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Ascension #1
Ascension
In a world of supernaturals, I am something else.
Ascension Day turned Average Joes into spell-casting savants, Plain Janes into glamorous vampires, and the homeless guy at the intersection of Sunset and Santa Monica into the alpha werewolf of Los Angeles. Unfortunately for me, my Ascension was… unique. I was struck by lightning and can’t stop throwing sparks.
For the last fourteen years, hiding has kept me safe from the government, while my uncle’s magic has kept the public safe from me. Now, just when I’ve found some semblance of control over my power, my world turns upside down again. A terrorist organization has kidnapped my dad, thrusting me to the center of an investigation that quickly reveals my anonymity was only an illusion.
Some of the most famous, dangerous supernaturals in the world surround me, and their agendas are as mystifying as my growing powers. My sworn protector is none other than Connor Thorne — arguably the oldest, most powerful vampire in existence. But even silver linings cast shadows; Connor has more secrets than I do.
My name is Fiona Sullivan, and for better or worse, the world is about to find out exactly who I am.
Ascension is the first installment of a new Urban Fantasy series packed with action, mystery, and romance. Perfect for fans of Kim Harrison, Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, and Charlaine Harris.
Ascension Day turned Average Joes into spell-casting savants, Plain Janes into glamorous vampires, and the homeless guy at the intersection of Sunset and Santa Monica into the alpha werewolf of Los Angeles. Unfortunately for me, my Ascension was… unique. I was struck by lightning and can’t stop throwing sparks.
For the last fourteen years, hiding has kept me safe from the government, while my uncle’s magic has kept the public safe from me. Now, just when I’ve found some semblance of control over my power, my world turns upside down again. A terrorist organization has kidnapped my dad, thrusting me to the center of an investigation that quickly reveals my anonymity was only an illusion.
Some of the most famous, dangerous supernaturals in the world surround me, and their agendas are as mystifying as my growing powers. My sworn protector is none other than Connor Thorne — arguably the oldest, most powerful vampire in existence. But even silver linings cast shadows; Connor has more secrets than I do.
My name is Fiona Sullivan, and for better or worse, the world is about to find out exactly who I am.
Ascension is the first installment of a new Urban Fantasy series packed with action, mystery, and romance. Perfect for fans of Kim Harrison, Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, and Charlaine Harris.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 21, 2024
This was...okay.
I did like the world building though. In this story we have an event called the Ascension that happened over a decade ago that basically turned humanity upside-down. There were already supernaturals like vamps and werewolves hiding in the shadows, but after Ascension Day they all came out of hiding and tried to establish some semblance of peace after the resulting chaos.
This was because a lot of normal humans were changed by the event. Not just that they stopped aging, but that they themselves became vampires, mages, werewolves, and nulls- creating a different kind of hierarchy seperating them from regular humans.
However, our lead-Fiona- has a different experience. Instead of falling into known categories she was instead struck by lightening and given a formidable, but ultimately difficult to control power. And because she wanted to live a normal life outside of being experimented on in a lab-she has hidden away her ability. That is until all of her hard work comes crashing down after her father disappears, and the highest ranking vampire and mage come to her looking for answers.
x--------------------------------x
So, I think I would consider this NA due to some sexy times, but there were a lot of what felt like YA tropes and writing sprinkled in--even though they all are over 30+ after their ages were frozen IE:
‣ h has super special one of a kind power no one else has
‣ ancient overpowered H paired with a much younger/vulnerable confused h
‣ old as dirt H has blonde bitchy sexily dressed girlfriend who everyone hates but he's just "getting his needs met"...so we can all ignore her and not feel bad that the H is all over the FL while still keeping that relationship 😒
‣ all the guys in the story are inexplicably drawn to the heroine in some way for some reason
‣ secret reveal here, secret reveal there- but ultimately everyone is hiding things from the h
You get the point. Honestly the romance in this book was not really my jam either. I don't really like the oh but I just can't resist the sex appeal even though you are lying to me every other second and the hot and cold vibes.
Sorry think I have read to many books at this point that I get overly critical about some common tropes. Don't think I'll read on.
I did like the world building though. In this story we have an event called the Ascension that happened over a decade ago that basically turned humanity upside-down. There were already supernaturals like vamps and werewolves hiding in the shadows, but after Ascension Day they all came out of hiding and tried to establish some semblance of peace after the resulting chaos.
This was because a lot of normal humans were changed by the event. Not just that they stopped aging, but that they themselves became vampires, mages, werewolves, and nulls- creating a different kind of hierarchy seperating them from regular humans.
However, our lead-Fiona- has a different experience. Instead of falling into known categories she was instead struck by lightening and given a formidable, but ultimately difficult to control power. And because she wanted to live a normal life outside of being experimented on in a lab-she has hidden away her ability. That is until all of her hard work comes crashing down after her father disappears, and the highest ranking vampire and mage come to her looking for answers.
x--------------------------------x
So, I think I would consider this NA due to some sexy times, but there were a lot of what felt like YA tropes and writing sprinkled in--even though they all are over 30+ after their ages were frozen IE:
‣ h has super special one of a kind power no one else has
‣ ancient overpowered H paired with a much younger/vulnerable confused h
‣ old as dirt H has blonde bitchy sexily dressed girlfriend who everyone hates but he's just "getting his needs met"...so we can all ignore her and not feel bad that the H is all over the FL while still keeping that relationship 😒
‣ all the guys in the story are inexplicably drawn to the heroine in some way for some reason
‣ secret reveal here, secret reveal there- but ultimately everyone is hiding things from the h
You get the point. Honestly the romance in this book was not really my jam either. I don't really like the oh but I just can't resist the sex appeal even though you are lying to me every other second and the hot and cold vibes.
“You, Fiona Sullivan, are an interesting woman."
“You’re just, I don’t know, so different."
“You’re an incredibly beautiful woman, Fiona.”
“You, Fiona, are an enigma.”
Sorry think I have read to many books at this point that I get overly critical about some common tropes. Don't think I'll read on.
February 15, 2022
Everyone got superpowers but she got the most special ultra special super special powers 🌝
The dynamic between her and Connor feels a lot like Nalini Singh's Angels Blood. It's not my thing. Mind reading ancient crusty dude somehow falling in love with some young millennial? Nah
The cliffhanger/hook was predictable and I'm not invested enough to start the next book since it's so short
The dynamic between her and Connor feels a lot like Nalini Singh's Angels Blood. It's not my thing. Mind reading ancient crusty dude somehow falling in love with some young millennial? Nah
The cliffhanger/hook was predictable and I'm not invested enough to start the next book since it's so short
September 20, 2023
This was so bad 😂😂😂😂😂
Omg 🙈
The fmc had no sass, no spark (pun intended), no sarcasm, no sense of humour, no nothing.
It was a bland.
Oh, he smiled at me - swoon.
Oh, he's mansplaining - swoon.
Oh, open a button on his shirt - swoon.
Oh, I'm stupid - swoon.
Oh, this world building doesn't make sense - swoon.
Oh, I can shoot(cop daughter), but can't hit anything - swoon.
Oh, I'm tough, but faint all the time - swoon.
... oh and the list goes on .... swoon 🙄
If you don't mind that your braincells commit suicide, feel free to read this.
If you like readable literature, then don't 🙈
Omg 🙈
The fmc had no sass, no spark (pun intended), no sarcasm, no sense of humour, no nothing.
It was a bland.
Oh, he smiled at me - swoon.
Oh, he's mansplaining - swoon.
Oh, open a button on his shirt - swoon.
Oh, I'm stupid - swoon.
Oh, this world building doesn't make sense - swoon.
Oh, I can shoot(cop daughter), but can't hit anything - swoon.
Oh, I'm tough, but faint all the time - swoon.
... oh and the list goes on .... swoon 🙄
If you don't mind that your braincells commit suicide, feel free to read this.
If you like readable literature, then don't 🙈
July 26, 2021
This was an interesting short book. Book 1 was free on Kindle and I did enjoy reading it overall. The concept is a bit different of how supes came to be open in majority vs some were there hidden. I liked it for what it was. However, I did not like that it seems to be a serialized series and it is not mentioned in the blurb. The book seemed pretty short (to me).
Overall, story is ok and the characters are ok as well. I would have liked a bit more in-depth, a bit more slow burn between the two main characters considering their real age and the time they ascended. It would have felt a bit more realistic to me. Not to mention, the lusty feelings between Connor and Fiona happened in less than a week.
Fiona is looking for her kidnapped father and trying to manage her too powerful abilities. You'd think she would like to hone in her abilities considering how volatile they were as she is not trained but her powers are only contained with the help of her uncle. She was offered to learn control but did she do that? Well, there was that 1 day! She took no desire in learning that except whine about she is not a predator or fighter.... but she hates containing her powers as she feels incomplete. Then she complains about wanting to learn to control too. I can expect that from a 16 yr old.....but for someone who is an adult, has been dealing/hiding with her powers for 14 years and knows the consequences of her power going out of control - her actions and mindset just weak IMO. BUT the all super powerful Prime Connor found her fascinating and different.... . Except for her powers (which ARE super cool) there is nothing about her as a character that I found fascinating or even rooting for.
Plus, what is with the FMC making stupid decisions despite being warned with the consequences of said decisions. I guess we will know the result of such actions in book 2 as this one ended on a cliffhanger.
I may or may not continue with the series (if it gets to KU then I probably will read it). At this point it is tbd.
Overall, story is ok and the characters are ok as well. I would have liked a bit more in-depth, a bit more slow burn between the two main characters considering their real age and the time they ascended. It would have felt a bit more realistic to me. Not to mention, the lusty feelings between Connor and Fiona happened in less than a week.
Fiona is looking for her kidnapped father and trying to manage her too powerful abilities. You'd think she would like to hone in her abilities considering how volatile they were as she is not trained but her powers are only contained with the help of her uncle. She was offered to learn control but did she do that? Well, there was that 1 day! She took no desire in learning that except whine about she is not a predator or fighter.... but she hates containing her powers as she feels incomplete. Then she complains about wanting to learn to control too. I can expect that from a 16 yr old.....but for someone who is an adult, has been dealing/hiding with her powers for 14 years and knows the consequences of her power going out of control - her actions and mindset just weak IMO. BUT the all super powerful Prime Connor found her fascinating and different.... . Except for her powers (which ARE super cool) there is nothing about her as a character that I found fascinating or even rooting for.
Plus, what is with the FMC making stupid decisions despite being warned with the consequences of said decisions. I guess we will know the result of such actions in book 2 as this one ended on a cliffhanger.
I may or may not continue with the series (if it gets to KU then I probably will read it). At this point it is tbd.
Want to Read
March 15, 2021🎁 Free on iBooks today (3/11/2021)! 🎁
June 28, 2021
Free Kindle Read.
I was so surprised by this one. I loved the story line, and the main character. Her reactions felt genuine, and not overly hysterical or ridiculous.
Buying book two now.
I was so surprised by this one. I loved the story line, and the main character. Her reactions felt genuine, and not overly hysterical or ridiculous.
Buying book two now.
October 21, 2023
Supernatural thriller in a world where most people have developed special powers after a world-altering event called “ascension.” Heroine has extra special powers by virtue of having “ascended” while being struck by lightening. Quite fun story involving vampires and werewolves but not that thrilling to make me want to read the next one.
January 19, 2023
2.5/5*
Potential and the world building was fun but there was no chemistry between the two main characters. It felt like she was only interested in him because that’s what was scripted. Disappointingly closed doors for other characters with more depth
Potential and the world building was fun but there was no chemistry between the two main characters. It felt like she was only interested in him because that’s what was scripted. Disappointingly closed doors for other characters with more depth
August 10, 2021
Ascension is the first book in the Ascension series by Laura Hall.
4 Generally Pretending They Didn’t See Their Alpha Holding Hands With A Freaky White-Haired Anomaly Stars
This book surprised me. Honestly, while harboring a (usually misguided) hope for delicious surprises, I was expecting to be reintroduced to simply another version of contrived similar to others I’ve come across recently. Hall snuck up on me with some truly intriguing concepts and generally enjoyable prose to sucker me into finishing this book in one sitting. While I still feel comfortable deducting a star merely for the obvious short and numerous book ploy to earn more from one series, I do not in fact feel duped for having allotted time towards discovering the mysteries in these pages.
There are many parallels one can draw from this story that link quite easily to others in this genre. The ancient, ‘in a league of his own’, Master vampire love interest for one. The missing guardian, or parental figure for another. Ending the book right as she escapes to orchestrate a misguided and undermanned rescue attempt for aforementioned parent? Check. I’ve seen this all before. But it wasn’t done poorly. It even stepped on a few and made them practically beg for mercy. So props to Hall 👏🏻.
The individual characters and their building distinctions and intricacies are what captured my interest so deeply. Many an aspiring author attempting to follow in the footsteps of another will simply discount how deeply influencing a great or even merely believable back story can be to keep a books plot afloat. While I may not love or even hate the varying cast of characters mentioned in these pages, I still feel as if I already know most of them. Hall managed to implant little moments of insight into each of them so delicately and almost invisibly that it crafted an amazing final product.
I’ll definitely be checking out the next books to see where she’ll lead us next.
4 Generally Pretending They Didn’t See Their Alpha Holding Hands With A Freaky White-Haired Anomaly Stars
This book surprised me. Honestly, while harboring a (usually misguided) hope for delicious surprises, I was expecting to be reintroduced to simply another version of contrived similar to others I’ve come across recently. Hall snuck up on me with some truly intriguing concepts and generally enjoyable prose to sucker me into finishing this book in one sitting. While I still feel comfortable deducting a star merely for the obvious short and numerous book ploy to earn more from one series, I do not in fact feel duped for having allotted time towards discovering the mysteries in these pages.
There are many parallels one can draw from this story that link quite easily to others in this genre. The ancient, ‘in a league of his own’, Master vampire love interest for one. The missing guardian, or parental figure for another. Ending the book right as she escapes to orchestrate a misguided and undermanned rescue attempt for aforementioned parent? Check. I’ve seen this all before. But it wasn’t done poorly. It even stepped on a few and made them practically beg for mercy. So props to Hall 👏🏻.
The individual characters and their building distinctions and intricacies are what captured my interest so deeply. Many an aspiring author attempting to follow in the footsteps of another will simply discount how deeply influencing a great or even merely believable back story can be to keep a books plot afloat. While I may not love or even hate the varying cast of characters mentioned in these pages, I still feel as if I already know most of them. Hall managed to implant little moments of insight into each of them so delicately and almost invisibly that it crafted an amazing final product.
I’ll definitely be checking out the next books to see where she’ll lead us next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
Good start to a series
The author's writing style, continuity, and grammar were above par for Amazon. The concept of the book was good. It wasn't overly descriptive to where you skips parts and yet feel enough was given... Excellent balance. For the most part it was an enjoyable read.
When reading as much as I do, it is difficult to find authors who write above school age... Maybe authors do that on purpose to align with a younger audience? Not sure but that genre of self thought above their love interest and logic gets old. Empathy and compassion along with common sense has gone by the wayside in today's books, not surprising seeing the state of the world right now...
With that said... This book does not have an Obnoxiously self contrived heroine. Huge bonus.
A point was taken off because of the tried and true denial of self that also gets crazy old. She is stuck between not being happy with her old circumstances, a bit of self pity, to having options and yet has no desire to embrace it but instead fights it. I get it but always hope for a bit of character growth by the end of book one. Instead she digs in even stronger with her denial.
Will I buy the next... Not sure. Do not enjoy books where a heroine doesn't embrace who they are and book one gave no indication she would. Since the series is not an unlimited option, the sample of the last book published in the series should give me some indication.
The author's writing style, continuity, and grammar were above par for Amazon. The concept of the book was good. It wasn't overly descriptive to where you skips parts and yet feel enough was given... Excellent balance. For the most part it was an enjoyable read.
When reading as much as I do, it is difficult to find authors who write above school age... Maybe authors do that on purpose to align with a younger audience? Not sure but that genre of self thought above their love interest and logic gets old. Empathy and compassion along with common sense has gone by the wayside in today's books, not surprising seeing the state of the world right now...
With that said... This book does not have an Obnoxiously self contrived heroine. Huge bonus.
A point was taken off because of the tried and true denial of self that also gets crazy old. She is stuck between not being happy with her old circumstances, a bit of self pity, to having options and yet has no desire to embrace it but instead fights it. I get it but always hope for a bit of character growth by the end of book one. Instead she digs in even stronger with her denial.
Will I buy the next... Not sure. Do not enjoy books where a heroine doesn't embrace who they are and book one gave no indication she would. Since the series is not an unlimited option, the sample of the last book published in the series should give me some indication.
July 13, 2023
Loved the first chapter or so of this. Laura Hall really hits the ground running, setting up both the wider world of supernatural superpowers and the smaller world of the main character in a way that's clear, concise and compelling. I felt like it was heading in a True Blood meets X-Men diection and I was excited to read on. Sadly the set up of the main character's small town life working in her uncle's bar only features in the opening chapter and soon she's whisked off by a bunch of power players to have her powers tested in a series of rooms meeting an ever expanding cast of characters with everyday names and various roles and powers that I struggled to keep track of. Most of these encounters end with her or someone else losing control and the scene fading out until the next day/chapter. A lot happens but it often feels like it's not really going anywhere. There is a sexual attraction sub-plot with an older vampire which is probably the thing to hook some readers but I personally found it hard to get massively invested in which admitedly is more to do with what I wanted the book to be rather than that what it is. That being said, the final chapter hints that further books in the series ramp up the action and the writing throughout flows well so it's worth a glance if it looks like your kind of thing.
October 2, 2024
Not a Stand Alone
I would have given this story 5+ stars except for one thing. They left me hanging. This isn’t a series so much as a serialized story - meaning it’s not a complete book, but just part of a larger book. It stops in the middle of action, leaving you dangling on the edge of a cliff. And I hate that.
Still… the story is really really good. The writing pulls you in. The characters excellent, the world building very well done. Fiona is perfect as the main character. She has issues - a lot of them. When her dad is kidnapped, all she can think about is finding him and getting him back. But her newly developed powers make her a dangerous weapon if she’s caught and used by the wrong people. And her father is the bait for a trap.
I loved the interplay between Fiona and the shapeshifter Declan and the mage Adam and vampire Connor. She has a lot to figure out, hopefully before she’s caught by the Literati and used as a weapon.
Definitely recommended with the caveat that you understand it isn’t a stand alone book and you’ll have to get the others for the full story.
I would have given this story 5+ stars except for one thing. They left me hanging. This isn’t a series so much as a serialized story - meaning it’s not a complete book, but just part of a larger book. It stops in the middle of action, leaving you dangling on the edge of a cliff. And I hate that.
Still… the story is really really good. The writing pulls you in. The characters excellent, the world building very well done. Fiona is perfect as the main character. She has issues - a lot of them. When her dad is kidnapped, all she can think about is finding him and getting him back. But her newly developed powers make her a dangerous weapon if she’s caught and used by the wrong people. And her father is the bait for a trap.
I loved the interplay between Fiona and the shapeshifter Declan and the mage Adam and vampire Connor. She has a lot to figure out, hopefully before she’s caught by the Literati and used as a weapon.
Definitely recommended with the caveat that you understand it isn’t a stand alone book and you’ll have to get the others for the full story.
May 11, 2021
:::
Overall Rating :: 5 stars
Series :: Book one of the Ascension series.
POV :: All Fiona.
HEA ::
:::
I don't know why I would be surprised that I would love Laura Hall's (L.M. Halloran) writing. And with Ascension, it's clear she can write just about anything. The world building here is absolutely masterful. Descriptive, complex, but without confusion. Even some of the best fantasy and paranormal writers have a hard time with editing their literary worlds, that things can get a little convoluted. Things make so much sense here; how things are in Ascension feels like that's just how things are in real life. Like... of course the President of the United States is a werewolf, and yeah, totally, everyone just ages really slowly now. Duh.
The best thing about this story though? The characters and their interactions with one another. The dialogue, the back-and-forth. All of it was so exciting to read, and felt so organic. And that cliffhanger. Man, I can't wait to see what else Fiona and the Prime get up to.
Overall Rating :: 5 stars
Series :: Book one of the Ascension series.
POV :: All Fiona.
HEA ::
:::
I don't know why I would be surprised that I would love Laura Hall's (L.M. Halloran) writing. And with Ascension, it's clear she can write just about anything. The world building here is absolutely masterful. Descriptive, complex, but without confusion. Even some of the best fantasy and paranormal writers have a hard time with editing their literary worlds, that things can get a little convoluted. Things make so much sense here; how things are in Ascension feels like that's just how things are in real life. Like... of course the President of the United States is a werewolf, and yeah, totally, everyone just ages really slowly now. Duh.
The best thing about this story though? The characters and their interactions with one another. The dialogue, the back-and-forth. All of it was so exciting to read, and felt so organic. And that cliffhanger. Man, I can't wait to see what else Fiona and the Prime get up to.
March 16, 2024
Ascension Day turned Average Joes into spell-casting savants, Plain Janes into glamorous vampires, and the homeless guy at the intersection of Sunset and Santa Monica into the alpha werewolf of Los Angeles. Unfortunately for me, my Ascension was… unique. I was struck by lightning and can’t stop throwing sparks.
For the last fourteen years, hiding has kept me safe from the government, while my uncle’s magic has kept the public safe from me. Now, just when I’ve found some semblance of control over my power, my world turns upside down again. A terrorist organization has kidnapped my dad, thrusting me to the center of an investigation that quickly reveals my anonymity was only an illusion.
Some of the most famous, dangerous supernaturals in the world surround me, and their agendas are as mystifying as my growing powers. My sworn protector is none other than Connor Thorne — arguably the oldest, most powerful vampire in existence. But even silver linings cast shadows; Connor has more secrets than I do.
A quick read, enjoyable but lacking, leaving you hanging.
For the last fourteen years, hiding has kept me safe from the government, while my uncle’s magic has kept the public safe from me. Now, just when I’ve found some semblance of control over my power, my world turns upside down again. A terrorist organization has kidnapped my dad, thrusting me to the center of an investigation that quickly reveals my anonymity was only an illusion.
Some of the most famous, dangerous supernaturals in the world surround me, and their agendas are as mystifying as my growing powers. My sworn protector is none other than Connor Thorne — arguably the oldest, most powerful vampire in existence. But even silver linings cast shadows; Connor has more secrets than I do.
A quick read, enjoyable but lacking, leaving you hanging.
October 1, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 3, 2022
I understand that there is a segment of the reading public that really likes the idea of the sparkly vampire, the dangerous lover who can be tamed by the heroine. What I don't understand is why so many of these books are like this one and never look at the "reality" of the vampire as portrayed. In this novel, we are told that the Prime is mostly inhuman, that his heart only beats every 5 minutes or so. Yet the heroine dreams and plans on having sex with him! I am sorry, but if his heart beats only every 5 minutes, the coital experience will be less than amazing.
Why should we expect a "real" relationship between the heroine and someone who can charm her and subvert her will at his leisure, who only lives on the life force of others, who doesn't have a heartbeat (and I assume this is like hugging a corpse), who admits that his desire for her is based upon power, and who is emotionally damaged from hundreds of years of politics and the loss of his lover?
Why should we expect a "real" relationship between the heroine and someone who can charm her and subvert her will at his leisure, who only lives on the life force of others, who doesn't have a heartbeat (and I assume this is like hugging a corpse), who admits that his desire for her is based upon power, and who is emotionally damaged from hundreds of years of politics and the loss of his lover?
September 18, 2023
I can not say enough how much I freaking loved this story. I am dying to know more. I have already 1-clicked the next book in the series because I have to know what the hell happens next!
If the series wasn't already complete, and I didn't have to wait to have all my questions answered. I would be cursing this author up one side and down the other. That was one hell of a cliff hanger she left everybody on. I feel sorry for everybody that read the series as it was being released and had to wait for the next one to be released. Holy hell that would have been awful.
I have to say that Fiona seems to be my kind of gal. She has powers and is learning to use and control them. She doesn't need anybody to fight her battles for her. Or anybody to try and protect her. She can take care of herself. I love a good strong FMC and Fiona is shaping up to be exactly that. I can't wait to see how her story plays out.
If the series wasn't already complete, and I didn't have to wait to have all my questions answered. I would be cursing this author up one side and down the other. That was one hell of a cliff hanger she left everybody on. I feel sorry for everybody that read the series as it was being released and had to wait for the next one to be released. Holy hell that would have been awful.
I have to say that Fiona seems to be my kind of gal. She has powers and is learning to use and control them. She doesn't need anybody to fight her battles for her. Or anybody to try and protect her. She can take care of herself. I love a good strong FMC and Fiona is shaping up to be exactly that. I can't wait to see how her story plays out.
September 5, 2024
I hate long series’ purely for the fact the quality drops the more books there are. I don’t doubt that’s the case here.
Almost DNF at 20% there was constant intros to every single species every time we met a new character. I get we need intros and background but it was all just lumped together in the beginning. Took foreeeeeeever to get to the point. Not a fan of the whole insta love, why the hell does Connor keep touching her when he has a girlfriend 🤨
Why does every male character we meet wanna get in our FMC’s pants? First Declan and then Ethan. I get she’s pretty but unless the flirting is gonna go somewhere, let’s keep it to a minimum, damn. Kept getting my hopes up for a polygamous relationship, don’t play me like that Laura.
There are words thrown around that really don’t make sense where they are. Kept having to autocorrect author’s meaning in my head, which kept slowing me down.
Left on a cliffhanger, might try the second book to see how it goes.
Almost DNF at 20% there was constant intros to every single species every time we met a new character. I get we need intros and background but it was all just lumped together in the beginning. Took foreeeeeeever to get to the point. Not a fan of the whole insta love, why the hell does Connor keep touching her when he has a girlfriend 🤨
Why does every male character we meet wanna get in our FMC’s pants? First Declan and then Ethan. I get she’s pretty but unless the flirting is gonna go somewhere, let’s keep it to a minimum, damn. Kept getting my hopes up for a polygamous relationship, don’t play me like that Laura.
There are words thrown around that really don’t make sense where they are. Kept having to autocorrect author’s meaning in my head, which kept slowing me down.
Left on a cliffhanger, might try the second book to see how it goes.
August 21, 2022
I enjoyed the book, mostly I think because the MC felt like a real person and someone I didn’t detest. She was snarky, yet actually level headed and could admit when she had/was acting stupid or had overstepped her bounds. That seems so rare in these types of books since most I’ve read have snarky MC’s who are overbearing and annoying.
This book was short and felt like it just ended right in the middle, which I’m not a fan of. I wouldn’t say there was anything super special about this book, however I read it and enjoyed it, which is super rare for me these days as the majority of books I start out reading I end up not finishing because I get annoyed with characters, writing styles, or just get bored; I’ve apparently grown much pickier the older I get. I say this book is worth a shot reading and I will be checking out more from this author.
This book was short and felt like it just ended right in the middle, which I’m not a fan of. I wouldn’t say there was anything super special about this book, however I read it and enjoyed it, which is super rare for me these days as the majority of books I start out reading I end up not finishing because I get annoyed with characters, writing styles, or just get bored; I’ve apparently grown much pickier the older I get. I say this book is worth a shot reading and I will be checking out more from this author.
February 17, 2022
Good
When the apocalypse occurred, people changed. Fiona was different though- her ability to harness lightening unlike the ability anyone else has.
When her father disappears, it catapults Fiona into the orbit of the most powerful beings in the world, and into an investigation in which people are trying to use her for their own ends.
This is an absorbing post-apocalyptic fantasy tale. It’s a quick read, set in a world in which magic and magical abilities reside. The underlying machinations of several characters makes for a rather mysterious feel to the story, while Fiona and the reader remain ignorant of just what is happening!
It makes for a good read though, with an engrossing plot, one I recommend for fans of post-apocalyptic and urban fantasy.
When the apocalypse occurred, people changed. Fiona was different though- her ability to harness lightening unlike the ability anyone else has.
When her father disappears, it catapults Fiona into the orbit of the most powerful beings in the world, and into an investigation in which people are trying to use her for their own ends.
This is an absorbing post-apocalyptic fantasy tale. It’s a quick read, set in a world in which magic and magical abilities reside. The underlying machinations of several characters makes for a rather mysterious feel to the story, while Fiona and the reader remain ignorant of just what is happening!
It makes for a good read though, with an engrossing plot, one I recommend for fans of post-apocalyptic and urban fantasy.
May 17, 2021
Supernatural
You’ve taken the Female lead character given her supernatural powers, yet you’re constantly cutting her off at the knees every time she attempts to awaken these powers. You have someone else controlling her past and potential future, you’re not even attempting to to let her find her own way to become a formidable woman and supernatural. You called it Ascension, she should have ascended and had even the Prime, her mother in awe of her, maybe even a little afraid of her power. Sorry but it burns me when you have a good plot and storyline, but you constantly make a weak main lead character.
You’ve taken the Female lead character given her supernatural powers, yet you’re constantly cutting her off at the knees every time she attempts to awaken these powers. You have someone else controlling her past and potential future, you’re not even attempting to to let her find her own way to become a formidable woman and supernatural. You called it Ascension, she should have ascended and had even the Prime, her mother in awe of her, maybe even a little afraid of her power. Sorry but it burns me when you have a good plot and storyline, but you constantly make a weak main lead character.
March 13, 2021
NOOOOOO!
Are you kidding me?!? That was one heck of a cliff hanger! I'm at a loss for words on how this book sucks you in and before you know it you've stayed up all night reading and it's over leaving your jaw on the floor. This book has me loving wolves and hating just about everyone else. I really really hope the MC goes after her mother and kills her, finds her dad and find some happiness. This book is sad but not depressing and 100% worth reading even with that cliff hanger!
Are you kidding me?!? That was one heck of a cliff hanger! I'm at a loss for words on how this book sucks you in and before you know it you've stayed up all night reading and it's over leaving your jaw on the floor. This book has me loving wolves and hating just about everyone else. I really really hope the MC goes after her mother and kills her, finds her dad and find some happiness. This book is sad but not depressing and 100% worth reading even with that cliff hanger!
May 28, 2021
Amazing
Loved this book, it was a free book so thought why not give it a go. So happy I did it had me hooked from the first page, the story flows well with this being the first book in the series you are introduced to the characters,I liked the way the author gives us a little background on them, instead of just introducing them into the story and not telling us anything about them and then hitting us with their whole lives in one chapter. I would highly recommend this author to everyone.
Loved this book, it was a free book so thought why not give it a go. So happy I did it had me hooked from the first page, the story flows well with this being the first book in the series you are introduced to the characters,I liked the way the author gives us a little background on them, instead of just introducing them into the story and not telling us anything about them and then hitting us with their whole lives in one chapter. I would highly recommend this author to everyone.
August 27, 2021
Soooo good!
Really enjoyed this book. Author is new to me but will deffo be reading the rest of this series! Can't believe it was a free starter book either !! Would totally have paid for it lol. Story flows really fast paced lots of action nice bit of steam, in theory anyway...... Fiona grows thru the story and Conner is hot
from the get go. All the side cast are well fleshed and add sparks, forgive the pun, to make this a fun and wild ride!! Check it out you won't be disappointed.
Really enjoyed this book. Author is new to me but will deffo be reading the rest of this series! Can't believe it was a free starter book either !! Would totally have paid for it lol. Story flows really fast paced lots of action nice bit of steam, in theory anyway...... Fiona grows thru the story and Conner is hot
from the get go. All the side cast are well fleshed and add sparks, forgive the pun, to make this a fun and wild ride!! Check it out you won't be disappointed.
September 15, 2022
This book was a lot of fun. At the time of the Ascension, humanity faced a transformation for the majority of people. They became shifters, mages, ciphers and more. Fiona went through a different process. She was hit by lightning and became something very different.
What I like about this story is the unravelling of her gifting and how it sets her apart. This is the first book in a series. Often I'm content to read the first one and be done but Laura Hall created a great little read and I'll be looking for the second one in the series.
What I like about this story is the unravelling of her gifting and how it sets her apart. This is the first book in a series. Often I'm content to read the first one and be done but Laura Hall created a great little read and I'll be looking for the second one in the series.
September 24, 2024
Great start. I loved it.
It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a book this much. That is saying something as I am disabled so I have the time to read at least one book a day. It’s well written, the world building is amazing and you can really get into the meat of each character. She developed each character amazingly well without any extra wasted words. The storyline moves along nicely, never boring. There is romantic tension but not endless pages of graphic sex. I loved it.
It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a book this much. That is saying something as I am disabled so I have the time to read at least one book a day. It’s well written, the world building is amazing and you can really get into the meat of each character. She developed each character amazingly well without any extra wasted words. The storyline moves along nicely, never boring. There is romantic tension but not endless pages of graphic sex. I loved it.
March 13, 2021
Loved it!
Um...wow! I loved this book, although I'm also dying inside because I have to wait for the next book! I was needing something out of the normal romance genre and this satisfied that need. I could easily envision these supernatural characters coming to life on my television screen. This author has a way with words that is so impressive. I'm taken away to this mythical world with vampires, mages, opals, and werebears. A fantastic escape front the ordinary.
Um...wow! I loved this book, although I'm also dying inside because I have to wait for the next book! I was needing something out of the normal romance genre and this satisfied that need. I could easily envision these supernatural characters coming to life on my television screen. This author has a way with words that is so impressive. I'm taken away to this mythical world with vampires, mages, opals, and werebears. A fantastic escape front the ordinary.
December 24, 2021
What happens when you find your power?
Fiona knows that she is something different but no one knows what she really is. Her dad has gone missing and she has found herself in the company of the Western Prime Connor. Can he help her find her father before it is too late? But everything is about to change as Fiona is about to find out what her powers are and it will change everything. A good read
Fiona knows that she is something different but no one knows what she really is. Her dad has gone missing and she has found herself in the company of the Western Prime Connor. Can he help her find her father before it is too late? But everything is about to change as Fiona is about to find out what her powers are and it will change everything. A good read
March 10, 2021
Absolutely fantastic!!!
Absolutely fantastic world building by this author. Like a spell weaving it’s way in, this book will grab you right from the beginning and keep you glued to its pages. I’m nearly speechless by how much I loved the beginning of this series, and how excited I am to read more!! I’m dying to see what happens!! Definitely a five star beginning!!!
Absolutely fantastic world building by this author. Like a spell weaving it’s way in, this book will grab you right from the beginning and keep you glued to its pages. I’m nearly speechless by how much I loved the beginning of this series, and how excited I am to read more!! I’m dying to see what happens!! Definitely a five star beginning!!!
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