Book Review: The Ascended by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox

If you’re looking for a romantasy read that leans into slow burn tension, found family bonds, and heart-wrenching emotion, The Ascended delivers beautifully. With trials and challenges woven into the storyline, it adds that irresistible competition trope energy readers love.

The FMC is sharp, strong, and more than capable of holding her own—her dynamic with the others is laced with plenty of witty banter that lightens the tension and makes the emotional stakes hit even harder.

This is the kind of book that takes its time—letting the relationships build gradually while weaving in plenty of tension and heartbreak. The pacing worked really well for me, and while I found certain twists a little predictable, the emotional depth kept me hooked. And let’s talk about that cliffhanger: yes, there is one, but it’s the good kind—satisfying, dramatic, and leaving me eager for the next installment without making me want to throw the book across the room.

I’d rate this one 4 out of 5 stars and can definitely see it making its way into one of my upcoming book boxes this autumn (October or November). It has all the right ingredients for cozy fall reading: angst, witty banter, slow-burn romance, the thrill of trials and challenges, and the kind of found family dynamic that makes you ache a little when you close the final page.

✨ Who should read this:

• Fans of slow burn romantasy
• Readers who love strong heroines, witty banter, and found family vibes
• Anyone who craves trials, heartbreak, and just enough payoff to keep you turning the pages
• Perfect for fans of Blood of Hercules

I’ll be keeping a close eye out for the next book in this series—I have a feeling things are only just beginning.

This title will be released on 7 October 2025.