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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
I think this is my favorite of the Mass Effect tie-in novels.
If there ever was a video game world that justifies having its own series of novels, it's Mass Effect. An enormous, sprawling space opera, Mass Effect was actually my first modern (read: post N64 played at grandma's house) video game, and it and its story made a huge impression on me. I cut my sci-fi teeth on Arthur C. Clarke, and this world made me feel right at home. Well, as "at home" as "OMG OMG we are all going to be killed by an ancient species of space monster robots" can make you feel.
Mass Effect: Ascension highlights the best feature of the franchise: well-written, memorable characters and a rip-roaring plot. Gillian is a young autistic biotic who is never written in a patronizing manner or as a "poor broken thing" but as a fully developed, human character. Paul Grayson, the father of autistic Gillian, is simultaneously despicable, pitiable, and relateable. The high note was when we got to spend time among the Quarians: a race of aliens who have lived in exile on enormous ships for generations, causing their immune systems to effectively become useless and who have to isolate themselves in protective suits. The interactions between Gillian and the Quarians were both heartwarming and delightful.
If you love Mass Effect, you absolutely should read the Karpyshyn novels. If you've never played Mass Effect and love science fiction, I'd still say you should read the Karpyshyn novels. My Dad (Who introduced me to sci-fi in the first place), thoroughly enjoyed all of them (enough so that he even went out and BOUGHT them), even though I've yet to get him to play the games.
One of these days...!
If there ever was a video game world that justifies having its own series of novels, it's Mass Effect. An enormous, sprawling space opera, Mass Effect was actually my first modern (read: post N64 played at grandma's house) video game, and it and its story made a huge impression on me. I cut my sci-fi teeth on Arthur C. Clarke, and this world made me feel right at home. Well, as "at home" as "OMG OMG we are all going to be killed by an ancient species of space monster robots" can make you feel.
Mass Effect: Ascension highlights the best feature of the franchise: well-written, memorable characters and a rip-roaring plot. Gillian is a young autistic biotic who is never written in a patronizing manner or as a "poor broken thing" but as a fully developed, human character. Paul Grayson, the father of autistic Gillian, is simultaneously despicable, pitiable, and relateable. The high note was when we got to spend time among the Quarians: a race of aliens who have lived in exile on enormous ships for generations, causing their immune systems to effectively become useless and who have to isolate themselves in protective suits. The interactions between Gillian and the Quarians were both heartwarming and delightful.
If you love Mass Effect, you absolutely should read the Karpyshyn novels. If you've never played Mass Effect and love science fiction, I'd still say you should read the Karpyshyn novels. My Dad (Who introduced me to sci-fi in the first place), thoroughly enjoyed all of them (enough so that he even went out and BOUGHT them), even though I've yet to get him to play the games.
One of these days...!
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book felt like it could have been a lot shorter than it was, like very little actually happened. Didn't seem there was much of real significance. Still, fun to read, & it's always nice to visit the Mass Effect realm.
