Ascension is an amazing debut! Set in a world that takes from Vikings/Norse themes, it is an intricate and daring and full of incredible characters. 
The characters themselves drove the plot for me as all have a distinctive voice and add an element to the overall story that allows it to thrive toward the big reveal!
There is action, intrigue and budding romances as well as Elves and Dwarves akin to LOTR. The descriptions are wonderful though a little wordy but overall was a book that had me invested the whole way through!