I'm no stranger to fending for myself, but when I make an epic mistake, my dad is left with no choice but to punish me.
You’d think he’d torture my soul or send me to hell but no, he sends me to Celestial Academy, where college-aged angels learn to be guardians. The only problem is I don't have wings, and I'm certainly not an angel.
Attending a school full of angels is no walk in the park when your dad is the devil... until I meet three men who make me feel like anything is possible.
But just when I think things have changed for the better, there's a threat that might take everything I've grown to love away. Angels are being kidnapped and drained of their blood, and I might be their next target.
*Ascend is book one in the Celestial Academy trilogy. Contains MM, teacher/student, mature scenes, light bullying from one of her men in book 1 only, and adult situations. Ends with a cliffhanger.
I thought I had read the disorganized books, the books with no development, the books that were fucking chaotic.
well, I'll be damned.
BECAUSE THIS ONE TAKES THE FUCKING CAKE.
I don't even know where to start.
Danica is a troubled teen that gets kicked out of human school to go to some celestial academy for God knows what reason. In comes Tobias. Hello, Tobias. *one hour later* they're fucking. Some kids are bullying her. Hello new friends. *now she has some cool friends that we know nothing about* *exit bullying* Hello, Asher. *one hour later, getting frisky with Asher* --FOUR DAY PAUSE-- in which she falls for Oliver. Sorry, I meant Olly. *Dani goes back and solidifies her two hour relationship with Asher* *fighting with Tobias* -- some weird recon mission to try to spy on one of the cool friends that was kidnapped* *they have a threesome* some more kidnapping ensues, including our dear Dani and Olly fallen angels. *somehow they're saved* Asher rescues her. some weird scene where her high school bff comes to visit. her three dudes return from heaven.
AND WE ARE BASICALLY DONE!
WHAt tHE LiteRAL FUCKING shIt. Did they rescue the friend?? we don't know. the bullying magically stopped. How did they escape the kidnapping? we barely know. NO ONE and I, cannot stress this enough, no one, was even remotely developed as a meaningful, worthy character EXCEPT DADDY DEAREST, Lucifer. He's the only one that had a meaningful, sort-of development. There wasn't an ounce of love or emotion I mean one minute she's annoyed with the three of them, the next she's in love???
I am amazed at how this is even considered a story. Seriously. I can't believe I even finished this book.
Very, very poorly written piece of hot garbage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This may just be the saddest fall from grace I've ever read.
It started out so promising: an interesting take-no-shit protagonist, a groovy premise involving Lucifer's daughter and an entire celestial world against her that was about to be rocked. And then suddenly our once promising protagonist starts fucking her teacher and reverts to what can only be described as little more than a passive sex doll.
It's also quickly established that all surrounding characters are securely stationed within the one dimensional cliche reverse-harem prototypes likely to never leave those assigned posts, and all male love interests have zero personality beyond wanting the heroine. If all that wasn't enough, the immediate attraction is then quickly followed up by a shit ton of insta-love that makes me want to scream.
The writing is also just bad. Not as bad as a lot of the books I find myself stumbling into, but being a slightly better person than the worst person that walks the Earth doesn't make you a saint either.
Take this quote for example:
"I was experiencing serious FML in that moment, but at least the uniform was thick enough that I didn't have to wear boring undergarments."
1. That is not the correct use of FML. 2. Have you ever heard an eighteen year-old use the word undergarments? Outside of a Mormon church or cult worship?
All in all, reading this was sad guys. And not in the ugly-cry-and-get-all-those-feelings-out-good emotional kind of way. In a I-can't-remember-a-single-characters-name-despite-literally-just-putting-my-kindle-down-and-opening-my-laptop-to-type-out-this-review kind of way.
I had previously read this years ago and only rated it a 3 star, however, im fairly certain I got mad at the end and quit reading. I’m not particularly an RH fan when the person has more than 3 partners, I feel like it’s hard to juggle that many relationships equally and they were about to add a fourth.
Anyway, I moved the rating up bc the storyline is still super good. It’s about to get into a bunch of prophecy stuff though which isn’t really my cup of tea bc it normally just causes a ton of plotholes, so hopefully that isn’t the case for book 2.
I'm not sure what it was about this book but it just didn't ring right for me. It was missing something. I love the premise, the storyline seemed alright and the mistakes in the copy text weren't too bad. I have no recommendation whether to skip it or read it.
This book was fantastic! It was full of Arch angels, Fallen angels, demons, and sexy Lucifer. The story line was intriguing and kept my attention as soon as I started reading. The details about angels and the fallen were all unique and not something I had encountered before in a book, such as the loss of memory of their death when they became an angel.
I love Lucifer as a character in this series. The way author captured his personality and demeanor was done flawlessly and makes me super excited to read the spin off series with him in it. Danica was a fun character to read too. She’s definitely a rebel and basically does whatever she wants. The 3 men in her life are all different, easily loveable, and each bring something unique to their relationships. Oliver is hilarious with his lack of understanding of society and modern technology. Ash is beautifully broken yet so passionate and I just love his intensity. Tobias is super sweet and protective but I can see a hint of alpha coming from him at times and I love it!!
The rift between the angels and the fallen as well as the fallen’s plot to open a gateway to hell added plenty of drama and excitement to this story. I am eager to see how this all plays out especially now that we know who Danica’s mom is and the fact I am pretty sure she is the one behind the fallen’s plans. Fantastic starter to a series that I highly recommend!!
I have just binge read this trilogy over a few days and I have really enjoyed this series. I think it was a new and refreshing take on the idea of hell and having families of demons living there was new to me. I liked the characters and thought each of the guys had a unique personality. I had to give a positive review as I always look here before I read a book and nearly passed this over as the reviews I could see were not very favourable. I would say give this series a chance it just gets better with each book, although if you do not like m/m action you may want to pass. I personally liked the whole group dynamique and all of the characters.
This is my first book from Maya and it was very good! It was fast paced, but well written. You got to learn more about the guys. I can wait for book 2!!
This book surprised me a little, the FMC was actually really relatable to me with specific things and it's always nice to be able to relate and have the same likes it helps you to meld with the story so much better.
Don't get me wrong I loved the angles/ fallen angles and she's lucifers daughter storyline it's interesting to see the world crafted when you don't usually see him depicted as such a softy other than in the tv show Lucifer.
Anyhow this book only warranted a 3-star rating I'd go so far as to give 3.5 but that's my cap. There are some deep flaws in this book and most of it stems from what feels like the author was rushing. Things were fully developed but could have been so much better if just given more time. ill dive into the specifics after I list off my favourite things first.
-SPOILERS BELOW-
I'm just going to list off my favourite things that just made me smile about this book. - Dani langerie collection - Dani not having a filter when it was convenient - Olivers babbling and endless questions - lucifer suits - Ashers place - the age gaps - the angel football - Toby's idgaf attitude - Toby acceptance to Dani seeing the other guys - Olivers cluelessness - Olivers want to Chairish Dani - Olivers abilities - Ash and Olivers interactions
The storyline was great but it really felt underdeveloped, not in an unfinished way but as in the author needed to write way more in each scene and everything could have been so much better. First off she and Toby have sort of an instant attraction going at least on his part she found him attractive but when he wouldn't even so much as shake her hand she thought he was repulsed by her but in fact, he was just worried about losing control when around her because after all, she is his student but also 18 however it's not illegal but just immoral. The scene where they first kissed was of course rushed but fully developed at the same time we only see it from Toby's POV but the scene was hot and really good smut writing. Things were defiantly rushed but not bad per se. I know the plot had to move on but just more lingering looks in class and maybe Toby asking her to help him update his knowledge on demons could have been a really good way to build sexual longing other than just the forbidden-ness of a teacher-student relationship.
Oliver was a curious character in practice and in character development, he was basically a newborn completely no knowledge about how humans act, are and basic things the most we got to see was that he had a lot of questions about sex and I wish the author would have done a long scene about him asking Dani questions during their movie sessions. I really liked his perspective and would have really liked a makeout scene while in his POV. After dumping the divine seven he really changed for the better and became this wholesome character who was loyal and protective to a fault. One of my most favourite Oliver scenes was how he couldn't stand how Ash and Toby were, looking at Dani like she was a piece of meat that they were pawing all over her. It was hard not to smile we as the readers know they both have deep feelings for her and after living such long lives this was the first time that they have ever felt such a connection with someone that they take full advantage of Dani. Where Oliver is doing so many firsts that he's taking his time with Dani really cherishing the moments they share.
Asher was defiantly an interesting character in his back story and his current life as a fallen angel. He was homeless suffering PTSD with no way to treat himself how would that go over a 20 something man coming in talking about ww2 like he was there they would probably commit him. He's been alone for so long that having another care about him is foreign not to mention PTSD flashbacks that scene where Dani got on top of him on the couch was heartbreaking but also refreshing to have a grown man admit he can't go on like that and cry in front of her. I was a little shocked that he couldn't even sleep next to her because books like this usually come with the 'as long as I sleep with her in my arms my nightmares are gone' trope. The warning said MM but other than the scene with Levi and Oliver I was not expecting the Oliver and Asher interactions. It was so innocent and sweet the way Oliver used his soothing powers to help Asher sleep and calm him that was until Ashers cock got hard in that supply closet. It's honestly so rare to get to see Oliver's curiosity with men because he has no internal homophobia whatsoever and Asher was just like don't tell anyone about that, not in a shameful way but a sultry this is our little secret kind of way. Again refreshing and beloved.
The sex scenes were really good but were a little lacklustre it's like as the readers we weren't getting to see the behind-the-scenes stuff because things weren't even fully discussed about her dating them all although her father was okay with it still confusing. When Oliver and Dani have not even had sex yet, yet they all participate in group sex Oliver watching and Toby and Asher sharing her it's like the build-up to that sex scene was lost to the readers and came a little out of nowhere because it did not seem like they would have been ready to part take in something like a 3+1 way.
Lastly, the ending was COMPLETELY out of nowhere! Yes, I took notice when her father mentioned there being a fourth to her cluster of men but a fucking dream demon! no, buildup at all!! The author could have stated with her having a nightmare then it switched to this beautiful dream with this man that whisks her away on the dance floor then her three guys return. Then the POV of the new guy to finish off not some minuscule two lines about how she looked forward to falling asleep to have great dreams. Like you can't just come out of the left-field like that I've got fucking whiplash for fucks sakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I REALLY wanted to love this book. The basic premise is everything that I was specifically looking for. RH/Angels/Angsty, etc
I think it's ME that the issue for this book. I think angels, romance, tension, drama, angst and my mind goes straight to Castiel, Gabriel, Anna... to name a few (if you know...you know!) and this book didn't fulfil that want. I was after something *too* specific.
That being said, I think if you are after something in this realm - give it a go! I would never tell you NOT to read something, just because it wasn't for me. You may read this book and LOVE IT!
This book will definitely give you all the feels! It was laugh out loud funny. The author really takes you on a roller coaster of emotions happy, sad, excited, nervous, frustrated. With a snarky hero and great harem this book is well worth the read, can’t wait for the next!
Alright, this needs a new cover or maybe a new blurb because it took me so long to read this series because I just kept being turned off by the blurb. The way they describe her it felt very high school and ridiculous, but it ended up being better than anticipated.
FMC: Is she my favorite? no. But at least she has some personality and a plot line that makes sense for her. She also isn't super annoying in a weak way or too far in the overly angry way like some main characters. I do wish we got a little more depth from her. We tend to stay on the surface and make jokes rather than saying anything real, which is of course a defense mechanism for the crazy stuff in her life but maybe less next book?
MMC: I wanted more depth from all of them because it's hard to make a connection with them if we don't but I like what they are bringing to the table. I was fully prepared to be annoyed with the teacher slow burn but BAM right of the gate that mans morals crumbled and I am here for it. I hate the angsty forbidden romance and having that sped up was nice! Asher may be my favorite so far, that cocky attitude and laid back demeanor *chefs kiss*. Oh olly. I am not sure about this character but it's also because I wouldn't like this character of the gender was reversed. naive lost puppy that needs to be taught everything? Okay I guess.
Plot: I think my issue with this plot was pacing and lack of follow up in book one. Obviously there are things that will be resolved in the next books but you already made the devil an angel again, Asher gets his wings back, Tobias and Olly had a whole heaven adventure we didn't get to be involved in, and the end of the book just wrapped up so quickly you can't help but go "huh okay". looking forward to the dream demon adding himself to the mix and for the plot to move along!
After seeing the reviews here I have to agree that this book wasn't the greatest opening to a series.
BUTTTTT- notice the but in caps- I did read the entire series before making up my mind about the series and I think it's a pretty decent read despite this first book.
Danica is a mess, but who wouldn't be with an absentee Lucifer as a dad? I must say she seemed pretty snotty at the beginning and that feeling continued throughout the book. So much so that when she was actually bullied I thought it may have been some karmic response to all her bad behavior. I did eventually start liking her (at the very end) and I think her reactions to the guys have a lot to do with this.
I like the spin of the story (daughter of Lucifer) trying to find her way in the world and the fact that she seems pretty regular (no superpowers) besides some heavy sass.
If you like Fantasy, PNR Reverse Harems this is the book for you.
I really enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. Not only was the story well thought out with characters that were well rounded and made you feel for, but the choice of narrators was phenomenal. Seriously, I highly recommend this book & audiobook to anyone wanting something that will suck you in! Can’t wait for the next book!
I liked the overall concept of the book, but there were too many inconsistencies with editing. (Devine vs. Divine, etc.) Things like that really do detract from enjoying the story for me personally. Character development was a little lacking too. That being said, I will read the second book and hope the story continues to grow from there.
This book was absolutely riveting! I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait for the next one!!! Although I am curious as to what happened to the boy that betrayed the angels...
wtf. so this book is very surface level and just kind of throws facts at you. for instance we know that the fmc's mother died during childbirth. you know that she has lived in a house in Santa Barbara with nannies ever since and that her father Lucifer (human alias Michael )comes once a week to visit her. she is half human/ half demon angel. we are told at 5 years old she went to hell with her dad and she couldn't be there for more than 5 minutes because she was burning. she's 18 and her senior year of human High School gets expelled for fighting. smokes pot to help her think?? ADHD learning delayed vibes but who knows because apparently her nannies are afraid to tell Lucifer any of these things until he gets called in from the actual schools. Lucifer and one of the Angels decide she should go to the Celestia school where the angels are at which is in Los Angeles I think. meets Tobias (Teacher) they instalove and fuck asap. then Asher who is a fallen angel and died the same time tobias did but asher has full memories of his human life and Tobias doesnt since hes an angel and not fallen. then FMC gets bullied alot. there's different levels of angels and one of the celestial Angels Oliver who was at the school was supposed to find his own way and like grow up but he was being a bully and randomly he kisses her in the library then goes and fucks Asher a day after meeting him basically. then i DNFd at 43%.
idk wtf i just read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story for me was probably a 4.5 stars; very good but the infernal council series still just seems by as my favorite by this author and in this universe. It's still a very good book. Our heroine is high school senior - college freshman aged & her men have a variety of ages. And no matter what some one looks like or when they were born doesn't always indicated the age of their soul of maturity which was really interesting to see. This book is full of the paranormal but mostly focused on the angelic side but we do get some peaks into other kinds. There's also some action and a variety of kinds of suspense. It is also a reverse harem/ why choose romance and this author does a really good job depicting this kind of relationship. And as far as not moments to there are plenty (with some varying configurations that may hopefully get more interesting). This book gives us some foundation and world building which is done well and all of the characters have depth. We get one problem solved in this book but find a possibly bigger one. And be prepared for I the emotions I laughed and cried and wanted to shake some one a time or two. But I can't wait to see what's next and how this group will grow and come together. Good book with a happy for now ending, would recommend.
Would be 4 stars but I felt that several of the scenes leading up to her relationship with a couple of the guys could have had more build up. With Tobias, it was pretty much less than 24 hours and with Oliver, he had been a dick to her for days then all of a sudden kisses her. Those parts could have been expanded one i think.
The overall story was pretty good and a nice change of pace from the typical Angel/fallen Angel trope. I’m not sure how I feel about Oliver and Asher being a thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love some steamy MM action but I typically enjoy my RHs to be all about the woman, not side relationships among the guys. Plus in this story it seems pretty forced.
Surprisingly I didn’t guess that Lilith was her mom but knew that Lilith was involved when they started talking about a woman being involved with the capture of angels. The guys reveal to Danica at the end that Lilith is her mom and I swear to god if, at the very beginning of the next book, they don’t put two and two together that the woman in the scarf and sunglasses was actually Lilith, I will raise hell.
Also I think the Dean of the school is actually Lilith in disguise. Idk why, just a feeling
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wish I could give it 3.5 stars. Because it's not a horrid book even if it is stupid.
Okay so like 40 pages in we're already banging a teacher, 60-90 pages in we're already at where most series do this in book 2.
This book is FAST paced. Like ridiculously fast. For no reason. I love a good teacher student affair, but give me a little slow burn. It was a lot.
Then Asher, yes I like him. He's fun and I like that he's broody.
But Oliver? That was a complete turn around with barely any explanation. He's sorry? Like dude what? I like him because he's stupid and awkward, but he's giving me season 1 of Riverdale Jughead vibes - "I'm just a weirdo, I don't fit in". Cringe.
Yeah, I don't really get the premise of these books. I have no idea why things are happening the way they are. It kind of feels like the author doesn't either...
Having said that... I oddly like the book. I'm already on the second one. I read this one until 4 am last night. So maybe I love it in a weird cringey way.
So this was something, I'm currently undecided if that's a good something or not. I did like the premise of this, Lucifer's daughter being kicked out of human high school so she has to go to "Angel academy" as punishment, I mean what part of that isn't fun. I enjoyed Danica, she was feisty and tired not to take crap from the bullies. The guys were interesting also, I mean I do like them but it did seem to me that their relationship with Dani was really quick especially with Tobias. Beyond that I did like them together and they do have a long way to go before they get to the sweet spot of their relationship. Overall I did like this even though there were moments that were a little less enjoyable than I wanted and I really wanna know where these characters to from here.
This is honestly such a weird take on the whole Lucifer having a daughter situation compared to many others I’ve read and the storyline itself is a little odd BUT I love the main characters! They are all so different as like their relationships with some being insta love/fuck and others being vanilla. The overall spice though is mild, nothing over the top🙃
I do love how different they all are and seeing how their dynamic is starting to come together is so worth it. There is a MM relationship starting to come blossom between Olly and Asher but it’s in the baby stages and so cute. I’m excited to get into book 2 to see how it all plays out😍😇