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Dark Breed #1
Ascension
The gates of hell have opened, and one woman will stand in the crossfire as the Dark Breed—vampyre, demons, shape shifters—and mankind fight their last battle for survival.
Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen ... and the last of her kind. Determined, dangerous, and damned, she has no love for the mortals who have imprisoned and misused her. But when the Order of Ancients entrusts her with a mission—to find the key that will send the Dark Breed back into Hell for eternity—Kyana has no choice but to accept.
She is furious to learn her assignment comes with an escort ... Ryker, a demigod and fierce warrior who long ago found a way under her skin and stayed there. In a shaky alliance, they discover an ancient cult with dangerous motive and a god who seeks to destroy all others. And as Kyana begins to feel the heat that threatens to bind her to Ryker, she knows she has to resist. For it could only mean the undoing of them both ...
Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen ... and the last of her kind. Determined, dangerous, and damned, she has no love for the mortals who have imprisoned and misused her. But when the Order of Ancients entrusts her with a mission—to find the key that will send the Dark Breed back into Hell for eternity—Kyana has no choice but to accept.
She is furious to learn her assignment comes with an escort ... Ryker, a demigod and fierce warrior who long ago found a way under her skin and stayed there. In a shaky alliance, they discover an ancient cult with dangerous motive and a god who seeks to destroy all others. And as Kyana begins to feel the heat that threatens to bind her to Ryker, she knows she has to resist. For it could only mean the undoing of them both ...
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 26, 2011
26 people are currently reading
2531 people want to read
About the author
Sable Grace
7 books113 followersSable Grace is the writing team of Heather Waters & Laura Barone, long time critique partners and friends who came together by fluke to discover their voices fit together quite nicely during an experiment of "I'll write the first sentence, you write the next." It was meant to be nothing more than a warm up exercise for each of them to get started on their own projects, but soon, the story became far more interesting than what they were supposed to be working on and Sable Grace was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
April 11, 2012
A little review mathematics in thirty words:
Intriguing ideas and use of Greek mythology
- Heroine who teeters on the edge of unlikability more than not
+Supporting hero is great
+ Storyline felt unique from typical UF
= Good overall!
3.5/5.0 stars
Reviewed for Bitten by Books: http://bittenbybooks.com.
Intriguing ideas and use of Greek mythology
- Heroine who teeters on the edge of unlikability more than not
+Supporting hero is great
+ Storyline felt unique from typical UF
= Good overall!
3.5/5.0 stars
Reviewed for Bitten by Books: http://bittenbybooks.com.
April 27, 2011
It’s been a week since the apocalypse. The gates of Tartarus have opened, spilling out Dark Breed (demons, vampires, zombies and the like) onto the earth. Many humans have been killed and the rest driven into hiding. Kyana is technically Dark Breed herself — half vampire and half shapeshifter — but has mastered her urges and works for the Order of Ancients, which is fighting the Dark Breed menace and trying to protect as many humans as they can. Kyana learns that a key possessed by the long-dead god Cronos enabled the opening of Tartarus, and with her friends and allies, has to figure out who knew of the key’s existence and used it to unleash hell.
“Sable Grace” is a pseudonym for the writing team of Heather Waters and Laura Barone. I’ll say up front that they make a terrific team. Their collaboration is seamless; at no point could I tell they’d switched off.
That said, Ascension got off to a rocky beginning for me, mostly because of the heroine. Kyana is abrasive even by urban fantasy heroine standards and can usually be counted on to make the rudest possible remark at any given moment. She’s also bigoted against humans, and it’s some time before we learn her prejudice has been shaped by a traumatic past, so at first it makes her hard to like. Then she’s assigned to team up with Ryker, a bastard son of Ares, with whom she has a bitter history. Bickering and involuntary dips in the River Styx ensue. Another issue is that overuse of capitalized terms and “creatively spelled” terms are pet peeves of mine, and Ascension features Vampyres, Witches, Lychen (lycanthropes), Shyfters, and so on.
I was surprised, then, that by page 100 I was hooked on this story. The authors spin a suspenseful mystery that rings changes on Greek mythology without warping it beyond recognition. Among the changes are the mixing of Greek gods with the more standard urban fantasy creatures like vampires and werewolves, and the concept of the Chosen. Periodically, a god begins to weaken and needs to pass his or her power on to a successor, and the Chosen are the people destined to receive that power. In this apocalyptic world, Chosen are dying alongside other mortals, which throws an additional wrench into the gods’ plans.
Initially I was enjoying the story in spite of Kyana, but slowly I began to like her too. This is partially because more is revealed about her history and how it’s shaped her, and partially because she matures over the course of the story. In the latter half of the book, there are several notable instances where she bites back a snarky comment because she knows it’ll be counterproductive. Ryker is a complex character too, with an admirable desire to be better than his callous father and to show Kyana that she, too, is a better and more valuable person than she thinks she is. Their relationship is compelling once it starts to develop beyond bickering, and the authors write a good sex scene that perfectly illustrates the difference between casual and meaningful sex. I also loved Kyana’s witch roommate Haven, and the enigmatic Irishman, Geoffrey, and the twist concerning him.
My opinion of the ending depends upon whether the next Dark Breed book is set in Kyana’s and Ryker’s points of view again, or whether the authors switch to other characters. (Ascension blends the conventions of urban fantasy with those of paranormal romance thoroughly enough that I can’t make a confident guess.) If the next book jumps to different characters, then the ending of Ascension is not quite satisfactory; there’s still history to be revealed about Kyana and issues in her personal life to resolve. If we stay with her and Ryker for the next book, the ending works well as a temporary stopping point. It leaves plenty of loose ends to keep me coming back for more — and after a fun, exciting first book like Ascension, I’ll definitely be coming back.
“Sable Grace” is a pseudonym for the writing team of Heather Waters and Laura Barone. I’ll say up front that they make a terrific team. Their collaboration is seamless; at no point could I tell they’d switched off.
That said, Ascension got off to a rocky beginning for me, mostly because of the heroine. Kyana is abrasive even by urban fantasy heroine standards and can usually be counted on to make the rudest possible remark at any given moment. She’s also bigoted against humans, and it’s some time before we learn her prejudice has been shaped by a traumatic past, so at first it makes her hard to like. Then she’s assigned to team up with Ryker, a bastard son of Ares, with whom she has a bitter history. Bickering and involuntary dips in the River Styx ensue. Another issue is that overuse of capitalized terms and “creatively spelled” terms are pet peeves of mine, and Ascension features Vampyres, Witches, Lychen (lycanthropes), Shyfters, and so on.
I was surprised, then, that by page 100 I was hooked on this story. The authors spin a suspenseful mystery that rings changes on Greek mythology without warping it beyond recognition. Among the changes are the mixing of Greek gods with the more standard urban fantasy creatures like vampires and werewolves, and the concept of the Chosen. Periodically, a god begins to weaken and needs to pass his or her power on to a successor, and the Chosen are the people destined to receive that power. In this apocalyptic world, Chosen are dying alongside other mortals, which throws an additional wrench into the gods’ plans.
Initially I was enjoying the story in spite of Kyana, but slowly I began to like her too. This is partially because more is revealed about her history and how it’s shaped her, and partially because she matures over the course of the story. In the latter half of the book, there are several notable instances where she bites back a snarky comment because she knows it’ll be counterproductive. Ryker is a complex character too, with an admirable desire to be better than his callous father and to show Kyana that she, too, is a better and more valuable person than she thinks she is. Their relationship is compelling once it starts to develop beyond bickering, and the authors write a good sex scene that perfectly illustrates the difference between casual and meaningful sex. I also loved Kyana’s witch roommate Haven, and the enigmatic Irishman, Geoffrey, and the twist concerning him.
My opinion of the ending depends upon whether the next Dark Breed book is set in Kyana’s and Ryker’s points of view again, or whether the authors switch to other characters. (Ascension blends the conventions of urban fantasy with those of paranormal romance thoroughly enough that I can’t make a confident guess.) If the next book jumps to different characters, then the ending of Ascension is not quite satisfactory; there’s still history to be revealed about Kyana and issues in her personal life to resolve. If we stay with her and Ryker for the next book, the ending works well as a temporary stopping point. It leaves plenty of loose ends to keep me coming back for more — and after a fun, exciting first book like Ascension, I’ll definitely be coming back.
September 28, 2011
Ascension started off promising, but very quickly delved into the land of badly plotted, poorly written and cliched urban fantasy. If you care to hear all the dirty details, here they are:
World building was scant. There is some Greek mythology and lots of interesting ideas, but the novel presents it to us in the form of info dump. Throughout, I either felt I was in information overload, or I was struggling to keep up because while some aspects of this world were over explained, other aspects weren't explained at all. At no point was the world building simply a natural part of the story telling.
Character development was nil. The story focuses on our protag, half Lychen, half Vampyre Kyana and a handful of her friends. Lychen?? Vampyre??? Those spellings are a bit much, IMO. Kyana is a character we have met so many times before; special, one of a kind, super duper powers, frequently follows her heart and bends the rules, impulsive. *yawn* Her friends are fairly bland and have no discernible personality traits. Even then gods and demigods who should have really big personalities don't.
Love interest is a guy who looks like a laid back surfer with messy blonde hair, worn jeans and sandals but is really a bad ass muscular military guy. Sounds great until you realize that he has spent the past ten years not getting with Kyana (like he wants to) because he wants more than just a fuck. He wants to be in her heart, and he wants her to tear down her walls and confide in him. He is disappointed when she doesn't confide her childhood aches, angst and hurts to him. Can you say wish fulfillment to the extreme!
This might, might have been a good book years ago. But the bar for this genre has been raised much higher than this and sadly Ascension is one of a long line of novels which give urban fantasy a bad name. It adds nothing to the genre. My first thoughts were that the book had promise and despite it's flaws I would likely continue on to the second. However, as the book continued it focused more and more on poorly written action scenes that might have me on the edge of my seat if I gave a crap about the characters... but I didn't.
World building was scant. There is some Greek mythology and lots of interesting ideas, but the novel presents it to us in the form of info dump. Throughout, I either felt I was in information overload, or I was struggling to keep up because while some aspects of this world were over explained, other aspects weren't explained at all. At no point was the world building simply a natural part of the story telling.
Character development was nil. The story focuses on our protag, half Lychen, half Vampyre Kyana and a handful of her friends. Lychen?? Vampyre??? Those spellings are a bit much, IMO. Kyana is a character we have met so many times before; special, one of a kind, super duper powers, frequently follows her heart and bends the rules, impulsive. *yawn* Her friends are fairly bland and have no discernible personality traits. Even then gods and demigods who should have really big personalities don't.
Love interest is a guy who looks like a laid back surfer with messy blonde hair, worn jeans and sandals but is really a bad ass muscular military guy. Sounds great until you realize that he has spent the past ten years not getting with Kyana (like he wants to) because he wants more than just a fuck. He wants to be in her heart, and he wants her to tear down her walls and confide in him. He is disappointed when she doesn't confide her childhood aches, angst and hurts to him. Can you say wish fulfillment to the extreme!
This might, might have been a good book years ago. But the bar for this genre has been raised much higher than this and sadly Ascension is one of a long line of novels which give urban fantasy a bad name. It adds nothing to the genre. My first thoughts were that the book had promise and despite it's flaws I would likely continue on to the second. However, as the book continued it focused more and more on poorly written action scenes that might have me on the edge of my seat if I gave a crap about the characters... but I didn't.
April 11, 2011
Ascension (Dark Breed #1) by Sable Grace
Ascension strikes fast, hits you hard as it thrusts you into a very dark world that had my imagination spinning. It wasn’t a world I want to visit anytime soon. I was quickly taken in though, I wanted to find out more. There was so much going on in this novel, new breeds of paranormals, mixes...it was quite fascinating. And then with the intermix of the Greek gods and goddesses I thought it might be too much, but it worked and made for one of the most creatively spun Urban Fantasy novel that I’ve read in awhile. The one drawback of the novel was that it really did drag towards the end of the novel. It was fast fast fast --- and then came to a screeching halt. It would have been PERFECT if it would have kept up that high intensity pace.
Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen a dark breed of an unholy joining for two species. Her kind, the dark breeds are overrunning the world after the gates of Hell opened and released madness into the world. Yet, Kyana has forced herself to step out of her kinds usual evil nature and has joined the Order of Ancients to fight the dark breeds and protect the mortals. Kyana is highly ambitious and when she is given one of the most important missions of her career she sees it as a chance to prove herself. But, she is quickly deflated when she finds she’ll be paired with Ryker, a demigod who knows how to push all the wrong buttons where she is concerned. Together they team up, but with a lot of reservations, because there mission is a lot more important then their personal problems.
A highly imaginative Urban Fantasy. Ascension is over-run with uniquely formed paranormals. It had my head spinning. And on top of the crazy world-building the sexual tension between Kyana and Ryker was enough to have me salivating. It was one of those romantic episodes where you want to beat both their heads against and table and scream “Get it on already!” Those are always fun...but, Sable Grace took it to a whole new level. This is definitely one you should look into.
Now for the not so fun parts. The dragging almost killed me, at some point I was ready to just put the book down. The anticipation was gone, because Kyana and Ryker had already somewhat settled their differences and then there was just so much more book to trudge through and clue finding and things like that. I also found the patsy rather convenient and I also found it hard to understand how different the dark breeds were from Kyana...I don’t think there was enough explanation. Was it just that if she drank human blood it was drive her to crazy hunger that she couldn’t control? Besides that the book was an enjoyable read and highly creative. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Grace has in store for us next.
Recommended for fans of darker Urban Fantasy series like the series written by Kelly Gay and Jennifer Esteps. There is a lot of violence, bad language and sexual interaction in this novel, recommended for adults only.
Ascension strikes fast, hits you hard as it thrusts you into a very dark world that had my imagination spinning. It wasn’t a world I want to visit anytime soon. I was quickly taken in though, I wanted to find out more. There was so much going on in this novel, new breeds of paranormals, mixes...it was quite fascinating. And then with the intermix of the Greek gods and goddesses I thought it might be too much, but it worked and made for one of the most creatively spun Urban Fantasy novel that I’ve read in awhile. The one drawback of the novel was that it really did drag towards the end of the novel. It was fast fast fast --- and then came to a screeching halt. It would have been PERFECT if it would have kept up that high intensity pace.
Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen a dark breed of an unholy joining for two species. Her kind, the dark breeds are overrunning the world after the gates of Hell opened and released madness into the world. Yet, Kyana has forced herself to step out of her kinds usual evil nature and has joined the Order of Ancients to fight the dark breeds and protect the mortals. Kyana is highly ambitious and when she is given one of the most important missions of her career she sees it as a chance to prove herself. But, she is quickly deflated when she finds she’ll be paired with Ryker, a demigod who knows how to push all the wrong buttons where she is concerned. Together they team up, but with a lot of reservations, because there mission is a lot more important then their personal problems.
A highly imaginative Urban Fantasy. Ascension is over-run with uniquely formed paranormals. It had my head spinning. And on top of the crazy world-building the sexual tension between Kyana and Ryker was enough to have me salivating. It was one of those romantic episodes where you want to beat both their heads against and table and scream “Get it on already!” Those are always fun...but, Sable Grace took it to a whole new level. This is definitely one you should look into.
Now for the not so fun parts. The dragging almost killed me, at some point I was ready to just put the book down. The anticipation was gone, because Kyana and Ryker had already somewhat settled their differences and then there was just so much more book to trudge through and clue finding and things like that. I also found the patsy rather convenient and I also found it hard to understand how different the dark breeds were from Kyana...I don’t think there was enough explanation. Was it just that if she drank human blood it was drive her to crazy hunger that she couldn’t control? Besides that the book was an enjoyable read and highly creative. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Grace has in store for us next.
Recommended for fans of darker Urban Fantasy series like the series written by Kelly Gay and Jennifer Esteps. There is a lot of violence, bad language and sexual interaction in this novel, recommended for adults only.
November 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! But, it ended in a way that I need the next book for the story to close and I hate that.
So anywho, vampires, Greek Gods, will-they-won't-they romance. This just sounds like Sable Grace (team/duo writers) were like... there's this random Canadian girl who's going to get a hoot out of this.
I enjoyed it. Middle speed pace, intriguing plot, world building. It's got all of the bits and pieces for a book I'd like. It was their first book, so they've likely increased in skiill since. I want to find the sequence, since I did enjoy it. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it kept me entertained.
Three out of five stars.
So anywho, vampires, Greek Gods, will-they-won't-they romance. This just sounds like Sable Grace (team/duo writers) were like... there's this random Canadian girl who's going to get a hoot out of this.
I enjoyed it. Middle speed pace, intriguing plot, world building. It's got all of the bits and pieces for a book I'd like. It was their first book, so they've likely increased in skiill since. I want to find the sequence, since I did enjoy it. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it kept me entertained.
Three out of five stars.
April 21, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Step aside vampires and werewolves, a new stomping ground has been slowly emerging in the paranormal genres: Greek Mythology. Sable Grace (the pen name of Heather Waters & Laura Baron) doesn’t just borrow one or two elements to create the Dark Breeds world, rather she incorporated the entire pantheon of gods and goddesses. The whole book is really like an urban fantasy version of Homer’s THE ODYSSEY.
Not to completely shirk tradition, within this fabulous Greek Mythological world, vampires, demons, and shapeshifters exist as well. The protagonist is a vampire/werewolf hybrid with about as big a chip on her shoulder as you can imagine. It took me quite a few chapters to warm up to Kyana’s uber alpha female personality. There’s tough and then there’s insolent and Kyana tended towards the latter often enough that I wanted to smack her. Her personal history offered an explanation for her behavior, but I was still relieved when she mellowed out halfway through largely due to her relationship with a demigod son of Ares.
Personally, I prefer to read about a couple’s first meeting and go from there as opposed to picking up, in this case, a decade after Kyana and Ryker first met. There are a lot of misunderstandings, long held grudges, and missed opportunities mostly because of pride and wounded egos that I would have just as soon bypassed entirely. That being said, once they dealt with all that, I did get swept up in the romance between them.
Overall, Greek Mythology fans are going to be in Elysium (aka heaven) with this world. The gods, the Fates, Tartarus, even Charon are integral parts of the Dark Breed world. There’s plenty of well crafted action scenes, and a romantic subplot that comes together nicely in the end. On the flipside, the pace had a tendency to be a little manic at times, the protagonist was uber alpha enough to grow a beard for the first half of ASCENSION, and the supporting cast was less than stellar. It balanced out as a good—but not great—read for me that fans of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series will want to check out.
Sexual Content:
References to rape. A semi graphic sex scene
Step aside vampires and werewolves, a new stomping ground has been slowly emerging in the paranormal genres: Greek Mythology. Sable Grace (the pen name of Heather Waters & Laura Baron) doesn’t just borrow one or two elements to create the Dark Breeds world, rather she incorporated the entire pantheon of gods and goddesses. The whole book is really like an urban fantasy version of Homer’s THE ODYSSEY.
Not to completely shirk tradition, within this fabulous Greek Mythological world, vampires, demons, and shapeshifters exist as well. The protagonist is a vampire/werewolf hybrid with about as big a chip on her shoulder as you can imagine. It took me quite a few chapters to warm up to Kyana’s uber alpha female personality. There’s tough and then there’s insolent and Kyana tended towards the latter often enough that I wanted to smack her. Her personal history offered an explanation for her behavior, but I was still relieved when she mellowed out halfway through largely due to her relationship with a demigod son of Ares.
Personally, I prefer to read about a couple’s first meeting and go from there as opposed to picking up, in this case, a decade after Kyana and Ryker first met. There are a lot of misunderstandings, long held grudges, and missed opportunities mostly because of pride and wounded egos that I would have just as soon bypassed entirely. That being said, once they dealt with all that, I did get swept up in the romance between them.
Overall, Greek Mythology fans are going to be in Elysium (aka heaven) with this world. The gods, the Fates, Tartarus, even Charon are integral parts of the Dark Breed world. There’s plenty of well crafted action scenes, and a romantic subplot that comes together nicely in the end. On the flipside, the pace had a tendency to be a little manic at times, the protagonist was uber alpha enough to grow a beard for the first half of ASCENSION, and the supporting cast was less than stellar. It balanced out as a good—but not great—read for me that fans of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series will want to check out.
Sexual Content:
References to rape. A semi graphic sex scene
April 11, 2011
So I did make it to the end, but only because I skipped large chunks in the middle. This may explain why it seemed way more like urban fantasy than like paranormal romance to me... and urban fantasy of the lover's triangle sort, which is not my favorite. If you're looking for a book with a HEA, this isn't it.
The characters
Do you remember that part of Buffy where Faith was all psycho rage-girl? That's Kyana, the heroine of this series. I know some people like PNR heroines like that, but I tend to find them less heroic and more to be pitied; a boyfriend is not a substitute for psychiatric help. And I don't mean that in a snarky way. Kyana has a lot of issues and seems to respond to all of them with thoughtless rage and violence. That's no foundation for a life, much less a relationship.
Ryker seems to be the fated-mate hero and Geoffrey is the bad boy/best friend hero. I think Ryker is supposed to be the one Kyana ends up with, but given that he mostly postures and snarls, as a romantic hero I didn't find him that impressive, but like I said... I skipped some parts in the middle.
The world-building
This part was the most interesting to me. The use of Greek mythology, vampires and Lychen (which makes me giggle, because I keep reading it lichen) was entertaining and seemed much more thought-out than the characters.
The plot
Standard urban fantasy, save the world stuff.
Overall, the world-building and story were interesting enough that I'll check reviews for later books in the series. I'd be hesitant to pick them up, but there's enough potential here that I might like later installments better than I liked this one.
This review was based on an electronic ARC received via NetGalley.
The characters
Do you remember that part of Buffy where Faith was all psycho rage-girl? That's Kyana, the heroine of this series. I know some people like PNR heroines like that, but I tend to find them less heroic and more to be pitied; a boyfriend is not a substitute for psychiatric help. And I don't mean that in a snarky way. Kyana has a lot of issues and seems to respond to all of them with thoughtless rage and violence. That's no foundation for a life, much less a relationship.
Ryker seems to be the fated-mate hero and Geoffrey is the bad boy/best friend hero. I think Ryker is supposed to be the one Kyana ends up with, but given that he mostly postures and snarls, as a romantic hero I didn't find him that impressive, but like I said... I skipped some parts in the middle.
The world-building
This part was the most interesting to me. The use of Greek mythology, vampires and Lychen (which makes me giggle, because I keep reading it lichen) was entertaining and seemed much more thought-out than the characters.
The plot
Standard urban fantasy, save the world stuff.
Overall, the world-building and story were interesting enough that I'll check reviews for later books in the series. I'd be hesitant to pick them up, but there's enough potential here that I might like later installments better than I liked this one.
This review was based on an electronic ARC received via NetGalley.
April 17, 2011
When I opened this book, I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t read the back blurb but the front cover appealed to me.
To begin with it was a bit confusing to work out what was going on. In brief there are gods, demi gods, Lychen (werewolves) Dark Breed (vampires both good and bad) demons and leeches as well as the kinda slug icky creatures. Kyana is a half breed. She has overcome her bloodlust and now works as a tracker for Artemis Goddess of the Hunt. Her job is to find the people that the gods want protected called the Chosen. The Chosen are humans who have been marked to replace the gods now that their powers are waning.
Add to the mix, the gates of Tartarus have been unlocked and with all matter of demons are spewing forth you get an idea of the landscape. Kyana and Ryker’s mission is to find the key that will lock the gates of Hell again so that the dead demons stay dead.
This book contains a huge amount of information dumps but instead of jarring you out of the story, they pull you in more. I liked the matter of fact way the characters accept the different types of beings in this world. There is good and bad but not really any interspecies quibbling or fighting. It’s more all the beings on the good side, uniting to protect humans.
The intimate scenes are sensual rather than the wham bam thank you m/am or the hard core goes for hours that you often find in this genre. I seriously didn’t want this book to end. I got to the last page and couldn’t believe it ended where it did. I have so many questions left unanswered I felt myself go “But but but WHERE’S THE REST?”
I’m unashamed to admit I have been sucked into another series. I want more and I want it now. And WOW the sucker punch of Hades,,,, Just WOW!
To begin with it was a bit confusing to work out what was going on. In brief there are gods, demi gods, Lychen (werewolves) Dark Breed (vampires both good and bad) demons and leeches as well as the kinda slug icky creatures. Kyana is a half breed. She has overcome her bloodlust and now works as a tracker for Artemis Goddess of the Hunt. Her job is to find the people that the gods want protected called the Chosen. The Chosen are humans who have been marked to replace the gods now that their powers are waning.
Add to the mix, the gates of Tartarus have been unlocked and with all matter of demons are spewing forth you get an idea of the landscape. Kyana and Ryker’s mission is to find the key that will lock the gates of Hell again so that the dead demons stay dead.
This book contains a huge amount of information dumps but instead of jarring you out of the story, they pull you in more. I liked the matter of fact way the characters accept the different types of beings in this world. There is good and bad but not really any interspecies quibbling or fighting. It’s more all the beings on the good side, uniting to protect humans.
The intimate scenes are sensual rather than the wham bam thank you m/am or the hard core goes for hours that you often find in this genre. I seriously didn’t want this book to end. I got to the last page and couldn’t believe it ended where it did. I have so many questions left unanswered I felt myself go “But but but WHERE’S THE REST?”
I’m unashamed to admit I have been sucked into another series. I want more and I want it now. And WOW the sucker punch of Hades,,,, Just WOW!
March 19, 2015
4.5 Stars
Ascension by Sable Grace is the first book in the Dark Breed series. It is an action packed mix of fantasy, mystery and romance. There are Greek gods, demons, witches, vampires, shape shifters and humans. The plot is fascinating and complex. The pace is fast and holds your attention. You will find yourself immersed in a world that is richly detailed and completely unique. The characters are very well written. Kyana is a great heroine. She is strong, independent and sarcastic with a soft side that she rarely shows. She is used to taking charge and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her love interest in this novel is Ryker. He is also a strong characters, used to leading and the sparks fly when he and Kyana are forced to work together.
Ascension is a terrific book and a very enjoyable read. It has everything you could ask for in an Urban Fantasy novel and shows promise to be a fantastic series. The ending is great and will be sure to leave you anxious for the next book. Ascension is highly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy.
Ascension by Sable Grace is the first book in the Dark Breed series. It is an action packed mix of fantasy, mystery and romance. There are Greek gods, demons, witches, vampires, shape shifters and humans. The plot is fascinating and complex. The pace is fast and holds your attention. You will find yourself immersed in a world that is richly detailed and completely unique. The characters are very well written. Kyana is a great heroine. She is strong, independent and sarcastic with a soft side that she rarely shows. She is used to taking charge and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her love interest in this novel is Ryker. He is also a strong characters, used to leading and the sparks fly when he and Kyana are forced to work together.
Ascension is a terrific book and a very enjoyable read. It has everything you could ask for in an Urban Fantasy novel and shows promise to be a fantastic series. The ending is great and will be sure to leave you anxious for the next book. Ascension is highly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy.
March 21, 2011
I am very proud to say that I have just finished reading my very first ARC from netGalley. Some of the reviews I've seen for this book so far have mentioned that they can't release the review until around April but I looked over everything on netGalley and I can make no such claim. So if the publisher's or the author's would like me to take this review down all you need do is ask.
This book was an excellent first-in-series, as well as a great debut novel. The story mixes Greek myth with vampires, shifters, demigods, and other nightmarish creatures. The door to Tartarus has been opened and all hell has been unleashed on Earth or Above as it is known in the book. Not only are humans being massacred but special people known as the Chosen are dropping like flies.
It is up to Kyana, a vampire/lychen half breed, and the rest of her Dark Breed brethren to protect what is left of humanity and especially the Chosen.
Kyana is the best tracer that the goddess Artemis has so when a very rare artifact, that most believed to be a myth, goes missing Ky is recruited to go on a mission to both find this artifact and the person with the ability to steal it. Along for the ride is Ryker, a demigod, and the only man to get under Kyana's skin and stay there. They set off on a quest to close the door to Tartarus and as the Fates said "save the world."
I really really enjoyed this whole book. Tons of action and romance that made it unputdownable. The heroine is all about kicking ass and she tends to shoot first and ask questions later. I think she is a front runner for my favorite Kick Ass Chick of 2011. I think I also respect her alot because of all the things she went through prior to her Turning but she still manages to be a strong female. She does have her flaws, as most characters do, she cannot let anyone else be in charge and it seems no matter what Ryker says to her about how he feels she will never believe him. Although towards the end you do see her realize that if she had occasionally listened to her friends things would have turned out differently.
The male lead of course is Ryker, son of Ares. He is an extremely powerful demigod and is in all liklihood Kyana's life mate. He is a lot different from many of the heroes in this books particular genre. Usually they're all get in your face and force themselves on you until you submit but Ryler is nothing like that. He actually tries to stay away from Ky because he knows that if they were to be together even once it would be his undoing. I think it is so sweet that he wants her to really want him and not just for sex. I see great things in the future of both these characters.
All of the side characters are very well written. The two most important being Geoff, Kyana's vamp tracer friend, and Haven her witchy roommate and best friend. They both play extremely significant roles, which a lot of times the side characters are just there to support the main characters, these two have important destinies of their own aside from Kyana and Ryker's destiny.
This is a bit a lengthy review but I felt the book deserved it. This is the first book this year that I have felt this strongly about. I cannot wait to see what happens next and how Kyana reacts to the news she reieves at the end of the book. I believe the next installment is going to be just as action-packed as this one.
This book was an excellent first-in-series, as well as a great debut novel. The story mixes Greek myth with vampires, shifters, demigods, and other nightmarish creatures. The door to Tartarus has been opened and all hell has been unleashed on Earth or Above as it is known in the book. Not only are humans being massacred but special people known as the Chosen are dropping like flies.
It is up to Kyana, a vampire/lychen half breed, and the rest of her Dark Breed brethren to protect what is left of humanity and especially the Chosen.
Kyana is the best tracer that the goddess Artemis has so when a very rare artifact, that most believed to be a myth, goes missing Ky is recruited to go on a mission to both find this artifact and the person with the ability to steal it. Along for the ride is Ryker, a demigod, and the only man to get under Kyana's skin and stay there. They set off on a quest to close the door to Tartarus and as the Fates said "save the world."
I really really enjoyed this whole book. Tons of action and romance that made it unputdownable. The heroine is all about kicking ass and she tends to shoot first and ask questions later. I think she is a front runner for my favorite Kick Ass Chick of 2011. I think I also respect her alot because of all the things she went through prior to her Turning but she still manages to be a strong female. She does have her flaws, as most characters do, she cannot let anyone else be in charge and it seems no matter what Ryker says to her about how he feels she will never believe him. Although towards the end you do see her realize that if she had occasionally listened to her friends things would have turned out differently.
The male lead of course is Ryker, son of Ares. He is an extremely powerful demigod and is in all liklihood Kyana's life mate. He is a lot different from many of the heroes in this books particular genre. Usually they're all get in your face and force themselves on you until you submit but Ryler is nothing like that. He actually tries to stay away from Ky because he knows that if they were to be together even once it would be his undoing. I think it is so sweet that he wants her to really want him and not just for sex. I see great things in the future of both these characters.
All of the side characters are very well written. The two most important being Geoff, Kyana's vamp tracer friend, and Haven her witchy roommate and best friend. They both play extremely significant roles, which a lot of times the side characters are just there to support the main characters, these two have important destinies of their own aside from Kyana and Ryker's destiny.
This is a bit a lengthy review but I felt the book deserved it. This is the first book this year that I have felt this strongly about. I cannot wait to see what happens next and how Kyana reacts to the news she reieves at the end of the book. I believe the next installment is going to be just as action-packed as this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2011
Kyana is the only one of her kind, and she is the world's best hope in stopping the Dark Breeds from wiping out humanity. She may be a Dark Breed herself, but she has devoted her life to the Order of Ancients and protecting the innocent, despite what has been done to her in the past. She doesn't hesitate to accept the Order's mission to find the key to hell. Well, that is until she learns Ryker will be escorting her in the mission. He's the only man that has ever gotten to her, and she wanted nothing to do with him ever again. They will have to team up despite the animosity between them as a dark god is rising and they are the only ones who can stand in his way.
Greek mythology has always been one of my favorite themes in a book, so as I started reading this book and realized just how deeply rooted it was in the mythology, I became one happy girl. The paranormal aspects are perfectly blending into the mythology, making for a completely realized world, full of characters that you can't help but feel for. The fact that the gods are dying, yet are in the process of finding replacements, was really original and fascinating to me. In all of the other books I have read that have mythology in them, the gods are typically arrogant beings that would rather just die out than be replaced. Of course the gods still show some of that self-importance, especially Ares, but what more can you expect from the god of war?
I've always loved books where there is a past history between the main characters, and the current story is based on them being pushed back into each others lives. (Typically much to their dismay.) Kyana is so scared to let anyone close to her due to her past, and heck, even the present as she is treated as unworthy despite all of the good she does. The only man that has ever been able to get under her skin is Ryker, but he turned down her advances years ago. Of course he has his reasons, and they are not what she thinks they are. So when they are paired up, well she's furious, and he is scared he won't be able to say no a second time. The two of them felt like magnets to me. Sometimes they would line up and be drawn together by such a strong force, and other times their polarity would be reversed and no matter what, they just couldn't bring it together. The sexual tension between them was palatable, and made for one heck of a steamy read. I was caught between wishing they would just get it on, and wanting them to wait to make sure it would be something long lasting, as I really loved the dynamic between the two. I guess only time will tell how things play out, but I just can't help wanting to root for them.
There was one heck of a twist at the end that I never saw coming. This twist took me from really enjoying the book and being eager to read the next, to being completely desperate to get my hands on the next one. I simply cannot wait to see the characters' reactions to this turn in events, and where things will be heading. This book was a fantastic blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, giving you a fast paced plot with plenty of romance to steam things up. You'll definitely want to check this book out as you won't want to miss this fantastic new author's debut!
Greek mythology has always been one of my favorite themes in a book, so as I started reading this book and realized just how deeply rooted it was in the mythology, I became one happy girl. The paranormal aspects are perfectly blending into the mythology, making for a completely realized world, full of characters that you can't help but feel for. The fact that the gods are dying, yet are in the process of finding replacements, was really original and fascinating to me. In all of the other books I have read that have mythology in them, the gods are typically arrogant beings that would rather just die out than be replaced. Of course the gods still show some of that self-importance, especially Ares, but what more can you expect from the god of war?
I've always loved books where there is a past history between the main characters, and the current story is based on them being pushed back into each others lives. (Typically much to their dismay.) Kyana is so scared to let anyone close to her due to her past, and heck, even the present as she is treated as unworthy despite all of the good she does. The only man that has ever been able to get under her skin is Ryker, but he turned down her advances years ago. Of course he has his reasons, and they are not what she thinks they are. So when they are paired up, well she's furious, and he is scared he won't be able to say no a second time. The two of them felt like magnets to me. Sometimes they would line up and be drawn together by such a strong force, and other times their polarity would be reversed and no matter what, they just couldn't bring it together. The sexual tension between them was palatable, and made for one heck of a steamy read. I was caught between wishing they would just get it on, and wanting them to wait to make sure it would be something long lasting, as I really loved the dynamic between the two. I guess only time will tell how things play out, but I just can't help wanting to root for them.
There was one heck of a twist at the end that I never saw coming. This twist took me from really enjoying the book and being eager to read the next, to being completely desperate to get my hands on the next one. I simply cannot wait to see the characters' reactions to this turn in events, and where things will be heading. This book was a fantastic blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, giving you a fast paced plot with plenty of romance to steam things up. You'll definitely want to check this book out as you won't want to miss this fantastic new author's debut!
April 1, 2011
I made it to 46% before I gave up. First 20% has massive information overload and no action. I was overwhelmed by the world. When things finally get going, I had already lost interest.
I also felt confused by the feelings between the hero and heroine. We are told there is this sexual chemistry between them but I never felt it.
The story just didn't flow together and did not keep my interest at all.
I also felt confused by the feelings between the hero and heroine. We are told there is this sexual chemistry between them but I never felt it.
The story just didn't flow together and did not keep my interest at all.
April 28, 2011
my review over at I Smell Sheep. check it out
http://ismellsheep.blogspot.com/2011/...
Ascension (Dark Breed Book #1) by Sable Grace
What a fun read! I would classify this as a PNR with UF elements. It had all the things I look for: kick-ass heroine (Kyana), brooding alpha-male goodness (Ryker), side characters with depth, action packed and a new twist on the old Greek myths (as opposed to the new ones, rolls eyes at self).
The writing is very polished for a debut. The book has been getting a lot of knocks because the first 2 chapters are a bit overwhelming with all the world building. Don’t give up on it! I swallowed it all in one gulp and guessed I would figure it all out by the end of the book! I was happily rewarded with the snarky dialog and action scenes that were fast paced. Most importantly, the sexual tension between Kyana and Ryker was steamy (and otherworldly sex is one of the reasons why we love this genre. I am woman enough to admit it ). There was even a twist at the end I didn't see coming, and who doesn't enjoy that?
The only thing that bothered me was the way the book ended. You are reading along and there is a big climactic moment, and then....it ends! I honestly thought the next chapter was missing from the ARC . This isn’t so much as a cliff hanger as a shove off the cliff, but what can you do? Cliff hangers, we love to hate them. I will be looking forward to the next book.
Some of my favorite lines: (Ryker and Kyana talking)
"Kyana blinked up at him, unable to stop the warmth of satisfaction she felt at seeing the welts of her palm print on his cheek. 'I shouldn't have slapped you.'
His hard glare rested on her. 'No. You shouldn't have.'
'I should have punched you instead.'"
(Haven, Kyana's best friend)
"I'm not staying out here by myself. I watch scary movies. I know what happens to the blond girl in the woods."
I give Ascension 4 mythological sheep (the Greek kind)
SS
http://ismellsheep.blogspot.com/2011/...
Ascension (Dark Breed Book #1) by Sable Grace
What a fun read! I would classify this as a PNR with UF elements. It had all the things I look for: kick-ass heroine (Kyana), brooding alpha-male goodness (Ryker), side characters with depth, action packed and a new twist on the old Greek myths (as opposed to the new ones, rolls eyes at self).
The writing is very polished for a debut. The book has been getting a lot of knocks because the first 2 chapters are a bit overwhelming with all the world building. Don’t give up on it! I swallowed it all in one gulp and guessed I would figure it all out by the end of the book! I was happily rewarded with the snarky dialog and action scenes that were fast paced. Most importantly, the sexual tension between Kyana and Ryker was steamy (and otherworldly sex is one of the reasons why we love this genre. I am woman enough to admit it ). There was even a twist at the end I didn't see coming, and who doesn't enjoy that?
The only thing that bothered me was the way the book ended. You are reading along and there is a big climactic moment, and then....it ends! I honestly thought the next chapter was missing from the ARC . This isn’t so much as a cliff hanger as a shove off the cliff, but what can you do? Cliff hangers, we love to hate them. I will be looking forward to the next book.
Some of my favorite lines: (Ryker and Kyana talking)
"Kyana blinked up at him, unable to stop the warmth of satisfaction she felt at seeing the welts of her palm print on his cheek. 'I shouldn't have slapped you.'
His hard glare rested on her. 'No. You shouldn't have.'
'I should have punched you instead.'"
(Haven, Kyana's best friend)
"I'm not staying out here by myself. I watch scary movies. I know what happens to the blond girl in the woods."
I give Ascension 4 mythological sheep (the Greek kind)
SS
March 11, 2012
Sable Grace's Ascension was a great start to her Dark Breed series. Kyana is half Lychen and half Vampire. She comes off in the beginning of the book as tough, but the reader gets to see that underneath that tough exterior is a woman who loves the people she cares about completely. As the book progresses, the reader gets to learn about Ky's past which explains her issues of trust and disdain for mankind for how she was treated when she was human. Even though she dislikes mankind, she still does everything she can to protect him. Her friendships with Haven and Geoff help to develop Ky's character as well because they show her protective side as well as her fun side. Ryker is an excellent match for Ky, and since he has some issues of his own I am looking forward to seeing both him and Ky work through their pasts in upcoming books. Their romance is off to an excellent start here though. Grace does an amazing job with her world building. I liked how she tied the Dark Breed, Gods, Witches, Lychens, Vampires, and Humans all into the same world. Plus the book had plenty of action and adventure intermixed with a mystery. Overall this was a great read that I would definitely recommend if you enjoy action, adventure, drama, and mystery mixed with your paranormal.
April 21, 2011
Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blo...
I really enjoyed Kyana as a character. She was strong, determined, and edgy. She really is a loner as she doesn't like to show her true self to anyone. She has to grow a lot and put some of her issues on the back burner to help save the world. The world building was great, I loved the descriptions and the different levels of the world that Sable Grace added to the story. The mythology was interesting, and complemented the plot really well. There is a TON of action, and I certainly never got bored. The romance was frustratingly good. Kyana and Ryker have a past and the terms that they went there separate ways on was confusing to both of them and misinterpreted on both sides as well which adds to there love/hate relationship. The ending was awesome, I so was not expecting that to happen even though it is great that it did. I'm excited to see where the series goes. ASCENSION was a great first release for a must read break out (team) author.
I really enjoyed Kyana as a character. She was strong, determined, and edgy. She really is a loner as she doesn't like to show her true self to anyone. She has to grow a lot and put some of her issues on the back burner to help save the world. The world building was great, I loved the descriptions and the different levels of the world that Sable Grace added to the story. The mythology was interesting, and complemented the plot really well. There is a TON of action, and I certainly never got bored. The romance was frustratingly good. Kyana and Ryker have a past and the terms that they went there separate ways on was confusing to both of them and misinterpreted on both sides as well which adds to there love/hate relationship. The ending was awesome, I so was not expecting that to happen even though it is great that it did. I'm excited to see where the series goes. ASCENSION was a great first release for a must read break out (team) author.
August 23, 2020
#24 of my #20for2020tbrchallenge, to read 20 books from my TBR this year
Desperate for an UF read a few years ago, I picked up the first two books in this series because the covers and blurbs were more UF than PNR. But this book was so bad, I put it down twice before finishing it.
Written by two authors (friends and critique partners Heather Warren and Laura Barone), their writing is smooth in the sense that you can't tell there's two authors. The Greek-mythos inspired concept had potential that sadly didn't deliver because it was seriously marred by the terrible set up of the central romance.
Set-up: Beautiful, kickass black leather-bedecked babe (Kyana, half-Vampyre/half-Lychen, last of her kind) walks into a bar and approaches a slacker surfer-boy beach bum (Ryker, demigod, the son of Areas no less) for a night of sexy fun but is turned down.
Ryker says no, because he "knows" at first glimpse that he wants a "real relationship" and not a one night stand (?!!!). He wants her trust, which he knows he will have earned when she tells him her deepest, darkest secrets (but note there is no mention of him telling her his in return).
Kyana, it should be mentioned, is over 200 years old. That's a lot of secrets, methinks.
Anyway, Ryker then secretly stalks Kyana for 10 YEARS, hoping and waiting for that day when she'll confess her most innermost feelings and thoughts to him, giving him her very heart and soul - at which time (and only at which time) he will FINALLY accept the repeated offer of her body and get down with the sexy times.
CREEP-O-METER: OFF THE SCALES
Seriously, what the heck is this? Mr. Sexy Surfer Boy acts like a puritan maiden aunt, constantly shaming Kyana for wanting to get physical that one time (and her willingness to do so anytime, if he wants) and disapproving of the "promiscuousness" endemic to the Vampyre race.
Plus, when are these deep, meaningful sharing of secrets going to happen? Because they don't get much downtime together to have these imagined heart-to-hearts, in their apocalyptic world.
The relationship dynamics are bonkers. If the authors were trying to do a gender-stereotype switch, it just doesn't work for a romance.
Meantime, Kyana can't shake the one guy who rejected her. It hurts her considerable pride. She's a "love 'em and leave 'em type" and Ryker's quick dismissal (which he didn't bother to explain, naturally - because it would have sounded CRAZY) seems to have been a unique experience that still doesn't sit well with her.
A "sober" (non-human blood drinking) vampire with the Order of Ancients for the past 80 years, she's their best tracker. The gates of hell have opened and the world Above has been decimated, flooded with Dark Breeds from the world Below. The old gods and goddesses in the world Beyond are losing their powers and need to rescue their "Chosen" (human power vessels) from those still left alive Above.
Kyana tracks Chosen, even though she is herself a (mixed) Dark Breed. The order has other Dark Breed members, but the rest are portrayed as ravening, all-evil hordes of monsters.
When things get critical and the Chosen begin dying before they can be retrieved, Artemis pairs a very reluctant Kyana with Ryker to Save the World. Tartarus was opened deliberately, seemingly part of a larger diabolical plan, and it's up to the mismatched duo to figure it all out.
Kyana has two stupid minions for muscle, a lewd Irish friend (who talks like Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a roommate - a witch named Haven who is described as a Barbie mall rat - and a pair of favourite silver daggers. And lots of leather pants and vests.
Ryker has a bunch of secret demigod mojo, a nifty porting ability and major father-son issues.
The two of them have the emotional maturity of horny 13 year old kids. Everything turns into an argument, and then to lust, then to a lust-tainted argument. There's no, you know, effective communication? And the lust is very lackluster.
Neither is a sympathetic character: Kyana is prickly and pushy one minute, sappy and mushy the next. And Ryker is a supercilious, patronizing jackass who thinks he knows Kyana better than she knows herself (must be all those years of stalking, hmm?). Ends on a cliffhanger of sorts.
I will try the next book, because I already own it. But I don't have very high hopes. No more buying unknown authors on a whim!
Desperate for an UF read a few years ago, I picked up the first two books in this series because the covers and blurbs were more UF than PNR. But this book was so bad, I put it down twice before finishing it.
Written by two authors (friends and critique partners Heather Warren and Laura Barone), their writing is smooth in the sense that you can't tell there's two authors. The Greek-mythos inspired concept had potential that sadly didn't deliver because it was seriously marred by the terrible set up of the central romance.
Set-up: Beautiful, kickass black leather-bedecked babe (Kyana, half-Vampyre/half-Lychen, last of her kind) walks into a bar and approaches a slacker surfer-boy beach bum (Ryker, demigod, the son of Areas no less) for a night of sexy fun but is turned down.
Ryker says no, because he "knows" at first glimpse that he wants a "real relationship" and not a one night stand (?!!!). He wants her trust, which he knows he will have earned when she tells him her deepest, darkest secrets (but note there is no mention of him telling her his in return).
Kyana, it should be mentioned, is over 200 years old. That's a lot of secrets, methinks.
Anyway, Ryker then secretly stalks Kyana for 10 YEARS, hoping and waiting for that day when she'll confess her most innermost feelings and thoughts to him, giving him her very heart and soul - at which time (and only at which time) he will FINALLY accept the repeated offer of her body and get down with the sexy times.
CREEP-O-METER: OFF THE SCALES
Seriously, what the heck is this? Mr. Sexy Surfer Boy acts like a puritan maiden aunt, constantly shaming Kyana for wanting to get physical that one time (and her willingness to do so anytime, if he wants) and disapproving of the "promiscuousness" endemic to the Vampyre race.
Plus, when are these deep, meaningful sharing of secrets going to happen? Because they don't get much downtime together to have these imagined heart-to-hearts, in their apocalyptic world.
The relationship dynamics are bonkers. If the authors were trying to do a gender-stereotype switch, it just doesn't work for a romance.
Meantime, Kyana can't shake the one guy who rejected her. It hurts her considerable pride. She's a "love 'em and leave 'em type" and Ryker's quick dismissal (which he didn't bother to explain, naturally - because it would have sounded CRAZY) seems to have been a unique experience that still doesn't sit well with her.
A "sober" (non-human blood drinking) vampire with the Order of Ancients for the past 80 years, she's their best tracker. The gates of hell have opened and the world Above has been decimated, flooded with Dark Breeds from the world Below. The old gods and goddesses in the world Beyond are losing their powers and need to rescue their "Chosen" (human power vessels) from those still left alive Above.
Kyana tracks Chosen, even though she is herself a (mixed) Dark Breed. The order has other Dark Breed members, but the rest are portrayed as ravening, all-evil hordes of monsters.
When things get critical and the Chosen begin dying before they can be retrieved, Artemis pairs a very reluctant Kyana with Ryker to Save the World. Tartarus was opened deliberately, seemingly part of a larger diabolical plan, and it's up to the mismatched duo to figure it all out.
Kyana has two stupid minions for muscle, a lewd Irish friend (who talks like Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a roommate - a witch named Haven who is described as a Barbie mall rat - and a pair of favourite silver daggers. And lots of leather pants and vests.
Ryker has a bunch of secret demigod mojo, a nifty porting ability and major father-son issues.
The two of them have the emotional maturity of horny 13 year old kids. Everything turns into an argument, and then to lust, then to a lust-tainted argument. There's no, you know, effective communication? And the lust is very lackluster.
Neither is a sympathetic character: Kyana is prickly and pushy one minute, sappy and mushy the next. And Ryker is a supercilious, patronizing jackass who thinks he knows Kyana better than she knows herself (must be all those years of stalking, hmm?). Ends on a cliffhanger of sorts.
I will try the next book, because I already own it. But I don't have very high hopes. No more buying unknown authors on a whim!
December 5, 2017
While browsing for something to read, Ascension was among the many books I was thinking about reading. And I’ve been reading a lot of urban fantasy lately so I thought this sounded interesting.
The story is what drew me in and throughout the book, I did like the world building, the side characters and fast paced action.
But at the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. Mostly because of the MC. But she does get a little better once she and co teams up. For me that’s when the book actually got interesting.
So despite its flaws, I did like it and will at least give the other books in this series a read.
The story is what drew me in and throughout the book, I did like the world building, the side characters and fast paced action.
But at the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. Mostly because of the MC. But she does get a little better once she and co teams up. For me that’s when the book actually got interesting.
So despite its flaws, I did like it and will at least give the other books in this series a read.
April 2, 2019
Loved this series.
May 27, 2012
*Rating* 3.5
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Synopsis*
The gates of Tartarus are opened and allowing dangerous Dark Breeds (demons) to escape and feast on humans. Chosen humans who were picked to replace Gods like Ares, Artemis, and Hades are being killed at an alarming rate. The God Cronos has a massive following that wants nothing better than to raise him from his so called Death so that he can wreak havoc on his brothers and become the only true God. Human cities are slowly falling one by one, and a bastion of survivors find themselves living within Castillo de San Marcos in Saint Augustine, Florida.
*Review/Thoughts*
Ascension (Dark Breed # 1) is an interesting story that follows the exploits of half vampyre, half lychen Kyana Aslan. Kyana works as a tracker for the Order or Ancients and is the only real half breed that has been allowed to do so. Kyana has the ability to hold on to a scent for days without losing its potency. Kyana, even though she’s part vampyre, hasn’t fed on fresh blood in over 80 years. Kyana works for the Goddess of the Hunt Artemis and is the last half breed of her kind.
Upon learning that someone has stolen the Key to Tartarus, Kyana and her witch best friend Haven, are given a mission to find the key so that the gate can be closed once again. Kyana is reunited with her one-time love interest Ryker, son of Ares, who 10 years previously rejected her. That rejection has remained a thorn in Kyana’s side.
The world building is unique in the paranormal romance category. Ascension is set in a world that has been overrun by hells minions known as the Dark Breed. You could, in reality, call this a Dystopian genre novel since the world has been devastated by the Dark Breeds and the humans are struggling to survive thanks in large part to the efforts of Kyana and the hunters of the Order.
Sable Grace is a new author to me and I’ve read the reviews that have been all over the place from pure hatred to love. Me, I loved the use of the Greek mythology mixed with vampyre’s, lychens, witches and mystics. I loved the fact that there is an above where the humans live, below which is a sideways, or a parallel universe, as well as beyond which is where the Gods live on Olympus.
Kyana is an awesome character who isn’t afraid to get dirty and bloody. Her relationship with Ryker wasn’t thrust upon readers from page one. It was slowly built so that the feelings of both characters were taken into consideration. Kyana’s best friend Haven actually goes through a lot thanks to a bad decision by Kyana which will be carried right into the next book called Bedeviled.
I also liked the fact that Grace didn’t just expect readers to take her word on what happened to Kyana. She actually does a good job in describing what happened to Kyana and why she is a half lychen and half vampyre.
Overall, this was actually a decent start to a series and I am definitely looking forward to reading Bedeviled and then Chosen ASAP.
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Synopsis*
The gates of Tartarus are opened and allowing dangerous Dark Breeds (demons) to escape and feast on humans. Chosen humans who were picked to replace Gods like Ares, Artemis, and Hades are being killed at an alarming rate. The God Cronos has a massive following that wants nothing better than to raise him from his so called Death so that he can wreak havoc on his brothers and become the only true God. Human cities are slowly falling one by one, and a bastion of survivors find themselves living within Castillo de San Marcos in Saint Augustine, Florida.
*Review/Thoughts*
Ascension (Dark Breed # 1) is an interesting story that follows the exploits of half vampyre, half lychen Kyana Aslan. Kyana works as a tracker for the Order or Ancients and is the only real half breed that has been allowed to do so. Kyana has the ability to hold on to a scent for days without losing its potency. Kyana, even though she’s part vampyre, hasn’t fed on fresh blood in over 80 years. Kyana works for the Goddess of the Hunt Artemis and is the last half breed of her kind.
Upon learning that someone has stolen the Key to Tartarus, Kyana and her witch best friend Haven, are given a mission to find the key so that the gate can be closed once again. Kyana is reunited with her one-time love interest Ryker, son of Ares, who 10 years previously rejected her. That rejection has remained a thorn in Kyana’s side.
The world building is unique in the paranormal romance category. Ascension is set in a world that has been overrun by hells minions known as the Dark Breed. You could, in reality, call this a Dystopian genre novel since the world has been devastated by the Dark Breeds and the humans are struggling to survive thanks in large part to the efforts of Kyana and the hunters of the Order.
Sable Grace is a new author to me and I’ve read the reviews that have been all over the place from pure hatred to love. Me, I loved the use of the Greek mythology mixed with vampyre’s, lychens, witches and mystics. I loved the fact that there is an above where the humans live, below which is a sideways, or a parallel universe, as well as beyond which is where the Gods live on Olympus.
Kyana is an awesome character who isn’t afraid to get dirty and bloody. Her relationship with Ryker wasn’t thrust upon readers from page one. It was slowly built so that the feelings of both characters were taken into consideration. Kyana’s best friend Haven actually goes through a lot thanks to a bad decision by Kyana which will be carried right into the next book called Bedeviled.
I also liked the fact that Grace didn’t just expect readers to take her word on what happened to Kyana. She actually does a good job in describing what happened to Kyana and why she is a half lychen and half vampyre.
Overall, this was actually a decent start to a series and I am definitely looking forward to reading Bedeviled and then Chosen ASAP.
September 18, 2011
In her debut novel Sable Grace introduces the reader to a world that is still controlled by the Greek Gods, but have the vampires working for them in order to protect their Chosen:
Kyana is a rare breed, considered an abomination by some as she is Half Vampire half Lychen, but it is this combination that makes her the best Hunter within the Order. Kyana has embraced more of the vampire side of her, but when the Gates of Hell have been reopened she is going to have to rely on both sides in order to close the gate, protect those that she loves and keep herself alive. Although Kyana has been given help from the Gods, the Gods are becoming weak and there is more to the gates being open, it is a conspiracy in the true sense, destroy those in power, and there may be nothing that Kyana is able to do to stop them.
This book was okay, but I was not as entertained by the book compared to other debuts that I have read this year. There was something missing in this book that would move it from okay to great and I think that it was the overall flow of the story that did not work for me. It seemed too pieced together, that it lacked the natural flow to the story. I think that Grace was attempting to do too much and mix too many genre in order to achieve it. I commend Grace though, for trying something new and different in an over saturated paranormal genre but I think it was just too much to try in her debut
I found I was unable to connect with Kyana, the main character. She was too full of herself and fell into the typical female lead in this genre, which I wish that authors within this genre would get away from. She was headstrong, would not list to other people's opinions and had to prove that she could do everything herself. She is the best hunter in the Order yet she still felt like she had something to prove. Also I wasn't crazy about her interaction with Ryker, they are supposed to have history and heat and want for each other, but I never really believed it in their interactions. I think Ryker is an interesting character and his path with Ares I think will be interesting, I just do not see him and Kyana together.
I disliked where Grace ended the book. The novel was already short, there could have been one more push at the end there, instead of what I feel back to where they were in the beginning, but starting again. It felt like one big circle and Grace was unsure how and when to end the book, so she just decided to end it now. I think Grace could have continued the novel a little bit longer and started the Hunt in this book, I think it would have rounded out the book better and it would have left the book off in a better place.
This was an okay debut, but I think that I had more issues with the novel than likes. I think that once Grace is able to hit her stride as an author and does not try to do too much in her novels they will be a must read. I may read the next book within this series, but it is not on my Must Read list.
Cheers!!!
Kyana is a rare breed, considered an abomination by some as she is Half Vampire half Lychen, but it is this combination that makes her the best Hunter within the Order. Kyana has embraced more of the vampire side of her, but when the Gates of Hell have been reopened she is going to have to rely on both sides in order to close the gate, protect those that she loves and keep herself alive. Although Kyana has been given help from the Gods, the Gods are becoming weak and there is more to the gates being open, it is a conspiracy in the true sense, destroy those in power, and there may be nothing that Kyana is able to do to stop them.
This book was okay, but I was not as entertained by the book compared to other debuts that I have read this year. There was something missing in this book that would move it from okay to great and I think that it was the overall flow of the story that did not work for me. It seemed too pieced together, that it lacked the natural flow to the story. I think that Grace was attempting to do too much and mix too many genre in order to achieve it. I commend Grace though, for trying something new and different in an over saturated paranormal genre but I think it was just too much to try in her debut
I found I was unable to connect with Kyana, the main character. She was too full of herself and fell into the typical female lead in this genre, which I wish that authors within this genre would get away from. She was headstrong, would not list to other people's opinions and had to prove that she could do everything herself. She is the best hunter in the Order yet she still felt like she had something to prove. Also I wasn't crazy about her interaction with Ryker, they are supposed to have history and heat and want for each other, but I never really believed it in their interactions. I think Ryker is an interesting character and his path with Ares I think will be interesting, I just do not see him and Kyana together.
I disliked where Grace ended the book. The novel was already short, there could have been one more push at the end there, instead of what I feel back to where they were in the beginning, but starting again. It felt like one big circle and Grace was unsure how and when to end the book, so she just decided to end it now. I think Grace could have continued the novel a little bit longer and started the Hunt in this book, I think it would have rounded out the book better and it would have left the book off in a better place.
This was an okay debut, but I think that I had more issues with the novel than likes. I think that once Grace is able to hit her stride as an author and does not try to do too much in her novels they will be a must read. I may read the next book within this series, but it is not on my Must Read list.
Cheers!!!
April 28, 2011
When I started this book, I was not quite sure what to expect. I saw various ratings and reviews, and figured that I would give Ascension a try. I was heartily surprised to find that Sable Grace successfully fused myth, legend and fantasy to create a titillating new urban fantasy world. Ascension has a unique concept of the Gods of the greek pantheon who reign over the Above (earth where humans live) and Below (where otherworldly creatures live). I have always been a fan of greek mythology, so I enjoy reading about long-known gods and goddesses portrayed in a new way.
As for the characters, Kyana is fabulous. Kyana is a half-breed, half vampire-half lychen (wolf). Kyana begins the book as a lonely, glory-seeking tracer for the Artemis and the Order. She is primarily only good for finding people lost to the chaos in the war between the dark breeds and The Order. As the story progresses, Kyana’s true nature begins to show, and her desire for glory begins to be replaced by love of friends and the innocent. I like Ryker, a demi-god charged with helping Kyana on her new mission to save the world and recover the key to hell. Kyana and Ryker’s relationship is quite special. Theirs is not a spur-of-the-moment-attraction, it is a development of emotions. I like how they have sexually charged moments as well as soft, tender moments. Because of Ryker, Kyana has a chance to believe that not every male in the world is untrustworthy.
I have to admit, it took me a little while to grasp the concept of “the chosen”. The Chosen are people the God’s choose to succeed them, and I had a bit of a tough time really understanding it fully. As the book progressed, I began to get a better picture of the world created and the role The Chosen played. For the most part, the world building and the circumstances were explained very well, and I followed quite readily.
There are some major plot twists in Ascension. I was wholly unprepared for the last quarter or so of the book, I couldn’t put it down. I was literally burning the midnight oil. I love being surprised, and here I was shocked! The ending was pretty much a cliff-hanger, and I did not want the book to end. I am very much anticipating the next installment in the Dark Breed series.
I would classify Ascension as an urban fantasy novel, however it could also be classified as a paranormal romance. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal romance novels.
View this review and more at: http://booksavvybabe.blogspot.com
As for the characters, Kyana is fabulous. Kyana is a half-breed, half vampire-half lychen (wolf). Kyana begins the book as a lonely, glory-seeking tracer for the Artemis and the Order. She is primarily only good for finding people lost to the chaos in the war between the dark breeds and The Order. As the story progresses, Kyana’s true nature begins to show, and her desire for glory begins to be replaced by love of friends and the innocent. I like Ryker, a demi-god charged with helping Kyana on her new mission to save the world and recover the key to hell. Kyana and Ryker’s relationship is quite special. Theirs is not a spur-of-the-moment-attraction, it is a development of emotions. I like how they have sexually charged moments as well as soft, tender moments. Because of Ryker, Kyana has a chance to believe that not every male in the world is untrustworthy.
I have to admit, it took me a little while to grasp the concept of “the chosen”. The Chosen are people the God’s choose to succeed them, and I had a bit of a tough time really understanding it fully. As the book progressed, I began to get a better picture of the world created and the role The Chosen played. For the most part, the world building and the circumstances were explained very well, and I followed quite readily.
There are some major plot twists in Ascension. I was wholly unprepared for the last quarter or so of the book, I couldn’t put it down. I was literally burning the midnight oil. I love being surprised, and here I was shocked! The ending was pretty much a cliff-hanger, and I did not want the book to end. I am very much anticipating the next installment in the Dark Breed series.
I would classify Ascension as an urban fantasy novel, however it could also be classified as a paranormal romance. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal romance novels.
View this review and more at: http://booksavvybabe.blogspot.com
April 21, 2011
Kyana is a half-breed: part Lycan, part Vampyre… the only one of her kind. And since the gates to Tartarus have been unlocked, she has been tracking the dark beings that have escaped and are wreaking havoc on the human world. She is part of the Order, a group of supernaturals devoted to fighting and policing those of their own kind who do wrong. Ky is a great tracker, and frankly that’s a good thing, since her job is really the only thing in her life, aside from her best friend Haven.
As our book begins, the Fates and the goddess Artemis tap Haven for a special job: to find the key that can lock the doors to Tartarus and re-imprison the members of the Dark Breed who have escaped. Ky is willing, but things get more complicated when they tell her she’ll have to work with Ryker, a demi-god who rejected her long ago. She is still attracted to him and feels the sting of his denial. What she doesn’t realize is, Ryker wanted her then and he still wants her now. He only rejected her proposition for a meaningless affair because he knew he needed more from her. He knew he would be the mate she wasn’t ready to accept.
There is a fair amount of world-building necessary here. We’ve got a book filled with Greek gods, Titans, vampires, lycans, zombies, mystics, and witches. They interact on earth, “below” and in the realm of the gods. Personally, I didn’t have trouble keeping it straight. I thought it was all integrated quite easily into the story. The plot was pretty straight-forward and the characters clearly defined.
I liked Kyana. She’s tough and independent, though that comes from living a difficult life. She’s been through a lot, and it has made her strong, but also hard. Her feelings for Ryker seem genuine, but it’s clear he feels more for her. She just doesn’t know how to love someone… or more to the point, she doesn’t know how to be loved. This is definitely more Urban Fantasy than Paranormal Romance, but I found the relationship between Ky and Ryker to be book’s center for me. The action was great, but I wanted to see Ryker break down Ky's walls. The sex was pretty good, though not blush-worthy. And I feel like they’re on the right track. But this book does NOT have a neat ending. There is a lot left hanging for the impending sequel. So don’t expect a HEA. Kyana isn’t there yet. But I’m left with the hope that she’ll get there... in time. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
As our book begins, the Fates and the goddess Artemis tap Haven for a special job: to find the key that can lock the doors to Tartarus and re-imprison the members of the Dark Breed who have escaped. Ky is willing, but things get more complicated when they tell her she’ll have to work with Ryker, a demi-god who rejected her long ago. She is still attracted to him and feels the sting of his denial. What she doesn’t realize is, Ryker wanted her then and he still wants her now. He only rejected her proposition for a meaningless affair because he knew he needed more from her. He knew he would be the mate she wasn’t ready to accept.
There is a fair amount of world-building necessary here. We’ve got a book filled with Greek gods, Titans, vampires, lycans, zombies, mystics, and witches. They interact on earth, “below” and in the realm of the gods. Personally, I didn’t have trouble keeping it straight. I thought it was all integrated quite easily into the story. The plot was pretty straight-forward and the characters clearly defined.
I liked Kyana. She’s tough and independent, though that comes from living a difficult life. She’s been through a lot, and it has made her strong, but also hard. Her feelings for Ryker seem genuine, but it’s clear he feels more for her. She just doesn’t know how to love someone… or more to the point, she doesn’t know how to be loved. This is definitely more Urban Fantasy than Paranormal Romance, but I found the relationship between Ky and Ryker to be book’s center for me. The action was great, but I wanted to see Ryker break down Ky's walls. The sex was pretty good, though not blush-worthy. And I feel like they’re on the right track. But this book does NOT have a neat ending. There is a lot left hanging for the impending sequel. So don’t expect a HEA. Kyana isn’t there yet. But I’m left with the hope that she’ll get there... in time. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
May 5, 2011
The gates of hell have been opened, unleashing evil on humanity and the Gods of Olympus are powerless to stop them. Their powers are fading and their replacements are being systematically murdered, and all will soon be lost unless Kyana, and tracer's like her, can find the Chosen, and close the gates of hell.
After a slow start, as Sable Grace establishes a multi level world crowded with Greek gods, witches, vampires, lycans, demons and more, the pace begins to accelerate and I was drawn into this well crafted story that blends dark urban fantasy with romance. With plenty of action, angst and romance the plot is complex yet uncomplicated.
Kyana, a half breed, and one of the best tracer's for the Order of the Ancients, is charged with finding the key to Hell. Kyanna is all defiant attitude and kick ass ability which is admirable, but not immediately likeable, until the details of her tragic background emerge. The knowledge exposes her vulnerabilities and gives her motivations necessary context.
Ryker, the son of Ares, is tasked to keep Kyana, who has a tendency to act first and think later, in line. Having previously tangled, Kyana is furious at being saddled with Ryker but the antagonism between the two hides a mutual attraction. I enjoyed the banter between the two, and found the development of their relationship satisfying, even though it is ultimately incomplete. The two form a good partnership, and Ryker has that appealing mix of Alpha ability and romantic sensitivity.
The supporting characters include Geoff and Haven, both who have pivotal roles at the climax of the story.
Ascension is a strong start to the Dark Breed series, it's approach is interesting and it provides an opportunity for it to grow in several directions. Urban fantasy fans will likely enjoy this exciting addition to the genre.
After a slow start, as Sable Grace establishes a multi level world crowded with Greek gods, witches, vampires, lycans, demons and more, the pace begins to accelerate and I was drawn into this well crafted story that blends dark urban fantasy with romance. With plenty of action, angst and romance the plot is complex yet uncomplicated.
Kyana, a half breed, and one of the best tracer's for the Order of the Ancients, is charged with finding the key to Hell. Kyanna is all defiant attitude and kick ass ability which is admirable, but not immediately likeable, until the details of her tragic background emerge. The knowledge exposes her vulnerabilities and gives her motivations necessary context.
Ryker, the son of Ares, is tasked to keep Kyana, who has a tendency to act first and think later, in line. Having previously tangled, Kyana is furious at being saddled with Ryker but the antagonism between the two hides a mutual attraction. I enjoyed the banter between the two, and found the development of their relationship satisfying, even though it is ultimately incomplete. The two form a good partnership, and Ryker has that appealing mix of Alpha ability and romantic sensitivity.
The supporting characters include Geoff and Haven, both who have pivotal roles at the climax of the story.
Ascension is a strong start to the Dark Breed series, it's approach is interesting and it provides an opportunity for it to grow in several directions. Urban fantasy fans will likely enjoy this exciting addition to the genre.
July 3, 2011
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Reviewer: pamelalynne
Not only is Kyana a rare breed, half Lychen and half Vampyre, but she is also the last of her kind. She does not have a big love for all mortals, but she is determined to prove her worth by working for the Order of Ancients and saving the ones she can. Kyana's latest assignment is to recover a key. It seems someone got a hold of said key and has opened the gates to hell. Now all manner of the Dark Breed are crossing over and they will wreak havoc on earth. Not completely trusting her to do the job on her own lands Kyana with an unwelcome partner, Ryker.
Ryker is a demigod, son of Ares, God of war. He and Kyana have crossed paths before, and there is no love lost between them. Working together is going to be tough, but Ryker is ready and able to complete the task ahead of them. A little trip to a certain island leaves them all in shock after discovering the magnitude of the situation they all face. Ryker and Kyana fight their feelings at every turn, but in the end, their connection just may be what saves them.
ASCENSION, the first book in the DARK BREED series by Sable Grace is the best book of any genre I have read this year. Look out, paranormal authors, you might just have some competition. Sable Grace ranks high on my authors to read list. ASCENSION is a page-turner. I finished it in one sitting; it was that good. The plot is unique and captivating. I have never read a paranormal involving gods and goddesses and I must say I was impressed. I could not have asked for better characters, both primary and secondary. Kyana is a kick-butt heroine and Ryker is one sexy alpha male. I cannot wait to read more about them as well as their friends, Geoff and Haven. I look forward to reading Ms. Grace's next novel.
Reviewer: pamelalynne
Not only is Kyana a rare breed, half Lychen and half Vampyre, but she is also the last of her kind. She does not have a big love for all mortals, but she is determined to prove her worth by working for the Order of Ancients and saving the ones she can. Kyana's latest assignment is to recover a key. It seems someone got a hold of said key and has opened the gates to hell. Now all manner of the Dark Breed are crossing over and they will wreak havoc on earth. Not completely trusting her to do the job on her own lands Kyana with an unwelcome partner, Ryker.
Ryker is a demigod, son of Ares, God of war. He and Kyana have crossed paths before, and there is no love lost between them. Working together is going to be tough, but Ryker is ready and able to complete the task ahead of them. A little trip to a certain island leaves them all in shock after discovering the magnitude of the situation they all face. Ryker and Kyana fight their feelings at every turn, but in the end, their connection just may be what saves them.
ASCENSION, the first book in the DARK BREED series by Sable Grace is the best book of any genre I have read this year. Look out, paranormal authors, you might just have some competition. Sable Grace ranks high on my authors to read list. ASCENSION is a page-turner. I finished it in one sitting; it was that good. The plot is unique and captivating. I have never read a paranormal involving gods and goddesses and I must say I was impressed. I could not have asked for better characters, both primary and secondary. Kyana is a kick-butt heroine and Ryker is one sexy alpha male. I cannot wait to read more about them as well as their friends, Geoff and Haven. I look forward to reading Ms. Grace's next novel.
May 23, 2011
In Ascension, we get the mixture of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal and Greek Gods all rolled into one book! In the debut novel by Sable Grace, action is brought with different types of creatures and Gods mixed together.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time enjoying this book. With an overdose of paranormal creatures and too much story to be told, I couldn't find a foothold on the book to base any feelings for the characters on. If there wouldn't have been so much going on with so many different creatures, I might have felt more connected to the main characters. By the time the book started picking up and the action progressed, I had lost interest in the characters and the plot that was suppose to be interesting.
Kyana is a kick ass heroine and can fight with the best of them, but she never really captured me in the feelings department. Ryker had more of an emotional impact than Kyana. Being the son of Ares, he was constantly struggling with being a better soldier and being better emotionally. It created a great angst for him, but again, I still didn't feel a connection with him.
Overall I didn't enjoy this book that much. As a debut book, I can understand the author trying to set up the world in the first book. Although the author goes to great extremes in this, it dragged the book down and left the reader with too much in their heads to absorb and not enough to connect with the characters. I will give the next book in the series a try though since the setting is now set up for this world. Maybe in the next book it won't be as bad since we already know the basis for the world in this story. Maybe in the next book I can finally find that connection with main characters that I love to have!
Unfortunately, I had a hard time enjoying this book. With an overdose of paranormal creatures and too much story to be told, I couldn't find a foothold on the book to base any feelings for the characters on. If there wouldn't have been so much going on with so many different creatures, I might have felt more connected to the main characters. By the time the book started picking up and the action progressed, I had lost interest in the characters and the plot that was suppose to be interesting.
Kyana is a kick ass heroine and can fight with the best of them, but she never really captured me in the feelings department. Ryker had more of an emotional impact than Kyana. Being the son of Ares, he was constantly struggling with being a better soldier and being better emotionally. It created a great angst for him, but again, I still didn't feel a connection with him.
Overall I didn't enjoy this book that much. As a debut book, I can understand the author trying to set up the world in the first book. Although the author goes to great extremes in this, it dragged the book down and left the reader with too much in their heads to absorb and not enough to connect with the characters. I will give the next book in the series a try though since the setting is now set up for this world. Maybe in the next book it won't be as bad since we already know the basis for the world in this story. Maybe in the next book I can finally find that connection with main characters that I love to have!
July 24, 2012
A unique UF that never became a truly great experience, Ascension has been dragged down by a few problems:
- a never-ending stop and go in the action,
- a heavy dose of Greek mythology that didn't sound completely true,
- a changing Pov,
- interesting characters that nevertheless are not as unique as the world the authors have created.
The action and the plot were interesting, but the "romance" kept interrupting the action giving the stop-and-go effect I wrote about earlier. You were in the middle of a fight to avoid the end of the world and the two stopped to moon one over the other for pages. :( And to make things worse, the romance in itself isn't real. The two met ten years ago. Did they have a flirt, a love story, a fling? No, he turned her down for a one night stand. How this humiliation is supposed to be love? Well I didn't get it. But maybe you do... :)
I absolutely love Greek mythology (I grew up with it. As a teenager I even tried to keep a family tree of gods and goddess... yes, you can snort..) A few things made me raise my eyebrows. Again, probably nothing that will disturb you.
I'm not used to a changing Pov in UF. Here we have the pov of both the hero and heroine. At times it was confusing, but mostly it made a ass of the hero.
Both of them were likeable, but nothing you haven't found in other UF. I can't really think of anything that'll make them stand out.
- a never-ending stop and go in the action,
- a heavy dose of Greek mythology that didn't sound completely true,
- a changing Pov,
- interesting characters that nevertheless are not as unique as the world the authors have created.
The action and the plot were interesting, but the "romance" kept interrupting the action giving the stop-and-go effect I wrote about earlier. You were in the middle of a fight to avoid the end of the world and the two stopped to moon one over the other for pages. :( And to make things worse, the romance in itself isn't real. The two met ten years ago. Did they have a flirt, a love story, a fling? No, he turned her down for a one night stand. How this humiliation is supposed to be love? Well I didn't get it. But maybe you do... :)
I absolutely love Greek mythology (I grew up with it. As a teenager I even tried to keep a family tree of gods and goddess... yes, you can snort..) A few things made me raise my eyebrows. Again, probably nothing that will disturb you.
I'm not used to a changing Pov in UF. Here we have the pov of both the hero and heroine. At times it was confusing, but mostly it made a ass of the hero.
Both of them were likeable, but nothing you haven't found in other UF. I can't really think of anything that'll make them stand out.
March 21, 2011
When I first saw this book, I thought this would be more along more common urban fantasy type vampire books. I was mistaken and I was in for one great read! While we get the regular world that is under attack, we also have two other places referred to as Below and Beyond which were very fun to explore.
What I loved about this, aside from not being a typical vampire story, is that it incorporated the Greek Gods. I love Greek Mythology and I love paranormal books that can incorporate them into the storyline. What I liked is the twist that was thrown in about a God no so often written in, and I have to give my props to the author for this! I can't wait to see how it continues in the next book. I loved Kyana and Ryker, I thought they were great characters. I loved the trouble they got into as well.
This novel had all the makings of a great story. Even better was the fact that I didn't want to put this down and it kept me engaged through the entire story. Wonderful writing! I can't wait for the next book!
What I loved about this, aside from not being a typical vampire story, is that it incorporated the Greek Gods. I love Greek Mythology and I love paranormal books that can incorporate them into the storyline. What I liked is the twist that was thrown in about a God no so often written in, and I have to give my props to the author for this! I can't wait to see how it continues in the next book. I loved Kyana and Ryker, I thought they were great characters. I loved the trouble they got into as well.
This novel had all the makings of a great story. Even better was the fact that I didn't want to put this down and it kept me engaged through the entire story. Wonderful writing! I can't wait for the next book!
June 26, 2012
So I'm sorta in the middle in regards to how I feel about "Ascension" ... It was well written, and well drawn out...so kudos to the writers for that...
But I wasn't too fond of the heroine. She pissed me off for most of the plot...she was just so freaking abrasive and aggravating....by the end she wasn't as bad, but I still couldn't like her......and her bff, a major secondary character was just a little too dainty and sweet for me to really like...I did like most of the other characters though... And I loved most of the storyline...right up til the final chapters, when an action taken by the h, shoves Haven ( the BFF) to a somewhat starring role that annoyed me to no end.... I can't explain why, it just didn't work for me.
So the first 3/4s of the book gets 4 stars, the ending gets 2, and I'm hoping I'lll like the next book better (though I don't think I'll be in a hurry to read it)
But I wasn't too fond of the heroine. She pissed me off for most of the plot...she was just so freaking abrasive and aggravating....by the end she wasn't as bad, but I still couldn't like her......and her bff, a major secondary character was just a little too dainty and sweet for me to really like...I did like most of the other characters though... And I loved most of the storyline...right up til the final chapters, when an action taken by the h, shoves Haven ( the BFF) to a somewhat starring role that annoyed me to no end.... I can't explain why, it just didn't work for me.
So the first 3/4s of the book gets 4 stars, the ending gets 2, and I'm hoping I'lll like the next book better (though I don't think I'll be in a hurry to read it)
February 3, 2011
We meet a nice paring of talented authors for this book. I would have to say that when I started reading it, it reminded me of another author's perspective on the Gods of Greece. But as I read through the story I found that there are different.
I enjoyed the by-play of the characters and there is good development of them in the story line. I did notice that there was a bit of back history that makes one feel that there are stories before this one.
I could feel the pain of the main character, Kyana, a human turned Vampire-Werewolf; who tries to put herself off as a hard ass, and is really still struggling with her past. She makes some headways with her love interest, Rkyer, the son of Ares and a human female.
I would be willing to continue reading the series to see where it takes us, the reader, to.
I enjoyed the by-play of the characters and there is good development of them in the story line. I did notice that there was a bit of back history that makes one feel that there are stories before this one.
I could feel the pain of the main character, Kyana, a human turned Vampire-Werewolf; who tries to put herself off as a hard ass, and is really still struggling with her past. She makes some headways with her love interest, Rkyer, the son of Ares and a human female.
I would be willing to continue reading the series to see where it takes us, the reader, to.
May 14, 2012
The urban fantasy genre has really boomed during the past ten years. This writing duo has created their fantasy world by mixing the rather standard, vampires, werewolves, witches and even zombies (though here they are Vampyres, Lychen, Witches and Leeches) with a twist on Greek mythology. This definitely made for a unique premise - though not rooted solidly enough in traditional Greek mythology to be completely convincing. The characters did not really stand out, and while the plot was interesting enough, there were never any genuinely thrilling moments. The romance didn’t feel authentically paced, and wasn’t very captivating. The largest hindrance to enjoying this book, however, was entirely due to the constant and quite abrupt shifts in point-of-view.
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