What do you think?
Rate this book
Ascendancy Legacy #1
Ascendancy The Arena
[Alternate cover edition for ASIN: B0161XS8YE]
Jackson Fairfield was excited to put the tortures of high school behind him. He had a job lined up for the summer with his best friend and college was right around the corner. Sometimes life has a funny way of taking your best-laid plans and turning them on their head.
When Jackson started to see things, that was only the beginning. Thrust into a world of magic and nightmares, Jackson will struggle to learn his place within the Ascendancy. Instead of college, he will spend his days learning how to defend humanity from the monsters in the shadows. Werewolves and vampires are only the beginning.
Will Jackson become one of the Ascendancy’s chosen warriors and live up to his father’s legacy, or will he turn his back on his destiny?
Jackson Fairfield was excited to put the tortures of high school behind him. He had a job lined up for the summer with his best friend and college was right around the corner. Sometimes life has a funny way of taking your best-laid plans and turning them on their head.
When Jackson started to see things, that was only the beginning. Thrust into a world of magic and nightmares, Jackson will struggle to learn his place within the Ascendancy. Instead of college, he will spend his days learning how to defend humanity from the monsters in the shadows. Werewolves and vampires are only the beginning.
Will Jackson become one of the Ascendancy’s chosen warriors and live up to his father’s legacy, or will he turn his back on his destiny?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2015
191 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 2, 2015
I really enjoyed Book One of the Ascendancy Legacy. If you have read Bradford Bates' other two books (Ascendancy Origins), then you have the background for this book.
This book follows Jackson as he struggles to understand what he is seeing, then being told he is Gifted, and the power given to him by his...well, you'll find that out for yourself! I'm not going to spoil the story.
Well written, easy to understand, and I truly hope that Mr Bates has started the next book, as I need to know what happens!
This book follows Jackson as he struggles to understand what he is seeing, then being told he is Gifted, and the power given to him by his...well, you'll find that out for yourself! I'm not going to spoil the story.
Well written, easy to understand, and I truly hope that Mr Bates has started the next book, as I need to know what happens!
October 31, 2016
The Legacy Series covers the adventures of Jackson and his friends as they encounter and battle against magical enemies. In an epic battle of good vs. evil, they have to decide what they're willing to do and what they're willing to sacrifice to save the people and the world they love.
This series is a fantastic read that just keeps getting better and better as the books go on! They're captivating, edge of your seat thrillers that are good right up until the last page.
This series is a fantastic read that just keeps getting better and better as the books go on! They're captivating, edge of your seat thrillers that are good right up until the last page.
March 13, 2016
Loved it!! Definitely worth the read!
November 9, 2015
Good very good
Not bad for a new book found a few typos which thanks to my college professors I wouldn't have noticed before other than that a very good book
Not bad for a new book found a few typos which thanks to my college professors I wouldn't have noticed before other than that a very good book
February 12, 2016
Awesomeness
I really enjoyed this book. It has magic, fighting, good and evil. To top it off it has a prophecy to boot. Can't wait till the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. It has magic, fighting, good and evil. To top it off it has a prophecy to boot. Can't wait till the next book.
May 13, 2016
Loved it!! Definitely worth the read!
May 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book!!
June 29, 2019
This is the first book I've read from this author. I found it to be entertaining. The only difficulty I experienced is that it is written primarily from a first person perspective. Although each chapter has the name associated with the chapter written, it is a bit of an adjustment to put yourself immediately in their POV after reading a previous chapter in another's POV. Not only is this confusing but there are also time elements involved as back stories as well. It seems to slow the flow, but in the end the story line still keeps me intrigued enough to continue the series.
Jackson, the main character, is a young man that begins experiencing weird visions of people. When he see's vines growing on his best friend Alby, he tells her and she immediately refuses to see him again, telling him "he is one of them." Jackson has no idea what she means and before he can confront his parents, he witnesses their murder and is kidnapped. Thus the story begins. Jackson is rescued and told he is gifted and his rich rescuer is sending him to the Academy to learn how to use his majic to protect humanity.
Beyond the initial confusion of time elements and first person writing, it is an enjoyable read for those that enjoy a good fantasy. I recommend the book.
Jackson, the main character, is a young man that begins experiencing weird visions of people. When he see's vines growing on his best friend Alby, he tells her and she immediately refuses to see him again, telling him "he is one of them." Jackson has no idea what she means and before he can confront his parents, he witnesses their murder and is kidnapped. Thus the story begins. Jackson is rescued and told he is gifted and his rich rescuer is sending him to the Academy to learn how to use his majic to protect humanity.
Beyond the initial confusion of time elements and first person writing, it is an enjoyable read for those that enjoy a good fantasy. I recommend the book.
Want to read
November 14, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2017)!
May 7, 2016
An intriguing book about magic, demons, politics and power. To be honest it was a little hard for me to get into by the end though I find myself curious to know more about what will happen.
I personally would've preferred more action but I'm hoping there is more to come.
The characters were okay for me. I wanted more personality and depth from them but again perhaps that will come about in the next book.
All in all I'd say an okay fantasy read that sets the story up with a promise of some high stakes action.
I received a copy in exchange for a review.
I personally would've preferred more action but I'm hoping there is more to come.
The characters were okay for me. I wanted more personality and depth from them but again perhaps that will come about in the next book.
All in all I'd say an okay fantasy read that sets the story up with a promise of some high stakes action.
I received a copy in exchange for a review.
November 4, 2015
Held my interest
Pacing is odd, one chapter will have instructions on how he makes burritos and the next is like he can do magic that he practiced. Another will have all he does to get ready for the day, and by the way some girl is now seriously into him. One review said there were twists that kept it fresh to the genre, but I didn't see anything unique. I'll read the next one, but this isn't a great book.
Pacing is odd, one chapter will have instructions on how he makes burritos and the next is like he can do magic that he practiced. Another will have all he does to get ready for the day, and by the way some girl is now seriously into him. One review said there were twists that kept it fresh to the genre, but I didn't see anything unique. I'll read the next one, but this isn't a great book.
May 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! Love the world that's being created, and all the action! Looking forward to more in this series!
May 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! Love the world that's being created, and all the action! Looking forward to more in this series!
June 11, 2016
Ascendancy The Arena
I picked this rating because I couldn't put the book down. When I was doing something else I was thinking about the book! Read it!
I picked this rating because I couldn't put the book down. When I was doing something else I was thinking about the book! Read it!
June 3, 2018
Not A Bad Start
I thought this was a good start to this series. Since I read Ascendancy Origins series first, this starts approximately 18 years after the epilogue of the last book. If you have not read that series, there may be a spoiler.
This book is about Jackson's introduction to magic, finding out who his parents are and joining the Ascendancy. There is only three POV's in this book, with the main one being Jacksons. We are introduced to new characters, as well as one from the Origins book.
I thought this book flowed well and the characters well developed. The author built this next chapter in the Ascendancy world pretty well, even though it is set in present day.
Overall, I enjoyed this new chapter in this world, and found myself wanting to know what happens next. It was still a short book for me, but this time I didn't get the feeling that this was supposed to be part of a larger one. I recommend this for fans of the supernatural.
I thought this was a good start to this series. Since I read Ascendancy Origins series first, this starts approximately 18 years after the epilogue of the last book. If you have not read that series, there may be a spoiler.
This book is about Jackson's introduction to magic, finding out who his parents are and joining the Ascendancy. There is only three POV's in this book, with the main one being Jacksons. We are introduced to new characters, as well as one from the Origins book.
I thought this book flowed well and the characters well developed. The author built this next chapter in the Ascendancy world pretty well, even though it is set in present day.
Overall, I enjoyed this new chapter in this world, and found myself wanting to know what happens next. It was still a short book for me, but this time I didn't get the feeling that this was supposed to be part of a larger one. I recommend this for fans of the supernatural.
May 10, 2020
Good read but slow building
It was a VERY slow build up but the aeries foundations are solid and look like it will be a great series. I particularly look forward to the team dynamic as the series progresses and appreciate the irony of the main character so heavily underestimating himself.
It was a VERY slow build up but the aeries foundations are solid and look like it will be a great series. I particularly look forward to the team dynamic as the series progresses and appreciate the irony of the main character so heavily underestimating himself.
January 4, 2018
Ascendancy
Ok, I'm hooked. Great storyline with plot and subplots building. A boy coming into his magic for the first time and being tested. Friendships and mentors building. Magic, demons, teachers, possible betrayers in the mix. What's not to like?
Ok, I'm hooked. Great storyline with plot and subplots building. A boy coming into his magic for the first time and being tested. Friendships and mentors building. Magic, demons, teachers, possible betrayers in the mix. What's not to like?
January 15, 2018
Amazing one of the best books I have read in a long time
The characters are enjoyable the plot and story very likeable. After all who doesn't love a person who manages to turn the bad parts of life into something greater
The characters are enjoyable the plot and story very likeable. After all who doesn't love a person who manages to turn the bad parts of life into something greater
January 15, 2019
Great Adventure
This is the start of a wonderful series filled with adventure and magic. Perfect for young adult readers and adult readers who are young at heart! I am finishing this review and immediately going for book 2!
This is the start of a wonderful series filled with adventure and magic. Perfect for young adult readers and adult readers who are young at heart! I am finishing this review and immediately going for book 2!
January 22, 2022
I have tried to read this book 3 time and 2 time i put i down because i just had the wrong tone to it .
but after 2 years i finaly finished this book and im sorry to say it was mediocer as i thought it would be .
1.5 of 5
but after 2 years i finaly finished this book and im sorry to say it was mediocer as i thought it would be .
1.5 of 5
May 17, 2018
Awesome series! I really loved it!
July 24, 2019
It was good for a ya. I skipped some of the beginning cause I couldn't get into it but I enjoyed it. It was a quick read.
May 5, 2022
Rereading
I read this book originally years ago. And it's nice, I don't remember the story. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
I read this book originally years ago. And it's nice, I don't remember the story. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
December 30, 2016
I am slightly disappointed with the book. It has nice and eye-catching cover, but already from the blurb I could have expected the outcome.
I found the world quite interesting, and I love every bit of magical elements in books, add some magical creatures and you have my interest. The plot was quite promising and I could have imagined a very well-written book with this premise…but.
The whole story feels like unfinished writing process. As if the author wrote the draft, went through the first edit but forgot to go through another one to polish the story. As a series starter, I would expect detailed and well-explained world building, because mostly the subtle details make a fantastic world realistic and believable. But the introduction into the world in this opening story is weak and a bit insufficient. Okay, we get to know the basic facts that are really important for the plot, like the factions, Jackson´s past and the fate of his parents, the prophecy etc.
Also, the storyline might be interesting, but the execution is poor. Many situations feel rushed and unnatural, actions don´t trigger any real counteractions or don´t lead to consequences; on the other side there are passages that are boring, without any major excitement, like, just to be there. The main characters have certain potential, but their development is a bit unrealistic.
I am sorry that I could not quite find my way to the book and create any real connection. It would have been much more enjoyable read.
I found the world quite interesting, and I love every bit of magical elements in books, add some magical creatures and you have my interest. The plot was quite promising and I could have imagined a very well-written book with this premise…but.
The whole story feels like unfinished writing process. As if the author wrote the draft, went through the first edit but forgot to go through another one to polish the story. As a series starter, I would expect detailed and well-explained world building, because mostly the subtle details make a fantastic world realistic and believable. But the introduction into the world in this opening story is weak and a bit insufficient. Okay, we get to know the basic facts that are really important for the plot, like the factions, Jackson´s past and the fate of his parents, the prophecy etc.
Also, the storyline might be interesting, but the execution is poor. Many situations feel rushed and unnatural, actions don´t trigger any real counteractions or don´t lead to consequences; on the other side there are passages that are boring, without any major excitement, like, just to be there. The main characters have certain potential, but their development is a bit unrealistic.
I am sorry that I could not quite find my way to the book and create any real connection. It would have been much more enjoyable read.
June 15, 2016
An Unusual Future
John and Sarah steadily moved east, chasing the witches. Sarah was a lycan and John was an inquisitor. Their journey was to take them to the witches and warlocks before they got too big to handle. By the time they found them, the special spell was almost done. The hybrid witch, suddenly pulled demons from the portal. When Sarah and John were surrounded, John used the last of his magic to form a perfect scorched circle with fire. They were all gone.
Jackson loved his family, his school, and his life. That changed when he began seeing things, like roots spiraling up his friend's back. Instead of things getting better, they got worse. Before his parents could explain, they were murdered. Jackson has no idea of what's happening or what will happen next. A really good book to read and hard to put down
John and Sarah steadily moved east, chasing the witches. Sarah was a lycan and John was an inquisitor. Their journey was to take them to the witches and warlocks before they got too big to handle. By the time they found them, the special spell was almost done. The hybrid witch, suddenly pulled demons from the portal. When Sarah and John were surrounded, John used the last of his magic to form a perfect scorched circle with fire. They were all gone.
Jackson loved his family, his school, and his life. That changed when he began seeing things, like roots spiraling up his friend's back. Instead of things getting better, they got worse. Before his parents could explain, they were murdered. Jackson has no idea of what's happening or what will happen next. A really good book to read and hard to put down
December 25, 2016
I'm a bit of a word/grammar nerd, so right off the mark I want to say there are a couple improper word choices used that should have been caught by proofreaders (e.g. interment means to bury something, the proper word should have been instrument), and some contemporary word choices that didn't fit a couple hundred years ago (e.g. talking about carb intake). Most of the mistakes were small, but odd enough to take the reader out of the story. I enjoyed the world-building and characters-- their flaws and thoughts made them more real and easy to relate to. A good read that can benefit from another read through to catch out-of-place references and misused words.
November 19, 2016
Captivating
Being a fab of fantasy novels I'm always looking for the next good read. I was pleasantly surprised that I was unable to out this one down from start to finish. Very well thought out story line and characters. Can't wait to read the next one (which I've already downloaded and writing this is keeping me from it soooooo, good job on the book)
Being a fab of fantasy novels I'm always looking for the next good read. I was pleasantly surprised that I was unable to out this one down from start to finish. Very well thought out story line and characters. Can't wait to read the next one (which I've already downloaded and writing this is keeping me from it soooooo, good job on the book)
December 23, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book a good story line with good twists to keep it going.
Jackson is our young hero, begins to develop powers and before his parents can fully explain what's happening he loses them. So begins his journey.
I recommend this book and can't wait till I can read the next book in the series
Jackson is our young hero, begins to develop powers and before his parents can fully explain what's happening he loses them. So begins his journey.
I recommend this book and can't wait till I can read the next book in the series
January 19, 2017
Interesting Twist
Definitely a quick read. Action packed and enjoyable . Hard to put down, supernatural fiction at its best. If you enjoy out the gate action, mystery, and intriguing dialogue this is a story for you.
Definitely a quick read. Action packed and enjoyable . Hard to put down, supernatural fiction at its best. If you enjoy out the gate action, mystery, and intriguing dialogue this is a story for you.
January 25, 2016
Fast read. Plot kept going at a good pace.
Harry Potterish so if you like that sort of book; then this is for you. I liked it and will continue with other books in series.
Harry Potterish so if you like that sort of book; then this is for you. I liked it and will continue with other books in series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews