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Second Ascension #1
Second Ascension: A LitRPG Regression Adventure
They said only the wealthy and powerful could become Adventurers. They said those same Adventurers would never betray humanity. They lied.
Dean was there when the last Kingdom fell. A common soldier with no real talent or power, he watched as the army was overrun. One by one, the kingdom's most famous and powerful adventurers were broken and killed.
All except one.
From where he lay dying on the battlefield, Dean saw the Spear Saint betray mankind… dooming them all. On the cusp of death, he is offered a choice. A chance to go back in time and choose a different path - one that could grant him the power to change his fate entirely. But nothing is as simple as it seems. Behind the scenes, a silent war rages between powers unseen. Soon, their agents will hunt him, drawing him into a conflict that spans not continents, but entire worlds.
Second Ascension is an underdog series that follows the story of an unremarkable soldier who would one day rise to become one of humanity's greatest legends. Filled with epic battles, fight scenes, and rich worldbuilding, this series is perfect for fans of Ultimate Level One, Defiance of the Fall, and Apocolypse Reborn.
Dean was there when the last Kingdom fell. A common soldier with no real talent or power, he watched as the army was overrun. One by one, the kingdom's most famous and powerful adventurers were broken and killed.
All except one.
From where he lay dying on the battlefield, Dean saw the Spear Saint betray mankind… dooming them all. On the cusp of death, he is offered a choice. A chance to go back in time and choose a different path - one that could grant him the power to change his fate entirely. But nothing is as simple as it seems. Behind the scenes, a silent war rages between powers unseen. Soon, their agents will hunt him, drawing him into a conflict that spans not continents, but entire worlds.
Second Ascension is an underdog series that follows the story of an unremarkable soldier who would one day rise to become one of humanity's greatest legends. Filled with epic battles, fight scenes, and rich worldbuilding, this series is perfect for fans of Ultimate Level One, Defiance of the Fall, and Apocolypse Reborn.
944 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2026
217 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 17, 2026
terrible
The first two chapters are gold
At mid the book turns into something else the writing is good but all characters added are terrible this could have being so good yet we get this I really feel like my time was wasted with this book
The first two chapters are gold
At mid the book turns into something else the writing is good but all characters added are terrible this could have being so good yet we get this I really feel like my time was wasted with this book
April 29, 2026
Second Ascension is AI slop. It looks like a book, but it doesn’t actually function like one. The first few chapters feel strong at first, mostly because they closely mirror the premise of Apocalypse Reborn with only small changes. That early clarity doesn’t last.
Up until the main character gains his class, the story is uneven but still readable. After that point, it turns into a series of disjointed events that don’t grow naturally out of what came before. There is no real sense of cause and effect holding things together.
The characters are especially shallow. Their motivations come down to simple good or bad, with no depth behind their choices or interactions. There is no real opportunity for development or meaningful interaction between people. At the same time, the world itself never solidifies. The author pulls in familiar genre elements, but they are just dropped in as surface detail. There are no clear rules, no internal logic, and no sense of a coherent setting where the story actually takes place.
What’s most concerning is how much this reflects a growing trend. This is the kind of writing that mimics the shape of a novel without the substance. It makes you question how anyone could rate it highly without noticing how little is actually there.
In the end, Second Ascension is not just bad. It is structurally empty.
Up until the main character gains his class, the story is uneven but still readable. After that point, it turns into a series of disjointed events that don’t grow naturally out of what came before. There is no real sense of cause and effect holding things together.
The characters are especially shallow. Their motivations come down to simple good or bad, with no depth behind their choices or interactions. There is no real opportunity for development or meaningful interaction between people. At the same time, the world itself never solidifies. The author pulls in familiar genre elements, but they are just dropped in as surface detail. There are no clear rules, no internal logic, and no sense of a coherent setting where the story actually takes place.
What’s most concerning is how much this reflects a growing trend. This is the kind of writing that mimics the shape of a novel without the substance. It makes you question how anyone could rate it highly without noticing how little is actually there.
In the end, Second Ascension is not just bad. It is structurally empty.
April 17, 2026
Well, now I'm going to have to check out Mr Brooks back-catalogue.
This regression, save the world premise has been done before. Typically these book quickly devolve into yet another OP MC progression story. Brooks avoids this trap, keeping the mission front-of-mind and focussing on the objective rather than flaunting fast progression or revelling in the hidden power trope.
Dean's titular second life is nothing like his first. Rather than a regular soldier with a bog-standard combat class, he dives into the adventurer career (think super-heroes) to infiltrate the main society that eventually betrays humanity... all while building a power-base/team that might be able to alter events.
Meanwhile, it seems the great enemy of mankind suspects some time-based cheating has happened. Thus, they have changed their plans and accelerated the schedule. They're also hunting for someone just like Dean. No pressure though, right?
This regression, save the world premise has been done before. Typically these book quickly devolve into yet another OP MC progression story. Brooks avoids this trap, keeping the mission front-of-mind and focussing on the objective rather than flaunting fast progression or revelling in the hidden power trope.
Dean's titular second life is nothing like his first. Rather than a regular soldier with a bog-standard combat class, he dives into the adventurer career (think super-heroes) to infiltrate the main society that eventually betrays humanity... all while building a power-base/team that might be able to alter events.
Meanwhile, it seems the great enemy of mankind suspects some time-based cheating has happened. Thus, they have changed their plans and accelerated the schedule. They're also hunting for someone just like Dean. No pressure though, right?
April 25, 2026
I just started this book.
It is written better than most in this genre.
It is more mature and rational than many authors can generate.
I will modify this review if the story goes to Hell later...
Update: I am almost finished with the book.
Not a bad story, but the motivations of the characters seem simplistic, naive and childish (esp. the Tasha character...not very bright!).
I like watching the growth of the protagonist, but he is turning into a jock and adrenaline junkie who wanders the world with no plan. Me Strong. Me Hit To Fix All Problems Good...Oooo look, a pretty girl to attach myself to for no particular reason...
It is written better than most in this genre.
It is more mature and rational than many authors can generate.
I will modify this review if the story goes to Hell later...
Update: I am almost finished with the book.
Not a bad story, but the motivations of the characters seem simplistic, naive and childish (esp. the Tasha character...not very bright!).
I like watching the growth of the protagonist, but he is turning into a jock and adrenaline junkie who wanders the world with no plan. Me Strong. Me Hit To Fix All Problems Good...Oooo look, a pretty girl to attach myself to for no particular reason...
April 23, 2026
Honestly, too damn long. I suspect it's a symptom all these serial chapter writers face when they become novelists. And also, likely from a similar source, riddled with continuity errors. Nothing too egregious but small things that happen often enough to be a serious annoyance.
But for all that, it was a fun read and had a few excellent lines sprinkled throughout. Not sure if I'll read the sequel, but maybe.
But for all that, it was a fun read and had a few excellent lines sprinkled throughout. Not sure if I'll read the sequel, but maybe.
May 1, 2026
It turns into a different, much more boring, book after he gets his badge. He just walks off for no reason? What about the demons in the sewers etc.? Then there's a series of ho-hum adventures with grateful villagers and quaint inns and what have you. Really strange.
March 24, 2026
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
March 24, 2026
good
A bit of girl boss Mary Sue that is annoying, but overall a good read with lots if action. Could use some editing to reduce the length.
A bit of girl boss Mary Sue that is annoying, but overall a good read with lots if action. Could use some editing to reduce the length.
March 31, 2026
Outstanding read
Excellent work. Bloody enjoyed the creative system and unique character origins. Highly recommended for anyone who’s a fan of the genre.
Excellent work. Bloody enjoyed the creative system and unique character origins. Highly recommended for anyone who’s a fan of the genre.
April 5, 2026
Excellent new story!
I couldn't put this book down! The MC was a good change of pace from other books in this genre. Definitely looking forward to the next entry!
I couldn't put this book down! The MC was a good change of pace from other books in this genre. Definitely looking forward to the next entry!
April 10, 2026
Excellent
This is an excellent book with a dynamic main character and a compelling storyline. I can’t wait to see what awaits Dean in the future.
This is an excellent book with a dynamic main character and a compelling storyline. I can’t wait to see what awaits Dean in the future.
April 21, 2026
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the monk. I anxiously await the author's next novel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the monk. I anxiously await the author's next novel.
May 1, 2026
5 stars
Best new series I have read since Azaroth Healer. Simply excellent ! I am looking forward to the start of an excellent series.
Best new series I have read since Azaroth Healer. Simply excellent ! I am looking forward to the start of an excellent series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews