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I quite enjoyed the detailing of the Quarian culture and the brief interlude on Omega. On the whole a much better novel than Revelation. One that got me *hating* Cerberus and left me distrustful of everything the Illusive Man said in Mass Effect 2. I wish some of the characters from this novel could have turned up in the game. Particularly Kahlee Sanders.Some more science (or pseudo-science) on the Mass Effect field, Biotics and such would not have gone astray.
This book is excellent and in my opinion significantly better than the first Mass Effect novel. You can tell that Karphyshyn has really grown comfortable with authoring novels as he continues to write them. I'm hoping he writes another one following the story of the second game.
There is very little discussion of the universe now existing after the epic confrontation between the universe and the Reapers. I could not put it down. A few game plot points are referred to only to add set dressing to the exposition. In that book I loved learning about Anderson and Saren. 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. 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 put it on my ipod and off I went.Well, as an audience, captive by my surroundings, I got through it.
I noticed a difference right away. The introduction of a new character, Kahlee Sanders, heroine of the follow-up "Ascension," was also nice. I could not get into it. This book and the latest DLC 'Pinnacle Station' has me worried.
I really enjoyed Mass Effect: Revelation. It's not as bad as my memories of the text recalled. However, this story feels tangentially related to the Mass Effect universe. There is no story of Shepard or other characters from the game. Why not give it another try. 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. The "incident" between them was alluded to in the game and was subsequently explained in this book. Once the Mass Effect universe is established the story becomes a cliche.
I sold it back.Recently, I went on a long trip and had an opportunity to pick up the audiobook version of Ascension. I'll be waiting in airports and train stations for hours at a time. 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. After the genius game, the majority of later Mass Effect branded releases have been true disappointments.
After 10 pages, I couldn't leave it.Sadly, I cannot say the same about Ascension. Read it, liked it but I'm not thrilled with it. I began Mass Effect Revelation with a bit of reluctance. It's not bad but not as catchy as her predecessor. Recommended for those who want to know a bit more from the ME Universe (and perhaps a connection to the game sequel)
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.
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