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Ascension #1-3
Ascension: the Complete Trilogy
This collection includes all three novels of the Ascension trilogy.
After stumbling upon an ancient rune in a dark cave, Corina Vyliss is awarded with immense power. And a death sentence. To stay alive, she'll have to defeat an immortal emperor possessed by the voice of God, rout armies empowered by terrifying sorcery, and outwit conniving deities vying for the future of the world.
Those might be tall tasks for anyone, but Corina is a Possessor. And there hasn't been one of those in the world for centuries. Until now.
After stumbling upon an ancient rune in a dark cave, Corina Vyliss is awarded with immense power. And a death sentence. To stay alive, she'll have to defeat an immortal emperor possessed by the voice of God, rout armies empowered by terrifying sorcery, and outwit conniving deities vying for the future of the world.
Those might be tall tasks for anyone, but Corina is a Possessor. And there hasn't been one of those in the world for centuries. Until now.
- GenresFantasyFictionParanormal
931 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2018
1129 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Justin DePaoli
26 books64 followersJustin DePaoli called Pittsburgh home for twenty-one years, but now lives in Kentucky with his fiancee, stilt-legged German shepherd, two cats, and a company of fish.
Beginning his career as a freelance writer, he now writes fiction full-time.
When he's not writing, he enjoys playing guitar (quite horribly), running, lifting, playing video games, and spending time with his fiancee and menagerie of pets.
Beginning his career as a freelance writer, he now writes fiction full-time.
When he's not writing, he enjoys playing guitar (quite horribly), running, lifting, playing video games, and spending time with his fiancee and menagerie of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 27, 2019
This was a good read with some exceptions. The plot moved well, even through the three books, but at times it felt redundant. This I could excuse if it were a bit a of a recap from one book to the next, however this happened through the content of individual books regarding material from only a few chapters back. I'd tell the author to have more faith in readers' ability to retain this information. Sometimes I felt an intrusion of the author in the story to better explain a scene. In this, I would suggest that if the actions of the characters need that extra explanation, the scene should be rewritten. I should never feel that intrusion because it takes me away from the character. The character development was plenty adequate these intrusions were not necessary. Aside from that, I had two major problems in the book. First, the repeated description of someone simply rubbing their eyes as saying they stabbed fingers into their eyes. It was really jarring as my brain would instantly try to figure out why they are stabbing their eyes. It is not an accurate descriptor at all. This makes me feel the books were poorly edited, because, as an editor, I would never have passed that. It made me stop reading every single time, go back and try to figure out if this is just a poor description of an ordinary action or if something bad is happening and I missed why. It was used many times and caused an issue every single time, taking me out of the story. The second major issue was the ending. After so much struggle, I felt the resolution was too easy, too predictable, and rushed. SPOILER ALERT! ***** DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU ARE UNAWARE OF THE ENDING AND DO NOT WANT ANYTHING THAT MIGHT INFLUENCE THE ENDING!!!!
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We do not know why Oblivion is weakening while she is fighting him. There is no obvious connection. The author merely mentions explosions, but we have no concept of why those interfere with Oblivion. It is too simplified. We assume it has to do with the Veroth, but we have no idea why or what they are doing. We have no connection to what is happening and with you moving around between perspectives, there isn't a real excuse for that, so it comes across as abridged and rushed.
Aside from these, I did enjoy the book and the story. It was original and compelling. I just felt it had more potential than the author took advantage of. A better editor would have been of great service.
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We do not know why Oblivion is weakening while she is fighting him. There is no obvious connection. The author merely mentions explosions, but we have no concept of why those interfere with Oblivion. It is too simplified. We assume it has to do with the Veroth, but we have no idea why or what they are doing. We have no connection to what is happening and with you moving around between perspectives, there isn't a real excuse for that, so it comes across as abridged and rushed.
Aside from these, I did enjoy the book and the story. It was original and compelling. I just felt it had more potential than the author took advantage of. A better editor would have been of great service.
February 3, 2019
Strong Female Lead Character
I enjoyed reading this excellent fantasy. It is fast paced with Strong characters. Dialogue is well written. Description of the characters and places let's you see them in your minds eye. The writing keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. This trilogy is worth the read.
I enjoyed reading this excellent fantasy. It is fast paced with Strong characters. Dialogue is well written. Description of the characters and places let's you see them in your minds eye. The writing keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. This trilogy is worth the read.
December 18, 2018
What a complex story.
This was a really great tale. The beginning was a little slow since there were a lot of terms and concepts that were new to me but once through that the action sucked me in and continued all the way to the end.
This was a really great tale. The beginning was a little slow since there were a lot of terms and concepts that were new to me but once through that the action sucked me in and continued all the way to the end.
August 2, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, new adult
The six shards have been ruled by a tyrannical emperor for hundreds of years. To maintain a hold on his power, runic magic is strictly controlled. One day, Corina is out collecting pigments when she comes across a rune and her life is changed forever. Her adventures see her meet Ingram, a naval soldier, and Boraces, a ghost-like Veroth. As the forces of Essence and Oblivion wage war, can she tip the balance in favour of humanity?
The world building in this trilogy is so unique and interesting. Magic users are called Kindred and can use one of three types of runes. Curators use knowledge, they can infuse thoughts and maps into runes for others to use. Disruptors use runes that affect something outside their body, like wind. Augmentors can use runes that affect their body, like healing. A kindred does not start off with a rune but must find it. Where do the runes come from? You'll have to read the books to find out.
The world is split into six 'shards'. Shards are not islands but whole continents, with varied climates. Travel between the shards can only be accomplished by touching a 'fragment' that will move you between two shards. I found this fascinating. Do the shards really exist within the same world or are they alternate dimensions? Maybe different planets? So many possibilities.
The Veroth and Assayers are interesting races. Very complex.
I did find the ending to be very abrupt, but I am willing to look past it since Corina is such a great character. Corina and Ingram's relationship is very believable. They trust each other, but feel doubt; give each other space to grow, but call them out when they step too far away from their beliefs.
The six shards have been ruled by a tyrannical emperor for hundreds of years. To maintain a hold on his power, runic magic is strictly controlled. One day, Corina is out collecting pigments when she comes across a rune and her life is changed forever. Her adventures see her meet Ingram, a naval soldier, and Boraces, a ghost-like Veroth. As the forces of Essence and Oblivion wage war, can she tip the balance in favour of humanity?
The world building in this trilogy is so unique and interesting. Magic users are called Kindred and can use one of three types of runes. Curators use knowledge, they can infuse thoughts and maps into runes for others to use. Disruptors use runes that affect something outside their body, like wind. Augmentors can use runes that affect their body, like healing. A kindred does not start off with a rune but must find it. Where do the runes come from? You'll have to read the books to find out.
The world is split into six 'shards'. Shards are not islands but whole continents, with varied climates. Travel between the shards can only be accomplished by touching a 'fragment' that will move you between two shards. I found this fascinating. Do the shards really exist within the same world or are they alternate dimensions? Maybe different planets? So many possibilities.
The Veroth and Assayers are interesting races. Very complex.
I did find the ending to be very abrupt, but I am willing to look past it since Corina is such a great character. Corina and Ingram's relationship is very believable. They trust each other, but feel doubt; give each other space to grow, but call them out when they step too far away from their beliefs.
December 25, 2018
A different sort of fantasy in the sense of where the magic came from. Otherwise it was the usual stuff - evil emperor who needs to be deposed, only to find the being behind him was the problem. I enjoyed it but there were problems for me with the editing. The author used American colloquialisms which I had never come across before (overways for example - even the spell checker is underlining that right now! which apparently means above or overhead). The other big issue was that in book 2 the city was breached on the western side, and the beings made up of dust were looking for their city. In the third book the city had been breached on the eastern side and the beings were looking for their home world - when they had been created on the world in which the story was set. When a set of books becomes a boxed set, this is a problem that should have been picked up.
March 7, 2019
Such A Fantastically Driven Series
I found this trilogy through Amazon for 99 cents. After having read it, I would buy the hardcover books for 99 dollars (especially if signed). Clever, sardonic, and plenty of twists arhat did not happen in the places I predicted they would. Corina and Ingram are refreshing and I am so glad their relationship was not the focus for the books, but instead, a stabilizing foundation for the reader to gather themselves for the next adventure. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone that wants a breather from the heaviness of other authors. Read these books to get that feeling of completion that one cannot get from other “popular“ series these days.
I found this trilogy through Amazon for 99 cents. After having read it, I would buy the hardcover books for 99 dollars (especially if signed). Clever, sardonic, and plenty of twists arhat did not happen in the places I predicted they would. Corina and Ingram are refreshing and I am so glad their relationship was not the focus for the books, but instead, a stabilizing foundation for the reader to gather themselves for the next adventure. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone that wants a breather from the heaviness of other authors. Read these books to get that feeling of completion that one cannot get from other “popular“ series these days.
March 28, 2019
There were parts of this trilogy that were absolutely great. Well written, full of new concepts or races. But I felt there were also parts of it that wer a little bit rushed or where the writing was a little bit... I don't know, muddled for lack of a better word. I know that even though I found myself wondering why I kept reading, I also found myself eager to find out what was going to happen next. I did feel the ending was a little anti-climactic. But overall I did really enjoy the trilogy. I also definitely plan on checking out other works by this author.
May 27, 2019
Life & Death
What can I say without spoilers? If you enjoy female protagonists then you'll enjoy Corina. She's not your average savior. And this isn't your average love story. It reminds ne a bit of A Princess Bride where Corina does the ass kicking & doesn't wait to be rescued. And she doesn't want to be the queen. This was a vey complex storyline & keeps you guessing till the end on how things will turn out. I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy & was riveted from the first line to the last.
What can I say without spoilers? If you enjoy female protagonists then you'll enjoy Corina. She's not your average savior. And this isn't your average love story. It reminds ne a bit of A Princess Bride where Corina does the ass kicking & doesn't wait to be rescued. And she doesn't want to be the queen. This was a vey complex storyline & keeps you guessing till the end on how things will turn out. I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy & was riveted from the first line to the last.
December 16, 2018
what happens when you are digging in dirt
Corina was digging for hues when Imperial soldiers appeared, bored a hole into the ground and sent the emperor's Hound in to search for a Rune. Corina found it later that night and it started her life of freedom, danger, war and love.
the characters have lots of personality. lots of jumping around, so occasionally it gets overwhelming to follow them from place to place but worth it.
Corina was digging for hues when Imperial soldiers appeared, bored a hole into the ground and sent the emperor's Hound in to search for a Rune. Corina found it later that night and it started her life of freedom, danger, war and love.
the characters have lots of personality. lots of jumping around, so occasionally it gets overwhelming to follow them from place to place but worth it.
December 11, 2023
Pretty good
Nice easy fantasy read, cool original races for a straight up, well; not good vs evil but chaos vs order type story. I also liked the main characters. Ingram especially was very relatable, and I very much liked that both he and Corina balanced each other out with their differences. 4 star only because I wasn't that excited over it; the writing is good but not especially gripping.
Nice easy fantasy read, cool original races for a straight up, well; not good vs evil but chaos vs order type story. I also liked the main characters. Ingram especially was very relatable, and I very much liked that both he and Corina balanced each other out with their differences. 4 star only because I wasn't that excited over it; the writing is good but not especially gripping.
October 11, 2024
Fascinating
I rarely choose to read books with a lot of fantastical ideas and characters and so it was an impulsive move on my part to start the first book in the trilogy, expecting to go no further than the first chapter. But the story and the characters drew me in and I found myself eager to find out where the story would go and rooting for the lead characters. So, hats off to the author --I would definitely read another book by him.
I rarely choose to read books with a lot of fantastical ideas and characters and so it was an impulsive move on my part to start the first book in the trilogy, expecting to go no further than the first chapter. But the story and the characters drew me in and I found myself eager to find out where the story would go and rooting for the lead characters. So, hats off to the author --I would definitely read another book by him.
January 8, 2019
Excitement within.
An excellent story written by a great story-teller. The momentum builds incessantly to the incredible conclusion. DePaoli uses terrific descriptive techniques that allow the reader to use all senses in their interpretation of the amazing scenes that make up this memorably constructed world.
An excellent story written by a great story-teller. The momentum builds incessantly to the incredible conclusion. DePaoli uses terrific descriptive techniques that allow the reader to use all senses in their interpretation of the amazing scenes that make up this memorably constructed world.
August 29, 2019
Ascension The Complete Trilogy
I would have given this story a five star rating, but the second book was a little slow for me. I am glad that I continued to read because the story picked up speed. Book three gave me all I was looking for and then some. I don't like to give spoilers. Please read this series. You won't be disappointed I recommend this series.
I would have given this story a five star rating, but the second book was a little slow for me. I am glad that I continued to read because the story picked up speed. Book three gave me all I was looking for and then some. I don't like to give spoilers. Please read this series. You won't be disappointed I recommend this series.
October 10, 2019
Brilliant Trilogy, excellent rwad
The story arcs through the books leaving you wanting to read more with every chapter. The story is slow to unfold, but comes to a brilliant conclusion. A great read and one to get in hardcover as you'll want to read it again and pass it down to your family. Strong female characters, great plot and unique ideas!
The story arcs through the books leaving you wanting to read more with every chapter. The story is slow to unfold, but comes to a brilliant conclusion. A great read and one to get in hardcover as you'll want to read it again and pass it down to your family. Strong female characters, great plot and unique ideas!
June 8, 2020
A lengthy read but worth it.
While it took me far longer to read this trilogy than most, it was worth it. The plot was complex and the characters well=crafted. They faces a variety of challenges and the outcomes were never predictable. In the end, though, all the lose ends were wrapped up in a way that was satisfactory to me.
While it took me far longer to read this trilogy than most, it was worth it. The plot was complex and the characters well=crafted. They faces a variety of challenges and the outcomes were never predictable. In the end, though, all the lose ends were wrapped up in a way that was satisfactory to me.
November 26, 2018
Very Good
I liked this trilogy, characters were consistent and it was a unique twist on a fantasy series. The final book made it all come together. I would recommend it to people who like this genre of books and look forward to reading more from this author.
I liked this trilogy, characters were consistent and it was a unique twist on a fantasy series. The final book made it all come together. I would recommend it to people who like this genre of books and look forward to reading more from this author.
December 13, 2018
Different twist for this set. I thoroughly enjoyed this approach. Thank you for writing this !
Easy to follow plots. Fun reading ! I definitely suggest this set for others! Many others will enjoy the smooth transitions.
Easy to follow plots. Fun reading ! I definitely suggest this set for others! Many others will enjoy the smooth transitions.
January 4, 2019
Great triology ending a matter of taste
The World was interesting and first two books captivating. The third book and especially the ending dermed rushed and yet drawn out to med. Still very much recommended read
The World was interesting and first two books captivating. The third book and especially the ending dermed rushed and yet drawn out to med. Still very much recommended read
February 14, 2019
Excellent and immersive
Amazing what can I say, simply a wonder to read. I highly recommend this to all fantasy lovers. A rich and captivating story, with characters that come to life right off the pages.
Amazing what can I say, simply a wonder to read. I highly recommend this to all fantasy lovers. A rich and captivating story, with characters that come to life right off the pages.
January 21, 2019
Different
Of your looking for a different type of story, this is it. A little hard to follow at times, but still worth the read. Unusual characters, a whole new world, and a whole new fight for their world. Enjoy!
Of your looking for a different type of story, this is it. A little hard to follow at times, but still worth the read. Unusual characters, a whole new world, and a whole new fight for their world. Enjoy!
February 28, 2019
Great read!!
I read this on a whim and I’m so glad I did!! As a voracious reader of scifi/fantasy I can say this trilogy is engrossing, exciting and brilliantly written. Definitely worth the time spent!
I read this on a whim and I’m so glad I did!! As a voracious reader of scifi/fantasy I can say this trilogy is engrossing, exciting and brilliantly written. Definitely worth the time spent!
May 27, 2019
Mistborn meets Hunger Games
Think Mistborn, but with runes. Then drop it in the world of the Hunger Games, but just the district idea. This was a good read, and kept me intrigued from start to finish. Definitely worth it.
Think Mistborn, but with runes. Then drop it in the world of the Hunger Games, but just the district idea. This was a good read, and kept me intrigued from start to finish. Definitely worth it.
June 1, 2019
Different
I really liked the series. I started slow, but by the end, I couldn't put the book down. The story was good and a little confusing. You had to keep reading, so you could reach the finish. I will read Justin's other books. ☺😊
I really liked the series. I started slow, but by the end, I couldn't put the book down. The story was good and a little confusing. You had to keep reading, so you could reach the finish. I will read Justin's other books. ☺😊
June 18, 2019
A different fantasy perspective
A unique world . An intriguing story that shall keep you up late into the night wanting to continue more. I truly hope the author returns to this world one day.
A unique world . An intriguing story that shall keep you up late into the night wanting to continue more. I truly hope the author returns to this world one day.
July 11, 2019
Entertaining
Different characters from the usual trolls,orks,and elves ice varieties of relationships.A nice read at a different pace .I would of liked some characters a little more fleshed out, but that is how I like them not everyone does.
Different characters from the usual trolls,orks,and elves ice varieties of relationships.A nice read at a different pace .I would of liked some characters a little more fleshed out, but that is how I like them not everyone does.
Read
September 17, 2019Good, clean read!
The storyline was very good. There was good flow from one book to the next. Some areas were a little confusing at first, but the author seems to like the late reveal. Maybe it’s revealed to him as he writes, as well. I definitely would recommend it.
The storyline was very good. There was good flow from one book to the next. Some areas were a little confusing at first, but the author seems to like the late reveal. Maybe it’s revealed to him as he writes, as well. I definitely would recommend it.
February 2, 2020
Brilliant
I give this trilogy 5 stars. I found it hard not to read these amazing books. Each chapter goes back and forth between the characters. Keeps you on the edge of your seat as you feel you are part of the action.
I give this trilogy 5 stars. I found it hard not to read these amazing books. Each chapter goes back and forth between the characters. Keeps you on the edge of your seat as you feel you are part of the action.
April 17, 2023
Fast paced and detailed
Well written with lots of different beings, people and lands. Lots of detail in the descriptions but not so much that it is boring and slows down the story. The additional comments, descriptions and notes makes for a great read.
Well written with lots of different beings, people and lands. Lots of detail in the descriptions but not so much that it is boring and slows down the story. The additional comments, descriptions and notes makes for a great read.
December 2, 2018
Smooth Read
Found that the characters were interesting and thoughtful. Found myself liking the oddest of side characters. Enjoyed the trilogy and would read this author again.
Found that the characters were interesting and thoughtful. Found myself liking the oddest of side characters. Enjoyed the trilogy and would read this author again.
December 2, 2018
Wonderful
Characters like you could only wish or something about the how,who ,which and where ! It will take you on a grand adventure!
Characters like you could only wish or something about the how,who ,which and where ! It will take you on a grand adventure!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews