Ascendant: Book 1

By: Craig Alanson

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 17 hrs and 23 mins

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

A skeptic entertained

Honestly, I am not a passionate fan of the sword and sorcery fantasy genre. I am a huge fan of the Expeditionary Force series and RC Bray's narrating. So it was with quite some hesitation that I purchased this book after listening to what I felt was a lackluster uninteresting preview. I wasn't convinced the story or narrator would be a worthy investment of my time and money.

I preface this review with my doubts not to troll the author or the narrator but to give context for my review.

First, after having completed this book I can't imagine a better suited narrator for this story. The narrator quickly dissolves away into the story and there are only a wide variety of characters and adept accents left. Production value was very good. There were no noticiable splicing of vocals, popping, lisping crackling "ssss", or sharp audible inhalations from the narrator that are still far too commonplace in audio production these days.

The story is a well tested, well worn one but the relateable and developed characters make it easy for the listener to be absorbed into the environment as an observer. I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story and can't wait to listen to book two.

Had to try it a second time.

The narrator took a little getting used to. I actually returned this book once. I bought it based on the Craig Alanson ExForce series. Anyway, when I tried it the second time I really got into it. I"m giving it 5 stars because it really pulled me in. The perspective and detail of the story really gave me a unique experience on the adventure. I was constantly amazed at how the author gave me some detail that was surprising but interesting and relative.l

Anyway, I really liked this series. Seems like a simple 3 and done series, but still really cool.

Very good book! A classic! Original!

I don't know what some of those other reviews are complaining about. This was a very good solid book. Definitely worth reading. As good as the Riyria books in my opinion. I definitely want to read the sequel. Craig does just as well in fantasy as sci-fi. It didn't hurt to have the master Tim Gerard as the narrator. I was left wanting more. I felt the power balance of the different heroes was believable. Like the wizards were not OP. It was a subtle fantasy which I appreciate. Didn't go straight into orcs and elves to fast. I like Alansons technique of explaining the world as the characters encounter it, instead of giving it all away at the beginning. Anyways, please come out with the sequel. I really want to get the next book!!!

Nothing teribly new but well exicuted and a fun re

This story has been told before but I find myself really enjoying the read. I only wish that it was a little more dark you know.

The Book I've Been Searching A Year For - Years!

I love everything about this book. and thank goodness Tim Gerard Reynolds is the narrator! anyone else might have ruined it. I wish this series would never end and I hope the author creates more books just like this one. Thank you mr. allanson. sorry I'm on my cell phone will try to edit this at a later date.

Entertaining, but overly unfortunate.

I liked the book, I really did, but oh my word. It's almost comical how much goes wrong. I mean I know that's basically a subgenre of fantasy nowadays, Name of the Wind, Dresden Files, etc etc, but I could not take it seriously sometimes with how over the top it was. And the characters make the DUMBEST assumptions and decisions. I honestly hoped that the main character would turn full bad guy because of the crap everyone else stupidly put him through. Anyway. Tim does a great job and it was entertaining, just not a masterpiece.

I love this series and I want more!!

Short version: I graded the series as follows: Book 1 is good (B -), Book 2 is great (A+) and Book 3 is really good (B+).

I love this series and I want more!!

Excellent Story & Excellent Performance

I have to say that Tim Gerard Reynolds' performance is tremendous. The story is good too. If you like fantasy, this is a good book.

Amazing

I have never read a book or listened to an audiobook with so much detail and distinguishing character designs. I can picture the characters so well, it is as if I know them in real life. I can not only feel as I know the characters, but I can just see the environment they live in.

I have never been able to visualize an audiobook to this degree.

Thank you for the amazing book series.

Can’t wait for book 2!

This book was so good I pre-ordered the next one. I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been that excited.