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Ascendant #2
Ascendant 2
When the world’s most powerful ascendant is magicked into the body of a boy with no memory of his true self, he must face off against an army of the undead.
It’s only been a year since Nym awakened washed up on a beach with no memory of where he came from. But he looks five years older, and his abilities have grown at an extraordinary rate. Unbeknownst to him, Nym is really the mighty Exarch Niramyn, banished into a child’s—now teenager’s—body by his archrival of a thousand years.
In search of some easy money, Nym and his friends have found work as earth mages in the town of Ebalsan, building fortifications against the rising incursion of the undead. But Nym is badly injured by one of the wights, and suffers a matrix destabilization, rendering him unable to perform magic. To make matters worse, the mysterious Collective is on his tail.
Now, Nym must learn to embrace the full extent of his power if he hopes to have even the slightest chance of beating back his enemies—both dead and alive . . .
It’s only been a year since Nym awakened washed up on a beach with no memory of where he came from. But he looks five years older, and his abilities have grown at an extraordinary rate. Unbeknownst to him, Nym is really the mighty Exarch Niramyn, banished into a child’s—now teenager’s—body by his archrival of a thousand years.
In search of some easy money, Nym and his friends have found work as earth mages in the town of Ebalsan, building fortifications against the rising incursion of the undead. But Nym is badly injured by one of the wights, and suffers a matrix destabilization, rendering him unable to perform magic. To make matters worse, the mysterious Collective is on his tail.
Now, Nym must learn to embrace the full extent of his power if he hopes to have even the slightest chance of beating back his enemies—both dead and alive . . .
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 16, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ☆ ☆ (3/5)
More power, less purpose.
Ascendant 2 doubles down on progression but forgets to justify why it matters. The result is a sequel that moves faster, scales higher, and feels thinner.
✦ What Works:
Relentless pacing — it never stalls
Clear power escalation — the numbers go up, consistently
Readable structure — easy to binge, hard to remember
✦ What Doesn’t:
No emotional anchor — stakes exist, but don’t land
Flat character work — everyone feels functional, not human
Conflict without tension — outcomes feel pre-decided
Repetition creep — progression loop starts to show fatigue
It’s not that nothing happens—it’s that nothing resonates.
✦ Core Issue:
The novel treats progression as a substitute for storytelling. Advancement replaces development. Scale replaces substance.
✦ Final Verdict:
Ascendant 2 is efficient but empty—built for momentum, not meaning.
Worth continuing if you’re already invested. Skippable if you’re not.
🔥 Fast, functional, forgettable.
February 10, 2025
"Ascendant 2" by EmergencyComplaints, published in 2024 and narrated by Todd Haberkorn, is a thrilling continuation of the progression fantasy series that builds on the foundations laid in its predecessor. Picking up where the 1st audiobook left off, it follows Nym, the regressed Exarch Niramyn, as he navigates a world of escalating threats, magical growth, and personal rediscovery. As in the 1st audiobook, this one also delivers a mix of action, intrigue, and character development, though it occasionally struggles with pacing and complexity. Todd Haberkorn's narration remains a highlight, making it an engaging listen for fans of the genre.
One of the key highlights of "Ascendant 2" is its focus on Nym's continued evolution, both magically and emotionally. Having awakened on a beach with no memory of his true self, Nym is now a teenager, his abilities growing at an extraordinary rate. The audiobook delves deeper into his struggle to reconcile his past power with his current vulnerability, particularly after a wight attack leaves him with a matrix destabilization, rendering him unable to perform magic. This setback adds tension, forcing Nym to rely on his wits and allies, such as his friends working as earth mages in Ebalsan, to survive. EmergencyComplaints excels at crafting a structured progression system, with Nym's magical milestones—like mastering new spells or overcoming physical limits—feeling earned and satisfying.
The worldbuilding expands significantly, introducing new threats like the mysterious Collective and an undead army, which heighten the stakes. Nym's interactions with characters like Ciana and Cern remain compelling, though some secondary figures, such as rival mages, feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. The pacing is brisk, with action-packed sequences balanced by moments of introspection, though the audiobook's reliance on rapid-fire reveals and complex subplots can be overwhelming. EmergencyComplaints mitigates this with plausible setbacks, such as Nym's injuries, which ground his arc and add tension, though some listeners might find the plot's reliance on coincidence a bit jarring.
Todd Haberkorn's narration is a standout, bringing energy and nuance to the audiobook. His youthful, dynamic voicing of Nym captures the character's blend of naivety and latent power, while his differentiation of supporting characters enhances the listening experience. However, as in the 1st audiobook, some listeners might find his pacing slightly rushed during quieter scenes, which can dilute emotional weight. Despite this, Haberkorn's performance is well-suited to the genre's fast-paced, action-driven nature, making the 14-hour plus runtime engaging.
One of the key highlights of "Ascendant 2" is its focus on Nym's continued evolution, both magically and emotionally. Having awakened on a beach with no memory of his true self, Nym is now a teenager, his abilities growing at an extraordinary rate. The audiobook delves deeper into his struggle to reconcile his past power with his current vulnerability, particularly after a wight attack leaves him with a matrix destabilization, rendering him unable to perform magic. This setback adds tension, forcing Nym to rely on his wits and allies, such as his friends working as earth mages in Ebalsan, to survive. EmergencyComplaints excels at crafting a structured progression system, with Nym's magical milestones—like mastering new spells or overcoming physical limits—feeling earned and satisfying.
The worldbuilding expands significantly, introducing new threats like the mysterious Collective and an undead army, which heighten the stakes. Nym's interactions with characters like Ciana and Cern remain compelling, though some secondary figures, such as rival mages, feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. The pacing is brisk, with action-packed sequences balanced by moments of introspection, though the audiobook's reliance on rapid-fire reveals and complex subplots can be overwhelming. EmergencyComplaints mitigates this with plausible setbacks, such as Nym's injuries, which ground his arc and add tension, though some listeners might find the plot's reliance on coincidence a bit jarring.
Todd Haberkorn's narration is a standout, bringing energy and nuance to the audiobook. His youthful, dynamic voicing of Nym captures the character's blend of naivety and latent power, while his differentiation of supporting characters enhances the listening experience. However, as in the 1st audiobook, some listeners might find his pacing slightly rushed during quieter scenes, which can dilute emotional weight. Despite this, Haberkorn's performance is well-suited to the genre's fast-paced, action-driven nature, making the 14-hour plus runtime engaging.
July 5, 2024
4.5 Stars
Despite enjoying this book thoroughly, I have doubts as to the series' future. The protagonist will soon be one of the most powerful people on the planet, so it'll need something to keep the tension high.
Despite enjoying this book thoroughly, I have doubts as to the series' future. The protagonist will soon be one of the most powerful people on the planet, so it'll need something to keep the tension high.
November 4, 2025
Decent but lacks soul
For me it felt like the story was written for teenagers as the protagonist is oh so brilliant and skilled, overcomes all problems and rather lacks personality. This time he has more social contact but without real meaning. His progress, his genius in learning and adapting new skills and even his fighting were huge but I still found the story lacking somehow as I still don't really care about the protagonist as everything seems to be a foregone conclusion..
For me it felt like the story was written for teenagers as the protagonist is oh so brilliant and skilled, overcomes all problems and rather lacks personality. This time he has more social contact but without real meaning. His progress, his genius in learning and adapting new skills and even his fighting were huge but I still found the story lacking somehow as I still don't really care about the protagonist as everything seems to be a foregone conclusion..
May 15, 2024
This book scrapes its way into a 4-star rating, though it could easily have been lower. The reason for this is that the story makes what I consider to be three major mistakes, each one a direct consequence of its predecessor, and they drastically alter the kind of story being told.
1. It triggers what feels like a foregone conclusion
About the halfway point, the story reveals information that triggers events that make the destination the protagonist is headed towards feel like a foregone conclusion. That still might change, but right now, that seems really unlikely, and as a result, it creates a problem for this reader.
If you think of your story as plotting someone's path on a map, you will see your protagonist take a meandering route toward the eventual destination. This is because the destination is only a goal at first, they probably don't know the way, and there's a lot to learn to get your characters on the right path. However, once you give your characters/readers a direct map to the destination, suddenly, travelling that meandering path is no longer desirable. We see exactly where we are headed and where we need to get to, and anything that's not a straight line to that destination feels like unimportant time-wasting.
This inevitably created a pacing issue that created the next problem...
2. Going too fast too soon
This problem is almost like someone hit the infamous (and maybe mythical) "NOS" button in a street race, turbo-boosting a car to extreme speeds. As with car racing, this is an action that should be left towards the end of the race once the finish line is in sight. Such speed is not sustainable, and this button can only be pressed once, so you better not hit that button too early.
This is exactly what happened here as a result of the previous problem. The story got sight of the destination, so it suddenly kicked into turbo-charge mode, going flat out towards the finish line even though it still had a book and a half left to go. This creates pacing issues in the short term as everything about the story has to change in order to account for this new furious pace, and then more pacing issues in the long term as such storytelling speed is not sustainable, and the story must slow down again.
The problems with such pacing come from the issue of the original event forcing the story out of its natural path of progression, and because the story can't naturally sustain this unusual pacing, we get the final issue...
3. Changing from character-led storytelling to plot-led
Up to this point, this story has been entirely driven by Nym's actions. Every step forward also progressed him as a character, the relationships he had with other characters, and so much more. It felt natural and fulfilling, and is my favourite way to experience stories. However, such progression can't keep up with the pacing issues from the previous story, as now the story must unfold at a pace that is reliant on the plot, and the characters are pulled along for the ride.
Overall Verdict
This second book is not a bad book, it's just a step down in quality from its predecessor. The above issues are the direct reasons for this, but with a mental adjustment, you can change your expectations for the story and still get enjoyment from it. This is the reason this story gets the 4th star, because once I had adjusted, I enjoyed what I read. But in making the above changes, it lost so much that I enjoyed about the first story.
Book one was a wonderful character-led story about a young man with incredible potential finding a path to fulfil that potential in a way that best suited his character. This book has become about that same potential getting fulfilled in a way that is best suited to the plot. It might feel like a small distinction, but it makes a big difference.
1. It triggers what feels like a foregone conclusion
About the halfway point, the story reveals information that triggers events that make the destination the protagonist is headed towards feel like a foregone conclusion. That still might change, but right now, that seems really unlikely, and as a result, it creates a problem for this reader.
If you think of your story as plotting someone's path on a map, you will see your protagonist take a meandering route toward the eventual destination. This is because the destination is only a goal at first, they probably don't know the way, and there's a lot to learn to get your characters on the right path. However, once you give your characters/readers a direct map to the destination, suddenly, travelling that meandering path is no longer desirable. We see exactly where we are headed and where we need to get to, and anything that's not a straight line to that destination feels like unimportant time-wasting.
This inevitably created a pacing issue that created the next problem...
2. Going too fast too soon
This problem is almost like someone hit the infamous (and maybe mythical) "NOS" button in a street race, turbo-boosting a car to extreme speeds. As with car racing, this is an action that should be left towards the end of the race once the finish line is in sight. Such speed is not sustainable, and this button can only be pressed once, so you better not hit that button too early.
This is exactly what happened here as a result of the previous problem. The story got sight of the destination, so it suddenly kicked into turbo-charge mode, going flat out towards the finish line even though it still had a book and a half left to go. This creates pacing issues in the short term as everything about the story has to change in order to account for this new furious pace, and then more pacing issues in the long term as such storytelling speed is not sustainable, and the story must slow down again.
The problems with such pacing come from the issue of the original event forcing the story out of its natural path of progression, and because the story can't naturally sustain this unusual pacing, we get the final issue...
3. Changing from character-led storytelling to plot-led
Up to this point, this story has been entirely driven by Nym's actions. Every step forward also progressed him as a character, the relationships he had with other characters, and so much more. It felt natural and fulfilling, and is my favourite way to experience stories. However, such progression can't keep up with the pacing issues from the previous story, as now the story must unfold at a pace that is reliant on the plot, and the characters are pulled along for the ride.
Overall Verdict
This second book is not a bad book, it's just a step down in quality from its predecessor. The above issues are the direct reasons for this, but with a mental adjustment, you can change your expectations for the story and still get enjoyment from it. This is the reason this story gets the 4th star, because once I had adjusted, I enjoyed what I read. But in making the above changes, it lost so much that I enjoyed about the first story.
Book one was a wonderful character-led story about a young man with incredible potential finding a path to fulfil that potential in a way that best suited his character. This book has become about that same potential getting fulfilled in a way that is best suited to the plot. It might feel like a small distinction, but it makes a big difference.
July 16, 2024
Rating 3.5 stars
The first book was really good. This one started out okay, but it seemed to lose something the more it went on. I could understand the reason for everything in the first book. This one, not so much. The whole story ended up being a fight against the undead in this one. I could see it if Nim was fighting to protect his friends, which did happen, but why was he fighting for a country and army he didn't like or trust? I thought he was trying to learn magic and stay away from people who could try and control him. Nims motivation in this one just seemed a little off. Overall it wasn't bad, but I did get kind of bored by the end. I was also a little disappointed since I liked the first book so much. I am unsure if I will continue the series.
The first book was really good. This one started out okay, but it seemed to lose something the more it went on. I could understand the reason for everything in the first book. This one, not so much. The whole story ended up being a fight against the undead in this one. I could see it if Nim was fighting to protect his friends, which did happen, but why was he fighting for a country and army he didn't like or trust? I thought he was trying to learn magic and stay away from people who could try and control him. Nims motivation in this one just seemed a little off. Overall it wasn't bad, but I did get kind of bored by the end. I was also a little disappointed since I liked the first book so much. I am unsure if I will continue the series.
September 16, 2024
There is an abrupt break in this book where the MC we were following and attached do until that moment becomes a cold calculating overpowered bastard. It's hateful. I know what the author meant to do and means to do in the next book or books, but it's not working, at all. It just made me dissociate from MC and not care anymore. The MC himself thinks he's not human, and cares not all for human lives, so why should I be invested in his? In fact, I barely mustered enough interest to finish this book and I won't be reading the next. Waste of time.
July 11, 2024
Love it
I enjoy the continuing adventures of nym and some times scream at the dumb things he does, I know love interests and being blind to women of a certain age are like a normal trope, but give him a clue by four some time (just get some one to tell him she's interested).
What you get is lots of magic lots of fighting undead and an interesting story, now just have to wait till book three comes out and see how his clueless self happens into another jumble of stupid going on.
I enjoy the continuing adventures of nym and some times scream at the dumb things he does, I know love interests and being blind to women of a certain age are like a normal trope, but give him a clue by four some time (just get some one to tell him she's interested).
What you get is lots of magic lots of fighting undead and an interesting story, now just have to wait till book three comes out and see how his clueless self happens into another jumble of stupid going on.
July 4, 2024
still fun
Not quite as good as bk 1, but a quite serviceable follow up. MC’s rapid pace of advancement slowed a bit, his circle of friends stays relevant, and he learned *a lot* of new spells.
I look forward to the next book.
Not quite as good as bk 1, but a quite serviceable follow up. MC’s rapid pace of advancement slowed a bit, his circle of friends stays relevant, and he learned *a lot* of new spells.
I look forward to the next book.
July 11, 2024
simply awesome
I really love the characters in this story. It’s great seeing Nym gaining new his powers back. Truly like the grind he has to go through to become stronger.
Keep up he great writing.
I really love the characters in this story. It’s great seeing Nym gaining new his powers back. Truly like the grind he has to go through to become stronger.
Keep up he great writing.
July 26, 2024
Enjoyable story! Book two was fun and fast paced.
Really enjoyable series, that maintains a good main character with the dialogue and logical plot line highly recommend the series. Can't wait for book three!
Really enjoyable series, that maintains a good main character with the dialogue and logical plot line highly recommend the series. Can't wait for book three!
December 24, 2024
This was okay. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book, but the plot is progressing and there wasn't much loss of steam.
I will pickup the sequel and hope it continues to keep the pace.
3/5 Stars
I will pickup the sequel and hope it continues to keep the pace.
3/5 Stars
January 17, 2025
A pleasure to read.
Amply rendered, well developed, and the wonky bits avoid tedium. Tension and danger aren't interminable. Characters are personable. Good and evil have realistic motives. A pleasure to read. 🌿
Amply rendered, well developed, and the wonky bits avoid tedium. Tension and danger aren't interminable. Characters are personable. Good and evil have realistic motives. A pleasure to read. 🌿
May 2, 2025
Wow
If you like The Walking Dead, you’ll really love this story. And the walking dead are about the least threatening enemy in this book. The author takes the levels of possible undead and their powers to a whole new peak of creativity in this installment. Great read
If you like The Walking Dead, you’ll really love this story. And the walking dead are about the least threatening enemy in this book. The author takes the levels of possible undead and their powers to a whole new peak of creativity in this installment. Great read
July 6, 2024
I like
The story is interesting. I would like to find out how Nym turns out in the end. The story has lots of action and perhaps a beginning of a budding romance
The story is interesting. I would like to find out how Nym turns out in the end. The story has lots of action and perhaps a beginning of a budding romance
July 8, 2024
Great read
Second b in the series did not disappoint some good tie ins could barely sleep for catching up on chapters
Second b in the series did not disappoint some good tie ins could barely sleep for catching up on chapters
July 12, 2024
A middling book. First one was great. Can't wait for the next
July 22, 2024
ascendant book 2
The author has managed to keep the story fresh. With added characters and sub plots. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series.
The author has managed to keep the story fresh. With added characters and sub plots. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series.
August 28, 2024
Great book
Great book and I can't wait to see what you write about next time. This is what I love about this author.
Great book and I can't wait to see what you write about next time. This is what I love about this author.
November 13, 2024
Good Stuff
This story of a grand Archmage getting hit with a youth spell were he loses all his memories and magic capabilities was a fantastic read.
This story of a grand Archmage getting hit with a youth spell were he loses all his memories and magic capabilities was a fantastic read.
November 21, 2024
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action and an apocalypse theme.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action and an apocalypse theme.
December 22, 2024
Another great book
This story is filled with intrigue and mystery. I would love to read the third book as well to find out what happens with Nym and his friends.
This story is filled with intrigue and mystery. I would love to read the third book as well to find out what happens with Nym and his friends.
December 22, 2025
The story moved along really well, with a good balance between fun moments with his friends, surprises and overall plot progression. Very well written adventure.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews