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Ascension
(The Demon Hunters #1)
by
When demons threaten London, Lady Belinda answers the call.
Lord Gabriel Thurston returns home from war to find his fiancée is not the sweet young girl he left behind. She's grown into a mysterious woman who guards her dark secrets well. When he sees her sneaking away from a ball, he's convinced it's for a lover's rendezvous. Following her to London's slums, Gabriel watches ...more
Lord Gabriel Thurston returns home from war to find his fiancée is not the sweet young girl he left behind. She's grown into a mysterious woman who guards her dark secrets well. When he sees her sneaking away from a ball, he's convinced it's for a lover's rendezvous. Following her to London's slums, Gabriel watches ...more
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ebook, 174 pages
Published
October 6th 2014
by Kensington
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Start your review of Ascension (The Demon Hunters, #1)

I received an ARC copy of Ascension for an honest review and I am SO glad I did because I loved it!
For some perspective, my absolute favorite series is the Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason. That series, six books in total, is about a Victorian-era female Vampire Slayer. I *love* that series. Just love.
Ascension is about a female Demon Hunter set in the early 1800's. Lady Belinda was left behind by her childhood sweetheart and new fiance while he went to fight in the war. Rather th ...more
For some perspective, my absolute favorite series is the Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason. That series, six books in total, is about a Victorian-era female Vampire Slayer. I *love* that series. Just love.
Ascension is about a female Demon Hunter set in the early 1800's. Lady Belinda was left behind by her childhood sweetheart and new fiance while he went to fight in the war. Rather th ...more

For those who know me, it's no mystery that my favorite genres are urban fantasy, paranormal, and historical romance. To have all of those rolled into one was quite a treat. (Regency London with its dark alleys and bustling streets still counts as "urban" in my book.) The paranormal aspect of demons made the story even more tantalizing.
Fenichel weaves a fascinating and sensual tale. The heroine, Belinda, is no dainty flower, and our hero, Gabriel, is more than a dashing rake. Their love grows de ...more
Fenichel weaves a fascinating and sensual tale. The heroine, Belinda, is no dainty flower, and our hero, Gabriel, is more than a dashing rake. Their love grows de ...more

I received an ARC through NetGalley.
I kind of loved Ascension! It's super fun, quite exciting, and a bit sexy. Plus it's a wonderful mix of Regency Romance and Urban Fantasy! Lady Belinda has been a demon hunter for the past two years without her fiance knowing. Gabriel is recently back from the war in France, and he's understandably confused about the changes in her. She keeps pushing him away, and she sneaks about at night, coming home dirty and disheveled. Then one evening, Gabriel hires a ha ...more
I kind of loved Ascension! It's super fun, quite exciting, and a bit sexy. Plus it's a wonderful mix of Regency Romance and Urban Fantasy! Lady Belinda has been a demon hunter for the past two years without her fiance knowing. Gabriel is recently back from the war in France, and he's understandably confused about the changes in her. She keeps pushing him away, and she sneaks about at night, coming home dirty and disheveled. Then one evening, Gabriel hires a ha ...more

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Returning home after four years away at war Gabriel expected to have a very warm reception from his fiance, Belinda, a woman he had known since they were children, but instead all of his expectations are turned upside down when he discovers that she is a warrior in her own right and decides that their engagement needs to be nullified.
I loved the fact that it was Belinda who was the demon hunter, not Gabriel, and that it was Gabriel who ne ...more
Returning home after four years away at war Gabriel expected to have a very warm reception from his fiance, Belinda, a woman he had known since they were children, but instead all of his expectations are turned upside down when he discovers that she is a warrior in her own right and decides that their engagement needs to be nullified.
I loved the fact that it was Belinda who was the demon hunter, not Gabriel, and that it was Gabriel who ne ...more

I have to say that I've never read a book with both historical and paranormal plots, so I wasn't sure what to except diving into Ms. Fenichel's world. The result was very refreshing and enjoyable. Gabriel as a hero was lovely. I truly enjoyed the way he bucked convention and not only accepted his heroine's path in life, but worked alongside her. Belinda was a beautiful combination of strength and softness, which I found to be a lovely blend for such an interesting read. The plot, too, was intrig
...more

Aug 01, 2020
JoAn
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
paranormal,
historical
Ascension by A.S. Fenichel is a dark paranormal story that is both dramatic and sensual. Belinda has become a demon hunter after being abducted. Gabriel was fighting in France when this happened and has just returned home. Their reunion is not a happy one until Gabriel realizes that the "impossible" is factual and he joins the fight with Belinda and "The Company" to save their world.
...more

Mar 02, 2015
Sadie Forsythe
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kindle-probably-lendable
1.5
I will warn you in advance that this 'review' is going to be at least half rant, and not of the fangirl variety.
For me this book was a fail, fail, fail. It is so completely anachronistic as to be all but unreadable. Honestly, the only reason I made it to the end (and it was often in doubt that I would) was so that I could write a complete review of it.
Lets start with the sex, shall we, since there was so much more than the plot could reasonably support. It was a painful exercise in contradict ...more
I will warn you in advance that this 'review' is going to be at least half rant, and not of the fangirl variety.
For me this book was a fail, fail, fail. It is so completely anachronistic as to be all but unreadable. Honestly, the only reason I made it to the end (and it was often in doubt that I would) was so that I could write a complete review of it.
Lets start with the sex, shall we, since there was so much more than the plot could reasonably support. It was a painful exercise in contradict ...more

4 stars
Set aside the fugly cover, I end up like Ascension a lot! :).
This is the first time I read Ms Fenichel's work and I'm glad I request this on NetGalley. The story start with a bang, with Lady Belinda Clayton confronted by her fiance, Lord Gabriel Thurston, Earl of Tullering, in her garden. Okay, nothing special, except that they meet at almost dawn, a improper time for a lady wandering outside her home, right? Gabriel doesn't know why once sweet and shy girl that he loved before he sent ...more
Set aside the fugly cover, I end up like Ascension a lot! :).
This is the first time I read Ms Fenichel's work and I'm glad I request this on NetGalley. The story start with a bang, with Lady Belinda Clayton confronted by her fiance, Lord Gabriel Thurston, Earl of Tullering, in her garden. Okay, nothing special, except that they meet at almost dawn, a improper time for a lady wandering outside her home, right? Gabriel doesn't know why once sweet and shy girl that he loved before he sent ...more

Ascension is a highly entertaining historical romance with a marvelous paranormal twist.
In this world, demons exist and are trying to take over our historical world. Few know of their existence and fewer are willing to fight the war. Lady Belinda is just such a warrior but when her finance' returns from the war in France he doesn't know what to make of the new Lady Belinda.
Gabriel has survived war by focusing on his return and marrying Lady Belinda his social perfect finance'. What he finds when ...more
In this world, demons exist and are trying to take over our historical world. Few know of their existence and fewer are willing to fight the war. Lady Belinda is just such a warrior but when her finance' returns from the war in France he doesn't know what to make of the new Lady Belinda.
Gabriel has survived war by focusing on his return and marrying Lady Belinda his social perfect finance'. What he finds when ...more

I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this novel. The characters are well developed and cleverly balanced in this fast read. Feinted showed great creativity in building a world you can find yourself lost in. From the ballroom of society homes to the seamy underbelly of London to a wild and very scary castle in Scotland, I found myself transported. I'm excited to learn there is another title in this series coming soon. I'm hoping for either Lillian's or Reece's story, but I'll take anythin
...more

++Spoliers++
Overall it was entertaining.
The story begins with a hero who has always loved the heroine since they were children. They were happily betrothed before he went off to war for 4 years. While away, the heroine was abducted by demons and resuced, leaving her understandbly changed. The heroine then decided to join a company of demon hunters and was discovered to be quite a talented warrior. Upon the hero's return from war he instantly noticed the change in his beloved and thought she had ...more

The hero came off really creepy. Not even 3% in and he breaks into the heroine's bedroom at night and this happens:
“What are you doing in my bedroom, my lord? How did you get in here?”...more
He stood up so suddenly, she gasped and pulled the sheet up around her neck. In two steps, he’d crossed the room and loomed over her bed.
“Why don’t you scream?” he asked.
“I…I am not afraid of you, my lord.” She could have kicked herself for showing any sign of fear.
“You should be.” He touched her cheek so lightly s

Ascension (The Demon Hunters Book 1) by A.S. Fenichel.
This is a fast-paced historical paranormal romance, filled with action, adventure, mystery, love and red hot passion. After years of war Gabriel comes home to convince his long time love Belinda, it’s time to end their long engagement and get married. But, because Belinda appears to be avoiding him he decides to follow her to find out what’s been keeping her out all night. What he discovers will change both their lives forever! This is a book ...more
This is a fast-paced historical paranormal romance, filled with action, adventure, mystery, love and red hot passion. After years of war Gabriel comes home to convince his long time love Belinda, it’s time to end their long engagement and get married. But, because Belinda appears to be avoiding him he decides to follow her to find out what’s been keeping her out all night. What he discovers will change both their lives forever! This is a book ...more

Grab emergency lights, crawl up with a handy knife & open this tale of Supernatural mayhem starring a knife welding heroine & a hero who CRAVES her warrior moves!
Lady Belinda Carlisle is the a proper lady by day, but at night she has a unique pastime as an a$$ kicking & taken names demon hunter! It all started 3 1/2 years ago, when she was kidnapped & almost sacrificed by London's demon society. Lillian & Reece rescued her, help to heal her, explained about the demon world & planted a seed insid ...more
Lady Belinda Carlisle is the a proper lady by day, but at night she has a unique pastime as an a$$ kicking & taken names demon hunter! It all started 3 1/2 years ago, when she was kidnapped & almost sacrificed by London's demon society. Lillian & Reece rescued her, help to heal her, explained about the demon world & planted a seed insid ...more

A thrilling and romantic read, Ascension was a fantastic historical/paranormal romance. Sweet and enjoyable, it was definitely a great book and I really liked it.
Belinda was an awesome character. She was both a perfect lady and a total kick-ass demon hunter. A lot of characters can't seem to strike that balance, but she did. She kept up the appearance of a respectable lady while going out to kill demons every night. She was strong and formidable, as well as kind and truly likable. My only proble ...more
Belinda was an awesome character. She was both a perfect lady and a total kick-ass demon hunter. A lot of characters can't seem to strike that balance, but she did. She kept up the appearance of a respectable lady while going out to kill demons every night. She was strong and formidable, as well as kind and truly likable. My only proble ...more

My favorite genres are historical and paranormal romance and it’s actually quite a pleasure to discover a new author that provides my favorite readings combined into one.
Belinda is reluctant to allow Gabriel back into her life. She is afraid he’ll not survive the evils that lurk in the dark alleys of London. She barely survived and attacked and had to train hard to become the skilled hunter she is now. What she doesn’t know is that while she was becoming a hunter, her beloved Gabriel was alread ...more
Belinda is reluctant to allow Gabriel back into her life. She is afraid he’ll not survive the evils that lurk in the dark alleys of London. She barely survived and attacked and had to train hard to become the skilled hunter she is now. What she doesn’t know is that while she was becoming a hunter, her beloved Gabriel was alread ...more

There are some mild spoilers. I'm not tagging the full review, as you'll get them if you sample the book (First two chapters).
No rating as I did little more than sampling the book (15%). If this hadn't been an Arc, I wouldn't had bought it. So any rating would be really unfair.
The reason I could not be engaged were mostly the beginning and the setting. The story begins with a scene of seduction. Unfortunately I don't know the characters, I'm not invested in them, so I found it jarring. All more ...more
No rating as I did little more than sampling the book (15%). If this hadn't been an Arc, I wouldn't had bought it. So any rating would be really unfair.
The reason I could not be engaged were mostly the beginning and the setting. The story begins with a scene of seduction. Unfortunately I don't know the characters, I'm not invested in them, so I found it jarring. All more ...more

When Lord Gabriel Thurston, the Earl of Tullering—his formidable title is equaled by his handsome, powerful bearing—returns from a French battleground, he finds his fiancée, Lady Belinda Clayton, greatly changed. Gone is the sweet, innocent debutante he knew before leaving for war, replaced by a strong, secretive beauty with a bravery to match and a tendency to explore London’s seamier neighborhoods late at night.
So begins A.S. Fenichel’s adventurous novel—the first in the Demon Hunters series— ...more
So begins A.S. Fenichel’s adventurous novel—the first in the Demon Hunters series— ...more

Different and Fun
I really enjoyed this. It's been a while since I've been this engrossed in a historical romance, but it was hard not to be sucked into Belinda and Gabriel's story. I'm a huge fan of hot and steamy paranormal romance, and Ms Fenichel didn't disappoint.
I love that Belinda wasn't the typical sheltered heroine, but could hold her own and kick some a$$. With so many heroines lately, I walk away from the story wishing the hero had someone who fit him better, but Belinda was determine ...more
I really enjoyed this. It's been a while since I've been this engrossed in a historical romance, but it was hard not to be sucked into Belinda and Gabriel's story. I'm a huge fan of hot and steamy paranormal romance, and Ms Fenichel didn't disappoint.
I love that Belinda wasn't the typical sheltered heroine, but could hold her own and kick some a$$. With so many heroines lately, I walk away from the story wishing the hero had someone who fit him better, but Belinda was determine ...more

Ascension fills a gap in my reading repertoire that I didn't realize existed. This book answers the question "What would an erotic historical romance look like if we mated it with urban fantasy?". The result is an awesome, action-filled love child that hits some really high notes.
The book weaves together a romantic story line - will they, won't they, can he accept her? - with an urban fantasy plot - the ascension/birth of a master controlling demons who are terrorizing the countryside, all while ...more
The book weaves together a romantic story line - will they, won't they, can he accept her? - with an urban fantasy plot - the ascension/birth of a master controlling demons who are terrorizing the countryside, all while ...more

This book definitely has a unique spin on the world of demon hunters. I can’t recall every having read one set in Victorian London. That in itself set it apart, but also, some of the author’s concepts for what the demons are and where they come from, had little twist to them.
However, that’s not to say I didn’t run into some clichés. I suppose with this type of story, they are difficult to avoid. For the most part, I was able to overlook them.
Gabriel (can I stop for a minute and just say, that G ...more
However, that’s not to say I didn’t run into some clichés. I suppose with this type of story, they are difficult to avoid. For the most part, I was able to overlook them.
Gabriel (can I stop for a minute and just say, that G ...more

Apr 29, 2015
Liana Smith Bautista | Will Read for Feels
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
will-read-for-feels,
reviewed
* This review was originally published on book blog WillReadforFeels.com
Regency and historical are two of my top three romance genres, so when I read the blurb of A.S. Fenichel's Ascension, which is the first novel in the Demon Hunters series, and realized that it was a combination of both, I just had to buy it. I mean, demon-hunting members of the Ton? Of course I was going to read it.
There are two things the very first chapter makes clear, and in so doing has me completely hooked. The first is ...more
Regency and historical are two of my top three romance genres, so when I read the blurb of A.S. Fenichel's Ascension, which is the first novel in the Demon Hunters series, and realized that it was a combination of both, I just had to buy it. I mean, demon-hunting members of the Ton? Of course I was going to read it.
There are two things the very first chapter makes clear, and in so doing has me completely hooked. The first is ...more

Ascension is the first book in The Demon Hunters series by A.S. Fenichel . I am going to be honest, when I first heard about this book I was a bit skeptical. A paranormal historical romance, how on earth can you write a book like that and have it be good? Well I don't know how you do it but A.S. Fenichel surly does. I was hooked from the beginning and I am super excited this is a series so that there are more like this to read. Lord Gabriel Thurston & Lady Belinda have an amazing love story. She
...more

Read this because I like the paranormal but this is really rather a silly story. I found the relationship between the hero and heroine quite unbelievable.
For some reason, I had no record of having read this previously and I find my opinion upon a second read was even worse than before. Ans because I had no record of having read it already, I went and purchased the other 2 volumes and what a waste of $2 that was.
What the discerning reader needs to know is that each of these stories is the exact s ...more
For some reason, I had no record of having read this previously and I find my opinion upon a second read was even worse than before. Ans because I had no record of having read it already, I went and purchased the other 2 volumes and what a waste of $2 that was.
What the discerning reader needs to know is that each of these stories is the exact s ...more

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ascension by A.S. Fenichel is an action-packed ride of demon hunting and romance. In a time period where women were expected to be virtually helpless and have ladylike manors, Belinda is one of the fiercest warriors in the demon-hunting Company, which made this story instantly appealing to me. At first Gabriel is not sure what to think about the changes in his fiancée. However, Gabriel is the kind of man who doesn’t just love B ...more
Ascension by A.S. Fenichel is an action-packed ride of demon hunting and romance. In a time period where women were expected to be virtually helpless and have ladylike manors, Belinda is one of the fiercest warriors in the demon-hunting Company, which made this story instantly appealing to me. At first Gabriel is not sure what to think about the changes in his fiancée. However, Gabriel is the kind of man who doesn’t just love B ...more

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
For me, Ascension receives a good, solid four and a half stars.
Belinda is a heroine that made me happy on so many levels. She was strong, self-sufficient, and didn't take any BS from anyone. In an age when women were supposed to be soft of body and mind, she'd grown hard after an attack by demons exposed her to a world unlike any she'd known before. While her fiance was off fighting in the war, she begins ...more
For me, Ascension receives a good, solid four and a half stars.
Belinda is a heroine that made me happy on so many levels. She was strong, self-sufficient, and didn't take any BS from anyone. In an age when women were supposed to be soft of body and mind, she'd grown hard after an attack by demons exposed her to a world unlike any she'd known before. While her fiance was off fighting in the war, she begins ...more

Did not finish. Life is too short.
Wants to be a Buffy the Vampire Slayer of Regency Romance. Could possibly have been readable had the author stuck to Regency and omitted the Romance. The otherwise tough, smart, skilled and beautiful (of course) heroine is madly in love with a handsome, creepy, rapey asshole fiance who comes back after years of radio silence and expects her to melt at his feet. Which she does. Even after telling him "NO", which he ignores. Instead, he offers a "deal" where he wi ...more
Wants to be a Buffy the Vampire Slayer of Regency Romance. Could possibly have been readable had the author stuck to Regency and omitted the Romance. The otherwise tough, smart, skilled and beautiful (of course) heroine is madly in love with a handsome, creepy, rapey asshole fiance who comes back after years of radio silence and expects her to melt at his feet. Which she does. Even after telling him "NO", which he ignores. Instead, he offers a "deal" where he wi ...more

Historical London, demons & a kick butt heroine
I really liked this story! I'm very interested to see where the series goes from here.
The story begins and holds your attention throughout. I found myself grabbing every opportunity to get back to the story during every break and staying up late to finish it.
The heroine is not your typical engaged member of the beau monde, but then the hero is not the typical Earl either. The idea of one of London's ton out fighting demons in her ball gowns and day ...more
I really liked this story! I'm very interested to see where the series goes from here.
The story begins and holds your attention throughout. I found myself grabbing every opportunity to get back to the story during every break and staying up late to finish it.
The heroine is not your typical engaged member of the beau monde, but then the hero is not the typical Earl either. The idea of one of London's ton out fighting demons in her ball gowns and day ...more

It was a different tale then one would think when picking up a historical romance book. But it was good, I started it yesterday and probably would of finished it if I hadn't to of go to sleep. ;)
Gabriel was more open minded then most men in his time. He took Belinda at her word, but I also believe if they hadn't of grown up together he more than likely would of thought her mad.
Belinda was very independent and strong of mind. She was also very stubborn but willing to sacrifice her own happiness ...more
Gabriel was more open minded then most men in his time. He took Belinda at her word, but I also believe if they hadn't of grown up together he more than likely would of thought her mad.
Belinda was very independent and strong of mind. She was also very stubborn but willing to sacrifice her own happiness ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Paranormal Romanc...: Ascension is Free | 5 | 46 | Mar 05, 2015 12:32PM | |
Bargain Basement: Ascension is Free on Nook | 1 | 9 | Mar 03, 2015 06:56AM | |
Bargain Basement: Ascension is Free! | 1 | 12 | Mar 03, 2015 06:54AM |
A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She's never looked back.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a g ...more
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a g ...more
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