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The Ascension Cycle #3
Chains of the Earth
With its memorable characters, vivid world-building and unique magic systems, Chains of the Earth
The Divide has fallen, and the armies of the Jun swarm across the world. The ancient compact of Life and Death has been breached and Sarine and her companions find themselves overwhelmed, assaulted on all sides by Death's champions.
As the cities of the New and Old Worlds burn, Sarine finds herself isolated, defeated, and alone. Yet there is hope. If she can learn the true nature of the magic of the Soul of the World, she can make a final stand against Death, to challenge him and remove his grip on the world's heart.
To find the truth, she must journey among peoples excluded from the ancient compact, rallying their strength, wielding every strain of magic in the world in a final battle between what is, and what might be.
The Divide has fallen, and the armies of the Jun swarm across the world. The ancient compact of Life and Death has been breached and Sarine and her companions find themselves overwhelmed, assaulted on all sides by Death's champions.
As the cities of the New and Old Worlds burn, Sarine finds herself isolated, defeated, and alone. Yet there is hope. If she can learn the true nature of the magic of the Soul of the World, she can make a final stand against Death, to challenge him and remove his grip on the world's heart.
To find the truth, she must journey among peoples excluded from the ancient compact, rallying their strength, wielding every strain of magic in the world in a final battle between what is, and what might be.
791 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2023
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261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 17, 2023
English ⤵️
Et voilà ... C'est la fin 😥🥹💗
Je suis dévasté. Je n'aurais plus d'autres romans dans cet univers. Il me restera les relectures.
Quelle aventure ! Je serai honnête, c'est une série complexe et dense et ce troisième tome est dans la même veine. Ce n'était pas toujours facile à suivre mais je sais que Mealing nous donne au final les infos un peu plus tard. Il faut accepter de ne pas tout comprendre sur le moment.
Je pleure mes personnages préférés. Je pleure cet univers. Je pleure le brillant cerveau de Mealing mais espère lire d'autres romans de l'auteur !
C'était juste incroyable !
The Ascension Cycle est une série tellement sous-estimée 😭, elle n'est pas parfaite à tout point de vue mais qu'importe ! Mealing n'a rien a envier a Sanderson par exemple et si vous aimez Roshar et PoudreMages de McClellan, il n'y a pas de raison pour que vous ne puissiez pas aimer cette série
Sachez juste que l'auteur ne vous tient pas par la main.
J'ai été dévasté à de multiples reprises ici. Totalement surpris par le tour que prend l'histoire a un moment, même si j'avais quelques doutes depuis le tome 2 ! Du génie !
J'ai le coeur en miette. Je veux retourner dans ce monde, je veux vivre auprès des tribus et maîtriser leur magie. Je veux combattre auprès de Sarine, Arak'Jur, Corenna, Erris,Tigai et Yuli. Je veux voir les Kaas de mes propres yeux et toucher L'Âme du Monde.
Un savant mélange d'Epic Fantasy, de Gunpowder Flintlock, avec une touche d'uchronie et de Science-Fantasy et... Non eurocentrée 👏 bravo maître Mealing !
Je n'ai jamais rien lu de pareil !!
Merci David Mealing, Merci OrbitBook UK.
The Ascension Cycle est l'une de mes séries préférées 💖
And that's it ... This is the end 😥🥹💗
I'm devastated. I won't have any more novels in this universe. I'll just have to reread them.
What an adventure! I'll be honest, this is a complex and dense series and this third volume is in the same vein. It wasn't always easy to follow, but I know that in the end, Mealing gives us the information a little later on. You have to accept that you don't understand everything at the time.
I weep for my favorite characters. I weep for this universe. I weep for Mealing's brilliant brain but hope to read more of the author's novels!
It was just incredible!
The Ascension Cycle is such an underrated series 😭, it's not perfect in every way but who cares! Mealing has nothing to envy Sanderson, for example, and if you like Roshar and McClellan's PowderMages, there's no reason you can't love this series!
Just know that the author doesn't hold you by the hand.
I was devastated on multiple occasions here. Totally surprised by the turn the story takes at one point, even though I'd had my doubts since Volume 2! Genius!
My heart's in my mouth. I want to return to this world, I want to live with the tribes and master their magic. I want to fight with Sarine, Arak'Jur, Corenna, Erris, Tigai and Yuli. I want to see the Kaas with my own eyes and touch the Soul of the World.
A clever blend of Epic Fantasy, Gunpowder Flintlock, with a touch of uchrony and Science-Fantasy and... Non-Eurocentric 👏 bravo master Mealing!
I've never read anything like it!!!
Thank you David Mealing, thank you OrbitBook UK.
The Ascension Cycle is one of my favorite series 💖
Et voilà ... C'est la fin 😥🥹💗
Je suis dévasté. Je n'aurais plus d'autres romans dans cet univers. Il me restera les relectures.
Quelle aventure ! Je serai honnête, c'est une série complexe et dense et ce troisième tome est dans la même veine. Ce n'était pas toujours facile à suivre mais je sais que Mealing nous donne au final les infos un peu plus tard. Il faut accepter de ne pas tout comprendre sur le moment.
Je pleure mes personnages préférés. Je pleure cet univers. Je pleure le brillant cerveau de Mealing mais espère lire d'autres romans de l'auteur !
C'était juste incroyable !
The Ascension Cycle est une série tellement sous-estimée 😭, elle n'est pas parfaite à tout point de vue mais qu'importe ! Mealing n'a rien a envier a Sanderson par exemple et si vous aimez Roshar et PoudreMages de McClellan, il n'y a pas de raison pour que vous ne puissiez pas aimer cette série
Sachez juste que l'auteur ne vous tient pas par la main.
J'ai été dévasté à de multiples reprises ici. Totalement surpris par le tour que prend l'histoire a un moment, même si j'avais quelques doutes depuis le tome 2 ! Du génie !
J'ai le coeur en miette. Je veux retourner dans ce monde, je veux vivre auprès des tribus et maîtriser leur magie. Je veux combattre auprès de Sarine, Arak'Jur, Corenna, Erris,Tigai et Yuli. Je veux voir les Kaas de mes propres yeux et toucher L'Âme du Monde.
Un savant mélange d'Epic Fantasy, de Gunpowder Flintlock, avec une touche d'uchronie et de Science-Fantasy et... Non eurocentrée 👏 bravo maître Mealing !
Je n'ai jamais rien lu de pareil !!
Merci David Mealing, Merci OrbitBook UK.
The Ascension Cycle est l'une de mes séries préférées 💖
And that's it ... This is the end 😥🥹💗
I'm devastated. I won't have any more novels in this universe. I'll just have to reread them.
What an adventure! I'll be honest, this is a complex and dense series and this third volume is in the same vein. It wasn't always easy to follow, but I know that in the end, Mealing gives us the information a little later on. You have to accept that you don't understand everything at the time.
I weep for my favorite characters. I weep for this universe. I weep for Mealing's brilliant brain but hope to read more of the author's novels!
It was just incredible!
The Ascension Cycle is such an underrated series 😭, it's not perfect in every way but who cares! Mealing has nothing to envy Sanderson, for example, and if you like Roshar and McClellan's PowderMages, there's no reason you can't love this series!
Just know that the author doesn't hold you by the hand.
I was devastated on multiple occasions here. Totally surprised by the turn the story takes at one point, even though I'd had my doubts since Volume 2! Genius!
My heart's in my mouth. I want to return to this world, I want to live with the tribes and master their magic. I want to fight with Sarine, Arak'Jur, Corenna, Erris, Tigai and Yuli. I want to see the Kaas with my own eyes and touch the Soul of the World.
A clever blend of Epic Fantasy, Gunpowder Flintlock, with a touch of uchrony and Science-Fantasy and... Non-Eurocentric 👏 bravo master Mealing!
I've never read anything like it!!!
Thank you David Mealing, thank you OrbitBook UK.
The Ascension Cycle is one of my favorite series 💖
December 11, 2023
This book took some time in coming but glad I have the chance to finish the journey. I regret not doing a reread of Blood of the Gods before reading this book though. I really didn't remember that book to well and that affected my enjoyment of reading this book somewhat. This final book in the trilogy was long and the cast of characters was sort of overwhelming in some ways. I think a reread will be needed to fully experience and enjoy this series. This is undertaking that could be intimidating for some, but it is one that could be a very fun time. The story was a little convoluted and confusing at times but it's time well spent figuring ti all out. There are so many little surprises that happen throughout this story that make this book and series a great read. I loved all the different magic systems and action. I did not care for Erris in this book but I think I liked her more in the first book and as I don't really remember the second book that much. Sarine was my favorite character in the entire series I think. The cast of characters I am sure there will be those who readers will love and hate as well. This is series a that is not simple and easy to read in some ways but well worth it to try. Look forward to doing a reread in the future.
September 20, 2024
A thrilling conclusion to a series flying under the radar for a lot of people. Once again, Mealing excels at building a world in which multiple magic systems clash. Continuing from where Blood of the Gods left off, it immediately blasts off into action (which, admittedly, took some effort from my side since its been a while since I read part 2).
Well-crafted action scenes by beloved characters is where this book shines, with flashy magic and cool new enemies. Very solid and satisfying ending.
However, there is a small miscontent I have with this book. Someone else already pointed it out in the reviews, but its almost too much. So much happens in this book that at times the pacing feels frantic, for lack of a better word. Some events could use more space to breathe, or, like someone already suggested, the book could be two books.
Aside from this the book is great and the series finale is representative of the series overall. Highly recommended!!!
Well-crafted action scenes by beloved characters is where this book shines, with flashy magic and cool new enemies. Very solid and satisfying ending.
However, there is a small miscontent I have with this book. Someone else already pointed it out in the reviews, but its almost too much. So much happens in this book that at times the pacing feels frantic, for lack of a better word. Some events could use more space to breathe, or, like someone already suggested, the book could be two books.
Aside from this the book is great and the series finale is representative of the series overall. Highly recommended!!!
December 27, 2023
4.5*s.
I have been a fan of The Ascension Cycle series from the very first book, due to originality and complexity, as well as its last host of likeable, well-written characters, and Chains of the Earth does not disappoint.
Mealing does a wonderful job of writing characters that are wholly distinct from each other, that are not only likeable but also realistically flawed (rather than adding a faux flaw like overconfidence in an attempt to complexify the character, which can often be seen). This is most obvious with many of the characters' interactions, where they do no necessarily get on perfectly (Sarine and Erris are a prime example here). This deftness of characterisation is well-accompanied with the quality of Mealing's prose, which balances the fine-line between being artistic but also functional for a fantasy series.
Beyond characters and writing, Chains of the Earth provides a complex, satisying end to the series. It hugely expands the universe (as did Blood of Gods compared to Soul of the World), marking Mealing as one of the great worldbuilders of fantasy writing out there, defintely comparable to Sanderson. In fact, it is so on the complex side that it's easy to get a bit lost with the story, but never enough to lose interest. In fact, I think it just the sort of series that gets better with rereads, rather than more boring.
However, I do have one flaw. It feels like this instalment could have been split into two. It feels incredible dense and, while it never felt rushed, it seemed to me that the final part could have been extended. . Not necessarily a criticism as I'm technically asking for another book in the series, and my enjoyment of the book was not affected by this, but I certainly think it would have been slightly beneficial to do this.
Nonetheless, The Ascension Cycle series is definitely a triumph, particularly from a debut author, and the ending leaves it somewhat open for a follow up series. Whether Mealing releases this in the future, or a completely new series, I will be eagerly awaiting anything new from him.
I have been a fan of The Ascension Cycle series from the very first book, due to originality and complexity, as well as its last host of likeable, well-written characters, and Chains of the Earth does not disappoint.
Mealing does a wonderful job of writing characters that are wholly distinct from each other, that are not only likeable but also realistically flawed (rather than adding a faux flaw like overconfidence in an attempt to complexify the character, which can often be seen). This is most obvious with many of the characters' interactions, where they do no necessarily get on perfectly (Sarine and Erris are a prime example here). This deftness of characterisation is well-accompanied with the quality of Mealing's prose, which balances the fine-line between being artistic but also functional for a fantasy series.
Beyond characters and writing, Chains of the Earth provides a complex, satisying end to the series. It hugely expands the universe (as did Blood of Gods compared to Soul of the World), marking Mealing as one of the great worldbuilders of fantasy writing out there, defintely comparable to Sanderson. In fact, it is so on the complex side that it's easy to get a bit lost with the story, but never enough to lose interest. In fact, I think it just the sort of series that gets better with rereads, rather than more boring.
However, I do have one flaw. It feels like this instalment could have been split into two. It feels incredible dense and, while it never felt rushed, it seemed to me that the final part could have been extended. . Not necessarily a criticism as I'm technically asking for another book in the series, and my enjoyment of the book was not affected by this, but I certainly think it would have been slightly beneficial to do this.
Nonetheless, The Ascension Cycle series is definitely a triumph, particularly from a debut author, and the ending leaves it somewhat open for a follow up series. Whether Mealing releases this in the future, or a completely new series, I will be eagerly awaiting anything new from him.
February 17, 2024
Amazing series. Once again I am blown away by the fact that every one of the different characters and their respective magic systems could have been an entire series unto themselves. I'm glad they weren't, so that I got to read the whole story in a relatively short time, but this could have been 5-10 stand alone books (or even trilogies) that then culminated into what we have here. We could have had several books about Arak'Jur and his people, more about Tigai and that entire side of the world (and more if he felt like it), each with completely distinct magic systems as well. I wouldn't be alive by the time Mealing finished it I think, but there is so much history in these three books.
I want to give credit as well for not going with the easy ending that I expected when starting the first book. Or the second. Or third, etc. So many times in this final book I thought we had to be nearing the end of the story, but my Kindle said I still had a long ways to go! And even with all that blue-balling, the eventual ending was perfect. Well done, it was refreshing to see something different for a change, yet something that also made sense.
I really have nothing negative to say about this series at all. There was literally ONE paragraph that I didn't care for in the entire series, which got a tiny tiny tiny bit into politics, but that was it. And of course that paragraph was still no big deal even if it hadn't been about one-one millionth of the total words.
I cannot recommend this series enough. I wish there were more like it; great and memorable characters, great world mechanics, and a great ending...all without making me wait through endless padding books to get there because the author/publisher decided they could milk some more money if they stretched it out. Nothing in this series felt like it wasn't needed for the story, and I appreciate that.
I'd love to see something like an Amazon Prime series made from these, but the budget would be monstrous I think. I mean, I don't think Arak'Jur pooped without mareh'et's blessing :p
I want to give credit as well for not going with the easy ending that I expected when starting the first book. Or the second. Or third, etc. So many times in this final book I thought we had to be nearing the end of the story, but my Kindle said I still had a long ways to go! And even with all that blue-balling, the eventual ending was perfect. Well done, it was refreshing to see something different for a change, yet something that also made sense.
I really have nothing negative to say about this series at all. There was literally ONE paragraph that I didn't care for in the entire series, which got a tiny tiny tiny bit into politics, but that was it. And of course that paragraph was still no big deal even if it hadn't been about one-one millionth of the total words.
I cannot recommend this series enough. I wish there were more like it; great and memorable characters, great world mechanics, and a great ending...all without making me wait through endless padding books to get there because the author/publisher decided they could milk some more money if they stretched it out. Nothing in this series felt like it wasn't needed for the story, and I appreciate that.
I'd love to see something like an Amazon Prime series made from these, but the budget would be monstrous I think. I mean, I don't think Arak'Jur pooped without mareh'et's blessing :p
Read
March 4, 2025A great final instalment. Some thoughts:
- Mealing pulls out the trick again - we (again) find out that That caught me a little by surprise - I didn't expect that so late in the series - but I certainly enjoyed the chapters about .
- Again, the sheer diversity of magic systems amazed me.
- This book really could have been (and might have been better as) two books - the end of Part Two is a very natural breaking point (though in that case I might have been annoyed at the cliffhanger).
- I appreciate the intent to create flawed protagonists, but Erris really did get on my nerves. I chalked up not liking her chapters in the earlier books to the militaristic focus, but really, I'm now realising it's just because she's so full of herself and dismissive of everyone else.
- Sarine suffered from the opposite problem: full of heart, but not a strategic bone in her body. At so many points in this book, I just wished she would stop and think about the consequences of what she was trying to do. (Marquand was right when he pointed out that .)
- Tigai was a clear favourite for me, and I was happy whenever his POV chapters came (or when he appeared on page) - .
In conclusion: great series; I look forward to whatever Mealing might produce in the future.
- Mealing pulls out the trick again - we (again) find out that That caught me a little by surprise - I didn't expect that so late in the series - but I certainly enjoyed the chapters about .
- Again, the sheer diversity of magic systems amazed me.
- This book really could have been (and might have been better as) two books - the end of Part Two is a very natural breaking point (though in that case I might have been annoyed at the cliffhanger).
- I appreciate the intent to create flawed protagonists, but Erris really did get on my nerves. I chalked up not liking her chapters in the earlier books to the militaristic focus, but really, I'm now realising it's just because she's so full of herself and dismissive of everyone else.
- Sarine suffered from the opposite problem: full of heart, but not a strategic bone in her body. At so many points in this book, I just wished she would stop and think about the consequences of what she was trying to do. (Marquand was right when he pointed out that .)
- Tigai was a clear favourite for me, and I was happy whenever his POV chapters came (or when he appeared on page) - .
In conclusion: great series; I look forward to whatever Mealing might produce in the future.
December 27, 2023
I need to read the rest of the series but this one was a gripping, fast paced and epic novel.
Great world builinding, excellent storytelling
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great world builinding, excellent storytelling
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 18, 2025
Don't have time for a long review, but this is a good ending. It could benefit from a bit of a word diet, but overall this has been a good series that I enjoyed.
July 12, 2025
I think the ending got way too complicated.
February 20, 2025
Je suis de retour, et pas pour vous jouer un mauvais tour, mais pour vous parler d'une trilogie coup de cœur :
The Ascension Cycle écrite par David Mealing.
Je ne peux vous en parler en détail par peur de spoiler mais voici ce que je peux vous dire :
Un univers de gunpowder tellement dense et riche à la fois mais qui mérite réellement le détour.
Un système de magie complexe car nous en trouvons en réalité plusieurs dans un même univers, des systèmes originaux et différents à la fois, se basant sur les esprits ou encore les flux d'énergie.
Chaque fin de tome laisse sans voix.
Les personnages complexes et très humains ainsi que les relations qu'ils tissent entre eux se développent et s'approfondissent de tome en tome.
Et Sarine 💕
Des scènes épiques où se mêlent magie et armes à feu.
Une intrigue qui vous tient en haleine du début à la fin (et ces révélations dans le tome 3 m'ont bluffée, je ne m'y attendais tellement pas).
Bref, si vous y lisez en anglais, jetez vous dessus, vous ne le regretterez pas.
Et merci encore Rémi @l_encre_de_la_magie pour la découverte !
The Ascension Cycle écrite par David Mealing.
Je ne peux vous en parler en détail par peur de spoiler mais voici ce que je peux vous dire :
Un univers de gunpowder tellement dense et riche à la fois mais qui mérite réellement le détour.
Un système de magie complexe car nous en trouvons en réalité plusieurs dans un même univers, des systèmes originaux et différents à la fois, se basant sur les esprits ou encore les flux d'énergie.
Chaque fin de tome laisse sans voix.
Les personnages complexes et très humains ainsi que les relations qu'ils tissent entre eux se développent et s'approfondissent de tome en tome.
Et Sarine 💕
Des scènes épiques où se mêlent magie et armes à feu.
Une intrigue qui vous tient en haleine du début à la fin (et ces révélations dans le tome 3 m'ont bluffée, je ne m'y attendais tellement pas).
Bref, si vous y lisez en anglais, jetez vous dessus, vous ne le regretterez pas.
Et merci encore Rémi @l_encre_de_la_magie pour la découverte !
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews