Mass Effect: Ascension

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.

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)

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.