Review: The Trials of Ascension

The Trials of Ascension by Brendan Noble
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was an immediate and overwhelming sense of familiarity and astonishment as I delved into the universe of The Trials of Ascension. The level of beauty, peril, and intricacy in this cosmos has been raised to new heights by Brendan Noble.

The cover itself, perhaps more suited to a younger audience, reminded me of Brandon Sanderson's 'The Well of Ascension' - which I absolutely love - and the massive quality of the work is nothing short of that.

The second book in The Frostmarked Chronicles follows Otylia's adventures, and I was excited to see how she would cope with the Nawia underworld. Imprisoned, her determination to survive shines through and is admirable. Her quest for freedom through the Trials of Ascension is as much a test of physical survival as a test of inner strength and belief. The stakes were incredibly high, and the emotional weight of her journey resonated deeply within me.

Opposite this gripping narrative stands Wacław, Otylia's devoted companion. His unwavering quest to save her serves as a testament to a love that recognizes no limits. As he strides west alongside the nomadic clans, I could sense his internal battle against the dark power burgeoning within him. The conflict between his desire for Otylia's salvation and the irresistible summons of a demon, is painted magnificently, and I am left wondering how far one will go for love.

Both Otylia and Wacław undergo remarkable growth arcs in this work. No longer the naive teenagers I met in the first book, they develop into complex individuals shaped by their experiences and the harsh realities of their world. This transformation is beautifully rendered and adds a layer of authenticity to their struggles and triumphs.

Brendan Noble's prose is once again nothing short of compelling, his world-building is rich and complex. The way he brings Nawia to life and explores the inner turmoil of his characters is simply captivating. Noble intersperses microscopic moments that give the book depth and richness—characters experiencing oranges, yoghurt, mirrors, and volcanoes for the first time and responding with an intense sense of curiosity and wonder. Such moments work to highlight the innocence of the characters about the huge world outside their limited horizons. Moreover, the social convention that keeps the majority ignorant of reading and writing—because "words have power"—brings an interesting element of depth to the world-building.

The other heart-wrenching theme of the book is an exploration of sorrow and loneliness. Both protagonists struggle with loss so profound, setting out on journeys that navigate the feelings that follow such occurrences. The tangible feeling of loneliness that surrounds them in their respective endeavours feels very real to me, and I find myself able to relate to their cause.

This is the core of the book's theme: salvation requires sacrifice.

My hopes for this follow-up were high, driven by the great fun that I had reading the original work, and I am pleased to say that The Trials of Ascension not only met but far exceeded them in astronomical ways. Noble's ability to create a story that is as emotionally devastating as it is thrilling says a lot about his skills as a writer.

I highly recommend The Trials of Ascension to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy with mythological elements, complex characters and a plot that makes you lose track of time. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and is a leap in quality from the first book in the series.

I would like to thank Brendan Noble for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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