What do you think?
Rate this book
Voidknight Ascension #1
Voidknight Ascension
Sam was surfing with his cat when the world ended.
Suddenly enlisted into a battle to fend off annihilation, Sam seizes the strength of the Void to survive.
In the aftermath, Sam and his cat are thrown into a new world shattered into floating islands with survivors from Earth. Training and fighting with his giant sword and apocalyptic mana alongside his magical healer cat, Sam's unusually quick to adapt to this deadly realm of monsters and magic.
With endless threats to face and countless powers to attain, Sam's journey of Ascension climbing has only just begun.
But first, he'll have to forge a Legend of his own.
Suddenly enlisted into a battle to fend off annihilation, Sam seizes the strength of the Void to survive.
In the aftermath, Sam and his cat are thrown into a new world shattered into floating islands with survivors from Earth. Training and fighting with his giant sword and apocalyptic mana alongside his magical healer cat, Sam's unusually quick to adapt to this deadly realm of monsters and magic.
With endless threats to face and countless powers to attain, Sam's journey of Ascension climbing has only just begun.
But first, he'll have to forge a Legend of his own.
596 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2023
1024 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
James T. Callum
21 books223 followersMy name is James T. Callum and I’m not going to talk to you in the third person or make it seem like I’ve got some publisher or editor who has a bio on me.
I'm always available to talk, connect with readers, fellow authors, and lovable book nerds:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JamesTCallum
Website: https://www.jamestcallum.com
Twitter: @JamesTCallum
This is just me, talking to you, the reader. I’m no different than you, I love reading and gaming just the same as everybody else.
In fact, I’ve loved reading for as long as I could remember. From the very first fantasy book I read, The Wizard of Earthsea, I was hooked.
For just as long I’ve also been an avid gamer and DND player (as well as other tabletop RPGs). Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Illusion of Gaia, and on through the years as stories and graphics became better and better.
You’ll be able to find hints of inspiration from all sorts of RPGs and video games in my works. From the Final Fantasy series to Warcraft, Age of Empires to Anno, and games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Because who doesn’t love a little cosmic horror thrown in for fun?
These games (and countless others) have inspired me ever since I was a kid, and they continue to serve as my muse now that I’m much older.
Writing has always been my greatest aspiration and with your help, I hope to make it a full-time job. At the time of this writing, I still work a day job like most people. It is only thanks to Patreon that I was able to dedicate some of my spare time to writing.
So, if you’d like to provide direct support and help me achieve my goal of writing full-time (so I can write even more stories for you awesome people!) you can hop on over to my Patreon page where you’ll find tons of content.
Patrons get access to advanced chapters of upcoming books, special discord roles and discussion channels, early releases of books before anyone else, maps, cover reveals, voting, and a lot more.
And if you spot a typo or error, shoot me an email at: typos@jamestcallum.com, and I will get it fixed and re-uploaded ASAP. I aim to provide the best possible reading experience and as soon as I find an error I fix it. Once it’s fixed and updated, your reading device should update automatically with the improved version.
I'm always available to talk, connect with readers, fellow authors, and lovable book nerds:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JamesTCallum
Website: https://www.jamestcallum.com
Twitter: @JamesTCallum
This is just me, talking to you, the reader. I’m no different than you, I love reading and gaming just the same as everybody else.
In fact, I’ve loved reading for as long as I could remember. From the very first fantasy book I read, The Wizard of Earthsea, I was hooked.
For just as long I’ve also been an avid gamer and DND player (as well as other tabletop RPGs). Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Illusion of Gaia, and on through the years as stories and graphics became better and better.
You’ll be able to find hints of inspiration from all sorts of RPGs and video games in my works. From the Final Fantasy series to Warcraft, Age of Empires to Anno, and games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Because who doesn’t love a little cosmic horror thrown in for fun?
These games (and countless others) have inspired me ever since I was a kid, and they continue to serve as my muse now that I’m much older.
Writing has always been my greatest aspiration and with your help, I hope to make it a full-time job. At the time of this writing, I still work a day job like most people. It is only thanks to Patreon that I was able to dedicate some of my spare time to writing.
So, if you’d like to provide direct support and help me achieve my goal of writing full-time (so I can write even more stories for you awesome people!) you can hop on over to my Patreon page where you’ll find tons of content.
Patrons get access to advanced chapters of upcoming books, special discord roles and discussion channels, early releases of books before anyone else, maps, cover reveals, voting, and a lot more.
And if you spot a typo or error, shoot me an email at: typos@jamestcallum.com, and I will get it fixed and re-uploaded ASAP. I aim to provide the best possible reading experience and as soon as I find an error I fix it. Once it’s fixed and updated, your reading device should update automatically with the improved version.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 10, 2023
This is a prime example of less is more.
This is a muddled mess. There are legends and jobs and professions and titles and achievements and tiers and so on and so on. This combined with weak characters makes for a bland story that is not worth following.
This is a muddled mess. There are legends and jobs and professions and titles and achievements and tiers and so on and so on. This combined with weak characters makes for a bland story that is not worth following.
January 27, 2024
For some reason, the writers really want the readers to know that the main character is packing a big penis. So that is what I’m going to lead with here. His dick was mistaken for a summer sausage by his cat, y’all.
Clearly he is the OP Chosen One.
Whew. Glad I got that cringe out of my system.
Look, I actually enjoyed the sentient cat character. I didn’t dislike the MC. There’s some good adventure in there. I like the frequent leveling and skill accumulation.
It’s still a bit of a mess. The overly complicated system makes the updates drag on way too long for my taste. The plot and prose both could use tightening.
Clearly he is the OP Chosen One.
Whew. Glad I got that cringe out of my system.
Look, I actually enjoyed the sentient cat character. I didn’t dislike the MC. There’s some good adventure in there. I like the frequent leveling and skill accumulation.
It’s still a bit of a mess. The overly complicated system makes the updates drag on way too long for my taste. The plot and prose both could use tightening.
March 30, 2024
was there a book before this one? DNF
I thought I downloaded the first book but right away I got confused by what in the world is happening. Our friend Sam gets whisked away with no explanation to a world he is surprisingly adept at, thrust into a cataclysmic battle where so many things are happening at once and my story “give a crap” ran out.
There is a way of jumping right into the action, but this feels like going up to bat, swinging at every pitch and jumping up and down on home plate and telling everyone I scored. There’s so much happening it’s nonsensical. I tried to stick with it but nothing got explained in the first 5 chapters. So here we are.
I thought I downloaded the first book but right away I got confused by what in the world is happening. Our friend Sam gets whisked away with no explanation to a world he is surprisingly adept at, thrust into a cataclysmic battle where so many things are happening at once and my story “give a crap” ran out.
There is a way of jumping right into the action, but this feels like going up to bat, swinging at every pitch and jumping up and down on home plate and telling everyone I scored. There’s so much happening it’s nonsensical. I tried to stick with it but nothing got explained in the first 5 chapters. So here we are.
January 8, 2024
Book one
I skipped hundreds of pages of dullness. There is an interesting story in here, but by god can it get dull at times.
I only found one mistake and will post it on Goodreads.
If you want more of the story book two is currently being written on Royalroad.
Remember that this is just my opinion and you can have a different one.
5/10 I did enjoy the cat.
I skipped hundreds of pages of dullness. There is an interesting story in here, but by god can it get dull at times.
I only found one mistake and will post it on Goodreads.
If you want more of the story book two is currently being written on Royalroad.
Remember that this is just my opinion and you can have a different one.
5/10 I did enjoy the cat.
December 15, 2023
Another wonderful entry to shardrune universe. I started reading this book and could not put it down! Wonderful storyline full of amazing and compelling characters! The authors did an amazing job with this world! I can’t wait to read the next book and highly recommend this book! Super cool Litrpg!
December 22, 2023
Mostly boring
Gosh, where to start? If you are looking for a fast-paced litRPG, skip this one. There are many, many pages of the MC and supporting characters mulling stuff over or thinking about how the level up system works. Mixed in are a few exciting events and fights. There is also a lot of text book type information on the system, gods, islands, and how worlds are incorporated into the system. Even with all the pages dedicated to describing the system and areas in the world, plus fighting scenes, I still had a very hard time picturing the scenes in my head. There's a lot of boring stuff in this book.
Gosh, where to start? If you are looking for a fast-paced litRPG, skip this one. There are many, many pages of the MC and supporting characters mulling stuff over or thinking about how the level up system works. Mixed in are a few exciting events and fights. There is also a lot of text book type information on the system, gods, islands, and how worlds are incorporated into the system. Even with all the pages dedicated to describing the system and areas in the world, plus fighting scenes, I still had a very hard time picturing the scenes in my head. There's a lot of boring stuff in this book.
December 28, 2023
I line the premise
I like the premise of this series. Still little confused about some of the stats and the progression and them. Things like job profession They are all there but not well explained. Part of the adventure because even the MC does not know what they mean. We all learn together. Sleep cliffhanger at the end rather annoying but over all the book was good. A little Garry stu but Again to be expected. We are after all not reading books about the average janitor cleaning up after the bar closes. Lot of jumping around in this book a little bit confusing hopefully we've settled in on the shard islands. I guess we'll see in the next book whenever that is. No major love interest On the MC side though one of his compatriots seems to like him more than he realizes. Again not much coming of it in this book it will see in future books. Looking forward to the next book whenever that is.
I like the premise of this series. Still little confused about some of the stats and the progression and them. Things like job profession They are all there but not well explained. Part of the adventure because even the MC does not know what they mean. We all learn together. Sleep cliffhanger at the end rather annoying but over all the book was good. A little Garry stu but Again to be expected. We are after all not reading books about the average janitor cleaning up after the bar closes. Lot of jumping around in this book a little bit confusing hopefully we've settled in on the shard islands. I guess we'll see in the next book whenever that is. No major love interest On the MC side though one of his compatriots seems to like him more than he realizes. Again not much coming of it in this book it will see in future books. Looking forward to the next book whenever that is.
March 3, 2024
Poor Looting
Despite the bias against white males, the book provided good adventure and action. I have a problem with characters (especially poor characters) not looting everything, not looting right away, and not checking their loot. The hero proved that it wasn’t white man’s society keeping him down by not paying a ‘living’ wage. Rather it was his laziness and lack of drive to not even open a chest for Days while deliberately destroying his home tent playing around with magic. Also minor issues with a ‘chonky’ cat inside armor that takes a club or foot to the chest and then lands on his back with no mention of the cat. Undecided if I’ll continue the series.
Despite the bias against white males, the book provided good adventure and action. I have a problem with characters (especially poor characters) not looting everything, not looting right away, and not checking their loot. The hero proved that it wasn’t white man’s society keeping him down by not paying a ‘living’ wage. Rather it was his laziness and lack of drive to not even open a chest for Days while deliberately destroying his home tent playing around with magic. Also minor issues with a ‘chonky’ cat inside armor that takes a club or foot to the chest and then lands on his back with no mention of the cat. Undecided if I’ll continue the series.
June 30, 2024
Fun read! Couldn’t put it down.
"Voidknight Ascension" is a masterful blend of epic storytelling and immersive world-building. From the very first page, I was captivated by its richly detailed universe and the profound depth of its characters. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and inspiring, filled with unexpected twists and profound moments of self-discovery. The intricate plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the vivid descriptions make you feel as though you're right there in the midst of the action. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping, well-crafted fantasy adventure. Truly, a remarkable achievement in the genre!
"Voidknight Ascension" is a masterful blend of epic storytelling and immersive world-building. From the very first page, I was captivated by its richly detailed universe and the profound depth of its characters. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and inspiring, filled with unexpected twists and profound moments of self-discovery. The intricate plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the vivid descriptions make you feel as though you're right there in the midst of the action. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping, well-crafted fantasy adventure. Truly, a remarkable achievement in the genre!
December 5, 2023
Another fantastic entry into the Shardrune universe
The authors had some fun with this one! I love to see how they continue to have fun with plays on the isekai trope. Or the apocalypse trope as well in this case. While my first love will always be the Beastborne series, this one has a lot of promise as a fun adventure with a new variant of Komachi(who doesn’t love soul aeder?) and a fun new leveling system. I also love the use of the destruction for protection trope! Great fun all around!
The authors had some fun with this one! I love to see how they continue to have fun with plays on the isekai trope. Or the apocalypse trope as well in this case. While my first love will always be the Beastborne series, this one has a lot of promise as a fun adventure with a new variant of Komachi(who doesn’t love soul aeder?) and a fun new leveling system. I also love the use of the destruction for protection trope! Great fun all around!
December 22, 2023
good book for a first one of a new series.
Very good book for the first one in a series. The MC is OK. Learning his way as he goes. I am not a cat person but the cat is adorable. The action is OK and the magic system is so so. The only issue I have is that the MC, when leveling up does not get completely healed. I know he has a healer cat, so let the cat heal him when he is fighting and between levels. That’s the only issue I have with the story and keeps me from giving it five stars. I will go on and read the next book when it arrives.
Very good book for the first one in a series. The MC is OK. Learning his way as he goes. I am not a cat person but the cat is adorable. The action is OK and the magic system is so so. The only issue I have is that the MC, when leveling up does not get completely healed. I know he has a healer cat, so let the cat heal him when he is fighting and between levels. That’s the only issue I have with the story and keeps me from giving it five stars. I will go on and read the next book when it arrives.
February 15, 2024
So freaking good!
I picked this up as an Amazon recommendation, and wasn't all that into it initially. Boy was I wrong! This was a great read! A unique system and deep lore, with a strikingly unique world being built as well. Absolutely worth checking it. 10/10.
Fair warning, there are some grammatical errors. I know that can break the immersion pretty heavily for some readers, but it is too be expected from an Indie Author, and the first book in a series. I have high hopes for the next installment.
I picked this up as an Amazon recommendation, and wasn't all that into it initially. Boy was I wrong! This was a great read! A unique system and deep lore, with a strikingly unique world being built as well. Absolutely worth checking it. 10/10.
Fair warning, there are some grammatical errors. I know that can break the immersion pretty heavily for some readers, but it is too be expected from an Indie Author, and the first book in a series. I have high hopes for the next installment.
February 11, 2024
Great birth of a legend
Beautiful, just beautiful.. This author is just an amazing system and world creator whether it is dark souls inspired or litrpg inspired.. Everything I've read of how is brilliant and creative and all his worlds overlap and share a universal context and connection... Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream and Embers n Ash
Beautiful, just beautiful.. This author is just an amazing system and world creator whether it is dark souls inspired or litrpg inspired.. Everything I've read of how is brilliant and creative and all his worlds overlap and share a universal context and connection... Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream and Embers n Ash
February 14, 2024
A strange and interesting journey
The beginning is very confusing. The author goes into little detail on how the two protagonists actually met and how long their fight went on.
Quite a few grammatical errors that pulled me out of the story long enough to figure out what the author is trying to say.
Ongoing mini stories that carry over to the next book one assumes.
Interesting and fun characters; especially the cat.
Can't wait to see what happens next with Sam's friends.
The beginning is very confusing. The author goes into little detail on how the two protagonists actually met and how long their fight went on.
Quite a few grammatical errors that pulled me out of the story long enough to figure out what the author is trying to say.
Ongoing mini stories that carry over to the next book one assumes.
Interesting and fun characters; especially the cat.
Can't wait to see what happens next with Sam's friends.
August 6, 2024
Made it 2 and a bit hours in, the (audio)book had yet to really start by then.
And in that time, the MC hadn't made a single choice that wasn't pushed onto him by either another character or the narrative.
I don't have the energy to read another story where the MC is the MC just because the story is told from their POV, not because they lead anything.
Luke Daniels, like (almost) always, was a delight.
Anyways, on to the next book.
And in that time, the MC hadn't made a single choice that wasn't pushed onto him by either another character or the narrative.
I don't have the energy to read another story where the MC is the MC just because the story is told from their POV, not because they lead anything.
Luke Daniels, like (almost) always, was a delight.
Anyways, on to the next book.
August 23, 2024
An interesting story was somewhere between the full stat-sheets or the situations forced onto the MC.
I just gave up after 5 hours of the audiobook, after 2 stat sheets were read, and after 2 comments from the MC. Fully saying VIGOR, V-I-G, STENGTH, S-T-R and etc. every single time.
Very handholdy and similar to early litrpgs or fanfiction that is just for fun without much serious thought about plotting a story. We're barely passed the introduction tutorial.
I just gave up after 5 hours of the audiobook, after 2 stat sheets were read, and after 2 comments from the MC. Fully saying VIGOR, V-I-G, STENGTH, S-T-R and etc. every single time.
Very handholdy and similar to early litrpgs or fanfiction that is just for fun without much serious thought about plotting a story. We're barely passed the introduction tutorial.
December 5, 2023
Litrpg at its best
I love that each of this author's series can be red. Totally independent of each other. Each is an amazing litRPG in its own right.
That said, this may be my favorite. Sam is a super engaging main character and his cat Komachi is the bestest hands down no arguments. I need more Komachi in my life. The floof is unrelenting!
I love that each of this author's series can be red. Totally independent of each other. Each is an amazing litRPG in its own right.
That said, this may be my favorite. Sam is a super engaging main character and his cat Komachi is the bestest hands down no arguments. I need more Komachi in my life. The floof is unrelenting!
February 16, 2024
Entertaining
This was a cute and funny read. Komachi is my favorite, and the epitome of cuteness overload. There are quite a few plots that seem to be zeroing on Sam as a target. It is never good when deities find you amusing and want to play. The last part was absolutely frustrating. Like, this whole battle and then bam who are you? Not fair.
This was a cute and funny read. Komachi is my favorite, and the epitome of cuteness overload. There are quite a few plots that seem to be zeroing on Sam as a target. It is never good when deities find you amusing and want to play. The last part was absolutely frustrating. Like, this whole battle and then bam who are you? Not fair.
February 25, 2024
tip top litrpg
Isekai protagonist in a land with gods and climbing. The characterizations differentiate it from others with similar tropes and make it one of the better ones of the genre.
If you like a growing character surrounded by well fleshed out supporting characters and an adorable cat, then get to reading.
Isekai protagonist in a land with gods and climbing. The characterizations differentiate it from others with similar tropes and make it one of the better ones of the genre.
If you like a growing character surrounded by well fleshed out supporting characters and an adorable cat, then get to reading.
December 17, 2023
Inconsistent Quality
Sam is a likable guy - a battle junkie, but likable. Like vanilla ice cream.
His adventures are formulaic (time crunch dark fantasy) but leavened by his comedic sidekick.
I don't regret the time I spent reading this, but I am in no hurry to read the sequel.
Sam is a likable guy - a battle junkie, but likable. Like vanilla ice cream.
His adventures are formulaic (time crunch dark fantasy) but leavened by his comedic sidekick.
I don't regret the time I spent reading this, but I am in no hurry to read the sequel.
January 6, 2024
Excellent Beginning
Story spends a bit too much time on stats (for me) and doesn’t always fully explain some backstory, but despite that is well written and has a unique setting that will have me reading book 2.
Story spends a bit too much time on stats (for me) and doesn’t always fully explain some backstory, but despite that is well written and has a unique setting that will have me reading book 2.
January 11, 2024
It gets better
The first few chapters are rough. Being dropped into the climax of a trilogy with no prior knowledge rough. It finishes off fairly well though if you can stick it out. I'm looking forward to the next one.
The first few chapters are rough. Being dropped into the climax of a trilogy with no prior knowledge rough. It finishes off fairly well though if you can stick it out. I'm looking forward to the next one.
June 18, 2024
The Cat Is The Best Reason To Read This Novel
Sam's cat, Komachi, is the greatest source of comic relief in the otherwise tense plotline of this novel—and reading about her antics may be one of the best reasons to read this novel. Long live the Chonk Rolling!
Sam's cat, Komachi, is the greatest source of comic relief in the otherwise tense plotline of this novel—and reading about her antics may be one of the best reasons to read this novel. Long live the Chonk Rolling!
November 4, 2024
1 3/4 rounded up. Of course I loved the cat, but that wasn't enough to really save it for me. The main character seemed one dimensional and the magic system was over complicated. Parts dragged. I didn't hate it; it was just too bland.
December 4, 2023
great book
Good intro from the writer with some back story and lore cannot wait for more
Lite litrpg
Slow weak to powerful mc
No harem
Lots of action
Good intro from the writer with some back story and lore cannot wait for more
Lite litrpg
Slow weak to powerful mc
No harem
Lots of action
December 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this
I wasn’t aware that there was a whole universe thing going on here but I’m loving it I’m glad the book had some substance I don’t know how eles to say it lol
I wasn’t aware that there was a whole universe thing going on here but I’m loving it I’m glad the book had some substance I don’t know how eles to say it lol
December 13, 2023
love the shardverse
Another great installation to the universe. Exciting new entry with endless possibilities. Looking forward to the next book and seeing Sam's Legend evolve.
Another great installation to the universe. Exciting new entry with endless possibilities. Looking forward to the next book and seeing Sam's Legend evolve.
December 13, 2023
Fantastic!
Fantastic book! I loved this book! Such amazing character development. I simply can not wait for the next book to come out!
Fantastic book! I loved this book! Such amazing character development. I simply can not wait for the next book to come out!
December 14, 2023
Great one sitting read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
December 21, 2023
Just a Great book.
Just a great book to read. If you're looking for an action pack book to read this is it. Definitely worth a read.
Just a great book to read. If you're looking for an action pack book to read this is it. Definitely worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews