Ascent: 1-3 Bundle

Artifice Academy

By: Jonathan Small

Narrated by: David Radtke

Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Alone in the throng of competition and cruelty, with nothing but guts, is defiance enough to ascend above the ordeals of the Artifice Academy?

Mad science, friendship and betrayal, Black Sand, politics: the Artifice Academy is a hard place: every moment a lesson, every lesson a trap. Inga dares to hope, walking a tightrope of isolation between failure and madness.

©2014 Jonathan Small (P)2015 Jonathan Small

I was surprised at where the book headed

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how the unexpected happened. I was really surprised on the ending of book 3. Is it the ending? I want more! Inga is a character I both like and sometimes hated. She has a tough demeanour at times.. and a temper.. but I was hoping that she would be able to pull off all her shenanigans. I understand why she took the path she did. But I didnt expect that she would get the ending in book 3 that she did. I do not want to ruin the story. But both marvin and Inga are central as characters in the book. You see Inga acting street smart as she tried to find a way to make extra coins in order to stay in school - but everything comes to a head by book 3. It is well worth the listen. The reason I give it a perfect score is because the story just kept on going.. and even though I finished it earlier today. I am still surprised at the ending.

What about David Radtke’s performance did you like?

He portrayed Inga really well and was able to differentiate between the different Masters. Being able to portray a rough master vs a gentler one.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided to me by the author at no cost in exchange for an honest and non-biased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

Young adult? Not sure, but this adult loves it.

I was surprised by this book. It's categorized as YA, but definitely deals with some heavy topics (primarily drug abuse). It was a great read and I found myself getting very attached to Inga, our main character. I can't wait for the rest of the series to be released on audible.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Alchemy Punk

HER THOUGHTS TRIPPED OVER EACH OTHER
If you are 8 to 12 years old, make this a five star book. The book is well written, has lessons for growing youth, by showing and not telling. Some exciting action and plenty to think about. It is a little light in darkness for adults, but pleasant to listen to. My grandkids are not old enough for this, so I will not continue the series.

CHAAAPTER
The narrator is unique, but fits this young person story well.

Gritty and Engaging

This book follows Inga, a young girl enrolled in the mysterious and unforgiving Artifice Academy by her family to find a better life for herself. What she finds is a host of challenges from indifferent Masters to backstabbing students and assistants. At every turn Inga is beset by obstacles that she must overcome in order to survive let alone excel.

I found this series easy to become engrossed in. The world that the book creates is very deep and full of mysteries that I can't wait to discover.
I look forward to the next book in the series!