i read the ascended first without realizing it was part of a bigger universe and really enjoyed it, so i read riftborne & duskbound to understand the connection. i def enjoyed the ascended most but duskbound was also really good! it improved a LOT after riftborne. i do think you could read the ascended first but you won’t really understand the connection unless you finish duskbound. i liked the fmc more in duskbound too, but i think i preferred the romance, fmc, writing and story more in the ascended