Ascendant

100,000+ Copies Sold Worldwide

Holt Cook was never meant to be a dragon rider. He has always served the Order Hall of the Crag dutifully, keeping their kitchen pots clean.

Until he discovers a dark secret: dragons do not tolerate weakness among their kin, killing the young they deem flawed. Moved by pity, Holt defies the Order, rescues a doomed egg and vows to protect the blind dragon within.

But the Scourge is rising. Undead hordes roam the land, spreading the blight and leaving destruction in their wake. The dragon riders are being slaughtered and betrayal lurks in the shadows.

Holt has one chance to survive. He must cultivate the mysterious power of his dragon's magical core. A unique energy which may tip the balance in the battles to come, and prove to the world that a servant is worthy after all.

The start of a new dragon rider epic combining the best of Eragon and How to Train Your Dragon with the hard magic of Brandon Sanderson and Will Wight. Fans of Christopher Paolini, Ryan Cahill and Phillip C. Quaintrell are sure to love this series.

Winner, 2021 National Indie Excellence Award for Fantasy

Bronze Medal, 2021 YA Epic Fantasy in the Reader's Favorite Award

Finalist, 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Fantasy

Gold Medal, 2022 Science Fiction & Fantasy eLit Awards

"There are familiar beats in the book, but Michael Miller makes them his own with hints of a far vaster world littered throughout. I can't wait for book 2!"

- Davis Ashura, Bestselling author of A Testament of Steel.

"Ascendant is a delightful dragon-rider yarn in the tradition of Pern, Pit Dragon, Eragon, and Temeraire. It plucks at the strings of nostalgia in the best possible way, and picking it up feels like returning to old, beloved haunts."

- John Bierce, Bestselling author of the Mage Errant series

Hailing from Scotland's wet and wild west coast, Michael enjoys writing stories as sweeping in scope as the ancient landscapes he grew up in. His writing is known for rich character arcs, tight pacing, and layered magic systems creating an epic tale all ages can enjoy. Michael is also 'that guy' who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.

As a lowly pot boy, Holt Cook was never meant to be a dragon rider. Until in a moment of madness, he saves a dragon egg doomed to be destroyed. A blind hatchling with a mysterious and unknown magic. Soul-bonding with the dragon, Holt gains access to its magical core. Only through training and perseverance can he cultivate its power to stand a chance in the battles to come. For the riders are preparing for war. Undead horrors are rising across the land. Kings and riders alike die in their strongholds. Order is crumbling. And Holt faces a terrible decision. To do what is expected and maintain order, or do what he knows to be right and cause only chaos?

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.