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Books of the Ascendant #1
Fatedancer
For one hundred and forty-three cycles, humankind has been the playthings of the gods. Monsters spawn in endless swarms across the countryside, dungeons full of treasure lure the unprepared to their doom, and adventurers squabble amongst each other in a constant battle for supremacy. Whoever holds the highest score when the cycle ends is granted immortality, but only if you can live long enough to seize the prize.
Luf Corent doesn’t care about dungeons or immortality, only with ensuring that he and his sister continue to survive for another day. Unfortunately, when you’re the lowest-ranked member of the weakest guild in the city, life isn’t exactly glamorous. Luf’s future doesn’t hold much beyond killing sewer rats and avoiding the attention of the guild’s more elite members.
However, when a twist of fate makes Luf the most sought-after person on the continent, he quickly discovers there is more to being an adventurer than just killing rats. In order to survive to the cycle’s end he’ll need the help of the man who almost won the last ascension tournament, but that help might just be more dangerous than the people who are looking for him. Especially when it seems as if even the divines themselves are taking an interest in this tournament’s results.
After all, when the gods play their games, it’s always humanity that loses…
FATEDANCER is the first in a new LitRPG series. Check out the beginning of this epic journey today!
Luf Corent doesn’t care about dungeons or immortality, only with ensuring that he and his sister continue to survive for another day. Unfortunately, when you’re the lowest-ranked member of the weakest guild in the city, life isn’t exactly glamorous. Luf’s future doesn’t hold much beyond killing sewer rats and avoiding the attention of the guild’s more elite members.
However, when a twist of fate makes Luf the most sought-after person on the continent, he quickly discovers there is more to being an adventurer than just killing rats. In order to survive to the cycle’s end he’ll need the help of the man who almost won the last ascension tournament, but that help might just be more dangerous than the people who are looking for him. Especially when it seems as if even the divines themselves are taking an interest in this tournament’s results.
After all, when the gods play their games, it’s always humanity that loses…
FATEDANCER is the first in a new LitRPG series. Check out the beginning of this epic journey today!
615 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2020
100 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Francis James Blair
14 books15 followersJames is an accountant living in Eastern Washington. He started writing in 2015 after a dream left a story in his head that he couldn’t make go away. He’s been typing at the keyboard furiously ever since, and probably won’t stop until sometime around noon on the day of his funeral.
His current published works include the Bulletproof Witch Series, the Books of the Ascendant, as well as a short story titled ‘For Want of a Sword’ in the Roll of the Dice III anthology.
His current published works include the Bulletproof Witch Series, the Books of the Ascendant, as well as a short story titled ‘For Want of a Sword’ in the Roll of the Dice III anthology.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 22, 2021
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
November 18, 2020
Love the Bulletproof Witch series and now there’s another great series by the same author. I haven’t read much LitRPG before, but I could see myself digging it. Very much felt like I was having a video game narrated to me. Blair is great at making his worlds seem real and I can’t wait to explore more of Sinstarra.
January 3, 2021
Pretty weak
This book is a mess. First of all. The main character is in idiot. He’s incredibly impulsive. He never stops to think before acting. Somehow he always makes the wrong decisions. He doesn’t listen, pay attention, or learn from his mistakes. He’s clumsy, bad tempered, and ungrateful. Did I mention that he’s an idiot. There’s literally nothing special about him.
Additionally, the LitRPG elements are very poorly defined. It’s very unclear how one gains experience to level up and what the benefits of leveling up are. Also every 10 years everyone reverts to level one. That seems pretty dumb.
The writing itself isn’t terrible. The other characters are fine. The MC just happens to have no redeeming qualities and gameplay rules are very weak. I stoped at the 80% mark. I couldn’t take anymore.
This book is a mess. First of all. The main character is in idiot. He’s incredibly impulsive. He never stops to think before acting. Somehow he always makes the wrong decisions. He doesn’t listen, pay attention, or learn from his mistakes. He’s clumsy, bad tempered, and ungrateful. Did I mention that he’s an idiot. There’s literally nothing special about him.
Additionally, the LitRPG elements are very poorly defined. It’s very unclear how one gains experience to level up and what the benefits of leveling up are. Also every 10 years everyone reverts to level one. That seems pretty dumb.
The writing itself isn’t terrible. The other characters are fine. The MC just happens to have no redeeming qualities and gameplay rules are very weak. I stoped at the 80% mark. I couldn’t take anymore.
January 5, 2021
Exciting Series Start
A welcome addition to the LitRPG genre.
With a simple but well-defined system of classes enjoyable for newcomers and veterans alike.
The world of Fatedancer is small but there are small tidbits of world building that speak of the larger world. I expect the map to be of greater use in the sequel.
The setting is a refreshing take with it's blend of fantasy and modern technology.
A welcome addition to the LitRPG genre.
With a simple but well-defined system of classes enjoyable for newcomers and veterans alike.
The world of Fatedancer is small but there are small tidbits of world building that speak of the larger world. I expect the map to be of greater use in the sequel.
The setting is a refreshing take with it's blend of fantasy and modern technology.
December 24, 2020
What a fun story
I like this story in a lot of ways, but I think the main reason is that the story is fun. It reads as an action adventure novel with litrpg / stats for the main characters - so it gamification some things, but largely entertains with the adventure romp the whole way through.
I look forward to book 2.
I like this story in a lot of ways, but I think the main reason is that the story is fun. It reads as an action adventure novel with litrpg / stats for the main characters - so it gamification some things, but largely entertains with the adventure romp the whole way through.
I look forward to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews