Mass Effect: Ascension

Ascension is a companion novel set between the events of the first and second Mass Effect games. And since the games are, by design, tailored to each player's specific choices, this book tells a story based in the world but far enough away from the games' central plot to not cause any inconsistencies. Overall, Ascension is a decent effort even though it's heavy on the action and light on character development.

What makes the whole Mass Effect franchise so special, and therefore this book by extension, is the credibility and catch-your-breath wonder of the universe the characters inhabit. I recommend you play the games to see for yourself what the fans are cheering about. These novels? You can take 'em or leave 'em.

This novel, which takes place after the first Mass Effect game, focuses on Cerberus, a ruthless shadow organization with highly placed contacts in the human military and government. Believing that only humans should rule the galaxy, they conduct secret experiments to give humans an edge over alien races. Their prized project is Gillian, a young girl who seems to be autistic but has great biotic (psychic power) potential.

I enjoyed the Revelation prequel novel, but am disappointed by Ascension. It reads more like a spy novel than a sci-fi novel, and not a thrilling one at that. It saving graces are: 1) it reveals a lot about the nomadic quarians, and 2) it has good commentary on how long-term stability can reduce a society’s willingness show more to adapt to change, rendering it weak and vulnerable (which brings the USA's current condition to mind). show less

Originally reviewed on Short Rambling Reviews

Here we have book 2 in the Mass Effect series built around the games. The events of this one take place approximately 2 months after the ending to the first game. It focuses on Paul and Gillian Grayson and their ties to Cerberus and the Illusive man as well as the Ascension project which comes up in the third game. Previous books Drew had written have been great however this one seemed a bit mundane, its not that it deviates from the lore established around the game and extended universe, that all seems to be consistent, there is just something missing and I cant quite put my finger on it. That being said I really like the Mass Effect universe and did enjoy reading it.

There is a lot of focus show more on Paul Grayson and the inner struggle he has with weighing up the Cerberus motives and actions, which have been drilled into him and all actions are for the greater good of humanity, to his feelings for Gillian as his daughter. He can see what they are doing is wrong, and in the end he has to make the decision; either his allegiance to Cerberus and the greater good or the happiness of his daughter.

A large element of the book looks at the seedier side of the underworld, with assassinations, torture and double crossing, especially relating to Cerberus. The games portray Cerberus as a fringe organisation that are very well funded but obviously extremist in nature, but you also understand what they are doing and their drive. This book looks at the more underground elements behind the scenes, which changes my opinion of Cerberus from understanding them and sympathising a bit, to losing a lot of respect for them. Its one of those things where the games show you a hint that things are going on in the background, but don’t directly come out and say it, this book confirms the lengths they will go to in graphic detail and even though you were thinking that was what they were doing, you didn’t want it confirmed.

What was interesting is you get a feel for the Quarian’s and learn more about them and their flotilla, which the games do dip into and you get to see certain aspects of, but you don’t get a sense of the larger community, its always nice to add a bit of depth to one of the fundamental races in that universe.

Overall not bad but could have been better. show less

From what I read so far, the Mass Effect book series has the interesting gift of making the best possible endings. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything about this book, but I'll tell you something: I LOVED the Epilogue of this book. And another thing that makes this book pure awesomeness: ELCORS. Who on this universe would possible NOT like Elcors??

Now speaking more seriously, this book is pretty neat. Once again, we're following Kahlee Sanders in her journey, this time as a teacher at Grissom Academy (and boy, it feels so good to read such familiar names in this book. It feels like home). Like in the previous book, Ascension is not directly related to the game, though it does have a couple of references. Even Shepard has his/her cameo show more in the book, plus a couple of brand new characters we'll never hear about again. Ascension also focuses strongly on the quarian culture, which is pretty cool because these extra information are not shown in the game, or are shown, but a little more vaguely. I do recommend playing Mass Effect 2 before grabbing this book, though (Mass Effect 3 would be nice, but the story can be understood even if you didn't play it). Most of the story happens at Grissom Academy and in Omega, so you might want to get familiar at least with Omega and the way it works.

Anyways, great book. If you liked Revelations, Ascension is not very different from it. It has pure action from the beginning until the end. show less

The writing and pace of the story was genuinely enjoyable. Karpyshyn does a great job of describing the world and the character's interactions. As far as the actual story goes, I was torn. The characters felt extremely flat, and I was always a few steps ahead of the story. Toward the end of the book I kept hoping that the plot would suddenly take a turn and do something exciting, but it never did. It was odd to feel so jaded against all the people I was supposed to be rooting for.

I have not played the game, so I was not excited about the book for any particular reason, and had no hopes as to the direction of the story. Some readers seem to be turned off because it does not follow closely with the first game, but I simply could not latch show more onto the story. Ascension was full of good writing, and I had trouble putting the story down, but the story simply did not excite me. show less

Having read the book after Revelation, I must say I enjoyed it a little better.
It had more background information on various events, places, and species, particularly when delving into the secretive world of the Quarians.
The pace was jovial and the action was more exciting than in the first book.
A must read for hardcore Mass Effect game fans, like myself.

A big improvement over the first book. A high space opera and explosion quotient-not original, not subtle, but enjoyable. Familiarity with the game is recommended. If you like the game (I love the game), and are looking forward to the sequel, this is a must read.