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The Ascension #2
The Evolution of Melanie Winters
Melanie Winters has gone from a bright university student to a high class fugitive within months. Now fully aware of the origins of her powers, she has to keep herself hidden in order to stay alive.
As she is pursued by Solomon & his forces, Melanie has to fight an unimaginable battle with her rapidly expanding powers that prey on her mind and body.
With the threat of Horizon everywhere she goes, Melanie and her allies must find a way to stop their ruthless hunt and suppress her powers from destroying everything she's worked so hard for - including her own life.
As she is pursued by Solomon & his forces, Melanie has to fight an unimaginable battle with her rapidly expanding powers that prey on her mind and body.
With the threat of Horizon everywhere she goes, Melanie and her allies must find a way to stop their ruthless hunt and suppress her powers from destroying everything she's worked so hard for - including her own life.
Paperback
Published July 1, 2020
5 people want to read
About the author
Holly Pritchard
5 books15 followersHolly Pritchard is an author based in Bridgend, South Wales. After a lifelong love affair with creating stories, Holly has pursued her passions of sharing her stories with the world through the self-publishing medium. Holly previously worked under the name Holly Stockport until July 2020.
When she’s not sat at her computer writing novels, she can be found drinking copious amounts of iced coffee, cosplaying her favourite fictional characters and changing her hair colour every five to ten minutes.
Her debut novel, The Ascension of Melanie Winters, was released on the 19th February 2018 to positive reviews, being described as “a real page-turner” & “a solid, intriguing debut novel”.
To keep up to date with her work, you can visit her official website: http://www.hollypritchard.co.uk
When she’s not sat at her computer writing novels, she can be found drinking copious amounts of iced coffee, cosplaying her favourite fictional characters and changing her hair colour every five to ten minutes.
Her debut novel, The Ascension of Melanie Winters, was released on the 19th February 2018 to positive reviews, being described as “a real page-turner” & “a solid, intriguing debut novel”.
To keep up to date with her work, you can visit her official website: http://www.hollypritchard.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 30, 2019
Holly very kindly sent me an unedited proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited to read this book after reading the first book, but I promise my rating and thoughts are all my own and not at all affiliated with Holly. I'm also going to try to not include spoilers in this review since this is the second book in a series. I re-read The Ascension of Melanie Winters before picking this up so that it would be fresh in my mind.
From page one I was absolutely hooked. This book picked up where the previous book left off. It was instantly intense and you're concerned about Eli & if she is ok. We are introduced to some new characters throughout this book, first of all being Dr Phillip Caballero who helps to save Eli, but Melanie is understandably cautious of as he appears to be wearing Horizon uniform. He seems guarded and not too fond of Melanie but checks her out for her aunt and mother anyway. As I read more about Phillip I began to question what his 'real' intentions were and who his loyalty really laid with; Horizon or the group. Melanie is told that if she doesn't gain control of her powers she will die as she is showing signs of 'rage'. We see this develop and become more of a problem throughout the book, routing for her to gain control.
Alongside the plot of Melanie and the group helping to protect her, we also follow Solomon's story (the head of Horizon). At the beginning of the book, he is still recovering from his encounter with Melanie in Ascension. We see his interactions with Merryn, his personal assistant and apparent lover. Instantly, I became suspicious of him and his awareness of Merryn's personal doctor visits: knowing her test results and passing on medication changes which look different to her normal medication. I instantly suspected that there was foul-play involved, involving Merryn unknowingly into Beyond experiments. Solomon is completely unlikeable and clearly uses Merryn for sexual pleasure on his terms shown through his varying interactions with her, while she clearly has feelings for him.
As we go through the book, we see Melanie becoming progressively weaker due to her ever growing powers, as well as Merryn seemingly becoming unwell. Another new character is Mau, someone who can hopefully give them all freedom again, and who unconditionally loves Heather and Laurie. Another character we are introduced to who is clearly now a slave of Solomon thanks to Beyond, is clearly sent to cause hell and shock. I don't want to ruin this part of the book but all I will say is oww. The pain felt by one of the group is felt through the story.
We also see Melanie’s fear of herself grow stronger, and her guilt as to what she's doing or could do to those around her. Just when you least expect it, Melanie’s old university tutor Mrs Betrys (or is it) turns up. They change the game for the group who need to get one of their friends back from Horizon, as well as enact revenge on Solomon.
I also feel like I need to at least mention the progression in Melanie and Nathan’s friendship/relationship. As i read, i just kept saying to myself, about time and thank god! Although some things remain unsaid, they made progress into discussing how they felt about each other.
Also, while I felt so happy for Eli, I was also hesitant for her and annoyed at the others. They just let her go and didn't even wait around to make sure that everything was ok. I know a lot was going on in ‘real life’ but they always say they’re family but what happened to family then? Heather also seems to change behaviour towards others, particularly melanie. I understand there could be fear of her powers or the unknown future involved, but she becomes distant and angry towards her. It was like she’d chose to help them all in the beginning but when more challenges arose, she gave up and became frustrated at small things. (ok rant over).
Heather’s plan… God damn! I’m not going to lie, I read it and was instantly hesitant as to succeeding, but I routed for them regardless. Phillip showed his true self when asked for help, and I still have questions as to where his loyalties lie: the group or Horizon!
The two memory scenes about Melanie and her dad firstly made me smile and then tore my heart into pieces. But it was definitely nice to get to know a bit more about Melanie and her past with her dad still around.
Solomon made me so angry throughout this book (which I know is the intention), especially with how he treated others around him, for example, Merryn and his receptionist. We also learn just how much his staff are manipulated and controlled, even to the point of being unable to freely interact. He also pretended to care about his subjects when it suited him, trying to butter them up when he needed something.
Final Thoughts:
They will never fully escape Horizon unless Horizon can somehow be destroyed from the inside out, taking out all the evil staff as it goes. However, I truly hope they can! I also hope that Eli will somehow find a way to help them, maybe find more people like them to help? I don’t know what will happen next but I know it will be incredible.
Thank you so much Holly Stockport for once again giving me the opportunity to review your book. Both Ascension & Evolution have been incredible and I will 100% happily read anything you write in the future.
From page one I was absolutely hooked. This book picked up where the previous book left off. It was instantly intense and you're concerned about Eli & if she is ok. We are introduced to some new characters throughout this book, first of all being Dr Phillip Caballero who helps to save Eli, but Melanie is understandably cautious of as he appears to be wearing Horizon uniform. He seems guarded and not too fond of Melanie but checks her out for her aunt and mother anyway. As I read more about Phillip I began to question what his 'real' intentions were and who his loyalty really laid with; Horizon or the group. Melanie is told that if she doesn't gain control of her powers she will die as she is showing signs of 'rage'. We see this develop and become more of a problem throughout the book, routing for her to gain control.
Alongside the plot of Melanie and the group helping to protect her, we also follow Solomon's story (the head of Horizon). At the beginning of the book, he is still recovering from his encounter with Melanie in Ascension. We see his interactions with Merryn, his personal assistant and apparent lover. Instantly, I became suspicious of him and his awareness of Merryn's personal doctor visits: knowing her test results and passing on medication changes which look different to her normal medication. I instantly suspected that there was foul-play involved, involving Merryn unknowingly into Beyond experiments. Solomon is completely unlikeable and clearly uses Merryn for sexual pleasure on his terms shown through his varying interactions with her, while she clearly has feelings for him.
As we go through the book, we see Melanie becoming progressively weaker due to her ever growing powers, as well as Merryn seemingly becoming unwell. Another new character is Mau, someone who can hopefully give them all freedom again, and who unconditionally loves Heather and Laurie. Another character we are introduced to who is clearly now a slave of Solomon thanks to Beyond, is clearly sent to cause hell and shock. I don't want to ruin this part of the book but all I will say is oww. The pain felt by one of the group is felt through the story.
We also see Melanie’s fear of herself grow stronger, and her guilt as to what she's doing or could do to those around her. Just when you least expect it, Melanie’s old university tutor Mrs Betrys (or is it) turns up. They change the game for the group who need to get one of their friends back from Horizon, as well as enact revenge on Solomon.
I also feel like I need to at least mention the progression in Melanie and Nathan’s friendship/relationship. As i read, i just kept saying to myself, about time and thank god! Although some things remain unsaid, they made progress into discussing how they felt about each other.
Also, while I felt so happy for Eli, I was also hesitant for her and annoyed at the others. They just let her go and didn't even wait around to make sure that everything was ok. I know a lot was going on in ‘real life’ but they always say they’re family but what happened to family then? Heather also seems to change behaviour towards others, particularly melanie. I understand there could be fear of her powers or the unknown future involved, but she becomes distant and angry towards her. It was like she’d chose to help them all in the beginning but when more challenges arose, she gave up and became frustrated at small things. (ok rant over).
Heather’s plan… God damn! I’m not going to lie, I read it and was instantly hesitant as to succeeding, but I routed for them regardless. Phillip showed his true self when asked for help, and I still have questions as to where his loyalties lie: the group or Horizon!
The two memory scenes about Melanie and her dad firstly made me smile and then tore my heart into pieces. But it was definitely nice to get to know a bit more about Melanie and her past with her dad still around.
Solomon made me so angry throughout this book (which I know is the intention), especially with how he treated others around him, for example, Merryn and his receptionist. We also learn just how much his staff are manipulated and controlled, even to the point of being unable to freely interact. He also pretended to care about his subjects when it suited him, trying to butter them up when he needed something.
Final Thoughts:
They will never fully escape Horizon unless Horizon can somehow be destroyed from the inside out, taking out all the evil staff as it goes. However, I truly hope they can! I also hope that Eli will somehow find a way to help them, maybe find more people like them to help? I don’t know what will happen next but I know it will be incredible.
Thank you so much Holly Stockport for once again giving me the opportunity to review your book. Both Ascension & Evolution have been incredible and I will 100% happily read anything you write in the future.
February 3, 2021
After very much enjoying the first story of Melanie, I was very happy to receive the second book in a giveaway, and I was not disappointed! If anything, I couldn't put the book down - finishing it in record time!
This was the perfect novel to begin the 2021 reading challenge with. The story flowed very nicely and the pacing was wonderful. It was incredibly enjoyable, and nail-biting at moments, to follow Melanie and friends through more hardships and successes! I am only left wanting more!
I highly suggest for anyone to give this a read! An absolute gem, just as good - if not better - than the first story within the series!
This was the perfect novel to begin the 2021 reading challenge with. The story flowed very nicely and the pacing was wonderful. It was incredibly enjoyable, and nail-biting at moments, to follow Melanie and friends through more hardships and successes! I am only left wanting more!
I highly suggest for anyone to give this a read! An absolute gem, just as good - if not better - than the first story within the series!
June 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was very exciting and written in a way that it really came to life. I would definitely recommend it.
October 20, 2023
Still not a big fan of no chapters, but the story was good!!! Enjoyed more than the first.
January 31, 2020
The Evolution of Melanie Winters picks up the story exactly where the previous book left off; in the thick of the action. With her new found powers threatening to overwhelm her Melanie knows she needs to learn how to control them and fast before she becomes a danger to both herself and her group of comrades.
Labelled as murderer’s, Melanie and her Mum are on the run with their close knit group and it’s imperative they keep themselves hidden as it’s not only the police looking for them, but Horizon and Solomon. Knowing they will stop at nothing to find and imprison her in the lab Melanie’s easy going University life seems a million miles away as she finds herself perpetually moving from safe house to safe house to evade capture. But are Melanie’s powers developing too quickly for her to control and will she survive the mutation of her ability?
I was delighted to be thrown straight back into the action filled life of Melanie and I found this to be a fast paced, page turner that I finished in a mere two sittings. It’s clearly evident the development in author Holly’s writing with this story written in a much more confident style.
As is often the way with subsequent books in ongoing series’ whilst this book did have numerous moments of action it is clear that it’s focused on character development and transition building up to more explosive events – I can’t wait! I particularly enjoyed the developing romantic relationship between Melanie and Nathan which had me cheering them on throughout only to be left on the edge of my seat wondering that age old question ” will they, won’t they?”. The characters who travel with Melanie are all so realistically presented with a grit and determination that makes you want to cheer them on, hoping they overcome the adversity they face.
Holly has a real talent for creating realistic back drops for her story alongside the sci-fi elements using a wonderfully descriptive prose. The whole book flows perfectly and I found it to be a really quick, entertaining read. As I’ve already said this book picks up where the last left off so I would highly recommend reading The Ascension of Melanie Winters before picking up this latest release or you will struggle to follow the story. Once again this book has left me hanging and I can’t wait to find out what happens to the characters I have become emotionally attached to! I highly recommend this Indie author and I’m already anticipating the third in this five book series.
Labelled as murderer’s, Melanie and her Mum are on the run with their close knit group and it’s imperative they keep themselves hidden as it’s not only the police looking for them, but Horizon and Solomon. Knowing they will stop at nothing to find and imprison her in the lab Melanie’s easy going University life seems a million miles away as she finds herself perpetually moving from safe house to safe house to evade capture. But are Melanie’s powers developing too quickly for her to control and will she survive the mutation of her ability?
I was delighted to be thrown straight back into the action filled life of Melanie and I found this to be a fast paced, page turner that I finished in a mere two sittings. It’s clearly evident the development in author Holly’s writing with this story written in a much more confident style.
As is often the way with subsequent books in ongoing series’ whilst this book did have numerous moments of action it is clear that it’s focused on character development and transition building up to more explosive events – I can’t wait! I particularly enjoyed the developing romantic relationship between Melanie and Nathan which had me cheering them on throughout only to be left on the edge of my seat wondering that age old question ” will they, won’t they?”. The characters who travel with Melanie are all so realistically presented with a grit and determination that makes you want to cheer them on, hoping they overcome the adversity they face.
Holly has a real talent for creating realistic back drops for her story alongside the sci-fi elements using a wonderfully descriptive prose. The whole book flows perfectly and I found it to be a really quick, entertaining read. As I’ve already said this book picks up where the last left off so I would highly recommend reading The Ascension of Melanie Winters before picking up this latest release or you will struggle to follow the story. Once again this book has left me hanging and I can’t wait to find out what happens to the characters I have become emotionally attached to! I highly recommend this Indie author and I’m already anticipating the third in this five book series.
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January 2, 2024Wow! What a rollercoaster! We can definitely see the development of Holly Stockport as an author in this episode of the Melanie Winters saga, in both terms of quality and quantity. I did quite like the flashback to Melanie's childhood, but there was only the one and it did seem out of sorts with the rest of the narrative. That said, there were a great many twists, turns ups and downs, which is something this book has in common with its predecessor, and just like its predecessor, this book does end on a suspenseful moment for some of the characters that we have come to care about. One of the characters however appears to have found their happy ending. Which character you ask? Well that would be telling! Is this the last we will see of this character? I have a feeling that it is not, and they will most likely pop in during the course of the next episode for a wee fly cup and to say hi.
I don't know about any of you but I am hellova anxious to find out what happens next, but I am also thankful I did not have to wait as long to read this installment on Kindle as I did for the last one, thanks to the author's decision to self-publish directly on Amazon.
Great book Holly, and have millions of congratulations fi me!
I don't know about any of you but I am hellova anxious to find out what happens next, but I am also thankful I did not have to wait as long to read this installment on Kindle as I did for the last one, thanks to the author's decision to self-publish directly on Amazon.
Great book Holly, and have millions of congratulations fi me!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews