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The Path of Ascension #8
The Path of Ascension 8: A LitRPG Adventure
Days and Tiers pass as Matt Liz and Aster leave Minkalla. But no matter how much they just want to relax and recover they have the ever present time-crunch of the path of ascension nipping at their heels. To compound issues, they are about to reach Tier 15. That means Aster needs to leave for the Bond Academy for at least 10 years. Can they get far enough ahead of the curve to manage, or will this roadblock cause the trio to stumble?
Don't miss Book 8 of this action-packed fantasy adventure that blends everything you love about LitRPG with Xianxia.
About the This is a mix between LitRPG and Xianxia. It's like a car that looks like a LitRPG with dungeons and skills, but the interior and engine are all Xianxia. It features a magic system and progression system that are logically and internally consistent, as well as realistic fight scenes and a rational MC.
Don't miss Book 8 of this action-packed fantasy adventure that blends everything you love about LitRPG with Xianxia.
About the This is a mix between LitRPG and Xianxia. It's like a car that looks like a LitRPG with dungeons and skills, but the interior and engine are all Xianxia. It features a magic system and progression system that are logically and internally consistent, as well as realistic fight scenes and a rational MC.
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First published February 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 8, 2025
A real slog. A massive step back in what is by far the worst book in the series.
Well, I’m quite disappointed. Despite some minor problems I had with some of the world building that didn’t make sense, such as the constant contradictions of the purpose of the Path, overall I had this series ranked number two of my favorite ongoing progressive fantasy series until Book 8.
It has likable characters, an interesting and engaging plot (which is sadly rather unique in the genre) and world building, a detail-rich magic system, and lots of combat with a variety of combat. So what happened?
This book has none of that. We had one filler before, I forget which book, four or something. But at least in that book we were in context for most of the story, we weren’t summarizing every single thing. We spent a lot of time delving and creating rifts. It was fun even if it was a filler without any real plot movement, more plot framework for the follow up novels.
I came into this book with a bad taste in my mouth from the end of the last book, where they get out of the dungeon planet and it just ends. We don’t get any chance as a reader to revel in the payoff of our team completing the dungeon as tier 11s. We don’t get Luna’s reaction, we don’t go through the loot and progression. The latter we could push to this book, as the author did, but not the former!
And so I expect this entry to start there. Nope. We get a massive first chapter, a full five percent of the novel, full of short perspectives of various previously unknown characters throughout the universe/galaxy/whatever without any context to who or what or when they are other than what they say. It requires a lot of attention and even then I couldn’t make heads or tails of it.
Then we finally get back to our team in chapter 2 and we skip the whole celebratory scene! And this is where the book starts down a really unfortunate trend that continues for the course. That is instead of actually brining us into scenes with real conversations and reactions, we get a summary of what was being discussed interspersed with short sections of dialogue. And this just goes on and on for years and years of book time. They went here and this happened and this happened, here’s a brief in context movement then back out to summarizing again.
There’s no real overarching plot or climax or typical act narrative structure to this book at all. There’s no real meaningful combat. It is entirely filler and set up. And unlike the previous filler novel, this one is outright phoned-in. It is uninspired and lazy frankly.
Note that the “big twist” is blatantly obvious since the author’s version of foreshadowing is to bring it up as a possibility about a hundred times throughout the book. And guess what, I already know how it’s gonna get resolved. That’s how see-through this plotting is.
I guess I am being a bit harsh. I just hold this series in high regard for its previously-shown ability to do everything about this genre right. Being the characters, the progression, the magic system, the story and the payoffs. Other than the detailed magic system stuff, it feels like someone else wrote this or maybe the author just didn’t know how to get from the dungeon arc to this next [redacted] arc and tell a story within a story that meets the word length his fans have come to expect. Well, then he should have added this to the end of the last novel! Then we get the payoffs and not this page after page of meaningless summarizing of useless information.
But the biggest sin was how bad those vows were. I mean you’re A WRITER! Write something succinct, funny, and emotionally relatable! For instance off the top of my head maybe Matt talks about losing his family and what Liz means to him in that context and do it through a funny anecdote with a serious but sincere ending, short and sweet. Liz follows by talking about being raised as royalty and what Matt and the freedom he represents means to her. Let us the audience see why they are right for each other! Instead we get just this boilerplate average boringness that’s so cringe inducing. And if your defense is that Matt and Liz aren’t eloquent. Great, maybe have them both ask people for help, and further flesh out why they are good for each other! Cause honestly, I don’t feel it all. They just seem like they are marrying the first person they dated. And in your world people stay married for literally millennia which is just ridiculous in and of itself. But it should matter why they want to be together forever, you repeat that word over and over. I don’t know… I appreciate authors in this genre actually writing relationships instead of the incel tropes too good for it, but this is not realistic in the context of your world building and it’s not relatable.
Hopefully we get back into the swing with the next [redacted] arc, but I can already tell exactly how it’s gonna play out. So pretty disappointed. And this series has officially fallen off my top 3. Not just fallen off, head-first tumbled off a cliff!
Well, I’m quite disappointed. Despite some minor problems I had with some of the world building that didn’t make sense, such as the constant contradictions of the purpose of the Path, overall I had this series ranked number two of my favorite ongoing progressive fantasy series until Book 8.
It has likable characters, an interesting and engaging plot (which is sadly rather unique in the genre) and world building, a detail-rich magic system, and lots of combat with a variety of combat. So what happened?
This book has none of that. We had one filler before, I forget which book, four or something. But at least in that book we were in context for most of the story, we weren’t summarizing every single thing. We spent a lot of time delving and creating rifts. It was fun even if it was a filler without any real plot movement, more plot framework for the follow up novels.
I came into this book with a bad taste in my mouth from the end of the last book, where they get out of the dungeon planet and it just ends. We don’t get any chance as a reader to revel in the payoff of our team completing the dungeon as tier 11s. We don’t get Luna’s reaction, we don’t go through the loot and progression. The latter we could push to this book, as the author did, but not the former!
And so I expect this entry to start there. Nope. We get a massive first chapter, a full five percent of the novel, full of short perspectives of various previously unknown characters throughout the universe/galaxy/whatever without any context to who or what or when they are other than what they say. It requires a lot of attention and even then I couldn’t make heads or tails of it.
Then we finally get back to our team in chapter 2 and we skip the whole celebratory scene! And this is where the book starts down a really unfortunate trend that continues for the course. That is instead of actually brining us into scenes with real conversations and reactions, we get a summary of what was being discussed interspersed with short sections of dialogue. And this just goes on and on for years and years of book time. They went here and this happened and this happened, here’s a brief in context movement then back out to summarizing again.
There’s no real overarching plot or climax or typical act narrative structure to this book at all. There’s no real meaningful combat. It is entirely filler and set up. And unlike the previous filler novel, this one is outright phoned-in. It is uninspired and lazy frankly.
Note that the “big twist” is blatantly obvious since the author’s version of foreshadowing is to bring it up as a possibility about a hundred times throughout the book. And guess what, I already know how it’s gonna get resolved. That’s how see-through this plotting is.
I guess I am being a bit harsh. I just hold this series in high regard for its previously-shown ability to do everything about this genre right. Being the characters, the progression, the magic system, the story and the payoffs. Other than the detailed magic system stuff, it feels like someone else wrote this or maybe the author just didn’t know how to get from the dungeon arc to this next [redacted] arc and tell a story within a story that meets the word length his fans have come to expect. Well, then he should have added this to the end of the last novel! Then we get the payoffs and not this page after page of meaningless summarizing of useless information.
But the biggest sin was how bad those vows were. I mean you’re A WRITER! Write something succinct, funny, and emotionally relatable! For instance off the top of my head maybe Matt talks about losing his family and what Liz means to him in that context and do it through a funny anecdote with a serious but sincere ending, short and sweet. Liz follows by talking about being raised as royalty and what Matt and the freedom he represents means to her. Let us the audience see why they are right for each other! Instead we get just this boilerplate average boringness that’s so cringe inducing. And if your defense is that Matt and Liz aren’t eloquent. Great, maybe have them both ask people for help, and further flesh out why they are good for each other! Cause honestly, I don’t feel it all. They just seem like they are marrying the first person they dated. And in your world people stay married for literally millennia which is just ridiculous in and of itself. But it should matter why they want to be together forever, you repeat that word over and over. I don’t know… I appreciate authors in this genre actually writing relationships instead of the incel tropes too good for it, but this is not realistic in the context of your world building and it’s not relatable.
Hopefully we get back into the swing with the next [redacted] arc, but I can already tell exactly how it’s gonna play out. So pretty disappointed. And this series has officially fallen off my top 3. Not just fallen off, head-first tumbled off a cliff!
March 8, 2025
A tedious bore
These books started out great but are now mired in endless chapters filled with nothing but descriptions of items and more items and yet more items. It has all the joy of reading a ship's manifest.
After that it's fights that have no stakes, no connection to plot, and are samey. Skipping them makes the book slightly more tolerable.
The author has a compelling story to tell, but there's precious little storytelling here. 50% of this book could be cut and it would still be 50% a tedious bore.
These books started out great but are now mired in endless chapters filled with nothing but descriptions of items and more items and yet more items. It has all the joy of reading a ship's manifest.
After that it's fights that have no stakes, no connection to plot, and are samey. Skipping them makes the book slightly more tolerable.
The author has a compelling story to tell, but there's precious little storytelling here. 50% of this book could be cut and it would still be 50% a tedious bore.
August 1, 2025
Honestly my favourite part of the book is watching Aster going to school with other bonds. That was cute to read.
February 10, 2025
Great reading
A bit less action than I would have liked, but I enjoyed the adventures of our trio, and of course, there were quite a few surprises along the way. The ending of this book really sets everything up well for the next one and makes this even more exciting. Some good universe building in this as we especially find out more about the bloodlines and bonds.
A bit less action than I would have liked, but I enjoyed the adventures of our trio, and of course, there were quite a few surprises along the way. The ending of this book really sets everything up well for the next one and makes this even more exciting. Some good universe building in this as we especially find out more about the bloodlines and bonds.
February 10, 2025
Volume 8 of the Path of Ascension series is very much an intermezzo book mostly dealing with a smattering of minor things of the main characters' daily lives such as their wedding, Aster's days at school (as a somewhat short extra story at the end of the book), and a few trainings missions. I found it a good read, since it is a nice change of pace, shows a bit more about the interesting world and I always have liked slice-of-life. Having said that, it was a bit long for an intermezzo. Curious what will happen next during the war...
October 16, 2025
I am so glad they are out of Minkalla! I loved these next 10 years of progression and magic with Matt & Liz! It was so fun immersing myself in their various escapades while they solve problems as agents of the empire! And I really enjoyed Aster’s time in the Bond Academy!
November 9, 2025
Re-read review
---------------------------
Already started book 9 because why sleep when there are great stories to be read. Rereading the series within the year, but still, it felt like a brand new read with so many scenes getting out of my mind. But that's the joy of rereading, so it was a successful mission. Ok then, let's jump to book 9.
Original Review
-------------------------
I started reading this series on 12th Jan 2025, and since then, I couldn't stop reading this masterpiece. Thanks to Kindle Unlimited, I was able to read this series. And now I will be waiting for the release of book 9 in June, and now let's get back to this book. This continued Matt and Liz's journey as they continue to grow and learn new things. Our team reaches tier 15 and becomes immortal and Aster goes away for a decade to the bond school, and we also finally learn the identity of Light and Shadow. We also had a novella about Aster's time in the Bond school. Both parts of this were excellent and I loved it as well, it's bittersweet as I am also feeling like I am losing a dear friend for some time. I love this series and would wait for the release of book 9, and till then, maybe I will finally be able to read another book or series. So let's carry on and Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I absolutely 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.
---------------------------
Already started book 9 because why sleep when there are great stories to be read. Rereading the series within the year, but still, it felt like a brand new read with so many scenes getting out of my mind. But that's the joy of rereading, so it was a successful mission. Ok then, let's jump to book 9.
Original Review
-------------------------
I started reading this series on 12th Jan 2025, and since then, I couldn't stop reading this masterpiece. Thanks to Kindle Unlimited, I was able to read this series. And now I will be waiting for the release of book 9 in June, and now let's get back to this book. This continued Matt and Liz's journey as they continue to grow and learn new things. Our team reaches tier 15 and becomes immortal and Aster goes away for a decade to the bond school, and we also finally learn the identity of Light and Shadow. We also had a novella about Aster's time in the Bond school. Both parts of this were excellent and I loved it as well, it's bittersweet as I am also feeling like I am losing a dear friend for some time. I love this series and would wait for the release of book 9, and till then, maybe I will finally be able to read another book or series. So let's carry on and Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I absolutely 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.
February 11, 2025
A fun intermission
This book provides a great breather after Minkalla. It was great to focus on each character and their transition to immortality and the processing of their experiences in Minkalla. There's a good mix of fun fluffy moments, deeply emotional moments, and thoughtful reflective moments.
I also appreciate the supporting cast of Aster's school life and hope we bump into them again in the future.
Overall, a simple fun read that provides a strong foundation for the next section of the series.
This book provides a great breather after Minkalla. It was great to focus on each character and their transition to immortality and the processing of their experiences in Minkalla. There's a good mix of fun fluffy moments, deeply emotional moments, and thoughtful reflective moments.
I also appreciate the supporting cast of Aster's school life and hope we bump into them again in the future.
Overall, a simple fun read that provides a strong foundation for the next section of the series.
February 18, 2025
lost sight of the big picture
I’ll admit I only made it through about 40% of this. While I’ve liked the series until now, it feels like this novel delves too far toward the minutia of build and skill planning, to the point I started skipping chapters out of boredom. It also seems like we’ve lost sight of any “grand purpose” that would keep a reader engaged through the grand arc of the series. The extensive dialogue and relationship dynamics also just took me out of the story.
I’ll admit I only made it through about 40% of this. While I’ve liked the series until now, it feels like this novel delves too far toward the minutia of build and skill planning, to the point I started skipping chapters out of boredom. It also seems like we’ve lost sight of any “grand purpose” that would keep a reader engaged through the grand arc of the series. The extensive dialogue and relationship dynamics also just took me out of the story.
February 25, 2025
A bit of a speed run, but as with all the others I enjoyed the story. I was expecting a little bit more development and detail with each characters’ gains from Minkalla, but all in all I liked the way it was presented. Some surprises that I would have never guessed at and now I’m going to have to go back to the other books and read them again with this new information in mind. Can’t wait for the next installment.
February 13, 2025
a transition
It felt like nothing happened. That said a lot did happen. The problem is that it was more of an information dump. 4 teirs took place in there book. It felt like there author decided that he needed to bed at tier 15 and knew z,y,z needed to happen because of that so just made it happen.
I'm hoping the next book is better
It felt like nothing happened. That said a lot did happen. The problem is that it was more of an information dump. 4 teirs took place in there book. It felt like there author decided that he needed to bed at tier 15 and knew z,y,z needed to happen because of that so just made it happen.
I'm hoping the next book is better
February 9, 2025
Love the world and the premise good series
The premise of this series is a great one. I enjoy the characters and the concept. The storytelling is good and the series is one of my favorites. Their internal monologues are realistic and tie into the bigger picture well. Their struggles help to ground the main characters and make their powers secondary to their plights.
For the author- I read a lot of books and the supporting characters can get confusing. Especially on series that have months between new additions. As with a lot of series there are many characters that come into and out of the story. Rather than going straight into their sub stories it is very helpful to the reader when you give a short synopsis of their relationship with the main characters and tie their first re-introduction in the new book with their actions in the previous book when going into their subplots. Even just one or two sentences of where they impacted the story in the other books can help. Could be them just reflecting on their relationship to the plot or an outright summary- whatever fits.
I love the backstories and think they add a lot to the main but With a lot of the supporting characters I was a bit lost at first and recognized the names but had difficulty tying them into the story.
The premise of this series is a great one. I enjoy the characters and the concept. The storytelling is good and the series is one of my favorites. Their internal monologues are realistic and tie into the bigger picture well. Their struggles help to ground the main characters and make their powers secondary to their plights.
For the author- I read a lot of books and the supporting characters can get confusing. Especially on series that have months between new additions. As with a lot of series there are many characters that come into and out of the story. Rather than going straight into their sub stories it is very helpful to the reader when you give a short synopsis of their relationship with the main characters and tie their first re-introduction in the new book with their actions in the previous book when going into their subplots. Even just one or two sentences of where they impacted the story in the other books can help. Could be them just reflecting on their relationship to the plot or an outright summary- whatever fits.
I love the backstories and think they add a lot to the main but With a lot of the supporting characters I was a bit lost at first and recognized the names but had difficulty tying them into the story.
April 5, 2025
If you came to hang out with Matt, Liz, and Aster, you’re going to love it. If you came for fight sequences, maybe you’ll not love it as much. It’s gone pure slice of life in this book by discussing weddings, boarding schools, and home decorating. Looking at that list, it was oddly enjoyable to me. This series is a favorite for sure.
February 6, 2025
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
February 7, 2025
Still stuck in Mikala
For the third book in the row, we seem to do be doing the exact same thing not progressing not really making a difference not getting anything accomplished
For the third book in the row, we seem to do be doing the exact same thing not progressing not really making a difference not getting anything accomplished
June 30, 2025
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait to read the next book in this amazing series!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait to read the next book in this amazing series!
February 16, 2025
Having the very first chapter be filled with random viewpoints from characters we know nothing about was certainly a decision. I love this series and this book honestly left me disappointed, it very much felt like a we went there and did this and then we did that and then we went here. There was 6 different sub stories within this book, each totaling 50-60 pages that never felt very fleshed out.
I am hopping the rest of the series will have a more succinct narrative and direction it would like to go because this book felt aimless. Overall, should you read this book, yes if you like the series, should you have high expectations, no nothing important happened.
I am hopping the rest of the series will have a more succinct narrative and direction it would like to go because this book felt aimless. Overall, should you read this book, yes if you like the series, should you have high expectations, no nothing important happened.
February 17, 2025
please dont mess this up
Dont confused the ability to befriend the same sex, have admiration for them, and become lifelong friends with sexual need. This is a cultural trap everyone is dealing with. The correct narrative choice is monogamous relationships and relationships that result in children, family, and legacy. Anything less then that will not age well and will turn off a large portion of your readers who at best will suffer through or worst will move on to other series. You've laid about 6 traps for yourself in this book. Dont fall for redittard and university logic, it will break your universe.
Dont confused the ability to befriend the same sex, have admiration for them, and become lifelong friends with sexual need. This is a cultural trap everyone is dealing with. The correct narrative choice is monogamous relationships and relationships that result in children, family, and legacy. Anything less then that will not age well and will turn off a large portion of your readers who at best will suffer through or worst will move on to other series. You've laid about 6 traps for yourself in this book. Dont fall for redittard and university logic, it will break your universe.
April 12, 2025
Boring
There is no joy in loot or progress. The whole of Minkaya was supposed to have amazing rewards. It did, because we don't find out what those rewards were. The story goes on as if they were irrelevant. There are only boring descriptions of skills. Nothing revealing the thoughts of the characters. No action that could keep me glued to the book. I gave up on the 24th chapter and removed it from my list of favorites. I'm not waiting for the next one in the series anymore. Maybe there is something to it that books without summaries end up like this sooner or later. Maybe if the writer had made a summary, he could have realized that what he was writing was significantly different from what he had written before.
***
However, I decided to finish the book and the last 10 chapters of 24 each were really interesting. I almost abandoned the book and the series, but I'm still waiting for the next part.
There is no joy in loot or progress. The whole of Minkaya was supposed to have amazing rewards. It did, because we don't find out what those rewards were. The story goes on as if they were irrelevant. There are only boring descriptions of skills. Nothing revealing the thoughts of the characters. No action that could keep me glued to the book. I gave up on the 24th chapter and removed it from my list of favorites. I'm not waiting for the next one in the series anymore. Maybe there is something to it that books without summaries end up like this sooner or later. Maybe if the writer had made a summary, he could have realized that what he was writing was significantly different from what he had written before.
***
However, I decided to finish the book and the last 10 chapters of 24 each were really interesting. I almost abandoned the book and the series, but I'm still waiting for the next part.
February 11, 2025
Have you seen your Therapist Lately?
Interlude, the novel. This is the second time I've read something that was basically just a prologue. The only notable thing that happens in this book is that liz and Matt get married and Aster goes to Bond academy. Asters side story at the end saved this story by the way! Without it, this would've been just a slog to read. I'll say it, this is the worst book out of all of them. It's way too slow and repetitive, and the author likes to focus on the minutiae of the delvers lives rather than the adventures of one! It's sorta interesting that these demigods need a therapist for their trauma, but we want to see these heroes act like it! I was expecting more crazy settings, delves, dragons, spy intrigue, even leveling and crazy fights. Instead, everything is briefly described and glossed over. What are the MCs skills? Idk, the author probably doesn't know either since it really doesn't matter. This is a power fantasy that's basically turned into a documentary about Matt and Liz living a double life and it's less than interesting. Fortunately the war arc they've been teasing about for at least 5 years is here, but I don't expect our crew to be at all relevant until book 15 comes out and everyone agrees to a ceasefire to schedule appointments with their therapists. Seriously, it's mentioned more than battles and fights! Therapy is more relevant in this cultivation/progression novel than actual combat, it's absurd. Skip this one, it's literally anime filler the book. Read asters short story though, was really cute and heartwarming.
Interlude, the novel. This is the second time I've read something that was basically just a prologue. The only notable thing that happens in this book is that liz and Matt get married and Aster goes to Bond academy. Asters side story at the end saved this story by the way! Without it, this would've been just a slog to read. I'll say it, this is the worst book out of all of them. It's way too slow and repetitive, and the author likes to focus on the minutiae of the delvers lives rather than the adventures of one! It's sorta interesting that these demigods need a therapist for their trauma, but we want to see these heroes act like it! I was expecting more crazy settings, delves, dragons, spy intrigue, even leveling and crazy fights. Instead, everything is briefly described and glossed over. What are the MCs skills? Idk, the author probably doesn't know either since it really doesn't matter. This is a power fantasy that's basically turned into a documentary about Matt and Liz living a double life and it's less than interesting. Fortunately the war arc they've been teasing about for at least 5 years is here, but I don't expect our crew to be at all relevant until book 15 comes out and everyone agrees to a ceasefire to schedule appointments with their therapists. Seriously, it's mentioned more than battles and fights! Therapy is more relevant in this cultivation/progression novel than actual combat, it's absurd. Skip this one, it's literally anime filler the book. Read asters short story though, was really cute and heartwarming.
