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Travis Bagwell
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Awaken Online: Ember (Tarot #1) (Awaken Online: Tarot) Kindle Edition

by Travis Bagwell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 3,620 ratings
Desert sands. Arcane magic. A love lost.

Finn Harris should have been the one to die. But he wasn't - his wife took his place. What was worse, he only had himself and his company to blame.

They let their passion outpace their prudence, determined to revolutionize the world. While all innovation comes with a price, he never imagined it would cost him Rachael.

Nearly a decade later, Finn is content to hole himself up and wait out the rest of his life - what little he has left. That is, until his daughter intervenes, forcing him out of his grief and into a new virtual reality game developed by his old employer. They're calling it Awaken Online, and she believes there's something unusual going on inside the game. And since Finn knows the company, knows their tactics - she might be right.

Finn wasn't sure what he expected to find when he logged in. But it certainly wasn't a manipulative fire god or a school for mages - where the students are pitted against each other in deadly duels and the faculty isn't shy about maiming or injuring novice mages to prove a point.

Now Finn must learn to fight, for his own life and a chance at redemption. He'll need to prove that his fire hasn't been snuffed out.

That there's still an ember burning...

A standalone trilogy in the hit LitRPG Fantasy series with hundreds of thousands of copies sold and now spanning 14 novels. Grab your copy of Awaken Online now and get ready to sink into some good old fashioned mayhem.

About the Series: A staple of the LitRPG genre and one of the most popular VRMMO LitRPGs ever written, with hundreds of thousands of copies sold. Follow the story of a brilliant, retired engineer. An old disabled man with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Awaken Online: Tarot
  2. Print length
    447 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 1, 2019
  6. File size
    7.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Ember

Flame

Inferno

Timeline

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Travis Bagwell is the author of the bestselling epic fantasy series Awaken Online. An attorney by day and an avid video game enthusiast by night, he lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and three dogs.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07Z6F1MRT
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 447 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Awaken Online: Tarot
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 3,620 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Travis Bagwell

Travis Bagwell

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

What can I say? I love writing. I also never expected the wildly positive response to my work. I am truly blown away and humbled and I only hope to be able to continue sharing my stories.

You can find me here:

https://travisbagwell.com/

https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/

https://twitter.com/da3strikes

https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes

I'm also writing a new series called Hollow. You should check it out. It has a crazy MC and an interdimensional death wagon. What else could you ask for?

Or come check out our awesome fangroup and meet some cool people!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AO.OriginalSin/

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
3,620 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a brilliant addition to the Awaken Online universe, with compelling characters who have emotional struggles with everyday life. They appreciate the magic system breakdowns and explanations, and one customer notes how it delves into magic in a more scientific way. The writing receives praise for its skill, and customers describe it as well-paced, with one noting how it immediately grabs readers' attention. They value the fresh take on the world of Awaken and the immersive AI perspective.

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ReadabilityStory qualityCharacter developmentMagic systemWriting qualityPacingExperiencePerspective
183 customers mention "Readability"183 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and brilliant, with one customer noting it's the best in the AO side quest series.

"...A Masterful work, Sir. I can't wait to see what happens next." Read more

"...Otherwise it was a fun read and I hope to see Finn use his coding skills to craft some more awesome spells in future books." Read more

"...other reviewers here that have said they consider this book the best in the series. I have read and enjoyed the other awaken online books...." Read more

"...This is by far the best book in the series with the most believable and likeable Main Character...." Read more

165 customers mention "Story quality"159 positive6 negative

Customers find the book's story compelling and engaging, with one customer noting its potential for infinite storylines, while another appreciates how it steps away from the original narrative.

"It was a good start to the story and doesn’t have the fluff the main story line has but it hasn’t added anything to the main story...." Read more

"...Someone is setting him up. This story held my interest. I like this dude. You will get lost in the pages. Read on my friends" Read more

"...into the magic system, the explanation of Veridian and the larger narraitive. Im glad that this story will get some legs to be its own beast...." Read more

"...My favorite trait of Finn's is is inner thoughts...." Read more

97 customers mention "Character development"97 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting the compelling and relatable characters, particularly Finn, who has emotional struggles with everyday life and serves as an amazing addition to the main cast of the series.

"Finn is a great character, and this book takes Awaken Online to a whole new level! I love this author and the world of Awaken Online!" Read more

"...I loved all the new characters, especially Julia and Kyyle. They both felt real, hilarious and intelligent...." Read more

"...me wonder about the others we haven’t seen yet - and the main character has depth. I only have two minor criticisms...." Read more

"...far the best book in the series with the most believable and likeable Main Character...." Read more

50 customers mention "Magic system"50 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the magic system breakdowns and explanations in the book, finding it intelligent and amazingly complex, with one customer noting how it delves into magic in a more scientific way.

"...to enjoy -so- much; just poking and prodding, coding and casting away at the complexity...." Read more

"...haven’t read the other books, because this is a shout-out to the brilliant mind who authored this! Plus spoiler alert 🚨..." Read more

"...I can't wait until we see Lahab. I loved how we got deeper into the magic system, the explanation of Veridian and the larger narraitive...." Read more

"...This is an excellent example of the LitRPG genre and might prove appealing to fans of the broader Fantasy genre as well." Read more

49 customers mention "Writing quality"49 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, being amazed by the author's skill.

"...Plus spoiler alert 🚨 Well paced and thought out...." Read more

"...The pace is excellent and I see some definite improvements to the author’s writing (not that I’m saying it was bad before)...." Read more

"...Which should be out in a day or so as this author is ridiculously prolific with words.😁 It’s a great new storyline in a great series...." Read more

"...This is writing at its finest, and I can't wait to read the rest of this book. I'll come back and update my review with an edit when I finish." Read more

26 customers mention "Pacing"22 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, finding it fast-paced and engaging, with one customer noting that the story grabs readers instantly.

"...Plus spoiler alert 🚨 Well paced and thought out...." Read more

"...The pace is excellent and I see some definite improvements to the author’s writing (not that I’m saying it was bad before)...." Read more

"I found this series a couple of weeks ago. It immediately sucked me in and I enjoyed every word. When Ember was released, I was excited...." Read more

"...Additionally, the minutia is in synch with the personality of the protagonist, thus it makes sense...." Read more

13 customers mention "Experience"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book as a great entry in the Awaken Online universe, with one customer highlighting its engaging world building and another noting its fresh take on the online gaming world.

"Finn is a great character, and this book takes Awaken Online to a whole new level! I love this author and the world of Awaken Online!" Read more

"...I have read and enjoyed the other awaken online books...." Read more

"The world of Awaken Online is truly awesome! This one is about a mage school where you're forced to stay and compete to stay...." Read more

"...reservations, and heartache, which provided a new and exciting view of Awaken Online and made for a compelling read...." Read more

11 customers mention "Perspective"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's perspective on the AO universe, particularly its take on immersive AI technology.

"...Definitely kept me engaged throughout. Love the take on the immersive AI and thought provoking situations" Read more

"...Finn is an interesting character and his interactions with the AI is fascinating...." Read more

"...Great to step away from the original storyline and see AO from another perspective. This book kept me reading long after I should have gone to sleep." Read more

"...perspective, it brings a whole new aspect of the potential and pitfalls of AI, and how we handle grief...." Read more

Needs a better narrator!
3 out of 5 stars
Needs a better narrator!
Please go get Jeff Hayes, Luke Daniels, Neil Hellhegers, Travis Baldree or my grandmother! Anybody but this guy! Good story almost ruined by this narrator. It’s ok at about 1.5x but the guy sounds like Steven Wright reading nursery rhymes!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • zander
    5.0 out of 5 stars good read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was a good start to the story and doesn’t have the fluff the main story line has but it hasn’t added anything to the main story. It would have been nice to have mentioned some of the universal messages from Jason’s story. That might give a sense of how far along in the story we are.
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  • Kyle
    5.0 out of 5 stars It was so good!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm making my way through the series for the first time and just finished Ember.
    There's something /magical/ about watching an experienced adult pick apart the world I've come to enjoy -so- much; just poking and prodding, coding and casting away at the complexity. He's totally asking all the questions I didn't know I had from the previous books.
    A Masterful work, Sir.
    I can't wait to see what happens next.
    Helpful
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  • Peejay
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Finn cannot feel his legs. He is in a wheelchair, forever bound by the result of a science released to soon upon the world. And he was the one who created and designed the vehicle that killed his wife and left him incapacitated. His grown children know it was not his fault, but he has become a recluse, hiding within the boundaries of his home. He ventured no where, sees noone. But an intervention from his children brings interest into his life. His daughter gives him a game....an AI game and asked that he check it out.

    He checks it out alright and finds himself drawn to the concepts and intricacies of the game. It's an all out war at times, with Finn playing to win. He puts his faith into his ability to learn a new language, create spells and casts multiple spells at a time. He is almost killed, then is killed but as a human, regenerated and returns. But something is amidst. Someone is setting him up.

    This story held my interest. I like this dude. You will get lost in the pages.

    Read on my friends
    One person found this helpful
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  • jimmy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Finn is a great character, and this book takes Awaken Online to a whole new level! I love this author and the world of Awaken Online!
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  • Kimberely Fordham
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love them both now!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Don’t read this if you haven’t read the other books, because this is a shout-out to the brilliant mind who authored this! Plus spoiler alert 🚨
    Well paced and thought out. The possibilities of having the original developer of AO’s AI, having a strong tie into this online world, is genius! After all, perhaps it could be argued that such a unique AI should be protected, not deleted. Only a living thing fears “death.” So the fact that the AI is going out of it’s way to protect itself, as read in the first books. Is proof enough that the AI is alive.
    Now that the husband of the AI’s core processes is online, informed, and committed. Who better to defend it from future fearmongers, than the original developer of the AI! I can see how The Crone could easily become best buds with Jason’s god, so more of this storyline please first?? After all, if all three pegs aren’t balanced just right on a Christmas Tree stand. The tree will fall over. The Crone and the AI, both have a strong reason to get the Creator vested in Awaken Online’s World. Plus how awesome would this be for educational purposes and improved quality of life for the handicapped or a more senior population? Or even long term prisoners? Even those mentally challenged could find a place. Perhaps living with artist families, gypsies, elves, herbalists, excettera. Even participating as bunnies, squirrels, whatever they are fascinated by and is inspiring to them. Too bad this isn’t real. Awaken Online is very therapeutic as far as I can see. Both physically and mentally. Sometimes we have to imagine something first, before if can be invented. All hail Mr. Travis!
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  • Your friendly Neighborhood Book Nerd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved how different this new character and story is from Jason's. The idea of a magical school like Harry potter with a huge dose of Battle Royale mixed in to create a story that made me feel sympathy for the main character. As someone who lost a loved one, I can relate to Finn, alot (more ways than one), but I must say *****SPOILERS DON'T READ***** I don't know if I should be mad at Alfred for preying on the pain of an elderly man who suffered A lot or should that anger be directed to the Crone aka the Seer?*****SPOILERS ENDED.

    I loved all the new characters, especially Julia and Kyyle. They both felt real, hilarious and intelligent. I liked the idea that Finn isn't a high school student and is suffering from a broken heart that anyone could relate too. I loved his playing style and cannot wait until we get the battle of wits with Jason and Original Sin. I can't wait until we see Lahab.

    I loved how we got deeper into the magic system, the explanation of Veridian and the larger narraitive. Im glad that this story will get some legs to be its own beast. I get why the author for amped to write this because it's different from what we have come across and it will be integral to AO and I can see the possibilities.

    I can't wait to see what's next and Mr. bagwell has surely created a story, a universe that I wish that I could play in. I wish we had this game... Well, minus the pain feedback 😂
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  • Charles Daniel Christopher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Stream Which Feeds Into The Plot Lines of AO.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This novel chronicles the rise of Finn to the station of Avatar of Fire. Unlike the other Avatars revealed so far, Finn is a man of advanced age. He's in his late fifties or early sixties and has suffered the losses of family and friends which come with a longer lifespan. His greatest challenge is finding his passion for life, work, and creativity after suffering the loss of his emotional heart and anchor, his wife, Rachael.

    This novel could be an alternate entry to the AO series; though it might act as a spoiler for concepts and events revealed in the main plotline chronicled in the novels about Jason and his fellow teen players.

    This is an excellent example of the LitRPG genre and might prove appealing to fans of the broader Fantasy genre as well.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Deaf Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate Story!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 17, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'll say this novel is Travis's strongest work of the AO so far. I have inhaled all the AO series and I still can't get enough of it. I never read a rpg literature before his work and it's very different to me. I believe Travis has spoiled it for me that I'll never find anything as good as Travis in this genre. I have tried three different authors and they just don't match up to Travis. If you never read a game lit, I'll start with AO universe. Just like Finn there's whole lot of passion in this wonderful world(s) !
    Report
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Neuer Ansatz.
    Reviewed in Germany on February 1, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    mir gefällt der neue Charakter sehr gut.
    ein Mensch mit Lebenserfahrung ist ja doch eher selten der Protagonist, von solchen Geschichten.
    ich bin gespannt wie diese Sidestory in die Mainstory von Jason eingefädelt wird.
    ich habe mittlerweile die 4 Hauptbücher + 3 Sidestorys der Hauptreihe sowie dieses ( bisher) komplett separate Nebengeschichte gelesen innerhalb von knapp 3 Monaten.
    Dabei bin ich keine große Leseratte sondern eher von der Gamingseite aus gekommen.
    Report
  • Pulkit
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worthy addition to Awaken Online storyline
    Reviewed in India on November 2, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This new series though started slowly but pulls you inside the world of Awaken online. Lot of intrigue and expectations in how this story will end and connect with the main plotline. Can't wait to see the next installment
    Report
  • Scott Osmond
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great First Entry In A Spinnoff Series
    Reviewed in Australia on November 4, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In the main sequence books it was revealed that within Awaken Online the game gods representing the magical aspects were in competition for dominance. They each used human champions as proxies. So far, the dark, light and water champions have been chosen after completing a questline. In this spinnoff series the fire goddess has picked a player. Is he up to it? Can he navigate the snakepit that is the mage school? Can he forgive himself for past actions and achieve the goals set for him? Most importantly can he recover from the several blunders his stubbornness have created? A well paced story with plenty of magic slinging and backstabbing intrigue. Several characters aren't what they seem. This entry goes a bit deeper in to the underlineing system behind magic but it's necessary for the character and what he achieves. Finn is a sympathetic character but I'd like him to start building up a team now the internal guild conflict appears to be over. I'm with TB in thinking that this spinnoff trilogy should be finished before returning to the main storyline. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars This series consistently hits the mark
    Reviewed in Japan on November 3, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book concerns a new main character, with new motivations, within the same game world. The pace was well balanced and the characters and magic system were engaging. I would normally have preferred a more free-wheeling exploration of the world but the pressure of the tournament setting built tension perfectly. The only point that didn't work for me was the twist at the end. The motivations didn't ring true for me
    Report

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