The Path of Ascension: Books 1-3.5: (A LitRPG Adventure Box Set)

The Path of Ascension

by C. Mantis

Books one through three in the hit The Path of Ascension series are now available in this special audio bundle. It also includes book 3.5, an exclusive novella set between books three and four in the series.

Orphaned by monsters, Matt must power-up to save others from the same fate.

Matt plans to delve the rifts responsible for the monsters that destroyed his city and murdered his parents. But his dreams are crushed when his Tier One Talent is rated as detrimental, and no guild or group will take him.

Working at a nearby inn, he meets a mysterious and powerful couple who give him a chance to join the Path of Ascension, an empire-wide race to ascend the Tiers and become living legends.

With their recommendation and a stolen Skill, Matt begins his journey to the peak of power. Maybe then, he can get vengeance he seeks....

About the This is a mix between LitRPG and xianxia. It's like a car that looks like a LitRPG with dungeons and skills, but the interior and engine are all xianxia. It features a magic system and progression system that are logically and internally consistent, as well as realistic fight scenes and a rational MC.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook

2241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2023

Reviews

[Vikas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through the pages when I first read the series. After finishing book 10 and reading more on RoyalRoad, I wanted to read the series again, but didn't want to hurt the author, as KU doesn't count rereading towards their payment. So this was a great opportunity to experience the first 3 books and a novella focusing on Melinda and her team. You can tell how much I enjoy the series and loved reading it again, that I finished the 2241-page collection in little over 6 days. This was helped by the fact that I am currently on leave. But Apologies, Mr. Mantis, I will be rereading book 4 and beyond. I promise I will buy the books when I can Till then, I am thankful that I was able to discover this series through KU and many more. So yeah, this is a kick ass series and I love it and loved this set. So yeah I am continuing with the book 4 in the series and then will keep on reading.

People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres, but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read, so I can't stay and spend more time on this review. Remember, I loved reading this and love reading more. You should also read what you love, and then just Keep on Reading.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rating really is only for book 3.5 as I can’t find a separate listing for it. The shortness ok but for me didn’t add anything and felt rushed to the point of it being pointless.

Great series, but this one isn’t really doing much.

[Courtney S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Side story following Melanie’s team during the War Game between the kingdom and queendom. Well written and not very long.

I will only be counting this for book 3.5 as the others I rated independently. Not necessarily needed, but if you want to know what’s happening from another team’s perspective it’s not a bad sad story.

[Aaron Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice LitRPG with a lot of room to grow

This is a fun story with a few unusual elements for the genre, such as high technology mixed with magic and galaxy-spanning empires. The plot is interesting and the characters are relatable, though I'm looking forward to seeing Aster turn into a real person! Definitely worth the read.

[Jared Delcamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book 3.5: The Concept of Death. It is an alternate POV and a great addition to the set.

This whole series is a favorite. Books 2 and 3 are simply incredible. If you’re thinking about reading these: do it!

[David Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 is reasonably compelling, with a disadvantaged character who shows enough gumption to earn a second chance, and a somewhat interesting magic and advancement system.

The series has a notable number of typos and substandard grammar that gets much worse in book 2.

OK, real problems: "Teen" characters who usually act like they're 30-something, and who apparently have an extensive history of casual sex by age 15, and a society that doesn't raise eyebrows at possibly fatal duels with the stakes being sexual favors with 16-year-olds. Side plot involving sexual assaults and vigilante murders. And a very dreary section of book 2 where the main character wallows in guilt over something that was entirely in the control of much more powerful characters.

The last two problems happening simultaneously broke the tenuous connection I still had with the main character.

[Liz Moody · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book confirmed what I’ve suspected for a while: even with a different protagonist in 3.5, this series just doesn’t work for me. I gave it a fair shot, but the story, characters, and overall execution haven’t clicked. I kept hoping for something to reignite my interest, but it’s clear that this isn’t for me.

This is where I get off the path and stop torturing myself. Best of luck to those who enjoy it, but I’m moving on to greener pastures!

[Timelord Iain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only reviewing the bonus novella here... it's largely a retelling of events of book 3's big war campaign form the POV of a set of side characters on another Cultivation/Ascension Team... and I'm not 100% sure how well it matches up with the details of the main book... either way, it doesn't add much...

[Stormy · Rating 1 out of 5]

So your telling me people in this world raise pets so they can fuck them and I'm supposed to find that funny? Or just roll with it? Cause like this pet is gonna be able to transform into a hot lady so its not beastiality. The tier shit was already tedious so I'm noping the fuck out.

[Jason Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

while not a necessary addition to the series, it's nice seeing the other team's pov during book 3, given that they are a bigger part of book 4.

[Bookcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just for book 3.5.

[Red8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only for book 3.5

[Mylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked it. Fast pace, great ideas, well-developed.

[Lena · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

It’s an okay storyline. Pretty good. Not really liking where they are going with this next book and her?his? uncle though and so I’m jumping ship.

[Zack Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanfreakingtastic!

What an amazing book series! I absolutely loved this series and such wonderful characters! I can not wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: used to track book 3.5 as read as can't find it listed.

[Reader DozingDawg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great bang for the buck. Fun, pull your self up to make something out of your self story. Have reread four times.

[Melissa McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Progression / system world. Multiple planets. Strict laws govern behavior of pathers as they level up. MC is pather that has a special ability that at first was detrimental, but allows for like a infinite mana hack potential. Well developed world, fun side characters.

Book 3.5 follows along one of the MC's friends who also has a broke innate ability for healing.

Will continue the series.