Transcendent

By: Craig Alanson

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 16 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

Koren Bladewell's future was stolen from him, by wizards who chose to lie, to conceal the fact that Koren is a wizard.

Crown princess Ariana Trehayme must find a way to become queen before her 16th birthday - before her indecisive mother allows all of Tarador to be conquered.

©2016 Craig Alanson; 2018 Podium Publishing

Cut the boy some slack

I’ve fallen in love with this series. And for a while I couldn’t figure out why. Was it the story? The story is decent but the motions are predictable to someone who knows the flow of novels such as these. Is it the magic? While interesting the magic is mostly soft and is based on feelings, and needs of the character. Was it the Characters? Most of them are archetypical: The young ruler hoping to prove oneself, the wise and world weary mage, and the kind hearted protagonist.

Then it hit me. The thing that made me fall in love with the series is its sincerity. Everyone is acting completely rational and towards what they think is best, either for themselves or others. And that often leads to the tragedies the characters suffer through. In fantasy it is often that good natured characters do so simply because they were written in one shade of ink. They do because they are. But the main character acts the way he does almost out of misplaced guilt and honest thanks for all those around him. Which is what leads to the heart reaching points when that faith and trust is abused and life continues to beat him when he is down. I listened to the 2 books out because I as the reader, know that the protagonist deserves better and I want the best for him. I could care less if the army of darkness takes over the whole world, all I want in that universe is for the protagonist to be treated the way I know he deserves to be.

Tim Geared Reynolds is one of my favorite narrators on the site (I recommend his performances in Dawn of Wonder, and the Riyria books).

32 of 35 people found this review helpful

Alanson's first miss with me.

First the good. I like the world and the color added to it. Although rather small overall, there were a few nice moments... but...

This was a hard listen. It is a bridge book where so little happens that in another book would be covered in a couple chapters.

There were times I honestly wondered if Craig is getting paid by the word. Almost every detail is repeated so many times. Since most everything isn't actual plot advances, it gets crazy dull fast.

All the characters loose IQ in this book, not that book 1 gifted them with great intelligence, but the story was a good setup with room to grow.

Quite frankly, I feel confident that you will be able to move straight to book 3 when released and miss nothing important that won't be repeated twelve times in the first couple chapters of book 3.

I've liked all of Alanson's other books and provided solid reviews. and this is a rare bad review from me. The only two things that happen of any real plot are greatly telegraphed and obvious from book 1. These plot advances should have happened in book 1 then ended for a sequel.

I'm hoping for reparations to his fans by a solid book 3.

23 of 26 people found this review helpful

Too slow to get to the crux

Can’t believe that it took a he end of book two for this teen to put two and two together. At this pace the series is going to be extremely long. I think I see wha

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

it was ok

the first book was amazing.. the second was a lot of filler... can't wait to read the third book hopefully it finishes with a bang.... if not still a good read or listen on a long trip...

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Even better than the first!!

The characters from the first book were fleshed out more in the second book and the world felt more lived in. Intrigue and battles were far more prevalent as well. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. 5 stars.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

amazing

easily one of my favorite series, story telling was superb as well!!! found myself listening when I should have been working/sleeping or i'd find myself driving around just to listen more it's that good!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Can't wait for the next one...

My only complaint about the first book was the author's reliance on repeated miscommunications to move the plot. I was a bit wary when I spent the credit on this book as I was totally fed up with the "if they'd only told him the truth" device that was used to create the major character conflicts in the first installment.

I'm happy to say that this book was much better in that regard. If you are on the fence about continuing the story I whole-heartedly recommend that you invest the credit.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This is a good book and held my interest

Alanson knows what he is doing. Great talent. you Will not be disappointed. Can't wait until the next book.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

hurry up with book 3!

another wonderful book from Craig Alanson! I absolutely love them and cannot wait for the 3 book in the series.

of course the narration is amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds is simply the best narrator of all time.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Excellent

Good story.
Excellent performance. Mr. Reynolds is by far my favorite.
Highly recommend for fans of the genre.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Just a gap filler.

Felt like this was unnecessary filler just so he could have a trilogy of books.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great story

Great Story, well read and presented, I would recommend it and looking forward to the last book in the trilogy.

Excellent Book

This book is excellent as is the series. Gripping plot difficult to put down. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Good sequel

It’s a good sequel, the plot moves well. It’s a bit of a slow placed story than the first. However there is more battles. So if you prefer that over tea and cake with the princess it’s got that going for it.

Side note. The author needs to make it clear what a wizard can/can’t do. I feel like my knowledge of it is as good as Koren’s. which basically is just a load of misconceptions. Which would be fine however we deal with other major characters. Suck as highly skilled wizards and this book keeps throwing need conception and new abilities. Which i thought a wizard in this book can’t do.
Also wizards are op as hell. The only reason normal people fight in this book is due to the lack of wizards.

Enjoyable, but moves at a slow pace

While I did enjoy the story, I can’t help feeling I wanted things to move a little faster.

loved it!!

I do not write many reviews but i have to say this book was worth rating. The story that follows from book 1 is fantastically compelling as we know so much about the characters and story. I absolutely love the narration... bravo! you certainly will not be disappointed. hurry up book 3

brilliant book, brilliant narration

this really fantastic book, well worth listening too and as always Reynolds narration is superb.

great

another great book, though I am not a fan of fantasy recently after listening to few other books. I await the next part!

Great Series

Continuation of what’s turned out to be a great story with nice characters set in a great world
Role on book 3

Really enjoyable listen

Really enjoyed listening to this book looking forward to the next book in the series.