How can I review a book when I’m so poleaxed by the ending? I did not see that connection coming for even a second and it was exhilarating! Kudos to Bree and Parker for creating such a truly brilliant book. I read a lot, a lot a lot, and everything felt fresh and new and invigorating in a way I seldom feel having such a high consumption rate of literature.

Thais and her twin brother Thatcher are mortals living under the shadow of gods. Occasionally, mortals are born with divine powers and are forced into competing to prove their eligibility for godhood. To ascend, they must win their trials. Thais has been hiding her powers for 26 years before one fateful night throws her into the path for ascension. The story that follows is filled with twists and turns. Who can you trust? Who is hiding their intentions?

I utterly devoured this one. Just nom nom nommed it right up and I’m so greedy for more. Thank you to NetGalley, Bree Grenwich, Parker Lennox and Onyx Publishing for gifting me this eARC. My views are wholly my own.

SIX STARS, DON’T TALK TO ME.

This book swallowed me whole, chewed me up, and spit me out a different person. I haven’t been this obsessed since starting Throne of Glass and yes, I know that’s a bold claim but I stand by it with my whole chest. Over 800 pages and not once did I want to put it down.

The deadly trials for the right to ascend pushed every limit, the twin bond was a thread of love so tender but strong, the meddling gods turned the trials into a battlefield of power and chaos, the divine abilities wove a richness into the story that felt otherworldly, and the slow-burn romance unraveled with such aching intensity it was impossible to put down the book.

Thais is EVERYTHING. She’s fierce, selfless, and so human in her choices, and the way her love radiates?? Unreal. Add in Xul, Thatcher, and Marx… yeah, tens all around.

The story is intricate, wild, layered, and still digestible! ot’s the exact kind of fantasy I’ve been desperate for. Parker & Bree planted little seeds all throughout and then detonated them in that ending. My jaw? Still on the floor.

If you haven’t read Riftborne and Dusbound first, do yourself a favor and fix that before picking this up.

So thankful for this ARC! The Ascended releases October 7 and I will be feral until everyone else reads it too.

is there an infinity star option on here? asking for a friend…and by friend i mean myself…

where do i begin? should i start with the amazing character arcs across the board, both main characters and side characters, or the intricate plot lines with sprinkles of foreshadowing that had me gripping my kindle with anticipation? OR! maybe the deep emotional connection i feel towards each of the characters you follow because of how intimate you get with their backstories and how that contributes to their current day self…hand me the mic, i can go on.

let’s start off with the amazing character arcs. it doesn’t matter if the character in question is one of the main ones you follow or a side character that pops in here and there, they are all fleshed out so beautifully. whether it be rooting for their success or praying for their downfall, i was so attached to each of their storylines.

then, we have the intricate plot lines. GOOD GOLLY. i highlighted so much of this book, trying to keep track of any minuscule detail of information that might have been thrown my way and i was still GOBSMACKED by the end. as i sit here and write this review i am still reeling from the events that unfolded. i keep thinking back to certain parts of the book like “wait hold up!!!” because it all comes back together.

now, the emotional connection i have with these characters? THEY LIVE IN MY HEART. thais is so strong and fiercely independent (maybe to a fault) but it tugged at my heart strings so much seeing the lengths she would go for the ones she loves (it’s me, hi!). thatcher (MY SHEALAAAAA) is my sweet baby. as the oldest of 4 and having 3 younger brothers, thatcher tugged at my older sister heartstrings…i adore him with my whole heart. xül??? I WILL DEFEND THAT MAN UNTIL MY LAST DYING BREATH. he’s misunderstood, harboring deep wounds and trying his best to navigate his two worlds while protecting himself…HE NEEDS A HUG AND A BIG OL’ KISS ON THE FOREHEAD. if you differ in my thoughts on these characters (especially xül), argue with the wall cause you’re wrong AHAHA.

anyway, i’m obsessed. i fear a huge reading slump in my future. do i have any regrets? absolutely not. this book ate and left NO CRUMBS.