?) Basically, Second Coming had everything that I’ve come to expect from any of the books in SM Reine’s “Decentverse” and then some. There are also a couple of huge hints that there’s more to come… and I can’t wait.
I received Second Coming in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Confession time… Although I have sworn to myself to read everything from this author and urge everyone who will listen to do the same, the premise of Second Coming didn’t really appeal to me. There were a lot of readers who were anxious to read a story about Elise and James having a baby. I was not one of them. Not that I didn’t like James and Elise or thought that they more than deserved a HEA, I just couldn’t picture Elise as a loving, caring, nurturing mother figure. Turns out, neither could she, but she would pretty much do anything for James.
Because of my indifference, I wasn’t really curious enough to read a chapter at a time, so I skipped this one when it was offered to readers on Reine’s website. When it was released as a full book however, it was harder to ignore. I was pleasantly surprised that Elise and I were both wrong about that mother thing. Unsurprisingly, motherhood didn’t come naturally to Elise, at least not at first. It also didn’t take long for all H*ll broke loose – in true “Descentverse” fashion. James was gone, demons were trying to kill her and she was saddled with a helpless infant that she had no idea what to do with. To add insult to injury, the world that she and James re-created after Genesis was not at all what she expected it to be.
I had no idea what to expect when I first picked up Second Coming, but I ended up getting a lot more. There were terrifying moments, totally unexpected tender moments, heart stopping as well as heartbreaking moments (honestly – who expects to be reduced to tears by Elise Kavanagh?) Basically, Second Coming had everything that I’ve come to expect from any of the books in SM Reine’s “Decentverse” and then some. There are also a couple of huge hints that there’s more to come… and I can’t wait.
I received Second Coming in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 1, 2020
PPS: All SPOILERS are REAL ones.DON'T VIEW UNLESS you have read the book.
I have loved Elise Kavanagh.I love Elise Kavanagh and I'll bloody continue loving her.
The woman is a Pure, 210% conc. concoction of Awesomeness and Badassery.
Back to the book, I loved Elise's fights.
But I felt half of the book a bit gloomier than the usual.It was nice and awesome but that touch of awesomeness lacked a little more blood, a little more action and a little more gore.
The rest bit was all fine and dandy.Not so bloody awesome as the other books but Awesome cause it's Elise. I feel like I am chanting these days-
I am still hoping to request Reine to convince her that Finishing The Elise Kavanagh series would be a sin and she would do good reconsidering it. HaaHa- Such a convincing little thing, aren't I ?
I think I'll try Lonesome Paladin because Reine mentions something more of Elise in there.So, there I go on my chemotaxis to Elise forced by her sheer awesomeness.
I have loved Elise Kavanagh.I love Elise Kavanagh and I'll bloody continue loving her.
The woman is a Pure, 210% conc. concoction of Awesomeness and Badassery.
Back to the book, I loved Elise's fights.
But I felt half of the book a bit gloomier than the usual.It was nice and awesome but that touch of awesomeness lacked a little more blood, a little more action and a little more gore.
The rest bit was all fine and dandy.Not so bloody awesome as the other books but Awesome cause it's Elise. I feel like I am chanting these days-
"This is bloody awesome."
"-Its Elise Kavanagh, Duh ! "
I am still hoping to request Reine to convince her that Finishing The Elise Kavanagh series would be a sin and she would do good reconsidering it. HaaHa- Such a convincing little thing, aren't I ?
I think I'll try Lonesome Paladin because Reine mentions something more of Elise in there.So, there I go on my chemotaxis to Elise forced by her sheer awesomeness.
July 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this installment of this series because it demonstrated the depths of Elise's thoughts and feelings - and her denials and misunderstanding of those feelings.
There was plenty of action as usual but this story felt different from the rest, as if she was haunted by human emotions; love especially.
No spoilers but this book is recommended by me.
There was plenty of action as usual but this story felt different from the rest, as if she was haunted by human emotions; love especially.
No spoilers but this book is recommended by me.
October 30, 2020
Fabulous
Ok, so I had thought book 7 was the last in the series, then I came across book 8. I was so very happy and just like the previous books in the series, it was excellent. Now I am hoping for more, like what is this new unknown huge entity that Victoria can see in the rio???
Ok, so I had thought book 7 was the last in the series, then I came across book 8. I was so very happy and just like the previous books in the series, it was excellent. Now I am hoping for more, like what is this new unknown huge entity that Victoria can see in the rio???
May 31, 2021
One of her only bad books.
I've read most everything that SM Reine has written and this book stands out, but not in a good way. The storyline is choppy. The characters react in ways that are completely out of character for them. Plot points are brought up, then abandoned without explanation. I would recommend nearly anything by this author, but not this.
I've read most everything that SM Reine has written and this book stands out, but not in a good way. The storyline is choppy. The characters react in ways that are completely out of character for them. Plot points are brought up, then abandoned without explanation. I would recommend nearly anything by this author, but not this.
July 29, 2021
So... as a massive fan of her work and this world I was a little disappointed. The middle is PREMIUM Reine-verse but the rest is boring or contrived. Unless this spawns a great series I'm not sure it was needed.
Read
May 25, 2020Great story
Eliseo and James come back to Earth as avatars to have a baby. However they arrive at the wrong time and things go out of control.
A wild ride.
Eliseo and James come back to Earth as avatars to have a baby. However they arrive at the wrong time and things go out of control.
A wild ride.
January 4, 2023
Loved it! Elise's journey in this book was great and it's nice to see her getting new adventures after Genesis. Can't wait to see what's in store for them next.
September 2, 2019
OMG! I love Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner! But this is the best book about them yet! Since they had entered the deity, I had supposed we wouldn't get the same action-packed story that they used to give us. So wrong! I wish I hadn't been so sleepy both nights (hot, miserable days can do that to you, and then even once you fall asleep you can't stay there! Ugh!) I would have finished this one in one night! (Okay, need to put the exclamation point away!.)
Once again, Sara Reine puts the story in the Reno-Tahoe area and so I'm engrossed knowing about where she is describing and how it looks now (or at least the last time I visited last year) and how her goddesses/gods have changed it with each reincarnation of the world. This time into the future.
Though I loved seeing Elise become a human avatar, giving birth, nursing, and attempting motherhood, as I have gone through most of what was described, four times, some might not find that aspect of the book appealing. But stick with it, let it be your reason not to go through it, or learn Elise's lessons ahead of time (better than Dr. Spock or even Dr. Sears), or see what a woman goes through. Even this goddess found that an arduous path and she'd been through all kinds of pain and suffering. Giving birth is not for sissies! Nursing can be challenging! Mastitis is real and can cause severe illness and hurts like hell! And try all that while being the target for assassination and kidnapping! <---sorry, I can't help myself. Think of the exclamation point like Elise's Infernal Sword of emotion!
I love that Ms. Reine included some flashbacks. I've read every one of Sara's books and feel in touch with all the characters, even so, I have my favorites. Elise is one, as is Rylie, and Dana MacIntyre (hope I spelled that right). I thought I knew all Elise had been through, but I've forgotten a lot!
It is always hard when writing a review because some of the things I want to say would be spoilers. But there will be friends from the past. There, that did the trick!
Sadly, I have to find something else to read now. Let that be enough for you to know I highly recommend the entire collection of Sara Reine! If you can't afford it, see if you can get your library to carry the books. Especially those in Reno! Starting with Six Moon Summer and enjoy the rest of her world beyond!
Once again, Sara Reine puts the story in the Reno-Tahoe area and so I'm engrossed knowing about where she is describing and how it looks now (or at least the last time I visited last year) and how her goddesses/gods have changed it with each reincarnation of the world. This time into the future.
Though I loved seeing Elise become a human avatar, giving birth, nursing, and attempting motherhood, as I have gone through most of what was described, four times, some might not find that aspect of the book appealing. But stick with it, let it be your reason not to go through it, or learn Elise's lessons ahead of time (better than Dr. Spock or even Dr. Sears), or see what a woman goes through. Even this goddess found that an arduous path and she'd been through all kinds of pain and suffering. Giving birth is not for sissies! Nursing can be challenging! Mastitis is real and can cause severe illness and hurts like hell! And try all that while being the target for assassination and kidnapping! <---sorry, I can't help myself. Think of the exclamation point like Elise's Infernal Sword of emotion!
I love that Ms. Reine included some flashbacks. I've read every one of Sara's books and feel in touch with all the characters, even so, I have my favorites. Elise is one, as is Rylie, and Dana MacIntyre (hope I spelled that right). I thought I knew all Elise had been through, but I've forgotten a lot!
It is always hard when writing a review because some of the things I want to say would be spoilers. But there will be friends from the past. There, that did the trick!
Sadly, I have to find something else to read now. Let that be enough for you to know I highly recommend the entire collection of Sara Reine! If you can't afford it, see if you can get your library to carry the books. Especially those in Reno! Starting with Six Moon Summer and enjoy the rest of her world beyond!
September 10, 2019
I received this book from the author as an advanced reader copy, but this review is my honest opinion.
I have read lots of books involving Elise Kavanagh, but I will be honest, I have not read all of this series up to this book. However, there is enough background info for me work out what has happened, but if you haven't read any of this series, I would highly recommend that you go back to the beginning and read them all. These books are fab and Elise is an amazing character. She is feisty, kick-ass, mouthy, aggressive, moody, yet will do anything and everything for those she loves even if she knows she shouldn't really do certain things!
This story starts with one of the scariest scenes ever, Elise giving birth! That in itself is not scary but the whole scene must be every mother's nightmare. I won't spoil it for you though. It does however set the plot for the rest of the story and basically Elise, regardless of how un-maternal she is feeling, will do anything to protect her baby and to find its father, who has gone missing.
She enlists the helps of some old friends who have appeared in other books and series (great to see some familiar characters too!), but there's many twists and turns and Elise never seems to find a moment of peace, whether it's from the endless cries of her baby or from others.
This book is fast paced and there is definitely never a dull moment! The ending was a complete surprise - I wasn't sure what Elise and James would do but it wasn't that! I really did feel for Elise, after all she's the Godslayer, a god reborn as a mortal, yet she cannot be just a mortal - she is more! Being a mother changed her, made her into something, someone else and that surprised both me and her I think! James, well...I like James but he has the potential to do bad! Luckily just not yet!
I really have to find the time to go back and read the rest of this series so I can re-read this book and appreciate it even more!
Thank you to Sara and Angie for sending me a copy of this book! As always I loved it!
I have read lots of books involving Elise Kavanagh, but I will be honest, I have not read all of this series up to this book. However, there is enough background info for me work out what has happened, but if you haven't read any of this series, I would highly recommend that you go back to the beginning and read them all. These books are fab and Elise is an amazing character. She is feisty, kick-ass, mouthy, aggressive, moody, yet will do anything and everything for those she loves even if she knows she shouldn't really do certain things!
This story starts with one of the scariest scenes ever, Elise giving birth! That in itself is not scary but the whole scene must be every mother's nightmare. I won't spoil it for you though. It does however set the plot for the rest of the story and basically Elise, regardless of how un-maternal she is feeling, will do anything to protect her baby and to find its father, who has gone missing.
She enlists the helps of some old friends who have appeared in other books and series (great to see some familiar characters too!), but there's many twists and turns and Elise never seems to find a moment of peace, whether it's from the endless cries of her baby or from others.
This book is fast paced and there is definitely never a dull moment! The ending was a complete surprise - I wasn't sure what Elise and James would do but it wasn't that! I really did feel for Elise, after all she's the Godslayer, a god reborn as a mortal, yet she cannot be just a mortal - she is more! Being a mother changed her, made her into something, someone else and that surprised both me and her I think! James, well...I like James but he has the potential to do bad! Luckily just not yet!
I really have to find the time to go back and read the rest of this series so I can re-read this book and appreciate it even more!
Thank you to Sara and Angie for sending me a copy of this book! As always I loved it!
September 3, 2019
I originally read The Second Coming as Sara was writing it, chapter by chapter, on her website. At the time, I had recently given birth to my third baby, and I remember vividly thinking that so much of this book resonated with me, going through new motherhood again.
A few years later, I’ve just read it again... not long after having my fourth baby. And the timing couldn’t be any more perfect.
So much of motherhood is beautiful. All babies are these perfect little beings who are simultaneously amazing and terrifying.
But newborns are hard. Postpartum healing is hard. And painful. Early breastfeeding can sometimes feel like nails on a chalkboard.
And all of that is combined in one relentless, (I borrowed that perfect word from Sara herself) all-encompassing package.
This book is about James and Elise, and what happens to them many years after Ascension. But, in so many ways, it’s also a story about motherhood. It’s honest in its portrayal of the hardest aspects. The unpreparedness of being completely responsible for a helpless being. The absolute exhaustion that comes from a huge trauma, followed by almost no rest. The stark, unflinching reality of mastitis, of feeling trapped, yet inexplicably not wanting that baby out of your sight. The conflicting feelings that come from either not feeling bonded right away, or feeling too bonded.
There’s a really brilliant mothers are warriors vibe, too. Because while Elise is experiencing all of this, and not exactly enjoying it, but maybe not hating it either, she’s also taking names, and trying to save James. Elise has always been the definition of sisters doing it for themselves. But motherhood really opens her eyes to not wanting to do everything partnerless.
This is such a satisfying addition to their story, combined with such an honest, real, and incredible account of the journey to motherhood.
A few years later, I’ve just read it again... not long after having my fourth baby. And the timing couldn’t be any more perfect.
So much of motherhood is beautiful. All babies are these perfect little beings who are simultaneously amazing and terrifying.
But newborns are hard. Postpartum healing is hard. And painful. Early breastfeeding can sometimes feel like nails on a chalkboard.
And all of that is combined in one relentless, (I borrowed that perfect word from Sara herself) all-encompassing package.
This book is about James and Elise, and what happens to them many years after Ascension. But, in so many ways, it’s also a story about motherhood. It’s honest in its portrayal of the hardest aspects. The unpreparedness of being completely responsible for a helpless being. The absolute exhaustion that comes from a huge trauma, followed by almost no rest. The stark, unflinching reality of mastitis, of feeling trapped, yet inexplicably not wanting that baby out of your sight. The conflicting feelings that come from either not feeling bonded right away, or feeling too bonded.
There’s a really brilliant mothers are warriors vibe, too. Because while Elise is experiencing all of this, and not exactly enjoying it, but maybe not hating it either, she’s also taking names, and trying to save James. Elise has always been the definition of sisters doing it for themselves. But motherhood really opens her eyes to not wanting to do everything partnerless.
This is such a satisfying addition to their story, combined with such an honest, real, and incredible account of the journey to motherhood.
September 6, 2019
If you're new to this world, this is not the starting point for the series. You definitely need to at least go back to the start of the original series, a spinoff, or read a whole bunch of spoilers. There is so much baggage we've accumulated along the way that you will be LOST. I've read all the books, and I could still use a timeline with diagrams and character sketches. I muddled through, though, and I'm glad to have read this one.
Rejoining James and Elise is like putting on your favorite sweater, if that sweater was also filled with warm blood, guts, and things that make you vaguely uncomfortable. One thing this book delivers, like the previous ones in this world, is a gritty, sometimes gross, and horribly realistic post-apocalyptic environment. There are battles and they get ugly. There's a kid now, and that's horribly graphic. James still might be a dick, and that's... annoyingly familiar. The story revolves around James and Elise coming back to earth significantly later than planned so they can live the somewhat perfect life of two somewhat normal folks, complete with baby.
There are *a lot* of familiar faces in this book, so have your thinking cap on and be prepared to recall their backstory. We get hints, but more to spark your memory than to retell things. Assassins are after Elise and may have kidnapped James, all while Elise is a new mother and things are... bad. As usual, there are twists and turns, some awful loss and then a somewhat happy ending (with mild "to be continued" type ending). I will read just about anything with James and Elise, so I'm in for these books no matter what.
Rejoining James and Elise is like putting on your favorite sweater, if that sweater was also filled with warm blood, guts, and things that make you vaguely uncomfortable. One thing this book delivers, like the previous ones in this world, is a gritty, sometimes gross, and horribly realistic post-apocalyptic environment. There are battles and they get ugly. There's a kid now, and that's horribly graphic. James still might be a dick, and that's... annoyingly familiar. The story revolves around James and Elise coming back to earth significantly later than planned so they can live the somewhat perfect life of two somewhat normal folks, complete with baby.
There are *a lot* of familiar faces in this book, so have your thinking cap on and be prepared to recall their backstory. We get hints, but more to spark your memory than to retell things. Assassins are after Elise and may have kidnapped James, all while Elise is a new mother and things are... bad. As usual, there are twists and turns, some awful loss and then a somewhat happy ending (with mild "to be continued" type ending). I will read just about anything with James and Elise, so I'm in for these books no matter what.
September 11, 2019
I received this book for free from SM Reine in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a moment to realize why this book was so familiar to me when I started reading. A rough version of this story had been previously posted online in a chapter by chapter format by the author. I found that although I had previously read it, and thus logically knew what was going to happen, I was still enthralled in "learning what came next". This is a great quality for a writer to have that allows you to delve deeper into a world and continue enjoying books as you re-read them.
I was happy to see Elise and James make a reappearance. I first found this universe by reading the Descent series, and thus these two will always hold a bit spot in my heart. Elise and James returned from Godhood in the form of avatars to procreate and experience the life of raising a child. While they thought they would emerge shortly after they left, they returned decades later into a world they barely recognized. I enjoyed watching Elise try to navigate this new world with a baby in tow, while she sought to find hers missing husband James.
This book felt more like a tangential story to the series than a true sequel. While I greatly enjoyed it, I see limited possibilities for the future. I am hoping to see more of Elise and James in some capacity in the future, but am beginning to think this may happen more through the memories of their friends.
It took me a moment to realize why this book was so familiar to me when I started reading. A rough version of this story had been previously posted online in a chapter by chapter format by the author. I found that although I had previously read it, and thus logically knew what was going to happen, I was still enthralled in "learning what came next". This is a great quality for a writer to have that allows you to delve deeper into a world and continue enjoying books as you re-read them.
I was happy to see Elise and James make a reappearance. I first found this universe by reading the Descent series, and thus these two will always hold a bit spot in my heart. Elise and James returned from Godhood in the form of avatars to procreate and experience the life of raising a child. While they thought they would emerge shortly after they left, they returned decades later into a world they barely recognized. I enjoyed watching Elise try to navigate this new world with a baby in tow, while she sought to find hers missing husband James.
This book felt more like a tangential story to the series than a true sequel. While I greatly enjoyed it, I see limited possibilities for the future. I am hoping to see more of Elise and James in some capacity in the future, but am beginning to think this may happen more through the memories of their friends.
September 3, 2019
I read this serialized on S.M. Reine's website originally and I had forgotten how...disassociated Elise was with the baby in the beginning. Or...disconnected, maybe. I don't know. She was just not terribly maternal. Until she was.
Considering this is Elise we're talking about--badass godslayer and all around fierce lady--the fact she was maternal at all was...Wait. I can't say it's surprising. She might be blunt and quick to grab her sword, but she's fiercely protective of those who are her people. James might have been the one who first wanted a baby, but Elisa loves James and half of James went into that baby so she's kind of leaning toward at least half loving it just for that.
Okay. Enough about Elise and her maternal instincts. Let's talk about how CRAZY FIERCE she is while battling demons with a baby strapped to her back. Or front. Either way, the lady doesn't back down from a fight. And as things start to unfold and the stakes get higher, she just fights harder. Even when she's beaten and bloody. Even when she's mining her last reserves.
Elise just keeps fighting.
The Ascension series is full of insane dips and curves and switchbacks and this book keeps that streak alive. When the Godslayer walks, THINGS HAPPEN. Man, do they happen.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Considering this is Elise we're talking about--badass godslayer and all around fierce lady--the fact she was maternal at all was...Wait. I can't say it's surprising. She might be blunt and quick to grab her sword, but she's fiercely protective of those who are her people. James might have been the one who first wanted a baby, but Elisa loves James and half of James went into that baby so she's kind of leaning toward at least half loving it just for that.
Okay. Enough about Elise and her maternal instincts. Let's talk about how CRAZY FIERCE she is while battling demons with a baby strapped to her back. Or front. Either way, the lady doesn't back down from a fight. And as things start to unfold and the stakes get higher, she just fights harder. Even when she's beaten and bloody. Even when she's mining her last reserves.
Elise just keeps fighting.
The Ascension series is full of insane dips and curves and switchbacks and this book keeps that streak alive. When the Godslayer walks, THINGS HAPPEN. Man, do they happen.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 5, 2019
Woo Hoo!!! Our badass heroine back!! Elise Kavanagh has returned.
James asks Elise a question every once in a while and she keeps saying “NO!” But, finally she says why not? James will do all the work. She just has to give birth. So Elise and James come back to earth as Danae McCollum and Daniel Hawk. Meet in college, fall in love and get married, have a baby and live happily ever after. Uh NOT!!!
Elise is giving birth when the first demon comes for her. Kind of hard to avoid being murdered while pushing out a baby. And where is James??? We don’t know. He’s disappeared. Demons are after Elise and her precious baby. But Elise really isn’t mother material. So she’s looking for James and what she finds is along the way is shocking. (well at least to me it was)
I love Elise, and ok, maybe James a little. This is an exciting story. I couldn’t put it down. I was reading way late into the night. Aaaannnddd…I really shouldn’t do that. It gets emotional and I was ugly crying.
I was really surprised who the evil bad guy was, didn’t see that coming. You won’t either.
I highly, highly recommend this Ascension “after” story. You’ll love it.
I was given this book by the author for an honest opinion.
James asks Elise a question every once in a while and she keeps saying “NO!” But, finally she says why not? James will do all the work. She just has to give birth. So Elise and James come back to earth as Danae McCollum and Daniel Hawk. Meet in college, fall in love and get married, have a baby and live happily ever after. Uh NOT!!!
Elise is giving birth when the first demon comes for her. Kind of hard to avoid being murdered while pushing out a baby. And where is James??? We don’t know. He’s disappeared. Demons are after Elise and her precious baby. But Elise really isn’t mother material. So she’s looking for James and what she finds is along the way is shocking. (well at least to me it was)
I love Elise, and ok, maybe James a little. This is an exciting story. I couldn’t put it down. I was reading way late into the night. Aaaannnddd…I really shouldn’t do that. It gets emotional and I was ugly crying.
I was really surprised who the evil bad guy was, didn’t see that coming. You won’t either.
I highly, highly recommend this Ascension “after” story. You’ll love it.
I was given this book by the author for an honest opinion.
September 9, 2019
Elise Kavanaugh is back again with her no nonsense attitude and she's like a fine wine, she just gets better with age!
Elise is in labor when assassins start coming for her, she has no choice but to do as Elise always does and fight. Fight for not only her life but for her new baby's life as well. This book takes you on quite the journey as do all of Elise's books. This one definitely had it all, everything you ask for and more. I loved seeing her as an avatar and knowing what her body used to be able to do and her trying to force the avatar to do as she remembered being able to do in her previous life.
James is nowhere to be found, Elise assumes he's been taken, but has he been taken or is it a cover?
This was the perfect ending to the Ascension Series. I am ready to find out what all the Traveler was meaning in the end.. small threads being moved, are they noticed? Do they change everything? We will have to wait and see!
