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The Ascent: A Tale of the Greatest Pirate To Ever Live
In a world where the sea holds both peril and promise, Shi Yang's journey begins with blood and betrayal. Born of mysterious lineage and raised among the seafaring Hokans, she has always been drawn to the tides. But, when a desperate act sets her adrift in the dangerous waters of the South Pingshen Sea, she discovers a relic of immense power—and becomes the target of pirates, empires, and even the Heavens.
Swept aboard the legendary pirate fleet of Zheng Yi, Shi Yang must navigate the treacherous currents of loyalty and ambition. Amid fierce battles against sea dragons, imperial forces, and the shadows of her past, she fights for a power so great it could rival the Gods themselves.
However, the sea keeps its secrets, and Shi Yang’s destiny is far greater than she could ever imagine. As storm clouds gather and alliances shift, she will have to choose between the power she craves and the humanity she risks losing.
Swept aboard the legendary pirate fleet of Zheng Yi, Shi Yang must navigate the treacherous currents of loyalty and ambition. Amid fierce battles against sea dragons, imperial forces, and the shadows of her past, she fights for a power so great it could rival the Gods themselves.
However, the sea keeps its secrets, and Shi Yang’s destiny is far greater than she could ever imagine. As storm clouds gather and alliances shift, she will have to choose between the power she craves and the humanity she risks losing.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2025
12 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Want to read
January 27, 2025Just saw a slide of this on TikTok and it looks so good already! Shelved as want to read and can't wait to actually read it!! 💗
July 14, 2025
The hours of precious life I have wasted doomscrolling through tens of hundreds of thousands of the most shockingly brain numbing, soul rotting tiktoks (this includes booktok book recs) have been worth it.
Because I found this gem through that cursed app. Huzzah. >:D
Here's why you need to read The Ascent by Yi Shan.
-Epic historical fantasy, inspired by Chinese mythology,
-Think Poppy War meets Avatar the Last Airbender but PIRATES (yes please)
-blasian protaginist who goes from pro@titute to godsslayer (first person POV)
The Ascent follows Yi Shan's life, from Pro-titute, to Pirate, to Captain, to god-slayer.
Yi Shan is half black, half Hokan, and both identities bring with them prejudice, hatred, and deep injustice that the character struggles with. Her voice is so incredibly clear and angry, and viscious. She's real and raw but not a caricature of a badass female character, and I love her for it.
Most books fall short when comparing themselves to ATLA and the Poppy War, but not The Ascent by Yana Hu. It's fast paced, easy to binge, dark when it needs to be, with characters to root for and a world that feels very real (a testament to the research that went into it). For once, ithe comp to ATLA is not just the magic system, but I shall redact an explanataions in fear of spoilers.
The only point where I thought, yes this is very Poppy War esque, is the exploitation of drugs and its dependence for wielding. But it makes sense for this be a recurring theme in chinese inspired historical novels because of how important it is in Chinese history.
In fact, I hesitate to just compare it to the Poopy Wars. It stands brilliantly strong and firm in its own story, which is something a lot of books that comp to the modern giants of this subgenre struggle with. Yes, Poppy Wars is an excellent comp, but you won't find yourself thinking of this book as a poor copy. The band of characters are original, the setting is unique (again, historical Chinese PIRATES), the magic system refreshing in its simplicity but very well thought out, and the writing sharp. Yana Hu's commentary on trying to reconcile two warring identities is also so well done.
We read the book in one sitting (in the blazing warmth of our living room, sitting like literal old asian men with a fan) and DEVOURED it.
This is adult fantasy. Adult fantasy that is seriously missing in traditional publishing right now. It's gritty, and dark, with such perfect world building and exceptionally well written. Honestly it deserves so, so much more hype. It takes the feel of The Poppy War, and the Wielding esuque magic of ATLA but uses it in a extremely unique way, the story line, the characters, the setting, it's all . The magic system is so well though out out the history, the characters, honestly, I cannot gush enough. Did I gag in my mouth a few times? Yes, but I did that when I read TPW too.
Also thankyou to the author for giving me some handsome men too, because you know, :>) Even though there's no romance sub-plot, there's so much tension (aaah). Zheng was beautifully described, and I loved his character. Luo as well (poor baby ;-;) I adored it! I love that they both had meaningful backgrounds that really made sense with the story. I'm trying to be vague here as to not spoil anything haha.
Final rating (unsurprisingly): 5 ☆☆☆☆☆
I brought an ebook but am definitely getting myself a physical copy 🪰
Because I found this gem through that cursed app. Huzzah. >:D
Here's why you need to read The Ascent by Yi Shan.
-Epic historical fantasy, inspired by Chinese mythology,
-Think Poppy War meets Avatar the Last Airbender but PIRATES (yes please)
-blasian protaginist who goes from pro@titute to godsslayer (first person POV)
The Ascent follows Yi Shan's life, from Pro-titute, to Pirate, to Captain, to god-slayer.
Yi Shan is half black, half Hokan, and both identities bring with them prejudice, hatred, and deep injustice that the character struggles with. Her voice is so incredibly clear and angry, and viscious. She's real and raw but not a caricature of a badass female character, and I love her for it.
Most books fall short when comparing themselves to ATLA and the Poppy War, but not The Ascent by Yana Hu. It's fast paced, easy to binge, dark when it needs to be, with characters to root for and a world that feels very real (a testament to the research that went into it). For once, ithe comp to ATLA is not just the magic system, but I shall redact an explanataions in fear of spoilers.
The only point where I thought, yes this is very Poppy War esque, is the exploitation of drugs and its dependence for wielding. But it makes sense for this be a recurring theme in chinese inspired historical novels because of how important it is in Chinese history.
In fact, I hesitate to just compare it to the Poopy Wars. It stands brilliantly strong and firm in its own story, which is something a lot of books that comp to the modern giants of this subgenre struggle with. Yes, Poppy Wars is an excellent comp, but you won't find yourself thinking of this book as a poor copy. The band of characters are original, the setting is unique (again, historical Chinese PIRATES), the magic system refreshing in its simplicity but very well thought out, and the writing sharp. Yana Hu's commentary on trying to reconcile two warring identities is also so well done.
We read the book in one sitting (in the blazing warmth of our living room, sitting like literal old asian men with a fan) and DEVOURED it.
This is adult fantasy. Adult fantasy that is seriously missing in traditional publishing right now. It's gritty, and dark, with such perfect world building and exceptionally well written. Honestly it deserves so, so much more hype. It takes the feel of The Poppy War, and the Wielding esuque magic of ATLA but uses it in a extremely unique way, the story line, the characters, the setting, it's all . The magic system is so well though out out the history, the characters, honestly, I cannot gush enough. Did I gag in my mouth a few times? Yes, but I did that when I read TPW too.
Also thankyou to the author for giving me some handsome men too, because you know, :>) Even though there's no romance sub-plot, there's so much tension (aaah). Zheng was beautifully described, and I loved his character. Luo as well (poor baby ;-;) I adored it! I love that they both had meaningful backgrounds that really made sense with the story. I'm trying to be vague here as to not spoil anything haha.
Final rating (unsurprisingly): 5 ☆☆☆☆☆
I brought an ebook but am definitely getting myself a physical copy 🪰
Want to read
August 10, 2025Pirates, POC mc, The Poppy War inspired, a glorious character arc??? Yeah, so I'm going to need this right now.
dnf
July 28, 2025Soft DNF
I would highly recommend this debut Adult Fantasy to readers that are new to the Fantasy genre or new to Chinese inspired Fantasy.
The prologue is one of the most amazing I ever read, but it gave me the wrong expectations. I expected intense action. I expected the same intensity as in "The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi" when I saw we will have seafaring...
The prose is clear and efficient, no complains, just I could not get invested into the story.
I might revisit in the future without the expectation of adventure....
I would highly recommend this debut Adult Fantasy to readers that are new to the Fantasy genre or new to Chinese inspired Fantasy.
The prologue is one of the most amazing I ever read, but it gave me the wrong expectations. I expected intense action. I expected the same intensity as in "The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi" when I saw we will have seafaring...
The prose is clear and efficient, no complains, just I could not get invested into the story.
I might revisit in the future without the expectation of adventure....
September 19, 2025
SHOW STOPPER FR
July 11, 2025
4,5⭐️
I have to say this was a breath of fresh air. The premise, the plot, the characters were amazing. It felt like Avatar the last Airbender, Mulan and Pirates of the Caribbean’s love child, haha.
Shi Yang was the perfect FMC, she had everything I love to read about: strong character, stubbornness and mistrust that came from real trauma and enough badass-ness that did not feel forced or cringe. I also loved the vulnerability and the growth that came from finding the chosen family.
The plot had enough action and world building and the pacing was also well done. Perfect for a first book in a series!
This has immense potential and I can’t wait to read the next book!
I have to say this was a breath of fresh air. The premise, the plot, the characters were amazing. It felt like Avatar the last Airbender, Mulan and Pirates of the Caribbean’s love child, haha.
Shi Yang was the perfect FMC, she had everything I love to read about: strong character, stubbornness and mistrust that came from real trauma and enough badass-ness that did not feel forced or cringe. I also loved the vulnerability and the growth that came from finding the chosen family.
The plot had enough action and world building and the pacing was also well done. Perfect for a first book in a series!
This has immense potential and I can’t wait to read the next book!
July 12, 2025
phenomenal book. the writing immediately captured my interest. I was made aware of this book from Yana on TikTok, pre-ordered it and so glad I did. I regret not pre-ordering a physical copy as well. the characters are so diverse, so interesting, none boring or unnecessary. the story gives depth, honor, love, hatred, spoil, interest, curiosity, fun, amusement, and so much more! literally the best book in decades for me. im so sad but eagerly waiting for The Descent in 2027! this is a must read for sure
July 1, 2025
4.75
Inspired by ancient Chinese history, this fantasy pirate adventure follows Shi Yang, an outsider who discovers a powerful relic that awakens something within her and paints her as a target to new enemies. Her world is turned upside down when she ends up amongst a crew of dreadful pirates and has to try and make sense of both her new power and company she now keeps.
Gods, spirits, dragons, magical weilding, found family, and a badass FMC?? The perfect recipe for just my type of fantasy novel! 😏
The writing style was so cinematic and the themes in this book were powerful and deeply meaningful. I genuinely loved the characters in this book. Not only Shi Yang, but the family she finds along the way found a special place in my heart.
You can definitely feel the Avatar and Poppy War vibes in this book, but it still feels totally original and unlike anything I’ve read before. The end had me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait for the next book!
Inspired by ancient Chinese history, this fantasy pirate adventure follows Shi Yang, an outsider who discovers a powerful relic that awakens something within her and paints her as a target to new enemies. Her world is turned upside down when she ends up amongst a crew of dreadful pirates and has to try and make sense of both her new power and company she now keeps.
Gods, spirits, dragons, magical weilding, found family, and a badass FMC?? The perfect recipe for just my type of fantasy novel! 😏
The writing style was so cinematic and the themes in this book were powerful and deeply meaningful. I genuinely loved the characters in this book. Not only Shi Yang, but the family she finds along the way found a special place in my heart.
You can definitely feel the Avatar and Poppy War vibes in this book, but it still feels totally original and unlike anything I’ve read before. The end had me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait for the next book!
August 10, 2025
i really was ready to love it especially after reading the prologue and i think the plot was good but the execution wasn’t too great. i didn’t really connect with any character even the fmc who’s pov it is. the character relationships felt shallow and it was a lot of telling rather than showing so it all fell a little flat which is so annoying again because the prologue and the idea/plot of the storyline was so good and cool.
i can also tell it’s still new as there were a couple of edit issues where a line was repeated but in a slightly different way for example
i can also tell it’s still new as there were a couple of edit issues where a line was repeated but in a slightly different way for example
July 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
I discovered the author’s TikTok video of herself unboxing her debut book. I was so intrigued with the description and I had to bump it up on my TBR. This was so interesting!!! I loved it and I cannot wait for the 2nd book! 🏴☠️🐉
I discovered the author’s TikTok video of herself unboxing her debut book. I was so intrigued with the description and I had to bump it up on my TBR. This was so interesting!!! I loved it and I cannot wait for the 2nd book! 🏴☠️🐉
soft-dnf
August 2, 2025Soft dnf, and here are my reasons. It started off well, especially the prologue. I think the book had a solid idea and a solid plot, however I began to lose interest. I ended up dnf-ing at the 80% mark—which made me a bit sad because I truly wanted to finish it. There were moments toward the end where I got lost in a lot of dumped information(that were usually held in the dialogue) and it became a bit cumbersome to read. Although I hadn’t mind too much, the plot twists were predictable which left me wanting to finish the book to get through it rather than finishing out of enjoyment. Again, the beginning was very engaging, and perhaps I might come back to finish the last 20% whenever I can.
I think because of this some moments that were supposed to strike as shocking(toward the end) hadn’t stuck out to me as it perhaps was intended to.
I also feel like rather being immersed in Chinese culture and mythology, it felt more like a base for the character and the plot as a whole. I wasn’t immersed in it, which is why I would definitely recommend this to someone who is new to Chinese mythology and its immersion in fantasy books.
The writing was great and a liked the FMC, but I just couldn’t get immersed as I would have liked to.
I think because of this some moments that were supposed to strike as shocking(toward the end) hadn’t stuck out to me as it perhaps was intended to.
I also feel like rather being immersed in Chinese culture and mythology, it felt more like a base for the character and the plot as a whole. I wasn’t immersed in it, which is why I would definitely recommend this to someone who is new to Chinese mythology and its immersion in fantasy books.
The writing was great and a liked the FMC, but I just couldn’t get immersed as I would have liked to.
July 24, 2025
What a rollercoaster of a debut
First of let me start with what I didn't like about this book. The use of pregnant that has nothing to do with pregnancy has got to end surely there is another way to describe a long pause. And I release a breath I didn't know I was holding was used to much for my liking. That been said I still give this book 5 stars for world building 5 stars for the FMC not been dumb and making stupid decisions and diving into danger without thinking. Shi Yang starts the story as a closed off hardened shell of woman who one goal is revenge and finding out what happen to her people. Her character development was top tier seeing her warm up to the crew and even risking her life to save them really speaks for how far she has come. I didn't know what to make of Luo and Zheng I got a little they are boyfriends vibe idk where that story goes. I must say they didn't really interest me much I guess they was there for the plot. Was I expecting romance yeah maybe a little bit. I remember signing up for arc for this book after the author posted on tiktok didn't make the final cut but that's okay I was determined to read this story either way. And boy it did not disappoint. The lore of Chinese history is rich I can't imagine the amount of research that went into this book. The dialogue the world was so rich I was in awe. Like these are the kinds of book that needs to be published traditionally. All in all a solid 5 star roller coaster of a ride I finished reading in two days. I got to the end and saw 2027 as when the next book coming out and my heart drop 😩
First of let me start with what I didn't like about this book. The use of pregnant that has nothing to do with pregnancy has got to end surely there is another way to describe a long pause. And I release a breath I didn't know I was holding was used to much for my liking. That been said I still give this book 5 stars for world building 5 stars for the FMC not been dumb and making stupid decisions and diving into danger without thinking. Shi Yang starts the story as a closed off hardened shell of woman who one goal is revenge and finding out what happen to her people. Her character development was top tier seeing her warm up to the crew and even risking her life to save them really speaks for how far she has come. I didn't know what to make of Luo and Zheng I got a little they are boyfriends vibe idk where that story goes. I must say they didn't really interest me much I guess they was there for the plot. Was I expecting romance yeah maybe a little bit. I remember signing up for arc for this book after the author posted on tiktok didn't make the final cut but that's okay I was determined to read this story either way. And boy it did not disappoint. The lore of Chinese history is rich I can't imagine the amount of research that went into this book. The dialogue the world was so rich I was in awe. Like these are the kinds of book that needs to be published traditionally. All in all a solid 5 star roller coaster of a ride I finished reading in two days. I got to the end and saw 2027 as when the next book coming out and my heart drop 😩
July 1, 2025
A Spellbinding Voyage Through Fate, Fire, and the Sea
The Ascent by Yana Hu is a breathtaking blend of historical fact and fantasy, following Shi Yang, a cast-off from her village who rises to become a legendary pirate waging war against the Pingshen Empire. Shi Yang didn’t choose piracy—it was the life that claimed her. What follows is a fierce, fated journey where each character’s path is intricately connected, culminating in a destiny none of them could have foreseen.
Hu’s storytelling is cinematic yet intimate, balancing gripping action with quiet emotional depth. One line that stayed with me: “No one asks for destiny,” Zheng replies. “But it finds us all the same.”
This is a riveting edge-of-your-seat page-turner that celebrates courage, resilience, transformation, and the invisible threads that pull lives together. I highly recommend it.
The Ascent by Yana Hu is a breathtaking blend of historical fact and fantasy, following Shi Yang, a cast-off from her village who rises to become a legendary pirate waging war against the Pingshen Empire. Shi Yang didn’t choose piracy—it was the life that claimed her. What follows is a fierce, fated journey where each character’s path is intricately connected, culminating in a destiny none of them could have foreseen.
Hu’s storytelling is cinematic yet intimate, balancing gripping action with quiet emotional depth. One line that stayed with me: “No one asks for destiny,” Zheng replies. “But it finds us all the same.”
This is a riveting edge-of-your-seat page-turner that celebrates courage, resilience, transformation, and the invisible threads that pull lives together. I highly recommend it.
July 8, 2025
“I never truly believed in justice—until this very moment, with the weight of my heel pressed against the neck of a god.”
This story had me hooked from the very first sentence, and the rest of the book did not disappoint. This is an Asian-inspired fantasy filled with pirates, action, political intrigue, and found family. It has layers of mystery that slowly unfold with each subsequent chapter, leaving me wanting to read more. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, which is steeped in Chinese mythology, from scheming gods and fox spirits to water ghosts and celestial dragons. Shi Yang is the perfect protagonist for this story. She is fierce, bold, and angry. She embodies many of the qualities that I love in an fmc, and her flaws only serve to make her a more compelling heroine. For anyone in the mood for a seafaring adventure with a strong female lead, this is the book for you!
This story had me hooked from the very first sentence, and the rest of the book did not disappoint. This is an Asian-inspired fantasy filled with pirates, action, political intrigue, and found family. It has layers of mystery that slowly unfold with each subsequent chapter, leaving me wanting to read more. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, which is steeped in Chinese mythology, from scheming gods and fox spirits to water ghosts and celestial dragons. Shi Yang is the perfect protagonist for this story. She is fierce, bold, and angry. She embodies many of the qualities that I love in an fmc, and her flaws only serve to make her a more compelling heroine. For anyone in the mood for a seafaring adventure with a strong female lead, this is the book for you!
September 1, 2025
Absolutely thrilling novel for a debut and first of a series.
I can’t not mention the poem at the beginning which gave me goosebumps. I spent way too much time dissecting it.
This story carries a message through socio-political aspects that nowadays books and authors don’t always care enough to communicate and it’s something that I not only appreciated, but found incredibly intriguing.
The protagonist, stubborn to a fault, but equally if not more courageous in the face of a destiny she never asked for. She forges her own path not because it’s her destiny, but because of her will. I adore her.
Also, I sensed the romantic undertones between the two (possibly three?) main characters and I really can’t wait to know how their stories will evolve.
Can’t wait for the next book!
I can’t not mention the poem at the beginning which gave me goosebumps. I spent way too much time dissecting it.
This story carries a message through socio-political aspects that nowadays books and authors don’t always care enough to communicate and it’s something that I not only appreciated, but found incredibly intriguing.
The protagonist, stubborn to a fault, but equally if not more courageous in the face of a destiny she never asked for. She forges her own path not because it’s her destiny, but because of her will. I adore her.
Also, I sensed the romantic undertones between the two (possibly three?) main characters and I really can’t wait to know how their stories will evolve.
Can’t wait for the next book!
July 9, 2025
I read this because another indie author I follow was posting it online and I finished it in one day! This was excellent and I cannot wait for book two! This gave me crazy Blue Eye Samurai vibes!
August 20, 2025
This book started extremely strong, but the plot keeps getting too "convenient" for my taste. I'm also a number one hater of the chosen one/destiny trope ✌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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