Question about The Ascended and Riftborne/Duskbound

I’ve been in a MAJOR book slump. I try books and they’re just not grabbing me so I put them down.

The Ascended is on my list and I’m eager to read it, but I’ve been putting it off because I’m less eager to read Riftborne and Duskbound.

Are those two books necessary / am I really missing out on the overall impact and story by skipping those two? Will I be confused?

Hopefully it’s obvious but no spoilers please! Any advice would be appreciated! Not trying to be a lazy reader, just hoping to find the spark again! :) Thank you in advance!