The Affiliate (Ascension Book 1)

4 stars!

“I can never be anything but the King... but when I'm with her, I want to be.”

Oh my book feels! The Affiliate was on my radar last year when the book came out but as per usual with all the books on my TBR list and every new book I request, I though I'd wait till the next one to read them back to back and I'm so glad I finally got the chance!

This was my first book from the author and I loved her writing. The Affiliate is a very vivid and nicely detailed Fantasy novel. Byern Court is described so beautifully and so magical. Cyrene is now seventeen and it's time for her Presenting, she has to go through a test and see where she's going to end up. Lucky for her is is chosen to be and Affiliate to the Queen. So, she moves to Court and her life starts.

This book has just enough magic to peak the reader's interest and a lot of hints for where the story could go. In court, Cyrene's life is not easy; for some reason, someone is killing affiliates. But Cyrene has more than enough on her plate with the King actually courting her and the Queen - well, you get it, she's not happy. Cyrene's relationship with the King is interesting. It sort of happens out of nowhere - and I really don't want to spoil the story - but to me it made of an interesting story line.

K.A. Linde is an author I recently started reading this year but already am I addicted to her writing and her books. If you know me, than you know I have two genres that I love: contemporary and fantasy. K.A writes both, so you know I'm all over her books. The Affiliate was actually the first book that caught my eye from this author.

This book follows the heroine, Cyrene, and as she learns more about the world she lives in and who she is. The book starts out with Cyrene preparing for her Presenting, where she will learn where she will be an Affiliate at. She had always hoped for a good place to study and serve but she had never dared hope to be placed in the palace with the king, serving the queen.

Cyrene has a sharp mind and a sharper tongue which gains the interest of the king himself, King Edric. There is something about Cyrene that Edric can't get enough of. He's drawn to her even if they are having a simple conversation.

But the King isn't the only one with their eyes on Cyrene. Edric's brother has made his intentions known toward her. Except you never really knew what was going on the prince's head. He leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire ride.

I know those last two paragraphs make it seem like more of a romance than a fantasy but it's actually the opposite. There is political struggle and an intriguing magic system. You're on a journey with Cyrene and as she discovers new nooks and crannies of her world, so do you. I really don't want to go into the plot because I went into the book blind which made for a really fun reading experience because there were so many surprises and twists I didn't see coming and I want other readers to approach this book in the same manner.

However, I will say that The Affiliate is a great introduction and set up to a fantasy series. The book will leave you on the edge of your seat, begging K.A. Linde for the next book...or at the cover reveal! Come read this book by K.A. Linde as she shows you that not only can she write contemporary but she holds her own in a land of fantasy!

The Affiliate is different from the books I normally read. It’s definitely more fantasy with a lot of suspense, drama, intrigues, mystery and even a little bit of romance.

It is mainly written in Cyrene’s POV but sometimes there’s also a chapter form a different POV which I really enjoyed. This way you get to experience everything that’s going on in different places.

At the beginning it took some time for me to get into the book, but once I’ve got to know more about the characters, their lives and their world I couldn’t put the book down. I was really intrigued what’s about to happen with Cyrene, her “powers”, the King and just about everything in this foreign and magical world.

I really liked it and am excited for the next book in the Series.

Cyrene gets everything she’s ever dreamed on the day of her Presenting. She is an Affiliate to the Queen. But, when she receives a strange letter and book she begins to question things. Navigating polical intrigues, magic, and the love of a man she can never have leaves Cyrene desperate to find her answers. Though her answers may come at a price. Can she maintain the love or will she leave it all for a chance to find out what she is?

This book truly sucked me in from page one. I loved the world and the characters. Cyrene is very naive at the beginning. She slowly changes through out the book to a person that is questioning the world around her and herself. Edric was also a very interesting character. In that fact, the whole royal family was very complex and interesting. As Edric’s obsession with Cyrene grows so does his complexity. Over all this is a fantastic beginning to this series. If you are a fan of either Red Queen or Throne of Glass you will like this series.

***I was given this book for an honest review***

*Free copy from the author for an unbiased review*

This book has only whetted my appetite for more of this series. I believe only the surface has been scratched in this book. I am looking forward to know more about the world of Byern and Doma and the regime intrigue.

The author has done a wonderful job getting the right bit of mystery and intrigue into the story and that's what kept me glued to the pages. Each and every page had something to contribute to the tale and I loved the feeling of turning the pages in anticipation of the next scene. It's rare to get that type of satisfaction from a book and this YA fantasy has done it!

The characters introduced in this book are crafted well. They are not over done and they mesh well with their stories. Edric and Kael with their opposite yet similar characters, Kaliana with her spoilt personality, Cyrene with her strength, love and passion, Rhea and Maelia with their supportive friendships and even Ahlvie with his random alertness and hidden talents all contribute to the tapestry which is the story narrated in the first book of this series. Even the minor ones play vital roles to make it flow in the right direction.

The concept and the background is unique and though it took a while to understand at the beginning I got an overall idea sometime in the midst of it. The ending left me thinking that the real adventure is to begin the sequel. And I believe that it is to be released in 2016. I seriously can't think of waiting so long!!!

The narration was done masterfully and the description is vivid and crystal clear to imagine the incidents easily. The happenings and the reactions of the characters involved are all easy to picture with the imagery evoked by the author's words. And not only that the writing was enough to make me enjoy the gorgeous setting of the book described well in the tale. It isn't often that I can get the hang of a world and imagine them right in my mind and this book totally got me on track with it.

Only element which didn't sync for me is the romance part. Cyrene seems to be too easily influenced and I am waiting to see what happens next because I can't see how it is going to play out.

The plot was paced right to keep me involved without any exertion and I can't say enough about the overall effect the story had on me. I was so pumped and excited I was literally walking around in circles while reading the e-book on my android!

Overall, I can totally see YA fantasy romance lovers reading this book and following this series.

My rating : 4.5/5

My reread factor : 4/5

Floryie

I love when authors go out of their normal writing genre and publish something else. I think it shows true talent to be diverse like that. It’s been a long while since I’ve read a YA Fantasy book, but I used to read them when I was younger. Reading The Affiliate, I remembered why I loved reading this genre. KA Linde did a fantastic job with the first book in this series. Her writing was descriptive, engaging and pulled me right into the story.

Cyrene’s life changes when she hears those words the day of her presenting. Cyrene has been chosen for this esteemed position of the Queen’s Affiliate and she couldn’t be happier. Until she realizes that things may not be as she thought in the kingdom. Not only is there tension with the Prince (and not the good kind) the Queen doesn't like her and the King may like her too much. She’s dealing with this, plus new revelations about herself. Cyrene has to decide what to do. Taking a risk and going on an adventure is maybe her only option… 

Cyrene is intuitive and has an adventurous spirit. She’s on a mission to find out why things are different for her… Not only was the main character fantastic (lets face it, I’m not a fan of all of Linde’s heroines so I’m more than happy to report that this MC is great) but there were so many wonderful secondary characters that brought so much to the story. I loved the ones that were willing to go on Cyrene’s journey with her. And lets not forget King Edric. Even though there wasn’t a ton of romance in this story, you definitely want him as the love interest and feel the chemistry and tension these two have. I’m rooting for him.

I am very impressed with this first book. It set up the start to a potentially great series. I loved how the story developed and the characters we’ve got to know so far. I’m sure book 2 will have even more action, more development and more romance (one can hope ;)) I think it’s important to point out that even though this story is YA, it didn’t feel young. Cyrene and the characters her age are mature for their age due to the time period/situation.

After finishing this story, the main thing that kept running through my head was MORE. I need more of these characters and I need to see where this is going to go! I really hope there isn’t a long wait on the sequel because I’m dying to know what happens next.

I love how many YA fantasy stories are popping up lately and The Affiliate is an even more special book for me because it’s written by K.A. Linde – one of my favourite bookish friends. With the author being such a huge fantasy fan I was excited to see her take her hand to it and I can’t say I was disappointed! I think K.A. Linde did a fantastic job with The Affiliate and I hope to see many more fantasy stories from her.

The Affiliate is a unique read. I’ve read many fantasy stories and the ones that I have loved, have each been for their own reasons. The reason for me loving The Affiliate is because it’s so unique. I’ve simply not read anything like it. Cyrene’s story is brave tale, one about a girl heading into an uncertain life that is full of mystery, danger and politics and magic. Magic plays a big part of this story and it’ll certainly wrap you up in the mystery around it. It’s rich in detail and woven into the story perfectly and the mystery surrounding the letter that Cyrene receives will leave you dying to know more.
Like all great stories there has to be a great love and The Affiliate definitely delivers in that way. Cyrene’s love interest is one so forbidden it makes the story even more dangerous but also a suspenseful one too – yep, she falls in love with the King. King Edric! And even though he has his faults, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Theirs is a love story you can’t help root for – my favourite kind and I just can’t wait to see what happens next.

So if you haven’t already added The Affiliate to your TBR list. Do it now. You don’t want to miss out on this adventurous tale by a stunning writer!

K.A. Linde wrote such a beautiful, spellbinding tale of a world that is so intriguing that you cannot put this book down. I found myself totally drawn into this world she created and I could not read it fast enough! This book evoked so much emotions in me as I love a good intrigue as well as the fantasy side of it. Linde wrote such strong and bold characters that you feel like you are watching the story play out in front of you!
Cyrene, I found, is such a strong female lead that you feel empowered by her will to persevere to find out what is going on between the letter, the book as well as this draw to the king. King Edric has a slight alpha tendency but he is not pushy even though he wants Cyrene for himself, regardless of his position as well as being married. Cyrene gives him a run for his money as well as his brother Kael. Kael honestly intrigues me and I really cannot wait to find out more about this prince!
The Affiliate is one of those books where if you enjoy YA fantasy, I HIGHLY recommend you pick this one up. Linde wrote such a beautiful and descriptive world that you can actually picture it in your mind.The story flows beautifully as well as intertwining romance and mystery in this flawless book. I am very much looking forward to the second in the series.

This was a great fantasy read and a promising start to a new series.

We meet Cyrene as she is preparing for her presentation in the Royal Castle. Chosen as the Queen's affiliate, she immediately captures the eye of both King Edric and his sleazy brother Kael. As she tries to adjust to life in the Castle away from her family and without her childhood bestfriend, she becomes embroiled in mystery and intrigue and eventually sets out on a journey that will lead to a shocking revelation about her true identity.

There are some romantic interludes with the King and a couple of close encounters with Kael, but in the main the romance is light in this book.

I struggled to get into this story at the start - there was a lot of information provided initially and I was a little confused. Once I hit the thirty percent mark, this book really took off, and I became thoroughly engrossed in it.

The plot and worldbuilding are imaginative, the characters are complex, the writing is great. A solid read. I look forward to reading the rest of this series when it's released.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and Inkslinger PR for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opionion.

This review will feature on my blog on September 29th. My YA NA Book Obsession

The Affiliate is a book about the handsome King Edric and Prince Kael, an icy queen and all their constituents. This story is filled with secrets, jealousy, riddles, magic, murder, and adventure as Cyrene seeks knowledge surrounding, what she thought was about a mysterious book, however the knowledge she seeks is about herself. Many opportunities are thrown her way and many choices are made. The Affiliate ends in Cyrene's first important choice begin made. This book is a great beginning of what I am sure will be an epic journey for Cyrene and King Edric. I enjoyed this story greatly. The story is engaging and captures your attention immediately. I can't wait to read the second book when it releases and see where the knowledge Cyrene finds takes us. The characters are spirited, easy to imagine and the dialog between them is great. I wonder if Edric and Cyrene will have what Viktor and Sera had? Will their story mimic Viktor and Sera's or will it end differently? I suppose we'll find out as the series progresses.

The Affiliate by KA Linde is the first installment in the Ascension Series.
Meet Cyrene Strohm, she's 17 year old and about to become a Affiliate for the queen of Byern.
She recives a mysterious letter and book and is thrown into a world of magic, danger, intrigues and more. She's drawn to King Edric, but has to decide if love is worth her freedom.
Cyrene is a strong character and I can't wait to see what happens to her in the future. I was hooked from page one and read Affiliate in one sitting. I was sucked into her world.
I greatly enjoyed reading Affiliate and give 5 stars. Thank you, KA Linde !

I found myself struggling with this review because I SERIOUSLY wanted to LOVE this book. I wanted to find myself completely lost in the world that K.A. Linde created. I wanted to be drawn to the characters and feel for them. I wanted the rush that comes with the suspense, the awe of the world building, the sadness of lost friends and loves, and the heart ache and swoon worthy moments of a building love. Instead I found myself confused a good portion of the time and not connecting with any of the characters, except perhaps the one character that I shouldn't connect with in the end, Prince Kael.

I think the major challenge for me with this book was that nothing felt like it had been fully fleshed out. The characters didn't have the dimension I needed, the world social dynamics weren't ever fully explained, and the dynamics between characters didn't make sense to me. How exactly do things work between the King/Queen/Consort/Affiliate/Mistress/Prince work? I get that in this world it is not uncommon for the King and/or Queen to have 'open' affairs, it is fairly obvious that this occurs with both the King and the Queen (although it is never simply stated that it is happening), I understand what a Consort is meant to be and I get the idea that at some point perhaps the King and the Consort had some kind of physical relationship although again it is never just said and I am also confused as to the Age of the Consort because I am almost certain that this is the same Consort that King Edric's father had (seems a bit creepy to me if that is the case). It seems with the story that this person although continually referred to as the Kings Consort is actually the Kings Advisor and through out the book I kept saying to myself, " I don't think this word means what you think it means."

I never felt like I got to know exactly who these characters are. Cyrene felt overly manipulative to me even though it seems she was the one we were meant to feel was fighting against manipulation. She also comes across as extraordinarily arrogant and she is rather thoughtless when it comes to those she professes to love. There is supposed to be a relationship building between Cyrene and King Edric yet we rarely ever see them together and when we do it nothing ever comes of it. Prince Kael is meant to be this plotting, conniving, manipulative Prince....and I definitely think he has issues, he is obviously not a good guy, but I don't find him to be as awful as Cyrene is making him out to be. She even though professes her anger over other peoples judgement is an extremely judgmental person herself. The Queen is clearly a real piece of work, she is not a nice woman and there is no love lost between herself and the King Edric, but I we also have to look at her situation. They were betrothed to one another as teens, she is meant to produce an heir yet, she has very little true power, and is constantly undermined by the King himself and the Consort. Now I am not trying to give her a pass, I don't like her there is not doubt about that, but I don't think she's given quite enough sympathy in regards to her situation.

The fact of this book is that I loved the idea of the story, I perhaps went into it with my expectations too high. I think that there is great promise here, this is a book that could give me all those feels I said I wanted in the start of this review, but it needs more depth. I need to understand who these characters truly are. I need less court intrigue and more development. The world comes together nicely toward the end, the story finally develops in the final chapters, now we just need to see that same thing happen with the characters and with the romance aspect of this story.

I am not giving up on The Ascension Series, I still believe in it and have high hopes for it, and I hope that you won't either. There is something amazing in there, it just has to be drawn out.

Mystery, intrigue, love, and a dose if magic. What's not to love?
I went into this fairly blind and never having read YA Fantasy. Let's just say KA Linde made me a convert!
Linde weaves a story of politics, drama, lust, and power and douses it with a dose of make-believe. It's a story crafted with care, characters created with a uncommon but lovely depth. It's the start of a series, yet has a book's worth of angst and action.
An outstanding start to a new series, one that I'm dying to read the next installment of!

4 Royal Stars

I have a love/hate relationship with K.A. Linde. I love her, but sometimes her books make me want to pull my hair out. I tend to love her less angsty books, but I’ll be honest, I’m learning to love the angst (a little).

I love YA Fantasy reads. Before I read New Adult, I read primary Young Adult for about two years. I love the innocence of the genre and what kind of world the author can create and take me too. When I found out K.A. Linde wrote in this genre, I was ALL OVER THAT.

Cyrene is the Heroine. She’s strong, resilient and loyal. The story begins with Cyrene on presenting day. She’s interviewed by the King and he decides where she goes. To everyone surprise she is picked as an Affiliate. She will be the Queen’s right hand woman. This job is to not be taken lightly.

The first bit of the book starts off slowly, but Linde does this to paint the picture for you. Like any YA fantasy book, there is a new language to learn. You are sucked into this new world with unique names, customs and cities. I couldn’t get over the names. At times I had to reinvent them in my head (I’m not the best reader) but I appreciate how beautiful and one-of-kind they are.

There is kind of sort of a love triangle, but not really. King Edric and Prince Kael are brothers and **gasp** both fancy Cyrene, how could they not? I actually loved this. Yes, I am anti-love triangles, BUT there’s something about two guys affections towards a girl, it completely works in a YA book. The “romance” isn’t the star of the story, but it’s there. Do not think it’s like the Lux series.

Cyrene is in the thick of drama. A killer is on the loose and somehow Cyrene is connected to all of it. On top of that, she receives a mysterious book that only she can read. To everyone else the book is blank. I liked the suspenseful part of the read. I liked figuring out what was going on and how it all tied together. At times some parts went over my head. It’s a book you have to sit and pay attention to, but it’s very different and intriguing.

If you like YA books, you will be a fan of The Affiliate. To me, it reads more like a Sarah Maas book. It’s adventurous, suspenseful and has the girl-power quality I crave for in a YA read. The romance is there, but like a typical YA book, it’s on the back burner.

If you are a fan of KA Linde books or just want to try a different genre, I suggest you give The Affiliate a go. It’s a little bit different, but completely wonderful.

An ARC was provided

I desperately want to love fantasy books, but for some reason or another none have worked for me until now. K.A. Linde sucked me immediately into this story, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Her world-building was fantastic, but it was the budding romance that made me giddy. Cyrene was a strong and intelligent heroine who was capable of holding her own brilliantly. Her story was full of mystery, suspense, and romantic tension. I can't wait for the next book!

3.5, this series has potential, stars!

There are a lot of characters to keep track of and a lot of things going on in the first book of this series plot wise so I have many questions and I'm not quite sure where it's going but I am interested to find out. I love Edric, the King and would like to see him able to develop his relationship with Cyrene.

Can you imagine stepping outside of the normalcy of your life to go beyond what you deem is real? I can, and I did.

The Affiliate is a deeply layered novel that has an interesting storyline from one of Fantasy that is full of colors, and represents very minute details. If you have never tried Fantasy here is your chance. You won't be disappointed. Full review at the blog. thereviewloft.com

A Suspenseful masterpiece!
I prefect cross between The Selection and The Red Queen.
Once I started it I couldn't set it down. DEVOURED this book.
Cliffhanger warning! 2016 can't get here fast enough with Book 2!
Around of applause for K.A. Linde, she knocked it out the park!!!