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Magelands Eternal Siege #9
City Ascendant
The Reign of Terror begins...
Rescued from a desert wasteland where he had been stranded for four thousand years, the Tenth Ascendant sits upon the throne of the City - his powers subduing the immortal gods and demigods who once ruled.
Across the Straits in Jezra, Emily, Van and Kelsey Holdfast rally the last forces of resistance to the Ascendant's rule. At stake is the future, not only of the City of the Aurelians, but of the tyrant gods of Implacatus.
The only way to stop him is for former enemies to unite, but some crimes are too terrible to be forgiven...
Rescued from a desert wasteland where he had been stranded for four thousand years, the Tenth Ascendant sits upon the throne of the City - his powers subduing the immortal gods and demigods who once ruled.
Across the Straits in Jezra, Emily, Van and Kelsey Holdfast rally the last forces of resistance to the Ascendant's rule. At stake is the future, not only of the City of the Aurelians, but of the tyrant gods of Implacatus.
The only way to stop him is for former enemies to unite, but some crimes are too terrible to be forgiven...
- GenresFantasy
436 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
499 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Mitchell
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About Me
I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…
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About Me
I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…
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I would love to hear from you by email or through any of the social media options below:
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 25, 2021
The Gods and Demi Gods unwittingly bring back Simon, an Ascendant, only to be caught in his twisted plot to get revenge against the other Ascendants. This book is non-stop action! Another home run in this series!
January 13, 2022
Couldn't get enough
Loved the whole series, who needs tv would love them to turn this in to series. Another game of thrones.
Loved the whole series, who needs tv would love them to turn this in to series. Another game of thrones.
October 4, 2021
Cover-to-cover excellence and entertainment. Like the rest of this series, this is just fantastic. It took me two nights to read-only because my Kindle died the first night so I had to stop.
I have heard for a few people they had to take reading breaks as the series can get rather dark at times, I've found that all books in this series have an element of darkness. Some just define and illustrate it in a more graphic manner. The Magelands is not a series to enter into if you're looking for cookie-cutter bubblegum fantasy. This has a depth of character and grit that will leave a lasting impression on readers. I would not recommend reading this as a stand-alone. This series needs to be enjoyed in order, there are so many different characters and so many worlds in this universe that need to be understood. If the size of the series is daunting, you can start with the Lostwell books and build out from there, finding more about the characters I know you'll grow to love.
If you ever come across an Ascendant on a deserted world, leave them there! Simon continues his rampage in City Ascendant, cruelty seems to be the only true emotion he has. These books all flow together and this starts where the last left off. I loved the rallying, especially since there is so much darkness. At any point, there is at least one character with hope for a future. It's not always the same person, but there's always one providing the contrast of light amid the dark.
"We will burn the City and its gods, and we shall not cease until Simon's smouldering and beheaded corpse is lying before me."
This quote sets the overall tone of the resistance, the refusal to just bow before someone who has so much power. Simon may have the ability to conquer worlds, but ruling by fear, he'll never have the loyalty of anyone.
I also loved how the internal conflict of people gets illustrated. People who are otherwise good turn a blind eye when those they care about are under threat. We see that from several points of view throughout the story (gods, mortals, dragons), that's very relatable to most people, at least as a concept.
And the ending.....leaves me begging for more.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the author. I am leaving a voluntary, honest review.
I have heard for a few people they had to take reading breaks as the series can get rather dark at times, I've found that all books in this series have an element of darkness. Some just define and illustrate it in a more graphic manner. The Magelands is not a series to enter into if you're looking for cookie-cutter bubblegum fantasy. This has a depth of character and grit that will leave a lasting impression on readers. I would not recommend reading this as a stand-alone. This series needs to be enjoyed in order, there are so many different characters and so many worlds in this universe that need to be understood. If the size of the series is daunting, you can start with the Lostwell books and build out from there, finding more about the characters I know you'll grow to love.
If you ever come across an Ascendant on a deserted world, leave them there! Simon continues his rampage in City Ascendant, cruelty seems to be the only true emotion he has. These books all flow together and this starts where the last left off. I loved the rallying, especially since there is so much darkness. At any point, there is at least one character with hope for a future. It's not always the same person, but there's always one providing the contrast of light amid the dark.
"We will burn the City and its gods, and we shall not cease until Simon's smouldering and beheaded corpse is lying before me."
This quote sets the overall tone of the resistance, the refusal to just bow before someone who has so much power. Simon may have the ability to conquer worlds, but ruling by fear, he'll never have the loyalty of anyone.
I also loved how the internal conflict of people gets illustrated. People who are otherwise good turn a blind eye when those they care about are under threat. We see that from several points of view throughout the story (gods, mortals, dragons), that's very relatable to most people, at least as a concept.
And the ending.....leaves me begging for more.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the author. I am leaving a voluntary, honest review.
January 2, 2022
Naxor finally gets what’s coming to him! (pumps fist in air) Oh, how I hate him and his devious ways.
Simon is a bastard - there’s no other way to describe him and his actions. He goes out of his way to torment others. There’s reference about him being rescued from exile that I don’t recall. Guess I’ll have to re-read at least one of the earlier books.
Does anyone else feel that Kagan is none too bright? He probably would never have survived his youth if a gang leader hadn’t taken him under his wing (I think he later kills him - so much for gratitude/loyalty)
This volume has tons of action and heartrending situations. Sometimes it seems that some of the immortals are actually getting a conscience. Gotta love Jade and her skewed outlook on life. I hope she makes a reappearance later. At the rate the Ascendants are being destroyed there may not be many left, although it appears that there are plenty of them on Implacatus (Belinda, for one. And there goes Silva)
Why does it seem that Emily is the go-to for decisions? The king always seems to defer to her. Is it because she wasn’t imprisoned as long? Can’t say that I like her mother, the shrew.
Kelsey and Van seem to work out their differences but their life together will probably never be smooth sailing.
I guess that’s one of the strong features of this series. No one is perfect. Almost everyone has both good and bad qualities, not to mention quirks, including the dragons. Can’t wait for Book 10.
Simon is a bastard - there’s no other way to describe him and his actions. He goes out of his way to torment others. There’s reference about him being rescued from exile that I don’t recall. Guess I’ll have to re-read at least one of the earlier books.
Does anyone else feel that Kagan is none too bright? He probably would never have survived his youth if a gang leader hadn’t taken him under his wing (I think he later kills him - so much for gratitude/loyalty)
This volume has tons of action and heartrending situations. Sometimes it seems that some of the immortals are actually getting a conscience. Gotta love Jade and her skewed outlook on life. I hope she makes a reappearance later. At the rate the Ascendants are being destroyed there may not be many left, although it appears that there are plenty of them on Implacatus (Belinda, for one. And there goes Silva)
Why does it seem that Emily is the go-to for decisions? The king always seems to defer to her. Is it because she wasn’t imprisoned as long? Can’t say that I like her mother, the shrew.
Kelsey and Van seem to work out their differences but their life together will probably never be smooth sailing.
I guess that’s one of the strong features of this series. No one is perfect. Almost everyone has both good and bad qualities, not to mention quirks, including the dragons. Can’t wait for Book 10.
January 6, 2022
A city war again
Book 9 this book is about Simon a bad ascendant, taking over the city, but before that Naxon is up to his cunning ways and blackmailed the God queen to try to take over and let him lead (because she is over it all and just wants to be left alone) I felt sorry for her kind of, it was a weird and great story with her because she really do have a dark side but a good one two and you just continue how to feel.I just want Kelsey and van to get on with it now it's been 2 years, loved Kelsey meeting vans dad.this book was mostly about jade she never really lived and sent out into the world she only had her evil family to learn from is started to feel different and making friends.poor Emily and Daniel get torn apart when Daniel is in Simon's hands. This book is very dark but then they all are about war.I liked naxons brother, not saying more about that.
Book 9 this book is about Simon a bad ascendant, taking over the city, but before that Naxon is up to his cunning ways and blackmailed the God queen to try to take over and let him lead (because she is over it all and just wants to be left alone) I felt sorry for her kind of, it was a weird and great story with her because she really do have a dark side but a good one two and you just continue how to feel.I just want Kelsey and van to get on with it now it's been 2 years, loved Kelsey meeting vans dad.this book was mostly about jade she never really lived and sent out into the world she only had her evil family to learn from is started to feel different and making friends.poor Emily and Daniel get torn apart when Daniel is in Simon's hands. This book is very dark but then they all are about war.I liked naxons brother, not saying more about that.
October 29, 2021
City Ascendant (Magelands Eternal Siege, #9), my eleventh read from prolific author Christopher Mitchell. When I want to read epic fantasy I first look for author Christopher Mitchell. With 23 books written over 3 series, I need to get going & read more Christopher Mitchell books. I look forward to reading more from this author. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Now I need to go to the Magelands Origins Series, starting with Retreat of the Kell. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 23, 2022
City Ascendant takes the series to a dark place it has not ventured to before. Conquered by the tenth Ascendant, the city labors just to survive, much less to muster a rebellion to this new threat. I did wish for a little more development for Simon. His motivation seems to be power for power's sake, which makes sense, but his character felt somewhat flat to me because of it, which limited the emotional impact of his work as a villain. However, this work stands out in a great series with the quality of the writing, particularly the freshness and fun of the dialogue. I quite enjoyed reading it, though I'll admit that nine books in I'm also ready for a short break from this great series.
October 24, 2021
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. The story and characters are outstanding. I cannot begin to say enough about how this author weaves a tale that is extraordinary. There are dragons and magic and ordinary humans and gods. There is nothing I do not love about these books and I will be biding my time for the next one in January. Thank everything that the author does not make me wait too long for the next installment!!
October 25, 2021
Once again Chris has written a totally engrossing episode of the Eternal Siege. His easy to read writing style incorporating well crafted characters and easy to visualise places makes for a fabulous read. Chris has become a master of “hold your breath” tensions and the twists he weaves in his stories keep you turning the pages. If you haven’t read Christopher Mitchell books before you absolutely should!
November 4, 2021
Impatient
I loved this book!!! I knew it would be good as the story of Van, Kelsey, Emily, Daniel, and all the others continue on in this book, but it really exceeded my expectations!!! I really have marveled and the depth of character that Mr. Mitchell has brought about in each of the characters. I would definitely recommend this book, and the Mageland series as a whole, to anyone who likes to read about dragons, their riders, and magic in general.
I loved this book!!! I knew it would be good as the story of Van, Kelsey, Emily, Daniel, and all the others continue on in this book, but it really exceeded my expectations!!! I really have marveled and the depth of character that Mr. Mitchell has brought about in each of the characters. I would definitely recommend this book, and the Mageland series as a whole, to anyone who likes to read about dragons, their riders, and magic in general.
October 24, 2021
This book makes my heart race.. it's fast and furious... non stop. Simon is loose on the city and everyone is terrified.. so was I! A final end to some of the less desirable characters and the demise of some good.. the dragons play a big role and grow more on the reader..
We're left with the opening to the next book and it's taking an interesting turn i think.
We're left with the opening to the next book and it's taking an interesting turn i think.
November 1, 2021
‘Kelsey, I need your help.’
Best ending ever. This book is as good as it gets. The whole series has been a wonderful journey and I can't wait for the next book and the next one but I'm also sad that this journey is close to it's end. I expect much more Mr. Mitchell much more. And thank for taking us along.
Best ending ever. This book is as good as it gets. The whole series has been a wonderful journey and I can't wait for the next book and the next one but I'm also sad that this journey is close to it's end. I expect much more Mr. Mitchell much more. And thank for taking us along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2022
Emotional
Best one so far I like to think that I'm quite masculine and emotionally strong, but even with my manliness I was still choked a fair few times with the emotional battle that Jade dealt within herself. Dragons, gods different worlds and cacophony of mortals too keep u reading til u finish. Masterpiece
Best one so far I like to think that I'm quite masculine and emotionally strong, but even with my manliness I was still choked a fair few times with the emotional battle that Jade dealt within herself. Dragons, gods different worlds and cacophony of mortals too keep u reading til u finish. Masterpiece
March 15, 2023
amazing!
All the books in the whole entire series are great! Every book keeps me wanting to read until the end. The way Christopher writes is unpredictable. You never know which main characters will be killed or what they will do. Even when you think you “know “ the characters, they do things you wouldn’t expect. Thank you for another addition to the adventure!
All the books in the whole entire series are great! Every book keeps me wanting to read until the end. The way Christopher writes is unpredictable. You never know which main characters will be killed or what they will do. Even when you think you “know “ the characters, they do things you wouldn’t expect. Thank you for another addition to the adventure!
January 19, 2022
Another great read
Well written as always with many original ideas and the twists and turns of both characters and plot that run throughout these books. As the saying goes "no one here is what they appear to be."
Well written as always with many original ideas and the twists and turns of both characters and plot that run throughout these books. As the saying goes "no one here is what they appear to be."
May 15, 2022
Magelands Epic Fantasy
I enjoyed how the continued Magelands City Ascendant defines more of the characters once again making them jump off the page becoming real like .Great fantasy reading for all ages.Can't wait to read your next book
I enjoyed how the continued Magelands City Ascendant defines more of the characters once again making them jump off the page becoming real like .Great fantasy reading for all ages.Can't wait to read your next book
February 28, 2023
How hard is it to kill a god?
Absolutely brilliant fantasy fiction.
Gods, mortals, monsters and dragons.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
Absolutely brilliant fantasy fiction.
Gods, mortals, monsters and dragons.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
October 24, 2021
Great and surprising.
I really enjoyed this book This took me through both ups and down. Plenty of action and despair.
I really enjoyed this book This took me through both ups and down. Plenty of action and despair.
November 1, 2021
Old friends
Loved this catch up with characters who feel like old friends. Can't wait for next book. Thank you Christopher for you wonderful imagination
Loved this catch up with characters who feel like old friends. Can't wait for next book. Thank you Christopher for you wonderful imagination
March 23, 2022
Brilliant as always!
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, would highly recommend! I’m totally in love with these series!! Can’t wait to read the next!
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, would highly recommend! I’m totally in love with these series!! Can’t wait to read the next!
April 8, 2022
Booknine
Good Reed loved when that Simon finally ended up
Dead I despised that fowl loatsom creature
story had a good end
Good Reed loved when that Simon finally ended up
Dead I despised that fowl loatsom creature
story had a good end
December 28, 2022
Awesome
Once again another great addition to the series. I could not put down this book and was at the edge of my seat the whole time.
Once again another great addition to the series. I could not put down this book and was at the edge of my seat the whole time.
July 30, 2025
Honestly, about halfway through the book I had decided to stop reading the series. I didn't like the way it was going... I just purchased the next 3 in the series.
August 31, 2025
A brilliant, gripping series. Fantastically written, superb characters and a constant need to read the next chapter!
Read
September 10, 2025Loved it
June 2, 2023
Fast paced and one of the best books in the series with several story lines coming to a head. Will the ascendant be defeated. Well you will have to read the book.
July 1, 2022
Kindle edition
Started: 02/11/21
Completed: 05/11/21
Rated: *4 STARS *
Started: 02/11/21
Completed: 05/11/21
Rated: *4 STARS *
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews