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Kataklysm #2

Ember: A Progression/Cultivation Epic

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Two paths. A single journey. Blaike isn't like any other Ember.

He commands the draugr.

Can an army of the dead defeat the Lightweaver's legion?

Ashathar's sunstone mines are exhausted.

Without sunstone, the blight will consume the Kingdom.

To save Ashathar, Blaike must confront the tyrant who killed his father.

Can Blaike and his draugr army rescue Ashathar from both tyranny and darkness?

Ming Yue is on a quest to recover a shield forged from Antaboga's scale—the scale the dragon-god shed when he created the world.

Batara Kala is preparing to launch a second Kataklysm.

The power of the dragon scale is the only thing that might thwart the efforts of the destroyer. Will it be enough?

To recover the shield, Yue must travel through the hostile blight, beyond what's charted on Ashatharian maps.

Will her elixirs sustain her through the blight?

Ember is the second book in Kataklysm, an action packed epic progression fantasy series. Fans of progression/cultivation epic fantasies, unique magic systems, and immersive epics like Will Wight's Cradle series or Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive where the hero starts weak but gains power over time will also enjoy this expansive saga.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2023

14 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

T.R. Magnus

11 books13 followers
T.R. Magnus is the elven half-brother of the urban and paranormal fantasy author Theophilus Monroe. Unlike his brother, T.R. writes immersive epics and cultivation/progression fantasies. He enjoys creating expansive worlds, unique magical systems, and plots that favor the unfavored. T.R. goes by T.R. because Thranduil Ravavaris is hard to say.

T.R.’s favorite color is plaid. Ketchup is his favorite condiment. He enjoys polka music.

If you’d like to learn more about T.R. or his half-brother’s novels, visit TRMAGNUS.com. Sign up for his reader club and, once available, T.R. will also send you a free novel, “DARKWORLD,” an origin story for his forthcoming “Kataklysm” progression fantasy series.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy Smyth.
2,171 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2025
Well Blaike is now King. Dumadi is helping the God Batara Kala (the destroyer of worlds), destroy the world of Ashathar, Blaike and his group of followers are trying to stop him. Who will win out. Have to read the next book to find out.
Profile Image for Shellie.
258 reviews12 followers
May 16, 2023
Ember: A Progression/Cultivation Epic by T.R. Magnus is a thrilling and immersive journey into a world of magic, danger, and epic battles. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.

The story follows two protagonists, Blaike and Ming Yue, as they embark on separate quests that intertwine in unexpected ways. Blaike, a unique Ember who commands the draugr, faces the daunting task of defeating the Lightweaver's legion with his army of the dead. Meanwhile, Ming Yue is on a perilous mission to recover a legendary shield, crucial in stopping the impending cataclysm.

Magnus skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of suspense and adventure. The world-building is exceptional, transporting readers to the Kingdom of Ashathar and its treacherous blight-infested lands. The vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, from the sunstone mines to the uncharted territories beyond the maps.

The author's attention to detail extends to the characters, who are complex and well-rounded. Blaike's journey of vengeance and self-discovery is compelling, while Ming Yue's determination and resourcefulness make her a relatable and inspiring heroine. The supporting cast is equally engaging, each with their own motivations and conflicts.

Ember is not just a tale of magic and battles, but also explores themes of power, sacrifice, and redemption. Magnus masterfully balances action-packed sequences with quieter moments of introspection, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

At just over 200 pages, Ember: A Progression/Cultivation Epic is a tightly paced and engrossing read. T.R. Magnus delivers an epic fantasy that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating series.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,772 reviews59 followers
July 11, 2024
This is the 2nd book in this fast paced, cultivation series and in this book we travel both with Blaike, as well as with Yue, on two different paths which they are forced to take in order to stop the tyrant, lightweaver from attacking the peaceful land of Cintanesia. Blaike travels with Farrel whilst Yue travels with Kirana as well as with Tinder. She is seeking to advance her status to gain more magical powers, as well as to locate the Tensians, to pursuade them to join forces in order to protect Cintanesia, whilst Blaike is on his way to claim his rightful place on the throne of Ashatar. He had found out that he was the son of Qal-Mal Tanen, known also as Qal-Mal Flare and though he did not feel like a king, or able to lead a country, having only known the life of a poor miner he knows that it was up to him to stop the tyrant Dumadi, the same man who had killed his father. The God known as the Destroyer, Batala Kala was set on seeing all lightweavers killed but one, in order to set off a 2nd kataklysm, however our group of young heroes are all set to put a stop to his plan and defeat him. They had all reached the ember stage in their evolution and with each step they gained more powers, but will these be enough to face Dumadi and his army of revenants. Can Blaike call on his army of Draugr to defend the people of Cintanesia and stop another kataklysm from taking place? I love the way we are getting to see more and more of the LitRPG factors coming into the story, it seems like a game the gods are playing with the people as usual being used as pawns. However the Gods seem to need the help of these same humans to defeat the Dark Lord.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,065 reviews128 followers
February 20, 2023
Ember is the second book in the Kataklysm series and it is just as great if not better than the first book Blightmage. And just like Blightmage, Ember pulled me so deep into its world I felt as if I was a part of it.

The world around me slowly disappeared the more I read. The more I read the more I wanted to read. I was racing to the end to see how it all turned out. Ember is the most riveting and interesting story of all time.

The trials that each character had to endure on their respective journeys kept me well-engaged page after page. Each and every time they had to use their swords made me think of Luke Skywalker and his lightsaber. I do believe this was my favorite part of the story when the blade came out.

Oh, and I did love the talk or maybe the speech of some of the characters. It reminded me so much of my husband and the things he is always saying. I was laughing and I guess maybe smirking?. all at the same time. I enjoyed it tremendously.

I can’t wait to read more about this world and its characters. I definitely recommend Ember to all magical fans! Grab your copy of Ember today!
Profile Image for Vannessa.
1,208 reviews25 followers
February 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in this fantasy series. Blaike and Yue still have a lot of work to do in defeating the Lightweaver Dumadi, but their paths this time are not together. However, they do still need to work alongside each other to reach their final destinations.

Both Blaike and Yue have their own destinies, but others are willing to help them so they are not as alone as expected. And with the help of the gods, they are definitely on the right path to becoming whatever it is they need to be to defeat Dumadi and Bakara Kala as well.

I loved how all the different characters worked together in this one, even though they were all in different places, both old and new around this world. I love the world building in this series - it seems like a completely desolate world, yet there are parts that are inhabited and are thriving as much as possible with the lack of the sun. I love all the weird creatures that appear throughout it as well.

This is a great series and the plot, the characters and the world building definitely suck you in and leave you wanting more!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one.
572 reviews
July 12, 2023
Woo-hoo! Roller-Coaster ride ahead!

A giant, sinuous, Chinese dragon style roller coaster ride, and the reader holding on one-handed, like a rodeo bull-rider, waving a cowboy hat in the air with the other…almost as if we were riding a dragon correlation? *** cue Homer Simpson, smacking his head *** D’Oh!

Please feel free to mock.

Ok, so I whaled on Magnus in my review of the first book for doing more “telling” than “showing.” But I think I was clear that the concept and plot are both phenomenal. The positive elements in that review remain consistent and improve while that Negative Nelly dwindles to nothing in this book.

Monroe excels at sleight of hand and misdirection, it’s how he keeps us just as confused as his characters. Honestly, however, it’s really not needed here. The “progression model” in a way demands a more detailed storyline, but I’m finding it difficult to articulate exactly how that is. Suffice to say that I may have judged to quickly and harshly in my first review, or maybe Magnus just needed a moment to find his “flow.” Regardless, I’m hooked on these characters and can’t wait to see what comes next.
88 reviews
February 25, 2023
Ember picks up were Blightmage lefts off with our three protagonist Blaike, Ming Yue, and Farrel who are struggling through the hostile blight as they travel the path that leads to the end goal of lightweaver or something more if these alleged gods can be trusted. Life threatening danger lurks in every corner of the blight and they have to be constantly on their guard while thwarting the over zealous ambitions of notorious and murderous King Dumadi who is trying to consolidate his power by murdering all potential rivals to the throne including the legitimate heir, Blaike. The book is fast paced and action packed as our heroes struggle to prevail against overwhelming odds. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Donna.
807 reviews14 followers
April 5, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Ember(Kataklysm Book 2) by T.R. Magnus and definitely recommend. I recieved this through StoryOrigin. Two paths. A single journey. Blaike: Can an army of the dead defeat the Lightweaver's legion? To save Ashathar Blaike must confront the tyrant who killed his father. Can Blaike rescue Ashathar from tyranny and darkness? Ming Yue: is on a quest to recover a shield forged from Antaboga's scale. Batara Kala is preparing to launch a second Kataklysm. To recover the shield Yue must travel through the hostile blight. Will her elixirs sustain her through the blight? Along with these tasks will they both be able to ultimately stop Batara Kala? This book is available on Amazon
299 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2023
This book continues the quest of Blaike, a poor miner thrust into the role of a leader, and his friends Ming Yue, Kirana and Farrel. They are fated to drive the future of their world but, while the gods see their paths, these are clouded for each of these warriors. They receive hints about a direction, but are otherwise on their own.
They must fight Lightweavers (while not having ascended to a high magical rank), and take on the monsters of the blight.
This is a fun adventure. The characters are interesting, their backstories are complex, their world vast and exciting.
Good blend for those who enjoy magic, monsters, dystopian adventure, with a hint of technology and aliens.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews9 followers
July 20, 2023
It seems that Blaike, Yue, and Farrell have successfully achieved the rank of Luminary, while Kirena has become a Radiant with the assistance of the gods. Moreover, when Dumani tries to seize control of Centenesia once more, his efforts are foiled. All in all, it's starting to seem like nobody really knows what's going to happen next. This story has plenty of action and ends with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,611 reviews28 followers
December 12, 2023
Ember: A Progression/Cultivation Epic (Kataklysm Book 2) , my fifty-third read from author Theophilus Monroe and the third "co-written" with T.R. Magnus his "elven half-brother". Theophilus Monroe has become one of my favorite authors over the last year or so. Very different than his typical work and the third co-written work. I was given an Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. Nexy on my TBR list, Radiant: A Progression/Cultivation Epic (Kataklysm Book 3). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,468 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2023
Book 2 of Kataklysm series.
This continues Blaike and Yue’s journey for advancement. The entire first chapter recaps book 1 with its main highlights. This is great if you haven’t gotten book 2 soon after book 1 or you just need to refresh your memory after that arduous journey. This type of story is world building with magic and gods. It is action and adventure complete with evil versus good scenarios.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
256 reviews
May 10, 2023
Loved the second installment of this series. The characters continued to bring me on their journey and entertain me. The storyline was interesting and had great drama and just the right amount of humor thrown in. The world building was perfect, and I am ready for more of this series to come. I am getting hooked on these characters and can't wait to see what happens to them. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lili.
837 reviews48 followers
June 26, 2023
It's interesting how all the characters interact, and the timely intervention of one will have consequences which will ripple in time to a new development.

I like that the main characters are strong not because of physical prowess or magical powers, but for their strength of character, true hearts and their beautiful, generous spirit. They disperse the light of hope wherever they go!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
520 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2023
This series is another one of those that get better and better with every book. This one was such that when I started to read it I couldn’t put it down I was 100% engrossed in it. This author certainly knows how to write epice fantasy that’s for sure. What’s going to happen next, cannot wait to find out. Highly recommended.
38 reviews
February 24, 2023
I started reading this book and lets just say it was ADDICTING! The characters grabbed me and pulled me in. I finished it in 3 days and still wanting more! I continue to tell my friends and family about this author and the books get better and better.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,190 reviews18 followers
February 26, 2023
this was a strong sequel in the Kataklysm series, it had what I was hoping for and I enjoyed the fantasy elements. The plot worked well overall and I was invested in what was going on. I can't wait to read more in this series and from T.R. Magnus.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Coralie.
140 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2023
Ember picks up where Blightmage (first book in the Kataklysm series) left off, and continues to pull you in this fantastic world. If you liked the first book, this one is even better!I loved the whole set up, and the pace of the story is still fantastic! Not a minute of boredom!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Luberts.
2,770 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2023
This is a good series, but you need to follow the story line closely. Two journeys, two paths to cross. Action, danger, suspense, deceit and obstacles in the way. Can they do there journey? Will they succeed? Will they stay on the path of good or will they take the easy way and take the bad?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,388 reviews84 followers
March 8, 2023
Set aside a full day for this PG supernatural paranormal quest set mainly in Ashathar where 30-year-olds Blaike aka Qal-Mal Flare and Min Yue attempt to thwart the despotic plans of Lightweaver Dumadi who is in thrall to Batara Kala. Do not read in public as chortles will ensue.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,310 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2024
Wow! Blaike and Yue are flying through the ascensions faster than anyone ever has. I am quite sure that most of the gods are helping with that. I am enjoying this series immensely. There are a great many characters to like and only a measly few to loathe. I am off to read the next book since I am eager to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Raeleane.
553 reviews20 followers
July 9, 2024
A fantastical adventure into the world of Ashathar. This book carries on with Blaike,Yue, Kirana, and Farrell. Blaike and Farrell head off from Centanesia in one direction and Yue and Kirana go off in their own direction. So much new world building and character growth in this book, it was so easy to lose myself in the story. I really enjoyed the story and recommend this series.
Profile Image for Robert Foland.
471 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2023
Ember. Another incredible book in the Kataklysm series. Amazing world creation by T. R. Magnus. An array of magical creatures and powers. Characters full of action and attitude. A true joy to read.

I received a copy of the book from the author and leave my voluntary review.
681 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2023
Loved the continuation of this story. The first book was great but this one takes it even further and that makes for an explosive story which is just amazing. I cannot wait until I can read the next book in the series. I just Have to know how things go from here. Fantastic Book!
442 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
Ember: A Progression/ Cultivation Epic by T. R. Magnus is an amazing fantasy. Ember is the second book in Kataklysm series. The story is entertaining, exciting, action packed, interesting, and more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chasity Coquat.
236 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2023
Can the dead be bearers of light or will their efforts decay like their bodies? A fun world and captivating adventure.
Profile Image for Dennis.
495 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2023
Great continuation from the first book. Excellent characters and world building. Highly enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Sheila White.
82 reviews
December 25, 2023
Thought this was a thought provoking story and thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to start the next one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
June 16, 2025
Dead Men March and Dragon Scales Burn—Book 2 Brings the Heat!

Whew, Ember lit a fire under me, and I don’t think I’ve cooled off since.

This book is the kind of epic progression fantasy that sinks its claws in and refuses to let go. If you’re like me—someone who lives for high-stakes magic, slow-burn power progression, and that gritty "hero-against-the-odds" energy—then T.R. Magnus just delivered your next obsession.

Let’s talk Blaike. My moody necromancer prince with an undead army? Yeah, I live for this type of antihero. The draugr aren’t just a cool gimmick—they’re part of a larger, darker narrative that ties into Blaike’s personal trauma and mission to stop a tyrant and save a dying kingdom. Watching him rise in power, struggling with what he can command versus what he should command? It’s giving depth, danger, and just the right dash of "is he going too far?" that I love in a main character.

Then there’s Ming Yue—my girl, my potion-slinging queen. She’s on a quest for a shield made from a literal god-dragon scale, and the journey she takes through the blight? Chilling, brutal, and honestly kind of inspiring. Her strength is quieter, more internal—but it burns just as fiercely. I love how her arc is more than just finding the shield; it’s about what she’s willing to sacrifice to carry that kind of power.

Together, Blaike and Yue aren’t a couple (yet?? I can dream), but their parallel journeys kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it. Each one is dealing with the weight of legacy, magic, and responsibility in totally different ways—and I’m here for both storylines.

The worldbuilding? Massive. Dangerous. Beautiful in that eerie, “touch this flower and die” way. The blight is terrifying, the magic system keeps expanding in clever and rewarding ways, and the lore behind Batara Kala and Antaboga had me pausing like: Wait. Let me reread that. That’s dope.

Ember cranks the stakes sky-high, delivers on every promise Book 1 made, and leaves you absolutely rabid for the next one. If you love watching heroes struggle, grow, and face impossible odds, and if you like your fantasy rich with death, dragons, and destiny—you need this series in your life.

5 out of 5 undead soldiers ready to ride at dawn. Let’s go.
Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,574 reviews104 followers
June 29, 2024
A fascinating world of fiction, sci-fi, AI's, different realms and "gods" and a magic system which is splendid to behold. The combination is genius, so many aspects that enthrall and captivate. Fans of Will Wight will love this series, complex, intriguing, well written and a reading fest of note.

Following the advice of Antaboga, Blake, and Yue, together with Ferrell and Kirana set off on a path, a different one, each with it's own perils. But can Ferrell be trusted? He did after all follow Rangda, but he has promised to set aside from this path and aspire to follow the path of Barong, only time will tell if he's true to his word. I honestly didn't expect the growth in Ferrell to be quite as radical, especially as the growth of Blaike and Yue was steadily increasing throughout. Really great seeing their trials and how they overcome them. Overcome probably is a bit optimistic, they faught, they rallied, they lost, they despaired, yet still retained their determination and conviction. I love how real the characters all are, the emotions and the uncertainty plagues them all as they progress. The entire story is a very clever twist on human behaviour, the good, the evil, the manipulation, the greed, set in a world devoid of natural sunlight, no sun shining down to sustain life, due to an ongoing experiment.

There is much mired in mystery, the unknown, the uncertainty but as these 2 sentences so aptly put "How can anyone know peace if not for chaos? How can anyone know light if not for darkness?" speaks volumes! Another extremely well executed book by Theophilus Monroe, unique and engaging one can only spur on the characters, feel their triumphs, feel their pain and feel their need to survive in this desolate landscape where so much of the unimaginable occurs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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