-
The Torch That Ignites the Stars
- Arcane Ascension, Book 3
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $44.99
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Six Sacred Swords
- Weapons and Wielders, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Keras Selyrian is already well on the way to cutting his name into the annals of legend. He’s fought false divinities, thieving sorcerers, and corrupt demigods - and left them defeated in his wake. But he’s a long way from home, and Kaldwyn offers a different brand of danger than he’s used to. He’s already got a sword of unfathomable power, but it’s damaged and leaking world-annihilating mana, so he’s in the market for a new one. Possibly six. The more the better, really.
-
-
Fun and entertaining!
- By Jim on 11-19-19
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Forging Divinity
- The War of Broken Mirrors, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some say that in the city of Orlyn, godhood is on sale to the highest bidder. Thousands flock to the city each year, hoping for a chance at immortality. Lydia Hastings is a knowledge sorcerer, capable of extracting information from anything she touches. When she travels to Orlyn to validate the claims of the local faith, she discovers a conspiracy that could lead to a war between the world's three greatest powers. At the focal point is a prisoner who bears a striking resemblance to the long-missing leader of the pantheon she worships.
-
-
OK magic system, but everything else is flat
- By osuushi on 03-22-19
By: Andrew Rowe
-
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
- He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 1
- By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
- Narrated by: Heath Miller
- Length: 28 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it's hard to be good when all your powers are evil. He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters...and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
-
-
Great!
- By tb3 on 03-10-21
By: Shirtaloon, and others
-
Bastion
- Immortal Great Souls, Book 1
- By: Phil Tucker
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 38 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Scorio will rise from the ashes to conquer the 10 layers of hell. Reborn without memories, Scorio learns that he is a Great Soul, a legendary defender of the ancient city of Bastion. That within the hallowed halls of the Academy and under the stern eyes of the underworld’s greatest instructors he will enjoy enormous privilege, rediscover unique and wondrous powers, and one day return to the millennium-old battle against their infernal foes. Until he is betrayed.
-
-
Roughly 10 hours in. Will edit when I get further.
- By Mom in Maine on 03-18-22
By: Phil Tucker
-
How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Suzy Jackson, Steve West
- Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For thousands of years, there has been a cycle: a Demon King rises and conquers, and a Hero is reborn a hundred years later to defeat him. Each time, civilizations are ground to dust beneath the Demon King's hordes, but humanity has remained secure in the belief that a Hero of legend will always save them. There's just one slight problem. It's only been 23 years since the Demon King's latest rise, and this time, he's already conquered more than half the world. If humanity simply waits for the Hero's return, there may be no world left for him to save.
-
-
The Best Audible Original Book I've Heard
- By Heather I on 05-01-20
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Nolyn
- The Rise and Fall, Book 1
- By: Michael J. Sullivan
- Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds, Michael J. Sullivan, Robin Sullivan
- Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After more than 500 years of exile, the heir to the empyre is wary about his sudden reassignment to active duty on the Goblin War’s front lines. His mission to rescue an outpost leads to a dead-end canyon deep inside enemy territory, and his suspicion turns to dread when he discovers the stronghold doesn't exist.
-
-
What are you doing Michael?
- By Hotel Hero on 08-09-21
-
Six Sacred Swords
- Weapons and Wielders, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Keras Selyrian is already well on the way to cutting his name into the annals of legend. He’s fought false divinities, thieving sorcerers, and corrupt demigods - and left them defeated in his wake. But he’s a long way from home, and Kaldwyn offers a different brand of danger than he’s used to. He’s already got a sword of unfathomable power, but it’s damaged and leaking world-annihilating mana, so he’s in the market for a new one. Possibly six. The more the better, really.
-
-
Fun and entertaining!
- By Jim on 11-19-19
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Forging Divinity
- The War of Broken Mirrors, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some say that in the city of Orlyn, godhood is on sale to the highest bidder. Thousands flock to the city each year, hoping for a chance at immortality. Lydia Hastings is a knowledge sorcerer, capable of extracting information from anything she touches. When she travels to Orlyn to validate the claims of the local faith, she discovers a conspiracy that could lead to a war between the world's three greatest powers. At the focal point is a prisoner who bears a striking resemblance to the long-missing leader of the pantheon she worships.
-
-
OK magic system, but everything else is flat
- By osuushi on 03-22-19
By: Andrew Rowe
-
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
- He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 1
- By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
- Narrated by: Heath Miller
- Length: 28 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it's hard to be good when all your powers are evil. He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters...and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
-
-
Great!
- By tb3 on 03-10-21
By: Shirtaloon, and others
-
Bastion
- Immortal Great Souls, Book 1
- By: Phil Tucker
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 38 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Scorio will rise from the ashes to conquer the 10 layers of hell. Reborn without memories, Scorio learns that he is a Great Soul, a legendary defender of the ancient city of Bastion. That within the hallowed halls of the Academy and under the stern eyes of the underworld’s greatest instructors he will enjoy enormous privilege, rediscover unique and wondrous powers, and one day return to the millennium-old battle against their infernal foes. Until he is betrayed.
-
-
Roughly 10 hours in. Will edit when I get further.
- By Mom in Maine on 03-18-22
By: Phil Tucker
-
How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Suzy Jackson, Steve West
- Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For thousands of years, there has been a cycle: a Demon King rises and conquers, and a Hero is reborn a hundred years later to defeat him. Each time, civilizations are ground to dust beneath the Demon King's hordes, but humanity has remained secure in the belief that a Hero of legend will always save them. There's just one slight problem. It's only been 23 years since the Demon King's latest rise, and this time, he's already conquered more than half the world. If humanity simply waits for the Hero's return, there may be no world left for him to save.
-
-
The Best Audible Original Book I've Heard
- By Heather I on 05-01-20
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Nolyn
- The Rise and Fall, Book 1
- By: Michael J. Sullivan
- Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds, Michael J. Sullivan, Robin Sullivan
- Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After more than 500 years of exile, the heir to the empyre is wary about his sudden reassignment to active duty on the Goblin War’s front lines. His mission to rescue an outpost leads to a dead-end canyon deep inside enemy territory, and his suspicion turns to dread when he discovers the stronghold doesn't exist.
-
-
What are you doing Michael?
- By Hotel Hero on 08-09-21
-
Ascendant: Book 1
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
- Length: 17 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Wizard's Council of Tarador was supposed to tell young Koren Bladewell that he is a wizard. They were supposed to tell everyone that he is not a jinx, that all the bad things that happen around him are because he can't control the power inside him, power he doesn't know about. The people of his village, even his parents, are afraid of him, afraid he is cursed. That he is a dangerous, evil jinx.
-
-
If you love being angry - this book is for you!
- By Matthew M Ferguson on 07-26-19
By: Craig Alanson
-
Mage of No Renown
- Tales of Terralor, Book 1
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wesson is still years from becoming a man when an immense darkness stirs within his core. The sinister power bursts free during a confrontation with an old enemy, and Wesson’s tranquil life is left in tatters. Forced to flee a murderous mob, Wesson stumbles onto a tumultuous path where he must confront the destructive power he has awakened. He must learn control over the power he wields or risk being consumed by it. As he wrestles with his training, an assassin stalks his every move.
-
-
It was OK at best
- By Julien Nicolas on 06-29-22
By: Kel Kade
-
A Testament of Steel
- Instrument of Omens, Book 1
- By: Davis Ashura
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 19 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cinder Shade’s life begins on a fateful afternoon at the bottom of a well where he awakens, bruised, battered, and bereft of all memory. His only understanding is a driving imperative to protect those who can’t defend themselves and become a warrior worthy of the name. He discovers within himself a peculiar gift, one in which the codes of combat are made evident and the language of steel is made clear.
-
-
Repetitive plot, terrible dialogue
- By Anonymous User on 01-10-21
By: Davis Ashura
-
Unsouled
- By: Will Wight
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sacred artists follow a thousand Paths to power, using their souls to control the forces of the natural world. Lindon is Unsouled, forbidden to learn the sacred arts of his clan. When faced with a looming fate he cannot ignore, he must rise beyond anything he's ever known...and forge his own Path.
-
-
Buy Then Binge! Worth every penny
- By John on 10-28-19
By: Will Wight
-
Mage Errant: Publisher's Pack
- Mage Errant, Book 1-2
- By: John Bierce
- Narrated by: Ralph Lister
- Length: 16 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mage Errant: Publisher's Pack contains books one and two of the Mage Errant series: Into the Labyrinth and Jewel of the Endless Erg. Hugh of Emblin is, so far as he's concerned, the worst student that the Academy at Skyhold has ever seen. He can barely cast any spells at all, and those he does cast tend to fail explosively.
-
-
Light and delightful
- By Benjamin on 09-11-19
By: John Bierce
-
Ascend Online
- Ascend Online, Book 1
- By: Luke Chmilenko
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Diving into a revolutionary new video game, Marcus and his friends escape a stagnant society, entering into a world that defies their wildest imaginations. But from the moment that he logs in, Marcus finds himself separated from his friends and thrown into a remote village under attack by a horde of goblins. Forced into battle, Marcus rallies the beleaguered villagers and, with their help, manages to drive off the invading creatures. With the village in ruins and their supplies spoiled, the villagers turn to Marcus for help in rebuilding the village.
-
-
An interesting attempt that mostly fell flat
- By Keith R. Dercole on 06-20-18
By: Luke Chmilenko
-
Dissonance
- A LitRPG Adventure (Unbound Book 1)
- By: Nicoli Gonnella
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 26 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Felix's life on Earth had become a series of dead-end jobs, ruined relationships, and rotating apartments smaller than most postage stamps. By all accounts, even his own, he was a coward. Too afraid to move forward, to take risks. Yet when given the chance to choose between risking his life or walking away from a deadly encounter, he didn't hesitate. Moments before his untimely demise, Felix was snatched from earth and thrust into a magical world known only as "The Continent". Empowered by the "System", he learns that he can strengthen himself through combat and dedication.
-
-
I don't think my words can do this justice
- By Joseph on 05-09-22
By: Nicoli Gonnella
-
Cephrael's Hand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
-
-
Worst start to a series ever
- By Benjamin Haymore on 02-07-20
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Free the Darkness
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 1
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
-
-
An unusual but delightful premise
- By Courtney on 03-07-18
By: Kel Kade
-
Ritualist
- Completionist Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Dakota Krout
- Narrated by: Vikas Adam
- Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The decision to start a new life is never an easy one, but for Joe the transition was far from figurative. Becoming a permanent addition to a game world, it doesn't take long to learn that people with his abilities are actively hunted. In fact, if the wrong people gained knowledge of what he was capable of, assassins would appear in droves.
-
-
Why Elon Musk?
- By Amazon Customer on 06-29-19
By: Dakota Krout
-
The Wandering Inn
- The Wandering Inn, Book 1
- By: pirateaba
- Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau
- Length: 43 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An inn is a place to rest, a place to talk and share stories, a place to find adventure, or a starting ground for quests and legends. It is in this world, at least. To Erin Solstice, an inn seems like a medieval relic from the past. But here she is, running from Goblins and trying to survive in a world full of monsters and magic. She’d be more excited about all of this if everything wasn’t trying to kill her. But an inn is what she’s found, and so that’s what she becomes; an innkeeper, who serves drinks to heroes and monsters. Mostly monsters. But it’s a living, right?
-
-
I should have heeded the other negative reviews
- By K. Uddu on 01-01-20
By: pirateaba
-
Iron Prince
- Warformed: Stormweaver, Book 1
- By: Bryce O'Connor, Luke Chmilenko
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 33 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Reidon Ward will become a god. He doesn't know it yet, of course. Reidon was born weak, sickly, and small. Afflicted with a painful disease and abandoned by his parents because of it, he has had to fight tooth and nail for every minor advantage life has allowed him. However, his perseverance has not gone unnoticed, and when the most powerful artificial intelligence in human history takes an interest in him, things began to change quickly.
-
-
Best book I've heard all year!!
- By Reading Obsessed on 03-23-21
By: Bryce O'Connor, and others
Publisher's Summary
After concluding their first year at Lorian Heights, Corin and his friends catch a train from their native Valia to the distant country of Caelford.
For most, this would be a simple vacation. Corin has other plans:
- Meet Anabelle Farren, the eccentric owner of Farren Labs, and learn about artificial attunements.
- Seek out Warren Constantine, a previous Arbiter, for training and a potential alliance.
- Find the visage Ferras herself to seek a cure for Sera's condition.
Of course, Corin is Corin, and there's absolutely no chance he's going to be able to stick to a list. Even if he miraculously developed a sense of focus, he isn't the only one with plans....
The Blackstone Bandit. Everyone's favorite mysterious book entity. The aforementioned Farren. A vacationing professor. The mirror of a figure from Keras' past. When their plots intersect, Corin and his friends are, predictably, stuck at the center.
It's going to be a long vacation.
Critic Reviews
Winner of the 2020 Stabby Award for Best Self-Published/Independent Novel!
More from the same
What listeners say about The Torch That Ignites the Stars
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Joseph
- 05-13-21
Starts a lot of plotlines, doesn't continue any.
I think this series is turning in a direction that I really don't like. I am not a fan of long-running series in general. I like the tight trilogy, the three, maybe four book arc. Unfortunately this author is writing this book like he has 14 more in which to explore his plot. He starts a dozen new plotlines and introduces a bunch of new characters while moving the pre-existing plotline almost not at all. Also it heavily references the author's other books that are part of this universe but not part of the main series which is just annoying. If I had to read the side books to understand this one then make them part of the main story, don't make me feel clueless just because you don't know how to write a cohesive plot.
I'm probably done with this series after this installment. What a letdown.
89 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jeremy
- 05-13-21
Boring and Tedious
I literally could not listen to this anymore. This book was going nowhere. It consists of back and forth banter that does not advance the story in any way. I listened for a few hours on and off and finally decided to return it.
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, as well as the spin-offs. I think this might be the last one in this series that I listen to. The reviews obviously can't be trusted. I cannot believe that someone actually gave this book a five-star review. Lately it seems as if authors are just adding filler books in the series to boost profits and not advancing the plot or storylines.
75 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- D. Neill
- 05-14-21
Relationship Fails
Relationships. That’s what destroys this book, and really, the overarching story. The first book, Sufficiently Advanced Magic was great, though signs of relational incompetence were there, the overall story, presentation, and especially, Nick Podehl’s performance, saved the book. Each subsequent book has seen the gross incompetence of the author, when it comes to relationships, subsume the rest of the book and the characters.
There is nothing realistic in the way these characters interact. The dialogue and reactions read like a mental conversations I had with myself in my early teen years. The main character, Corin, demonstrates either supreme selfishness or split-personality disorder. In one moment, he’s a neurotic boy on the autism spectrum, in the next, he’s the psychologist who’s treating a neurotic boy on the autism spectrum. Corin will simultaneously identify the appropriate human reaction and deliberately refuse to do it because: reasons. It appears that Mr. Rowe is attempting to portray a autism spectrum person in a sympathetic light, but all he’s done is prove that Corin is not on the spectrum, rather is a self absorbed, spoilt brat. Being in Corin’s head is what I imagine being a trust-fund baby is like.
Time and time again, interactions between characters read like “ought to behave this way” lectures, rather than genuine human companionship and conflict. I suppose if you were to establish a group of people by requiring a minimum number of psychiatric disorders to be included, you may find naturally occurring group dynamics like those that surround Corin. To say the relationships seem force and artificial is about the best compliment I can give the book’s character development. Decisions are arbitrary and often capricious. The most common reaction I have to the characters’ behaviors is confusion followed by annoyance. This has quickly turned to apathy. Corin, Sara and the gang do not act like any people I’ve ever known. Their alien behavior makes them boring.
Unfortunately, relationships seem to be the keystone that this story is meant to be built on. Relationships are the weakest and least engaging aspect of the Arcane Ascension series. The world is interesting, the characters are not.
53 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- cody king
- 05-18-21
And then nothing happens
This book is a definite downgrade from the previous books. The end of two relieved alot of the building tension and this book feels aimless without it. This is made worse by the fact that Corrin feels almost superfluous to large portions of the book. Rowe seems to be writing Sarah as Corrin+. She's always right and and is better than him in basically every scenario they run against, and her tendency to treat Corrin like a child got old fast.
To summarize: This book barely feels connected to the plot and poor use of character just makes it worse.
40 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- steve
- 05-17-21
SJW agenda
this author definitely tried to inject as much of his political SJW drivel as he possibly could. every character in this book is gay, no joke. this book is pushing a adenda. stay away from this author, the narrator was good though
32 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael
- 05-14-21
Boring.
Nick P is one of my fave readers and he did a great job. The book itself sucks. The story slowed way down. The book does a lot of 1x1 battles for each character, but Even in the 1x1s they’re mostly characters asking, “do you mind if I take this on myself? Jump in if I’m going to die” so there’s no real feel of danger, just everybody showing how strong they are. It sets up for a seemingly stronger endgame. The trials are long, and drawn out, often with 1 short battle with minimal danger. The murder mystery trial was absolutely terrible, I chalked the book up as a dud after that.
31 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- A Man That Exists
- 05-22-21
This is not it. Not at all.
I've read/listened to every book that takes place in this book's world. Previous entries, side stories, everything I've enjoyed some much more than others, but the world building is good so I've kept going.
This book took considerable effort to finish.
First off this IS a side story there are no two ways about it. This book is 95% cheap filler, with painfully slow pacing. It felt like a way to artificially power up the cast for the next entry. This also made the power ups feel unearned and lazy. I understand Andrew likes his side stories, but this was supposed to be a main line book. I am confident you could move onto the next book with a two page summary of this one and be fine. That's how inconsequential most of the events here felt.
Secondly, I am coming to realize that though Andrew Rowe's world is interesting, his characters are not. Their behavior is unrealistic at best, and akin to cringy teenage fanfiction at worst. They simply do not come across as real people as their behavior, choices, dialog and relationships feel extremely artificial. I can go into this from numerous angles but then this review would become an essay so the only one I'll mention here is the dialog. The dialog between characters outside the main group is fine enough, but dialog and especially banter between members of our main party feels like it was written by a nerdy 13 year old girl. This would be fine if all of these characters were nerdy 13 year old girls, but clearly that's not the case. Thinking back, I believe this issue comes up in all of Andrew's works (that I've read) but is overshadowed by the world building and intrigue brought about by the wider plot. As the world building is scaled back here and the wider plot barely inches forward, these problems become much more evident in this entry.
The last thing I'll bring up in this review is how unlikable I found the character of Sera to be. I don't know if the author's goal was for that be the case but it most was the achieved result, at least for me. She came accross as extremely selfish and self serving, which wouldn't automatically make her character unlikable if it was intentional and executed well. That didn't seem to be the case here. This dislike is exasperated because it also feels like the author would like Sera to be our MC, rather than our actual MC.
This book was severely disappointing. I'll get the next entry, because I enjoy the overall world, but if this level of quality persists that'll be it for me and the works of Andrew Rowe.
28 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Aaron
- 05-23-21
Found polical agendas where I hoped to find story.
This book definitely belongs in the LGBTQ genre...
Characters are supposed to be young and inexperienced yet somehow they are wise beyond their years, full of humility, and overflowing with empathy and compassion for everyone around them (humans, creatures and inanimate objects....??) They take pains to use politically correct pronouns when referring to both people and monsters...to the point of absurdity.
I personally found the polical motivations distracting. Okay, so the person identifies as “fill in the blank”. Okay, I get it. Then five minutes later..another reminder...again and again and again until I am wondering if this is truly meant to be entertainment or just a form of political indoctrination? But that just my opinion. Hope this helps.
27 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amy R.
- 05-11-21
So glad to hear Nick bring the story to life again
The gang is on break in Caelford and so much happens! I love how much we learn during this book and an interaction with a certain professor stands out as one of my favorite moments from this book.
The tone shift is different in this book - we had school and the newness and fun of magic in the first two, and now we are really learning about the broader socio-political implications of the world and just what Corin is involved in. The stakes are higher and I can’t wait for AA4!
21 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Elena Foulkes
- 05-12-21
kind of a side quest
Sarah is suspicious of every person they meet and that is completely warranted but gets old quickly and the quibbling between corin and her gets annoying so annoying that if you drank alcohol every time they said a witty remark towards each other you would get drunk within a chapter.
Sara is op as hell now or going to be when her scaring is completely healed which is not a big problem in her fight's, Corin and mara are also op though for Patrick it's hard to tell because it's mentioned that he's talented but there aren't actually many fights and Patrick doesn't really fight or even appear in any of them,Cecily is new and doesn't have that many appearances ether but her relationship with Corin is wierd and I'd rather see more of jin plus not big on the Shy thing and the romance parts are cring
in total great world building not much action at all which made a lot of bots boring especially when they went into the tower but it's a good precursor for book 4 that will probably be action packed, some questions awnsered but even more have been raised which is how I like it, would have liked more Caris in general but I guess I'll have to wait around two years for book 3 of the sacret sword side arc thing and even longer for the next book in this series to come out but as long as it's got a lot more action I'll be happy
20 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Hannah G Dawson
- 11-04-21
After three books I am checking out
If you've got through the first two books: you know the bit at the start of book one where there are several chapters of a thinly disguised video game dungeon?
That is the second major chunk of this book and it is even worse.
"Protagonist and friends go on holiday and sidequests happen" is as best a description I can make of this, and this was already a series that wastes a LOT of time.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ansari
- 09-10-21
Not much happens
Great quality as usual by Nick Podehl, a shame a the story isn't really going anywhere
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Marvin
- 05-16-21
Continues to be my favourite book series
It's a great in between story and while it might not be satisfactory for every one it continues to expand the amazing world building and be able to be both funny and serious and the appropriate time. Can't wait for the next one
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- DES
- 05-14-21
Awesome
I pre purchased this and awaited the next instalment of the series, hoping for more of the same.
The only disappointment was reaching the end far quicker than I wanted it to.
Already on my 2nd listening and will have to wait months for the next book.
I’m sure the cliff hanger will be worth the wait.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- mathew mortiboys
- 05-13-21
Constantly brilliant
Fantastic book. Vivid writing. A winter break of epic proportions. Twists, turns and a Big fat cliffhanger.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jvaan
- 05-13-21
Another great addition
Was a fun listen and just as Andrew described.
My only complaint was that it was too short!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Morris
- 05-12-21
The epic tale continues
Andrew Rowe continues to impress and entertain me with AA. This book is filled with more world building, vivid scenes, unique character growth and an EPIC tale. I will not spoil it for you, listen it to it yourself!
I'm fully invested and can't wait for more. Particularly if Nick Podel continues to narrate this book.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Adam
- 05-12-21
Excellent!
I've been following Rowes books for a while now and I've listened to them all multiple times but Arcane Ascension is by far my favourite and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dean
- 07-15-22
Detailed but very enjoyable.
I thoroughly enjoy this book. I understand the reviews about it being a lesson in magic theory, but it adds to the immersion. It would be impossible to jump into the series with this book. But if you have read the first two, I highly recommend it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Trev
- 06-17-22
need the next book now
i consider this the 9th book in the series. and I'm utterly in love with the world. the humour never fails to make me chuckle with the mimic thing haha and the trauma of it. keras will forever be my spirit loved it. every part
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- sylvia
- 07-24-21
Massive MEH
This book is terrible. I can’t believe it’s got so many 5 star reviews. It has absolutely no plot line. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen and was severely let down.
There is too much introspection and self doubt in the main character. His thoughts are not witty comments that keep you entertained, instead they are repetitive and unnecessary after the first time.
The first book in the series had good potential, the second fell short of the mark. This book was just a waste of time for the author and reader.
If I could give this book zero stars that would count towards the rating, I would.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 11-25-21
A refreshing change to old stereo types
You have an amazing way of framing your characters in no traditional role yet still having them radiate the feeling of a hero, especially during times of personal conflict.
In truth the last few years have been rife with LGBTQIA virtue signalling in all form of media, yet in all your books you have freely and seamlessly integrated Characters of all back grounds and sexuality without making it “the story line”.
Respect.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Matthew
- 01-11-22
I hate myself
I swore I would never read this after the authors awful showing in the second book. I have no problem with the political angle, but the hamfisting of political ideology in the second book really had me out.
Anyway, I put this off for a long time but caved. It’s better than book 2, but that’s not saying much.
The main character is a lot less painfully autistic in this book than in previous instalments.
I seriously wonder if this book actually went through an editor. There’s certainly a lot of work that needs to be done and the author should change editor if he can. So many bad sentences, poorly picked words and outright making up words here and there. The imaginary words are particularly jarring.
The author has a knack for making his systems and world quite compelling. The characters are awful though and the book is heavily hamstrung because of it. It’s like the author doesn’t have a clear understanding of each of his characters which is stunning since he’s written so much of it.
The characters change with the author’s feeling at the time of writing, rather than with character development.
No attempt is made to make the characters sound like unique although Nick Podel puts in a masterful effort. All of the characters just sound like the author’s thoughts. Not uncommon among bad books, but he’s almost there. If he just changes a few things about his writing and has a bit of a paradigm shift toward entertainment over ideology spreading, he might become a great writer.
Anyway, if you can stomach the cringeworthy writing, you might find this an enjoyable sequel. No overt politics in this book so far but still quite a bit of time to prove me wrong.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Wayne
- 12-05-21
Too much teen drama
Nick does an amazing job like usual. This series is starting to lose me. Just felt like this book was carrying on a bit, about who likes who, rather than RPG aspects.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jonas
- 11-26-21
Another great listen!
Another great book in the series. Nick Podehl has crafted a detailed world that I thoroughly enjoy delving into.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 11-15-21
Enthralling!
I cannot wait to experience the next book in this utterly enchanting series. The character growth is unparalleled. The narration is so smooth and entertaining - I’ve chewed through three of these books in the last 2 weeks! Please tell me there’s more! Lol. Thankyou.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 08-13-21
another amazing novel
I love these books so very much. I hate the fucking cliffhanger at the end you cruel son of a bitch why do you have to do that to us
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Janna H.
- 07-24-21
Book 3 - Fun and a great pace
Although I sometimes get impatient with the technicalities of how a character achieved progression, I truly enjoy the strategies and plot line. Looking forward to book 4
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Angela Thomson
- 07-20-21
Awesome story
The characters are always growing and the story leaves you wanting more every time. Absolutely love these books and the narration is perfect.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Tessa
- 07-05-21
worth the wait
I've been waiting for this book for a while but it's been worth the wait as usual nicks narration is spot on can't wait for the next book