Ascension

The Last Archide, Volume 1

By: Chad R. Odom

Narrated by: Scott Hart

The war to end all wars is a spark away from engulfing the world in conflict and death. With super-weapons designed for Armageddon, world leaders preach restraint, but prepare to fight.

Oryan Jeckstadt is born into slavery - the result of an emperor who secretly punishes his enemies with a fate worse than death. He is thrust into a brutal, but wildly popular, sport with participants known as Centauri. Knowing his father’s freedom is at stake, he determines to be the best in the world.

After being orphaned, Elesya Celeste trains as a Centauri. Constantly placed in Oryan’s shadow, she strives not just to outshine him, but to eclipse him.

Unknown to them, powerful forces are setting them up to alter the destiny of the world. Some want them to save it and others to burn it down. Who to trust remains a mystery.

As the uneasy peace disintegrates, countries use Centauri victories as political influence. In this high-stakes environment, Oryan and Celeste are torn apart even as they are brought together.

©2018 Chad R. Odom (P)2019 Chad R. Odom

Great Sci-Fi. Can’t wait for more

What a unique world Chad R Odom has created. It’s relatable yet intriguing. Keeps you wanting to know what happens next and find out how all the characters fit together. Perfect balance of world building, character evolution and a little romance. I can’t wait to delve deeper into this world and see how it all plays out. Voice recording is well done and easy to listen too. Different voices for each character are easy to distinguish and fit right. Highly recommended.

Great performance

Great series. Complex story, and characters. Scott Hart does a great job reading and keeping you envying the story.

Full of sci-fi action!

Great first entry in this new sci-fi series. Full of action, intrigue, and emotion, and sets the stage nicely for what I hope will be an epic conclusion in the books to follow. Suitable for young and old alike. Narration is skillfully executed, with all major characters having distinctive voices which match their personality. Not monotonous nor over-acted, Scott Hart does a great job staying in the narrator "sweet-spot". Can't wait to listen to Book 2!

Interesting premise

I enjoyed this book. I found the premise of how entertainment in the future would look.

Great story, great delivery

Not normally a fan of audiobooks, I tried this one on a whim with some serious time in an automobile ahead of me. The story quickly takes off, and while it takes a bit to get all the characters and settings straight, it all comes together into a phenomenal tale. It's a very interesting world that feels equal parts Enders Game, Roman Coliseum, modern sportstar fame and fortune with a global clash between nations building steadily. The various characters all have their own unique personas that the narrator expertly brings to life. You quickly find yourself knowing who's doing what more by the way each bit of dialogue is spoken rather than being explicitly told. Very much looking forward to what comes next!