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An Alternative Power

Van Ris Author Interview

The Power of the Ascendant follows a man with supernatural abilities who struggles to understand them and what this means for his purpose in life and within the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The world in which we live today is hungry for power. The main way to get power is through money. Unfortunately, this tool aka money has become an obsession and as a result the measure for everything in life. All the old values have been forgotten and in the race for money, people are sacrificing their health, family, and happiness. Most people are not aware that there is an alternative power that doesn’t require such sacrifices.

This is the Power of the subconscious mind. It is real and it works. Every human being possesses that power but it is latent. In order to use that power one has to communicate with his subconscious mind.

For some years now, people like scientists Greg Braden, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Joe Dispenza have been trying to spread awareness of this power, offering information, methods, and instructions on how to activate it. But still, only a small fraction of people are aware and are trying to actively use it.

This inspired me to take a different approach. Instead of writing a handbook with instructions, in order to spread awareness about the power of the subconscious mind, I decided to write a science fiction book while offering entertainment and showing the possible use of that power.

What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?

I followed mainly emotional wellbeing guidelines, like communicating and giving to others, and also emotional intelligence, like empathy. For moral guidelines, it was compassion, loyalty, and responsibility.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The main theme in my book is Power and its use. The other themes are love, loyalty, death, and religion. Actually, the whole fourth part of the book is devoted to the theme of Religion. Certain teachings about religion sound dissonant to me, so I gave my own interpretation of Paradise, Hell, Purgatory, and the Soul.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

This book has been written as a stand-alone but I’ve left space for possible two sequels which will be about the Honeymoon of The Ascendants aka The Souls of Philip and Jessica exploring God’s creations. However, for now, it’s just an idea and at present, I am enjoying my well-deserved rest.

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

BY WAY OF CREATION, EVERY HUMAN BEING POSSESSES A DROP OF GOD’S POWER, WHICH THE SCIENTISTS CALL THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND.

While held prisoner at the Research Institute for Paranormal Power Activity in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Philip develops an ability for telekinesis, teleportation, and other paranormal powers. As a result, he becomes an Ascendant.

When Philip escapes from the Institute, he meets and befriends Steve, a ranger and war veteran with bitter memories of his service in Afghanistan. Together, the two of them face off against forces that want to control Phillip’s powers.

Philip’s biggest challenge is that he doesn’t want to kill or hurt anybody.

Will Philip’s abilities and knowledge be enough to keep him free or will those seeking to recapture him use his abilities and plunge the world into war?



The Power of the Ascendant

Power of the Ascendant delves into the lives of superpowered humans, exploring their dynamics among themselves and those lacking powers. The story centers on Phillip, a man who grapples with understanding his abilities, his role in the world, and the divine plan laid out for him. Despite its religious undertones, this novel encompasses a portrayal of conflict, presenting a world with its own distinct religious elements and metaphysical rules.

The narrative combines elements reminiscent of Avatar: The Last Airbender and X-Men, creating a rich, superhero movie-like tapestry that delves deeply into its world and lore—a comparison the author Ris playfully acknowledges. This depth makes the setting feel like part of a well-established universe. As the primary protagonist, Phillip acts as a relatable guide for readers, navigating the intricate details of his powers and the broader universe. Power of the Ascendant maintains a consistent adherence to its own complex systems and world-building throughout, making it a compelling read for fans of superpowers, metaphysical exploration, and philosophical inquiry. Ris’s skill in weaving these elements together commands great admiration. While the narrative features dialogue that can feel formal and deliberate, especially for characters who do not use telepathy, this stylistic choice stands as the main point of critique. Yet, it does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Power of the Ascendant stands out for its ambitious world-building, thoughtful character development, and insightful exploration of its unique mechanics. Ris’s work is a testament to creative storytelling that enriches the genre, making the novel a worthwhile endeavor for those intrigued by the interplay of superpowers and philosophical depth.

Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0CYB2CT5Q

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