Review: Ascension by Caris Roane

I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to pick-up this book.  I’m not a huge fan of vampires and when I read this story contained vampires with wings, well, I didn’t really know what to expect.  But of course, curiosity got the best of me and I started reading.

I’m so glad I did!

Ascension by Caris Roane is one of those unique paranormal romances that gives its readers more than romance. It provides the reader with a world to become immersed in, a group of friends to get to know, and a visceral fantasy that includes multiple dimensions both of space and thought. This novel, quite frankly, is an intelligent romance.

Ascension, with its cast of characters, reminds me of the historical romances of old. Remember those? Where not only did we have the pleasure of focusing on the main characters’ love story, but also became absorbed in the time period with all its historical figures, political intrigues, societal rules, and unique exceptions. I don’t know about you, but I miss those. Thankfully, this book has it all.

The heroine, Alison Wells, is an interesting combination of guts and reality-based fears and limitations. She is a mortal psychologist who in the process of “ascending” to Second Earth, a second dimension where those with powers dwell. The vampire part? That is simply what these ascenders change into, but it does play a specific role in sex as well as in determining the good and evil factions of Second Earth.

Alison, however, is more powerful than any ascendiate in centuries, so the opposing faction of Second Earth is anxious to eliminate her before her ascension.  This is why the hero, Kerrick, is so important. Kerrick is Alison’s Guardian of Ascension, and he is all we want in our heroes. He’s strong beyond belief, the best skilled warrior of the seven, is emotionally scarred after his second wife and children were killed by the opposition, and he has this small weakness; unlike his brother warriors, he cannot fold.  Folding is when a warrior thinks of where he wants to be and then he appears there, a rather crucial basic skill of Second Earth.  Luckily for us, Kerrick’s position as Guardian means he must stay with Alison constantly which results in all kinds of romantic sparks J

This romance is complex in an exciting way. It pulls the reader in to learn of the multi-dimensional worlds, the players of the forces of good and evil, the Warriors of the Blood brotherhood and their unique personalities, and the intricate symbiotic relationship between Mortal Earth and Second while providing a ride that includes the tension of danger, the excitement of battles, and, what I love, the promise of more to come.   

Plus, at the heart and soul of this novel is a love story between two believable characters. Their romance is spawned by close proximity, danger, trust, personal insecurities, support, a crazy attraction, and the breh-hedden, a mate bonding ritual that is considered myth. When these two lovers decide to give into their attraction, watch out, as the heat from their intimate scenes is increased by their unique abilities.  This beautifully woven romance and new worldliness is so well done, it simply makes this book a “Wow.”

If you like to be completely immersed in your romance novels with your mind racing and your heart melting, then you will truly enjoy Ascension. Once you dive into this book, you will be hooked into the series and will hope it never ends.  At least that was my experience. I’m so thrilled that book #2 of this series, Burning Skies, was released yesterday. This is one reader who plans to read every single installment of the Guardians of Ascension!

Alexis

I'm very excited to have this author Caris Roane visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts this Sunday, May 1st. What better way to celebrate May Day!  Stop by on Sunday to say "hi" and ask questions :-)