Hello Everyone! It is a new week and time to complete this series for reviews. Let’s go!
Customary warning: This is a reminder that these are my personal opinions. My thoughts and feelings are not your thoughts and feelings. I may not always be the target audience for a book; sometimes I am. If I do not like a book, that doesn’t mean you’ll dislike it. If I love a book or simply like a book, you may hate it. Take everything I say with this knowledge. If it sounds interesting to you despite what I’ve said, then go ahead and read it. You’ll only know you like something if you read it yourself.
That being said… Spoilers ahead.
As She Ascends by Jodi Meadows
Synopsis From The Book
Mira has always been a symbol of hope for the Fallen Isles, perfect and beautiful—or at least that’s how she’s forced to appear. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret, Mira is betrayed by those closest to her and sentenced to the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles.
Except Mira is over being a pawn. Fighting to survive against outer threats and inner demons of mental illness, Mira must find her inner fire and the scorching truth about her own endangered magic—before her very world collapses.
And that’s all before she ignites.
Initial Thoughts Before Reading:
After reading the first one, I have a bit of an idea where this series is headed. I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the pages of the novel (after all, she has the whole world as her enemy). Lets see where this pans out!
Initial Thoughts After Reading:
AHHHHHHH What an ending. Oh my lord. After al the naysayers, the gods rose and I was on the edge of my seat. This book was packed. Fights, a horrifying storm, identity theft, lying parents, the whole thing. This book was an adrenaline rush, and a panic attack mixed into one (which works because Mira has an anxiety disorder, as well as a compulsion disorder for counting). This book was an adventure and for that reason I rate it higher than one.
Plot Overview:
The book picks up moments after book 1 ended. Those who escaped are trying to survive. Mira is almost killed by a man (who was sent to the prison for almost killing her). Mira makes a mistake and Hristo almost loses his hand. Gerel heals him best she can but he will have probable permanent loss in fingers. The group hide out in a cabin. That night a hurricane comes and only by hiding in a tub all together, can they survive.
From there they try to found a town. They go to the town of people who were unable to become warriors. They are escorted out. Mira learns more of her powers, and they get passage on a ship. The ship takes them to another island. Mira tries to find out about their dragons, and sees that they were being taken too. She then learns of an imposter, Trita, and goes to stop her. She explodes in flames and Aaru stops her again. She and Aaru then begin training their gifts more.
The group splits, with Gerel and Chenda going to find out more on the empire. Mira goes home and discovers that her parents did know. An explosion kills their government and they are forced to flee. Mira is able to escape with her friends and sister. They travel by boat again with a large dragon traveling after them. Aaru and Mira share a kiss.
They are rejoined by Gerel and Chenda and join with Altan. The group travels to the place where the dragons are being kept. They release the dragons and the gods awake.
What I Liked:
Mira x Aaru; This couple was a slow burn. It was the sort of slow burn that made my heart leap. I knew Mira was doomed to love him when she touched his face the first time. No, when he spoke to her for the first time. Then they were devoted. They cared. They were kind and I watched as they fell in love. Then when they were in love, they took their time to kiss. This was brilliant and I can not wait to see how this continues to go.
Chenda; She was introduced in book one, but it was in this book that I fully became enthralled with her. She is dedicated to her islands and I find that admirable.
Great Abandonment; I never doubted that this was a reality. However, I did not expect the gods to actually rise from the ocean. All of the terrors caused by their abandonment of humanity has me shaking. It was scary and enthralling. This use of gods and religion is really well done, in general.
Chenda x Gerel; Their relationship developed and its cute. I can’t wait to see how they continue to work with each other.
Expansion of characters; They were all expanded, in general, and that was nice to see. From Mira’s parents, to her best friends. The details given about them was nice to see, and helped with the plot in many ways.
Mira’s development; Our girl is growing and changing and I adore it. She will be a strong ruler in the end, I know it, and seeing her become that person is great. As is watching her learn her powers and her living with her anxiety.
Aaru’s expansion; We got so many chapters on his past. I loved that. I wasn’t expecting it, but seeing how his life was, it’s heart breaking. His culture is so different, and I wanted to see more.
Expansion of cultures; We got so many more cultures as well as more information on each of them. Their holy texts and the ways that they function, were described. I was excited to read all about them. This was fantastic.
What I Would Have Liked or Changed:
I wish Aaru could have been able to get home and sprout more revolt for women’s reforms. To see his family, to hold them, to fight back without words. I really hope there are survivors. Please.
Time Taken To Read
2hrs 46min
Rating: 5/5
Notable Quotes:
“No one gets stronger all at once. It happens in pieces, and the hurts with the deepest roots take the longest to heal.” – pg 172
“Imperfections reveal true beauty.” – pg 186 (This line is said by one character before, but it holds more impact at this moment)
Marlena Marie 
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