Transcendent

Ascendant #2

by Craig Alanson

Koren Bladewell's future was stolen from him, by wizards who chose to lie, to conceal the fact that Koren is a wizard. Crown princess Ariana Trehayme must find a way to become queen before her sixteenth birthday; before her indecisive mother allows all of Tarador to be conquered.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Young Adult, Magic, Adventure, Epic Fantasy

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2016

About the author

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My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.

The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.

The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.

Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.

Reviews

[Kian · Rating 2 out of 5]

WOW...I thought i was disappointed reading book 1 but...I thought he would learn that he's a Wizard at the begining of this book and learn about magic throughout the book but noooo he's still clueless and he's an idiot, even after wondering around the world; he's still a dumb farmboy. also does it makes sense that the WIZARD's council hid the truth from Koren because he's too young yet they test and take children from their parents when they are little to teach them about MAGIC, does that make ANY sense? It seems like little things happen throughout the book just to make the book longer rather than continual progression of the story.

[Jay Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and really liking this series. I do like this author and this is the second series that I have enjoyed by him. I will be continuing with this series and will be looking for more by this author.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline, but some character flaws.

This book continues where the first one left off. Koren runs away fearing for his life because of idiotic decisions made by poor " leaders". Poor leaders who have lied to him and who have not given him any credit for helping when he did not have to. He ends up finding himself on the seas. Poor guy struggles wherever he goes. I feel for the kid! And the regent?!?!?! What in the world?!?! How could a person assumed as leader be so ignorant? I find myself wanting to meet her in a dark alley and beating some sense into her. I mean, really?!?! "Well, let's just sit here and not engage an enemy and let them take over our lands." That's her attitude it seems. An attitude I find quite annoying throughout the story. She doesn't listen to any of her army generals or commanders. She doesn't listen to ANY advice, except for the one where to withhold information from Koren. Um, yeah. Could be better, I think. It was good, but some of the characters made me clench my teeth.

[Kacy❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've fallen in love with this story for sure. It reminds me of so many famous stories melded into one, yet unlike anything else at the same time. This book is definitely not as good as the first, however I am still so interested in what happens! The narrator is superb! His impression of a dwarf is the best I've heard.

[Trevor Brannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrative was a bit slower in the second installment than it was in the first. However, it does leaving me needing to know what happens next. Quite a plot twist at the end of this book!

[Shonari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like I said, good writer but the story itself has some flaws. The rising action part of the plot needed to be flushed out.

[Michael Woodward · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am pretty lenient with my assessment of books but this one was hard for me to get through. It moved forward much too slowly. Koren's story crawled along with very little progression and seemed more of a secondary plotline. The Ariana and Falco stories moved along a little better but the lack of investment I felt in those plotlines didn't help.

The character development fell flat for me as I didn't feel invested in any of the major characters. I do not feel as any real depth was added in this book. Honestly, most of the characters were kind of annoying. Koren pouting about being a jinx, Ariana having temper tantrums (which all her supporters seem to think is ok for a future regent), Falco acting out against his father because well, teenager I guess? Also, the characters were inconsistent. One moment someone can be contemplating killing someone and the next is doing everything in their power to save them. One moment a character is being cold and downright rude, the next is described as friendly and inviting with no change in the characters disposition until later. I became more and more irritated each time I came these blatant inconsistent behaviors as they came much too often.

I was optimistic for these books as I did enjoy the Expeditionary Force series but it seems Alanson is stronger with sci-fi than fantasy. I also miss the humor that the Expeditionary Force books included, maybe that is why I didn't notice similar issues in that series as much. I will have to abandon the Ascendant series and pick up a Sanderson to reset.

P.S. I never want to hear or read the word "jinx" ever again.

[Wynne McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this author's Expeditionary Force sci-fi series a lot, and I like his writing style, so I thought I'd try this fantasy trilogy. Book One was entertaining enough, though a bit of a typical fantasy coming-of-age story with the standard Tolkien-esque Dungeons and Dragons fantasy races. I gave it three stars. But this one, Book Two, focuses on more than one main character, and despite one too-long stretch of political shenanigans in the middle of the book, it had some great moments. In fact, I was compelled to jump right into Book Three. I'm giving this one four stars. Worth your time.

[Kim Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lackluster

I really enjoyed the first book. The second felt like a lot of filler and not much substance. Way too much time spent on the Princess and political machinations, too little on our hero. I ended up skimming through alot of the book looking for some good parts. Thought we had something good going when Koren went to sea, but even that was underwhelming. Checked the reviews on the third book and wasn't convinced to continue on. Bailing on this trilogy.

[Denae Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader thoughts: This one didn't quite have the blossoming zing of the first book (how do I explain the spark, the thrill of a newly favorite book?). I still loved it.

Koren is journeying around, still thinking he's a jinx. We see much more of Ariana in this book as she tries to save Tarador (i.e., wrest power from her mother so that Ariana can become queen). I kept hoping the kids would be in the same place together again.

This trilogy is full of situational irony where the readers know many things the characters don't know, and the readers are shaking the book in an attempt to get the characters to NOT GO THAT WAY (and such). Very fun. Of course the readers know that Koren is a wizard, and every little jinx thing he does is actually magic.

I wondered how he was going to learn about his parents. I am glad he met up with the old army guy who quit drinking (can't remember his name, B-- something.)

In the first book, I could believe that Koren and Ariana were 13, sometimes. They tossed snowballs at one point. In the second book, it got harder to believe they were only 14. I actually wanted more months of separation, even if it did decrease the urgency of the looming battle and whatnot. We could have Koren going on more adventures, but then it wouldn't be with Ariana. Maybe he should have been working at the castle as a servant for a year and a half instead of just a half a year.

Writer thoughts: There was a particular scene I wanted to comment on. I think it was on the ship. I was impressed with the way some piece of description was handled. Alas, I didn't bookmark it in the audiobook, and my memory has failed me. Maybe it was something to do with the order of senses used to lay out a setting for the reader?

[Fred Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I didn't care for the separation of Koren and Ariana, especially as I could tell the whole book would be as such. But I suppose the kiddos needed to grow up at least a little bit. And it all worked fairly well. Turned into a decent enough book. Makes me think I should check out a "lesser" series by the author of a kickass series on book 11 or 12 now. Can't believe I forget as just read it within last couple of months. I think. Anyways, I can hardly believe that Koren wouldn't have somehow discovered his wizardness. But suppose it possible. And ya gotta go on that premise. And then it's "all cool". Lol. Oh, nice narration on this by Tim Gerard Reynolds. A talented (and appropriate) narrator can really impact the reading experience. Thanks, Tim! And thanks too, Craig! If you haven't guessed I've read the entirety of the Expeditionary Force (plus Mavericks) series as narrated by R.C. Bray. I DO wonder how much electronic sound adjustments need be made (to what extent) to produce Skippy. Or if Bob manages it all alone as an extremely talented voice actor. Popular as hell too!! I think some others MUST employ electronic "enhancements" to truly create some of the voices. Off-track. BTW, the series I am encouraged for some reason to check out is the trilogy series Traveler's Gate by Will Weight. He is certainly best known for his Cradle Series. Been enjoying it a while now myself. Anyways, perhaps that other series isn't quite as good as the Cradle Series. But it doesn't mean it still isn't good. Like I'm sure this Ascendant Series is majorly overshadowed by ExForce

[Reading4Fun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Transcendent by Craig Alanson. It is the second book in the Ascendant series. Overall, it was a good book. This book primarily follows the lives of Koren, Ariana, and the Falco heir (whose first name escapes me at the moment). Where as in the first book, the three had lots of scenes together, in this book, they are all separated, so you spend quite a bit of time bouncing between one person’s journey and the others.

Some reviews on Goodreads and Amazon have said that the book is a little slow, and I agree with that. This book focuses more on the political intrigue of characters like Ariana and the Falco heir. Koren’s adventures are primarily miscellaneous adventures as he endeavors to avoid his “curse”.

There is a little bit more profanity in this book than in the last one (just the use of “damn”), but still a clean book that you could listen to with 12 year-olds on up.

This book wasn’t quite as lighthearted as the first one, and there were a couple of story “flaws” or plot holes where I was like “that doesn’t even seem plausible”, but hey, this is a fantasy series, anything is possible. And, more importantly, the book held my interest, and I eagerly await the third book.

[GaiusPrimus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is better than the first, but it's biggest flaw is that it's built on faulty foundations.

My gripes about the first book are addressed by the author on this story, but not well and not organically. If I hadn't found out about the series until the 3rd book was already written, I could've sworn the author had read my review whilst writing the second book and added things to explain what I mentioned on it.

That is not to say that there aren't issues. Internal consistencies are lacking, villains and crisis are added because the plot needed them (much like how the book ends) and of course, as I already mentioned, this is being built on the faulty assumption that everything bad that happens to this kid doesn't lead anyone to say "wait a second, we have wizards, weird things happen around wizards, maybe he's a wizard?".

I've been listening to the story, so I will wait until that comes out. As a sit around and read novel, I wouldn't be picking up the next in the series. As a commute filler in the car, sure, I can deal with it.

[Stuart Cliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

More swords, more sorcery...

This second novel in the Ascendant series continues the saga of a young boy searching for his place in life and a princess coming to terms with hers. More good YA fiction, but this time around the series suffers a little from sequel fatigue. There are still epic misunderstandings with most of the characters at odds with each other when they're all trying to do the best they can for each other, but by now the insistence on drawing the wrong conclusion from any given situation begins to seem deliberately obtuse. This does seem a little like a story stretched out to fill a book. Still I can't deny I'll read the next one with interest...

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saga of Koren Bladewell continues as he finds himself running from the mess and chaos of the Tarrador royal leadership. Alanson is growing into fantasy and we get more realistic character development and more lush, detailed scenes of adventure.

The plot line doesn't advance as far as Koren is concerned but the royal succession is settled in a very complete way. Alanson again shines as he is able to plot out strategy and court intrigue in a manner that keeps your attention but doesn't get too bogged down in minute details.

Clearly a setup book for the ascension of Koren in book 3... but a fun ride nonetheless.

[Tyler Ragsdale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should really get an editor, or fire the current one.

Really should have aged up the main characters. 14/15 year olds being smarter and leading countries/armies better than the adults is dumb.

How long is Koren going to be in the dark about being a wizard? Almost to the end of the second book and he still doesn't know? That's like, the first plotline that was established. He somehow found his mom's locket and tracked down the bandit that took it and learned his parents were murdered (small chance of any of that actually happening) before he learned he's the most powerful wizard in existence?

[Morgan .P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first and a good continuation.

Finally there is more adventure in the book and the world feels way more three dimensional with characters spread out and with clear goals as war and battle threatens everyone differently. So much more character growth for the characters and ethical quandaries to face. Also loved the political antics and the behind-the-curtains dealings that one of our protagonists has to get through.

All the character arks pointing towards the end of this book and each other were really well written.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would certainly like to kick a number of characters in the teeth but that is a wee bit like life, isn't it? I am enjoying the storyline so I will keep going but I am awfully frustrated with the needless suffering that some decisions produce (again, like life). I've listened to the audio version and I appreciate the narrator, he does a fabulous job with portraying so many characters distinctly. This series is an interesting good vs evil with magics involved fantasy series.

[Lars Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series really isn't my cup of tea. It takes too many short cuts. Alanson just lets things happen more or less out of the blue, then try to knit it together with explaining why. Unlikely coincidences seem to be the basis of the story instead of logical connections. It's just lazy writing.

I listened to the audiobook, and Tim Gerard Reynolds is a true genius.

[Todd Smith-Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and fast paced read. I can’t help feel a little disrespected as a reader. The protagonists are 14-15 years old and talk and act like adults, go into battle, and do things an adolescent young adult would never be capable of. I suppose if I suspend disbelief these characters are to be admired. I just can’t help thinking to myself throughout the story “there’s no way this person is 15.”

[Anna gillam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story needs grammar check

This could have been a great book. The plot is strong, good characters, everything is solid. But the author DESPERATELY needs to get a proofreader. There are major points where the meaning of significant points in the book hinge on deciding if the author meant "is" or "was" and you can't tell because the word is missing entirely.

[Andrew Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great new fantasy!

There is some pretty average fantasy out there with New York publishers pushing huge sales that can't match the quality of this series.
I can't stop reading and am only annoyed by the chapters that don't follow the protagonist, as his discovery of magic is so engrossing.
Do yourself a favor and purchase this novel.

[Bill Scheidegger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great expansion of the universe being crafted for this story. This time going darker, lighter, and more deep than the first book. The unknowing wizard Koren and princess Ariana continue dancing the line of how their paths with cross next. Even though the main characters are teenagers and this plays into the plot, it is not the focal point of the entire story.

[John Min · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series of books, great old time story with grand adventures, powers, magic, love, evil, betrayal and redemption...soon as I was finished with this book, I was ordering book 3, "Deceptions". This author is now a favorite, right along side Michael J. Sullivan or Brandon Sanderson. Fun and engaging story. Tim Gerard Reynolds as narrator ads so much more to the story, major bonus!

[Ronnie Bunshaft · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little better than the first book in that the premise is already established. But I still feel like the first half wasn't very impactful. At least the series isn't going to drag on as some key(and obviously imminent) plot points did occur. Hopefully the third one shakes things up and surprises me.

[Jill Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plodding Along without Cresendo

The story certainly builds but unfortunately was low on action, making it seem to plod along. Unlike the first book, this one does not pull everything back together in a way that leaves the reader satisfied.

Alanson builds good characters and writes well. I’ll read the next book, but was hoping for more on this one.

[Karel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this is a young adult book, but I really enjoyed the political intrigue and even the descriptions of families and territories, all the pieces of war and magic. Of course, Ariana taking control of herself and later her kingdom was very satisfying. It was specially surprising noticing that all the different character's journey were interesting. I'll continue to the next.

[K.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koren's story has a way of getting under your skin, and worming its way into your heart! The second book was full of great adventure, heartache, and triumph. I highly recommend this series for any YA or Adult Fantasy fans!! I'm highly anticipating the conclusion of this story!!

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

Book 2 in series is well done. Some of the main characters have very little time in this book, but enough to see why they have changed. Not amazing, but still good enough that the third book is being purchased.