When Wizards Follow Fools

Arcane Ascension #5

by Andrew Rowe

Corin Cadence has been summoned to meet with the Emerald Council, a political summit including the most powerful of all attuned and their closest political allies. His summons came with a dire warning — that war was coming to the nation of Valia. But while Valia is no stranger to warfare, the circumstances of this invasion are dire.

Valia’s visage, Tenjin, remains missing. Many of the nation’s leaders were slain during Mizuchi’s attack, and others killed or injured through Saffron’s machinations. With a critical power vacuum in Valia’s leadership, few can be trusted.

Surrounded by old enemies, tenuous allies, and strangers with their own agendas, Corin will need to leverage every skill he’s learned to help salvage his nation’s fate.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

501 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Ambrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great series, bad entry

Love the series, but I think this might be the worst entry in it. This book feels way too expository, but somehow still lacking significant context. I mean, yeah one of the appeals of this series is the highly technical magic system, however this book seems to take more from several different magic systems, blending multiple advanced concepts that it expects you to know and understand. Much of which I'm not even sure were thoroughly explained in previous entries. I very much felt like I needed to re-read edge of the woods, and also read weapons and wielders to understand what was going on, which I hadn't felt from any previous entry. It was just very strange, even the usage of characters like Mary and Rose felt awkward given that they were minor characters in the previous book without much foundation. On that note, it's also feels like Corin is becoming a bit like a harem character? Like how do we have a socially awkward and sexually disinterested character going from two very developed love interests to multiple other characters seemingly instantly falling in love with him. It's very strange, especially since it feels like those love interests have all just been abandoned.

The book spends so much time going in depth on dozens of very technical ways to improve their situation and power and actually does next to none of them. I don't know those are going to be explored in the next book, but I feel we were promised so much in just the first few chapters and nearly every one of those promises was broken.

I think the series at this point could REALLY benefit from a better online wiki or more detailed appendix. There's so much missing about the magic system, especially numerics like the mana needed for reaching levels. It's just becoming impossible to keep track of everything especially with such long periods of time between entries. Like how much are we supposed to know about the children of the tyrant or the pale king or king of thorns. I felt like I got whiplash everytime a new character appeared because we simply don't have much context as readers, especially if you haven't read the other series.

I'd honestly recommend waiting to read this one until the next one is released or making sure you have time to reread the entire series including the other series before hand.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars
I have enjoyed the earlier books in this series so I was eager to return back to the world. At this point, I am very attached to the characters and just enjoy spending time with them. Admittedly I didn't find the plot as compelling. I like this series but I hope the author has a strong solid ending in mind.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. Read all 680 pages in two days.

Not the strongest installment of the series but it’s CLEARLY setting up all the chess pieces for the finale. I was entertained and didn’t wanna put it down. I was very shocked at the 25% mark when shit went down. Then again with Corrins savvy at the emerald meeting. Like damn he pulled out some new moves!!!!

Can’t wait for more mister Rowe!!!!

[Kitty G Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am audio-booking the majority of the books in this series as I really like the narrator, and I am quite attached to all of the characters so far. This book in particular felt like it was HEAVY on the exposition in the first half, and yet I really flew through the second half of the book, so it was a mixed bag but I did enjoy it :)

I have to say, I enjoyed Corin and his adventures inside the tournament and within towers, as I always do. These sections were the ones I most enjoyed reading about as there's challenges and magic and it's all fun and games. I think there's also more of a political lean on this particular one, we see more of Corin having to liaise with other leaders and people in power.

On the whole, a good book, but a fair amount of exposition about the magic in the beginning. I would like to have more of a guide of this, maybe a wiki or something would be useful to refer to, as it's a fairly complex series. 3*s

[Julian Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expectations Met and Exceeded

Like anyone else who has read long book series, my anticipation for this book was borderline unhealthy.

I reread the preview chapter 10 times just to stave off my eagerness for the book’s release. In fact I finished another reread yesterday- the very day it was released.

From the moment I read the recap I knew I was going to pull an all-nighter if I had to in order to finish the book.

Rowe has done a wonderful job with world building, action scenes, dialogue, and character development over the course of the series.

This book felt like the jump from senior year to a college freshman in terms of stakes and pace. Rowe acknowledged the mystery fatigue that plagued the fandom and decided to drop bombshells from the beginning to the end of the book.

That isn’t to say that the book lacks intrigue or questions; Rowe just has done a much better job at balancing questions with answers.

Seeing old and new characters interact in a more political environment was a fresh change of pace, and it paired very well with the usual scientific exploration of the world’s magic systems.

This has absolutely been my favorite book, and I’m sure I’ll say that about the next.

If you’ve read up to AA4 and are debating to read this book, definitely read it.

If you’re like me and look at the reviews of later books to see if the series drops in quality, have no fear; it only gets better.

[TemporalShenanigans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic addition to the series!

I devoured this latest book! It’s a great and engaging continuation of the series! I can’t wait for book 6 now!

[Christoph · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is very hit-or-miss for me. It also always takes quite some time to get into it but this time it was a miss and I never got into it. I've always had issues with the characters in this series but this time I just couldn't take it. I'm not against YA per se but this book made me realize what really grinds my gears and it's precocious teens acting way out of their age. The dialogs are also another point of contention. They feel really stilted and unnatural. I think part of it is the social awkwardness of the MC but while it could be excused there it's not an excuse elsewhere. And this is where everything comes together, you have these precocious teens discussing thing in this unnatural manner as if they know it all. And who sends a bunch of kids to some of the most important negotiations during a war?

[Reda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The inferior, mid, tryhard cousin of the Cradle series. The books have their moments, but the whole series suffers from trying to go way too in depth in the magic system without the substance to back it up. Corin basically is a 10X magical software engineer, who hacked into the whole system with ease, and the book tries very hard to justify why he gets to do it so easily way too late into the narrative. The books also try to do social commentary, and some inclusiveness and representation, but it simply plugs it in sporadically with a couple paragraphs before it goes back to Corin's silicon valley tech bro startup idea daydreaming segments. There's simply too much pandering that feels inorganic and drags the books into the cringe zone.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I will continue the series, but every time I pick up a new book in this series I'm reminded how much I can struggle with the writing. I love the characters, the world building and the overall plot has me interested. That said there are just huge lulls of infodumps or overexplaining things and I just sort of tune out. I want to see where the story goes. This book finished much stronger than it started, so I rounded up to 4 stars.

The narration is fantastic as always. I think it's a huge help to get through the slow parts of the series. I was annoyed when the book got delayed, but I'd rather it be delayed than have a different narrator.

[Shane Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

“First, not everyone will believe the truth, no matter how clearly you display it to them. A comfortable fiction is often more pleasing than reality, and evidence to the contrary can breed unfathomable anger.”

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the character development from our protagonist in this one. I believe I am missing plot points as the factions and characters continue to expand. The stakes feel appropriately large for the genre and there is a lot of unresolved plot that keeps me curious about where the series is heading.

[Scotty Gaydos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series continues

This series is a delight. It is wonderful how connected Rowe’s work is as a whole. It keeps me so intrigued and engaged. I lost track of how many times my jaw dropped or that I laughed out loud from this book. A+ recommend.

[Atlas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Fifty Three of 2025: the first half (?) of this book was an utter snoozefest. Like listening to someone read a textbook. It got exciting and good once they finally arrived at the Emerald Council.

I miss Sheridan.

Also the author loves the words considered and nodded.

[anthony kane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where is the rest of the book?

I love this series and following the lives of the characters, but this one is the weakest of the series so far. We have a beginning, a middle, and no particular end. It felt to me like the middle book in a trilogy.

[Maren Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I would give Corin Cadence both of my kidneys...

Also this is the most action packed addition to the series. Something is always happening, and wow, I need book 6.

[Benjamin Sigman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have so much fun with these. Too invested to stop

[Thomas G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Arcane ascension series! This book was solid, and handled the main character's power creep pretty well which has been a concern of mine.

[Noahtnm · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm dnf'ing this. I'm over 100 pages in and it's once again just a wikipedia infodump. I sat through Edge of the Woods in the hopes that the Arcane Ascension entries would be as good as the first ones, but I cba with these info dumps and I can't justify continuing this series when my tbr is as long as it is.

[Brett Clinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great but needs more. Last one should get five stars

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missed this series! This one had a lot of fun fights and tricky sorcery. Glad to see new characters get great development.

[TwoMoreYears · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like there was a lot riding on this book in terms of expectations. The author had been very open about listening to his readers and realizing that there were things he wanted to accomplish with this book and boy did he deliver. This book really felt it was accomplishing exactly what you want to see in a series entry, especially in a universe we've spent so much time in. There were plenty of important developments for the over all plot and for the characters, and it felt like we got more answers to long held questions in this book than we've gotten in the last two or three combined. In fact some things were revealed that I hadn't even thought to ask, and there was even moments that will mean a lot more to those who have read the connected series than those who only stick to AA. The book also has me eagerly awaiting the next book. While we can't know exactly what will happen, we have a good idea of a few things that have to happen and that leave me more excited for the future than feeling like I'm being teased. An excellent entry into the Rowverse, and really hope the wait for book 6 isn't too long.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Off the rails

It feels like this series has gotten completely off track in this book. This was a story about Corin, taking control of his destiny and getting stronger. Except, in this book, he was significantly weakened for much of it, and he spent the book responding to the events around him, doing what people told him and waiting for the next random event to occur.

I am not going to accuse the author of using AI, but it FEELS like the kind of story that AI would write. Some stuff happened, some people did stuff, but this novel wasn't really a coherent story with a solidoy defined conflict with a beginning, middle and end. It felt more like a series of very loosely connected plot beats.

[Romaric · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was as bad as the 3rd book, nothing really happened and only plans were made. Way too many links to other series in the same world, so much so that too much context is lost. For instance the treat of the suneater and how to face his minions was probably established in another series and this book expects you to understand without any explanation. The series since the second book has been going downhill and this is clearly the bottom. I might read the last books but any high hopes I had have been squandered.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally I think Andrew Rowe has a brilliant mind, and his writing reflects that. I read a lot of LITRPGS and his books has always remained near the top for me for a few reasons that I want to call out. People stated that Corrin and his friends haven't seen growth I completely disagree with that iteration and quiet frankly have to wonder if they comprehended what they read. I feel like Corrin had more mental growth and maturity in this book than any other combined but I have slowly seen him changing and growing in his confidence and abilities in the last couple of books. Previously he had real issues with touch, focus, etc... and throughout this book he is definitely changing not just with his friends. On several occasions this was called out. Also, unlike hundreds of other books the MC in this book feels like he is up against huge challenges and the more he engages in political intrigues, machinations, and villainy the deeper it gets which would create real anxiety for any teenager with all this on their shoulders all while feeling inadequate inside. who doesnt feel that way in life sometimes?Because he is forced to; not because he wants to, he still rises up to the challenge, but even then due to him being a real human being and not perfect he makes mistakes and has to deal with them. I especially felt that in this entry. I feel great compassion from him for the ones he cares about and loves and yes he tries to take on everyone's problems sometimes but that is because he is invested in the family he chose since his birth family has created multiple layers of trauma and abandonment issues. So when he has his own brand of personality quirks not only do I get it but understand sometimes in life we never get past those even when we are trying to grow as a human being. I seen in another review someone was saying they had whiplash about his love interests. If you had a ton of abuse and trauma I wonder how quick you would be to jump into a relationship without any repercussions, especially being a teenager or a virgin. did we all forget what that felt like? Teenage years are some of the toughest times of a persons life. They are assaulted from all directions and told how they should think or feel or act, all while trying to figure out who they want to become. I think the author is brilliant in how he has written all the characters. They aren't two dimensional and they feel like people I know in real life. When that happens that is when you can truly connect to the characters and you even root for them. Even though his mind gets in the way of trying to do the right thing sometimes he is selfless and unconditional in his love for his friends. Coming from what he went through, if that isn't complete growth I don't know what is!!! I feel like after being on this journey since the beginning I already know how they will reply sometimes because I feel like I know them and love them, but even then sometimes im surprised with their responses because of growth. He hasn't made them over powered instead I see them being human beings with emotions that sometimes gets the better of us. I think readers have a bad habit of getting frustrated with why he did this or that. We as readers have to separate ourselves from this style of thinking. They are teenagers and they are going to be rash or gullible or naive sometimes. I know at that age I certainly was at times but that is what makes us wiser the older we get. Second point i would like to discuss is the world and magic building these books have are completely incredible, extremely fleshed out, and super intriguing. If there was games with this type of magic system I would pre-order the game just to give it a go! I truly enjoy hearing growth they receive by going into towers and how this system continues to evolve and grow. I am learning the system bit by bit as they do. It feels like I'm growing along with the characters and most books completely fail on this. Also, each of them brings something unique to the team and there is real cohesion in this group of young people. Andrew knocks it out of the park with that concept. When they are discussing how something works or how to grow it, I feel like it requires a lot of forethought and effort. So when they hit that next level or win something I get that dopamine drip along with them and I am excited for them. He doesn't create an overpowered group. They make mistakes and there are real consequences for those mistakes. I appreciate that! I have purchased all these books and pre-ordered them in advance. I will auto purchase anything you write Andrew! We each have our opinions, and im not saying mine is above others that has taken time to write their thoughts out, I only ask you to read my thoughts and ask yourself about these things as well. I love to speak and debate a good book that makes you want to talk to others about it. That just means its good writing that sparks thought! How many of us have read a story where we didnt care about the mc, or they were arrogant and self absorbed? How many other books are they completely overpowered where it doesn't feel like a challenge or growth? If you are looking for a series that has real people living and growing in a world
full of mystery, intrigue, and a huge overarching story that is slowly being revealed to you and the more you read the better it gets this series is for you! If any of my review resonates with you don't hesitate to purchase this book seties it is incredible and well worth your time and effort!! Happy reading fellow bookies!

[Tpinetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a hard book to rate. On the one hand I read it really quickly on the other hand I am not sure if I enjoyed it much.

Corin feels like a Mary Sue who is as strong as needed. This means that he beats adversaries, which are some of the strongest people in the world, while struggling against his class mates. It really stresses the suspension of disbelief.

[Lindsay Aries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is what I'm talking about. So we keep the litRPG (or...Progression Fantasy?? Is that what Rowe called it?) aspects, but we shift them just enough, up the stakes just enough, that it feels new and exciting again.

I loved this book. I inhaled it. After Silence of Unworthy Gods I was starting to get a little bored, but this book 100% brought me back in.

I LOVE final form Corin. I love how brazen and confident he's become. I love that all of his idiosyncrasies and perceived flaws came together to create someone unique but also someone extremely powerful. The scenes where he got ultimate retribution felt so intensely satisfying. I'll be excited for Sera to kind of come back to the plot a bit.

Loving where this is going and how we're working towards the big bad. I will be sad to see this series go, but I'm glad I still have the Woods series to look forward to. One day I will have exhausted all of the Rowe-verse, but that day is not today.

The magic continues to evolve. It feels so much like a skill tree in Diablo or spell levels in D&D. You unlock the next level and go OH WOW look what I can do now??? We saw what each attunement did in the beginning, but each level we get to see how it grows. Everything feels so big and powerful now.

I stg if we don't get answers from Weapons & Wielders in this series I'll lose my mind. I have to know what happened.

Already started Chronomancy and it is GOOD. These books really picked back up. I doubt you'll see this review if you are reading Silence of Unworthy Gods or The Torch that Ignites the Stars but if you do—hang in there. It's worth the climb.

[Michal Anderle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still adore this series and I cannot wait for the next books.

But there are some issues which are much more prevalent. The first fifth of the book basically nothing happened. Corin was focusing on his magic and problem solving and it was fairly interesting to read, but also nothing important happened and it was a bit of a slough.

Then the pacing was much better, lots of cool visuals and power plays, classic dungeon crawling, all that stuff. Some twist, some epic fights. Although I think the previous books were a bit more full of them. Especially AA4 contained a lots of unexpeted and huge scenes.

And the last issue I have is that there is simply too much going on. I won't say it is necessarily bad. It feels true to life. But also it makes a book feel disjointed. There were characters that were not present here even though they are interesting and important. Some plot points from previous books were put on hold because other stuff took priority. And even the council wasn't much of a council. Lot's of stuff happen around it, but it is questionable how important it was in the grand scheme of things.

[Patrick Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed the series up to this point, but this book was a huge struggle for me. I felt like the first half of it was all magical theory and it truly felt like sitting in a computer programing lecture. Except instead of talking about accomplishing things with magic, it was mostly explaining why different approaches were a bad idea. Then the next 40% of the book was politicking, which Corin is supposed to be bad at, except for when he's brilliant at it. You finally get some action in the last 10% of the book, but at that point it was too little too late.

It also kind of bugged me that early in the book, he makes a comment that it's not a big deal for someone to show him her attunement on her chest because he's known as the guy that has zero sexual interest. And yet, he kind of has a thing going with at least 4 different characters and later on blushes when he realizes a girl he's visiting in the hospital must only be wearing a hospital gown underneath the blanket. That doesn't sound at all like a guy that has zero sexual or romantic interest.

[Sadie Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely felt like more of a return to form compared to book 4, although I think it's time for me to accept that this series just won't hit the highs of the first two books for me

This was a fun entry though. I particularly liked the focus on politics and i always enjoy reading about these characters. There was some great set up for the final 2 books, and it feels like we're starting to finally get answers to some of the larger questions in the series. We also got to see our characters deal with some real consequences and hindrances to their power, which I appreciate.

My biggest issues with the later books in this series is the lack of agency given to our main characters and the fact that I think Rowe is trying to accomplish waaaay too much with this series and these issues are still both prevalent here too. There's too much emphasis and reliance on characters who really, really should just be side characters and fun easter eggs, and the amount of magic systems and lore you have to be familiar with from different series to hope to completely follow along is exhausting.

[Oliver Kitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good continuation of the series. I like the continuing development of all the character's worldviews and power and there it's clearly building to something interesting in the finale.

I do have some concerns and one petty complaint about the appendixes. Regarding the concerns, I'm starting to get the feeling that this series might be a jumping off point for another set of stories and that, rather than wrapping up in the conclusion, it might end in a sequel hook to a larger story tying together several other storylines that the author is writing. Which I'm personally not too interested in as it would make those other series required reading to understand what was going on if I wanted to follow these characters further.

The petty complaint is that the appendixes are getting more detailed in successive books, so there is comparitively little information about attunments and such in ealier books versus the previous ones. The first book doesn't even detail the additional element types they get at higher levels.