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dillonbrantley's review against another edition
3.0
A vast improvement over the first novel in both its presentation and plot. While not perfect, Ascension brings depth and intrigue into the interspecies politics that are at the heart of the Mass Effect universe.
shaankayz's review against another edition
2.0
In my opinion, a poorly written story line in the mass effect universe.
A poor use of a character from the game, purely to elicit "familiarity" with the character.
The writing felt lackluster and the ending "Spoiler Alert" where Grayson manages to escape so easily and Kahlee just resigns to going back to the Academy is really just poor writing. There were scenarios of just coincidence, where all of a sudden a character slips up or changes modus operandi in an out of character fashion just to drive this story line. It didn't feel genuine, rather the progress of the story line felt very forced.
The Illusive man was also made to look like a chump. Really. Honestly, who would dare to threaten the Illusive man?
There were so many things that made this book feel wrong. I wouldn't ever give it another read.
A poor use of a character from the game, purely to elicit "familiarity" with the character.
The writing felt lackluster and the ending "Spoiler Alert" where Grayson manages to escape so easily and Kahlee just resigns to going back to the Academy is really just poor writing. There were scenarios of just coincidence, where all of a sudden a character slips up or changes modus operandi in an out of character fashion just to drive this story line. It didn't feel genuine, rather the progress of the story line felt very forced.
The Illusive man was also made to look like a chump. Really. Honestly, who would dare to threaten the Illusive man?
There were so many things that made this book feel wrong. I wouldn't ever give it another read.
amyeewing's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book more than the first one in the series. Karpyshyn seemed to have a better hold on what he wanted his book to be. May favorite character was Grayson. He felt like he really had depth to him which made him fun to read. I don't demand my characters not be shallow because most people in the world are shallow so it works for me. But Grayson stood out as a "complicated" and engaging guy. Made the whole book more fun.
alwaysfaithful16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
wunderbland's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mattyftm's review against another edition
5.0
When I started reading the Mass Effect books, I never expected to be rating one of them five stars. But this book, while obviously not a literary masterpiece, manages to be an extremely compelling read. It got off to a bit of a slow start, but after about 4 or 5 chapters (around 50-60 pages) I couldn't put the book down. It created characters I cared about and put them in a thrilling series of events that was extremely entertaining. There is a slightly predictable plot twist towards the end, but on the whole it was an extremely enjoyable book.
ultimatumman's review against another edition
4.0
A lot better than the previous Mass Effect novel. Very fast read that I really enjoyed.
crankyoldnerd's review against another edition
4.0
If you haven't played the first Mass Effect game, this title will confuse you. Unlike the first book in the series this is set between ME 1 and ME 2 games. I haven't played ME1, and haven't finished ME 2 or started ME 3 games. So some of the events early in the book that were referenced while I understood the regions and areas being mentioned, the events that happened I was unaware of and that is one thing that drives me nuts that there is an 'event' that shapes things but the book doesn't update you/give you the high points.
That's not the fault of this book however, just something I thought you should know.
We primarily follow two groups of characters. One could be characterized as 'the good guys' and then one that might be 'the bad guys'. The 'bad guys' have one character that wants to be redeemed, and depending on your point of view may get his wish.
We get some views into the Quarrien ships and how they live, which prior to ME2 you didn't have a lot of details. The fight sequences are well written and not over described which is one pitfall action books fall into, they talk about pivoting this and that and flipping and arcing and over talking it.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but I think that was because I hadn't finished ME1 (barely played it) so my personal qualms about not knowing what is going on for a bit annoyed me. After I pushed through I really enjoyed this story line, and hope for more titles in this universe. It's a lot of fun to read.
That's not the fault of this book however, just something I thought you should know.
We primarily follow two groups of characters. One could be characterized as 'the good guys' and then one that might be 'the bad guys'. The 'bad guys' have one character that wants to be redeemed, and depending on your point of view may get his wish.
We get some views into the Quarrien ships and how they live, which prior to ME2 you didn't have a lot of details. The fight sequences are well written and not over described which is one pitfall action books fall into, they talk about pivoting this and that and flipping and arcing and over talking it.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but I think that was because I hadn't finished ME1 (barely played it) so my personal qualms about not knowing what is going on for a bit annoyed me. After I pushed through I really enjoyed this story line, and hope for more titles in this universe. It's a lot of fun to read.
mcfade28's review against another edition
4.0
I am a sucker for a tv/film/video game tie-in. One of my great loves discovered in lockdown is the Mass Effect video game series, and this novel set before the 2nd game is a great addition to the lore. It fleshes out the character of Kahlee Sanders ( who I previously just thought of as Anderson’s ex) and begins by showcasing her work at Grissom Academy.