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The Ascendant Path #1
The Ascendant Path - Scholar
Alos .
A world divided between the free lands of the North and the twisted lands of the South. Under the watchful eye of Sartum, the Unsundered, the North prospers. Free of the stink and corruption of magic, thanks to the Anchors, an ancient order that can absorb and destroy that evil force.
On the other side, lies the south. A wild place, full of magic, and terror. The only real areas of stability are those of the non-humans... the Trinil, the Gorom, the mysterious Leuh, and mix of even rarer and unknown creatures.
Layten Grayread thirsts to know what it all is. He dreams of one day being a Scholar, a full graduate of the House of Knowledge, helping the free lands of the North keep the evil of magic and it’s creatures at bay. His dreams become real, and it’s everything he’s ever wanted…
Until with his friends Hopwell and Wix, the discovery of a walled off secret library, with heretical books and journals thrusts them all into a dangerous and unprecedented path.
Layten just wanted to be a Scholar… and he’s about to discover that knowledge has a price.
Praise for 'The Ascendant Path'
Absorbing Fantasy -" I enjoyed this first book in "The Ascendant Path" series. The world building was fascinating. I liked the retiring character of Layten Grayread, who was portrayed differently than the usual hero."
"A well developed world, well written story, and a plot that moves at a great pace!"
A world divided between the free lands of the North and the twisted lands of the South. Under the watchful eye of Sartum, the Unsundered, the North prospers. Free of the stink and corruption of magic, thanks to the Anchors, an ancient order that can absorb and destroy that evil force.
On the other side, lies the south. A wild place, full of magic, and terror. The only real areas of stability are those of the non-humans... the Trinil, the Gorom, the mysterious Leuh, and mix of even rarer and unknown creatures.
Layten Grayread thirsts to know what it all is. He dreams of one day being a Scholar, a full graduate of the House of Knowledge, helping the free lands of the North keep the evil of magic and it’s creatures at bay. His dreams become real, and it’s everything he’s ever wanted…
Until with his friends Hopwell and Wix, the discovery of a walled off secret library, with heretical books and journals thrusts them all into a dangerous and unprecedented path.
Layten just wanted to be a Scholar… and he’s about to discover that knowledge has a price.
Praise for 'The Ascendant Path'
Absorbing Fantasy -" I enjoyed this first book in "The Ascendant Path" series. The world building was fascinating. I liked the retiring character of Layten Grayread, who was portrayed differently than the usual hero."
"A well developed world, well written story, and a plot that moves at a great pace!"
- GenresFantasy
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2022
90 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Joshua C. Cook
36 books47 followersBorn and Raised in Sunny (sometimes) Florida, I grew up in a house of readers. I've always been into good Sci-Fi, fantasy, and technology. In fact I ended up somehow working in the IT field for the last 13 years.
One of the things that surprised me about my career was the interaction of people with technology. How blindly trusting people are of whatever the computer says on it, regardless if what it's saying is even possible.
When I decided to write, I chose to play in the space of the interaction between people and technology, and reality vs. perception.
One of the things that surprised me about my career was the interaction of people with technology. How blindly trusting people are of whatever the computer says on it, regardless if what it's saying is even possible.
When I decided to write, I chose to play in the space of the interaction between people and technology, and reality vs. perception.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 10, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It started with a very familiar set up - a sheltered boy from a remote small town who is just a little different get picked up and taken to an amazing school. But this is no academy book or Harry Potter. In fact, despite the unavoidable necessity of magic for a few select purposes, most people in the region, and our MC Layten Grayread in particular are quite anti-magic. This is not a magic school. I liked the way his relationships developed with his roommates too - not what I was expecting - and the way their various strengths and backgrounds led to then unraveling the mystery they stumbled on.
That said, this is a fantasy book, and magic does feature prominently - just not conventionally. The whole thing has a... is this magic or post-apocalyptic tech or steam punk or??? feel to it that mixes a soft, not well defined magic system in a rather feudal feeling society with technology in a seamless way.
This is the beginning of a new series that is a sequel of sorts to The Forgemaster Cycle. There are references to people and events from the Forgemaster Cycle which would be spoilers if you haven't read that series yet, but it is not necessary to read it to enjoy The Ascendant Path. In fact, it in some ways it almost makes it a more fun read not to have the long past historical background because then you are figuring it out and piecing it together right along with the MC Layten Grayread. As the first book in a series, expect it to end with rather dramatic hook for the next book. This does tell the full story of a chapter in Layton's life - so not a cliff hanger per se, but lucky for you book 2 is out already!
That said, this is a fantasy book, and magic does feature prominently - just not conventionally. The whole thing has a... is this magic or post-apocalyptic tech or steam punk or??? feel to it that mixes a soft, not well defined magic system in a rather feudal feeling society with technology in a seamless way.
This is the beginning of a new series that is a sequel of sorts to The Forgemaster Cycle. There are references to people and events from the Forgemaster Cycle which would be spoilers if you haven't read that series yet, but it is not necessary to read it to enjoy The Ascendant Path. In fact, it in some ways it almost makes it a more fun read not to have the long past historical background because then you are figuring it out and piecing it together right along with the MC Layten Grayread. As the first book in a series, expect it to end with rather dramatic hook for the next book. This does tell the full story of a chapter in Layton's life - so not a cliff hanger per se, but lucky for you book 2 is out already!
April 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. It starts with Layten, a boy from a small village, who is chosen to become a scholar and study at the House of Knowledge. This is pretty standard Fantasy, but once he arrives at the House of Knowledge, that's when the fun begins. I really enjoyed his relationships with Hopwell and Wix! The banter was priceless! I also appreciate the different backgrounds the characters represent and how differently they react to their situations, yet all band together as friends no matter their status. The magic system and the general lore of the world are well thought out and unique. I love how magic isn't used for everything. It is sacred and must be used by necessity, rather than convenience lest one dishonor the gods. The last few chapters in the hidden library are full of action and make you excited to continue the series! The narration of this book is also very well done, with distinct voices for each character and tones that are easy to follow.
December 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book but it means I definitely need to get the next book. I would say the story is a bit slow and not much happens but thinking back actually a lot does happen and I never got board and wished it would end. The author is introducing the characters and setting up the plot for the next book, so don't expect a conclusion or all the questions answered in this book. I hope it isn't going to be long before the next book because it was just about to get really exciting. While it was not necessary to have read the previous series it was fun to recognise names mentioned. I liked the characters and can feel the friendship forming as the story progresses, I just hope they all make it to the end. I can't wait to see.
Layten leaves everything he has ever know and cared for in order to become a scholar but first he and his protectors must travel to the House of Knowledge avoiding strange creatures and magic. Once he arrives at the school life becomes even harder and he wonders if he has made a mistake. Joined by his two roommates, Layten hopes to learn the secrets behind the lies that they grown up believing in.
I liked the narrator. He helped capture the listener and kept them hooked until the very end.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Layten leaves everything he has ever know and cared for in order to become a scholar but first he and his protectors must travel to the House of Knowledge avoiding strange creatures and magic. Once he arrives at the school life becomes even harder and he wonders if he has made a mistake. Joined by his two roommates, Layten hopes to learn the secrets behind the lies that they grown up believing in.
I liked the narrator. He helped capture the listener and kept them hooked until the very end.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 20, 2022
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this an honest review. Narrated wonderfully by David Gurney brings to life an epic, harrowing journey for Layten Grayread as his life is turned upside down the moment this finds out he is destined to become a scholar at the House of Knowledge, delivered there by an mysterious Anchor and his two Protestors. Just getting to the House plunges Layten into seeing the dangerous world of magic he despises along with witnessing just how much the Anchor has to sacrifice when taking on such dark magical creatures. That's what makes this book such an amazing adventure is it beautifully immerses you into the world Layten and his friends discovers within the House that's filled with mystery and one heck of a battle between two monstrous Guardians. But it's also looks deep into how that taking on dark magic has stark consequences for the Anchors that it gives the story a gritty edge that your can't forget. A very great way to begin a series- highly recommended.
January 4, 2023
The Ascendant Path - Scholar, my sixth read from author Joshua C. Cook. Well-written epic fantasy with captivating & intriguing characters. Shorter at 267 pages, but reads even longer due to the depth & development Cook weaves in, in fact, the book spends most of its length in said development. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and look forward to reading The Ascendant Path - Soldier to see where all this development goes. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
April 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I think the mark of a good story is entertaining and evokes emotion. This story provided me with both.
My favorite character is Wix. I think it's primarily because of his duality; inherently, he's a good person, morally probably much better than average folk, yet life circumstances have given him a skill set that you would expect from a more morally corrupt person. It gives the story a pleasant kind of grit.
Eimin was my least favorite character, simply because everything he's done in the book has been mean and belittling. Those are 2 characters I despise in a person, fictional or real.
I'm looking forward to seeing what adventure their future stories bring.
My favorite character is Wix. I think it's primarily because of his duality; inherently, he's a good person, morally probably much better than average folk, yet life circumstances have given him a skill set that you would expect from a more morally corrupt person. It gives the story a pleasant kind of grit.
Eimin was my least favorite character, simply because everything he's done in the book has been mean and belittling. Those are 2 characters I despise in a person, fictional or real.
I'm looking forward to seeing what adventure their future stories bring.
October 4, 2022
Scholar is an excellent first book in the Ascendant Path series by Joshua C. Cook. The story follows Layten Grayread, our MC, is likeable and you want him to succeed in his quest. The supporting characters and companions are well written and together they are an interesting group to watch as their journey unfolds. The world is well developed, the story well written, and the plot moves at a great pace for the genre. This book contains a few nice looking maps and also a glossary which is valuable and a good read by itself. I look forward to book 2 in the series!
November 17, 2022
Fantasy is not my favorite genre but this one had a lot of Harry Potter vibes going on so I figured why not?! I found it enjoyable. It is appropriate for its intended age group (13-18) and maintained my interest enough to finish the book. Whether or not I read the rest of the series remains to be seen. The author is imaginative when it comes to creating worlds and characters, always an important aspect of fantasy fiction.
There are several loose ends at the end of the book that I assume get resolved in the next books in the series. If fantasy is your thing, this series is worth your time.
There are several loose ends at the end of the book that I assume get resolved in the next books in the series. If fantasy is your thing, this series is worth your time.
November 16, 2022
Audiobook: I enjoyed this first book in "The Ascendant Path" series. The world building was fascinating. I liked the retiring character of Layten Grayread, who was portrayed differently than the usual hero. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. David Gurney's narration was great, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
February 23, 2024
Standard Stuff
It was good enough to try book 2, but it was a pretty much common plot line. Bad guys have the upper hand, and there is going to be war. MC is young and naive and has some sort of special power that hasn't been revealed yet. Maybe that's the problem with this book, it is very incomplete and a little boring.
It was good enough to try book 2, but it was a pretty much common plot line. Bad guys have the upper hand, and there is going to be war. MC is young and naive and has some sort of special power that hasn't been revealed yet. Maybe that's the problem with this book, it is very incomplete and a little boring.
October 23, 2022
I LOVE THIS BOOK, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE TRIO DO NEXT!
July 8, 2023
Meh boring
I got to say not really a very enjoyable book. Maybe the sequel will be better but this one was kind of boring and shit
I got to say not really a very enjoyable book. Maybe the sequel will be better but this one was kind of boring and shit
February 10, 2023
This novel was a strong introduction to what I hope will be a long series. The world of Alos has an interesting relationship with magic, particularly in the relationship between Anchors (who are responsible for keeping magic at bay) and the rest of the population. The settings are vivid and fun, and the experiences at university pay homage to so many familiar fantasy series. While I enjoyed Layten and his growth throughout the series, I struggled to connect with many of the supporting characters. Hopefully they will receive more depth in future installments.
Pros:
*fantastical world
*relatable school life
*interesting relationships between the people and magic
*good length
Cons:
*a bit of an abrupt ending
*I want to love the supporting characters but can’t yet
Pros:
*fantastical world
*relatable school life
*interesting relationships between the people and magic
*good length
Cons:
*a bit of an abrupt ending
*I want to love the supporting characters but can’t yet
July 3, 2023
An interesting story. I really enjoyed this one and will be reading more from this author. Leyton is a young boy whoo lives a sheltered life in a small town. He is taken to an amazing school. It isn't a school of magic but very interesting. Leyton, Hopwell and Wix discover a secret library that has been walled off. It is full of books and journals. After this discovery they walk a dangerous path. Great characrers and a plot that will keep you guessing. A very enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews