Mass Effect: Ascension
Greetings, Mass Effect: Ascension is the sequel to Karpyshyn’s novel Revelations and is set after the events of the original Mass Effect’s conclusion. Khalee Sanders is the only character to return from the previous book as the story introduces new characters and expands on the lore of Cerberus that was mostly ignored in the first game. It is also the first piece in the series to mention the existence of the Collectors, a species which become more prominent later on. While I believe that Revelations was the better of the two novels due to the involvement of Anderson and Saren, two important characters from the video game, Ascension is still an enjoyable experience.
T he plot revolves heavily around a young autistic girl named Gillian Grayson who has biotic powers that indicate a lot of potential for the human race. She is placed by her father, Paul Grayson, into an academy for biotic children in order for Gillian to master her abilities. In the facility Gillian is placed under the care and instruction of Sanders and chief of security Hendel. Unknown to them, Paul is actually an agent of the pro-human paramilitary organization known as Cerberus with the intentions of testing experimental drugs on his daughter to further advance the cause of his company. When Gillian starts acting unusually due to the performance enhancing drugs, Kahlee and Hendel uncover the Cerberus operation and attempt to escape from the Illusive man’s clutches.
The novel introduces characters, factions and species that will shape the major events in Mass Effect 2 and 3. The novel is interesting as it only mentioning Commander Shepard’s actions in passing attempting to focus on other aspects of the Mass Effect story such as the development to key locations such as Omega and generally adding to the lore. Overall, I really enjoyed it and if you want to delve deeper into the Mass Effect universe the books are an enjoyable way to do so.
Plot=7/10
Characters=8/10
Wording=8/10
Overall=8/10
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Bane
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