Where to Start C. Mantis's Path of Ascension
For anyone looking to dive into the universe created by C. Mantis, the starting point is clear-cut: you must begin with the self-titled first book, The Path of Ascension. The series is a highly serialized story that tracks the progression of its protagonist, Matt, as he climbs the power tiers of an empire spanning the stars. Because the narrative relies heavily on character growth, systemic power scaling, and logical magic progression, skipping ahead or jumping in mid-series will leave you completely lost.
While the story is written linearly, the publishing formats can sometimes confuse new readers. The series originally gained its massive following as a serialized web novel on Royal Road before being formatted into official volumes published by Aethon Books. Whether you choose to read the Kindle editions, listen to the audiobooks narrated by Nick Podehl, or follow the web serial releases, the numbering remains consistent and should be read sequentially from the very beginning.
The Path of Ascension Books in Publication Order
Reading the series in its publication order is the most natural way to experience Matt's journey. Here is the complete list of C. Mantis's published works, including the core novels and the mid-series novellas that add depth to the universe:
- The Path of Ascension 1 (2022) – Introduces Matt, his unique talents, and the strategic world of rifts and power tiers.
- The Path of Ascension 2 (2023) – Expands the party, introducing key allies like Liz, a phoenix descendant, and Aster, a frost fox companion.
- The Path of Ascension 3 (2023) – Follows the group as they continue their climb and establish themselves as top-tier prospects.
- The Path of Ascension: Book 3.5 (2023/2024) – A companion novella detailing side stories and developments between the events of Books 3 and 4.
- The Path of Ascension 4 (2023) – The core party faces increasingly complex challenges in the empire's competitive landscape.
- The Path of Ascension 5 (2023) – Matt and his companions push their limits as the stakes of their training escalate.
- The Path of Ascension 6 (2024) – The beginning of the highly anticipated Minkalla trials arc, setting up a grueling trial of body and mind.
- The Path of Ascension 7 (2024) – The continuation of the intense Minkalla planet trials, testing the limits of the team's coordination and strategy.
- The Path of Ascension 8 (2025) – Matt, Liz, and Aster deal with the fallout of the trials and prepare for the broader galactic conflict.
- The Path of Ascension 9 (2025) – The team reaches new heights as the shadow of a long-brewing war begins to influence the empire.
- The Path of Ascension 10 (2025) – High-stakes political and martial developments as the secrets of the Ascenders begin to influence the galaxy.
- The Path of Ascension 10.5 (2025) – A novella focusing on the reactions of the empire's citizens and side characters to the main trio's rapid rise.
- The Path of Ascension 11 (2026) – The preparation for the grand war intensifies as Matt and his allies refine their ultimate abilities.
- The Path of Ascension 12 (Upcoming / August 2026) – Continues the main narrative toward the peak of power and galactic ascension.
Understanding the Chronological Flow and Novellas
The timeline of The Path of Ascension is linear, meaning the chronological order aligns perfectly with the publication order. However, the placement of the two "point-five" novellas requires a little bit of attention to get the full story experience.
The Role of Book 3.5
Book 3.5 is an exclusive novella that was first packaged with the Audible audiobook bundle containing Books 1 through 3. It takes place immediately after the events of Book 3 and before Book 4. While the main plot of Book 4 remains understandable if you skip it, Book 3.5 provides valuable character-building moments and shows the team adjusting to their growing responsibilities and training regimes. It is highly recommended to read or listen to it in its chronological slot.
The Role of Book 10.5
Released in late 2025, Book 10.5 acts as a bridge between the dramatic revelations of Book 10 and the escalating events of Book 11. Instead of focusing solely on the perspectives of Matt, Liz, and Aster, this novella features "Echoes"—short stories and perspectives from side characters, regular citizens, and figures throughout the Empire. This provides a wider lens on how the main characters' actions and the looming threat of a 200-year-old war are impacting the universe at large. Reading this before starting Book 11 is essential for understanding the shift in the galactic status quo.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you jump headfirst into C. Mantis's universe, there are a few stylistic choices and genre elements that are helpful to keep in mind. These elements set the series apart from traditional fantasy and make it a standout in modern indie publishing.
A Fusion of LitRPG and Xianxia
The series is famous for successfully bridging two popular subgenres: LitRPG and Xianxia (cultivation fantasy). In this world, technology handles the analytical side of things, providing clear stat-like tracking of mana pools, skills, and progress tiers (a classic LitRPG element). However, the actual progression of power relies on spiritual growth, body tempering, and conceptual understanding (hallmarks of Xianxia). It is a logical, crunchy system where every power-up is earned through strategy and hard work rather than magical shortcuts.
Rational Characters and Companions
If you are tired of the typical hot-headed or cartoonishly aggressive protagonists common in progression fantasy, C. Mantis will be a breath of fresh air. Matt is a rational protagonist who thinks before he fights, plans out his skill builds, and relies on teamwork. The dynamic is elevated by his core party members: Liz, whose fiery phoenix powers contrast nicely with her personality, and Aster, a frost fox companion who brings both levity and formidable combat support to the group.
The Minkalla Arc Transition
One common point of discussion among readers is the pacing of the series during Books 6 and 7. These books cover the Minkalla trials—a dangerous planet designed to reforge a cultivator's body and soul. Because the trials are complex and introduce experimental side stories, the pacing slows down compared to the early galactic travel. Knowing this beforehand helps set expectations, as the payoff at the end of the trials is widely considered a high point in the series.