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Nevertold: Ascend

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The Manyari, a people of both Man and beast, have found a home in the Greater Wilds, and after years of diligence, they have learned to thrive in exile. Now, they are preparing to choose their next Chieftess, who will lead a new tribe farther into the wilderness than ever before. But first, those who desire the title must compete for it.

One girl from each of the nine current tribes is set to participate in the Ascendant’s Path—a series of trials designed to prove their worth. Saleal, a joyfully rebellious and skilled girl from the arid plateaus of Panocua, finds herself among the competitors. Her goal is to prove she is the best.

Saleal will rely not only on her many talents but also on her ability to harness Yarik, the Manyari’s ability to harness the elemental energies of the world through stones and crystals. Yet, it is the grand forces of nature she must face as well. Through unrelenting waters, fires from deep within the earth, and a dive into her inner self, she will be challenged to her very core.

But Saleal is not alone in her journey. Supported by the confidence of her mother and sister at home, and family abroad, she gains the momentum to propel her through the trials. With the guidance of Irva, a former Ascendant participant, Saleal learns new perspectives and the true meaning of the trials. Her determination will bring her new allies and rivals, shaping who she is destined to become, as she tests her limits.

Through trials and tribulations, more than friendships will blossom as the Manyari girls compete for glory. Some will find meaning in their efforts, while others will lose more than they ever expected. And, through adversity, only the strongest will rise.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2024

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M. Moraine

1 book

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Displaying 1 of 1 review
Profile Image for Douglas.
Author 21 books48 followers
August 31, 2025
First, although this book is a prequel to book 1, they could likely be read in any order without spoilers. (Likewise, "Valkys of the Greater Wilds" by C.E. Linares could also be read in any order with regards to the Nevertold series.)

This book dives deeper into the many tribes of Manyari that exist in their region of the world. Manyari are humanoid, but also have some bestial traits, such as the horns on their head and some hardened plates on their bodies.

In this book, it is time for a new tribe to be formed and go forth into the world. An Ascendant from each tribe will be picked and must compete to see who is a worthy chieftess to lead the new tribe. Action fills most of the pages as they race, fight, and conquer other challenges to see which will take the role. We follow Saleal of the desert Panocua tribe as she journeys full of confidence and pride that no challenge can stop her. Other the course of their adventures, the reader learns much about this fantasy world. We see how they can use Yarik stones like magic to bend the elemental forces of their world. The reader sees the variety of environments by which the separate tribes call home. The challenges are not just physical tests, but sacrifices come into play. Their adaptability and fears are faced. Relationships are formed, competitors become friends, but also sabotage happens.

I loved the tale and look forward to more books of this world.
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