Ascalon

by Ellen L. Ekstrom

A HERO RETURNS.George Ascalon, the Earl of Grasmere, is now the Champion of the Golden Tower; he has vanquished the evil that had taken over Eskeleth, and The Three Challenges that became a trial of mind, body, and faith, prove that George is not the man everyone, including his father, assumes he is.Even so, George encounters greater and more powerful enemies than any he fought in Arkengarthdale and they are close to home. The King of England and Lady Longleate have quarrels with him.A new battle begins.The story that began in “Armor of Light” continues.

395 pages, Hardcover

Published August 2, 2024

About the author

Ellen L. Ekstrom writes within the genres of literary fiction, romance, fantasy, and historical fiction.

Reviews

[Diane Klutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen L. Ekstrom’s Ascalon is a triumphant and deeply satisfying continuation of the saga begun in Armor of Light, proving that the most perilous battles often await a hero after his legend is already won. This is a novel that deftly explores the weight of a hard-earned title and the complexities of a world that refuses to stay saved, delivering a historical adventure rich with political intrigue, personal conflict, and spiritual depth.

George Ascalon, Earl of Grasmere and Champion of the Golden Tower, returns not to rest on his laurels, but to face trials far more nuanced than any physical foe. Ekstrom excels at character development, and here she masterfully dissects the soul of a man who has proven his mettle in supernatural struggles, only to find himself grappling with the more insidious enemies of courtly ambition and personal vendetta. The conflicts with King Henry VII and the formidable Lady Longleate are brilliantly rendered, weaving a tapestry of tension that is as sharp and dangerous as any blade.

The novel’s great strength lies in its mature exploration of what comes after the quest. It is a story about governance, faith, and the relentless challenge of upholding one’s principles in a world of compromise and hidden daggers. Ekstrom’s prose is elegant and assured, transporting the reader completely to the tumultuous landscape of 15th-century England, where the line between ally and adversary is perilously thin.

Ascalon is more than a sequel; it is an elevation of its hero and its themes. It offers a compelling, thoughtful, and immersive experience for lovers of historical fiction and classic epic fantasy alike. Ekstrom has crafted a world that feels authentically grounded and thrillingly alive, confirming George Ascalon’s place not just as a champion of a tower, but as a hero for the ages. A superb and resonant read.

[Henrietta Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book understands that true trials don’t end when the battle is won. George Ascalon’s return as a hero is complicated by expectation, faith, and the weight of his name, and that felt incredibly authentic for a story rooted in honor and lineage. The tension with his father and the Crown added emotional depth that many fantasy novels overlook. This is thoughtful, mature storytelling.

[Yasmeen Bartoletti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid continuation of the story started in Armor of Light.
I appreciated George’s growth, though parts of the plot felt slower than I expected.
Still enjoyable, just not as gripping for me as the first book.

[Blaze Kuhlman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The themes of faith and identity were interesting, but the pacing lagged in places.
Some conflicts resolved too easily, while others felt underdeveloped.
Overall, a decent read with strong ideas behind it.

[Aaron Gatling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What resonated most for me was how deeply this book explores duty and belief. George isn’t fighting monsters so much as navigating loyalty, authority, and his own conscience. As someone who enjoys historical fantasy with moral weight, I found this quietly powerful and rewarding.

[Patricia Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ascalon feels written for readers who appreciate restraint and substance. The conflicts are political, spiritual, and personal, and they unfold with patience. George’s struggle to be understood by his family and by his king gave the story real emotional gravity.

[Otis Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel that respects its audience. It doesn’t rush, and it doesn’t simplify. The exploration of faith, legacy, and responsibility feels grounded in a historical mindset, even within a fantasy framework. I found George’s journey deeply moving.

[Alaina Vandervort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than glorifying heroism, this book examines its cost. George carries his title like a burden, not a prize, and that made his story feel honest. Readers who value character over spectacle will appreciate what this novel accomplishes.

[Hanna Macejkovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent continuation of George Ascalon’s journey.
The challenges of faith, duty, and identity are handled with depth and care.
I couldn’t put this book down.

[Michelle Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ascalon raises the stakes in every way—emotionally, politically, and spiritually.
The conflicts feel personal and dangerous.
A truly compelling fantasy read.

[Ted L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mature fantasy with strong emotional undercurrents.
The tension with the King and Lady Longleate added depth to the plot.
I’m definitely continuing the series.

[Garfield Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character development stood out more than the action in this book.
George feels more human, flawed, and conflicted.
A satisfying read that sets up future conflict nicely.

[Ophelia Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ascalon focuses more on internal battles than physical ones, and I liked that.
The writing is steady and immersive.
It’s not nonstop action, but it’s meaningful fantasy.

[Brenda Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

George’s evolution as a hero felt earned and believable.
The world-building continues to grow without overwhelming the story.
A solid and engaging sequel.

[Rita Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how much quieter and more reflective this book was. The focus on consequences and political tension really worked for me.

[Roosevelt Powlowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt very grounded for a fantasy novel. The struggles with authority and belief made it feel almost historical in tone.

[Michelle Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

George feels like a man shaped by faith and duty, not just destiny. That made his choices more meaningful to me.

[Retha Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an action-heavy read, but that’s exactly why I enjoyed it. The character work is strong.

[Fabiola Robel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that this book trusted the reader to sit with complexity. The emotional tension was subtle but effective.

[Vaughn Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conflict with the King and Lady Longleate added a lot of realism. Power is never simple here.

[Victor Beier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of fantasy that lingers. It’s about responsibility, not glory.

[Mose Gerhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful continuation with real emotional weight.