Mass Effect: Ascension by Drew Karpyshyn
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Book Summary Author: Drew Karpyshyn Edition: Mass Market Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2008-07-29 ISBN: 0345498526 Number of pages: 352 Publisher: Del Rey |
| New | New Usually ships in 1-2 business days | $4.14 | ||
| Used | Used Usually ships in 1-2 business days | $2.23 |
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Book Reviews of the Mass Effect: Ascension
Customer Review: Mass Effect? The Golden Child? Firestarter?
Summary: 2 Stars
I really enjoyed Mass Effect: Revelation. I could not put it down. In that book I loved learning about Anderson and Saren. The "incident" between them was alluded to in the game and was subsequently explained in this book. The introduction of a new character, Kahlee Sanders, heroine of the follow-up "Ascension," was also nice. But for the re-appearance of Kahlee, Ascension feels scantily like a Mass Effect book at all.
I purchased this book as soon as it was available. I noticed a difference right away. I could not get into it. I sold it back.
Recently, I went on a long trip and had an opportunity to pick up the audiobook version of Ascension. Why not give it another try? I'll be waiting in airports and train stations for hours at a time. I put it on my ipod and off I went.
Well, as an audience, captive by my surroundings, I got through it. It's not as bad as my memories of the text recalled. However, this story feels tangentially related to the Mass Effect universe. It feels like a forgotten sci-fi script that's been pulled out of the trash can and then packed with Mass Effect references for marketing purposes only.
Considering that this tale takes place after the epic conclusion of the game, the quieter pacing and tone of this novel makes it seem out of place. There is no story of Shepard or other characters from the game. There is very little discussion of the universe now existing after the epic confrontation between the universe and the Reapers. A few game plot points are referred to only to add set dressing to the exposition. Once the Mass Effect universe is established the story becomes a cliche. This is practically the same plot as Eddie Murphy's 90's flick "The Golden Child" or Drew Barrymore's "Firestarter." Mind you I say Drew Barrymore instead of Stephen King's "Firestarter" as Ascension, like the movie adaptation of King's novel, also is a skeleton of a deeper, richer text.
None of this is a spoiler, the description of a gifted child running from competing forces is plainly disclosed on the cover. I won't go much farther with specifics but to say the thin plot of a powerful child learning to control her powers is predictable and disappointing.
Get this if you must but, used if at all. This book and the latest DLC 'Pinnacle Station' has me worried. After the genius game, the majority of later Mass Effect branded releases have been true disappointments.