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The Witches of Pioneer Vale #1
Ascension
Angelica Brighton is a typical 21st Century High School senior - a diligent student, a track star, and surrounded by good friends. Life on her family's farm is tranquil, happy, and prosperous. The arrival of a mysterious letter turns her world upside down, unveiling a destiny that leads her into the ancient heart of the nearby forest and face to face with the local urban legend of her sleepy New England town.
Anne-Marie Carmichael is a compassionate and hard working wife and mother from the late 17th Century. Determined to save her family's struggling farm from financial ruin, she enters into a hasty bargain that unwittingly turns her into a soldier in a war that has lasted for millennia. Imbued with the primordial magic that extends her life and grants her earth shattering power, the fiery natured farmwife must recruit the children of her family for generations to come to stand against the demonic Shade, Father of Nightmares.
As the barriers between our world and the Realm of the Demonkin falter, Anne-Marie must awaken in Angelica the might that lies dormant in the Blood of the Firstborn and shape her into the weapon that fate has called for her to become. For only the Witches of Pioneer Vale can hope to win the battle that threatens to destroy not just the pastoral community that Angelica has known her whole life, but existence itself.
Anne-Marie Carmichael is a compassionate and hard working wife and mother from the late 17th Century. Determined to save her family's struggling farm from financial ruin, she enters into a hasty bargain that unwittingly turns her into a soldier in a war that has lasted for millennia. Imbued with the primordial magic that extends her life and grants her earth shattering power, the fiery natured farmwife must recruit the children of her family for generations to come to stand against the demonic Shade, Father of Nightmares.
As the barriers between our world and the Realm of the Demonkin falter, Anne-Marie must awaken in Angelica the might that lies dormant in the Blood of the Firstborn and shape her into the weapon that fate has called for her to become. For only the Witches of Pioneer Vale can hope to win the battle that threatens to destroy not just the pastoral community that Angelica has known her whole life, but existence itself.
- GenresFantasy
250 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 21, 2024
"Why don't you tell me again what to expect on the other side of this magic doorway, and let's figure out how we are going to go kick Shade's furry butt."
a typical 21st Century High School senior - check
a compassionate and hard working wife and mother from the late 17th century - check
a demonic Shade who threatens to destroy existence itself - check
cool primordial magic - double check
fun banter and great action - check
and characters to root for. - check, check and double check
This book has it all.
This first book in The Witches of Pioneer Vale Series is the story of not one but two women born centuries apart.
Anne-Marie Carmichael the compassionate and hard working wife and mother from the late 17th century, determined to save her family’s struggling farm from financial ruin, enters into a hasty bargain that unwittingly turns her into a soldier in a war that has lasted for millennia. She becomes the first Witch of Pioneer Vale and is entrusted with the task of recruiting the children of her family for generations to come to stand against the demonic Shade, Father of Nightmares.
Recruiting and training and turning them into Guardians just like her. And none of them have ever stood a chance against Shade. Until Angelica Brighton.
A typical 21st Century High School senior, Angelica Brighton is sassy and hot-headed and strong. Stronger than any of the other Guardians before her. And now the Guardians finally have a chance of tipping the scale, and kicking 'Shade's furry butt.' (as Angelica puts it. :D)
Fast-paced and full of little twists you don't see coming, this tale unfolds in a dual timeline revealing the present training of Angelica as well as the past of Anne-Marie. And to be frank, despite the fact that the present is full of action and banter, I loved Anne-Marie's parts the most. Her story, alongside the insights into her life and family made me fall in love with not only the head-strong woman determined to do anything for her husband and children, but also with the steadfast husband she loves. Their life and relationship, their trust and understanding and above all, their unconditional love for each other were the highlights of the book for me. Because they weren't the fairytale like you know you may only get in dreams. They were real and humanly perfect.
"Let's get past Market Day Annie. Then we can get used to the idea of hurling fireballs at me whenever I do something stupid."
I absolutely loved these two!!
