The Ascended by Grenwich & Lennox Book Review
Rating: 5/5
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance, magical powers, divine trials, chosen one, political intrigue, siblings’ devotion, mentor-student dynamic, revenge, forbidden attraction
Spice Level: 3/5 Steamy, slow-burn romance with explicit moments
Short Review: The Ascended is an epic, immersive fantasy romance full of revenge, forbidden desire, and divine power. With slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension and high-stakes Trials of Ascension, it grabbed me from the first page and never let go.
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Why You Need to Read The Ascended
Looking for a binge-worthy fantasy romance that combines action, magic, and steamy slow-burn romance? The Ascended by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox is the first book in The Aesymarean Duet, and it delivers everything fans of new adult fantasy romance crave. This story follows Thais Morvaren as she navigates the deadly Trials of Ascension, battles political intrigue, and faces a forbidden attraction to her dark, infuriating mentor, Xül. If you love enemies-to-lovers fantasy, magical powers, and high-stakes revenge, my The Ascended book review will explain why this 5-star read belongs on your TBR.
Summary
In The Ascended, the divine bleeds into the mortal world, and the cost of power is measured in blood, betrayal, and sacrifice. Twins Thais and Thatcher Morvaren are thrust into the deadly Trials of Ascension, a competition that promises godhood but only for those willing to risk everything.
Thais appears to be an ordinary fisherman's daughter, but she secretly forges weapons from starlight, a forbidden power that could make her a target in the Trials. When a priest exposes her divine abilities, she and her brother are conscripted into a deadly competition they never wanted. Their goal is survival, but they also seeks revenge on Olinthar, King of the Gods, responsible for their mother’s death.
Her journey is further complicated when she is bound to Xül, a necromancer prince with a sharp tongue, a dark past, and an arrogance to match her own stubbornness. Sparks fly between them immediately, creating a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension. Their connection is a collision of wills, ambition, and secrets that could change the fate of gods and mortals alike.
As Thais faces brutal trials, political manipulations, and her growing feelings for Xül, an ancient darkness begins to rise, threatening the Trials and the heavens themselves. To survive and achieve vengeance, Thais must embrace her power and decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for godhood.
My Review: Why I Loved The Ascended
Where do I even start? The Ascended is a masterclass in new adult fantasy romance. At 756 pages, it is long, but it never feels slow. From the moment Thais enters the Trials, I was completely hooked. The stakes are huge, the world-building is immersive, and the magic feels tangible.
Thais is a phenomenal protagonist. She is strong, stubborn, fiercely loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her twin brother, Thatcher. Their sibling bond adds emotional depth and keeps her motivations grounded amid all the chaos.
The slow-burn romance with Xül is fantastic. He is arrogant, infuriating, and magnetic, and their push-and-pull dynamic is perfect. She demands his guidance, he resists, and their tension grows with every interaction. This enemies-to-lovers romance is perfectly balanced against the high-stakes Trials, making every moment of connection feel earned and intense.
The Trials themselves are thrilling, creative, and filled with danger and intrigue. The political maneuvering, clever strategies, and unexpected twists kept me turning the pages. The romance complements the story without overshadowing it, heightening the stakes and making the characters’ victories and losses feel deeply personal.
Overall, this book is immersive, addictive, and emotionally satisfying. The Ascended is a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, action, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension. It is the kind of book you will recommend to friends and immediately want to reread.
About the Authors
Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox are a powerhouse duo in fantasy romance. Together, they craft immersive worlds, morally complex characters, and emotionally charged stories that keep readers turning pages late into the night. With The Ascended, they debut a new adult fantasy romance that has already earned bestseller status and the hearts of fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers fantasy.
Final Thoughts on The Ascended
If you are a fan of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, The Ascended by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox is an absolute must-read. With its high-stakes Trials of Ascension, divine powers, political intrigue, and sizzling mentor-student romance, this new adult fantasy romance delivers on every level. Thais and Xül’s story will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the world-building alone is worth getting lost in for hours.
This 5-star read is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers fantasy, magical powers, and epic revenge stories. Whether you love long, immersive books full of tension and slow-burn romance or you are looking for your next fantasy romance binge, The Ascended should be at the top of your TBR.
Ready to dive into this epic fantasy romance? Grab your copy of The Ascended today on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, or Bookshop.org and start the Trials of Ascension alongside Thais and Xül.
