Format: Hardcover, 560 pages
Release Date: September 11, 2018
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Epic
As She Ascends is the second installment in author Jodi Meadows' Fallen Isles trilogy. The story picks up right where Before She Ignites left off. Mira
Minkoba is on the run with her friends (Aaru, Ilina, Hristo, Gerel & Chenda) after a fiery escape from the
Pit, where she’d been imprisoned for defending the dragons she loves.
And she wants answers. Where have all the dragons been taken?
Why are
powerful noorestones being shipped to the mainland? And did the Mira treaty
she’s been defending her whole life truly sell out the Fallen Isles to
their enemies? As
Mira's connection to the dragons—and their power—grows stronger, so does
Mira’s fear that she might lose control and hurt someone she loves. But
the only way to find the truth is to go home again, to Damina, to face
the people who betrayed her and the parents she’s not sure she can
trust.
This story isn't just Mira's story. This story also includes Aaru's back story which alternates over the course of 13 years. Aaru is probably the most curious character in that he has been through so much. He is from the Isle of Silence Idris. He believes in Strength thru Silence. For his crimes, which we do find out eventually, he is sent to the Pit where he meets Mira. Mira and Aaru and friends are really rushing against time. While Aaru feels a connection with Mira, he has left his family behind, and doesn't know if they are still alive or not.
The Great Abandonment is close at hand, and it is only a matter of time before things will get very scary for everyone involved. Throughout the course of this story, Mira has to deal with so many issues. From rescuing dragons, to dealing with her growing powers which connect with her emotions, to facing the parents who played a role in the Mira Treaty. And, if that weren't enough, she has reoccurring panic attacks which actually makes her more of a likable character in my humble opinion. Shows that someone can have a powerful ability, but her own body stands in the way.
I have to say one of my favorite parts of this series has been the dragons. Especially Mira's LaLa, and Ilina's Crystal. They really add another bit of depth to the story, especially since Mira is called Dragonhearted, and is able to connect to them in ways nobody seems to be able to. One of the other positives is that the story actually moves around from place to place. From escaping the pit, to being chased by Mira's nemesis Altan who claims he wants to protect not only the dragons, but also the Fallen Isles.
In the end, this story is actually much more action packed, and the pacing makes it seem as though you are reading a much shorter book, and not one with 500+ pages. Were it my choice, I would have read the 1st book right before starting with this one. While I keep pretty extensive notes while reading, I still found myself going back and trying to remember who key characters are, especially Gerel and Chenda who Mira refused to leave behind in the Pit. Looking forward to reading the sequel to see how the author resolves her sort of cliffhanger ending.
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