THE ASCENDANCY

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Humanity’s golden age ended in fire. The Xerath—cold, merciless bio-mechanical horrors—descended upon Earth, nearly driving mankind to extinction. In desperation, Project Ascendancy created theGenome Soldiers—enhanced warriors who turned the tide, reclaiming Earth at a terrible cost.

From the ashes, theSol Imperiumrose—a militarized empire where strength is survival. Two thousand years later,Justicar Jaxon Vaes,an elite warrior bred for war, upholds its brutal ideals. But as the Xerath threat continues to loom.will the imperium succeed again and vanquish the xerath.

Information

Status
Hiatus
Year
2025
Author
The Amadeus

Tags

ACTIONSCI-FIPSYCHOLOGICALMALE LEADGRIMDARKGENETICALLY ENGINEERED

Royal Road Stats

Rating
4.5/ 5.0
Followers
13
Views
2,082

Chapters(8 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

  • O.C. WandererRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    From the awesome prologue some years in the future to the introduction of the main character, this story immediately captivates. The opening battle scene is awesome, reminiscent of Starcraft, Halo or Warhammer 40k, but the titles make it land. It's epic. You can practically feel the heat of the plasma and smell the smoke as the planet comes under attack. The sneak peek into the future is a great hook, leaving you eager to understand what the progression to get to that moment looks like. It reminds me a little bit of Halo/Ender's Game - the idea of shaping a young boy into a killing machine.
    Chapter one pulls back to reveal the MC's origin, staging the driving factor for his future development, while the pacing remains fast throughout these early chapters. The narrative flows well, although the short lines keep things moving fast.
    The writing is strong and clear, ensuring the story is easy to follow and deeply engaging. The MC is a compelling protagonist; his vulnerability in the face of overwhelming horror is incredibly relatable, and his resilience hints at a strength that promises to develop in fascinating ways.
    My one suggestion for improvement would be to perhaps delve a little deeper into the MC's inner world. Exploring his inner thoughts and emotional processing of the trauma could further amplify the reader's connection and make his journey even more impactful. I think that's what's missing. I'd love to hear his thoughts and how he processes his trauma. The age of the young MC is also a mystery - we know his mom was holding him, yet as soon as they land in the new planet, he appears to be older than I thought he was while in the planet. Just a point of consistency I would address early on. Is he 8? is he 12? (edited)
  • Cursed CatRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    I could tell that it was inspired by Warhammer. The story revolves around Jaxon's traumatic past. The worldbuilding in the story is quite rich; it isn't fleshed out as the story is in the early phases. The prose is okay and descriptive.
    The fights are good but could use some pacing refinements.
    As for some problems, there is less use of dialogs in the story. Sometimes dialogs are good to show the emotions and burdens of the MC.
    Overall, it's a promising sci-fi grimdark story in the making; it's immersive and keeps you engaged. It's definitely an excellent read. Looking forward for more chapters.
  • WonderWizardRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    This story pulls no punches—it’s raw, merciless, and utterly immersive. Set in a ruthless, militarized world reminiscent of Warhammer 40K’s Imperium, it follows Jaxon, a recruit thrown into a system where failure means death and survival is the only currency.
    From the harsh indoctrination of New Canaan to the ominous secrecy of Megiddo, every chapter tightens the noose, reinforcing the brutal reality of a war machine that never stops. Jaxon isn’t a hero—he’s a survivor, caught between cruel officers, secretive agendas, and a rival, Lucian, whose effortless skill raises disturbing questions. The tension is constant, the world-building is masterful, and the stakes feel dangerously real.
    For fans of grimdark sci-fi, military thrillers, and Warhammer’s brutal realism, this is a must-read. Brutal, gripping, and impossible to put down.
    10/10 – Highly Recommended.
  • C. L. DionevRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Review of The Ascendancy:
    Style
    The writing style of The Ascendancy is intense, immersive, and cinematic, pulling the reader into a harsh, militarized world with stark realism. The prose is detailed and evocative, with descriptions that make the battle sequences pulse with energy. The tone is grim, fitting well within the grimdark genre, and the balance between action and introspection is skillfully handled. The short, punchy sentences during high-tension moments amplify the urgency, while the more reflective passages allow for depth and character exploration. The author's ability to convey a sense of scale—whether in towering war machines or the oppressive might of the Imperium—is impressive. The writing has a strong, almost journalistic clarity, making the brutality of Jaxon’s world feel disturbingly real.
    Story
    The plot of The Ascendancy is both grand and personal, blending large-scale warfare with intimate character struggles. The narrative follows Jaxon Vaes, a young recruit thrown into a relentless system where survival is the only law. The overarching conflict between humanity and the monstrous Xerath provides a powerful external threat, while the rigid, hierarchical world of the Sol Imperium serves as an equally oppressive force. The progression of Jaxon’s training, the political intrigue surrounding his selection, and the looming mysteries of the Genome Soldiers create a compelling drive forward. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for both world-building and character development without feeling rushed. There are clear influences from Warhammer 40K and military sci-fi classics, but the story manages to carve out its own identity through its psychological depth and morally gray conflicts.
    Grammar
    The grammar is generally strong, with well-structured sentences and an effective mix of sentence lengths to maintain rhythm. The dialogue flows naturally, adding authenticity to the characters and their harsh environment. There are minor punctuation and phrasing inc
  • s.a.velvethornRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    "The Ascendancy" plunges readers into a brutal, well-realized military sci-fi universe with remarkable confidence. The author crafts a gripping tale of survival, transformation, and the harsh realities of a militaristic society at war with an alien threat. At least that’s what it feels like now, at the very beginning of the story. And I definitely want to explore more.
    Style:
    Unlike many sci-fi novels that ease you in gradually, the prologue immediately immerses you in intense action, making your heart race with nervous anticipation. The prose is visceral and cinematic, with battle sequences that feel like they're unfolding right before your eyes. The author balances exposition with action masterfully, never bogging down the narrative with unnecessary world-building while still creating a rich, textured universe.
    The writing style is taut and muscular, perfectly suited to the military setting. Descriptions of combat, training, and the harsh environments are rendered with vivid precision that makes you feel the impact of every blow and the tension of every moment.
    Story:
    The narrative follows Jaxon Vaes from the traumatic loss of his mother during a Xerath attack through his conscription into the orphanage system of New Canaan and eventual selection for the Genome Soldier program. It's a high-octane mix that feels reminiscent of the best military sci-fi, combining elements of coming-of-age, military training, and survival against overwhelming odds.
    The worldbuilding is exceptional - the Sol Imperium, the terrifying Xerath enemy, the hierarchical military structure, and the mysterious Genome Soldiers are all introduced organically through Jaxon's experiences. The pacing is relentless but never feels rushed, with each chapter building tension and raising the stakes.
    While only nine chapters (and a prologue) are available so far, the story has established compelling conflicts on multiple levels - personal rivalries, institutional brutality, and an existential alien thre
  • wolveswanderersRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    This is a lovely book, full of action that's presented in very short, snappy sentences. It's appealing to me personally. I enjoyed seeing Jaxon struggling in his newfound environment, and as the chapter goes on, there are plenty of dialogues for you to get to know other characters as well. The book has a distinct Warhammer and Halo vibe to it, and I think that'll be to many people's liking!
  • Ember1213Royal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    The story really starts off strong, thrusting you straight into the action before giving us Jax's introduction. These two chapters do an excellent job setting up what to expect. It's very detailed, sometimes to a fault, all the make sure the reader is unable to turn away. It also does wonders to set the dark, almost oppressive tone and makin us empathise with the protagonist. Combine this with the excellent world building and you'll feel like you're in training with them before you even finish chapter two.
    The characters so far fall into pretty common tropes, however they're used to great effect to add impact to scenes and create fun dynamics. Just goes to show that tropes aren't inherently bad, something I feel writers and readers alike should remember.
    There are a few notable grammar and spelling errors such as missing quotation marks or using "Know" instead of "Now". However, the author does seem fairly open to being called out on such things so this point may be rendered moot in time.
    In conclusion, if you want an immersive dark sci-fi story, and don't mind the occasional error, I cannot recommend this story enough. Prepare to be sucked in and fully immersed!
  • Ryujin2xdRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    This story kicks ass right from the first sentence. The pacing, the tension, the sheer scale of the action—it feels like something between Warhammer 40K, Halo, and Starship Troopers with a touch of Ender’s Game in the orphan training arc. The prose is visceral, the worldbuilding is dense but immersive, and the military tone is on point.
    But what really makes this work is how it doesn’t just rely on action. You ground everything emotionally through Jaxon—his trauma, his survival instincts, and the way he processes everything makes it compelling instead of just spectacle.
    That said, there are some things that could be tightened up—mostly pacing, sentence flow, and making sure character moments land before moving to the next big thing.
    The war-torn hellscape feels real. The smell of plasma discharges, the burning wreckage, the sheer destruction—it’s vivid. You make the reader feel the battlefield, which is crucial for immersion.
    The action is kinetic. From the Titan Juggernaut’s massive siege cannon to Jaxon getting thrown off the war machine, the reader feels every impact. The way the scene is described makes the action feel huge without slowing down.
    The pacing is fast but clear. There’s a fine line between chaotic and confusing, and it's handled  well. The moments of clarity (Jaxon checking his HUD, the comms crackling, the quick dialogue) help anchor the reader in the chaos.
    This is where the emotional weight lands. Watching his mother die, the sheer terror of the Xerath invasion—this is horrifying in the best way.
    The imagery is brutal but effective. The description of the Reaper, the way it raises its scythe-like arm, the way she shields him—it’s classic tragedy, but it works.
    The Genome Soldier saving him sets up everything. Jaxon isn’t just surviving—he’s absorbing everything. You can tell this is the moment that shapes him.
    Boot camp meets orphanage from hell. The rigid, militaristic system, the brutal physical trials, the absolute lack of warmth—this place fe
  • Geek_writerRoyal Road
    ★★★★ 4.0
    Your story is an intense, character-driven narrative that expertly balances psychological depth, action, and emotional weight. From the very first chapter, it establishes a brutal and oppressive atmosphere, immersing readers in a world where survival is dictated by strength, cunning, and resilience. The facility setting feels both claustrophobic and expansive, reinforcing the sense of entrapment and control that looms over Jaxon and the other children.
    The character work is one of the strongest aspects of the story. Jaxon is a compelling protagonist, shaped by his environment yet struggling to maintain his own sense of morality. His interactions, especially with Holt and Lucian, are layered with unspoken tension and emotional depth. Holt serves as an excellent foil to Jaxon—his vulnerability contrasts with Jaxon’s growing strength, making their bond even more meaningful. Meanwhile, Lucian is a standout antagonist. His cold, manipulative nature and sadistic control over the barracks make him a character who is both infuriating and fascinating. He isn’t just a brute; he’s calculated, always two steps ahead, making every encounter with him feel like a high-stakes psychological battle.
    The pacing is strong throughout the chapters, with well-placed moments of tension, character development, and explosive action. The story doesn’t rush through its conflicts but instead builds suspense, allowing every major moment—like Holt’s collapse, Jaxon’s confrontation with Lucian, and the subtle shifts in power dynamics—to feel earned. The dialogue is another highlight, feeling both natural and impactful, with each character having a distinct voice.
    That being said, there’s room for refinement. Some moments, particularly in action-heavy sequences, could benefit from even more sensory details to ground the reader in the scene. Holt’s decline, for example, could have been foreshadowed with small hints before his dramatic collapse. Additionally, subtle background reactions from the othe
  • Bethany JamesRoyal Road
    ★★★★ 3.5
    A gripping military sci-fi tale that masterfully blends high-stakes action with deep emotional weight. The contrast between Jaxon’s traumatic past and his present as a hardened Justicar adds compelling depth, making him more than just a soldier. With intense battle sequences, rich worldbuilding, and relentless pacing, this story evokes the grand scale of Warhammer 40K and Halo. While the action is exhilarating, refining the pacing and deepening the personal stakes could elevate it further. Overall, a thrilling and immersive read that keeps you on the edge of your seat