Anchor

The Ascendant Path, Book 3

By: Joshua C. Cook

Narrated by: David Gurney

Anchors can stop magic. That makes them the most needed and hated people in all the Northern lands.

Shunned for their connection to the evil that is magic, Anchors are not welcome anywhere in north for long. The ability to absorb magic, to destroy magical creatures, and even "see" magic will eventually drive them mad, and lead to their entering the descent, a place where they all eventually must go.

Layten Grayread, separated from his friends after the folly of Blood Point, now finds himself inside the Anchorhold. An ancient location in Ture itself, the Anchorhold is the one place an Anchor is always welcome. For Layten is an Anchor, and a strong one.

Elsewhere, Hopwell and Wix hope their friend is alive, and resolve to find him one way or another. But when Calmar, the southern caster who nearly killed Layten at Blood Point uses his new abilities to strike the north directly, he shatters the stability of the free lands, and heart of Hopwell Lewin.

And above it all, Vilom, the Voice of Sartum plots and schemes, only having one question he can’t answer.

Who is Layten Grayread?

©2022 Joshua C Cook (P)2026 Joshua C Cook

A Life Changed

I enjoyed book 3 of "The Ascendant Path" series. A scholar, a soldier, and now an anchor, Layten's life has changed through the first three books of the series. I liked the characters of Layten and his friends. I appreciated all the twists and turns that Layten and his comrades have gone through since their saga began. This story ended on a cliffhanger, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. David Gurney's narration was great, and it kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.