History has forced them apart. Many generations ago four warriors set out together, known as the Ascendant Lords, among them was an elf, a human, a gnome, and a dwarf. What they found and created, a mythical Ascension Armor, eventually led to anger, greed, and hate for the other races.
Within his own elven village of Rishdel, Riorik Leafwalker faces his own prejudices for the actions of his father many years ago. Deemed a traitor, his father once a hero ranger of the guild tainted the Leafwalker name. So much so that his own brother Kirin chose to study magic in the town of Mage rather than remaining at home and joining the ranger guild.
When Riorik becomes of age his decision to join the rangers is met with hostility. He must successfully complete the required hunt to officially join the cadet ranks. But what he discovers is that he is not the only cadet met with glares and distain, a human has also chosen the path of ranger.
Author Gary Richardson has crafted a mythical world in which the problems of fictional characters within are oft too reminiscent of real life. With elements of choice, hatred, friendship, and legacy the races within face relatable and yet extraordinary dilemmas.
Running concurrently to Riorik’s trajectory is the conquest of the gnolls and orcs seeking something their ‘Master’ deems of extreme value. These parallel stories, slowly colliding together provide readers a well-rounded glimpse of the lands, the races, and their motivations.
“The Ascension Legacy: Book 1: The Shamed Ranger” provides a strong start to a promising adventure. Quickly snaring readers into its pages, Riorik is an enticing lead as his small band of friends try to prove their labels wrong. I love where Richardson is taking this as “The Ascension Legacy: Book 2: A Legend Confirmed” is calling for more!
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