Transcendent

Ascendant, Book 2

By: Craig Alanson

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 16 hrs and 10 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

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.

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).

Filler

Nothing happens. Nothing important. We could have skipped almost 98% of it and moved to the next book. The characters didn't grow in any meaningful way either. It just feels cheap, more content, but lower quality. Hope this was a fluke.

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.

Fun Story - Sadly overly simplistic

Tim Reynolds brings this series to life like no other - I feel almost as if I’m next to the characters as he weaves the characters and narrative together. Unfortunately, multiple aspects are overly simplistic or repetitive - the impression I’m left with is that maybe Mr. Alanson is focusing on a young / newer reader audience. Protagonists represent / Work for a force constantly referred to as merely “the enemy”, reasoning is routinely explained down to a seemingly middle school level, character development is sadly shallow. Wish this was more along the lines of Ken Follet or Tolkien.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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...

Anticlimax

If I had to describe the trilogy in one word it would be 'anticlimax'. I felt the first two books and much of the third were constructing an interesting story, and nearing the end of the 3rd book I was wondering what the next book would bring. But then, in a few chapters, the story suddenly came to an end in an utterly disappointing way, almost as if the author couldn't be bothered to continue the story.

I read other reviews on the first and second book and saw some people described them (especially the second one) as page fillers. At the time, however, I thought the author was creating an extensive world and story. I was wrong. When I finished the final book, I realised most of the first and third book as well as the entire second book, are completely irrelevant to the overall story arch.

I endured what I thought to be minor imperfections in the first and second book (mistakes, needless repetition, slow pace, derivative naming of places and characters) because I felt the story had potential, instead I should have realised they where symptoms of something more problematic, an author who only half heartedly threw together a fantasy story.

*SPOILERS*

Koren takes two books to realise he is a wizard, and then in the third book he receives no training whatsoever before beating the demon in a way that could have happened at the end of book 1.

Just a gap filler.

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

Great book

A great book, performed and read very well. Will definitely be listening to the next in the series.

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.

a really good read

really enjoyed this story, very good characters,, need to get book 3 to continue the saga.

great listening

love it can't wait to see what happened next looking forward to the next book

Disappointing

The onoy thing i feel was good in this story was the narrator.

everything else was disappointing.

Outstanding

Love almost every second of all three books. Craig Alanson has become one of my favourite authors and Tim Gerard Reynolds performance is simply excellent.

Epic story

Was unsure about this series but 2nd book down in as many weeks . that must speak for itself.