Three Parts Ascension: A Journey of Black and Red Final Book

A Journey of Black and Red #11

by Álex Gilbert

For decades, Ariane, Nirari, and Semiramis have gathered resources and allies. Now, they set their pieces on the board for the final confrontation. With the powers of diplomacy and high explosives on her side, Ariane will allow nothing, not demigods, or ancient evils, or liches from another world, or even flaming pigs, nothing, to stand in her way.

The end of the journey is here.

Genres: Fantasy

544 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2025

Reviews

[William Moses Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely satisfying end to a series that has stayed consistently great. I was worried that, as in the case of some other progression fantasy stories, Ariane would reach the top of the ladder in terms of power, and then things would be boring because things would resolve themselves without any tension. That wasn't the case. I was also worried that there wouldn't be enough time for Ariane to take a victory lap and enjoy the powers she would probably have to gain in order to deal with the final fight. That also wasn't the case. This book tied up loose ends, including some I forgot about, let Ariane enjoy her power, and still provided stakes and tension all the way up to the end. Overall, this journey has been a very satisfying one and well worth it.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been an interesting epic Fantasy that I have found enthralling most of the time. Ariane was an excellent character and over the series I have enjoyed her development and her interesting quirks.
My main problem with this series probably stems from a background of reading Science Fiction and more traditional Fantasies, which is why I find some of the storylines a bit illogical and disjointed.
As for the ending, I really enjoyed some of the twists and turns, but maybe the author went a bit too ”Hollywood”. Also although the ‘Epilogues’ helped wrap up the series, I wasn’t sure they all actually added to the series.

[Thorsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and satisfying conclusion to a very good series. I love the character of Ariane; the humour and eccentricities scratch just the right spot for me. I'm just a little sad that it's come to an end, but I'm encouraged that maybe the ending leaves the door open for more tales in the future?

It should be noted that the editing in this series got progressively more sloppy. Names change, missing words, wrong words at a level where I noticed it, but it didn't distract from my enjoyment.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending a series this long in a satisfying way is a challenge, and I think this one managed to nail it.

However, I definitely was a bit frustrated that so many chapters of this -final- book WEREN'T from Ariane's perspective, but rather of other characters seeing her from the outside and getting a new viewpoint of her actions. It was neat the first time, fun the second time, but then when it kept happening I mildly put out- it's the last book, gimme more of the character before series ends! But that's a minor silly complaint that didn't honestly impact my enjoyment.

I shall miss this weird, explosion-prone southern vampire lady.

[Andrei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying ending

Well-written ending for the well-written series. I'd say this is one of the better series in the genre, this last book resolves everything.

[Nat Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favourite overall vision of vampire. A++

[Julia Benben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still. Want more!

So I read Bob and this.... Want more please!!! Read them all. I just love your writing style and characters!

[Vero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished it.

I started it and got bored pretty early in. I started reading it again, just to finish the story. I did skim a bit at times, as there was a lot of different story threads in it.

I found the switch to kind of progenitor/abusive father from the way they actually met in the first book quite strange. Nirari was a bit of a let down. But it is kind of hard after you build the big bad enemy up, and then you win against him...

Maybe I need to stop measuring everything against Kate Daniels...

What was the saving grace for me? The last parts/epilogues. That was a great ending.