March 17, 2025
Okay, so I figured I would put my thoughts about the series so far here, considering this is the latest official book release. I’m actually on book….10? maybe? On Royal Road where this series originally was posted. Ad such, I’m gonna keep this review vaugeish.
Anyways.
Me and my progression fantasy kick. It continues. I can say that POA is definitely more of a “long-haul” even by the standards of the genre. But!!! I so enjoy that about this series. I love reading about Aster getting into tomfoolery, or Liz and Matt participating in things like cooking competitions (also I do love to see Gordon Ramsay make an appearance. I’m not even marking that a spoiler. It’s not ACTUALLY Gordon Ramsay, buttttt the intent was clear. You weren’t subtle there, C Mantis. I LOVE ramsay.)
Further, this series is just such an overall charming experience. Even when the themes at play are decidedly very serious, I still find myself drawn into the whimsy of Tru’stel’s planets, or rolling my eyes at Mara and Leon. The world building is truly exceptional here. It has LAYERS. The characters are never one dimensional, and none of them are perfect. I could prattle on about how complete this entire universe/setting feels, but you get my point.
The negatives are plentiful.
1.) The editing
This needs upgraded BIG TIME. We need an overhaul there. I am keeping in mind this was originally (and continues to be) published on RR. Still, some of these errors are in my opinion, borderline unacceptable. The lack of vocabulary and variation in particular drove me damn near up a wall.
2.) The Empire.
I COULD prattle on about this forever. I will not. I don’t agree with some of Mantis’s views on politics that he argues here. The Empire is, objectively, a solid and upstanding nation. There is an undertone of preachiness present about this fact that really sours my opinion on the topic. Characters are so quick to forgive The Empire/Royals and defend their actions. We are reminded over and over again that Manny (the Literal Emperor) is DIFFERENT than all the other bad ones. Later on, it’s so obvious as to be (spoiler I guess) a LITERAL PART OF HIS “TRUTH”. I see where Mantis may be angling for the uncanniness of having to reconcile the common idea of “Empire” with “The Empire” in POA, but I’m not sure if it works for me. It could also just be my own bias, as the present political times are volatile.
3.) Filler
I know I literally just wrote I liked the long haul and i DO. But man! Some of this does not need to be here. Also, some of these characters? Pointless. This is a moot point honestly, but I’ll still complain.
Matt, Aster and Liz keep me reading, and have been for well over 9 books now. Despite everything, I’d still recommend this bad boy with gusto. A must if you’re into the genre. 👍
Anyways.
Me and my progression fantasy kick. It continues. I can say that POA is definitely more of a “long-haul” even by the standards of the genre. But!!! I so enjoy that about this series. I love reading about Aster getting into tomfoolery, or Liz and Matt participating in things like cooking competitions (also I do love to see Gordon Ramsay make an appearance. I’m not even marking that a spoiler. It’s not ACTUALLY Gordon Ramsay, buttttt the intent was clear. You weren’t subtle there, C Mantis. I LOVE ramsay.)
Further, this series is just such an overall charming experience. Even when the themes at play are decidedly very serious, I still find myself drawn into the whimsy of Tru’stel’s planets, or rolling my eyes at Mara and Leon. The world building is truly exceptional here. It has LAYERS. The characters are never one dimensional, and none of them are perfect. I could prattle on about how complete this entire universe/setting feels, but you get my point.
The negatives are plentiful.
1.) The editing
This needs upgraded BIG TIME. We need an overhaul there. I am keeping in mind this was originally (and continues to be) published on RR. Still, some of these errors are in my opinion, borderline unacceptable. The lack of vocabulary and variation in particular drove me damn near up a wall.
2.) The Empire.
I COULD prattle on about this forever. I will not. I don’t agree with some of Mantis’s views on politics that he argues here. The Empire is, objectively, a solid and upstanding nation. There is an undertone of preachiness present about this fact that really sours my opinion on the topic. Characters are so quick to forgive The Empire/Royals and defend their actions. We are reminded over and over again that Manny (the Literal Emperor) is DIFFERENT than all the other bad ones. Later on, it’s so obvious as to be (spoiler I guess) a LITERAL PART OF HIS “TRUTH”. I see where Mantis may be angling for the uncanniness of having to reconcile the common idea of “Empire” with “The Empire” in POA, but I’m not sure if it works for me. It could also just be my own bias, as the present political times are volatile.
3.) Filler
I know I literally just wrote I liked the long haul and i DO. But man! Some of this does not need to be here. Also, some of these characters? Pointless. This is a moot point honestly, but I’ll still complain.
Matt, Aster and Liz keep me reading, and have been for well over 9 books now. Despite everything, I’d still recommend this bad boy with gusto. A must if you’re into the genre. 👍
July 16, 2025
This was another filler book in my opinion. But unlike with book four it was fun. While at some times it felt like slice of life it also had proper stories occurring. Which made it enjoyable to read rather than feeling like it was all about setting up the next book. And while it definitely does with that ending, it was a fun standalone.
-spoilers below-
While there was no overarching storyline there were little ones. And they were each great.
The wedding arc was everything. I deeply love the Emperor and Mara and Leon. The gift the Emperor gave Matt was so very beautiful and it was such a heartwarming moment. The bachelor/bachelorette party was hilarious. Also getting some time with Duke Aiden was awesome, he is a fantastic character and so very fun.
Matt’s nightmare of being a mana battery actually happening to someone else was heartbreaking to see. It was such a great arc. Seeing Matt and Liz participate in proper missions and trying to utilise their abilities was an interesting change up to them being powerhouses while delving. They had to be tactical while being careful to maintain their personas as Quill and Torch.
I missed Aster massively. And while there is bonus chapters after the end of book of her time in the academy it just wasn’t the same. If they had been intermingled throughout the book it would have balanced it a bit better I think. I love her human form. I love it so much. I love that author didn’t go typical over sexualised route. But went emotional route of Aster taking form that she and Matt had experienced in their same reflection lives in Minkalla. It really gives meaning to her being his sister. Such a fantastic choice.
Also I’m a lot disappointed there was no tier 15 pather tournament. That alone would have been a perfect book to have with Aster gone to the academy as she wouldn’t be able to participate anyway. While also having a proper story arc that would keep things interesting and moving.
I love Matt and Liz sponsoring of two kids. I hope we get more of them in future books to see how they improve. I also hope we get to see some of Matt’s sponsors again.
That ending was great and intimidating. The war has started with Light and Shadow completing the path. And it was great to see the ceremony that occurs on completion. I’m excited to see Matt and Liz finish and reveal themselves. They are such powerhouses as their real selves and as their persona selves. So when they can be both and not hold back it’s going to awesome.
The war hopefully is going to be as great as the war games in book three but on a far grander and more dangerous scale. I want to see our trio tier up and really go all out.
I’ll be taking a break before starting book nine, as I want book ten to be released fully to read outside of Royal Road.
-spoilers below-
While there was no overarching storyline there were little ones. And they were each great.
The wedding arc was everything. I deeply love the Emperor and Mara and Leon. The gift the Emperor gave Matt was so very beautiful and it was such a heartwarming moment. The bachelor/bachelorette party was hilarious. Also getting some time with Duke Aiden was awesome, he is a fantastic character and so very fun.
Matt’s nightmare of being a mana battery actually happening to someone else was heartbreaking to see. It was such a great arc. Seeing Matt and Liz participate in proper missions and trying to utilise their abilities was an interesting change up to them being powerhouses while delving. They had to be tactical while being careful to maintain their personas as Quill and Torch.
I missed Aster massively. And while there is bonus chapters after the end of book of her time in the academy it just wasn’t the same. If they had been intermingled throughout the book it would have balanced it a bit better I think. I love her human form. I love it so much. I love that author didn’t go typical over sexualised route. But went emotional route of Aster taking form that she and Matt had experienced in their same reflection lives in Minkalla. It really gives meaning to her being his sister. Such a fantastic choice.
Also I’m a lot disappointed there was no tier 15 pather tournament. That alone would have been a perfect book to have with Aster gone to the academy as she wouldn’t be able to participate anyway. While also having a proper story arc that would keep things interesting and moving.
I love Matt and Liz sponsoring of two kids. I hope we get more of them in future books to see how they improve. I also hope we get to see some of Matt’s sponsors again.
That ending was great and intimidating. The war has started with Light and Shadow completing the path. And it was great to see the ceremony that occurs on completion. I’m excited to see Matt and Liz finish and reveal themselves. They are such powerhouses as their real selves and as their persona selves. So when they can be both and not hold back it’s going to awesome.
The war hopefully is going to be as great as the war games in book three but on a far grander and more dangerous scale. I want to see our trio tier up and really go all out.
I’ll be taking a break before starting book nine, as I want book ten to be released fully to read outside of Royal Road.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
This series is like one of those bad soap operas that somehow hooks you despite the glaring flaws in its storytelling.
After 2 of the worst books in this series where the story stagnated on an always stale mega-dungeon trope, this book finally picks up the pacing again. The development that should have happened over the last 2-3 books occurs in this book, and it was much more enjoyable as a result. This is a progression story, so seeing the story progressing again was a welcome relief.
That being said, the problem with this unbalanced method of storytelling is that, in this book, too much is happening at once to be impactful. Things that should be milestone events in this series are relegated to just a few chapters, decades of time pass in a few paragraphs, and major story points are glossed over to the point where it can, at times, feel like someone is reading off a list rather than telling a story.
I'd love for there to be some more balance in this series. Rather than enormous sidequest arcs that do nothing to advance the characters or plot for its entire runtime, followed by a shorter stint of storytelling that advances the plot and characters but too fast to appreciate it, it would be amazing if this series could find a way to achieve multiple goals at once. If the author could make the action-focused storylines more meaningful to the forward progression of the story, this series would be able to tell the same story, but in a more impactful and enjoyable way.
However, just like those lousy soap operas that get their hooks into you and won't let go, this book does just enough to keep me coming back for more. The core of this story is good enough to keep me reading despite the fact that there are big chunks of these books that I just don't enjoy. I'll give it credit for that much at least, I just wish this series could be a little more balanced because this story has the potential to be one of my favourites.
After 2 of the worst books in this series where the story stagnated on an always stale mega-dungeon trope, this book finally picks up the pacing again. The development that should have happened over the last 2-3 books occurs in this book, and it was much more enjoyable as a result. This is a progression story, so seeing the story progressing again was a welcome relief.
That being said, the problem with this unbalanced method of storytelling is that, in this book, too much is happening at once to be impactful. Things that should be milestone events in this series are relegated to just a few chapters, decades of time pass in a few paragraphs, and major story points are glossed over to the point where it can, at times, feel like someone is reading off a list rather than telling a story.
I'd love for there to be some more balance in this series. Rather than enormous sidequest arcs that do nothing to advance the characters or plot for its entire runtime, followed by a shorter stint of storytelling that advances the plot and characters but too fast to appreciate it, it would be amazing if this series could find a way to achieve multiple goals at once. If the author could make the action-focused storylines more meaningful to the forward progression of the story, this series would be able to tell the same story, but in a more impactful and enjoyable way.
However, just like those lousy soap operas that get their hooks into you and won't let go, this book does just enough to keep me coming back for more. The core of this story is good enough to keep me reading despite the fact that there are big chunks of these books that I just don't enjoy. I'll give it credit for that much at least, I just wish this series could be a little more balanced because this story has the potential to be one of my favourites.
June 5, 2025
At this point, it's all filler with no substance and really shouldn't exist.
I can't do it anymore. It's 90% pure, unadulterated filler in these books. Even being invested in the characters can't save this anymore, the issue has just become too extreme, and I don't understand how it keeps getting worse with every new installment.
For most of the story, absolutely nothing noteworthy happens, and I wish I had an index of chapters I could safely skip through, in order to get back to the actual plot. You still get the usual boring lectures and long winded speeches to get through, but the previous plot progression in between? It's completely gone. Even the power progression has basically come to a complete halt. There is no perceivable power difference of the main characters between the start of the book and the end, beside a number ever so slightly increasing, and I don't even know what the point of the book was, really. Even slice-of-life usually has some kind of plot line to fall back on, or at the very least some character progression.
The bit of plot you get in between the huge slice-of-life sections is all over the place at this point and seems to follow no coherent plan or deeper idea. It goes from engagement to marriage to crime solving to courtroom-drama... I wish the author had ended this series several books ago, at which point it would've been a positive series to remember and come back to.
The last real piece of progression before the completely unnecessary Aster-filler-arch (literally making up the last ~15% of the book), promised some progression via a development that should've really happened 4 books ago... but I don't have high hopes for this series anymore and will be laying it to rest now where it rightfully belongs.
It was good for the first few books, but the web novel format and its hate for finishing stories unfortunately killed this, too.
I can't do it anymore. It's 90% pure, unadulterated filler in these books. Even being invested in the characters can't save this anymore, the issue has just become too extreme, and I don't understand how it keeps getting worse with every new installment.
For most of the story, absolutely nothing noteworthy happens, and I wish I had an index of chapters I could safely skip through, in order to get back to the actual plot. You still get the usual boring lectures and long winded speeches to get through, but the previous plot progression in between? It's completely gone. Even the power progression has basically come to a complete halt. There is no perceivable power difference of the main characters between the start of the book and the end, beside a number ever so slightly increasing, and I don't even know what the point of the book was, really. Even slice-of-life usually has some kind of plot line to fall back on, or at the very least some character progression.
The bit of plot you get in between the huge slice-of-life sections is all over the place at this point and seems to follow no coherent plan or deeper idea. It goes from engagement to marriage to crime solving to courtroom-drama... I wish the author had ended this series several books ago, at which point it would've been a positive series to remember and come back to.
The last real piece of progression before the completely unnecessary Aster-filler-arch (literally making up the last ~15% of the book), promised some progression via a development that should've really happened 4 books ago... but I don't have high hopes for this series anymore and will be laying it to rest now where it rightfully belongs.
It was good for the first few books, but the web novel format and its hate for finishing stories unfortunately killed this, too.
March 2, 2025
What. Fun! Our companions Matt, Liz, Aster, and Susanne after successfully climbing the frenetic tower world called Minkalla, take a back step to heal, and train, and level. Which gives us another side to our characters. Giving us a slice-of-life adventure and a deeper understanding of who they are. Matt and Liz go on as their alt-egos Quill and Torch, staying in the public eye. By doin jobs for the Empire, in which they would look into what's goin on with a guild, or a charitable company and even a missing person, fixing things as they found problems and even saving the poor guy. Just as Matt and Liz seemingly vanish off-stage into their family life. And what about Aster, you ask? Well she went to the Red Feather Academy a mandatory academy for all bloodline beasts once they've leveled to 15 and they aren't allowed to be with their bonded for the next ten years! So while Quill and Torch are doin there thing Aster is up to her own shaninigans.
Here an amusing quote:
"...the error margins on Matt’s assessment of the estate were wide enough to run a train through. Sideways."
And. Yay! A bonus short story:
Aster's Adventure
Because who doesn’t need more about Aster, and find out what she's doin at the academy.
Here's an Aster specific quote:
"Maybe the fire mana hadn’t reached her brain yet and hadn’t infected her with nightmares of warm fires and hot coffee."
Here an amusing quote:
"...the error margins on Matt’s assessment of the estate were wide enough to run a train through. Sideways."
And. Yay! A bonus short story:
Aster's Adventure
Because who doesn’t need more about Aster, and find out what she's doin at the academy.
Here's an Aster specific quote:
"Maybe the fire mana hadn’t reached her brain yet and hadn’t infected her with nightmares of warm fires and hot coffee."
July 7, 2025
ugh what a slog. The reviews about this entire book 8 being just filler nonsense is on par with my reading of it. Im very much annoyed because this was nothing like the earlier books in the series. Also annoyed because book 9 is listed at double price on kindle. I wasted my holiday weekend on a dud book 8. No way will I be spending 8 bucks on a questionable book 9 with similar "filler" content reviews. I suspect at this point, the author has run out of ideas for actual plot progression and expansive narratives, so he has reverted to AI assisted writing about slice of life nothingness for immortal beings. Incomplete sentences such as "And that was enough" are clear red flags of AI.
There is only so much you can do to describe increases in power before the increases lose meaning or become too unimaginable. As a reader, it got to the point where I felt like I was no longer invested in the MC. I didnt like his pairing with Liz and Aster for so long. By the time book 8 rolls around, they not only have "lived" multiple lives in Minkalla, but they have also lived a full life and are nearing a century by the end of the book. They can lose all their body functions and organs during fights apparently without dying, they can fly around in space, create planets, etc. Why would I care about them at that point. If they die, it really isnt any loss. Theyve lived fuller lives and benefits in the top 1% of the Empire. Let them die. I couldnt care less at this point.
There is only so much you can do to describe increases in power before the increases lose meaning or become too unimaginable. As a reader, it got to the point where I felt like I was no longer invested in the MC. I didnt like his pairing with Liz and Aster for so long. By the time book 8 rolls around, they not only have "lived" multiple lives in Minkalla, but they have also lived a full life and are nearing a century by the end of the book. They can lose all their body functions and organs during fights apparently without dying, they can fly around in space, create planets, etc. Why would I care about them at that point. If they die, it really isnt any loss. Theyve lived fuller lives and benefits in the top 1% of the Empire. Let them die. I couldnt care less at this point.
July 29, 2025
Path of Ascension Book 8 is a masterful continuation of a series that has only grown stronger with each installment. From the very first chapter, this book grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. The sheer volume of emotionally charged moments—whether in scenes of triumph, heartbreak, loss, or revelation—feels like a constant tide crashing over you. Every major event is packed with weight and consequence, and somehow, C.Mantis still manages to raise the stakes higher with each page.
What makes this book truly stand out is the author’s clear dedication to their craft. The research behind the worldbuilding and magic system is evident—everything operates with a sense of internal logic and purpose. The intricacies of the magical mechanics, the evolution of power, and the interplay between various factions and philosophies all feel thoroughly thought out and grounded, making the world immersive and alive. You can feel the depth behind every cultural nuance and every battle decision, proving the author’s investment in building a rich, coherent universe.
I genuinely loved reading this book. It made me feel everything: awe, fear, joy, and heartbreak. The emotional weight and detailed storytelling left me breathless in the best way. I’m not hesitating—I’m picking up the next book in the series immediately.
What makes this book truly stand out is the author’s clear dedication to their craft. The research behind the worldbuilding and magic system is evident—everything operates with a sense of internal logic and purpose. The intricacies of the magical mechanics, the evolution of power, and the interplay between various factions and philosophies all feel thoroughly thought out and grounded, making the world immersive and alive. You can feel the depth behind every cultural nuance and every battle decision, proving the author’s investment in building a rich, coherent universe.
I genuinely loved reading this book. It made me feel everything: awe, fear, joy, and heartbreak. The emotional weight and detailed storytelling left me breathless in the best way. I’m not hesitating—I’m picking up the next book in the series immediately.
October 23, 2025
The later floors do start to feel winded after having gone through so many already, but the setting change more than makes up for the length of this arc.
I really appreciate the scenes of characters from different nations. The worldbuilding is super unique and you can feel it even in the way the author writes from the perspective of people from vastly different cultures.
The final floors are crazy. Parts of it began to feel like DCC with the chaos of it all. The ending was satisfying and I'm really excited to see what the characters do with all their new stuff.
The first half of this book is 4 stars. The whole Minkalla arc was great. The second half of this book was way, way slower. Closer to 2 stars. I know the tone needed to shift after all the non-stop action, but I don't think dedicating 130 pages to Aster's academy experience was super necessary. I skipped the last half because it just wasn't interesting to me, and it didn't impact the next book at all.
The wedding was sweet, but also carried for too many pages. I liked the author showing the political aspect of the event but the little conversations with a million different public figures could've been cut.
I will still continue to read this series, as I'm hopeful that the upcoming war will be good.
I really appreciate the scenes of characters from different nations. The worldbuilding is super unique and you can feel it even in the way the author writes from the perspective of people from vastly different cultures.
The final floors are crazy. Parts of it began to feel like DCC with the chaos of it all. The ending was satisfying and I'm really excited to see what the characters do with all their new stuff.
The first half of this book is 4 stars. The whole Minkalla arc was great. The second half of this book was way, way slower. Closer to 2 stars. I know the tone needed to shift after all the non-stop action, but I don't think dedicating 130 pages to Aster's academy experience was super necessary. I skipped the last half because it just wasn't interesting to me, and it didn't impact the next book at all.
The wedding was sweet, but also carried for too many pages. I liked the author showing the political aspect of the event but the little conversations with a million different public figures could've been cut.
I will still continue to read this series, as I'm hopeful that the upcoming war will be good.
February 24, 2025
Rating 4.0 stars
This one progressed nicely. The last book was a little bit of a slog in Minkala. It was pretty much all fighting. In this one things progressed. The story took place over decades. It started when the group was level 13 right after Minkala and ended when they were tier 15 and Aster spent a decade at the school for bonds. A few other things happened in this one Overall, I really enjoy the series and this was one of the better books with balance between all aspects: plot, character development, crafting, fighting, and magic. I am looking forward to the next one.
This one progressed nicely. The last book was a little bit of a slog in Minkala. It was pretty much all fighting. In this one things progressed. The story took place over decades. It started when the group was level 13 right after Minkala and ended when they were tier 15 and Aster spent a decade at the school for bonds. A few other things happened in this one Overall, I really enjoy the series and this was one of the better books with balance between all aspects: plot, character development, crafting, fighting, and magic. I am looking forward to the next one.
March 5, 2025
I smell filler
Technically well told. But unfortunately mostly just a required outline of character development and necessary events to advance the story arc to war in the next installment. With few short exceptions it's a fairly thin rush job of storytelling. The interleaving of main character story with future support characters is as mysterious as ever with one exception. We get the big confirmation of which supports are actually Light and Shadow.
Also a very good writing decision was made to separate Aster's separate and substantial bond academy time from the main novel as an appended novella. Otherwise the thin rush passing of time and events would have been even hard to switch together.
Technically well told. But unfortunately mostly just a required outline of character development and necessary events to advance the story arc to war in the next installment. With few short exceptions it's a fairly thin rush job of storytelling. The interleaving of main character story with future support characters is as mysterious as ever with one exception. We get the big confirmation of which supports are actually Light and Shadow.
Also a very good writing decision was made to separate Aster's separate and substantial bond academy time from the main novel as an appended novella. Otherwise the thin rush passing of time and events would have been even hard to switch together.
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