Elise is in labor when assassins start coming for her, she has no choice but to do as Elise always does and fight. Fight for not only her life but for her new baby's life as well. This book takes you on quite the journey as do all of Elise's books. This one definitely had it all, everything you ask for and more. I loved seeing her as an avatar and knowing what her body used to be able to do and her trying to force the avatar to do as she remembered being able to do in her previous life.
James is nowhere to be found, Elise assumes he's been taken, but has he been taken or is it a cover?
This was the perfect ending to the Ascension Series. I am ready to find out what all the Traveler was meaning in the end.. small threads being moved, are they noticed? Do they change everything? We will have to wait and see!
September 1, 2019
Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner have lived many different lives and have been gods for an eternity. James has asked Elise repeatedly to have a baby and expand their family and she finally gave in which lead them both to avatars to accomplish this goal. Even though they planned the aspects of their avatars, things never seem to go as planned.
Elise and James have led many different complications throughout Reine’s different series, either by being the lead characters or by quietly existing in the backgrounds of her stories. Each time they appear their characters take on more depth that really shows the imagination of the author. This book has opened up infinite possibilities for the Ascension series itself as well as many spin-off possibilities. It was one of the best-written works Reine has had to date.
Elise and James have led many different complications throughout Reine’s different series, either by being the lead characters or by quietly existing in the backgrounds of her stories. Each time they appear their characters take on more depth that really shows the imagination of the author. This book has opened up infinite possibilities for the Ascension series itself as well as many spin-off possibilities. It was one of the best-written works Reine has had to date.
September 2, 2019
If your unfamiliar with Elsie and James then please go back to the beginning of this series. This book is a continuation of their story.
Elsie and James are back. Thank goodness. I missed them terribly and reading this felt like getting back in contact with an old friend. They may be gods now but still the godslayer and her witch at heart. I believe the author loves this characters as much as we the readers do and it shows. Well written, good storytelling and bloody battle scenes, everything you need for a good book. Elise's unwavering love of James has brought her to human form to give him a child. A kidnapping, assassins and child birth. This wild ride will be hard for you read. There is some real heart wenching scenes in this book, very sad moments and ending that will leave you ready for the next chapter.
Elsie and James are back. Thank goodness. I missed them terribly and reading this felt like getting back in contact with an old friend. They may be gods now but still the godslayer and her witch at heart. I believe the author loves this characters as much as we the readers do and it shows. Well written, good storytelling and bloody battle scenes, everything you need for a good book. Elise's unwavering love of James has brought her to human form to give him a child. A kidnapping, assassins and child birth. This wild ride will be hard for you read. There is some real heart wenching scenes in this book, very sad moments and ending that will leave you ready for the next chapter.
September 11, 2019
The Second Coming: The Ascension Series
I got this free as an ARC for a review. This is a meaty, heavy, at times heartbreaking, book. It’s a joy to read Elise again. She’s not really changed, apart from the baby. She’s still indestructible, grumpy, rude, loyal and focused. Elise doesn’t think she’s maternal but she surprises herself. There are tons of old characters to revisit, including James of course. I won’t spoil the surprises. If you haven’t read any of these books before, you’ll miss out on so much. There are still many unanswered questions, especially if, like me, you went from Race of Thieves to this one. It’s a little confusing. However, I thoroughly enjoyed TSC. I devoured it in 2 days.
TW: This book deals with Post Natal Depression, baby death and the usual violence that we love and expect from Elise.
I got this free as an ARC for a review. This is a meaty, heavy, at times heartbreaking, book. It’s a joy to read Elise again. She’s not really changed, apart from the baby. She’s still indestructible, grumpy, rude, loyal and focused. Elise doesn’t think she’s maternal but she surprises herself. There are tons of old characters to revisit, including James of course. I won’t spoil the surprises. If you haven’t read any of these books before, you’ll miss out on so much. There are still many unanswered questions, especially if, like me, you went from Race of Thieves to this one. It’s a little confusing. However, I thoroughly enjoyed TSC. I devoured it in 2 days.
TW: This book deals with Post Natal Depression, baby death and the usual violence that we love and expect from Elise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2019
Well that was a walk down memory lane with a few twists along the way. I was so pleased to read a story about Elise and James again although this was definitely beyond my wildest dreams. Elise was still as kick ass, snarky and unapologetic as before but James was absent for a lot of the story. I would have liked them both to be together more in this book but apart from that it was amazing. It was great to revisit old friends and enemies and get a fresh perspective on what had happened to everyone. The twists just kept coming and this book is a page turner, so much happening that you won't be able to put the book down. The ending was not what I expected either but still a great read.
August 31, 2019
Second Coming was f***en phenomenal.....I don't have enough words to explain this book. At one point, I actually cried. This is probably the hardest review I have ever written because anything I want to say would be a spoiler and I can't do that. The book has two of the series most relevant and loved characters but really won't say more. What I will say is that this author has totally blew my mind and I love Sara's books. I have been following her since Ryelle came on the scene. I have read every book she has written but this one is literally a game changer.
December 1, 2019
Good ol' Elise. Definitely a read you should complete after reading the Ascension Series by this same author. Otherwise, huge spoilers and a good bit of things won't be as significant in the book as they should be if you have not read the Ascension Series beforehand. The action is so intense and the scenes are vividly written that amidst the chaos and the fighting, it's easy to picture the terrible situations Elise is in and the struggles of her movement through this world she literally created. For those who are sensitive to gore, I recommend taking this book with ease.
September 5, 2019
I received a copy of this in exchange of a review. It's been forever I feel since I've read a book starring Elise and James it was nice getting back to them after all this time. The story was fast paced and a quick read. Elise has been one of my favorite characters since I started delving into this universe.
September 5, 2019
Best surprise ever
I couldn't believe it when I opened an email from S.M. Reign showing that she had another Elise story. Can't remember when I last have by so excited. The book was fabulous. I love Elise's cranky ass. And James was such a good boy in this one. I ended the book with me bawling at the wonder I just read
I couldn't believe it when I opened an email from S.M. Reign showing that she had another Elise story. Can't remember when I last have by so excited. The book was fabulous. I love Elise's cranky ass. And James was such a good boy in this one. I ended the book with me bawling at the wonder I just read
September 3, 2019
O.M.G. Awesome!
Ok not sure which God in referring too but the sentiment still applies!
This is a stunning, melancholy, twisted tale! Very appropriate for Elise!!!
What a great addition so this amazing universe!
Highly recommended!
Ok not sure which God in referring too but the sentiment still applies!
This is a stunning, melancholy, twisted tale! Very appropriate for Elise!!!
What a great addition so this amazing universe!
Highly recommended!
September 6, 2019
A return to the story of James and Elise.
A gritty and grossly dark in places book as to be expected if you've ever read anything by S. M. Reine.
More after Genesis action with several familar characters made for an excellent nostalgic read going back to some of my favourite characters.
A gritty and grossly dark in places book as to be expected if you've ever read anything by S. M. Reine.
More after Genesis action with several familar characters made for an excellent nostalgic read going back to some of my favourite characters.
September 22, 2019
Fab as usual
Great short story . Lovely to read about some character favourites again. I've waited a while for this, choosing not to read the chapter releases and it was definitely worth the wait
Great short story . Lovely to read about some character favourites again. I've waited a while for this, choosing not to read the chapter releases and it was definitely worth the wait
January 26, 2020
Interesting read
This would likely have been more clear fir me if id read the related series more recently. I could still follow the story, but did feel I was missing something. It was nice to see Elise & James again, even if Elise seemed meaner than before!
This would likely have been more clear fir me if id read the related series more recently. I could still follow the story, but did feel I was missing something. It was nice to see Elise & James again, even if Elise seemed meaner than before!
September 15, 2019
Great read! Elise and James taking on the world again! Love the adventure and romance these characters provide! Hope more are coming in the future!
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