Not a bad thriller. But nothing special in the end. My interest level waned towards the end after a strong start. Book had a degree of wit and a good plot, but it was unpolished, like a first draft, and there was a rather prosaic feel to it overall. Character development was not terrible, the author tried, but characters were broad stereotypes. For example, our hero is a brash, arrogant genius who develops a degree of humility and maturity. Been done a thousand times. Book is clearly intended as a series opener. I'll probably pass on future installments although I wouldn't rule them out, this is a debut novel after all, and really not a bad one. ( )

This had a strong, enticing beginning -- but fell flat about two-thirds of the way through. ( )

Good story premise. Enjoyed the first half of the book as the characters were introduced and they became a team but they needed more substance. Became somewhat standard t.v. personality with predictable qualities but lacking substance. The second half of the book went downhill with unbelievable subplot action. Disappointed as enjoyed that first half. Story had potential but definitely a very light read. ( )

Loved this read. I plowed through this one in three days. Real fun, neat glimpse of big money and stocks. ( )

Disclosure: I received this book as an ARC copy from the publisher.

I usually don’t stray much from the SF and Fantasy genres but decided to try this after getting selected to try an ARC copy of Drew Chapman’s new novel, The Ascendant. It is a suspense novel detailing conflict between the US and China using technology as weapons. The author does an excellent job in keeping a good pace and excellent story characters and I was engaged throughout the novel.
The main character, Garrett Reilly, divulges from what you would normally expect from a protagonist in an adventure novel to be but the characterization worked for me. He is an offbeat, in your face gamer with a significant financial talent and ability to recognize patterns within the financial numbers (and other areas as it turns out). Watching the growth of his character throughout the novel was one of the things I really enjoyed. The author also uses the current world political balance between the US and China as a plot point that he builds to an entertaining conclusion.
If you enjoy tense political thrillers, you should pick up a copy if this book. 4.5 stars for a really entertaining read.
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