A review by mariebrunelm
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes

emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Book sent by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Far out at sea, something has been found. Leigh is hired as a doctorate student in microbiology to take part in the expedition. She finds herself on this huge boat, living alongside dozens of other specialists, all bent on exploring what this discovery has to offer. She finds out the depths of the ocean are just as mysterious as the endless stretches of space, but this is only the first step of her journey.
This book grabbed me and I happily let myself fall under its spell. At first it reminded me of Sophie Griselle’s Into the Deep, a book I really enjoyed in 2022 (2021?). Of course, the two novels take very different directions, otherwise it wouldn’t be fun. Martin MacInnes chooses to explore the deep sea and beyond as well as the depth of human consciousness and the way memories shape us and our relationships with family, friends and colleagues. I loved how the author made me feel the exhilarating process of research and also the frustrations that come with the job. I also loved how he takes the readers further and further, but always showed the characters trapped in one way or another. This contrast worked really well.
I can’t really say much more because I think it’s better not to know too much about the story and its scope. But if you enjoy the intersection of science and yearning for the infinite, if you like your science to have some poetry and philosophy to it, then I encourage you to pick this book up.
Rep : sapphic MC.
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