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The Path of Ascension #9
The Path of Ascension 9
With Light and Shadow completing the Path of Ascension, three foreign Great Powers equal to the Empire in power have declared war. Thankfully they aren't alone but with only one ally in their corner their best hope is to fight for a close loss. That is unless they can produce another miracle Ascender in time to turn the tides of war.
Can Matt, Liz, and Aster do what it takes to reach Tier 25 and finish the Path in time? Will it be enough?
Don't miss Book 9 of this action-packed fantasy adventure that blends everything you love about LitRPG with Xianxia.
About the series: 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.
Can Matt, Liz, and Aster do what it takes to reach Tier 25 and finish the Path in time? Will it be enough?
Don't miss Book 9 of this action-packed fantasy adventure that blends everything you love about LitRPG with Xianxia.
About the series: 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.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2025
835 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 8, 2025
This was ANOTHER filler. For those of you following this series, so was book 8, the last book.
Prior to Book 8, I had given every book in this series five stars. That isn’t something I do lightly. I gave it that rating because it did everything about the progression genre right. The characters, the magic system, the world building, the progression, and even the plot. Added to that was an engaging pace and payoffs. My only gripes were minor annoyances not rising to be worthy of taking away from a five star rating.
Book 8 was like hitting a brick wall at full speed. There was no story arc, and so the book meandered aimlessly, often devolving into “did this and went there and did that.” It was such a stark contrast in storytelling, it was hard to imagine the same author wrote it.
Now, having read Book 9, I understand why the author needed a filler. He needed to bridge the gap between the dungeon world and wrapping up the Path at Tier 25. The reason? He’d really already covered all the bases of interested stories to tell within that Path framework. He’d had the low-level books which covered the basics of the magic system and world building along with combat as well as established characters and relationships. He had a book where these low-level pathers engaged in mock warfare. He had books focused on delving dungeons. He had a book focused on Pather tournaments. He had a book on a dungeon world. And yet after that dungeon world, they were only Tier 11. They had 14 more tiers to go and the author realized there’s not much interesting to tell in that space he hadn’t already done.
Sometime between Book 7 and Book 8, he found himself hemmed in by his pre-established world building. He couldn’t come up with anything, so we got Book 8 filled with mostly boring nonsense like playing spy and counter-spy or delving. He did throw in a wedding in there, but even that was done in a frankly careless manner in my opinion. You can read my review of Book 8 for specifically why I was put off by it. And the book just ends randomly in the middle of this training.
Book 9 starts off TOO MUCH like Book 8. The first prologue, or whatever, was similar to the one in Book 8, being a bunch of perspectives on various enemies of the empire being nefarious. And like the last book, we have very little context for this other than obviously the gang will be facing those enemies down the line. Then the first 20% of the book is the same meandering, “did this and did that” of the last book. I was really worried, but there did come some structure to the book after that, more so after the first half of the book especially. Still, there is no over-arching plot. But we do get an interesting competition for a new Tier 22 world and some good fights for the first time since the dungeon world.
We also got a brief perspective chapter on the other pather, now ascender, team. For a moment, I thought that might be something we go back too, in between training montages with the gang, but no just one chapter. I imagine this was to familiarize the readers with these people’s abilities as they will be teaming up for the war… in the next book.
Interspersed through all these settings a perspectives, we get more world building lore. None of this fixes the inherent contradictions of the Path as a story element. The Path is supposed to be about people bootstrapping their way to tier 25 on their own dime. Using only the fruits of their delves to fund and outfit themselves. The lore is this makes them more powerful, though I have never understood specifically how that’s the case. Sure, there’s a difference between someone who gets carried through delves to level up versus someone who runs it themselves, but why can’t someone who is wealthy have the access to rift slots, the wealth for powerful items, the wealth for higher tier trainers, and still do all the work of tiering up themselves? Doesn’t the fact that these pathers have a manager, preferred access to rifts, preferred travel, preferred trainers, make them virtually the same? The only difference is they don’t get free items. That’s the ONLY actual difference.
There’s one perspective scene after the competition arc where our gang reveals a lot of their skills in a bout against chimeras from the Monster Kingdom, where the enemy leader we are following claim to think the fast pace of new ascenders in the Empire being from them experimenting on their citizens. And not understanding how their system works. It’s completely obvious. Sample size. The current empire’s dynasty as spent the last three reigns fostering an environment for people to have children. And correcting things that may have previously gatekept them from reaching their potential. They do this by eliminating corrupt people with power from forcing lower tiers into their service, thus limiting their growth. The system that regulates this also allows them to observe and note rare talents and potential for the path. So all the empire is doing, is increasing the sample size of potential talent to pull from. Whereas before, and with other “great powers”, nobility and wealth are required to tier up. Which is only a fraction of one’s population and thus a much smaller sample to draw true talents from and so of course they take much longer.
It’s basically like if you have a few million monkeys typing on computers, how long does it take to type a novel randomly. And how long would it take if I had a trillion? That’s not rocket science and it’s pretty bizarre no one else can see it. It would make more sense if the process was obvious to these other people but their need to hold onto power and gatekeeping as part of that process being what’s pushing them to try to take out the empire now. Reality not misinformation.
Back to the latter part of the book, we spend a good 25% of the book manifesting Intent for the gang. This was pretty grueling, and frankly I skimmed through most of it as none of it mattered. It’s just shameless word vomit to fill a page count.
Once that was accomplished, our team had what was actually a mostly rewarding Completion Ceremony. We got to see old friends react to the surprise. We got to see our team get their Tier 25 talents. And the way the author wrote the scene where the gang is standing outside the doors to the throne room while the emperor gives a speech was well done. The author interspersed that scene with brief flashbacks of Matt’s (MC) path to this point. That was touching and makes me wonder where that creativity, on the author’s part, was when he wrote the marriage vows in Book 8.
And then we end the book with a Queen perspective as she resolves to finish her path alone despite being two tiers back and up against the time restraints of the path. And that’s it.
So, why am I so absolutely annoyed? Sure the author needed to wrap up the training and get on to the interesting arcs like the war. But I can hold the author accountable for two reasons. First, this is two fillers in a row, he could have trimmed the nonsense in both Book 8 and Book 9 and condensed those into one book. Sometimes we need fillers to fill in necessary background and set up for future arcs. I’ll never like it, but I won’t hate it like I did these last two books. For example, Primal Hunter has had filers, but they were still funny. These fillers are more like those in Defiance of the Fall, where they feel like shameless cash grabs.
Second, there’s other ways to make this part of the path interesting. For instance off the top of my head, what if Matt is captured and made into a mana battery? We spend half the time with those trying to find him, and the other half with him let’s say forming his Intent at Tier 16 or something crazy since he has nothing else to do. And culminating in an escape/rescue attempt? We could even see some high tiers go at it as a breach of treaties. The potential for that is awesome. I’d love to see the Emperor crack some Tier 50s.
My last point is about the how the world and magic building have made these characters and their fights harder to enjoy and relate too. The power gaps between people are so incredibly vast. There’s no skill limits, I can’t even keep track of how many skills the gang has. It feels like gods are fighting gods, literally blowing up solar systems and crashing into mountains like their Goku or something. I don’t know, but it’s just feeling like as we progress, it’s getting less relatable or maybe just less interesting to me.
All that said, this is better than Book 8. There’s nothing good about Book 8. This at least has some well done elements even if it’s filler. We got the end of the path and the payoff of it, unlike the dungeon planet book. Hopefully, we get back into the swing of things with the War arc.
Prior to Book 8, I had given every book in this series five stars. That isn’t something I do lightly. I gave it that rating because it did everything about the progression genre right. The characters, the magic system, the world building, the progression, and even the plot. Added to that was an engaging pace and payoffs. My only gripes were minor annoyances not rising to be worthy of taking away from a five star rating.
Book 8 was like hitting a brick wall at full speed. There was no story arc, and so the book meandered aimlessly, often devolving into “did this and went there and did that.” It was such a stark contrast in storytelling, it was hard to imagine the same author wrote it.
Now, having read Book 9, I understand why the author needed a filler. He needed to bridge the gap between the dungeon world and wrapping up the Path at Tier 25. The reason? He’d really already covered all the bases of interested stories to tell within that Path framework. He’d had the low-level books which covered the basics of the magic system and world building along with combat as well as established characters and relationships. He had a book where these low-level pathers engaged in mock warfare. He had books focused on delving dungeons. He had a book focused on Pather tournaments. He had a book on a dungeon world. And yet after that dungeon world, they were only Tier 11. They had 14 more tiers to go and the author realized there’s not much interesting to tell in that space he hadn’t already done.
Sometime between Book 7 and Book 8, he found himself hemmed in by his pre-established world building. He couldn’t come up with anything, so we got Book 8 filled with mostly boring nonsense like playing spy and counter-spy or delving. He did throw in a wedding in there, but even that was done in a frankly careless manner in my opinion. You can read my review of Book 8 for specifically why I was put off by it. And the book just ends randomly in the middle of this training.
Book 9 starts off TOO MUCH like Book 8. The first prologue, or whatever, was similar to the one in Book 8, being a bunch of perspectives on various enemies of the empire being nefarious. And like the last book, we have very little context for this other than obviously the gang will be facing those enemies down the line. Then the first 20% of the book is the same meandering, “did this and did that” of the last book. I was really worried, but there did come some structure to the book after that, more so after the first half of the book especially. Still, there is no over-arching plot. But we do get an interesting competition for a new Tier 22 world and some good fights for the first time since the dungeon world.
We also got a brief perspective chapter on the other pather, now ascender, team. For a moment, I thought that might be something we go back too, in between training montages with the gang, but no just one chapter. I imagine this was to familiarize the readers with these people’s abilities as they will be teaming up for the war… in the next book.
Interspersed through all these settings a perspectives, we get more world building lore. None of this fixes the inherent contradictions of the Path as a story element. The Path is supposed to be about people bootstrapping their way to tier 25 on their own dime. Using only the fruits of their delves to fund and outfit themselves. The lore is this makes them more powerful, though I have never understood specifically how that’s the case. Sure, there’s a difference between someone who gets carried through delves to level up versus someone who runs it themselves, but why can’t someone who is wealthy have the access to rift slots, the wealth for powerful items, the wealth for higher tier trainers, and still do all the work of tiering up themselves? Doesn’t the fact that these pathers have a manager, preferred access to rifts, preferred travel, preferred trainers, make them virtually the same? The only difference is they don’t get free items. That’s the ONLY actual difference.
There’s one perspective scene after the competition arc where our gang reveals a lot of their skills in a bout against chimeras from the Monster Kingdom, where the enemy leader we are following claim to think the fast pace of new ascenders in the Empire being from them experimenting on their citizens. And not understanding how their system works. It’s completely obvious. Sample size. The current empire’s dynasty as spent the last three reigns fostering an environment for people to have children. And correcting things that may have previously gatekept them from reaching their potential. They do this by eliminating corrupt people with power from forcing lower tiers into their service, thus limiting their growth. The system that regulates this also allows them to observe and note rare talents and potential for the path. So all the empire is doing, is increasing the sample size of potential talent to pull from. Whereas before, and with other “great powers”, nobility and wealth are required to tier up. Which is only a fraction of one’s population and thus a much smaller sample to draw true talents from and so of course they take much longer.
It’s basically like if you have a few million monkeys typing on computers, how long does it take to type a novel randomly. And how long would it take if I had a trillion? That’s not rocket science and it’s pretty bizarre no one else can see it. It would make more sense if the process was obvious to these other people but their need to hold onto power and gatekeeping as part of that process being what’s pushing them to try to take out the empire now. Reality not misinformation.
Back to the latter part of the book, we spend a good 25% of the book manifesting Intent for the gang. This was pretty grueling, and frankly I skimmed through most of it as none of it mattered. It’s just shameless word vomit to fill a page count.
Once that was accomplished, our team had what was actually a mostly rewarding Completion Ceremony. We got to see old friends react to the surprise. We got to see our team get their Tier 25 talents. And the way the author wrote the scene where the gang is standing outside the doors to the throne room while the emperor gives a speech was well done. The author interspersed that scene with brief flashbacks of Matt’s (MC) path to this point. That was touching and makes me wonder where that creativity, on the author’s part, was when he wrote the marriage vows in Book 8.
And then we end the book with a Queen perspective as she resolves to finish her path alone despite being two tiers back and up against the time restraints of the path. And that’s it.
So, why am I so absolutely annoyed? Sure the author needed to wrap up the training and get on to the interesting arcs like the war. But I can hold the author accountable for two reasons. First, this is two fillers in a row, he could have trimmed the nonsense in both Book 8 and Book 9 and condensed those into one book. Sometimes we need fillers to fill in necessary background and set up for future arcs. I’ll never like it, but I won’t hate it like I did these last two books. For example, Primal Hunter has had filers, but they were still funny. These fillers are more like those in Defiance of the Fall, where they feel like shameless cash grabs.
Second, there’s other ways to make this part of the path interesting. For instance off the top of my head, what if Matt is captured and made into a mana battery? We spend half the time with those trying to find him, and the other half with him let’s say forming his Intent at Tier 16 or something crazy since he has nothing else to do. And culminating in an escape/rescue attempt? We could even see some high tiers go at it as a breach of treaties. The potential for that is awesome. I’d love to see the Emperor crack some Tier 50s.
My last point is about the how the world and magic building have made these characters and their fights harder to enjoy and relate too. The power gaps between people are so incredibly vast. There’s no skill limits, I can’t even keep track of how many skills the gang has. It feels like gods are fighting gods, literally blowing up solar systems and crashing into mountains like their Goku or something. I don’t know, but it’s just feeling like as we progress, it’s getting less relatable or maybe just less interesting to me.
All that said, this is better than Book 8. There’s nothing good about Book 8. This at least has some well done elements even if it’s filler. We got the end of the path and the payoff of it, unlike the dungeon planet book. Hopefully, we get back into the swing of things with the War arc.
June 6, 2025
It is time to start a new series
I feel like the last two or three books could’ve been finished in a single chapter or two. It seems like you have completely forgotten what the original story was about. A young man who had nothing but a heart and a great work ethic. Succeeding where no one else could. You have forgotten the story you started a single fight taking three chapters or more just makes this a boring read. I love the first five books, but since then the story has lost all interest.
I feel like the last two or three books could’ve been finished in a single chapter or two. It seems like you have completely forgotten what the original story was about. A young man who had nothing but a heart and a great work ethic. Succeeding where no one else could. You have forgotten the story you started a single fight taking three chapters or more just makes this a boring read. I love the first five books, but since then the story has lost all interest.
August 2, 2025
This was brutal. Emotionally, mentally and physically for our mains. How hard it must be to have so much power but feel powerless when you can’t save everyone around you. Brutal.
This war with the Sects and the Federation is being treated like a game and it’s so off putting. I can’t wait to see what Matt, Liz and Aster accomplish in this war now that they’ve Ascended.
I look forward to a lot of arse kicking!
This war with the Sects and the Federation is being treated like a game and it’s so off putting. I can’t wait to see what Matt, Liz and Aster accomplish in this war now that they’ve Ascended.
I look forward to a lot of arse kicking!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
Re-read
--------------
Still true what I said in the original review, I started rereading this series in mid-October, and already I finished the 9th book, and now it comes down to the book that started the rereading journey. And then wait for book 11 to begin, which will arrive on 11 Feb 2026. So let's go and Keep on Reading.
Original Review
---------------------------
I freaking love this series and I find it highly readable so much so that when I am reading this series I can't seem to stop reading and want to read more about Matt, Liz and Aster's journey as they delve in the rifts and participate in tournaments and grow to complete the Path of Ascension. This was another stellar addition to the series, and it was a joy to return to the world. Now, I have to wait until October again for book 10 to be released. I would go ahead and read the first few chapters of the next book on Royalroad, where the novels were first published and are being removed as the books are released. I loved this book 9 completely as our team works to complete the path of ascension, and many years pass in this one, so let's find out how the war turns out to be. Till then, let's 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, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
--------------
Still true what I said in the original review, I started rereading this series in mid-October, and already I finished the 9th book, and now it comes down to the book that started the rereading journey. And then wait for book 11 to begin, which will arrive on 11 Feb 2026. So let's go and Keep on Reading.
Original Review
---------------------------
I freaking love this series and I find it highly readable so much so that when I am reading this series I can't seem to stop reading and want to read more about Matt, Liz and Aster's journey as they delve in the rifts and participate in tournaments and grow to complete the Path of Ascension. This was another stellar addition to the series, and it was a joy to return to the world. Now, I have to wait until October again for book 10 to be released. I would go ahead and read the first few chapters of the next book on Royalroad, where the novels were first published and are being removed as the books are released. I loved this book 9 completely as our team works to complete the path of ascension, and many years pass in this one, so let's find out how the war turns out to be. Till then, let's 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, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
June 5, 2025
perfect ending
Book 9 finishes at the right spot. It meandered a bit on the way there and there were several ‘time jumps’, but it was all in service to the narrative, emphasizing the difficulty of completing The Path.
Book 10 will be The War. With a little bit of ‘training’ to prepare them for the fun.
Book 9 finishes at the right spot. It meandered a bit on the way there and there were several ‘time jumps’, but it was all in service to the narrative, emphasizing the difficulty of completing The Path.
Book 10 will be The War. With a little bit of ‘training’ to prepare them for the fun.
June 6, 2025
gahhhh!!
What an ending. The pacing was well thought out and time was clearly written to the point that years didn’t feel like years when reading. Really want to see where they go from here with their talents and how they fight.
What an ending. The pacing was well thought out and time was clearly written to the point that years didn’t feel like years when reading. Really want to see where they go from here with their talents and how they fight.
June 18, 2025
Good Book in series
Another good book in the series. However, it felt more like a transition type book. Now our heroes are at the level that they can help out with the war effort.
Another good book in the series. However, it felt more like a transition type book. Now our heroes are at the level that they can help out with the war effort.
October 20, 2025
Fantastic continuation of the series! Incredible character growth and world building! Our MC’s have steady progression, unique skills and abilities, and their power is multiplying! This installment is one of my favorites in the series! I can’t wait for book 10! It’s about to go down!!!
June 12, 2025
what a good film!
Sorry. I have just realised this was a book(a suck you in can’t put down one off kind of a book). No matter how much I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series, it always(and I do mean always) surpasses my expectations of how good it will be. Everything about this series is that well developed, thought out and immersive, that every time I finish reading the next instalment, I honestly feel like I’ve just watched it. The characters, story and emotions I feel while I’m immersed in this world are second to none. I don’t want to wait until the next. I need it! Well done on another beautiful fantastic read(watch). And from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Go read this people. You will regret it if you don’t.
Sorry. I have just realised this was a book(a suck you in can’t put down one off kind of a book). No matter how much I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series, it always(and I do mean always) surpasses my expectations of how good it will be. Everything about this series is that well developed, thought out and immersive, that every time I finish reading the next instalment, I honestly feel like I’ve just watched it. The characters, story and emotions I feel while I’m immersed in this world are second to none. I don’t want to wait until the next. I need it! Well done on another beautiful fantastic read(watch). And from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Go read this people. You will regret it if you don’t.
September 22, 2025
The wholesome lead character and his arctic fox are easy to pull for and enjoyable just to follow around. There is a lot of depth to the characters and a lot to love. The recap highlight real was incredibly well done. This is the book of the year for me. I should just stop reading for a while.
June 18, 2025
The conclusion of the Path!
Quill, Torch, and Scoop (aka Matt, Liz, and Aster) finally complete the Path of Ascension at Level 25.
We learn their Tier 25 Talents and then the Empire unmasks them.
I enjoyed the little montage of moments from along the way, as Matt thought back along his journey. If this were an anime, this part of the book would be a flashback/clip episode for the whole team before the season finale.
I initially expected an Epic Conclusion, but it looks like the series continues and the kids will be headed off to war. Perhaps even until they actually ascend and exit the realm at level 4x/50?
Quill, Torch, and Scoop (aka Matt, Liz, and Aster) finally complete the Path of Ascension at Level 25.
We learn their Tier 25 Talents and then the Empire unmasks them.
I enjoyed the little montage of moments from along the way, as Matt thought back along his journey. If this were an anime, this part of the book would be a flashback/clip episode for the whole team before the season finale.
I initially expected an Epic Conclusion, but it looks like the series continues and the kids will be headed off to war. Perhaps even until they actually ascend and exit the realm at level 4x/50?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
Matt, Liz, and Aster march on the Path of ascension in this book, moving from level 15 to 25. They begin with practical immortality, in terms of eternal life, but they are killable.
They're not satisfied with immortality, as many people are, but yearn to finish the Path, achieving level 25 before 200 years are done.
Will they make it? They undertake special espionage missions, compete for planets with other Great Powers, and dive in rifts, risking their lives every time.
One of the good things C. Mantis does, is continually adding more depth to the universe, with more information about minor characters, history, other political powers, and the magic system.
This is a must-read if you've read the earlier books of the series.
They're not satisfied with immortality, as many people are, but yearn to finish the Path, achieving level 25 before 200 years are done.
Will they make it? They undertake special espionage missions, compete for planets with other Great Powers, and dive in rifts, risking their lives every time.
One of the good things C. Mantis does, is continually adding more depth to the universe, with more information about minor characters, history, other political powers, and the magic system.
This is a must-read if you've read the earlier books of the series.
June 27, 2025
This series is starting to feel like a grind. The scope of the world, especially with its overpowered immortals and magic system that scales into absurdity, makes it hard to stay emotionally invested. When most of the main players can’t die, and the wars feel more like staged exhibitions than real stakes, the tension just isn’t there anymore.
To be fair, the author does an impressive job trying to work around those issues—introducing new threats, keeping the characters moving forward—but at this point, I’m mostly here to finish the series, not because I’m excited about it. I still respect the effort and worldbuilding, but the thrill has dulled. Hopefully, the ending sticks the landing so I can finally tick this one off the list.
To be fair, the author does an impressive job trying to work around those issues—introducing new threats, keeping the characters moving forward—but at this point, I’m mostly here to finish the series, not because I’m excited about it. I still respect the effort and worldbuilding, but the thrill has dulled. Hopefully, the ending sticks the landing so I can finally tick this one off the list.
June 9, 2025
It has been a very rocky road arriving at this point. This series has always been hit or miss for me... actually, if I'm honest, it has been a miss more than a hit. However, it always did just enough to keep me reading, and now that we have finally reached this point in the story, I am glad that I stuck with it.
The core reason this story has kept me interested despite many sub-par outings is the core team of Matt, Liz and Aster. Enough work was done on getting me hooked on their characters at the start of the series that I cared enough about their progress that I kept coming back for more to see how they were getting on. Strangely, this is one time that binging this series probably would have harmed my enjoyment of their story rather than helped it. The wait between each book was long enough for me to forget what I didn't like about the last book, so all I remembered was that I was interested in how this core trio was getting on with their path of ascension.
The supporting cast of friends and family is another highlight of this series. I have loved the slice-of-life chapters where these supporting characters spend time with our protagonists. Just creating an enjoyable and supportive environment in which to spend our time has been a joy to behold and easily my favourite aspect of this series. These small moments to celebrate the successes and growth of the main trio have held far more meaning for this story than the actual action, and I have always looked forward to them.
However, all that said, the rockiness of the journey to this point does cause issues with this eventual conclusion. The biggest casualty is the lack of balance in this series. Most books that make up this story are slow and drawn-out affairs, simply treading water and doing little to progress any aspect of the main story and the character's journey. To make up for this, a handful of books are scattered throughout where the pace of progression and story advancement is kicked into overdrive. Years pass in the turn of a page, levels zip by in the blink of an eye, and enormous events in the main character's lives happen so quickly that there is no time to give them the impact they deserve.
The result is that instead of a steady incline of increasing emotion that culminates in a fulfilling, epic climax, there is an uneven journey that eventually gets to a point that is enjoyable enough but lacks the concentrated emotion that would have made it great. This book does a victory lap just ahead of the climax of this particular story, and it should have given me goosebumps as a reminder of the journey travelled so far, but instead, it just diluted the moment by drawing it out. I didn't get a sense of what a great journey it was to get here, but rather a reminder of the frustrating hurdles I had to overcome to get to the parts of the story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
So, I finished this book with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it was comfortably one of the better books in this series and one that I have enjoyed reading. However, on the other hand, it is filled with frustrating examples of the troubles that have plagued this series throughout its run. It was a reminder of the potential in this series to be great, but the constant noise got in its way.
So overall, it comes in at 3 disappointing stars. There were 5-star moments here, but there was enough noise that I can't overlook that I wouldn't be in a hurry to read this book again. In fact, if I ever revisit the books in this series, I will be making liberal use of the skip function, as there are huge chunks of this story that can be missed without losing anything of value.
The question now is how this story will continue going forward. I hope that this book is the shake-up this series needs to change the formula and take this story in a new direction that will allow it to reach its potential more consistently.
One last positive note I will leave this review with is that I am interested in discovering what happens next. Though I've had my issues with this book and this series as a whole, the overall experience has been worth sticking with, at least, and I am interested in seeing where it goes next.
The core reason this story has kept me interested despite many sub-par outings is the core team of Matt, Liz and Aster. Enough work was done on getting me hooked on their characters at the start of the series that I cared enough about their progress that I kept coming back for more to see how they were getting on. Strangely, this is one time that binging this series probably would have harmed my enjoyment of their story rather than helped it. The wait between each book was long enough for me to forget what I didn't like about the last book, so all I remembered was that I was interested in how this core trio was getting on with their path of ascension.
The supporting cast of friends and family is another highlight of this series. I have loved the slice-of-life chapters where these supporting characters spend time with our protagonists. Just creating an enjoyable and supportive environment in which to spend our time has been a joy to behold and easily my favourite aspect of this series. These small moments to celebrate the successes and growth of the main trio have held far more meaning for this story than the actual action, and I have always looked forward to them.
However, all that said, the rockiness of the journey to this point does cause issues with this eventual conclusion. The biggest casualty is the lack of balance in this series. Most books that make up this story are slow and drawn-out affairs, simply treading water and doing little to progress any aspect of the main story and the character's journey. To make up for this, a handful of books are scattered throughout where the pace of progression and story advancement is kicked into overdrive. Years pass in the turn of a page, levels zip by in the blink of an eye, and enormous events in the main character's lives happen so quickly that there is no time to give them the impact they deserve.
The result is that instead of a steady incline of increasing emotion that culminates in a fulfilling, epic climax, there is an uneven journey that eventually gets to a point that is enjoyable enough but lacks the concentrated emotion that would have made it great. This book does a victory lap just ahead of the climax of this particular story, and it should have given me goosebumps as a reminder of the journey travelled so far, but instead, it just diluted the moment by drawing it out. I didn't get a sense of what a great journey it was to get here, but rather a reminder of the frustrating hurdles I had to overcome to get to the parts of the story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
So, I finished this book with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it was comfortably one of the better books in this series and one that I have enjoyed reading. However, on the other hand, it is filled with frustrating examples of the troubles that have plagued this series throughout its run. It was a reminder of the potential in this series to be great, but the constant noise got in its way.
So overall, it comes in at 3 disappointing stars. There were 5-star moments here, but there was enough noise that I can't overlook that I wouldn't be in a hurry to read this book again. In fact, if I ever revisit the books in this series, I will be making liberal use of the skip function, as there are huge chunks of this story that can be missed without losing anything of value.
The question now is how this story will continue going forward. I hope that this book is the shake-up this series needs to change the formula and take this story in a new direction that will allow it to reach its potential more consistently.
One last positive note I will leave this review with is that I am interested in discovering what happens next. Though I've had my issues with this book and this series as a whole, the overall experience has been worth sticking with, at least, and I am interested in seeing where it goes next.
June 23, 2025
Path of Ascension 9 delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion to a story that's been building since book one. While this installment shifts away from the non-stop battles of previous entries, it more than makes up for it with emotional weight, character payoff, and a real sense of culmination.
SPOILERS
One of the best parts was the Ascension ceremony itself—the reveal of their Intents felt meaningful and well-earned. I felt it did lose a little of the weight by skipping over some of the Tiers they gained but I understand that the focus was more on their Intents, which was the true bottleneck for them to finish the Path. It brought everything full circle, and seeing the characters discover who they’ve become was deeply rewarding.
I loved the reunion with Aster. It helped set the tone for the book, being less about conflict and more about resolution; tying up loose ends. We now have our MC'S together and nothing short of death can stop them.
It also did a great job of reintroducing the side characters we've come to love and reminding me of how far they’ve all come, which was really helpful after such a long-running series. To be perfectly honest, I've forgotten who half of them are, and completely forgot about Eleanor and Ethan, but I'd love to get to know more about them and their talents, especially Eleanor's. Spin off perhaps?
I loved all the teasing that they did with their friends beforehand, it really shows their deep connection with the others and how much they treasure their friends, to essentially turn the biggest day of their entire infinite lives into a joke amongst their friends. I love that.
That said, it’s not completely without action—the battle for an entire planet was a standout, and one of the most fun sequences to read. It also goes to show some of the powerhouses of the other Great Powers and how, even though they are technically in the middle of a war, things can still be friendly between them.But the real strength here is how it closes the arc that’s been threading through the whole series. The characters have truly finished the Path of Ascension, and it feels truly earned.
Obviously, I've you've read up the other books in the series, your gonna read this one. I do highly recommend the series as a whole to anyone who loves LitRPG. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!!!
SPOILERS
One of the best parts was the Ascension ceremony itself—the reveal of their Intents felt meaningful and well-earned. I felt it did lose a little of the weight by skipping over some of the Tiers they gained but I understand that the focus was more on their Intents, which was the true bottleneck for them to finish the Path. It brought everything full circle, and seeing the characters discover who they’ve become was deeply rewarding.
I loved the reunion with Aster. It helped set the tone for the book, being less about conflict and more about resolution; tying up loose ends. We now have our MC'S together and nothing short of death can stop them.
It also did a great job of reintroducing the side characters we've come to love and reminding me of how far they’ve all come, which was really helpful after such a long-running series. To be perfectly honest, I've forgotten who half of them are, and completely forgot about Eleanor and Ethan, but I'd love to get to know more about them and their talents, especially Eleanor's. Spin off perhaps?
I loved all the teasing that they did with their friends beforehand, it really shows their deep connection with the others and how much they treasure their friends, to essentially turn the biggest day of their entire infinite lives into a joke amongst their friends. I love that.
That said, it’s not completely without action—the battle for an entire planet was a standout, and one of the most fun sequences to read. It also goes to show some of the powerhouses of the other Great Powers and how, even though they are technically in the middle of a war, things can still be friendly between them.But the real strength here is how it closes the arc that’s been threading through the whole series. The characters have truly finished the Path of Ascension, and it feels truly earned.
Obviously, I've you've read up the other books in the series, your gonna read this one. I do highly recommend the series as a whole to anyone who loves LitRPG. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
Rating 4.0 stars
Hard to describe this series. There are so many things that I like, but also some really boring things. This is one of the few times where it might be better for me to rate chapters versus the whole book. There were some chapters I would give 5 stars and others I would give 1 star
I don't really know how to feel. The group actually finishes the path in this book. That means that this book encompasses over 100 years of story. I think Liz and Matt ended up being close to 180 years old by the end. In order to do that there needed to be quite a few time jumps. That kind of took me out of the story process. For the first few books, I was there for every step of their journey. I felt a little disconnected in this one. Yes, I knew they were getting stronger but there is a difference being told something and experiencing it yourself. Early on, I experienced their growth through the story. In this book, it felt like I was being told about their growth. This book was also much longer than it needed to be. Overall, I still like the series. I would think the next book is the last in the series, but I don't know that for sure.
Hard to describe this series. There are so many things that I like, but also some really boring things. This is one of the few times where it might be better for me to rate chapters versus the whole book. There were some chapters I would give 5 stars and others I would give 1 star
I don't really know how to feel. The group actually finishes the path in this book. That means that this book encompasses over 100 years of story. I think Liz and Matt ended up being close to 180 years old by the end. In order to do that there needed to be quite a few time jumps. That kind of took me out of the story process. For the first few books, I was there for every step of their journey. I felt a little disconnected in this one. Yes, I knew they were getting stronger but there is a difference being told something and experiencing it yourself. Early on, I experienced their growth through the story. In this book, it felt like I was being told about their growth. This book was also much longer than it needed to be. Overall, I still like the series. I would think the next book is the last in the series, but I don't know that for sure.
October 23, 2025
I had really, really mixed feelings about this one. I'm having a hard time putting a rating on it because my emotions flipped back and forth while reading this so many times.
On one hand, I did notice that, on average, Matt is advancing about 2 tiers per book. They got to tier 15 in book 8, and that left me wondering just how many books it would take for Matt, Liz, and Aster to get to a point where they fought on the battlefield with the big boys. Then, in this book, the pace is accelerated to the extreme and we basically get a CENTURY of training contained in about 500 pages. They jump from tier 15 to 25 and are ready for the war. While I'm glad they were able to get to that point so quickly, it leaves me clueless as to what the remaining progression will look like. I hope it doesn't all turn into similar events as this book. It was fine for one part of 10 so far, but I would hate for future books to be dedicated to the main characters nonstop training until they're tier 35-40 or whatever.
I really liked seeing the other ascenders' point of view. Displaying the kind of work we'll see Matt and Liz do in the future is a great technique from the author.
I'm hopeful the next book will contain a much calmer pace. Not that I expect the next book to be calm by any means, but I'd like to see Matt and Liz focus on the war for a while rather than gaining more power. They're at a point where they can still make a real impact, and it would be a shame for Luna to collar them like she has in the past.
On one hand, I did notice that, on average, Matt is advancing about 2 tiers per book. They got to tier 15 in book 8, and that left me wondering just how many books it would take for Matt, Liz, and Aster to get to a point where they fought on the battlefield with the big boys. Then, in this book, the pace is accelerated to the extreme and we basically get a CENTURY of training contained in about 500 pages. They jump from tier 15 to 25 and are ready for the war. While I'm glad they were able to get to that point so quickly, it leaves me clueless as to what the remaining progression will look like. I hope it doesn't all turn into similar events as this book. It was fine for one part of 10 so far, but I would hate for future books to be dedicated to the main characters nonstop training until they're tier 35-40 or whatever.
I really liked seeing the other ascenders' point of view. Displaying the kind of work we'll see Matt and Liz do in the future is a great technique from the author.
I'm hopeful the next book will contain a much calmer pace. Not that I expect the next book to be calm by any means, but I'd like to see Matt and Liz focus on the war for a while rather than gaining more power. They're at a point where they can still make a real impact, and it would be a shame for Luna to collar them like she has in the past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Path of Ascension: Book 9 delivered an incredible conclusion to what has now become my all-time favorite book series—and the longest one I’ve ever read. This installment continued the tradition of gripping storytelling with the core trio facing thrilling battles while also enduring deeply personal struggles around growth and self-worth. Their path to advancement wasn’t just physical; it was emotional and mental, filled with doubt and resilience. I especially loved how the characters stayed true to themselves throughout the chaos. The perseverance practically leapt off the pages, and each hard-earned triumph felt incredibly satisfying.
One of the most memorable parts of Book 9 was the beautifully executed flashback scenes that brought in moments from every previous book. I couldn’t stop grinning—it was nostalgic, heartfelt, and perfectly timed. The way it tied everything together gave real weight to their journey and made me appreciate how far they’d come. Spoiler alert: while this marked a powerful end to their time on the path, the story wrapped up with a touch of humor as well, with the trio’s final prank on their friends adding a light, joyful close to an otherwise epic saga. I enjoyed every moment of it and will absolutely carry this series with me for a long time.
One of the most memorable parts of Book 9 was the beautifully executed flashback scenes that brought in moments from every previous book. I couldn’t stop grinning—it was nostalgic, heartfelt, and perfectly timed. The way it tied everything together gave real weight to their journey and made me appreciate how far they’d come. Spoiler alert: while this marked a powerful end to their time on the path, the story wrapped up with a touch of humor as well, with the trio’s final prank on their friends adding a light, joyful close to an otherwise epic saga. I enjoyed every moment of it and will absolutely carry this series with me for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
With the ups and downs this series has put me through, this entry was a really pleasant surprise.
There is a lot of forward movement with the characters being active in the plot, instead of reacting to the plot pushing them in different directions. So many characters from the previous books make appearances, and it all comes together.
Everything leads up to a very satisfying ending that makes me want to know more about what happens now. I’ve already grabbed the next book, and will probably be starting that one next.
The narrator of the audio book could do more to convey the emotions on the page, but it isn’t a complete deal breaker. If anything it makes it a perfect bedtime book. It is read good enough to enjoy it, but not so much to prevent you from sleeping before the timer finishes.
There is a lot of forward movement with the characters being active in the plot, instead of reacting to the plot pushing them in different directions. So many characters from the previous books make appearances, and it all comes together.
Everything leads up to a very satisfying ending that makes me want to know more about what happens now. I’ve already grabbed the next book, and will probably be starting that one next.
The narrator of the audio book could do more to convey the emotions on the page, but it isn’t a complete deal breaker. If anything it makes it a perfect bedtime book. It is read good enough to enjoy it, but not so much to prevent you from sleeping before the timer finishes.
June 19, 2025
This started with a really slow burn a lot of covert spy stuff and a side of political machinations, without much action, boring yah know. 😴 making me wonder whether I wanted to continue... in turn it was sorta a slice-of-life adventure too. Luna as their mentor is training them to excel. Although they're now 97, Luna still calls 'em kids 😆 and works 'em hard as Matt, Liz, and Aster were finally reunited and bit by bit they're able to rebuild their teamwork! And where we get some action! But oh my gods the ending makes up for everything! As they climb the the path. I loved it!
So yeah, you too can climb the path if you grab the book...
Here's a quote for ya:
"If a sword couldn’t solve your problems, you just weren’t trying hard enough."
So yeah, you too can climb the path if you grab the book...
Here's a quote for ya:
"If a sword couldn’t solve your problems, you just weren’t trying hard enough."
June 9, 2025
Excited for the future
Thank you to the author for respecting the readers and giving true endings. I am fulfilled and looking forward to the future at the end of one of these books. I won't say that these books are perfect, few are. The way the passage of time and leveling has been handled deserves respect. A series I have read for years and 9 books in I still look forward to the next 100 years. I will big miss Luna but she's invested now I doubt she completely goes away. My biggest reason for being impatient for the next book is queen. She deserves her inspiration.
Thank you to the author for respecting the readers and giving true endings. I am fulfilled and looking forward to the future at the end of one of these books. I won't say that these books are perfect, few are. The way the passage of time and leveling has been handled deserves respect. A series I have read for years and 9 books in I still look forward to the next 100 years. I will big miss Luna but she's invested now I doubt she completely goes away. My biggest reason for being impatient for the next book is queen. She deserves her inspiration.
August 15, 2025
THE PATH OF ACENSION 9
IN THIS BOOK MATT AND LIZ BOTH ARE TIER I6 AND PLAN TO PUSH FORWARD TO COMPLETE THE PATH. THEY DELVE COUNTLESS RIFTS AND ADVANCE DESPITE THE POLITICAL PRESSURE. FINALLY, THEY TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH AND DECIDE TO ASCEND ON THE PATH. ALL THEIR FRIENDS ARE SURPRISED AS TO THAT THEIR FRIENDS WERE THE ASCENDERS. THEY TIER UP TO 25, THEY FORM THEIR INTENT AND DO ALL THE THINGS THEY LEAST EXPECTED.THIS BOOK IS A PERFECT BLEND OF ACTION AND VALUES. I’M WAITING FOR THE NEXT BOOK IN OCTOBER.
IN THIS BOOK MATT AND LIZ BOTH ARE TIER I6 AND PLAN TO PUSH FORWARD TO COMPLETE THE PATH. THEY DELVE COUNTLESS RIFTS AND ADVANCE DESPITE THE POLITICAL PRESSURE. FINALLY, THEY TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH AND DECIDE TO ASCEND ON THE PATH. ALL THEIR FRIENDS ARE SURPRISED AS TO THAT THEIR FRIENDS WERE THE ASCENDERS. THEY TIER UP TO 25, THEY FORM THEIR INTENT AND DO ALL THE THINGS THEY LEAST EXPECTED.THIS BOOK IS A PERFECT BLEND OF ACTION AND VALUES. I’M WAITING FOR THE NEXT BOOK IN OCTOBER.
June 6, 2025
emotionally good
I have been waiting for the tournaments that gave rise to the popularity of Light and Shadow that Mat and Liz would watch. L & S didn’t get fame by doing missions or hosting tournaments and I was looking forward to tournament action this book. That disappointment aside as well as the pain of getting through Intents, the emotional connection the book delivered at the end made up for all the failings.
I have been waiting for the tournaments that gave rise to the popularity of Light and Shadow that Mat and Liz would watch. L & S didn’t get fame by doing missions or hosting tournaments and I was looking forward to tournament action this book. That disappointment aside as well as the pain of getting through Intents, the emotional connection the book delivered at the end made up for all the failings.
October 22, 2025
I was happy to see the team complete the path to the end, but the rest of the book consisted of a lot of skimming for me. I was actually disappointed that the series continues now with at least 2 more books. I didn't prefer the earlier book when they played war games, and I don't anticipate that I would appreciate their upcoming war battles. At this point, I have no plan to continue with the series, but I would recommend reading the first several books to others.
June 9, 2025
Extremely good
If you have enjoyed this series, this book will be great. It improves the pacing over previous books that have covered longer time spans, but retains all of the interesting character details. Saying too much more would spoil the story for you, so I won't.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
If you have enjoyed this series, this book will be great. It improves the pacing over previous books that have covered longer time spans, but retains all of the interesting character details. Saying too much more would spoil the story for you, so I won't.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
June 18, 2025
Excellent continuation to a VERY enjoyable series
The adventure, nay the path, continues. And what a path it is. Lots happening in this installment, and as a bonus, it lacks the editorial mistakes that always make my teeth grind in the earlier books (not to say there aren't any, but it is rare to find a book with none - I came out of this one with all my teeth fully intact!)
The adventure, nay the path, continues. And what a path it is. Lots happening in this installment, and as a bonus, it lacks the editorial mistakes that always make my teeth grind in the earlier books (not to say there aren't any, but it is rare to find a book with none - I came out of this one with all my teeth fully intact!)
September 2, 2025
Finally Matt, Liz and Aster have finished the path. This book itself is a bit slow and nostalgic look back at the whole series and different characters. If you have read the series and enjoyed it as much as I did then this will be a gem. Definitely not a place to start if you are new. Go start it from the beginning!
November 7, 2025
Note to self: glad I skipped the last three books. Maybe go back to them another time, and read them as a spin-off of sorts, but skipping them saved the series for me.
Not bad, though some sections felt like "why are you telling me all this at such length, this could have been a few paragraphs and it would have been enough", but all in all I enjoyed it.
Not bad, though some sections felt like "why are you telling me all this at such length, this could have been a few paragraphs and it would have been enough", but all in all I enjoyed it.
June 5, 2025
Great book.
Most series seem to lose something after six books. This series seems to get better and better. I love the fact that the time span is handled so well. The book does not get bogged down trying to give a minute-by-minute explanation of Matt and Liz's life.
Most series seem to lose something after six books. This series seems to get better and better. I love the fact that the time span is handled so well. The book does not get bogged down trying to give a minute-by-minute explanation of Matt and Liz's life.
June 9, 2025
A good continuation of the series. Less focus on crafting but more focus on advancement. Use of perspectives is toned down significantly in this book and is mostly from Matt's perspective. Interested to see how things continue and looking forward to seeing the progress of the war.
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