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Ascendant: Book 1 cover art

Ascendant: Book 1

Written by: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
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Publisher's Summary

The Wizard's Council of Tarador was supposed to tell young Koren Bladewell that he is a wizard. They were supposed to tell everyone that he is not a jinx, that all the bad things that happen around him are because he can't control the power inside him, power he doesn't know about. The people of his village, even his parents, are afraid of him, afraid he is cursed. That he is a dangerous, evil jinx. The Wizard's Council didn't tell young Koren, because they know what is best for him. Even after their silent deception destroys his life.

Crown Princess Ariana Trehayme will become queen of Tarador on her 16th birthday, if her weak, indecisive mother the Regent hasn't allowed their ancient enemy to conquer Tarador before then. Ariana wants her royal army to strike at the enemy, but her mother knows what is best for her, and the realm.Together, Ariana and Koren can save Tarador, if the adults, who know best, will get out of their way.

©2016 Craig Alanson (P)2017 Podium Publishing

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What listeners say about Ascendant: Book 1

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  • Overall
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Very enjoyable read

The thing I liked most about this book was the humble yet powerfulness of the main character. I also really enjoyed how well the story points come together in the end and the emotional roller coaster this book took me on. If you enjoy coming of age stories and fantasy books you'll enjoy this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A great start for wonderful world building.

I found it took a little bit of time to get into but after the first couple of chapters, I quite enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story

I really enjoyed this book. The protagonist goes through many trials all on his own in his quest to find himself and where he belongs. Forced deception and unraveling mysteries kept me engaged the entire 17 hours, and i am immediately moving on to the 2nd book.

Highly recommended if you like fantasy.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Ascendant: Book 1 very captivating. I will certainly be listening to Book 2 and 3. The idea of not training the personal servant of the Master wizard just makes no sense to me from the get-go. The reasons given don't hold water. But I still had great pleasure hearing the story. The 'Umm' response passes for the boy sorcerer. Not for the other characters. Thank you!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great for adults who enjoy youth lit

Technically not geared towards a youth audience, but could (or should?) be. It is a great story despite the generic fantasy themes and occasional lack of creativity (a character names Chuwing from the distant land of Chindo...). I would recommend this light and enjoyable read to adults and strong readers in the youth category (Ages 11+) alike! Would also suggest this would be a fun family read/listen for your next car trip or family activity.
Looking forward to reading/listening to book 2!

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Life Isnt Just Unfair, Its Methodically Unfair

A both enjoyable, engrossing, and grueling experience. The author clearly cares about their book, and the narrator is fantastic. There are a few patterns that idk maybe the author experiences in their own life that they are expressing through the book. I feel that because they are so set in stone it has to be a commentary. It makes it both frustrating and interesting. For example:
- Gossip is always wrong. If you even hear someone gossiping, their IQ has been reduced to 0 for the duration of that conversation. I dont know if the people in this world understand a damn thing going on around them if they are talking about it to eachother and the main character is listening.
- When people learn their lessons or compare whats happening to them to their own lives, they seem to both understand the lesson / methodically do it again without even having a clue. They will almost literally be like: "I should not have stuck my head into that bears mouth" WHILE sticking their head into the bears mouth. Its so consistent that I have to believe the author is trying to make a point about peoples decision making skills, because there are points where the sentence structure is almost exactly that!
- Life isnt just unfair, its methodically unfair.

I really enjoyed the book and the story, but I am also just waiting for when he snaps and starts killing or blowing up all his problems. I feel like its coming and the satisfaction will be immeasurable.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

good book but mis labeled

I enjoyed the book but it needs to be labeled as a young adult or teen book. I only finished listening to it since I bought it already

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3 people found this helpful

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A simple but very enjoyable story

This book is a testament to the fact that great books don't have to be complex. There is a good twist in this book but for the most part it has a fairly simple plot. The characters are great and the narration is superb. Craig Alanson really understands his characters and gives us a sense of the inner workings of the mind of a child. I enjoyed the simplicity of the plot as it enhanced every other area of the book #Audible1.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderfull Story

If you enjoy, Wizards & magic this 3 part book series will amaze & impress

The narration is Top-Notch

Enjoy!

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1 person found this helpful

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wonderful story

very good. kept me listening when I should have been sleeping. narrating was also great

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1 person found this helpful