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Ascension Chronicles #3

Flame: Ascension Chronicles III

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Agar has been crushed, and the high plains have been secured, but will Snowden’s new wealth draw the unwanted attention of others?

James and Ciara have grown closer and are hoping for a peaceful moment to marry and finally find time for themselves in Solace. However, issues arise within their cherished Highveld that shocks them both. Meanwhile, events across the United Lands are gaining momentum, and long-held beliefs are being challenged as truths emerge. They will discover that the past holds more significance than they ever imagined.

Will time itself bend to the power of the Shar’Adan?

The third book in the Ascension Chronicles series will immerse the young couple in more complex and challenging events. Sometimes, the enemy you believe you are fighting is not as straightforward as it seems.

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2025

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About the author

Conor Higgins

3 books7 followers
Conor Higgins is a passionate fantasy author with a Master's degree and over 30 years of experience in reading and writing within the genre. A self-published indie author, Conor currently lives in a picturesque seaside village, surrounded by nature, and shares his home with two dogs and a cat. His love for fantasy ignited during childhood, on a road trip where he immersed himself in the world of Middle Earth. His debut series, The Ascension Chronicles, is a thrilling epic, with the first three books—Bloodline, Shar’Adan, and Flame—now available to readers. Conor's dedication to his craft is evident in his ongoing commitment to storytelling and his connection to the fans who follow his work.

Proud member of The Fellowship of the Indie Author - check them out for other amazing creative stories.

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
7 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2025
"Ascension Chronicles" is an Epic Fantasy series that is a must-read. In the third book, the story grabbed my attention from the very beginning, making it difficult for me to put the book down. While the first two books featured in-depth and well-developed plots, the third book is even more intense.

"Flame," the third book in the Ascension Chronicles, is an exciting and fast-paced continuation of the story of James, a young man who began his journey as a slave, escaped, and evolved into a magically powerful, respected, and revered leader. Beginning with an intriguing prologue, the book builds upon the events of the second installment, "Shar'Adan.”

We learn more about the ascended beings, known as gods by the mortals of Eoth, who have their own agendas in the celestial realm and constantly influence the world of Eoth. The inhabitants of Eoth include humans, elves, and dwarves, along with a variety of evil, powerful, and deadly creatures from rampant dark hordes that have mysteriously appeared. Magic exists, but it is not universal, and much of the knowledge of magic from the First Age has been lost to those living in the Third Age.

James holds many titles: Guardian of Snowden, Knight Marshal of the Order of the Rose, King-in-Waiting of Snowden, King of the Southlands, and, importantly, husband-to-be of Princess Ciara. Ciara, the heir to the throne of Snowden, is now referred to as the Flame of the North to highlight her powerful magical abilities. In Book 3, Ciara plays a crucial role as James's magical partner, which is reflected in her title, "Flame."

Family and friendship are prominent themes throughout the book. James discovers how much he relies on his "brothers," family, and future wife as he faces one battle after another against corrupted human armies and dark hordes trying to seize control of the world. Despite his constant struggle against evil, James maintains his moral foundations and retains a deep compassion for women, children, and anyone who is enslaved.

Religion is deeply woven into the cultures of humans, elves, and dwarves. However, over the millennia, the roles of the gods (celestials) have become significantly distorted. Important revelations throughout Book 3 begin to uncover the true nature of these ascended beings, forcing James to learn who his actual enemies are. As a partially ascended being himself, James is no longer mortal. With his power continuing to grow, he has stepped into his role as Shar'Adan, the long-prophesied savior of the world who must save Eoth from total destruction. A key revelation in this journey is the significance of the title of the first book, "Bloodline," as James uncovers the truth about his heritage.

I must refrain from revealing all the significant events that take place in the book. However, I will hint that James uncovers a powerful hidden location that dramatically enhances his abilities and grants him a significant weapon for discovery and control. The implications of this potential weapon will play a crucial role in the next book of the series, and James is already troubled by its possible consequences.

The author creatively uses quotes from individuals of the past, present, and future at the beginning of each chapter, providing insight into the world's history. I believe these quotes significantly enhance the story, and I encourage you to read them closely. The quote at the start of Chapter 2 is attributed to a Truthspeaker (a prophesier) from the First Age, Anova D'Abrwil, who foretells, "He shall become death incarnate, the Destroyer of truth." The prophecies about the Shar'Adan describe him in various ways. James is deeply troubled by being referred to as the "Destroyer," but by the end of Book 3, he begins to grasp the implications of his legacy and what he is destined to destroy.

I read a lot of epic fantasy and science fiction stories, and I find this series to have a unique take on world-building, gods, creatures, and magic. I highly recommend "Flame." Although it can be read as a standalone, I believe you'll appreciate it much more if you read the other two books first, as many events are connected to those earlier stories. I'm finding it difficult to wait for the next book in the series because there is so much more to the story yet to unfold.

I was an ARC reader and have read the book three times and thoroughly enjoyed each read. I'll read the released version, too!
3 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2025
I have put up a full review of this book on Amazon but will just say here that this one is surprisingly good. I won’t reveal any spoilers but the last few chapters were excellent. Well done. Very cool to flip the board somewhat and tie in and explain a lot of James’s experiences through those books.

Highly recommended.
429 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2026
Evil hides in plain sight

The Shar'Adan has started to reclaim the seven kingdoms from the dark forces and in the process uncovered the evil residing in their midst and started to expunge it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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