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A review by icanreadish
Ascension by S.T. Gibson
4.5
I'm thrilled to have the second part of this series by S.T. Gibson. Evocation - the first - was an incredibly fun read, and while Ascension is (somehow??) darker in tone, it's just as gripping and enjoyable to get through.
The first followed David, and took it's time to establish the magic system alongside some light worldbuilding. However, the bulk of Gibson's attention and plot development centered around the love triangle / developing polyamorous relationship between the core three main characters: David, his ex Rhys and Rhys's wife Moira. In this follow-up - which doesn't have to be read back to back with the first since we mostly have a different plot altogether - we center on Rhys, who grapples with overwhelming power, self doubt, and jealousy. We also get tastier worldbuilding with the kick-off Plot Problem of a rogue (? possibly!) sorcerer who's public display draws attention to the world of the occult. As the leader of the Society, Rhys grapples with the issue of navigating his new leadership role with his desire to remain private since he's not "out" (as bisexual or a sorcerer) to his normie parents.
Rhys was so fun to follow. He's ridiculously relatable and thoughtfully flawed, but his hunger and ambition drive the plot forward. (he's not as immediately lovable as billionaire playboy philanthropist David, but his prickly nature and industriousness are just, ugh, so endearing sdkljf he tries so hard!!!!!! he does so well!!!!!! ish) David and Moira get their own time to shine - though, disappointingly, I found Moira less present in this one than in the first novel (confusingly, since she's Rhys's wife and soulmate. The bulk of Gibson's romance drama centers around David and Rhys, so I hope the third in this series really allows Moira to step forward, as I'm curious for what her story will unfold to be.)
Wonderful. Wicked fun. Cozy and suspenseful and delicious.
Big thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for a review.
The first followed David, and took it's time to establish the magic system alongside some light worldbuilding. However, the bulk of Gibson's attention and plot development centered around the love triangle / developing polyamorous relationship between the core three main characters: David, his ex Rhys and Rhys's wife Moira. In this follow-up - which doesn't have to be read back to back with the first since we mostly have a different plot altogether - we center on Rhys, who grapples with overwhelming power, self doubt, and jealousy. We also get tastier worldbuilding with the kick-off Plot Problem of a rogue (? possibly!) sorcerer who's public display draws attention to the world of the occult. As the leader of the Society, Rhys grapples with the issue of navigating his new leadership role with his desire to remain private since he's not "out" (as bisexual or a sorcerer) to his normie parents.
Rhys was so fun to follow. He's ridiculously relatable and thoughtfully flawed, but his hunger and ambition drive the plot forward. (he's not as immediately lovable as billionaire playboy philanthropist David, but his prickly nature and industriousness are just, ugh, so endearing sdkljf he tries so hard!!!!!! he does so well!!!!!! ish) David and Moira get their own time to shine - though, disappointingly, I found Moira less present in this one than in the first novel (confusingly, since she's Rhys's wife and soulmate. The bulk of Gibson's romance drama centers around David and Rhys, so I hope the third in this series really allows Moira to step forward, as I'm curious for what her story will unfold to be.)
Wonderful. Wicked fun. Cozy and suspenseful and delicious.
Big thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for a review.