The Black Light is an order of nefarious intent, where membership is lifelong. Otti, the unofficial leader of the order can seize possession of a man’s soul and get him to do her bidding. She is planning an assault on the monarchy and plans to utilize Iver to carry out her wishes. Einar is the son of Bryntyr, the king of Hestferd. Einar walks in the large shadows cast by his intimidating father. The murderous actions of the Black Light and their acolytes have Bryntyr and his allies on high alert. Bryntyr takes Einar to Svarstein (“Kingdom of Dwarves) to obtain answers about the attacks and to provide Einar with some insight into what a King must do. Meanwhile, Iver looks to consolidate his power and aid the Black Light with a bloodletting. Einar and Bryntyr will need to move fast to avoid being caught in the crosshairs.

Ascension is a historical narrative that pulls the reader in right from its initial stages and refuses to relinquish its powerful grip. The chapters alter between the various character’s viewpoints, but the primary characters are Einar and Iver. Einar is an impressionable young man whose time has not yet arrived, but circumstances may change that. Iver is ambitious to a fault, willing to kill to usurp power. Both men are absorbing characters to view in their prospective paths.

Author Marc R. Micciola writes a compelling story of ambition, betrayal, and family in the middle ages. The action sequences are well crafted, the dialogue is sharp and the plot moves at a stealth pacing. This is a book that will appeal to lovers of medieval history as well as epic fiction.