The Ascension by J.M. Shaw is the first book in the Callum Walker series. Looking for your next fantasy series? Then this book is one worth checking out. Two evil brothers in a quest for more power, a young man who could be their undoing, and a plethora of magical creatures…yeah, this book is a fantasy adventure waiting for you.
The Ascension has a cover depicting a tunnel swirling with mist. Standing in this dark tunnel is a shadowy figure. The question arises – “Who is this figure?” Readers have to wonder – is it Callum? Or is it someone else from the story waiting for him? At the end of the tunnel is daylight and trees, which give the tunnel light. Where does this tunnel lead? It’s a question that can only be answered by reading the story.
The Ascension by J.M. Shaw is the beginning of Callum’s story. Callum is a human magic wielder living on Earth. He is an introverted individual who prefers to keep to himself. His past has jaded him towards relationships with others. Working a low-paying job, Callum lives in abject poverty. Despite his struggles, he doesn’t complain. He’s aware of the dangers that stalk the streets at night. In fact, he makes it his mission to get out there and hunt them dangers down.
It really begs the question of “why?” doesn’t it? Especially when you witness a young woman trying to strike up a conversation with him at a local coffee shop that he tends to haunt. His brusque response to her flirtation manners will have even you rearing back in surprise. You’ll be thinking – “Well, no wonder you’re alone with behavior like that!” Of course, we won’t learn about what he’s been through until later in the story.
As The Ascension progresses the story unfolds in the third person perspective. Readers follow Callum as he goes through his days. Callum demonstrates that he has unique abilities one of which includes discernment. Callum can sense magical energies, but it goes beyond that. He can discern certain things as well, and that tends to help him out in particular situations. Now, that’s not to say that he is infallible, because he’s not, but this unique skill adds an interesting “spice” to the story.
The Ascension alternates between a series of characters throughout. Callum is the main character of this story as he is the one spoken of in a prophecy. Has he heard of said prophecy? Of course not! You just gotta love this story with the “hidden prophecy” that names someone as the “savior of the world”! Well, that’s exactly what author Shaw has created here with The Ascension.
In this novel, readers are getting a secret fantasy realm that few humans know about. Two evil brothers, who while both are evil, are exact opposites. How is that you ask? Well, one has magic naturally, while the other? Yep, you guessed it…has none. So, how are they fighting over who will “rule and control” these worlds? As we all know, and as author Shaw gives us – evil always finds a way. Though, this feud goes deeper than one having and the other not.
Callum is going to have quite the journey as The Ascension unfolds. He goes from being a relative “nobody” to someone who is heaped upon with expectations. Now, people (primarily from the fantasy realm) will be looking to him to help them and save them from the war that is coming. Author Shaw will literally have him going from one bad situation to another. While Callum is going to be having a rough go of it, he shows his strength and fortitude throughout it all.
One particular element of The Ascension that readers are going to appreciate is how Callum goes from being literally friendless to developing some unexpected friendships along the way. The first will be through an act of kindness to a frightened sprite, and another similar such act to one who started out as his enemy.
While Callum is dealing with whatever dire situation he finds himself in he also strengthens his arcane abilities. At the beginning of the book, he knows very little about them. Honestly, as the story progresses he still doesn’t know much about them, but he begins to practice more and discover more in the process. It’s interesting how often he surprises those who would wish to harm him.
What’s really nice about The Ascension is that very few things go Callum’s way. He’s made to go through and endure so much hardship. If Callum could speak to us readers we’re pretty sure he’d say that he just had “bad luck.”
When it comes to the pacing of The Ascension author Shaw has the storyline moving at a slow to moderate pace. The story does become engaging in certain situations and moments that will encourage the reader to lean forward into the storyline. Then things will slow down as author Shaw draws out certain situations and reinforces the gravity of it.
As The Ascension draws to a close, this story reads like it could be read as a standalone novel. However, if readers wanted to continue on with Callum’s story then they are fully capable of doing that as well. As The Ascension comes to an end, Callum learns a few things about himself and his family.
Readers looking for a clean fantasy novel The Ascension will absolutely fit the bill. This novel focuses on Callum and his story of trying to stay out of the grasp of two brothers and their quest for power. This fantasy novel has some mild romance, tons of fantasy, and limited profanity. So, if that sounds like your kind of book, then grab The Ascension.
Pros:
- Dynamic cast of fantasy characters.
- Lots of magic
- Situations don’t frequently go in the favor of the main character.
- Clean story
- Can be read as a standalone
Cons:
- Pacing leans toward the slower side
- Lacks drama that would have really amped the story up.
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