The Ascendant Path: Scholar

De: Joshua C Cook

Narrado por: David Gurney

The Ascendant Path: Scholar is the first book in a new series by award-winning author Joshua C. Cook.

Generations have passed since the Unsundered god, Sartum, destroyed the City in Blue, the center of mortal use of magic. The betrayal of Sartum by William Reis and Myriam VolFar in the waning hours of that conflict has shaped the world of Alos and continues to do so.

In the south, magic runs free. Though mostly bound to magical creatures and places, mortals are able to use the power that flows through the very land and its people. In the north, the lands are clean from the infection of magic, as the Anchors, an order created by Sartum and his High Prophet, scour the land, destroying any trace of the taint of magic.

Layten Grayread is on his way to the House of Knowledge, to enter a life of a scholar. Dedicated to study, uncovering lost secrets, and learning new ones. Everyone knows the state of life: The north is free and under the strong wisdom and leadership of the church of Sartum. The south is a wild place, lawless and evil, where mere mortals dare to use the power that is reserved for the gods.

A plan, hundreds of years in the making, is starting to unfold. Layten and his friends, Hopwell and Wix, find themselves caught in a series of events that could break the balance between the north and south.

©2022 Joshua C Cook (P)2023 Joshua C Cook

Magic: good, bad and a whole lot of complexities

Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this an honest review. Narrated wonderfully by David Gurney brings to life an epic, harrowing journey for Layten Grayread as his life is turned upside down the moment this finds out he is destined to become a scholar at the House of Knowledge, delivered there by an mysterious Anchor and his two Protestors. Just getting to the House plunges Layten into seeing the dangerous world of magic he despises along with witnessing just how much the Anchor has to sacrifice when taking on such dark magical creatures. That's what makes this book such an amazing adventure is it beautifully immerses you into the world Layten and his friends discovers within the House that's filled with mystery and one heck of a battle between two monstrous Guardians. But it's also looks deep into how that taking on dark magic has stark consequences for the Anchors that it gives the story a gritty edge that your can't forget. A very great way to begin a series- highly recommended.

REALLY GOOD STORY.

STORY IS WELL WRITTEN AND EASY TO FOLLOW.

ACCEPTABLE FOR TEENS AND UP... CLEAN

NARRATOR WAS GREAT AND EASY TO FOLLOW.

A promising beginning

This novel was a strong introduction to what I hope will be a long series. The world of Alos has an interesting relationship with magic, particularly in the relationship between Anchors (who are responsible for keeping magic at bay) and the rest of the population. The settings are vivid and fun, and the experiences at university pay homage to so many familiar fantasy series. While I enjoyed Layten and his growth throughout the series, I struggled to connect with many of the supporting characters. Hopefully they will receive more depth in future installments.

Pros:
*fantastical world
*relatable school life
*interesting relationships between the people and magic
*good length

Cons:
*a bit of an abrupt ending
*I want to love the supporting characters but can’t yet

nice little teaser for the series

it starts slow but manages to hook you in. it leaves some questions that need answered and is like a teaser to to the world. I really like it and cant wait to listen to the rest of the series

A wonderful series starter!

I really enjoyed this story. It starts with Layten, a boy from a small village, who is chosen to become a scholar and study at the House of Knowledge. This is pretty standard Fantasy, but once he arrives at the House of Knowledge, that's when the fun begins. I really enjoyed his relationships with Hopwell and Wix! The banter was priceless! I also appreciate the different backgrounds the characters represent and how differently they react to their situations, yet all band together as friends no matter their status. The magic system and the general lore of the world are well thought out and unique. I love how magic isn't used for everything. It is sacred and must be used by necessity, rather than convenience lest one dishonor the gods. The last few chapters in the hidden library are full of action and make you excited to continue the series! The narration of this book is also very well done, with distinct voices for each character and tones that are easy to follow.