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Ascension #3

The Consort

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After the loss of a friend and a false imprisonment in an Eleysian dungeon, Cyrene has no interest in destiny. Her heart was shattered, friends scattered, and her home is nothing but a pretty illusion. Even her magic won’t cooperate.

Only desperation can turn her to the last person she should trust:

Prince Kael.
His darkness mirrors a growing force lurking within her. A struggle she never imagined threatens to consume her. And as friends and foes begin to show their true colors, she starts questioning whether anyone is who they seem.

Even herself.

First published October 10, 2017

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About the author

K.A. Linde

90 books9,662 followers
K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.

Visit her online at www.kalinde.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.

Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,101 reviews34.6k followers
October 10, 2017
4.25 stars!

“description"/

After reading The Consort all I can think is OMG WHAT A RIDE! Seriously, my mind has been in a constant state of OMG and WTF since I finished. Linde really put us through the ringer with this book! I am shocked by what happened an how this ended.

When I finished The Bound, I knew the wait for The Consort would be hard. It had an ending that left me on the edge and I had so many questions. I’m happy to report that most of my questions from The Bound have been answered, but now I have so many more!!!

I really don’t want to get into the plot of this book because OMG you must must must read it for yourself! But Cyrene… she is such a badass. She has to be one of Linde’s best characters. She has such strength, loyalty, and determination. I adore her!!!!

Now, talking about the men….Oh how the tides have changed! The ‘team’ I was on for the first 2 books, ugh. Not anymore! I have completely switched alliances! Now I am on “Team No Freaking Clue”. I take that back, I’ll just call myself #TeamCyrene!

I am not much of a fantasy reader, but I’m so happy I gave this series a shot. With each book, I get more invested and the story only gets better and better. The Ascension series is full of epic characters, angst, love, growth, and it’s just an amazing storyline! I highly recommend these books!
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,096 reviews2,546 followers
October 24, 2017
3.5 Creator Help Us All Stars

I enjoyed the first two books in this series IMMENSELY! I was on pins and needles waiting to see how Cyrene would persevere after the shocking events at the end of The Bound. I must say, things didn’t quite go as I expected.

On the most basic level, I really enjoyed The Consort. There was plenty of action and intrigue to sink my teeth into. The characters, for the most part, are fantastic and endearing. The problem, though, is that there was a bit too much to digest. I’m all for intricately complicated plots and mysteries unfolding slowly, but after 3 books I expected things to start coming together. I expected to get answers to some of the burning questions floating around in my head. This book, however, left me with even more questions and more characters/storylines to digest and figure out.

The tone of the book is noticeably darker and more ominous. Granted, I don’t necessarily have a problem with dark and ominous, but again I was expecting some of the storylines to come together a bit more. What I got instead were heads rolling, dark magic taking root, and one desperate or hopeless situation after the other. I really don’t intend to be a Debbie Downer. I have so much respect for the author and genre, but unfortunately this book felt overly long and a bit overwhelming at times.

I know that all sounded bad, but I’ll reiterate—on the surface I enjoyed much of the story. I have every intention of completing the series...and not only because I’m a nosey bastard who needs to know what ultimately happens, but because the story is fantastic, entertaining, and engaging!

So, overall, I liked it; but didn’t lurve it.




For more of my reviews:
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Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,333 followers
October 11, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Amazing!!! I think that pretty much how I feel about this book and series. K.A. Linde has completely blown me away with Consort as she took fantasy, suspense, and loyalty to a whole new level. She has made me a fan of the fantasy genre, a genre that I hardly read. Since Consort picks up from Bound, it is highly recommended you start this series in order since it can’t be read as a standalone. With that out of the way, I don’t want to spoil anything for the readers but I must say Cyrene made this book. She took you on a journey where you were bombarded with so much raw emotions and test that you can’t help but be in awe of her strong character. As always, if you are a fan of a series where you can get lost in and experience a journey of magic, loyalty, and friendships then this series is a MUST READ!!!

 photo MICHELLE1_zps3515xymk.jpg K.A. Linde

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Profile Image for Robin.
677 reviews22 followers
November 7, 2017
Fans of The Ascension Series have been waiting nearly a year for their next dose of young adult fantasy from author K.A. Linde. Although it’s been a long time coming, I promise The Consort will not leave you feeling disappointed! Rife with magical action, excitement and mystery, Linde packs so much adventure in this book that by the time you have finished, you’ll feel as if you’ve read two novels!

The Consort undeniably has a darker feel to it than the previous Ascension novels, beginning with Cyrene being held as a prisoner, accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Feeling betrayed and heartbroken, our lonely heroine finds herself at the complete mercy of others. Cyrene’s at the lowest point of her life, grasping for a way to move forward. We see Cyrene turn to an unlikely ally – Prince Kael Dremylon.

K.A. Linde left readers ruminating over a killer cliffhanger at the end of The Bound, but your questions about what happened at the end of that book will be answered. Just expect to have a whole new set of questions when you finish reading The Consort! If you are familiar with Linde’s writing, you know she has an evil streak. Prepare yourself because she doesn’t go easy on us! Characters will die, and in typical fashion, Linde will play with your emotions regarding Cyrene’s three suitors: King Edric, Crown Prince Kael, and Prince Dean Ellison of Eleysia.

Although a large portion of The Consort takes place in Byern, Cyrene’s adventures have her crisscrossing the continent of Emporia in the company of her friends. Linde revisits many of the secondary characters from the previous two books, The Affiliate and The Bound, but we are also introduced to several new characters, both good and bad. An obvious darkness has descended over the palace, so prepare yourself for plenty of deception, reveals, and court intrigue!

The information we learn in The Consort is more in-depth, as Cyrene digs even deeper into the mysteries of the ancient Doma. Cyrene discovers more about the Domina Serafina and how Sera’s past relates to her own uncharted destiny. In three novels, we have seen Cyrene develop beautifully from a naïve, young lady who only hopes to be named an Affiliate to an incredibly powerful woman who has the ability to control her own destiny. I’m excited to read about her continued journey and to see what she becomes!

For those who love reading new adult/contemporary romance novels written by K.A. Linde but have yet to venture into reading her Ascension Series, consider trying something new! You’ll find her same talent for writing romance and conversational dialogue, along with her penchant for lovingly playing on our emotions, mixed with the results of a brilliant imagination and rich world building. I LOVE this series! The Consort is one of my 2017 favorite novels! Congratulations to author K.A Linde for this 5-star rating!

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Profile Image for Damaris (GoodChoiceReading).
611 reviews228 followers
September 29, 2017
Okay, I have to be honest. When I started reading THE CONSORT I had these HIGH hopes that Cyrene would return to the palace and things would all be good. I was hoping for the story to go a certain way, but in the end it did not. At first, I was a little upset with the way things were playing out and felt a little disappointment. I loved book one and I felt like EVERYTHING I loved about book one was erased in book two, and now book three.

I continued reading and realized that I was getting so much more, though. Yes, everything I fell in love with in book one has changed and the story seems different, but boy did it not disappoint. Cyrene really grows into her own skin and becomes a strong female fighter by the end. She has learned from all of her mistakes and doesn't let ANYONE control her. She plays the "puppet" until she finds a solution. Her magic also grows into something so powerful in this book and I loved every minute of it.

So much takes place in this book that it's hard to talk about without sharing any spoilers. What I will say is that the ending will leave you with your mouth hanging wide open.

In THE CONSORT secrets are revealed, new magical creatures/beings are introduced and betrayal is at every turn. Non-stop action!

I enjoyed THE CONSORT as much as the first in the series and I am SO happy I continued reading. I love where K.A. Linde is taking the story. I am also super excited that there is another book coming! The series is not over! Woot woot!


HUGE 5 Stars for me!
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,194 reviews320 followers
October 29, 2019
Book 3 of 5.
Series must be read in order.
Some questions are answered but others are raised.
I find it difficult to know where this book is categorised, in some places it reads like a YA, the banter between the heroine and Kael for example seems quite childish but it has really dark moments and charecters having romantic options that would not fit into a YA read.
Profile Image for Robin Powers.
1,427 reviews32 followers
October 4, 2017
Whoa! I've been sucked into Cyrene's world of magic, friends, double crosses and tentative alliances. I got chills with every twist as she discovers more about her destiny and how she might save her world. I couldn't believe the changes that happened at Court and how quickly alliances could switch to enemies. It quickly becomes evident that you can only truly trust your friends in the end. I wonder where Cyrene's journey will take her next and I don't dare mention what her friends are up to because that just might give too much of the story away.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,688 reviews39 followers
October 13, 2017
3.5 STARS

After the heartbreaking end to The Bound, I have been longing an entire year to see what fate awaited Cyrene. From the beginning, the book is packed with action, and I was immediately drawn back into this world. I enjoyed the mixture of court politics and magic as Cyrene returns to Byern to face familiar foes and allies.

“Magic never dies.”

I read a lot of this genre and appreciate the countless plot twists. The first half of the book is intriguing and well paced. Just when I thought events were headed in one direction, Linde would completely turn everything upside down and around. This installment is somewhat darker, and I couldn’t get enough of the power struggles. The supporting cast continues to be outstanding and adds depth to the overall storyline.

“I like the idea of choosing my own destiny.”

I don’t mind long books and ever changing storylines, but this one seemed to falter toward the end. The later events and plots are tedious, and I felt myself becoming less invested in what was transpiring. Cyrene is a snowflake at times, and while I like her character, she can be a bit much. The Consort is not my favorite of the series, but it is a solid addition. I will be anxiously awaiting to see what adventures lie ahead for Cyrene and crew.

Thank you to KA Linde for my advanced review copy.
Profile Image for Anjee.
381 reviews44 followers
October 10, 2017
We finally get to the third book in the series, and to say that it is even more scrumptious is an understatement. I recently linked The Ascension series like a seven layer salad, but I think now it’s more like one of those chocolate cakes with layers of different types of creams inside. You know that with every bite you are going to experience something incredible and never be disappointed. Anyway! *Light Spoiler Alert!*
Things are not very good for Cyrene in the beginning. She has found herself handed over to Kael (yes team other guy handed her over. HRMPH!) and is on the way back to Byern, and back to Ed. I swear Ed has gone insane. In this book, I think he lost everything that he once was. Truly tragic.
Kael is his usual sociopathic self, and truly the darkness has taken him. I’m continually asking myself what is this pull towards him? Why does he have his hooks in me? It’s true he is the villain. Total and complete. But I just can’t seem to put my finger on the draw. It drives me nuts with excitement. I guess it’s the thrill of loving a sociopathic murder. Maybe? I mean this is Fantasy after all. Or perhaps I might just be a little twisted in my head. Which leads me to.
The other guy. Yeah, we all know who it is. The good guy with the bleeding red heart. He’s currently trying to get back his country that got destroyed by our dear old friends in Byern. I do feel there is a war coming with team other guy at the helm. Will he save the day? Will he choose his country over all else? I guess we will find out.
Now that I have gotten the delightful threesome of men out of the way let’s talk about Cyrene! I mean she is the true player in this game. It is HER story after all. What makes Cyrene so bad ass? Cyrene grows leaps and bounds in The Consort. She finally gets what she wants, but then realizes it might not be what she wanted after all. Yes, Ed names her consort then kills Daufina. Cyrene leaves Byern once again, and she is on another adventure with the crew. I love all the supporting characters, and I feel that each one of them has a place in her story. Something awful happens to my beloved Avoca, but I fear we haven’t heard that last of that story yet. Where we end is a good albeit hangover stopping point, but in true Linde fashion, we sit on the cliff waiting for her to drop the rest of the story into our lap next year.

I could seriously talk about this book and this series for days, but I want everyone to experience it all. It’s just such a rich story. Not only with the love interests but with Cyrene herself and how empowering she is. She has grown so much, and trying to find her way in this story has been one hell of a ride for the readers. It will continue to be one of my all-time favorite YA series.

10 billion stars
Profile Image for Tash.
1,273 reviews106 followers
October 17, 2017
Reviewed @ Thoughts By Tash
Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review

What a whirlwind instalment, The Consort was . After the thrilling conclusion in The Bound, I couldn’t wait to read this instalment. I don’t know how it could get anymore epic. Linde has truly found her feet in this genre and she knows how to deliver a book that readers will not only enjoy but will easily get addictive to . I know I am and I can’t wait for the next book. As too much has happened to let it sit and rest for now. I need to know what happens next

As I don’t know what to expect after this book as the bombshells and twists kept coming one after another. They were flying left, right and centre with out any case for concern and only added to this rich story. This one of the things I loved about this series, as Linde writes very descriptively and has a great imagination

With bated breath I was left wondering what happened to Cyrene at the end of The Bound and she didn’t disappoint. As there was a few possibilities given what had happened so fa.r With a few story arcs running through the series , Linde managed to give readers a little bit of everything from each arc with out overwhelming readers. Travelling more of this great world she has created and allowing readers to see Cyrene in her element as she struggles to deal with the great responsibility laid on her

It isn’t easy being Cyrene but Linde has a great grasp on her and knows what exactly she needs. She never skips a beat when it comes to her and I loved seeing certain interacts with beloved and hated characters. It showed how much she has grown since the beginning and how my feelings had changed about certain things. Cyrene most of the time seems to be one step ahead and I have grown to trust her judgement as this instalment showed how intelligent she when it came to politics and more . Even though it cost her at times and made for an entertaining read as the power struggles took centre stage and lines were drawn.

Fans will be please with this instalment as Linde manages to entwine the story arcs all together some how magically and you won’t miss anyone. With such a large and varied cast , everyone gets their moment and drop a bombshell or two. Allowing us to go back to the beginning and see everyone we come to love and hate interact.

Questions will be answered but of course there will be new ones arising to replace those. Step back in to this magical world again and you won’t be disappointed by the third epic instalment in the Ascension series.

For more of my reviews, visit Thoughts by Tash.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Profile Image for Novel Grounds.
1,519 reviews77 followers
October 18, 2017


I will confess that I started this book thinking it was the final book in the series, it wasn’t and now I am back where I was with book two, wishing that it was the release of the next book.  I flew through reading this. Linda has such a way with this world that by the time you blink you are at end end and pumped up wanting more. It is invigorating.



Cyrene has gone through so much and with the pick up in this book her trials have just begun. We start right where we left off and from there I was hooked.

I have never read a series that endeared me to the bad characters more. I swear I am just like Cyrene. I can’t help but fall in love with these boys. I say boys because clearly they haven’t grow up enough to make adult decisions and continue to treat her as a prize.

I don’t know who I want this HEA to include. By the end of this book not only did I have all the emotions from those final two chapters, but I also was torn with where I wanted the story to go next. This world is so complex and inviting that the more I read the more I feel a part of it. Definitely one of my top fantasy reads of the year. I can’t wait to see where this series takes us. I hope it never ends. Or we at least get 5 more books.

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Synopsis:
After the loss of a friend and a false imprisonment in an Eleysian dungeon, Cyrene has no interest in destiny. Her heart was shattered, friends scattered, and her home is nothing but a pretty illusion. Even her magic won’t cooperate.

Only desperation can turn her to the last person she should trust:

Prince Kael.
His darkness mirrors a growing force lurking within her. A struggle she never imagined threatens to consume her. And as friends and foes begin to show their true colors, she starts questioning whether anyone is who they seem.

Even herself.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
569 reviews27 followers
October 12, 2017
I am just blown away by this series by KA Linde! We know Ms Linde can bring the angst and heartache but this fantasy series is just amazeballs! With each installment I’m pulled deeper and deeper into a world of magic and ancient prophecies. It’s truly a journey of not only self-discovery but an epic tale that will cross not only from this world but into other realms. This is a must read series and one I highly recommend!

Cyrene’s journey in The Consort will take her back to her home town of Byern. She had no plans to return but when Cyrene finds herself in an impossible position, she finds the one she loves will be the the one who betrays her the most. Against her will, she finds herself back with the two brothers that have always found herself in impossible positions with. King Edric and Prince Kael… sigh… you got to love the bad boys of the kingdom! King Edric is married but Cyrene has always intrigued him and being married isn’t going to stop him from trying to get what he wants. Then we have Prince Kael… the player, he’s the most eligible bachelor in Byern and knows it. Cyrene has a bond to both brothers and it leaves her unsure of her feelings and questioning so many things. Her heart wants to be loyal to another but the bond she feels towards Edric and Kael is like nothing she’s ever felt before. She knows it’s not right to have these feelings but there is still something that pulls her to them.

The secrets exposed left me in shock and had me guessing at every turn! This will send our group on another journey that seems impossible and will test them to the limits! Cyrene must find the strength she never knew existed to overcome the obstacles she encounters. Old friends will return and new players will emerge. Who can she trust? Who will betray her? The Consort is exceptional and I cannot wait for more! I’m still left with my head spinning and I would not have it any other way!! This was a HUGE 5 star read!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,408 reviews31 followers
October 11, 2017
The latest installment of the Ascention Series has hit readers far and wide. Filled to the brim with magic, mystery, and an amazing plot….K.A. Linde has treated fans of the series to a jam packed story that will answer so many of your questions. There will also be questions that you can’t help but contemplate!!

With the start of The Consort picking up right where the last book in the series left off, and the intrigue just pours out of the pages. As we know, things begin with Cyrene being held prisoner for crimes she did not commit. A quest to reunite with her entourage and her family seems harder and harder. Bit by bit, Cyrene learns more about her powers and how to use them while pushing against her former kingdom. A task that is becoming more dangerous by the minute.

The assignment of Consort has fallen on Cyrene’s shoulders with an unexpected crash. Causing Cyrene to work harder to discover the mysteries surrounding her hidden powers. Friends and foes will slowly uncover secrets that will alter the course of Cyrene’s journey even further. The road that the Consort must travel is riddled with danger and mystery. Creating a vibrant tale that will leave you longing to learn more.

How can I review this book and keep the plot under wraps??? So many secrets that are unraveling by the minute. Many more just waiting to be told. The characters that embody this novel are so captivating. Many I want to know so much more about. Others that drive me insane!!

Then there are Cyrene’s love interests. Well….let me just say that the men that would like to be a part of Cyrene’s life are as unique as the powers that she possesses. Each adding another dimension to the journey that follows Cyrene’s every move. With so much more to uncover, I will be waiting for the next book. A fantasy world that is as unique as the characters that embody Cyrene’s journey!!
Profile Image for Megan (BookWifeReviews).
1,564 reviews51 followers
October 3, 2018
I finished the last book in this series 2 years ago.. Thats a long freaking time. Especially since I have read 600 plus books since then. I had a really hard time remember exactly what happened.. Once I got into the book though I remembered. At least the major things.

It's hard for me to say that I liked this book the best because I honestly can't remember reading the first two. But I did LOVE this book. I have read most of Linde's books and I can say that I liked this one much better than her contemporaries. The world building is so in depth and the characters are well developed. I like how she didn't recap what happened in the last book... even though it's been forever since I read the book and I need a recap. Linde recapped what happened without actually saying this is what happened in the last one. It was fantastic and it all just flowed so well.

SO glad the next one is coming out soon
Profile Image for Richelle Robinson.
1,225 reviews35 followers
October 13, 2017
This series has really caught me by surprise and has become one of my favorites by this author. I’m very picky about YA and never read anything in the Fantasy genre but I took a chance on this series and it's been a blast! This book did not disappoint me at all! There are so many twists and turns that I honestly didn't see coming and the author completely shocked in a good way with the route that she went with this story. There were times when I had to reread a scene over again because I couldn't believe that happened! My jaw literally dropped. My opinions about certain characters has also changed as the series progresses. As always the the writing was wonderful and I loved the way the story flowed. I can't wait to see what awaits the gang in the next series!

*ARC Review*
Profile Image for Caro.
1,447 reviews
October 7, 2017
We left Cyrene in a prison cell in The Bound and here is her next adventure.

Those that have read my reviews of books 1 and 2 know I am firmly #teamedric - but a girl can be wrong! Just know that Cyrene is a lucky girl with all these men lusting after her! Is it luck though?

Like the predecessors, this book grabs you with both hands and you can't stop reading as you HAVE to know what happens.

The mystery. The connections. Shocks. Twists. Answers. Questions........

......to be answered!

Yes, there will be another book (I didn't expect that, I'm not sure why!)
Profile Image for Candyce Kirk.
1,201 reviews49 followers
August 6, 2018
4.5 stars

This series just keeps getting better and better. The Consort has so many plot twists and unexpected events! I was left wanting more and am frustrated I have to wait a couple more months for the next book. I need it now!
Profile Image for Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks.
1,762 reviews172 followers
October 12, 2017
2.5 stars

Although I liked this book (to some extent), I have to say I hoped foe a lot more. It was an okay one for me.

I had a really hard time connecting to the characters, specilaly Cyrene. She frustrated me more than she entertained me. She may have thought otherwise, but i stead of appearing strong, to me she appeared way more naïve than in the first book. She was so easily manipulated.

Dean is another characters that disappointe me. I did not expect to see him so weak. I get he is flawed, like everyone, but in his case he started acting cluelessly. Even his explanation for his actions was weak, i can see the truth behind his motives, but those weren't shown or explained in a way that befitted him, at least not how he was shown in the previous book.

It was hard to relate to the characters and the story, specially ecause at every new turn of events too much was thrown in the story. When you think it's done, something else appears and that doesn't make the story believable for me. I know, you may say it's fiction (and fantasy at that), but even fiction, when done right, can be believable.

Overal, I like this story, but with tjis particular book I think there's too much going on in this story right now and in the next book I'd like to see everything flowing more naturally, in a more organic way.
Profile Image for Piros OlaSz.
474 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2021
An almost DNF but finally done (two other books on between)
And yes I might say I may be a max 3 book series of a gal. At 75 % when still no conclusion or resolution I almost gave up. Maybe cause seems the author has a thing against grey-blue eyes guys as all of them gets on her bad side. While I was rooting for them from square one they die, gone mad or betraying our heroine (or all of the above). And I dont like Dean that much. Maybe I have a thing for bad boys? So while the book is long and a lot of things are happening I had a continous bad feeling on this one. While the others had many losses there were always some positives (at least how it felt) but bot here. This one is going down to a dark place and while the heroine gets stronger it all falls. Ahhh and Edrec….
So this point Im on the verge of not continuing… will see…
Profile Image for Rosie.
242 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2018
I finally finished this book! I started it, then had to put it down for a bit, so not sure my review is going to be fair to the book. I have to start by stating that I'm a big fan of K.A. Linde books. Her writing style is well thought out, and she does put a lot of energy into her characters. I was looking forward to this book, and when I couldn't finish it in a couple days, it was hard to pickup where I left off and even harder to follow. There were so many twists and re-directions in the book that I got lost at times. I will definitely be doing a re-read of this book. I can assure you there was a lot of information to take in, and I may even have to take a note or two.
Profile Image for Cindy.
149 reviews
December 27, 2017
I just can’t. I lost complete interest in any character and everyone’s gone nuts, it’s hard to believe she actually plans to continue this story and drag it out. What’s left for Cyrene? I mean honestly? Or the rest for the matter...? Whatever, when the line goes beyond ridiculous, it’s time to stop.
Profile Image for Nina.
Author 2 books14 followers
January 21, 2018
Not sure if I see where things are headed--this book was a little more abrupt than the last two, but I want to see how the story ends.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,134 reviews24 followers
October 13, 2017
Wow just wow. Words fail me. this was so action packed and although my questions from the Bound were answered I am left with more. And the jaw dropping moments are abound in this book. KA LInde writes a amazing book filled with secrets, betrayals, danger, intrigue and reveals that leave you just jaw dropping and with more questions.

This picks up where the Bound left off and you need the other two books to really understand this one. KA Linde is a great storyteller and leaves you dangling and wondering as well. She has so many hidden reveals and secrets in this book. There are betrayals, attempts at redemption and we see some characters be slightly hypocritical as well. We also see that if you like a character don’t get to attached for they may die.

Characters I feel the most for: Dean and Ahlvie. Why? Dean was trying to help his people.. When he finds out the danger that Cyrene is placed in he risks everything to help. He loves her and will be there always. He risks everything for her and loses a lot as well because of it. Cyrene has a right to be angry and even learns of all he risks and yet she still can’t forgive and is hard to him. She won’t trust him after all he has risked. In the end we see him risk more than could be imagined and I hope he gets to see the rewards. I hope Cyrene sees that he is who she thought at the beginning and opens her heart to him once again.

Ahlvie that man is struggling. He has a secret that eats at him and you can see why he was afraid to say anything. A girl he loves who is mad at one for being prejudiced does this to him. So wrong.

Characters that surprise me: Reeve...His love and his decisions in this book amaze me. He has changed so much. Love this new side to him.

character that disappoint me: Edric,elea and Kael.

Edric started this series with such promise and he just goes downhill. I think it is part of the prophecy and how it drives him mad for power but not sure. this is one area I am grey on. I loved him at the beginning and watching him go downhill saddened me.

Kael: that boy is just evil and power hungry to the core. He uses and abuses power, people and his position. He is a great manipulator and truly dark. Ensconced in dark magic that has just taken over. The question is where is he to go from here and can his darkness be beaten.

Elea: I thought more of her in book 1. Here we see she is a spoiled little girl. She is jealous and wants power like Kael. She doesn’t see the forest beyond the trees. or is it the trees in the forest???

Plot: Love this. We get so many journeys and reveals. We see how strong friendship is. We get betrayals, secrets, reveals and a fight of Cyrene to come back to herself. We see fights to stay in the light. Fights of blood magic. The book is in many views. Dean’s is the more heartbreaking and you just some don’t but I root for him. the love triangle is very complex and wrought with legends, magic and betrayals. Those you once rooted for you no longer and those you want to see get redemption are fighting for it. Forgiveness is a rare commodity here but being used isn’t.

this is a amazing story that keeps you on your toes and enthralled. You can’t put it down as you follow Cyrene on this next part of her journey. THis part has her fighting herself as well as the dark around her. She gains a new confidence and sees who are truly her friends and there for her. She becomes stronger and more resilient. She sees people change some for the better and some not. Experiences pain, loss, betrayal and love. I hope she sees where Dean really stands and that he is true and loves her. I also hope that this next part of the journey is just as revealing, character building and brings about more answers and even questions... A masterpiece in giving your emotions a jolt and having you wonder and hanging needing the next one right away...
Profile Image for Casey.
2,553 reviews45 followers
February 12, 2018
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick

I don't read a lot of books in the fantasy genre, but I am a huge fan of K.A. Linde's. I have enjoyed this series from the start though, and with each new book in the series I find myself unable to put them down! The Consort is the third book in the Ascension series, and these need to be read in order. If you haven't already started this series and read the first two books, you will need to start at the beginning before checking this one out.

I really don't want to go into much of the story here, because I don't want to give anything away. This book picks up after where we were left at the end of The Bound. Cyrene continues to find herself in a world where nothing is as it seems and she has no idea who she can trust. She finds herself desperate and turning to the one person she shouldn't, but he is her last option. But no one is what they appear to be.

I have really liked Cyrene from the beginning of this series, even when she has frustrated me. She has always been so strong though, and I find myself relating to her. I have to say though that she has grown and changed so much over the course of these books, and honestly I love how much she has come into her own. She has been thrown so much, and yet she has managed to find a strength and push forward, doing what she has to in order to grow and adapt. K.A. Linde has done a great job with the characters in this series, and honestly I really love them and the depth they each have. No one is simple or shallow here, and I really feel like they each have so many different layers here and that we are just beginning to dig deep with some of them.

I loved that while we got answers to a lot of questions here, there were so many more that I now have. K.A. Linde has done a great job of building this unique and captivating world, and I am loving how we keep digging deeper into all the mysteries of it. Just when I think I start to figure things out, there is another twist or turn. I thought I knew exactly who I was rooting for all along, but just like Cyrene I am now questioning everything. I can't wait to see what is in store next for these characters and I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series. If you are a fan of K.A. Linde's, this series is everything you know and love from her but with so much more. If you aren't used to reading fantasy, I highly recommend giving this series a chance. I don't read a lot of fantasy, and yet this series is one that I think just keeps getting better. It is worth the read and K.A. Linde's talent really shines. This series is one that shouldn't be missed.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
Profile Image for D.
761 reviews
October 12, 2017
Another great instalment to this magical story of good vs. evil, light vs. dark. K.A. Linde does a great job of weaving a mystical tale that is both regal and familiar. Often, the reader will question what sort of world is this story taking place-- is it in the past, the future, another dimension. There were times I thought that our modern day colloquial language and slang didn't quite fit with the regality and formal ways of the story line but it did make for an interesting read as I pictured what that might have looked like to have these characters in their regal gowns in a mystical land speaking as we do today. It doesn't matter because the story pulls the reader into a world where love, loyalty and allies are challenged and broken. This is what makes a Linde story great whether she writes romance, adult, YA, or fantasy.
The commonality in her books is ambition and strength. All her characters are strong in mind, will and in part physically. This makes for a very dynamic book that pulls you in from the first page.
There were new characters introduced in this book and some characters who changed dramatically-- power is an interesting force that one never knows how it will affect something or someone. There were a few scenes where I thought that Linde might be adding too much to the story-- as in too many layers and being fantasy and the world of magic, I had to stop and think about how one aspect wove into another because in this instalment, things are unfolded and revealed. Once I wrapped my head around things, it made for some thoughtful pondering about how the characters and story are going to evolve come the end of this series. I can't wait to see where Linde takes us in the next instalment. While this book takes on a journey of good fighting against evil, I loved every single character even the evil ones. There is something about the way Linde writes her characters in that we love the ones we hate. It's as if her characters call to all facets of our own personalities, our strengths and our challenges in real life, that we resonate with.
I still don't know if I'm team Dean or Team Kael. I'm definitely Team Cyrene-- she's one strong, beautiful woman who while fiction, every woman aspires to be or hopes that they can channel their inner Cyrene when needed.
D 4/5
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