What do you think?
Rate this book
Ascension
The war to end all wars is a spark away from engulfing the world in conflict and death. With super-weapons designed for Armageddon, world leaders preach restraint, but prepare to fight.
Oryan Jeckstadt is born into slavery-the result of an Emperor who secretly punishes his enemies with a fate worse than death. He is thrust into a brutal, but wildly popular sport with participants known as Centauri. Knowing his father’s freedom is at stake, he determines to be the best in the world.
After being orphaned, Elesya Celeste trains as a Centauri. Constantly placed in Oryan’s shadow, she strives not just to outshine him, but to eclipse him.
Unknown to them, powerful forces are setting them up to alter the destiny of the world. Some want them to save it and others to burn it down. Who to trust remains a mystery.
As the uneasy peace disintegrates, countries use Centauri victories as political influence. In this high-stakes environment, Oryan and Celeste are torn apart even as they are brought together.
Oryan Jeckstadt is born into slavery-the result of an Emperor who secretly punishes his enemies with a fate worse than death. He is thrust into a brutal, but wildly popular sport with participants known as Centauri. Knowing his father’s freedom is at stake, he determines to be the best in the world.
After being orphaned, Elesya Celeste trains as a Centauri. Constantly placed in Oryan’s shadow, she strives not just to outshine him, but to eclipse him.
Unknown to them, powerful forces are setting them up to alter the destiny of the world. Some want them to save it and others to burn it down. Who to trust remains a mystery.
As the uneasy peace disintegrates, countries use Centauri victories as political influence. In this high-stakes environment, Oryan and Celeste are torn apart even as they are brought together.
- GenresScience Fiction
130 pages, ebook
Published August 15, 2018
About the author
Chad R. Odom
14 books13 followersChad R. Odom was raised on starships, swordplay, and stories that asked what happens when ordinary people stand against impossible odds. Born in St. Charles, Missouri, he fell in love with fantasy at eight years old after discovering The Hobbit—a spark that led to decades of rereads of The Lord of the Rings and a lifelong obsession with epic worldbuilding.
His imagination expanded through Star Wars, classic science fiction from Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick, and Orson Scott Card, and the mythic storytelling of comic books and superheroes. Combined with a deep interest in history and religion, these influences shaped his fascination with gods, immortals, and the fragile line between power and sacrifice.
A quiet, introspective childhood gave way to discipline and leadership—earning Eagle Scout at fifteen, competing in wrestling, and entering the U.S. Army at seventeen. While serving a mission in Las Vegas from 2001 to 2003, Chad filled battered ninety-nine-cent notebooks with character names, maps, sketches, and plotlines—early fragments of the world that would one day become The Last Archide.
He began writing the series in earnest in 2006. The first novel, Warlord of Navarus, was traditionally published in 2010, but its release fell short of the story’s potential. Rather than abandon the world he had built, Chad tore the series down to its foundations and rebuilt it—just as his publisher collapsed. He turned to self-publishing in 2018, finally releasing the re-forged saga to readers in 2019.
When he’s not writing, Chad enjoys sports, board and card games, film, and reading across genres. He remains active in his faith and local community and lives outside St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Katherine, and their children.
Chad is an award-winning epic fantasy and science fiction author who writes for readers who love vast worlds, flawed heroes, ancient powers, and the belief that hope can survive—even when the gods have failed.
His imagination expanded through Star Wars, classic science fiction from Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick, and Orson Scott Card, and the mythic storytelling of comic books and superheroes. Combined with a deep interest in history and religion, these influences shaped his fascination with gods, immortals, and the fragile line between power and sacrifice.
A quiet, introspective childhood gave way to discipline and leadership—earning Eagle Scout at fifteen, competing in wrestling, and entering the U.S. Army at seventeen. While serving a mission in Las Vegas from 2001 to 2003, Chad filled battered ninety-nine-cent notebooks with character names, maps, sketches, and plotlines—early fragments of the world that would one day become The Last Archide.
He began writing the series in earnest in 2006. The first novel, Warlord of Navarus, was traditionally published in 2010, but its release fell short of the story’s potential. Rather than abandon the world he had built, Chad tore the series down to its foundations and rebuilt it—just as his publisher collapsed. He turned to self-publishing in 2018, finally releasing the re-forged saga to readers in 2019.
When he’s not writing, Chad enjoys sports, board and card games, film, and reading across genres. He remains active in his faith and local community and lives outside St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Katherine, and their children.
Chad is an award-winning epic fantasy and science fiction author who writes for readers who love vast worlds, flawed heroes, ancient powers, and the belief that hope can survive—even when the gods have failed.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 27, 2019
Oryan Jeckstadt is one of the most successful Centauri in the world. Born a slave, raised by his father, Oryan became the youngest champion in history. Elesya Celeste lived with her grandparents after losing her parents. Bullied and alone, Elesya was given the opportunity to train as one of the few Centauri women. Oryan has dreams of Elesya. She detests him. Jealous that his success has always overshadowed her's, she wants nothing to do with him. But Oryan didn't become the champion by giving up. However, with the country on the brink of war, their time may have run out.
I was lucky enough to win an audiotape of this story. It was fantastic. I was immediately drawn into this world. The grittiness of the training grounds, the brutality of the fights were vividly described. The characters were fully developed. Both main characters are complex and there are a multitude of supporting characters that add depth. Elesya's two sides are opposites. She is loving and loyal, yet jealous and petty. She judges unfairly. Oryan is both a warrior and a scholar. He's a brilliant judge of people. Nothing escapes his attention. He has a love and devotion for his father that is admirable. He is fierce and brutal and has a love of history. He was the heart and soul of this book.
It's a fast-paced, action-packed story full of intrigue. There is a yet to be defined sci-fi element that I want to know more about. I was impressed by Mr. Odom's writing and look forward to the next part of Oryan and Elesya's story. That ending...
I was lucky enough to win an audiotape of this story. It was fantastic. I was immediately drawn into this world. The grittiness of the training grounds, the brutality of the fights were vividly described. The characters were fully developed. Both main characters are complex and there are a multitude of supporting characters that add depth. Elesya's two sides are opposites. She is loving and loyal, yet jealous and petty. She judges unfairly. Oryan is both a warrior and a scholar. He's a brilliant judge of people. Nothing escapes his attention. He has a love and devotion for his father that is admirable. He is fierce and brutal and has a love of history. He was the heart and soul of this book.
It's a fast-paced, action-packed story full of intrigue. There is a yet to be defined sci-fi element that I want to know more about. I was impressed by Mr. Odom's writing and look forward to the next part of Oryan and Elesya's story. That ending...
April 27, 2020
Must read
This book seems so straight forward, but the depths are amazing! The characters are thought provoking and the story just carried you along. So many unanswered questions... Must start next book....
Honestly this is a awesome story and I highly recommend it!
This book seems so straight forward, but the depths are amazing! The characters are thought provoking and the story just carried you along. So many unanswered questions... Must start next book....
Honestly this is a awesome story and I highly recommend it!
June 16, 2020
Great book
I was impressed with the way that the author was able to connect you with his main character, he also let you see into a young mans life that was tortured and yet satisfying to him..I cant wait for the next book so that we can see where all this goes
I was impressed with the way that the author was able to connect you with his main character, he also let you see into a young mans life that was tortured and yet satisfying to him..I cant wait for the next book so that we can see where all this goes
July 5, 2023
I was really surprised how good it is. Really looking forward to the other books.
December 10, 2019
Read for Book Group because a member's husband is doing the audio narration. It's mostly about fighting, which doesn't appeal to me, and it needs a good editor. Also, the world depicted didn't have enough detail for me to imagine it--I would have liked a lot more information to get me into the setting. But I can see how this quickly moving story might be appealing to some.
September 24, 2019
Good Book! This series has lots of tricks up its sleeves. It goes places you weren't expecting. Pretty good world building, and characters who really draw you into the story. As soon as I start to describe the plot, I give away too many spoilers, so I'll just say; give this a read and be surprised at the fully fleshed out story!
I received a free audio book from the author, and I am happily & voluntarily giving this review.
I received a free audio book from the author, and I am happily & voluntarily giving this review.
August 22, 2018
Great story!! Well developed plot and characters! Highly recommend!!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews