Review of The Path of Ascension 9 by A. V. McCarthy
Diving back into A. V. McCarthy’s The Path of Ascension series always feels like reconnecting with an old friend, even when that friend has taken a misstep or two. After the disappointment of Book 8, I approached Book 9 with a mix of hope and trepidation. Would this installment serve as the bridge we needed to connect the languid narratives of the past two books to the thrilling war arc we’ve all been itching for? Spoiler: It’s certainly an improvement—and yet, it still left a tinge of longing for the series’ former glory.
This latest book picks up right where the previous installment floundered, setting a familiar tone with chapters that initially feel like a rehash of “did this, went there, did that.” The first 20% left me worried—a reflection of my frustration with Book 8. However, as I pressed on, McCarthy started to weave in more substantive arcs and engaging competition scenes, particularly surrounding a new Tier 22 world. For the first time in quite a while, I began to feel the tension and excitement that had filled the earlier books, accompanied by a few well-crafted fight sequences that reminded me why I fell in love with this series.
A core theme in this book revolves around the exploration of skill and Intent, but the infusion of world-building lore often felt overwhelming or unwarranted. While McCarthy undoubtedly has a rich universe at his disposal, some explanations about the Path and its mechanics seemed more like filler than meaningful exploration, diluting the intensity that character-driven storytelling could offer. For example, while I appreciate attempts at depth, I couldn’t help but skim through the extensive “Intent manifestation” passages that felt like they could have been condensed.
One highlight of Book 9 is the Completion Ceremony, where we witness characters receiving their Tier 25 talents. McCarthy’s ability to juxtapose flashbacks with present moments deepened the emotional payoff for long-time readers. I found myself reflecting on the journey of Matt, our protagonist, and his evolution throughout the series. That blend of nostalgia and anticipation was a testament to the author’s craftsmanship, and it made me question why similar creativity wasn’t present in pivotal moments in the past.
The character development, while still commendable, feels increasingly overshadowed by the grandiosity of the power dynamics in this universe. A recurring thought throughout my reading was how relatable these characters remain as they ascend to near god-like status. The magic system and sprawling lore have made it easy to lose sight of the characters’ human elements, and at times, I found myself wishing for grounded moments of vulnerability amidst the chaos.
At the conclusion of the book, the scene shifts to a new perspective—one that hints at a richer, more complex world yet to be unveiled. This cliffhanger leaves me excited for what is to come, despite the recent frustrations, suggesting that McCarthy may yet find the balance between expansive world-building and intimate storytelling.
Overall, The Path of Ascension 9 successfully lifts itself from the shadow of its predecessor, offering moments of brilliance alongside its filler elements. I’d recommend this book to series veterans who appreciate the nuanced evolution of characters and the intricate lore, but caution newbies to approach with an understanding that they’re in for a wait before the real excitement resumes. For me, while this wasn’t the triumphant return to form I’d hoped for, it’s a promising step toward the war-driven adventures we all eagerly seek.
In the end, The Path of Ascension 9 is a reminder of my investment in McCarthy’s world and characters—filled with hope for a riveting future that blends the intense action, depth of character, and the genuine heart I once adored.
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