Synopsis:
Sometimes love is not enough.
Exiled and orphaned by war, Jarrod begins cultivating a new life protecting those he once saved. When a strange woman and child enter Jarrod’s life, everything begins to unravel. A stronger, more powerful force sets the mechanisms of war into motion. Shadow casts over the land of man and the gods prepare to battle for the fate of the Created. Once more Jarrod discovers himself a tool for the divine and must transcend his limitations.
Ascension.
Rise with the Gods or fall with the dead.
Review:
The story has several points of view that allow you to know all sides of the war. A war that goes beyond the greed of an evil dictator, a war that will define the destiny of the entire universe. Jarrod is my favorite character, he’s our hero, though he often fails to see himself as one. Always protecting anyone who needs help even if jeopardizes his life, often times the voice of reason, Jarrod is an endearing and easy to root for character. The children he protects have lost a great part of their innocence and gained wisdom beyond their short age.
We are also introduced to the gods. Powerful and greedy creatures that have shaped the universe and created mortals, some really wicked, some good, some fall into a Grey area. One of the antagonist is a god, and what a danger it poses for the destiny of all creation.
One of the things I liked more about Ascension is that you get to fully understand the reasons behind everyone’s actions, so much that sometimes you find yourself sympathizing with the villains. But certainly not all the villains are likable, there a couple you’d love to strangle.
Matthew Johnson has created a world that traps you. From the eerie deserts to the palace of the gods, all scenarios have their own beauty the perfect complement to a great story. And the end, is perfect, several questions solved but new mysteries to uncover, it makes you eager to know what’s next.
Action, mythology, love, hate, war. What more can you ask for?
