Customer Reviews

Mass Effect: Ascension

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

But for those wanting to continue where the game left off, you will not find it here. Any reference to the ending of the game is done in the first chapter and vague at that, not in detail as you see it since the game allows for multiple choices and events to occur depending how you played.

This book tells another story, but there is a returning character from the first book, which you end up wondering what ever happened to her after Revelation. The book revolves around the extremist band of Cerberus and their recent project. Readers who played the game and completed most of the side missions might have tangled with this group and may know of and what they are capable of.

I don't like to spoil stuff in reviews and like to keep them short. Ascension is a great read, and even though you might want to continue where the game dropped off with Shepard, it is worth you picking up and reading. I read it in 2 days because it really hooks you in with the plot and you can't help but wanting to devour it asap. If you liked Revelation, you will like Ascension, and if you only played the game and never read the novels, I recommend you do so.

If you're a fan of Mass Effect then you're probably picking up this book hoping for some insight on what's next for the series. In that regard, this book fails to deliver. Though it is a well written and enjoyable story, it doesn't give any information on our favorite Mass Effect characters. Commander Shepard is only mentioned briefly once, and Captain Anderson is brought up on a couple of occasions. Ambassador Undina is also mentioned once. The main character the book focuses on is Kahlee Sanders, who was the prominent character in the first book.

As much as I was disappointed to gain no new information on Shepard, I was still enthralled by the book. Like the first Mass Effect novel, there is plenty of action and its exhilarating to read. The story never feels flat or boring so I should be any easy book to finish, for even the less than avid reader. Another thing the book does really well is developing its characters. Given the lack of familiar faces the book makes a lot of introductions and does so well. Every character fits into the story and is developed to a level where you understand their motivation.

As well written as the book is, it is still hard to recommend. Its hard to imagine that anyone looking to buy this book have not had some other encounter with the Mass Effect Universe. If you had only read the first novel then it would be better to take the money you would spend on this title and put it towards the PC or 360 game (if you don't have a 360 or a nice PC I'm sorry). For people who have played through the game and are undoubtedly looking for clues to Mass Effect 2, the only insight you gain is that Mass Effect 2 will focus a lot on the criminal organization Cerberus. Don't be waiting for an appearance of Wrex, Garrus, Liara, or even Tali (despite the fact the book focuses on the Quarians), they're not even in there in cameos.

Its possible that this could be more of an introduction to Mass Effect 2 than I realize. Obviously it is hard to tell since the game isn't out yet. The book fails to live up to ending of the game though, and really fails to live up to the ending of the first book. Unlike those stories, it doesn't leave you wanting more. That was the greatest success of the first two stories, their ability to close out open plot-lines while leaving us knowing there's more to come. Its obvious this book was released to tide fans over until the next game and it does not do that.

This book is excellent and in my opinion significantly better than the first Mass Effect novel. You can tell that Karphyshyn has really grown comfortable with authoring novels as he continues to write them. I'm hoping he writes another one following the story of the second game.

Mass Effect: Ascension takes place directly after the Mass Effect Video-game. As this novel first starts out, things are slow, gradually pulling you into the story surrounding our previous novel main character, Kaylee Sanders; who is a teacher/advisor in a school for Biotic youngsters newly exposed to Element Zero. After a few chapters of environment, a background story to places, people and objects the story begins to pick up the pace. You will be introduced to new villains and allies to this already massive universe, in turn creating a very interesting setting for Mass Effect 2 to continue off where this book ends. During the climatic chapters, you may find yourself hard-pressed to putting the book down and taking a break as it tends to keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending was good, the only bad part being that it ended at all. As good as the first Drew Karpyshyn Mass Effect novel, in my opinion; maybe a little better. Having played the game, and reading the first novel is probably a great perquisite to checking this out, as without both, you may not be as attached or familiar to some characters or places.

The second Mass Effect book picks up directly after the first Mass Effect game ends, and continues to impress. But it doesn't quite meet up to the standards set by the first book. Possibly disappointment may have been caused by the lack of tie-in to the game, but with the second game not out yet chances are this book is setting up for the second game. It would make sense since it expands on a force of evil that was only a minor part of the Mass Effect game, Cerberus. Also, no characters from the game are featured in this story. The only familiar character is Kahlee Sanders from the first book. One more thing that bothered me is the geth on the cover. There is no geth in this book, but that's irrelevant.

On the positive side, there is a good amount of biotics in this book, something completely absent from the first book. As with the first book, dialogue was extremely good. The story was also good, but again wasn't quite as good. It took a bit longer than I would've personally liked to set up and ended a little bit too quickly. I would have to say that my favorite part of this book though is the internal struggle of one of the characters, Grayson. Throughout the book he struggles with trying to find the balance between sacrifices for "the greater good", loyalty, and family.

In the end I'd recommend it if you enjoyed the game and I'd say you have to read it if you enjoyed the first book. Even if you didn't read the first book though, you'll be able to follow this book perfectly. Without playing the game though there's a lot of things that wouldn't make much sense.

Overall I give it 4 out of 5

It has been twelve years since scientist Kahlee Sanders survived the Sidon massacre. And it was thirteen years ago that a toxic disaster exposed thousands of pregnant human females and their unborn children to a deadly cloud of element zero on the Yandoa colony. Some of the human children were born with biotic abilities. All of them are now at the Jon Grissom Academy, orbiting the planet Elysium. Sanders works with these kids in the Ascension Project. She helps them adjust to and harness their extraordinary powers.

Twelve-year-old Gillian "Gigi" Grayson is borderline autistic. Her mental condition makes her emotionally distant, yet she is still the program's most promising student. She has also become the favorite of Hendel Mitra's, chief of security. But unknown to Sanders and Hendel is that Gigi's father is part of Cerberus, a radical pro-human terrorist group led by one known only as the Illusive Man. When Grayson visits Gigi, it is to help Cerberus perform illegal experiments on her.

When the Cerberus plot is revealed, Grayson takes Gigi away. Sanders and Hendel convinces Grayson to take them with Gigi. Cerberus is hot on their trail as the trio search for a way to save Gigi. Help comes from a totally unexpected source.

**** If you are playing the MASS EFFECT computer game, know that this story takes place AFTER the game ends. If you have not played the game as yet, but plan to, wait until you finish the game before you begin reading this story. This story reveals spoilers by mentioning things that happen in the game.

You do not have to read the first book, REVELATION, to fully enjoy this story. Both seem to be stand-alone tales. Even though the main character, Kahlee Sanders, was a big part of the first story, the events have little, if anything, to do with this story's plot. You will never feel lost or confused. The author only mentions things new readers need to know, so you will not be bogged down with a lot of catching up narratives. From the beginning until the ending, this entire story oozes with danger and intrigue. Drama, drama, drama! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This book was just awesome and I blew right through it because I loved it so much,but if u were looking for any references or something like that for Mass Effect 2 like I was then you will feel bad but the book is still a great read and it informs us on the mysterious but very interesting Quarians............Oh and where are my Krogan brothers?

Read it, liked it but I'm not thrilled with it. I began Mass Effect Revelation with a bit of reluctance. After 10 pages, I couldn't leave it.

Sadly, I cannot say the same about Ascension. It's not bad but not as catchy as her predecessor. Recommended for those who want to know a bit more from the ME Universe (and perhaps a connection to the game sequel)

I was looking for a nice filler between Mass Effect the game and Mass Effect 2. In the first book, you are introduced to the villain and a mystery. The action was non stop and you couldn't wait for the game to come.
This second book fails to deliver on many scales. I really couldn't feel for the characters. I felt this book was made only to fill in details about the Quarians, because in game 1 we knew so little about them. I just thought more could have been done, and the story wasn't that enjoyable. I will definitely buy the second game because I am a huge ME fan, which is why I was disappointed with this book.

If you are ME fan, you may want to read this book.

I recommend playing the game before buying these books. They are good, fun to read but because I've played 1 and 2 before reading these it's hard to tell if I enjoy them so much because of my anticipation for the 3rd game installment or because its just plain good sci fi.