The Ascendant Path: Scholar

By: Joshua C Cook

Narrated by: David Gurney

Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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

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

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.

unconventional YA fantasy

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It started with a very familiar set up - a sheltered boy from a remote small town who is just a little different get picked up and taken to an amazing school. But this is no academy book or Harry Potter. In fact, despite the unavoidable necessity of magic for a few select purposes, most people in the region, and our MC Layten Grayread in particular are quite anti-magic. This is not a magic school. I liked the way his relationships developed with his roommates too - not what I was expecting - and the way their various strengths and backgrounds led to then unraveling the mystery they stumbled on.

That said, this is a fantasy book, and magic does feature prominently - just not conventionally. The whole thing has a... is this magic or post-apocalyptic tech or steam punk or??? feel to it that mixes a soft, not well defined magic system in a rather feudal feeling society with technology in a seamless way.

This is the beginning of a new series that is a sequel of sorts to The Forgemaster Cycle. There are references to people and events from the Forgemaster Cycle which would be spoilers if you haven't read that series yet, but it is not necessary to read it to enjoy The Ascendant Path. In fact, it in some ways it almost makes it a more fun read not to have the long past historical background because then you are figuring it out and piecing it together right along with the MC Layten Grayread. As the first book in a series, expect it to end with rather dramatic hook for the next book. This does tell the full story of a chapter in Layton's life - so not a cliff hanger per se, but lucky for you book 2 is out already!

I listened to a complimentary copy of The Ascendant Path: Scholar after reading the book and it was a great story the second time through too. Having read farther ahead in the series at this point I was impressed by just how much groundwork Cook lays in this book that I had not recognized the first time through, David Gurney did a great job narrating, his voice was a good fit for the story.

THE SCHOLAR

A WONDERFUL SATIFYING TO THE ARCTURUS SERIES! EDGE OF YOUR SEAT EXCITEMENT! HEARTPOUNDING SUSPENSE! NARRATION WAS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! I CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE!

Absorbing Fantasy

I enjoyed this first book in "The Ascendant Path" series. The world building was fascinating. I liked the retiring character of Layten Grayread, who was portrayed differently than the usual hero. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. David Gurney's narration was great, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

A well-written story from a good author

The Ascendant Path - Scholar, my sixth read from author Joshua C. Cook. Well-written epic fantasy with captivating & intriguing characters. Shorter at 267 pages, but reads even longer due to the depth & development Cook weaves in, in fact, the book spends most of its length in said development. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and look forward to reading The Ascendant Path - Soldier to see where all this development goes. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.