I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request, in exchange for an honest review.
“Razor’s Pass, Ascension Series Book 2” opens with scenes that leave no room for any doubt whatsoever that Kita has a dark side. If you’re the squeamish type, or if you like your heroines who fight evil without, well…evil, then you might seriously want to consider another series. If however, you’re intrigued by the idea of an anti-hero who is both likable and detestable, then I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
In book 2, there’s plenty of action and political intrigue (and yes, some of the action explicitly confirms that Kita is lesbian, and that the war-cat queen Snowy is very interested in Kita!). In between the action, though, much of this book advances the relationships between Kita and her growing team of close friends, especially Snowy, Cowboy and Zidin. Omega, while completely intertwined with Kita, isn’t quite a friend, but is often integral to the survival of Kita and others. Omega is curious about the nature of love, and often acts in ways that will help it/her increase the understanding of emotions.
The narrator, Mary L Phillips, continues to do an amazing job with all of the characters. I should’ve said more in my review of Birthright, because it’s not until the end of book 2 that my favorite of her accents is put back to use: Scottish. Her accent for her mother especially, and for all of her clan is, to my ears, fantastic! She must not be American, because she pronounces omega with the British pronunciation, which sort of drove me a little crazy even though it’s correct! The other accent I found amusing was her voice for Snowy. She sounded Japanese, and I kept picturing images of Japanese manga cats…hardly war-cat-like! It’s a credit to her versatility that she manages to create a wide range of voices, both male and female!
One nitpick with the characters of Kita and Snowy is that they are constantly overly insecure about their relationship, literally running off and slamming doors. Kita just turned 24, and has experienced love and sex before. Snowy is, well…no spoilers, but is considerably older and was married for many years. Yet, they often sound and act like 16yo’s just at the edge of womanhood and newfound emotions.
There are plenty of terrific new and old characters both, and I won’t spoil things for you because some of the surprises are, well….surprising!
5* for Razor’s Pass. I recommend you listen to the audiobook, and I very much look forward to continuing the series!