Review: The Way to Dawn: Ascension Zerø by Charles Lee

Review: The Way to Dawn: Ascension Zerø by Charles Lee 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My head is spinning upon finishing this second book after The Way to Dawn. The first book was one of the most engaging stories I’d come across as of late. I was curious enough to want to continue the series with Ascension Zerø and see how everything unfolded because the plot kept me thoroughly invested! 

Before I go any further, let’s look at what the story is about!

Summary 

It has been some time since Derexen announced his intentions for Terra. With Greyshio and Demeseus committed to their roles as World Guardians, they set out to find out more about his plans. However, as time goes on, they realize that their journey may not be as simple as just confronting Derexen. As they struggle to piece together what is happening as Derexen continues to attack Terra, they realize that there may be more to their situation than what Derexen has in store for them. 

Can they find out what he is up to before it’s too late? 

Thoughts 

One of the strongest aspects of this sequel is how the author is building upon previously established information from the prequel to raise the stakes and keep the readers on their toes. I love the progression and worldbuilding! The questions I found myself asking (along with the previous ones I had that are answered) kept me hooked at every turn! This world’s lore is fascinating, and I love how it’s been gradually revealed so far. 

I also really enjoy the characters’ journeys in this. It doesn’t come across like anyone is who they first appear to be on the surface. While I was surprised by where certain arcs went, I really like that previous characters are also given more depth as we learn more about them and where they are in the story. While not every character was sympathetic, the depth they had made them intriguing to learn about!

Anyway, now that I’ve gotten those random thoughts out of the way, let’s look at the story’s structure!

Structure 

This installment is organized differently from the prequel. This time, Demeseus’ and Greyshio’s stories are intertwined in the chapters instead of running concurrently in separate sections. While I wish there had been a clearer split when moving from one character to the next when they’re on their own, when they’re together this type of chapter structure works really well. It added more to their growth as characters as well, as we see how the story’s events continue to affect them and what they do. The narrative allows for clear progression of both their arcs in a manner that is easy to get behind. 

I also like that this installment expands upon the worldbuilding of the first novel, showing the setting in greater detail and introducing interesting new ideas. I love seeing more of the setting through all this and piecing together what is going on through the information being given! The structure shows how the plot is progressing in a way that is just as captivating as the prequel! 

Anyway, now that I’ve discussed the story’s structure, let’s move on to the writing. 

Writing 

In this installment, I think mood and tone are the biggest components that keep a snap going in the writing. This is because the mood of a scene kept me on the edge of my seat with the tone of the prose accentuating it. This kept me as heavily invested as I was in the plot that unfolded. I also like that the tone keeps a sense of mystery going. While I have no idea where this story is going to go next, things that I thought were straightforward in the prequel are fleshed out here in a way that has me questioning things. This is largely helped by how tone is used in this novel, where things aren’t so clear-cut because the tone changes in ways that keep me guessing and wanting more. 

However, I have to admit that the writing didn’t always flow smoothly. This seemed to occur more toward the end of the story, and I have to admit it distracted me, even if only momentarily. This is similar to what I saw in the prequel, and while the story’s plot and characters were enough for me to not be completely thrown out of the narrative, it did distract me when I did see it.  

Well, I think I’ve covered everything I wanted to. With all that said, let’s wrap this review up!

Conclusion 

I know I’ve said it a few times already, but the progression of the plot and worldbuilding is really captivating in this installment! I’m still so curious about many different aspects of this story, its characters, and the setting. While I did catch some things I didn’t love, I’m still really happy with what this follow-up does for the overall narrative.

I’m honestly pretty excited to see where this story goes next and – for that reason – I will be giving this sequel four stars.