The Ascension of Souls (Broken Cycle #1) (Bronte-Marie Wesson, Penguin)

A recurring prophecy falters as the fate of two countries hangs in the balance in Bronte-Marie Wesson’s fantasy epic, The Ascension of Souls, the first book in the Broken Cycle trilogy. An ill-fated love blooms between Luminara, a tea girl with visions that foretell disaster, and Rianthran, a young ruler facing his upcoming ritual of Ascension. Their connection may spark a new cycle of war and chaos that could doom them both. Wesson centres several queer characters in a refreshingly queer-affirming way, while building a compelling narrative foundation for the books to come. Exquisite writing, intricate world-building and shrewd, striking characters who must reconcile their aspirations and morals with impossible choices fill the pages of this novel. Seasoned fantasy readers will appreciate the layers within each character archetype that build upon the usual conventions of fantasy fiction. Each character has a deep understanding of their part in the adventure, leading to realistic explanations of the underlying prophecy governing their fate and why they must fight against it. With court intrigue, betrayals from all sides and characters fighting against their destined roles, The Ascension of Souls is perfect for readers of ambitious fantasy with complex world-building, such as Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree or Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Kathryn Wheaton Grierson is a library operations officer and aspiring writer based on Kaurna land. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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