Aspirant

Ends of Magic #5

by Alexander Olson

The Ascendent Academy has fallen, but Nathan's journey is just beginning.

He has a mission – to journey across Davrar to find Sarya Pamaris, a friendly Questor who can begin to answer his questions. Hopefully she will reveal to him the secrets of the Endings, and how to stop them.

On the way, Nathan and his friends must contend with the remnants of Giantsrest, the catspaws of Questors and above all the terrifying dangers Davrar itself. They have risen to the level of the elites, and that means those threats have noticed them. Because on Davrar, Nathan is sure of one thing.

There's always another danger over the horizon.

Genres: Fantasy

530 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2024

Reviews

[Matt Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing series just got even better

It’s crazy but somehow the amazing adventure so far was a perfect set up for an even bigger, more amazing tale! The stakes and world building is on a whole new level and the next books promise to be even bigger and better!! Wow. Just wow. Cannot wait for the next book

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent 5th book in the series and sets us up for the long game with the Epilogue content. I finished this book in 2 days because I didn't want to put it down! I am excited to see how not just the MC's talents develop, but all of the Heirs in addition to seeing them battle more Questors. I am also excited to see more of Dravvar and ramp of the scaling of invovled Questors.

[Justen · Rating 5 out of 5]

And now we wait ...

If I could somehow discover my spirit animal was a grizzly bear, then find a way to make a transformation of reality to become that ferocious beast, I would...If only to start hibernating now and wake only when next book is released!

And maybe catch a fresh salmon or two....

[Roman Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual story progression

These types of books tend to fizzle at this point, but the story progression is solid, writing and dialogue are good

[Fudgyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an excellent continuation of the series and the twists were well placed and delicious. Love the way the author engages with the world and this is one of the best MCs of progression fantasies in my option.

Lost of questions left though, I hope the author addresses them in the next few books. If the Questors are super advanced aliens, why do they look human? Why do they act human ? Or am I forgetting some lore ? Also why could Nathan just understand the language of the world. Also why do the aliens in the book even know what humans look like if they have not yet contacted earth yet ?

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions answered, Plot thickens?

Excellent book as always, it has only ramped up in likability as it develops. First book was a bit difficult for me to sink into, but I am glad to have persevered anyhow. Just the surface level interactions of the system, relations and progression is good but the underlying plot of the entire world of Davrar has come along nicely, starts off feeling almost typical to most mundane litrpg settings but over the books the plot has unraveled into a deeper mystery that finally got answered in this book. I came expecting stalker’s treasure and found a dragons hoard! True aim! 10/10.

[Steve Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.0 stars

A good continuation of the series. By this point, you should know what you are getting and if you like this kind of thing. The main attraction to me about this one is the magic system and its integration with the scientific theory. The characters are alright, the world building is above average but the mix of science and magic are top notch. Sometimes the explanations get a little dry, but for the most part it is very interesting. We find more about the world and the questors. Looks like the stakes are getting raised even higher going forward. Overall, a good series.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good!! Really well paced I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed how Nathan and the Heirs got to show off their builds and how they've progressed. I've been into the blend of science and magic since the beginning and it continues to get better. Phil Thron does a stellar job, very compelling to listen to  even during some dryer explanations. Always very interested to learn more about Questors and Davrar at large. I love this series and can't wait for more!

[Will Knight]

Note to self: last book's ending was such a clean end of an arc, I'm having a really hard time getting into this one. Also, numbers get bigger, thing's get less interesting, challenges feel more meaningless. Might need to stop it for a while, and pick up again when I forget the story so it feels newer.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I am enjoying the series, the mc is strong but so far not in the realm of could go do anything he wants strong more like suited to fighting people with magic.
Would love for the author to have them build up the town 20 words done

[Tobias Granberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a meandering intro to the grander scope of the world. The progression aspect and leveling aspect continues to feel very vestigial, with "insights" and progression milestones being where the power actually comes from.

[Christian Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

I have read these five books in as many days and I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one. I highly recommend reading these books and I am truly looking forward for more.

[Alfie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: A+

Took me a bit to get back into it (it's been almost a year since I read books 1-4!) but it didn't take me long to remember how much I've enjoyed the series and this book is another great addition.

[Filipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. End of Magic really resonates with me, it feels unique within the LitRPG genre and the turns the story is taking in Aspirant reinforce what I like about it. Definitelly waiting for the next book eagerly.

[James Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

More popcorn litrpg action. Despite some weighty advances in the cleanup following the fall of giant’s rest, it did feel like a bridge book. Much of it was spent traveling to their next big quest.

The epilogue teased an interesting turn in the story for the next round though.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I got back into this world I was sucked in once more.
Holy crap we feast well with this entry. Amazing lore, more intrigue, and even new types of battles.

For anyone looking to see if this series is still good: This is an emphatic yes.

[M Hamed · Rating 1 out of 5]

a fucking disappoint

[Mike Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Series

This story of a scientist on the verge of his doctoral degree getting summoned to a magical world where he becomes a antimage was a fantastic read.

[Matthew Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Good stuff. Lots of good developments in this one. I wish there was more. I am eager for the next one.

[Emraaj (catching up) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS SERIES IS SO GOOD I AM LITERALLY FERAL OVER IT. I needed the next seven like right now

[Jeremiah R Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

Well put story and an amazing set of original ideas. A rare find outside of books and even within. I'm excited to see the rest.

[Lukas Lovas · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're finally seeing the wider world and this is shaping up to be quite an enjoyable series :)

[Surya Vamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar to Book 1 as it expands on the world building and introduces some new characters. But the pacing is better done compared to the first book.