Ascendant

Young Koren Bladewell endures a life of fear and isolation in his village, where everyone believes he brings misfortune wherever he goes. Unbeknownst to him, the catastrophes that follow in his wake stem from untrained magical abilities that the Wizard's Council has deliberately chosen not to reveal. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Ariana Trehayme watches helplessly as her kingdom of Tarador faces invasion while her indecisive mother refuses to take decisive military action. When these two unlikely allies discover their intertwined destinies, they must overcome both external threats and the misguided interference of authority figures who claim to know what's best for them.

Tim Gerard Reynolds delivers a masterful performance that brings depth and personality to Alanson's richly developed characters. His ability to differentiate between voices while maintaining consistent emotional resonance throughout the extensive runtime showcases his exceptional range as a narrator. Reynolds captures both the frustration of young protagonists fighting against patronizing adults and the epic scope of political intrigue threatening the realm. The audio format enhances the story's blend of coming-of-age themes and fantasy adventure, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the world-building and character development that unfolds across more than seventeen hours of engaging storytelling.