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trib's review against another edition
4.0
More ridiculous than a Matthew Reilly potboiler. More deliberate borrowings from pop culture than you can poke a stick at. A protagonist who's a "think with his small head" macho doofus? A hot Russian co-protagonist wielding a magic katana? Tentacled, armored, priapic monsters from a Hell dimension? A hot heroine (kind of) modeled on Rosamund Pike? A supporting cast straight from GI Jane?
What more could you ask for?
John Birmingham's Dave vs. The Monsters series is about as silly and overblown as it gets. But, honestly, that's entirely the point as Birmingham dives into a technicolor explosion of monsters and guns that you can't help but love.
When I read the first book, I wasn't sure, giving it 3 stars. It grew on me with the second book. Now I've just finished the third. In its entirely the series is glorious in its idiocy. But that's how it's supposed to be.
To quote another great Australian cultural icon, "do yourself a favor" and read these.
What more could you ask for?
John Birmingham's Dave vs. The Monsters series is about as silly and overblown as it gets. But, honestly, that's entirely the point as Birmingham dives into a technicolor explosion of monsters and guns that you can't help but love.
When I read the first book, I wasn't sure, giving it 3 stars. It grew on me with the second book. Now I've just finished the third. In its entirely the series is glorious in its idiocy. But that's how it's supposed to be.
To quote another great Australian cultural icon, "do yourself a favor" and read these.
danielv64's review against another edition
5.0
Imagine a funny H.P. Lovecraft novel and you'll have an idea of what's in store for you with this excellent 1st book of a trilogy. Dave is Everyman, full of faults and regrets, and then he becomes Super Dave and is full of faults and regrets but now with a bigger appetite.
Couldn't recommend this more especially for fans of MHI!
Couldn't recommend this more especially for fans of MHI!
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
3.0
Received via NetGalley and Penguin Random House/Del Rey in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
It took me awhile to get through book three of the Dave Hooper trilogy. I've never been much for military fiction so I think that perhaps the amount of fighting scenes in Ascendance might have slowed me down. It's not that Ascendance wasn't very good or that I disliked it, in fact I still loved it, but I found the beginning fighting scenes that take up a good 40% of the book were unnecessary for someone reading this series for the wit, sarcasm and fantasy elements. Birmingham is extremely well written and his action sequences are believable and inspiring.
However, once we return to the main story line everything went along much quicker. There are more mysteries revealed! Mysteries that have me salivating for book four. Karin Varatschevsky is a Russian spy and fellow Champion who makes Dave look like the bumbling idiot he is. She also has some really neat powers that Dave doesn't have that come in handy during the battle of New York. The chemistry between these two is refreshingly not romantic (or sexual) and Karen's constant disdain for Dave is amusing. Best of all, Douchebag Dave is no longer in the picture and we get Good ol' Dave back. No more over the top man whoring or self-congratulations from Dave! Instead, we start to see Dave's character grow into his new role as human Champion..sort of..he still kind of sucks at it.
I think the majority of the satire is focused on our Monst'r element - Compt'n ur Threshrend. He's becoming a whole new creature who is becoming less Threshrend and more human by the minute. It's interesting to see how Compt'n's story is proceeding from low level lackey to Procounsul who is simultaneously developing a forbidden lust for a human creature (much to his chagrin) and a rise in disrespect for his lead Monster. Will Compt'n inevitably defect or take over the Monsters? Meanwhile, Guyuk has discovered the timeless beer-and-pork rinds meal combination. Seriously, he loves them.
The series of Dave vs The Monsters has been opened up to a confirmed fourth book to be published at a later date. The world of The Dave will continue to develop with another potential twelve heroes to make their entrance in the coming novels. I cannot wait for book four..I love where Birmingham is going with Dave and the wider world building he's developed in Ascendance. So, never fear fellow Dave readers, this is not the end of this amazing series!
This book will appeal to committed fantasy readers and action lovers. Almost as amazing as the first book of this series Dave vs The Monters: Emergence, Ascendance is a strong tale of human strength, an apocalyptic situation and a brand new set of fantastical creatures from the lower realm. A must read for those who enjoy the rise of the under dog, strong female leads and tons of gory action.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
It took me awhile to get through book three of the Dave Hooper trilogy. I've never been much for military fiction so I think that perhaps the amount of fighting scenes in Ascendance might have slowed me down. It's not that Ascendance wasn't very good or that I disliked it, in fact I still loved it, but I found the beginning fighting scenes that take up a good 40% of the book were unnecessary for someone reading this series for the wit, sarcasm and fantasy elements. Birmingham is extremely well written and his action sequences are believable and inspiring.
I struggled mostly because it wasn't relevant to my interests. It doesn't mean I didn't appreciate the skillful writing or masterful plot development.
However, once we return to the main story line everything went along much quicker. There are more mysteries revealed! Mysteries that have me salivating for book four. Karin Varatschevsky is a Russian spy and fellow Champion who makes Dave look like the bumbling idiot he is. She also has some really neat powers that Dave doesn't have that come in handy during the battle of New York. The chemistry between these two is refreshingly not romantic (or sexual) and Karen's constant disdain for Dave is amusing. Best of all, Douchebag Dave is no longer in the picture and we get Good ol' Dave back. No more over the top man whoring or self-congratulations from Dave! Instead, we start to see Dave's character grow into his new role as human Champion..sort of..he still kind of sucks at it.
There is a crafty Lord of the Rings reference, lots of action, blood and huge plot developments that only make Dave vs The Monsters all the more legendary. A main character might die tragically and some fantastic character development may be on the horizon.
I think the majority of the satire is focused on our Monst'r element - Compt'n ur Threshrend. He's becoming a whole new creature who is becoming less Threshrend and more human by the minute. It's interesting to see how Compt'n's story is proceeding from low level lackey to Procounsul who is simultaneously developing a forbidden lust for a human creature (much to his chagrin) and a rise in disrespect for his lead Monster. Will Compt'n inevitably defect or take over the Monsters? Meanwhile, Guyuk has discovered the timeless beer-and-pork rinds meal combination. Seriously, he loves them.
The series of Dave vs The Monsters has been opened up to a confirmed fourth book to be published at a later date. The world of The Dave will continue to develop with another potential twelve heroes to make their entrance in the coming novels. I cannot wait for book four..I love where Birmingham is going with Dave and the wider world building he's developed in Ascendance. So, never fear fellow Dave readers, this is not the end of this amazing series!
This book will appeal to committed fantasy readers and action lovers. Almost as amazing as the first book of this series Dave vs The Monters: Emergence, Ascendance is a strong tale of human strength, an apocalyptic situation and a brand new set of fantastical creatures from the lower realm. A must read for those who enjoy the rise of the under dog, strong female leads and tons of gory action.
nelljustice's review
4.0
for full review go to: http://wp.me/p5Q4Dh-uA
Dave plays a “grown up” much better in this book than the last, which I am happy to see. So many times in the past books, I’ve just wanted to punch Dave’s lights out. He steps up responsibility and even recognizes that everything does not revolve around “Super” Dave. Professor Boylan is absent from this episode, which saddens me. We could have used some comic relief after witnessing the massacre of so many humans and monsters. I will tell you that Dave saves his “boys”, Jack & Toby – just in the nick of time. I would love to see Dave win his family back, but I just don’t know if it will happen. He’s screwed over a lot of loved ones in his life just by being selfish. Speaking of loved ones, I learned more about Dave’s brother, Andy, who died in service of his country and why Dave feels crippling guilt over Andy. It makes sense now, and I should have seen it, but I was too caught up in the carnage.
The ending isn’t exactly a cliff hanger, but it does lead up to the next book. There are now 5 “champions” – a female chaplain, a female sheriff, a female Russian super spy, a male military and Dave. I got a bad feeling that even though Heath has 4 out of the 5 champions, Trinder has the fifth. Yikes.
I do not have information on when the next book will be released, but I will tell you this: If you hated Dave and his moronic escapades in Book One, just hold on. Mr. Birmingham will reward you with better superheroes and a better Dave as time goes on and the war escalates.
Dave plays a “grown up” much better in this book than the last, which I am happy to see. So many times in the past books, I’ve just wanted to punch Dave’s lights out. He steps up responsibility and even recognizes that everything does not revolve around “Super” Dave. Professor Boylan is absent from this episode, which saddens me. We could have used some comic relief after witnessing the massacre of so many humans and monsters. I will tell you that Dave saves his “boys”, Jack & Toby – just in the nick of time. I would love to see Dave win his family back, but I just don’t know if it will happen. He’s screwed over a lot of loved ones in his life just by being selfish. Speaking of loved ones, I learned more about Dave’s brother, Andy, who died in service of his country and why Dave feels crippling guilt over Andy. It makes sense now, and I should have seen it, but I was too caught up in the carnage.
The ending isn’t exactly a cliff hanger, but it does lead up to the next book. There are now 5 “champions” – a female chaplain, a female sheriff, a female Russian super spy, a male military and Dave. I got a bad feeling that even though Heath has 4 out of the 5 champions, Trinder has the fifth. Yikes.
I do not have information on when the next book will be released, but I will tell you this: If you hated Dave and his moronic escapades in Book One, just hold on. Mr. Birmingham will reward you with better superheroes and a better Dave as time goes on and the war escalates.
bookmason's review against another edition
2.0
Worst of the three and ends with a cliff hanger, with no new book insight!
This series started with a jolt, but just never progresses or develops beyond the first books.
Disappointed.
This series started with a jolt, but just never progresses or develops beyond the first books.
Disappointed.
tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
‘The monsters are back. They’re here. In the city.’
Don’t make the same mistake as I did. Start with ‘Emergence’ and then read ‘Resistance’ before tackling ‘Ascendance’. Dave Hooper’s world may not necessarily make more sense, but it will be a lot more fun to be part of. And it’s important to know just how Dave Hooper, an American oil rig worker, became a hero.
‘Is this daemon bothering you, ma’am?’
Now that you’ve read the first two books, you’ll be happy to know that Dave continues to battle the monsters who’ve been unleashed on the world. With his trusty enchanted splitting maul (her name is Lucille), his ability to stop time and his superspeed, Dave should be almost invincible. Especially now that Karen Warat (or is it Varatchevsky?)and her magic sword have joined him. She’s ultra competent and sexy, and a Russian deep cover agent, and she knows just how to keep Dave going.
‘I might indeed be cool, had I any idea of what you speak.’
And the monsters? Well, they haven’t been marking time. And they are not all as nice as Threshy. There are a lot of cunning monsters out there, and they appear to be getting assistance from some traitorous humans. Whatever is the world coming to? Dave and Karen are almost overwhelmed in New York. The monsters are learning about human technology and how to adapt, and some of the demons can use empathy. Dave is not finding this battle easy. So how will it end? Read on, and find out.
Just don’t take it all too seriously, there’s plenty of humour in there as well.
‘It was almost like a date, except he was a razor-toothed Hell daemon intent on enslaving all mankind, and she was his captive.’
Note: My thanks to Momentum Books and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Don’t make the same mistake as I did. Start with ‘Emergence’ and then read ‘Resistance’ before tackling ‘Ascendance’. Dave Hooper’s world may not necessarily make more sense, but it will be a lot more fun to be part of. And it’s important to know just how Dave Hooper, an American oil rig worker, became a hero.
‘Is this daemon bothering you, ma’am?’
Now that you’ve read the first two books, you’ll be happy to know that Dave continues to battle the monsters who’ve been unleashed on the world. With his trusty enchanted splitting maul (her name is Lucille), his ability to stop time and his superspeed, Dave should be almost invincible. Especially now that Karen Warat (or is it Varatchevsky?)and her magic sword have joined him. She’s ultra competent and sexy, and a Russian deep cover agent, and she knows just how to keep Dave going.
‘I might indeed be cool, had I any idea of what you speak.’
And the monsters? Well, they haven’t been marking time. And they are not all as nice as Threshy. There are a lot of cunning monsters out there, and they appear to be getting assistance from some traitorous humans. Whatever is the world coming to? Dave and Karen are almost overwhelmed in New York. The monsters are learning about human technology and how to adapt, and some of the demons can use empathy. Dave is not finding this battle easy. So how will it end? Read on, and find out.
Just don’t take it all too seriously, there’s plenty of humour in there as well.
‘It was almost like a date, except he was a razor-toothed Hell daemon intent on enslaving all mankind, and she was his captive.’
Note: My thanks to Momentum Books and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
shelleyrae's review
3.0
The final novel to feature rig engineer turned superhero monster slayer Dave Cooper, Ascendance picks up right where [b:Resistance|23965831|Resistance (David Hooper, #2)|John Birmingham|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419040213s/23965831.jpg|42753138] left off.
Super Dave, newly teamed with the katana wielding Russian spy Karen Warat (aka Colonel Ekatarina Varatchevsky), is in New York. Dismissing Trinder, they race to defend areas of the city under siege but are nearly overwhelmed as the Hunn continue boiling up from the underworld realm. The powers that be soon realise that the Horde is using Professor Compton's theoretical model for collapsing western civilisation, and the world is in real peril. However Dave's primary concern becomes his sons when he learns New Harbour is under attack and if he can't save the world, he is determined to at least save his children.
Dave suffers badly in comparison to Karen whose training and discipline allows her to exploit her gifts, which includes an empathic ability. Not only does she wield her deadly katana like a master, she thinks strategically and seems to have her powers sussed out. Dave is pretty much left trailing in her wake like a meat-head while the choices he made in Resistance come back to haunt him.
The action in Ascendance is non-stop, violent and bloody. This is not a story for the squeamish what with splattering ichor and demon flesh and babies being tossed from buildings like confetti. To be honest I got a little bored with all the fighting, though the final confrontation was tense and exciting.
There is plenty of the bold and crass humour I've come to expect in this series. Dave is still a dick, Threshy's thinkings are riotously confused and Karen adds her own brand of dry humour.
While this is supposed to be last book of a trilogy, the story definitely feels unfinished. It has been fun though.
debbiesilkserif's review
3.0
Received via NetGalley and Penguin Random House/Del Rey in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
It took me awhile to get through book three of the Dave Hooper trilogy. I've never been much for military fiction so I think that perhaps the amount of fighting scenes in Ascendance might have slowed me down. It's not that Ascendance wasn't very good or that I disliked it, in fact I still loved it, but I found the beginning fighting scenes that take up a good 40% of the book were unnecessary for someone reading this series for the wit, sarcasm and fantasy elements. Birmingham is extremely well written and his action sequences are believable and inspiring.
However, once we return to the main story line everything went along much quicker. There are more mysteries revealed! Mysteries that have me salivating for book four. Karin Varatschevsky is a Russian spy and fellow Champion who makes Dave look like the bumbling idiot he is. She also has some really neat powers that Dave doesn't have that come in handy during the battle of New York. The chemistry between these two is refreshingly not romantic (or sexual) and Karen's constant disdain for Dave is amusing. Best of all, Douchebag Dave is no longer in the picture and we get Good ol' Dave back. No more over the top man whoring or self-congratulations from Dave! Instead, we start to see Dave's character grow into his new role as human Champion..sort of..he still kind of sucks at it.
I think the majority of the satire is focused on our Monst'r element - Compt'n ur Threshrend. He's becoming a whole new creature who is becoming less Threshrend and more human by the minute. It's interesting to see how Compt'n's story is proceeding from low level lackey to Procounsul who is simultaneously developing a forbidden lust for a human creature (much to his chagrin) and a rise in disrespect for his lead Monster. Will Compt'n inevitably defect or take over the Monsters? Meanwhile, Guyuk has discovered the timeless beer-and-pork rinds meal combination. Seriously, he loves them.
The series of Dave vs The Monsters has been opened up to a confirmed fourth book to be published at a later date. The world of The Dave will continue to develop with another potential twelve heroes to make their entrance in the coming novels. I cannot wait for book four..I love where Birmingham is going with Dave and the wider world building he's developed in Ascendance. So, never fear fellow Dave readers, this is not the end of this amazing series!
This book will appeal to committed fantasy readers and action lovers. Almost as amazing as the first book of this series Dave vs The Monters: Emergence, Ascendance is a strong tale of human strength, an apocalyptic situation and a brand new set of fantastical creatures from the lower realm. A must read for those who enjoy the rise of the under dog, strong female leads and tons of gory action.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
It took me awhile to get through book three of the Dave Hooper trilogy. I've never been much for military fiction so I think that perhaps the amount of fighting scenes in Ascendance might have slowed me down. It's not that Ascendance wasn't very good or that I disliked it, in fact I still loved it, but I found the beginning fighting scenes that take up a good 40% of the book were unnecessary for someone reading this series for the wit, sarcasm and fantasy elements. Birmingham is extremely well written and his action sequences are believable and inspiring.
I struggled mostly because it wasn't relevant to my interests. It doesn't mean I didn't appreciate the skillful writing or masterful plot development.
However, once we return to the main story line everything went along much quicker. There are more mysteries revealed! Mysteries that have me salivating for book four. Karin Varatschevsky is a Russian spy and fellow Champion who makes Dave look like the bumbling idiot he is. She also has some really neat powers that Dave doesn't have that come in handy during the battle of New York. The chemistry between these two is refreshingly not romantic (or sexual) and Karen's constant disdain for Dave is amusing. Best of all, Douchebag Dave is no longer in the picture and we get Good ol' Dave back. No more over the top man whoring or self-congratulations from Dave! Instead, we start to see Dave's character grow into his new role as human Champion..sort of..he still kind of sucks at it.
There is a crafty Lord of the Rings reference, lots of action, blood and huge plot developments that only make Dave vs The Monsters all the more legendary. A main character might die tragically and some fantastic character development may be on the horizon.
I think the majority of the satire is focused on our Monst'r element - Compt'n ur Threshrend. He's becoming a whole new creature who is becoming less Threshrend and more human by the minute. It's interesting to see how Compt'n's story is proceeding from low level lackey to Procounsul who is simultaneously developing a forbidden lust for a human creature (much to his chagrin) and a rise in disrespect for his lead Monster. Will Compt'n inevitably defect or take over the Monsters? Meanwhile, Guyuk has discovered the timeless beer-and-pork rinds meal combination. Seriously, he loves them.
The series of Dave vs The Monsters has been opened up to a confirmed fourth book to be published at a later date. The world of The Dave will continue to develop with another potential twelve heroes to make their entrance in the coming novels. I cannot wait for book four..I love where Birmingham is going with Dave and the wider world building he's developed in Ascendance. So, never fear fellow Dave readers, this is not the end of this amazing series!
This book will appeal to committed fantasy readers and action lovers. Almost as amazing as the first book of this series Dave vs The Monters: Emergence, Ascendance is a strong tale of human strength, an apocalyptic situation and a brand new set of fantastical creatures from the lower realm. A must read for those who enjoy the rise of the under dog, strong female leads and tons of gory action.
vinayvasan's review
4.0
Well I thought this was conclude the trilogy but this proves to be another action packed kickass episode following the events of book 2. The revelation that Dave isnt the only one with powers and there are other people better equipped to handle the power they get makes it a chastening experience for Dave. Also now that the Horde has human intelligence, they change their tactics to make it hurt the most forcing Dave and the others into a tight spot. There is a bit of character development for Dave, a bunch of pop culture references thrown in and overall a bucket-load of diversionary fun
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