wtf is going on in From Blood and Ash

I'm gonna finish but not my favorite so far honestly. I feel like Armentrout books I've read all have a sex slave undercurrent to them that doesn't do it for me.

But I'm about halfway through From Blood and Ash (just past the first craven attack) am I supposed to know what the ascension is? What the ascended are? What the fuck the maiden does to make that ascension special? Just feel like I'm missing out on some MAJOR worldbuilding here.. I am listening not reading so maybe i zoned out and missed something.

Also I haaaate Hawks voice in the dramatic audiobook. Haaate it. Not the books fault though!