What do you think?
Rate this book
Singularity Online #2
Sorcerer Ascendant
Aranos has done the impossible: he's freed the first Fallen Realm in mortal reckoning and returned victorious. He and his follower Geltheriel should be hailed as heroes and celebrated throughout the Stronghold of Eredain.
Instead, Aranos finds himself surrounded by elves that are both secretly and openly hostile. He and his new party descend nightly into the corrupted Blightlands to battle the Darkness and to try and reclaim more lands for the Light, but each day the elves place more obstacles in his path, from attempts at treachery to outright attacks. His enemies are numerous, his allies are few...and he can't even be sure that they're all allies in truth.
Geltheriel is given a choice: complete a quest that's utterly impossible or die, and Aranos has promised to see her complete the quest. He'll need help, though, and the only way for him to contact his best friend Phil is incredibly dangerous.
The attacks of his enemies have spread to the entire city, and now all of Eredain is on the edge of Falling to the Darkness.
And to top it all off, he's gained the attention of a god...and not in a good way.
To survive all this is one thing; to overcome it, Aranos must become more than a Sorcerer.
He must be Ascendant!
Instead, Aranos finds himself surrounded by elves that are both secretly and openly hostile. He and his new party descend nightly into the corrupted Blightlands to battle the Darkness and to try and reclaim more lands for the Light, but each day the elves place more obstacles in his path, from attempts at treachery to outright attacks. His enemies are numerous, his allies are few...and he can't even be sure that they're all allies in truth.
Geltheriel is given a choice: complete a quest that's utterly impossible or die, and Aranos has promised to see her complete the quest. He'll need help, though, and the only way for him to contact his best friend Phil is incredibly dangerous.
The attacks of his enemies have spread to the entire city, and now all of Eredain is on the edge of Falling to the Darkness.
And to top it all off, he's gained the attention of a god...and not in a good way.
To survive all this is one thing; to overcome it, Aranos must become more than a Sorcerer.
He must be Ascendant!
604 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
324 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Johnson
30 books53 followersKyle Johnson is a kids gymnastics and martial arts instructor who teaches outside of Chicago. He's worked on cruise ships, traveled the world, climbed glaciers, ziplined between mountains, and even danced in the end of a rainbow.
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 5, 2020
Good novel, cliffhanger is a cause for concern
Loved the novel itself, but that cliffhanger at the end...
I have long had my fill of novels where the MC’s love interest betrays the MC in some way against their conscious will.
The series that starts with Thinblade gave me more of that than I could handle, so I swear that if the bound figure on the table at the end of the epilogue is our favorite blunt elf (aka the love interest) I will put the series down and not come back.
Loved the novel itself, but that cliffhanger at the end...
I have long had my fill of novels where the MC’s love interest betrays the MC in some way against their conscious will.
The series that starts with Thinblade gave me more of that than I could handle, so I swear that if the bound figure on the table at the end of the epilogue is our favorite blunt elf (aka the love interest) I will put the series down and not come back.
October 8, 2020
Leaving this here, because Amazon apparently has reviews locked behind a paywall, which is a terrible interaction model.
TL;DR: Fantastic story in almost all respects, terribly marred by an unexplainable need to be as traumatic as possible, in a way that really should have been changed before publishing.
Look, I'll be honest. I actually *really* enjoy the series. It's fantastic, and I absolutely got emotional multiple times. However, I cannot in good conscience give this particular book a good rating.
I enjoy pretty much everything about it, from the system, to the lore, to the characters and their interactions. You know what I don't enjoy? The end of chapter 15.
I'm a mature, grown woman, I can take hints and references to certain activities with some distaste, and still enjoy a story no problem. What I can't just gloss over, and yes this is a bit of a spoiler but it needs to be said in the open, is how you apparently thought the allusions weren't enough, going so far as to lead right up to a fade to black rape of a twelve year old. There are excuses that could be made; she's actually an adult, it's just a dream, it's in the "game" so it's not real. In return, I would ask exactly what the purpose of actively showing torture is here, as the details truly are necessary for some stories. I would ask you why this specific trauma was chosen, and exactly what this very specific, very *nauseating* scene and backstory matters to the plot, and I genuinely don't think there's a proper answer. It could very easily have been simple physical abuse, or some sort of incredibly striking loss, and it would have served the exact same purpose, but the thoughts, actions, and reactions of the victim make it quite clear what's going on even before that scene.
You could have done a number of things, and I still would have been able to stomach that development, though with a pretty permanently sour taste in my mouth. You could have chosen something else, you could have dialed it back and not been so unnecessarily heavy-handed with it, you could even have had it happen to a minor character. But not only did it happen to the recurring antagonist, thus reminding me of it every time she shows up if I were to continue reading, but you did not even have the decency or forethought to add even a single sentence of warning to either the summary or the book itself.
As such, for as much as I absolutely loved the series, and admit it is wonderfully written most of the time, it was completely ruined for me as trying to read it now makes me physically nauseous. The rating is obviously a bit biased, but I kind of feel like it's justified in this case.
TL;DR: Fantastic story in almost all respects, terribly marred by an unexplainable need to be as traumatic as possible, in a way that really should have been changed before publishing.
Look, I'll be honest. I actually *really* enjoy the series. It's fantastic, and I absolutely got emotional multiple times. However, I cannot in good conscience give this particular book a good rating.
I enjoy pretty much everything about it, from the system, to the lore, to the characters and their interactions. You know what I don't enjoy? The end of chapter 15.
I'm a mature, grown woman, I can take hints and references to certain activities with some distaste, and still enjoy a story no problem. What I can't just gloss over, and yes this is a bit of a spoiler but it needs to be said in the open, is how you apparently thought the allusions weren't enough, going so far as to lead right up to a fade to black rape of a twelve year old. There are excuses that could be made; she's actually an adult, it's just a dream, it's in the "game" so it's not real. In return, I would ask exactly what the purpose of actively showing torture is here, as the details truly are necessary for some stories. I would ask you why this specific trauma was chosen, and exactly what this very specific, very *nauseating* scene and backstory matters to the plot, and I genuinely don't think there's a proper answer. It could very easily have been simple physical abuse, or some sort of incredibly striking loss, and it would have served the exact same purpose, but the thoughts, actions, and reactions of the victim make it quite clear what's going on even before that scene.
You could have done a number of things, and I still would have been able to stomach that development, though with a pretty permanently sour taste in my mouth. You could have chosen something else, you could have dialed it back and not been so unnecessarily heavy-handed with it, you could even have had it happen to a minor character. But not only did it happen to the recurring antagonist, thus reminding me of it every time she shows up if I were to continue reading, but you did not even have the decency or forethought to add even a single sentence of warning to either the summary or the book itself.
As such, for as much as I absolutely loved the series, and admit it is wonderfully written most of the time, it was completely ruined for me as trying to read it now makes me physically nauseous. The rating is obviously a bit biased, but I kind of feel like it's justified in this case.
May 3, 2021
A decent novel ruined by lazy writing choice
I was well and truly enjoying this novel, it had decent world building and mechanics but then a 3rd through the book we switch to one of the antagonists introduced in the last novel.
The author does the lazy and short sighted theme of making her a victim of continued sexual assault in her past to explain away her 'villainy'. That would be bad enough but then it's decided that the game (never forget this is supposed to be a game) weaponize's her trauma in game trapping her in a nightmare of her in the location of her continued abuse and manifesting her abuser.
I don't understand why the author thought this needlessly cruel element needed to be introduced in a story about PEOPLE BETA TESTING A GAME!
I was well and truly enjoying this novel, it had decent world building and mechanics but then a 3rd through the book we switch to one of the antagonists introduced in the last novel.
The author does the lazy and short sighted theme of making her a victim of continued sexual assault in her past to explain away her 'villainy'. That would be bad enough but then it's decided that the game (never forget this is supposed to be a game) weaponize's her trauma in game trapping her in a nightmare of her in the location of her continued abuse and manifesting her abuser.
I don't understand why the author thought this needlessly cruel element needed to be introduced in a story about PEOPLE BETA TESTING A GAME!
September 22, 2020
Step by slow step to op sorcery
If you want to know every single spell and how the MC learns them then these two books are for you. If you want a story that moves along not so much. Half the books are just spells, level ups, perks, and magic factoids.
If you want to know every single spell and how the MC learns them then these two books are for you. If you want a story that moves along not so much. Half the books are just spells, level ups, perks, and magic factoids.
September 23, 2020
Ok, not a bad story continuation from the previous book, though if you haven't read the previous one for a while, you might want to at least skim over it to stay up to date, otherwise, this one will seem a bit disconnected at first until you can firmly settle the storyline into it's place. Even with that, I liked this one, though I've never been a fan of torture just for the sake of torture, so there are parts of this book that make me cringe, and I understand it's there for effect, but even with that, I really didn't care for those segments of the book. Otherwise though, the story was decent, and I have no issues recommending it, and continuing on to read the next one as well.
September 9, 2020
Great book
Stellar work once again from Kyle Johnson. Lots of action and adventure, leveling and spellcrafting, intrigue and mysteries. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Kyle Johnson. Lots of action and adventure, leveling and spellcrafting, intrigue and mysteries. Looking forward to the next one!
September 13, 2020
Excellent!!
Fantastic read! I absolutely love the development of the main character, and the humor the main character projected! I cant wait for the next book to come out!!
Fantastic read! I absolutely love the development of the main character, and the humor the main character projected! I cant wait for the next book to come out!!
October 27, 2023
Sorcerer Ascendant is the second book in the Singularity Online series by Kyle Johnson. It follows the story of Aranos, a young man who has become a powerful sorcerer in the virtual reality game Singularity Online. In Sorcerer Ascendant, Aranos must use his powers to defend the game world from a new and dangerous threat.
Sorcerer Ascendant is an improvement over the first book in the series, but it is still a flawed novel. The pacing is better, and the plot is more engaging. However, the worldbuilding is still a bit underdeveloped, and the characters are still somewhat flat.
One of the biggest problems with the book is the worldbuilding. The author introduces a number of new concepts in this book, but he doesn't take the time to explain them properly. This can be confusing for the reader, and it can also make the story feel rushed.
Another problem with the book is the characters. Aranos is still a bit of a bland protagonist, and the supporting characters are even worse. They are all one-dimensional stereotypes, and none of them are particularly likable.
Despite its flaws, Sorcerer Ascendant is an enjoyable read. The plot is engaging, and the action is well-written. However, readers should be aware that the book is not without its problems.
Sorcerer Ascendant is an improvement over the first book in the series, but it is still a flawed novel. The pacing is better, and the plot is more engaging. However, the worldbuilding is still a bit underdeveloped, and the characters are still somewhat flat.
One of the biggest problems with the book is the worldbuilding. The author introduces a number of new concepts in this book, but he doesn't take the time to explain them properly. This can be confusing for the reader, and it can also make the story feel rushed.
Another problem with the book is the characters. Aranos is still a bit of a bland protagonist, and the supporting characters are even worse. They are all one-dimensional stereotypes, and none of them are particularly likable.
Despite its flaws, Sorcerer Ascendant is an enjoyable read. The plot is engaging, and the action is well-written. However, readers should be aware that the book is not without its problems.
September 15, 2020
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
October 21, 2020
Excellent Work
A darker-themed LitRPG with truly excellent characters: all behaving as good (or bad) as they should, with quirks and attitudes that matter. The plot continues to be excellent, as does the book length (sweet!). There were just a couple of memorable editing misses (pesky homonyms) as opposed to book one’s editing beauty, but nothing terrible. The game system continues to be an interesting and slightly twisted combination of sources. However, not only does it work with the story, but it’s very uniqueness helps ensure that you read all the little details. This includes the world setting too, like the description of people, places, and creatures.
As with any good story you continually want to know What Happens Next. A really well-done series. Definitely recommended (15+)
A darker-themed LitRPG with truly excellent characters: all behaving as good (or bad) as they should, with quirks and attitudes that matter. The plot continues to be excellent, as does the book length (sweet!). There were just a couple of memorable editing misses (pesky homonyms) as opposed to book one’s editing beauty, but nothing terrible. The game system continues to be an interesting and slightly twisted combination of sources. However, not only does it work with the story, but it’s very uniqueness helps ensure that you read all the little details. This includes the world setting too, like the description of people, places, and creatures.
As with any good story you continually want to know What Happens Next. A really well-done series. Definitely recommended (15+)
April 6, 2024
Book 2 of a fantasy LitRPG or GameLIT series about a futuristic in-development VR system where people use it for a week or more to play in a D&D like fantasy world. I'm still loving this series especially how much focus there is on progression. So many skills, spells, perks, titles, mana types that can be unlocked, upgraded, or combined. The protagonist Aranos/Jeff is still overpowered but there are at least some explanations provided for that. Just like the first book, I was very pleasantly surprised that there was a great climax at the end but also enough hints of things to come that make you want to jump straight to the next book in this series.
September 21, 2020
Exciting progress,, a new class and so much more
Definitely a worlds first kinda player, with a wicked advantage as a programming prodigy, the MC is blazing his own path with magic not seen in a long time.
The stakes within the game are much higher, as well as more entangled than most could even imagine.
Definitely some good additions to the team, quite a lot of explanations and backstory to fill in the world beyond the elven lands.
I keep in the back of my mind that the game is named Singularity Online...
Definitely a worlds first kinda player, with a wicked advantage as a programming prodigy, the MC is blazing his own path with magic not seen in a long time.
The stakes within the game are much higher, as well as more entangled than most could even imagine.
Definitely some good additions to the team, quite a lot of explanations and backstory to fill in the world beyond the elven lands.
I keep in the back of my mind that the game is named Singularity Online...
February 15, 2021
Excellent 2nd in the series
Another great read with good rounded support characters and a slightly OP MC but at least it’s through hard work and actually asking an interest in the “system”.
I’m liking who it’s unfolding and the pace the author has set as the book feels full of depth but still ticks along nicely.
The world around the MC continues to develop and the addition of other parts to the “game” will I’m sure add another layer.
I’m off to get the next one as it’s a thoroughly enjoyable romp and I’m expecting more elven goodness.
Enjoy 😁
Another great read with good rounded support characters and a slightly OP MC but at least it’s through hard work and actually asking an interest in the “system”.
I’m liking who it’s unfolding and the pace the author has set as the book feels full of depth but still ticks along nicely.
The world around the MC continues to develop and the addition of other parts to the “game” will I’m sure add another layer.
I’m off to get the next one as it’s a thoroughly enjoyable romp and I’m expecting more elven goodness.
Enjoy 😁
June 11, 2022
Greetings Programs!
When Jeff Lawing logs into the VRMMORPG Singularity Online to Beta test the program, he takes the first step into The Sigularity. When our computers become sophisticated enough that that multiple Strong AIs can operate on them simultaneously, is there any difference between the human minds and the machine minds held in the q-bits of our machines. Jeff is on course to find out.
If you like "Sword Art Online" and other LitRPG stories, you will likely enjoy this book and the series of which it is a part.
When Jeff Lawing logs into the VRMMORPG Singularity Online to Beta test the program, he takes the first step into The Sigularity. When our computers become sophisticated enough that that multiple Strong AIs can operate on them simultaneously, is there any difference between the human minds and the machine minds held in the q-bits of our machines. Jeff is on course to find out.
If you like "Sword Art Online" and other LitRPG stories, you will likely enjoy this book and the series of which it is a part.
January 2, 2025
This is book 2 in the Singularity Online series and it's even better than the first book.
I really liked the characters and the plot. The progression of the MC is fast, but interesting. Especially because he uses different methods to get to the results.
There's lots of twists and turns throughout, some predictable, others not. Actually a great mix because it kept me interested.
The final battle was absolutely insane and I just love the magic used.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does a great job.
If you like LitRPG, you might want to check out this series.
I really liked the characters and the plot. The progression of the MC is fast, but interesting. Especially because he uses different methods to get to the results.
There's lots of twists and turns throughout, some predictable, others not. Actually a great mix because it kept me interested.
The final battle was absolutely insane and I just love the magic used.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does a great job.
If you like LitRPG, you might want to check out this series.
September 3, 2020
Excited for more
Another great addition to the Singularity series! I really enjoy Johnson's writing voice. Lots of action, fun new characters and even more adventure on the horizon. The intrigue is deepening and I can't wait to see where this will go next.
Ps. There are a few typos but not enough to detract from the overall telling of the story.
Another great addition to the Singularity series! I really enjoy Johnson's writing voice. Lots of action, fun new characters and even more adventure on the horizon. The intrigue is deepening and I can't wait to see where this will go next.
Ps. There are a few typos but not enough to detract from the overall telling of the story.
September 25, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable
A good continuation from book one. Kept my interest from start to finish. I skip ahead in many books, but not this one. A good length book for the money, which contrasted well with many e-books. More characters introduced, and we find out just a little more more background - enough to hint at misteries to investigate. Altogether an exciting read.
A good continuation from book one. Kept my interest from start to finish. I skip ahead in many books, but not this one. A good length book for the money, which contrasted well with many e-books. More characters introduced, and we find out just a little more more background - enough to hint at misteries to investigate. Altogether an exciting read.
November 3, 2020
I burned through the first two books pretty quickly. Fun read, the game (LITRPG) leveling mechanism to power the hero was decent and the plot interesting. Some of the concepts like becoming immortal in-game are fun as well if not a tad troubling. Some interesting out of game dynamics emerged in this second book as well. Looking forward to the third book.
November 3, 2020
Great sequel
Great sequel! Picked right up and dove into the game. More exploration of mechanics, fantastic character development, and a few new characters to really keep things going.
Can't wait for the next book, when the author looks like he's going to bring it all together and really kick it off.
Great sequel! Picked right up and dove into the game. More exploration of mechanics, fantastic character development, and a few new characters to really keep things going.
Can't wait for the next book, when the author looks like he's going to bring it all together and really kick it off.
November 25, 2020
Excellent Addition!
Having read literally hundreds of books in the LitRPG genre, I can be truly greatful for this addition. The world building was done exceptionally well, and the author does an awesome job of developing the systems within the “game.” Can’t wait for a third installment!
Having read literally hundreds of books in the LitRPG genre, I can be truly greatful for this addition. The world building was done exceptionally well, and the author does an awesome job of developing the systems within the “game.” Can’t wait for a third installment!
December 1, 2020
What a great book!
This sequel has surpassed the first volume. Characters are being completed and the world colored in more completely. And the action keeps going, sometimes at break neck speed. I look forward to the reuniting of the two “Travelers” I think there will be many more adventures to come. And I am ready for them.
This sequel has surpassed the first volume. Characters are being completed and the world colored in more completely. And the action keeps going, sometimes at break neck speed. I look forward to the reuniting of the two “Travelers” I think there will be many more adventures to come. And I am ready for them.
March 15, 2023
I listened to this as an audio book. It can be a little difficult to get through the listing of stats, points, etc., basically the reading through of notifications but is easily looked past by the mix of action, comedy, and heartwarming plot points through out. It wouldn't be my first choice to recommend to someone new to audio books but is a good read/listen overall.
September 11, 2020
A lot Better than Book one
This story of a guy doing beta testing of a pod game was very interesting and entertaining. The Mc is a day dreamer who kicks butt when he can plan, but loses when he’s surprised or simply loses focus.
This story of a guy doing beta testing of a pod game was very interesting and entertaining. The Mc is a day dreamer who kicks butt when he can plan, but loses when he’s surprised or simply loses focus.
September 21, 2020
Really enjoyable
This book was great and kept me up late at night. I really like the world it takes place in, and the MC has a cool class. The occasional references to other LitRPG authors was quite enjoyable.
This book was great and kept me up late at night. I really like the world it takes place in, and the MC has a cool class. The occasional references to other LitRPG authors was quite enjoyable.
September 23, 2020
Another great entry in this series
I found this book a great continuation on the last. Though I think a summary at the beginning would benefit readers between books. The world is great. The escalation of power and danger is great. Keep up the good work.
I found this book a great continuation on the last. Though I think a summary at the beginning would benefit readers between books. The world is great. The escalation of power and danger is great. Keep up the good work.
September 28, 2020
What a fantastic story. Fun story great MC. Skills, magic, lore, combat, crafting it has them all. Mr Johnson needs to write a lot more. So worth reading. Don't want to say more except wow he writes twisted and turns I never saw coming and that is impressive.
October 4, 2020
Fantastic
While I like litRPG, I tend to dislike books where the characters have too much power creep, or the game rules bog down the pace, but despite frequent rules explanations and power updates and increases, this remains engaging and well-paced.
While I like litRPG, I tend to dislike books where the characters have too much power creep, or the game rules bog down the pace, but despite frequent rules explanations and power updates and increases, this remains engaging and well-paced.
October 20, 2020
Great OP main character story
I liked the first book a lot. I liked this one even more. The main character is getting OP and I personally like that kind of story. Even if you aren't into OP main it's still fast paced and exciting it the main character does earn the OP status.
I liked the first book a lot. I liked this one even more. The main character is getting OP and I personally like that kind of story. Even if you aren't into OP main it's still fast paced and exciting it the main character does earn the OP status.
November 13, 2020
Minor editorial issues that did not distract from the overall enjoyment of the book. MC was convincing and protagonist was well fleshed out and hidden initially. Although the writer did give hints before this 2nd edition was published.
November 15, 2020
Progress
In my opinion, I think this second book is an improvement over the first book. Jeff feels more like a person and not character this time around. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
In my opinion, I think this second book is an improvement over the first book. Jeff feels more like a person and not character this time around. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews