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Dark Ascension: An Isekai Progression Fantasy
Once a city watchman bound by law, Caelum Steelwind's transformation into a feared blackguard marks his descent into darkness. In the realm of Aetheria, where justice and tyranny intertwine, he builds his power through manipulation, violence, and forbidden magic.
Caelum's travels lead him to Ebonheart, a city that presents a mask of order and justice, but is actually a hotbed of corruption and chaos. There, he meets Evangeline, a captivating bard whose music evolves from songs of rebellion to hymns of dark devotion as she surrenders to his power.
Caelum's rigid pursuit of order puts him in conflict with a mysterious figure known as the magistrate, whose influence over Ebonheart and its people is far more sinister than it seems.
As Caelum begins to unravel the mysteries of the magistrate, he uncovers a web of corruption and dark magic that reaches far beyond the city's walls, leading him to question everything he thought he knew about power, justice, and the very nature of reality.
Caelum's travels lead him to Ebonheart, a city that presents a mask of order and justice, but is actually a hotbed of corruption and chaos. There, he meets Evangeline, a captivating bard whose music evolves from songs of rebellion to hymns of dark devotion as she surrenders to his power.
Caelum's rigid pursuit of order puts him in conflict with a mysterious figure known as the magistrate, whose influence over Ebonheart and its people is far more sinister than it seems.
As Caelum begins to unravel the mysteries of the magistrate, he uncovers a web of corruption and dark magic that reaches far beyond the city's walls, leading him to question everything he thought he knew about power, justice, and the very nature of reality.
- GenresFantasy
513 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 17, 2025
I made it through the first 16 chapters of this book before I decided to DNF. I wasn't feeling all that great, and it just couldn't keep my interest.
The MC was a former guard declared a traitor by people trying to cover up their evil-doings. He is hung for his crimes. He's given a second chance on another world by a god of order and shadows. Weird combo there, but it is what it is. The MC decides to take the offered chance because he wants revenge, but he's told up front he's not going back to his former world, so who is he getting revenge on? Basically, he wants to white hat somewhere bad enough that he'll take the chance. I'm still not sure how that makes sense.
The only LI introduced by the point I bailed showed up around 150 pages in, and before that the MC barely talked to anyone. The MC is drawn to her, but no specific reasons why other than the author said so.
I just couldn't get into the MC, and the overarching plot. The quality of the writing was fine, but it wasn't compelling me to read it.
The MC was a former guard declared a traitor by people trying to cover up their evil-doings. He is hung for his crimes. He's given a second chance on another world by a god of order and shadows. Weird combo there, but it is what it is. The MC decides to take the offered chance because he wants revenge, but he's told up front he's not going back to his former world, so who is he getting revenge on? Basically, he wants to white hat somewhere bad enough that he'll take the chance. I'm still not sure how that makes sense.
The only LI introduced by the point I bailed showed up around 150 pages in, and before that the MC barely talked to anyone. The MC is drawn to her, but no specific reasons why other than the author said so.
I just couldn't get into the MC, and the overarching plot. The quality of the writing was fine, but it wasn't compelling me to read it.
March 19, 2026
While Caelum Steelwind's adventure offers some of the familiar isekai fantasy beats, Rhys Aries throws in a few curveballs - particularly during the second half of the book. This tale offers an interesting take on the blackguard archetype, particularly with an entire order of such characters. I am curious to see where Caelum's journey takes him next and what perils he may face as the result of his choices.
May 11, 2025
Great new Series to read
Really love this book, the MC is not perfect and the world isn't a clear black and white. Look forward to see where the author takes the series next.
Well worth the read!
Really love this book, the MC is not perfect and the world isn't a clear black and white. Look forward to see where the author takes the series next.
Well worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews