I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request, in exchange for an honest review.
“Birthright, Ascension Series Book 1” exceeded my expectations! I anticipated a story about a daughter having to prove herself in a man’s world; a world of nobles and swords. Yes, it was that, but as the story progressed we learn that the Legionnaires, charged with keeping peace and assisting the King as needed, use ancient alien technology!
I like that Kita, our valiant MC, is determined to win her battles rather than die with honor, as instructed by the men in her orbit. I also like that she is also deeply flawed, crying as she comes down from her berserker rages, and struggling to understand herself. Yet, as flawed as she is, she is very admirable. She is determined to obtain great power in defiance of men who are determined that she learn her place in a man’s world.
I keeping with the Kita vs. men theme, she is a lesbian. In “Birthright” there are references to past lovers, but even the phrase “fade to black” doesn’t convey the complete and utter lack of descriptive sexual scenes. I don’t know whether future books will be explicit as Kita finds new lovers, but I hope so! I don’t know whether author L. Fergus is male or female; some successful male writers of lesfic shy away from explicit scenes.
Glancing through the author’s Patreon, I’ve discovered that “Birthright” is not just book one in the “Ascension” series, but is part of the “Kitaverse”! Other books and series interweave with each other in ways I’ve yet to learn.
This is my first exposure to the narrator, in addition to the Kitaverse, and I’m very happy with the narration.
5* for Birthright, and I very much look forward to the sequel and other audiobooks by the author!