The Ascended (The Aesymarean Duet)
Parker Lennox
by A.R. Conwell
Wren’s world at the Obsidian Academy fractures the night she finds a gruesome murder and Castien lurking in the shadows of the tunnels. Despite the shattering of her trust, she is forced into a precarious alliance with the enigmatic boy who holds the keys to the Order’s darkest secrets. To stop a killer picking off their classmates, she must rely on Castien’s cold, strategic mind, even as his presence threatens to dismantle her carefully guarded resolve.
While Wren demands nothing more than a functional partnership, Castien’s obsession with her runs deeper than simple cooperation. He is determined to claim her heart, maneuvering through their shared peril with a relentless, yearning intensity. Beneath the surface of their investigation, the shadow of Wren’s stolen journal—and the secrets it contains—threatens to destroy their fragile reconciliation.
As the body count rises and the academy’s hidden truths begin to surface, Wren and Castien navigate a volatile landscape of suspicion, competition, and undeniable attraction. In the race to uncover the truth, they must decide if their growing bond is a lifeline or the very thing that will lead to their ultimate ruin.
Jennifer (sassygirlreads)Hauntingly romantic and soul wrenching!
"Tides of Secrets is the hauntingly romantic, soul wrenching sequel in the Obsidian Academy Duet. Wren continues to struggle while Castien is ever constant in being there for her. While she grows as an individual, her determination and strength shines through when she needs it most. Castien is the ultimate hero as he protects her, supports her, comforts her, and teaches her. As he tries to make up for mistakes he has made, he becomes a better man, especially with Wren at his side. His longing for her is tangible and his patience is admirable. In the end his only concern is her. It was fascinating how connected Wren and Castien became in heart, thought, and purpose. Tides of Secrets is the perfect ending to this duology and a must read if you love epic murder mysteries, overcoming betrayal, devoted friends, and a love story that will take your heart on a journey you won’t forget. Just amazing! Tropes: romantic fantasy = light vs. dark = found family = secret letters = dark academia = secret society = regency vibes = swoony kisses Favorite things: - The letters - The dagger - Castien chasing Wren to get a letter - She takes care of and reads to him - His complete devotion to her - Their first kiss - Finn’s loyalty & way he brings light to dark situations - The epilogue! Favorite quotes: "The loss of her words would be unbearable. He had come to rely on them. They were his air and water. Vital. Necessary for survival in this shadowy landscape." - Castien "I don't want every good thing in the world ... I only want you." - Wren Happy reading! ["
April 7, 2026 Verified Purchase
Isabella AldrichBest book I've read in a while!!!!!!
"This book is legitimately one of the best fantasy books I have read in a long time. I was invested in the story, and I was swooning as the characters' relationship developed. I am so in love with how Castien was written, and let me just say, he is a yearner. It's so beautifully written, and it was such a fitting sequel. The pacing was truly great, and you get so wrapped up in the world and their relationship that you almost forget anything was wrong in the first place. I highly recommend you read this duology, and any book that comes after this one, because A.R. Conwell is truly magic. She is such a refreshing author, and having no spice is amazing, but she gives us these beautiful, intimate moments between the characters that are so much better and more beautiful than they ever could have been if it were explicit. There were so many moments where my heart was hurting for Wren, and you can see that Castien's was as well. PLEASE read this book, I promise you, you won't regret it. ["
April 7, 2026 Verified Purchase
AnonymousReview
"I didn't like this book as much as the first. There were a few things that didn't fall together for me, like Wren's distrust of Castien even though she . . . trusted him? It was also pretty mushy, all of the love letters and pining. I mean, I love a good romance, but this was a bit much for me. Overall I liked the book but felt it probably only earned a B. ["
May 17, 2026
JoyfulJThe longing and yearning are tangible in the best ways
"This was the perfect ending to The Obsidian Academy Duet. Annah delivered a book with the perfect level of angst, longing, mystery, stakes, intrigue, and twists. This is one you'll want to start on a day off when you can sit and not stop reading until you are done. Putting this book down is physically painful. So I suggest you just don't. I love that Wren learns how much more she is capable then she thinks, how she is stronger then she feels. Castien is the perfect hero, as in he isn't perfect, but he works to repair damage done by his own mistakes. He works to become a better man. His longing and angst are tangible in the best ways. I am reviewing as both buyer and early access reader. These are all my own opinions. ["
March 31, 2026 Verified Purchase
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