REVIEW: Ascension by S.T. Gibson

Genius! This book is a great addition to this series. I feel as though I have been along for the ride as these characters have grown, changed and “become”…what? I’m not spoiling anything. 

This series is rich and engaging. Odd Spirits was book 0.5, then the second book Evocation brought things to a fever pitch. Now Ascension reveals even more about the magical talents of the cast and what’s important to each of them.

Newly anointed high priest Rhys is feeling the pressure as he acclimatizes to his new role. Struggling with self-doubt and insecurity, Rhys searches for something that will bring him contentment and a sense of fulfillment. He wonders if power is the answer, but he knows that not all paths to such power are good. In this third instalment of the Summoner’s Circle Series, Rhys’ choices lead him to the brink of losing everything he has worked so hard for – perhaps everyone he loves.

The magic in the book is delightful. It’s clear the author has invested a lot of time in research into every aspect of the magics that are practised. Each of the main characters vary in their magical talents and I really enjoy the variety of way they learn to work with one another to overcome the challenges they face.

The main characters are fascinating… they’re all so different and yet they fit together seamlessly. 

David carries with his amazing natural scrying abilities the weight of an unpleasant family history and his father’s indomitable presence in the magical field. He is also the boyfriend of Rhys… they’ve known each other for years – originally college roommates – they are strikingly different and yet…there’s something about them together that works. 

As confident as David is, Rhys always seems to be on unstable footing. He knows he is loved, but there’s something missing that makes him take chances that endanger him and everything around him. As loved as he is by both his wife and his boyfriend, Rhys seems to doubt his worth. I love the way this character is written because I never find myself feeling sorry for him. Sympathy? Yes, but only because he seems to be fighting to keep his head above water.

And Moira! Oh Moira- she is my favourite character I’ve come across in a very long time. I love that she is strong, independent, loving and fierce and a remarkable practitioner of magic. She is led by her heart, buoyed up by her natural magical skill and fiercely protective of what matters to her. Moira is also uncompromising to the point of being willing to let go of what she loves if it becomes too much of a danger.

One of the things I love about this series is the complexity of the characters and the dynamics of their relationship. It’s rare to see a poly relationship explored so well and in such intimate detail. I have found the interactions of all the characters in this series to be quite interesting – I suppose because they are quite authentic feeling. Gibson explores love in its many forms, jealousy, growth and transformation. I feel as though I have been party to witnessing the growth of the relationship between the main characters and that’s a lovely thing to experience.

While reading this series, I always feel as though I’m in good hands with this author. The tale unfurls like the most luxurious and mysterious bloom. The growth from “Odd Spirits” to this most recent addition “Ascension” is so convincing because the characters are so well-written. There are no superfluous characters either; they all have their role to play or a piece of the puzzle to reveal.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this series to anyone interested in magic or in well-written characters.

I don’t know if this is the end of the series. If Ascension is the final book – then the ending is certainly satisfying in that it wraps up the story arc nicely. Gibson has created a world in which there is a lot of room for her to play and I hope she continues to do so.