Reviewed: December 14th 2024
Released: August 16th, 2013
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Two men who hate each other. One impossible mission. A legend in the making.
Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Together they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm’s most prized possessions. But it isn’t gold or jewels that the old wizard is after, and if he can keep them from killing each other they become a legendary team.
This is the first book in the new series, The Riyria Chronicles, from best-selling author Michael J. Sullivan. It takes place twelve years before the events of The Riyria Revelations and no prior knowledge of those books is required. You can read in either chronological order or order of publication, although the author suggests reading in publication order.
Helen’s Thoughts: 4/5
A classic bromance tale, where we find out how Hadrian and Royce first met. Hadrian is a mercenary fed up with killing, and Royce is a thief who distrusts everyone and everything. At first meeting they hate each other and what they stand for, but neither had taken the time to truly understand each other, and so begins the tale of what will become a great partnership.
This is quite a simple tale, basically steal a book and replace it without being caught, but the main focus is introducing us to the two main characters and Gwen De Lancey, and how they all came to meet.
An easy, fast read, giving you a great connection to the characters and you end up wanting more. It finishes too soon; we need to know how this relationship develops. Hadrian and Royce are only just beginning to realise their first impressions were incorrect. I’m sure there is much more learning and readjustments to be done, especially with the extreme logic and the conflicting view of the world both men have which causes some amusing moments.
I loved Gwen and how she had the strength to lift herself out of her abusive situation, to build a life that she could control and protect her friends. The meeting with Gwen fulfils her ‘prophecy’ but we don’t know what that means or why it is so important. Many unanswered qurestions!
All in all an enjoyable read.
Purchase Ascendant
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Link to book on Amazon US: Paperback | Audiobook
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series and now Harmony, a dystopian science fantasy.
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