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The Ascension Saga #1
Embers
Aleksander awakes to a world on fire with only one clue to his forgotten a fresh scar of his name carved into his arm. After discovering the ability to create fire from his hands, he was captured by a race of winged beings called Sangorans; their master, High King Valistaran Talohir, plans to end the war between Talohira and Thanatanos forever. But when he is finished, will anything remain? Now Aleksander and his only ally, a warrior by the name of Shanthah, must fight to survive in the brutal Talohiran slave camp. However, even with the power to create fire, escape seems impossible. One prisoner in particular, a young woman named Mara, appears to hold a key to Aleksander’s past, but may also be instrumental in saving his future. Even if they make it out alive, they will learn one terrifying The world is on fire in more ways than one.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2019
12 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 12, 2022
Epic Fantasy Adventure
This book is a wild ride. I fell in the love with many of the characters very quickly and every chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next from the very beginning.
Although it is over 300 pages, it goes by very quickly.
The story takes place on Earth, but not an earth we would recognize today.
I spent much of the book trying to figure out who the good and bad guys were. There isn't an answer.
Isn't that the truth about war too, both sides think they are doing the right thing, for the right reasons. And it all ends in losses.
There are twists that shocked me every time. It is a wild ride.
Although the characters have magic/wings/etc. they are very relatable. They are all still human (in most cases).
Recommending this book to those who enjoy epic fantasy/adventure.
This book is a wild ride. I fell in the love with many of the characters very quickly and every chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next from the very beginning.
Although it is over 300 pages, it goes by very quickly.
The story takes place on Earth, but not an earth we would recognize today.
I spent much of the book trying to figure out who the good and bad guys were. There isn't an answer.
Isn't that the truth about war too, both sides think they are doing the right thing, for the right reasons. And it all ends in losses.
There are twists that shocked me every time. It is a wild ride.
Although the characters have magic/wings/etc. they are very relatable. They are all still human (in most cases).
Recommending this book to those who enjoy epic fantasy/adventure.
August 4, 2019
Aleksander wakes to a complete loss of memory, the only clue he can grasp being the name carved into his arm. Captured by winged beings called Sangorans, he arrives at a slave camp where he wastes no time with planning his escape. Beyond the walls of his prison, High King Valistaran Talohir seeks to end the war raging between Talohira and Thanatanos, but like all wars, it comes with a cost.
The action starts from page one in Brock Mays debut fantasy and doesn’t stop. With a diverse collection of characters and beings, the detailed world building sucked me right in. Great dialogue brings his characters to life, but the imagination behind this world is what really stood out to me. Mays has created a fascinating and compelling first book in this series and I look forward to reading more.
The action starts from page one in Brock Mays debut fantasy and doesn’t stop. With a diverse collection of characters and beings, the detailed world building sucked me right in. Great dialogue brings his characters to life, but the imagination behind this world is what really stood out to me. Mays has created a fascinating and compelling first book in this series and I look forward to reading more.
July 17, 2021
Brock Mays is an amazing world and character builder. The places and characters he created in this book feel so real. The characters are full of emotions that play into their decisions, like any of us. The cities and towns of Talohira and Thanatan are diverse with a focus on family and loyalty to ones home.
With such dispair and anguish in this book, I thought the villain would be horribly evil, but even he has feelings and passions that drive him. I found myself liking the evil king despite his ruthless actions. Even the nasty Sangorans, though tough and merciless, are misguided in their hatred, and not truly evil. Everyone is doing things for their own righteous reasons and it gives the story so much depth.
I love Aleksander, Shanthah, and Hanna's characters. Mara and her transformation is facinating too, but her troubled mind makes me fear she is up to no good. I will be waiting to see what happens next in this series. What could the Empress of Blood have up her sleeve in book 2?
With such dispair and anguish in this book, I thought the villain would be horribly evil, but even he has feelings and passions that drive him. I found myself liking the evil king despite his ruthless actions. Even the nasty Sangorans, though tough and merciless, are misguided in their hatred, and not truly evil. Everyone is doing things for their own righteous reasons and it gives the story so much depth.
I love Aleksander, Shanthah, and Hanna's characters. Mara and her transformation is facinating too, but her troubled mind makes me fear she is up to no good. I will be waiting to see what happens next in this series. What could the Empress of Blood have up her sleeve in book 2?
May 10, 2019
Wow. I was absolutely floored the first time I read this book! The characters are amazing, the world building has so much depth and is really interesting, and once I got into it . . . there was no turning back, I was absolutely hooked. I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for an amazing new fantasy with intense action, crazy cool magic, and so much great world building and character depth.
June 4, 2019
Enthralling beginning
Bravo to Brock Mays! Book one in the Ascension Saga captivated my curiosity and held on tightly. The world he created and the inhabitants within were well thought out and interesting to become lost in. I am so looking forward to book two! So curious to find out who Aleksander really is and what is in store for his future!
Bravo to Brock Mays! Book one in the Ascension Saga captivated my curiosity and held on tightly. The world he created and the inhabitants within were well thought out and interesting to become lost in. I am so looking forward to book two! So curious to find out who Aleksander really is and what is in store for his future!
July 25, 2019
What I thought: What a great beginning! Brock’s storytelling hooked me from the beginning and didn’t let go. He built a fascinating world with characters that make you feel you are standing right next to them. I am looking forward to book two and diving further into this world!
The Quote: “How can you stay so positive? I feel like I’m drowning.”
“Because of something a dear friend once told me. She reminded me when I thought I was going to freeze to death this winter that spring will soon come. I’ve thought about that a lot, Mara. Spring always comes. Remember that, and you will be able to get through anything.
Why I chose it: I always like reminders like these when the going gets tough. It’s never forever - it will end soon. I liked how simple yet powerful the phrase “spring always comes” is.
The Quote: “How can you stay so positive? I feel like I’m drowning.”
“Because of something a dear friend once told me. She reminded me when I thought I was going to freeze to death this winter that spring will soon come. I’ve thought about that a lot, Mara. Spring always comes. Remember that, and you will be able to get through anything.
Why I chose it: I always like reminders like these when the going gets tough. It’s never forever - it will end soon. I liked how simple yet powerful the phrase “spring always comes” is.
July 29, 2019
It took longer than I would have liked to get through this book, but it was worth the time spent. Brock Mays is a wonderfully imaginative writer, with well-crafted dialogue and action to carry the reader through his world. I will definitely be on the lookout for book two.
December 8, 2021
Fantasy, monsters, a magic system unlike one I've ever read before, and a corruption arc that kept me hooked and rooting for the heroine even as she tried to murder her friends. And that TWIST? It left me open-mouthed and reeling.
The cast was large and even though I sometimes struggled to keep them all straight, their strong voices and personalities made it easier as each character jumped off the page. Shanthah in particular was a favorite and I especially loved how he dealt with danger and fear with wisecracks and jokes.
The world building was in depth and particular, and Mays not only creates several convincing cultures, each distinct from each other, but has invented a language used by one of them.
Embers seems to promise an exciting series with a whole new world to explore through the eyes of the numerous characters and I can't wait to see what comes next! The sequel, Ashes, went immediately into my TBR pile after finishing this!
The cast was large and even though I sometimes struggled to keep them all straight, their strong voices and personalities made it easier as each character jumped off the page. Shanthah in particular was a favorite and I especially loved how he dealt with danger and fear with wisecracks and jokes.
The world building was in depth and particular, and Mays not only creates several convincing cultures, each distinct from each other, but has invented a language used by one of them.
Embers seems to promise an exciting series with a whole new world to explore through the eyes of the numerous characters and I can't wait to see what comes next! The sequel, Ashes, went immediately into my TBR pile after finishing this!
August 17, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I fell in love with the authors writing style and his eloquent use of words. He had me from the first page. I stayed up late trying to finish the book in one night. I think the different countries and people are so real. I am dying to find out Aleksander’s name. As I was transported into this new world, I could actually see the people and lands in my mind. I felt like I never really knew what was coming next. This book is definitely NOT predictable, and I love that!! I can’t wait to continue reading the series and visit with my friends Aleksander, Mara, Pol, Shanthah, Hanna, and many more. It feels like I know them. Thank you Brock Mays for giving me a world to loose myself in.
December 22, 2023
Wow this book was a blast to read! It had so many twisted turds, especially one that I did not see coming and made me laugh so much. 🤣 This fantasy world is definitely different than the traditional fantasy world, which I do appreciate. But it does still contain some familiar vibes as well. You instantly get hooked with the characters wanting to know more about them, especially the main character. There’s also a bunch of cuteness / healthy, relationships, as well if you’re into that. ( I know I am) There so many interesting things regarding the worlds magic system ( more like people have powers vs the world having magic), the lore of the world and the characters that makes you just wanting to keep reading. I can’t wait to read book 2!
November 5, 2020
Embers takes me back to classic fantasy novels with an omnipresent narrative voice. Book 1 merely gives you a taste of the larger world Mays has built from a wonderful imagination. The unique races and complex magic system are intriguing to read, especially when it comes to the winged, lightning-hurling Sangorians. Halfway through the book, you think you know how it will all play out, but the author keeps you on your toes with several surprises and twists! Sometimes I was confused with the narrative style, but overall, I highly recommend this story if you're looking for a new world of fantasy to explore.
July 19, 2022
I loved Embers from the beginning, it drops you right into the fire literally.
The character development is fantastic, and while there are some familiar themes they are clearly unique and nothing feels like it was copied out of another book.
The world development is as interesting as the characters, with quite a scope of different geographies and peoples. I'm excited for the next book Ashes!
Highly recommended!
The character development is fantastic, and while there are some familiar themes they are clearly unique and nothing feels like it was copied out of another book.
The world development is as interesting as the characters, with quite a scope of different geographies and peoples. I'm excited for the next book Ashes!
Highly recommended!
February 13, 2021
I'm not an avid fantasy reader, but I am so glad I read this one! Mays did an amazing job with his world building and character development. The plot and characters were complex, real and well-rounded. As a reader, I was fully invested with each page I turned.
I am eager to read the next book in this series.
I am eager to read the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews