Ascension

by A S Fenichel

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

I kind of loved Ascension! It's super fun, quite exciting, and a bit sexy. Plus it's a wonderful mix of Regency Romance and Urban Fantasy! Lady Belinda has been a demon hunter for the past two years without her fiance knowing. Gabriel is recently back from the war in France, and he's understandably confused about the changes in her. She keeps pushing him away, and she sneaks about at night, coming home dirty and disheveled. Then one evening, Gabriel hires a hack and follows her, where he witnesses his beloved murder a man! At least, he believes it's a man, until Belinda takes him hunting the following night to prove her sanity after revealing that demons roam the streets. From there, the two work side by side to rid London of evil, while also trying to stop the so-called "master" from entering their world.

Ascension is very enjoyable from page one! It did start to lose me a bit near the end, but by that point, my mind was already made up, so it didn't matter too much. I loved how Belinda and Gabriel weren't the typical lady and gentlemen, and not just because they fight demons. Belinda has gotten a taste of gender equality within the Company, and the life the ton expects her to live is no longer appealing. She cannot just sit back sewing when she can be helping. Gabriel is completely devoted to Belinda, and is willing to put aside his fears to let her do what she loves. Sure, he'd love to have her safe at home, but he knows their marriage won't be a happy one if that was the case. I adored them together! I loved that they fought (like, physically, but not to harm) and they had some great chemistry!

The plot of Ascension was also pretty good. It's nothing too new or special, but I enjoyed it. There's been news of large gatherings of demons and disappearing humans, so this is what Belinda and her partners are investigating. Belinda herself is nearly kidnapped (for the second time) and they have to wonder why she's been targeted. Of course there's some huge event coming up and they need to stop it. Like I said, not terribly original, but I was into it.

In the end, I really liked Ascension. Paranormal plus Historical is a combination that continues to work really well for me, and I'm eager for the next installment! Hopefully it's about Lilian and Reece, but I'd also be happy with Serena and Douglass!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.