Ascension

    Ascension, The Gates Legacy Book 3, Lorenz Font Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews Genre: Paranormal, Romance I struggled with this series to begin, but soon came to love the characters and the plots. It’s become far easier to follow now I’ve got a clear hook on who is who and how they fit into the story, and I think its that two strands part, with the Tack/Harrow group on one side and Goran and Co on the other with independent vampires, and humans in the middle that had me confused. Now its less blurred, the battle lines have been drawn and I’m gripped by the story. Everyone likes to think good prevails and yet Goran has been in power for decades...centuries even I think, so how does that work? His ego grows exponentially with each cold blooded murder he plans, and it seems no one or nothing can stop his power crazed frenzy. The battles between him and Harrow’s group so far have caused great losses on both sides, and the latest sees Harrow once again reforming what’s left of the group, and seeking yet another new sanctuary for them. Thankfully Tack left them in a very strong financial position and money always smooths the way past most problems like that. Rohnert has been there from the start, a quiet, enigmatic vampire, he’s a warrior and a pureblood. He left Harrow and the group in the last book, after giving in to his feelings for human nurse Shelley, as he felt he’d bring her into danger and she deserved better. Something happens though that brings him back into her life to try to keep her out of danger. I’ve always had a soft spot for Rohnert – one of the few pure blood originals left, he’s the opposite of everything Goran stands for, selfless, moral and understanding and on the side of Right not Might. He’s let tradition and timing stop him from doing anything about Goran thus far, plus of course he doesn’t want to be the one to take his place as leader, that’s not his ambition, but now it may be time to challenge the old ways and make a stand. He can’t do it alone, and though Harrow has a solid, well trained crew they’re few in number compared to the resources Goran has. Shelley, she’s quite abrasive, no nonsense, and one of those who’ll always do what’s right at whatever cost to herself. We see an example of it here where she dives into danger to save two of the group, despite being safe where she was. I like her no nonsense attitude, and her independence, and in fact she and Rohnert would match well together if he’d just stop being a martyr about it! He needs someone strong, not afraid to challenge him and stand up for herself, not some simpering, helpless female.  Can he pull himself together though – and will Shelley let him after he rejected her so callously? Well, all that’s part of the story along with a huge surprise for Harrows group, more battles and losses and regrouping. I wonder just how Harrow manages to keep going sometimes, when they seem to take hit after hit after hit but he does, with fortitude and cheer. We meet more of the Elders, and both the vampire Shaman and Seer too in this book. They were interesting – how much is fate v free will, how much is prophecy and how much do they have to do with shaping it? I can’t help wondering if they shape events to fit, or whether they watch and just step in to help sometimes.... Lorenz isn’t afraid to kill off key characters, as we saw when Pritchard died and there’s another great loss in this book....that was so, so sad but ever the optimist and this being fantasy where anything can happen, I'm hoping the Shaman can pull something out of a hat somehow  I hate losing loved characters. Once again its a great read, my favourite so far though whether that’s because the story is any better, or whether I now just understand it better is debateable!! Its why I like to re read series, I find I pick up more from second and subsequent reads that I missed first time round. Stars: Its a great read, just short of the five, a four and a half from me. I’m really needing book four now though! ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers