Ascendant gives off strong YA vibes right from the start, as it focuses on two young characters destined to change the world around them. Koren, a young peasant boy that could be the most powerful wizard the kingdom of Tarador has ever seen, and Crown Princess Ariana, who will become queen of Tarador on her 16th birthday. Unless, of course, the acting Regent allows the kingdom to be conquered before then. So when Ariana is ambushed by the enemy, it just happens to be Koren who saves her, thus setting up the inevitable desire for a romantic relationship that can never be. This also allows Koren's unknown wizard powers to be discovered by the court wizard and he is instantly pegged to be the savior the kingdom needs. But before that can happen, the adults in power need to screw everything up so the kids can save the day, and that can take a while.