Mass Effect: Ascension

I purchased this book as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend and it's quality was stated to be 'very good'. Upon receiving and opening the package, the book was in terrible condition. A corner of the book cover is missing and a dent was stabbed into it with rips all along the top and bottom edges. The pages are a burnt yellow and the spine is bent from over usage or from bending the book open. I went to return the book because of the disappointment I felt and a return option isn't available. The only plus I can say is at least it was the exact book that I ordered.

Mention characters Kahlee Sanders, Jiro , Grayson, Hendel, Gillian (special biotic), Illusive Man, Pel, Com. Anderson and the rest. The Collectors mystery. A galaxy of human and alien co existence like our world -

I think this novel stands up pretty well on its own, but if you're a fan of the Mass Effect video game(s) you'll be hooked by the setting and characters featured within. I read "Revelation" first, but found this follow-up to be much more enjoyable overall.

Mass Effect: Ascension takes place after the end of Commander Shepard's adventure in the game. And it appropriately expands upon the Mass Effect universe introducing new locations while giving more background to what followers of series may already know. Reading Mass Effect: Revelation or playing the game isn't necessary to enjoy this book. The story can stand by its self but not being familiar with the rest of series before reading it could mean missing a few references and misinterpreting a couple of events in the story. The biggest difference between Ascension and Revelation is that in this book it feels like Karpyshyn has refined the style of writing he first used in Revelation. The characters are far more fleshed out and defined in terms of both behaviors and attitude. Locations are better described visually, including the population of the locations,and even action sequences are easier to follow. If you are a fan of the Mass Effect series or like a good Sci-Fi space opera you will enjoy this book.

An excellant read. Explained much, much more about the Quarians and explained a lot about how Cerberus is. Who knows what else they are up to in the universe.

Awesome read. I enjoyed how Karpyshyn dealt with the changes that the player might have caused in Mass Effect. A truly interesting story.

First of all, kudos to BioWare to making a landmark form of entertainment - producing two books that surround a video game. It's something that's never been done before. I strongly dissagree that this book does not foreshadow the events of a sequel Mass Effect video game (originally intended to be created as a Trilogy of games.) Obviously this novel cannot come out and say "Here's what's going to happen in the next game!" That'd be a very poor method of story telling. This book starts us off at the conclusion of the current game - the Citadel in ruins, the Alliance prominent in the eyes of the Council - at least what's left of it. Karpyshyn throws in some bad apples intent on using illegal operations to further advance the grip of humankind with some other characters from the prequel novel, and ends up creating a story that is much more streamlined and gripping than the Revelations novel. By the final page, I found myself extremely curious as to which of these new characters might become the next hero in the Mass Effect sequel. I also found myself wondering which of his new parallel conflicts might become the primary conflict in Mass Effect 2. Ascension accomplishes what all Sci Fi stories must do to survive - creates new splits in the story to allow parallel conflict. Karpyshyn also does something unusual in story telling. Most novels seem to follow the bad guy, then follow the good guy, then suddenly the bad guy shows up and action ensues. Karpyshyn often follows the bad guy, starts the action, then reverses time, joining the good guy until the bad guy shows up "again." It's a unique strategy which helps to keep you in suspense just a little longer. Lastly, be sure to know that this story starts with the Revelation novel, but cannot be appreciated without playing the Mass Effect video game, availalble on Xbox 360 and PC. There is simply too much storyline and technology to understand without the help of the game. This novel was a great story, and I have never been more anxious to delve into the next Mass Effect game.