The Only Way Up the Ascent

Taj lives on a junkheap, scavenging scrap so his family can eat and keeping clear of the monsters that prowl the wreckage.

The only edge he has is Star, a mouthy construct he put together himself.

He keeps chasing a big win with Star on the construct fighting circuits, yet the prize money stays just out of reach while debt collectors wait at his door.

Someone offers him a slot in the Ascent, the ultimate fighting tournament, and a reward beyond anything he has pictured.

The deal is hard to trust, and the new benefactor brings Taj plenty of new enemies.

Leaving the only world he has ever known, he learns the Ascent is not only a chance at riches—losing could cost him his life.