Fast paced and very well written, Ascension will give you both edge of the seat scenes as well as fabulous magic. The raw primordial kind, that's also wonderfully explained. Nothing comes easy and nothing is just black or white. And due to the beautifully fleshed out characters, you're bound to be rooting for one of the badass ladies in no time. Perhaps the awesome husband too.
The only complaint I have about it is the steep cliff at the end. I hate cliffhangers as a rule, especially when the story is gripping, like this one here. Luckily however, book 2 has just been published so I was able to get it right away.
If you love magic and witches and entertaining stories, give this one a try.
It will not disappoint you.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
a typical 21st Century High School senior - check
a compassionate and hard working wife and mother from the late 17th century - check
a demonic Shade who threatens to destroy existence itself - check
cool primordial magic - double check
fun banter and great action - check
and characters to root for. - check, check and double check
This book has it all.
This first book in The Witches of Pioneer Vale Series is the story of not one but two women born centuries apart.
Anne-Marie Carmichael the compassionate and hard working wife and mother from the late 17th century, determined to save her family’s struggling farm from financial ruin, enters into a hasty bargain that unwittingly turns her into a soldier in a war that has lasted for millennia. She becomes the first Witch of Pioneer Vale and is entrusted with the task of recruiting the children of her family for generations to come to stand against the demonic Shade, Father of Nightmares.
Recruiting and training and turning them into Guardians just like her. And none of them have ever stood a chance against Shade. Until Angelica Brighton.
A typical 21st Century High School senior, Angelica Brighton is sassy and hot-headed and strong. Stronger than any of the other Guardians before her. And now the Guardians finally have a chance of tipping the scale, and kicking 'Shade's furry butt.' (as Angelica puts it. :D)
Fast-paced and full of little twists you don't see coming, this tale unfolds in a dual timeline revealing the present training of Angelica as well as the past of Anne-Marie. And to be frank, despite the fact that the present is full of action and banter, I loved Anne-Marie's parts the most. Her story, alongside the insights into her life and family made me fall in love with not only the head-strong woman determined to do anything for her husband and children, but also with the steadfast husband she loves. Their life and relationship, their trust and understanding and above all, their unconditional love for each other were the highlights of the book for me. Because they weren't the fairytale like you know you may only get in dreams. They were real and humanly perfect.
"Let's get past Market Day Annie. Then we can get used to the idea of hurling fireballs at me whenever I do something stupid."
I absolutely loved these two!!
Fast paced and very well written, Ascension will give you both edge of the seat scenes as well as fabulous magic. The raw primordial kind, that's also wonderfully explained. Nothing comes easy and nothing is just black or white. And due to the beautifully fleshed out characters, you're bound to be rooting for one of the badass ladies in no time. Perhaps the awesome husband too.
The only complaint I have about it is the steep cliff at the end. I hate cliffhangers as a rule, especially when the story is gripping, like this one here. Luckily however, book 2 has just been published so I was able to get it right away.
If you love magic and witches and entertaining stories, give this one a try.
It will not disappoint you.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
September 2, 2020
Ascension is a fast-paced adventure about a young woman named Angelica finding out that she is chosen as the newest Guardian, beings that wield enormous amounts of elemental power. She and her 10th great grandmother, Anne-Marie are charged with the task of protecting the world from the King of Nightmares, Shade.
What I liked:
True to form, the story jumps right into the inciting incident and we are off running from there. I know right away that it is a David Combs novel. I enjoyed the dual timeline. We learn a lot about Anne-Marie and how she became a Guardian, which I found extremely interesting. I connected with Anne-Marie a bit more than Angelica. The fight scenes as always are well done and make reading those an absolute joy.
What I didn't like:
I am iffy about the ending. Yes, it is the first part of a larger series, however, where the author decided to end this book felt unsatisfying. Each book should feel complete on it's own, but this one felt episodic. Some of the worldbuilding felt out of place in the 17th century time frame which bumped me out of my reading. Other than that it was an engaging story.
Overall, it's an entertaining story. You can tell the author loves D&D and the novels from that subgenre. I like the stakes laid out in this book and I am eager to see where it goes next. The sequel is going on my list immediately.
What I liked:
True to form, the story jumps right into the inciting incident and we are off running from there. I know right away that it is a David Combs novel. I enjoyed the dual timeline. We learn a lot about Anne-Marie and how she became a Guardian, which I found extremely interesting. I connected with Anne-Marie a bit more than Angelica. The fight scenes as always are well done and make reading those an absolute joy.
What I didn't like:
I am iffy about the ending. Yes, it is the first part of a larger series, however, where the author decided to end this book felt unsatisfying. Each book should feel complete on it's own, but this one felt episodic. Some of the worldbuilding felt out of place in the 17th century time frame which bumped me out of my reading. Other than that it was an engaging story.
Overall, it's an entertaining story. You can tell the author loves D&D and the novels from that subgenre. I like the stakes laid out in this book and I am eager to see where it goes next. The sequel is going on my list immediately.
October 19, 2019
A Rousing Start to a Promising New Series
Ascension is David Combs second book, but is the first book of a promising fantasy adventure series set somewhere (in part) in present day New England.
This first volume introduces the two main heroines of this series— Angelica Brighton, the oldest daughter of Will Brighton — and Anne-Marie Carmichael, a mysterious Guardian referred to colloquially as the Witch of Pioneer Vale. The story flits back and form between the late 1600’s and the present day as we begin to learn with Angelica what exactly it means to become a Guardian.
This is a fast-paced, fun, and well-though out story full of twists and turns. There are liberal doses of humor, love, and action alike. I am looking forward to seeing what unfolds in the following books!
Ascension is David Combs second book, but is the first book of a promising fantasy adventure series set somewhere (in part) in present day New England.
This first volume introduces the two main heroines of this series— Angelica Brighton, the oldest daughter of Will Brighton — and Anne-Marie Carmichael, a mysterious Guardian referred to colloquially as the Witch of Pioneer Vale. The story flits back and form between the late 1600’s and the present day as we begin to learn with Angelica what exactly it means to become a Guardian.
This is a fast-paced, fun, and well-though out story full of twists and turns. There are liberal doses of humor, love, and action alike. I am looking forward to seeing what unfolds in the following books!
June 22, 2020
The book starts in the present day when Angelica Brighton learns from her father that it is her destiny as the eldest-born to become an apprentice to her great-grandmother many years removed, Anne-Marie Carmichael, the Guardian Witch of Pioneer Vale. Angelica resists, but cannot ignore this calling and embarks on her apprenticeship, albeit reluctantly at first. We are introduced to Anne-Marie's background in 1671. She lives in New England with her husband Jeremiah and two sons Aiden and Thomas on the farm handed down over the generations to Angelica's family. We encounter the Carmichael family's struggles during this period to farm the land and their relationships with the local townspeople, particularly the repellent Preston Mathers and his henchmen. The action in the book goes backwards and forwards between 1671, where Anne-Marie learns of her witching powers and to the present day, where Angelica is taught by Anne-Marie how to use hers. There is also a Darth Vader-type angle to the tale as Anne-Marie's son has gone to the dark side. The book ends cleverly on a cliffhanger, meaning you want to read book 2 in the series to see what happens next.
This is a very enjoyable book and I found the fantasy scenes very well written. I could feel the lavender fire encircling my body when it encircled Anne-Marie's and felt empathy with the characters, feeling sadness with Angelica because she had been forced to leave her family. I'm also impressed with the author's art work at the front of the book.
This is a very enjoyable book and I found the fantasy scenes very well written. I could feel the lavender fire encircling my body when it encircled Anne-Marie's and felt empathy with the characters, feeling sadness with Angelica because she had been forced to leave her family. I'm also impressed with the author's art work at the front of the book.
May 3, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series. Angelica is a likable heroine and she is willing to put herself in harm's way for others. Her mentor Anne-Marie is powerful in her own right but shows her vulnerability as a mother.
I like the way David Combs tells the story from two perspectives along the timeline. The author definitely leaves you wanting to read the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to it!
I like the way David Combs tells the story from two perspectives along the timeline. The author definitely leaves you wanting to read the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to it!
November 28, 2019
A fantastic tale of a battle against the dark forces with a hideous villain. I absolutely adore the double timeline of this book where you get to accompany the chosen one, while also learning all about her teacher's journey. It gives a well-rounded finish to the plot and makes it very engaging because I'm rooting for two awesome, badass women, instead of one. It's also nice to have a series of generations represented. As a woman with children, I resonate with Anne-Marie's backstory while also enjoying the teenage adventure Angelica is on. Awesome contemporary/historic fantasy cross-over with an excellent plot. Just love it!
July 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I think the magic system was interesting. I like the idea people training to become guardians against the demons. We also have very good character development. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I hope shade is defeated soon. I really liked watching Angelica power to go up. It was obvious that at some point in the story she struggled to understand your powers. I like it when things don’t always come easy. I also like the conflict between Annmarie and her son. My overall rating is seven out of 10
February 11, 2021
Because I write contemporary fantasy, I am always looking for new reads in my genre. The market saturation makes this hit or miss for enjoyment, so it's always a pleasant surprise when one pops up on my RADAR that suits me fancy.
Ascension was one of those for me. The story shifts in time from present day to distant past as the reader is introduced to the two main characters, Angelica and Anne-Marie. Initially I felt the pacing was quite slow, but given the trajectory of the story, and that this is the first in a series, the story evened itself out quite a bit.
Combs paints lovely settings with a detailed brush, bordering that thin line I have of too much and not enough description. My preference for terse descriptions is not shared by many, and I am willing to bet many other readers will enjoy it.
While the story presents who main characters, a mentor/mentee relationship, Anne-Marie quickly takes the forefront as the main. We simply see more of her life across years. Again, placement in the series means this did not ruin my experience, but I do hope to see more integration of Angelica's arc on-page going forward.
If I have to make a quibble, in the name of being honest in reviews, I have to say that I'm weary of storytelling where the antagonist or villain is portrayed as fat and/or ugly, and seeing it described in depth in a way that seems to equate the morality to it. I feel like Preston Mathers' awfulness would stand on his actions alone without so much focus on this aspect of him, which seems to get more attention than the descriptions of most of the other characters. Only his henchmen seem to run a distant second with their respective unattractive descriptions.
Overall, I enjoyed Ascension very much. It has a winding plot with several threads, and you will not get all the answers to your questions by the end. How did Anne-Marie live so long? Who is the lover made of lavender fire? How did Aiden get from where he started to where he is? I am eager to get to the next in the series to see if I get any satisfaction! I'm sure I will.
Thank you to David Combs for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Ascension was one of those for me. The story shifts in time from present day to distant past as the reader is introduced to the two main characters, Angelica and Anne-Marie. Initially I felt the pacing was quite slow, but given the trajectory of the story, and that this is the first in a series, the story evened itself out quite a bit.
Combs paints lovely settings with a detailed brush, bordering that thin line I have of too much and not enough description. My preference for terse descriptions is not shared by many, and I am willing to bet many other readers will enjoy it.
While the story presents who main characters, a mentor/mentee relationship, Anne-Marie quickly takes the forefront as the main. We simply see more of her life across years. Again, placement in the series means this did not ruin my experience, but I do hope to see more integration of Angelica's arc on-page going forward.
If I have to make a quibble, in the name of being honest in reviews, I have to say that I'm weary of storytelling where the antagonist or villain is portrayed as fat and/or ugly, and seeing it described in depth in a way that seems to equate the morality to it. I feel like Preston Mathers' awfulness would stand on his actions alone without so much focus on this aspect of him, which seems to get more attention than the descriptions of most of the other characters. Only his henchmen seem to run a distant second with their respective unattractive descriptions.
Overall, I enjoyed Ascension very much. It has a winding plot with several threads, and you will not get all the answers to your questions by the end. How did Anne-Marie live so long? Who is the lover made of lavender fire? How did Aiden get from where he started to where he is? I am eager to get to the next in the series to see if I get any satisfaction! I'm sure I will.
Thank you to David Combs for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 14, 2023
Ascension: The Witches of Pioneer Vale by David Combs is a tale about Anne-Marie Carmichael, a loving wife and mother who is highly capable and willing to go to great lengths to protect her loved ones and her farm. The story originated in 1671, and Anne-Marie's resources are limited, so she makes a pact with supernatural forces to become a protective guardian of powerful magic. Unfortunately, evil doesn't stop, and Shade, a demonic wolf, lurks in the shadows, looking for a chance to cross over from his realm into this world to destroy it.
In the present day, Anne-Marie seeks to make an alliance with her descendant and meets a sociable, athletic girl, Angelica Brighton, with a great natural talent for magic. They must work together to uphold their family tradition as guardians, protect the world from the shadows, and fight for everyone and everything they love. I really enjoyed the dynamic of the characters. Anne-Marie is powerful, knowing fully well the dangers they face, whereas Angelica has a biting wit and cunning nature, despite lacking experience. Throughout their journey, protagonists abruptly step out of their comfort zone and take on great responsibility without hesitation.
The combination of two vividly distinct personalities was a great feature of this story. Combs shares two perfectly intertwined stories, with entertaining shifts from the past to the present. The story pace was excellent and fluid, keeping you attentive and eager to turn one page after the next. Ascension: The Witches of Pioneer Vale by David Combs is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading the next volume.
In the present day, Anne-Marie seeks to make an alliance with her descendant and meets a sociable, athletic girl, Angelica Brighton, with a great natural talent for magic. They must work together to uphold their family tradition as guardians, protect the world from the shadows, and fight for everyone and everything they love. I really enjoyed the dynamic of the characters. Anne-Marie is powerful, knowing fully well the dangers they face, whereas Angelica has a biting wit and cunning nature, despite lacking experience. Throughout their journey, protagonists abruptly step out of their comfort zone and take on great responsibility without hesitation.
The combination of two vividly distinct personalities was a great feature of this story. Combs shares two perfectly intertwined stories, with entertaining shifts from the past to the present. The story pace was excellent and fluid, keeping you attentive and eager to turn one page after the next. Ascension: The Witches of Pioneer Vale by David Combs is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading the next volume.
February 10, 2026
I love the premise of Ascension. As someone who enjoyed fantasy and badass women, I love how the story is about a teenage girl who discovers she’s a part of the witch line and there’s an interesting twist with the witch mentoring her being from the past.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t hold my interest as much as I’d like. I’m not as attached to the characters as I’d like to be. I feel like we don’t get to see their emotions, their inner feelings about things. Angelica has her world turned upside down and we’re told about her feeling off kilter, but we’re not really shown it in her feelings or reactions. I don’t know anything about her previous life and how it just got ripped away from her, which feels like a missed opportunity for some really interesting character exploration.
Anne-Marie was a little more interesting, and seeing her life centuries before the present day is one of my favorite parts of the book. She is a little flat as characters go, as is Angelica, which is partially because the novel falls into telling over showing a little too often. We’re told characters are angry or afraid, and while telling isn’t always a bad thing, there isn’t enough character development here for the telling to work.
Overall, Ascension has a fascinating premise, and the time traveling elements are done in a way that isn’t confusing but compelling, making for a good read. While the characters did not feel as developed as I would have liked, the premise kept me reading and provided the hook for this book.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t hold my interest as much as I’d like. I’m not as attached to the characters as I’d like to be. I feel like we don’t get to see their emotions, their inner feelings about things. Angelica has her world turned upside down and we’re told about her feeling off kilter, but we’re not really shown it in her feelings or reactions. I don’t know anything about her previous life and how it just got ripped away from her, which feels like a missed opportunity for some really interesting character exploration.
Anne-Marie was a little more interesting, and seeing her life centuries before the present day is one of my favorite parts of the book. She is a little flat as characters go, as is Angelica, which is partially because the novel falls into telling over showing a little too often. We’re told characters are angry or afraid, and while telling isn’t always a bad thing, there isn’t enough character development here for the telling to work.
Overall, Ascension has a fascinating premise, and the time traveling elements are done in a way that isn’t confusing but compelling, making for a good read. While the characters did not feel as developed as I would have liked, the premise kept me reading and provided the hook for this book.
August 6, 2022
This is a fantastic tale of a battle against the dark forces and it comes with a hideous villain. Angelica is chosen through an interesting twist of fate and history to defend our world from the forces of darkness. To achieve this purpose, she joins forces with the legendary Witch of Pioneer Vale, Angelica's own ancestor Anne-Marie, and together they take on Shade, the skulking wolf of nightmare, with his legions of dark forces. Although the good vs. evil trope is nothing special, there are some things that make this particular series stand out from the crowd.
One of the biggest differences, and one I absolutely adore, is the double timeline of this book. You get to accompany the chosen one (present-day), while also learning all about her teacher's journey (17th century small-town America). This stylistic choice gives the plot a well-rounded finish and makes it very engaging because I'm rooting for two awesome, badass women, instead of just one. It's also nice to have a series of generations represented. As a woman with children, I resonate with Anne-Marie's backstory while also enjoying the teenage adventure Angelica is on.
Whether you like contemporary or historic fantasy, this cross-over, with its excellent plot, does not disappoint. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in the series and I look forward to telling you all about it when the time comes!
November 29, 2021
When Angelica Brighton receives a mysterious letter in the mail, she discovers she is destined to become one of the Firstborn, a witch of Pioneer Vale. Her ancestor, Anne-Marie Carmichael is tasked with training Angelica and helping her awaken a dormant power that lies within. Together they must face an ancient evil, the Father of Nightmares, before he breaches the barrier between earth and the Realm of the Demonkin, and destroys the world.
I haven’t read a story about witches in ages, and this one really hit the spot. I love a book with a strong female lead, and this one had two of them. Fantastic character development, where the main and secondary characters showed depth, flaws, and interesting personalities. It was easy to feel invested in the story. Two timelines gave a great view of the backstory. The layered plot kept my interest throughout. It was fast-paced, with plenty of action, and who doesn’t like a story where people develop mysterious supernatural powers? It was a fun story to read, and I’m excited that not only is there a second part in the series, but a third one is on the way. Bravo, David Combs, for writing an epic witch tale!
I haven’t read a story about witches in ages, and this one really hit the spot. I love a book with a strong female lead, and this one had two of them. Fantastic character development, where the main and secondary characters showed depth, flaws, and interesting personalities. It was easy to feel invested in the story. Two timelines gave a great view of the backstory. The layered plot kept my interest throughout. It was fast-paced, with plenty of action, and who doesn’t like a story where people develop mysterious supernatural powers? It was a fun story to read, and I’m excited that not only is there a second part in the series, but a third one is on the way. Bravo, David Combs, for writing an epic witch tale!
June 12, 2024
Fun Fantasy Adventure
All fantasy lovers should check out David’s books, I think you’ll enjoy the read! Plus you have the added bonus of supporting an independent author.
All fantasy lovers should check out David’s books, I think you’ll enjoy the read! Plus you have the added bonus of supporting an independent author.
April 16, 2024
A Dark Magical Adventure
The story reads like a time travel adventure where every decision has dramatic consequences. While it is wholly female centric, I found myself flipping the pages feverishly, eager to find what surprises await each time. I would recommend this book for any who like enchanting stories with a stroke of darkness.
The story reads like a time travel adventure where every decision has dramatic consequences. While it is wholly female centric, I found myself flipping the pages feverishly, eager to find what surprises await each time. I would recommend this book for any who like enchanting stories with a stroke of darkness.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews