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The Ashen Levels #3
Adept
Balagir has made it to the south, but questions still outweigh the answers. The board has grown and new pieces move upon it. Why would the chisps of the wood ally themselves with the kalaqai? Why would the laragatyn of the ice palace interfere with the ashen? And why do the mysterious and influential askaba appear to be involved? Perhaps the most important question is who are his friends and which can he trust?
- GenresFantasy
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2018
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
C.F. Welburn
12 books141 followersCraig Farndale Welburn is an award-winning author for his series: The Ashen Levels.
He was born in the year of Star Wars, in the birth town of Charles Darwin, and caught the fantasy bug as a child at the top of a faraway tree, in a hole in the ground and through a snowy wardrobe.
He left Shropshire to study literature, travel the lands and seek his fortune. (He’s still seeking…)
He lives in Madrid with his wife Jessica and son Otis.
He was born in the year of Star Wars, in the birth town of Charles Darwin, and caught the fantasy bug as a child at the top of a faraway tree, in a hole in the ground and through a snowy wardrobe.
He left Shropshire to study literature, travel the lands and seek his fortune. (He’s still seeking…)
He lives in Madrid with his wife Jessica and son Otis.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 10, 2022
This has been a wild ride and I’m excited to start the next installment. Our little rag tag group has come across some nasty creatures and other ashen. It is a pretty dark series but at least Ginike brings some humor to it!
September 10, 2019
Adept by C.F. Welburn is the third book in The Ashen Levels series. This book picks up where the second book leaves off. Balagir is on his search to find the meaning of his life and if being an Ashen has a purpose.
Balagir is one of my most favorite of characters I've ever gotten to know through a story. I love the way Welburn has brought Balagir to life. His struggles keep me rapt, hoping for the best for Balagir.
I just love Welburn's writing style, and I love this world that he has created. This story is definitely different than your usual fantasy story in that it's more about the character than the usual tropes.
Easily one of my favorite stories, and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Balagir is one of my most favorite of characters I've ever gotten to know through a story. I love the way Welburn has brought Balagir to life. His struggles keep me rapt, hoping for the best for Balagir.
I just love Welburn's writing style, and I love this world that he has created. This story is definitely different than your usual fantasy story in that it's more about the character than the usual tropes.
Easily one of my favorite stories, and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
August 31, 2019
I like how these books keep getting darker. There's this growing, underlying tension caused by Balagir's dissatisfaction with the hidden and possibly nonexistent reason for his being here, being ashen and wandering the realms looking for ways to feed his smoke addiction. Like many ashen, he wants answers and is getting increasingly desperate to find them.
I also like the D&D-style accumulation of talismans, weapons and artifacts the ashen use to work their plots and get out of sticky situations. This adds an interesting and at times amusing dimension to these stories. The ashen have to figure out how to use these objects and things often backfire, sometimes horribly. Even so, the more gizmos one has, the better off one is, so they'll all stop at nothing to get their hands on cool new things they can use to their advantage -- against each other, more often than not.
This third book ended on a nasty cliffhanger that left me both worried and eager to get into the next book. Good stuff!
I also like the D&D-style accumulation of talismans, weapons and artifacts the ashen use to work their plots and get out of sticky situations. This adds an interesting and at times amusing dimension to these stories. The ashen have to figure out how to use these objects and things often backfire, sometimes horribly. Even so, the more gizmos one has, the better off one is, so they'll all stop at nothing to get their hands on cool new things they can use to their advantage -- against each other, more often than not.
This third book ended on a nasty cliffhanger that left me both worried and eager to get into the next book. Good stuff!
January 16, 2021
Balagir's journey remains just as mysterious, and even darker, in this third instalment.
May 8, 2019
About:
In Adept, things really do begin to get serious – and as they should, given the title.
Balagir now truly comes into his stride as a leader, whether by choice or not, and naturally he is met with newer and greater challenges. These are challenges that give no quarter, enemies that do not flinch at his approach; the path is unforgiving, the path is still perilous.
Despite this, personal bonds are forged all the stronger for it, and the benefits are eventually reaped.
Plot:
In this instalment, the plot really diversifies with characters, creatures, and chaos. This all helps the world building too, which is important, because a lot of well presented travelling takes place.
Balagir ultimately gets closer to his end goal, though it is still some way off. However, it is the story in-between then, that shines really well. There are a lot of clever elements that keep the pace up, and which twist back into older plot-lines.
In Adept things increase in scope and scale, and this is a welcomed approach in a world that has a lot to tell.
Even though the series as whole could trick Professor Moriarty, it still manages to weave ever greater spirals of fate and destiny, and once again raises the bar.
Characters:
Adept does a pretty faultless job of building on the established roster, and introducing new unfortunate souls when required.
Character development is strong and believable, and as before, the balance between those of importance, and those painting the background and lore, is handled well.
Balagir continues to keep strange company, but never once did I wish it otherwise.
There is also more personality, I think, between all characters overall, with great moments of banter (dark or not). I noticed the humour rather immediately upon reading.
World Building:
In Adept, we get a better sense of the world in which our tale exists, and unsurprisingly you can’t help but want to know more.
I felt as though my eyes had been given greater scope to see, and it built on possibly the only weakness so far.
Welburn also continues to create contrast between what we think is going well, and how quickly the world can shatter that perception. It helps that these methods are brilliantly delivered via the world and its denizens.
I still think there is more potential to see and hear more, though, but I think that could be said of a lot of stories. Overall, there are some great moments which really demonstrate imagination, and why it’s important.
Writing:
Nothing new to report here; the style is still consistent and solid, providing an easy yet engaging read.
My only criticisms could perhaps be pointed towards a bit of word repetition, in parts, but this is very minor.
Also, I think perhaps a little more creativity with place/creature names could be of benefit: for example, a Yetir sounds a little predictable to me. This could be intentional, of course, and let’s be honest; it doesn’t detract from the experience.
Take it from me, I had to think hard about any points of criticism here.
Summary:
After Journeyman, this was a refreshing change of pace and pretty much what I wanted to find.
I especially liked the greater fluidity and movement between the characters and world they travel through; it brought energy to the scenes and plot-lines throughout.
The greater depth overall adds to the excitement of Balagir’s journey, and everything builds upon the well laid foundations.
In conclusion, the ending here was just right; leaving us in a place where we’re ready to know what comes next, but without feeling cheated by the writer.
----
If you’re reading this, I imagine you’ve already read the first two books, but if you haven’t… why?
In Adept, things really do begin to get serious – and as they should, given the title.
Balagir now truly comes into his stride as a leader, whether by choice or not, and naturally he is met with newer and greater challenges. These are challenges that give no quarter, enemies that do not flinch at his approach; the path is unforgiving, the path is still perilous.
Despite this, personal bonds are forged all the stronger for it, and the benefits are eventually reaped.
Plot:
In this instalment, the plot really diversifies with characters, creatures, and chaos. This all helps the world building too, which is important, because a lot of well presented travelling takes place.
Balagir ultimately gets closer to his end goal, though it is still some way off. However, it is the story in-between then, that shines really well. There are a lot of clever elements that keep the pace up, and which twist back into older plot-lines.
In Adept things increase in scope and scale, and this is a welcomed approach in a world that has a lot to tell.
Even though the series as whole could trick Professor Moriarty, it still manages to weave ever greater spirals of fate and destiny, and once again raises the bar.
Characters:
Adept does a pretty faultless job of building on the established roster, and introducing new unfortunate souls when required.
Character development is strong and believable, and as before, the balance between those of importance, and those painting the background and lore, is handled well.
Balagir continues to keep strange company, but never once did I wish it otherwise.
There is also more personality, I think, between all characters overall, with great moments of banter (dark or not). I noticed the humour rather immediately upon reading.
World Building:
In Adept, we get a better sense of the world in which our tale exists, and unsurprisingly you can’t help but want to know more.
I felt as though my eyes had been given greater scope to see, and it built on possibly the only weakness so far.
Welburn also continues to create contrast between what we think is going well, and how quickly the world can shatter that perception. It helps that these methods are brilliantly delivered via the world and its denizens.
I still think there is more potential to see and hear more, though, but I think that could be said of a lot of stories. Overall, there are some great moments which really demonstrate imagination, and why it’s important.
Writing:
Nothing new to report here; the style is still consistent and solid, providing an easy yet engaging read.
My only criticisms could perhaps be pointed towards a bit of word repetition, in parts, but this is very minor.
Also, I think perhaps a little more creativity with place/creature names could be of benefit: for example, a Yetir sounds a little predictable to me. This could be intentional, of course, and let’s be honest; it doesn’t detract from the experience.
Take it from me, I had to think hard about any points of criticism here.
Summary:
After Journeyman, this was a refreshing change of pace and pretty much what I wanted to find.
I especially liked the greater fluidity and movement between the characters and world they travel through; it brought energy to the scenes and plot-lines throughout.
The greater depth overall adds to the excitement of Balagir’s journey, and everything builds upon the well laid foundations.
In conclusion, the ending here was just right; leaving us in a place where we’re ready to know what comes next, but without feeling cheated by the writer.
----
If you’re reading this, I imagine you’ve already read the first two books, but if you haven’t… why?
October 19, 2020
“Why are you here?” Balagir’s need to answer this question continues to drive him South. Who is the piper, and why must he be paid in smoke? Not only did I want to know, but I desperately wanted Balagir to know too! He reconnects with some old companions and meets some new ones. The way is harder, the enemies more vicious, and the question of the Ashen’s existence is still more mysterious. The beautiful prose and ever expanding worldbuilding keep drawing me back again and again.
June 21, 2022
Probably the best entry into The Ashel Levels so far. No, there's no probably about it. It is.
The whole series has been great so far: mysterious *dark* fantasy with LitRPG leanings, sumptuous prose and an intriguing main character searching for answers, but this third entry opens things up a little, and The Ashen Levels is all the better for it.
Balagir has arrived in the south, and another step closer to his goal in discovering just what the Ashen are, and why they're driven on their seemingly never-ending quest for Oath fulfilment and smoke, but Welburn wisely takes this moment to widen the roster of characters and to introduce new elements into the series as we approach the endgame. There's also more humour here than before, and it's a nice choice in what is a black-as-pitch series.
As always, finishing an Ashen Levels book leaves me with the urge to find out more, just like Balagir and his need for that precious smoke.
The whole series has been great so far: mysterious *dark* fantasy with LitRPG leanings, sumptuous prose and an intriguing main character searching for answers, but this third entry opens things up a little, and The Ashen Levels is all the better for it.
Balagir has arrived in the south, and another step closer to his goal in discovering just what the Ashen are, and why they're driven on their seemingly never-ending quest for Oath fulfilment and smoke, but Welburn wisely takes this moment to widen the roster of characters and to introduce new elements into the series as we approach the endgame. There's also more humour here than before, and it's a nice choice in what is a black-as-pitch series.
As always, finishing an Ashen Levels book leaves me with the urge to find out more, just like Balagir and his need for that precious smoke.
July 29, 2021
The madness continues in the third installment of this beautiful dark series by C.F.Welburn, I absolutely love C.F.'s writing and the world he has created for us to lose our marbles in, In the story so far Balagir has landed in the south, bound by his fulfillment to find his life's meaning and what an Ashen's purpose is, with the constant lure of the lucid smoke, Balagir comes across lots of new unsavoury characters, Monsters, Mystery, riddles and enemies that will kill you for your smoke instead of Oaths given, in a world so dark, why have enemies, when you can't even trust your friends, it's time to level up, play the game and pay the piper, Balagir is becoming one of my favourite characters, the intricacy and quality will have you wanting more, another fabulous preformence from Jez Jameson and gets better as series rolls on, Highly recommended....😁
August 6, 2024
Like the previous instalment of The Ashen Levels, this third book picks up right where the second left off. We continue to follow Balagir as he journeys through a world riddled with dangers, sometimes alone; other times alongside other ashen.
The world and its inhabitants continue to develop as the story progresses, and Balagir is very much a character to root for. He wants to know why he exists, what his purpose is (as well as Ashens in general), and he won't stop until he finds it.
Welburn takes us through a story of mystery, darkness, monsters, and riddles, and it is absolutely fabulous! He keeps up the standard between the books, and the series as a whole is (so far) splendid!
I cannot recommend it enough!
Note: As I've listened to this as an audiobook, I must give a shoutout to the narrator Jez Jameson, whose work is immaculate.
The world and its inhabitants continue to develop as the story progresses, and Balagir is very much a character to root for. He wants to know why he exists, what his purpose is (as well as Ashens in general), and he won't stop until he finds it.
Welburn takes us through a story of mystery, darkness, monsters, and riddles, and it is absolutely fabulous! He keeps up the standard between the books, and the series as a whole is (so far) splendid!
I cannot recommend it enough!
Note: As I've listened to this as an audiobook, I must give a shoutout to the narrator Jez Jameson, whose work is immaculate.
August 6, 2021
Balagir's adventures continue in Book 3. He forms a company of Ashen, but they aren't willing to give themselves a name just yet. He's a good leader and able to work out problems. The story moves at a fast pace and ends on a cliffhanger. The series is complete, so you don't have to wait to find out what happens next.
C.F. Welburn creates colorful characters and his descriptions are punchy. A few times I even chuckled.
I've been listening to the Omnibus Version. New characters are introduced with perfectly fitting voices to accompany them. Jez Jamison proves once again how versatile he can be.
C.F. Welburn creates colorful characters and his descriptions are punchy. A few times I even chuckled.
I've been listening to the Omnibus Version. New characters are introduced with perfectly fitting voices to accompany them. Jez Jamison proves once again how versatile he can be.
August 12, 2021
Fantastic- review to come
August 11, 2022
Allow another long afternoon as Belagir fights his way ever southward. I had an ARC via Booksprout and this is my voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews