A review by booknallnight
Ascendant by Michael R. Miller

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Whelp I just found another 2022 favorite and another series to get lost in. This is an absolutely amazing read, and is one that definitely shouldn't be rushed. With the beautiful writing, the fantastic world building and easy-to-love main characters, this is sure to be an all-time favorite for readers of epic fantasy.

My favorite part of Ascendant is Holt and Ash and the bond they forged when Holt saves him. Ash may be blind, but that does mean he is worthless and deserving of death before he even hatches. I love the message that comes across with this act of love and humanity.

I haven't read a solid fantasy with dragons as a substantive part of the main story. I have to say I really enjoyed this.  It felt like a mix of Merlin/Camelot, Eragon (movie as I haven't read the books ... yet) and How to Train Your Dragon. The banter and playfulness, the sarcastic thoughts and strong connection with their rider, really brought this home for me. I seriously need me an Ash right now 😂

I also really enjoyed the magical connection between dragon and rider.  Only by working together can they be stronger and more powerful. The differences in magic and how they determine what magic the dragon has was fun, for me at least.  I thought it was creative to have that decided by the dragon's food choice.

This is definitely one I will be recommending to all the fantasy fans. Especially those who love dragons, set back in the medieval times.

I cannot say enough how thankful I am for Books Forward and the publisher for providing me with a review copy of Ascendant, Songs of Chaos Book 1. I will now be going to snag a copy of Book 2.