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 to adapt to change, rendering it weak and vulnerable (which brings the USA's current condition to mind). ( )

Review to come soon. ( )

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 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. ( )

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 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. ( )

After finishing Mass Effect 3, I found myself wanting to immerse myself in all things Mass Effect, I suppose because the trilogy is now over, and the ending was rather disappointing. I first picked this book up in the library two years ago or so, and found it very dull. But I thought I'd try it again, and I somehow made it through.
It reads like a fanfiction. Not an awful one, but not a great one either. Karpyshyn's writing style is merely mediocre. The only reason the story was remotely interesting to me is because it is set in the Mass Effect universe, and involves Grissom Academy and Kahlee Sanders, who appears in Mass Effect 3. The book is very, very simply written and there is almost a complete lack of character development.
I would give this 1 star, but I've given it another simply for being Mass Effect related. Although Karpyshyn tries to explain terms to people who haven't played Mass Effect, I get the feeling that if you've never touched the games, some elements of the story might be confusing.
I think a Mass Effect book series following Commander Shepard, or at least the Normandy would be great - but then there is the issue with being able to create your own custom character, both in appearance and personality. Although there are the default Shepards, they would not be Shepard to those people - like myself - who create our own versions.

Also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads. ( )