In Dari A. Malaunt's Infernal Ascendancy, an exclusive edition brimming with artwork, Demetra's idyllic heavenly life shatters when she rebels against the archangel's tyranny. Stripped of her powers and exiled to a forsaken planet, she finds herself amidst a diverse population of outcasts: fallen angels, exiled demons, and shape-shifters. This desolate world, rife with danger and moral ambiguity, forces Demetra to confront her shattered faith and choose between succumbing to the darkness or forging a new path. This dark fantasy romance, featuring enemies-to-lovers dynamics and polyamorous relationships, explores themes of defiance, survival, and rediscovering hope amidst despair. Infernal Ascendancy stands alone, but be warned: it contains mature content and is not suitable for younger readers.
Review Infernal Ascendancy
Infernal Ascendancy completely captivated me, though I'll admit, the initial chapters were a bit of a slog. I almost abandoned ship, which I now deeply regret! The world-building, initially dense and perhaps a little overwhelming, gradually revealed itself to be richly detailed and intricately woven. It's a dark fantasy, no doubt, but the darkness isn't gratuitous; it serves to highlight the resilience and strength of the characters, particularly Demetra.
Demetra's journey from a life of heavenly serenity to a harsh, unforgiving exile is heartbreaking, yet inspiring. Her fall from grace, the stripping away of her power and her faith, felt incredibly visceral. I found myself deeply invested in her struggle to find her footing in this new, brutal world populated by outcasts and rebels. The author does a fantastic job of portraying her internal conflict; the wavering between succumbing to the darkness and clinging to a flickering hope. It’s a testament to Dari A. Malaunt's skill that I felt Demetra’s pain, her confusion, and her gradual, hard-won acceptance of her new reality.
Beyond Demetra, the supporting characters were equally compelling. The fallen angel, the exiled demon, and the shapeshifter—each a unique and complex individual with their own baggage and motivations—brought depth and intrigue to the narrative. Their interactions with Demetra, the slow burn of their relationships, felt both natural and emotionally resonant. The polyamorous aspect of the romance, while certainly a significant element, never felt forced or exploitative; it organically evolved from the characters' shared experiences and mutual need for connection in a hostile world.
The pacing, while initially slow, picked up significantly as the story progressed, culminating in a powerful and emotionally charged climax. While I found the ending tragic – beautifully tragic, as one reviewer put it – I appreciated its honesty. It didn't shy away from the complexities of loss and the enduring power of love, even in the face of devastating circumstances. The author expertly avoided a simplistic "happily ever after" and instead delivered a conclusion that was both poignant and fitting for the tone and themes established throughout the book.
The exclusive edition's artwork and custom details (which I unfortunately didn't have the privilege of experiencing myself) sound like a delightful bonus for those lucky enough to own it. Ultimately, Infernal Ascendancy is a dark fantasy romance that stays with you long after you finish reading. It’s a story of resilience, found family, and the enduring strength of the human (and non-human) spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. Despite a slow start, the payoff is immense, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who enjoy richly detailed world-building, complex characters, and a compelling narrative that doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Divine Destinies series.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 1.21 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 533
- Publication date: 2024
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