Rating: Summary: Somehow better than the previous books! Review: I really enjoyed the previous DemonWars series, and Mortalis (mainly because I could tell that the next series it was leading up to was going to be phenomenal), but Ascendance suprised me in a wonderful way! The story was excellent and the way the characters were all mixed at the beginning was enough in itself to keep you intrigued enough to continue reading and find out how they all relate.
There is much more that helps the story than just that though. It's not quite as action oriented as some of the previous books which made me wonder, and only at first, if it was going to be as good. The political intrigue and the scheming and plotting kept it much more interesting than leading into monotonous hack-n-slash scenes. The book is not predictable and is better than the previous books (which are also excellent on a different level), and it's even better than Salvatore's engaging Drizzt & Co. books for which he is most notably known for.
I recommend the story for anyone who love a great fantasy story with mystery, intrigue, great characters, and appropriately and well-written action sequences. I'm definitely looking forward to Transcendence!
Rating: Summary: RAS builds the suspense.................. Review: I was wondering what could come next for this series after reading, Mortalis. The answer came in the form of Ascendance, by far the most suspenseful book in this series. I dub this series "The Folly of Lady Dasslerond" in my own mind. Decisions that were made over a decade ago are going to come back to change the fate of Corona. Throughout the book, you can feel the build up to the inevitable meeting of two people who have been deceived for years. The result is a climactic ending that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Ascendance definitely ranks as one of the top books in this series, right next to Mortalis.
Rating: Summary: RAS builds the suspense.................. Review: I was wondering what could come next for this series after reading, Mortalis. The answer came in the form of Ascendance, by far the most suspenseful book in this series. I dub this series "The Folly of Lady Dasslerond" in my own mind. Decisions that were made over a decade ago are going to come back to change the fate of Corona. Throughout the book, you can feel the build up to the inevitable meeting of two people who have been deceived for years. The result is a climactic ending that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Ascendance definitely ranks as one of the top books in this series, right next to Mortalis.
Rating: Summary: Excellent job of characterizing villains Review: In ASCENDANCE, R. A. Salvatore does an excellent job characterizing his villains. Both Aydrian, son of Jilseponie and Nightbird, and Marcalo De'Unnero are nicely described and well motivated. Indeed, these two characters are the dominant characters in this novel (which sets the stage to begin a new series). Jilseponie, in contrast, shows moments of promise but doesn't really engage the reader the way she did in the earlier series. Salvatore does rely on coincidence, but this is not really obtrusive and shouldn't bother any but the most fussy reader. Rather, it is enjoyable to see Aydrian and De'Unnero scheme their way to the top. Although necessary for the continuance of the series, I thought the casual allowing of Jilseponie to escape was unconvincing. She is clearly the major obstacle in the pair's path to absolute power. Absentmindedly sending soldiers to have her killed on the road doesn't address her importance to the two, nor the hatred both men share for her.
Rating: Summary: R.A. Salvatore is to books as Blizzard is to PC games. Review: In Blizzard's ten year history, not once have they made a bad game. Out of all RA's books that I've read (Nearly 30), not one of them has come short of being truly amazing. Ascendance was another example of this. The characters, the plots, all the twists and turns...it leaves you dreading finishing the book because you know it'll be another year or so until his next masterpiece will be on the shelves. Personally, I hated Jilsiponie at the beginning for marrying someone else, but later on in the book, she becomes much like the old Pony. And anyway, with Danube dead, that solves the whole other husband deal, BWAhahaha! Keke ^^ Anyways, not much more for me to say besides the fact that Salvatore is THE best author in the world.
Rating: Summary: Wow, this series keeps getting better Review: In many ways, I am beginning to like the Demonwars series even more than the Drizzt series. Salvatore has created a rich and wonderful world with characters of great substance. This book continues to delve into the issues of the Church and state. It also introduces the reader to Pony's son, who by all appearances will become a very important character in this series. I eagerly await the next volume.
Rating: Summary: Wow, this series keeps getting better Review: In many ways, I am beginning to like the Demonwars series even more than the Drizzt series. Salvatore has created a rich and wonderful world with characters of great substance. This book continues to delve into the issues of the Church and state. It also introduces the reader to Pony's son, who by all appearances will become a very important character in this series. I eagerly await the next volume.
Rating: Summary: Wonderous storytelling Review: In Palmaris, Baroness Jilsepone ruled with a velvet but firm glove that meant more peace for the residents in 839 than they tasted in over a decade. Jilsepone understands the darkness because she once fought against the demon's minions, losing her husband and child in the process. King Danbube of Ursal wants to make Jilsepone his wife and queen. She accepts his offer of marriage knowing that a queen can help the people much more than a baroness even though she knows the nobles laugh at her peasant background. Jilsepone has many enemies, but her most dangerous foe is Aydrian, the son she thought had died on the battlefield years ago. Instead, the fairies abducted him and trained him to be their tool in ridding the world of the demon taint. Unlike his caring parents, Aydrian lies and steals from his benefactors who force him to finally leave. On the road he meets were-tiger De'Unnero who Jilsepone disgraced years ago. Together they plan to put their mark on the world starting with Jilsepone and her new husband. R.A Salvatore is a maestro who can make his audience believe in worlds that never existed and in creatures that never walked the earth. Jilsepone is quite the caring heroine while her son is quite the villain, making for one heck of an Oedipus scenario. ASCENDANCE is a powerful fantasy that has many questions go unanswered. This leaves an anxious fan base waiting for the release of the second "Demons War" saga. Harriet Klausner
Rating: Summary: Amazed Review: Minutes ago I finished reading the book Ascendance. I am nearing my 30th birthday and have long been a fan of R A Salvatore. I am at somewhat of a loss here....because I am amazed at how fine this book was and I am overjoyed at the fact that Mr. Salvatore has elevated his writting. Now, I love all of his past Forgotten Realms books but it is clear to me that he is writting for readers who are growing older. This may not be coming out right because I'm still truly stunned by the power of Ascendance. Suffice it to say that this book will leave you completely satified. God, I feel like having a smoke. It was that good.
Rating: Summary: Ascendance reaches new heights. Review: Mr. Salvatore reaches new heights with Ascendance, the latest book in the stellar Demonwars Saga. This book is a tale of political and social intrigue, and binds these elements together well. The story is a compulsive page turner. You'll find yourself reading from beginning to end with no break. Ascendance is truly a worthy successor to the phenomenal Mortalis. Anyone who enjoys a good read--no matter your favorite genre--will surely enjoy Ascendance. I recommend it to everyone. Mr. Salvatore continues to amaze, and when you reach the end, if you are standing up, you'll have to sit down.
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