Mass Effect: Ascension
OCLC 181599906 | | |
Preceded by | Mass Effect: Revelation | |
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Followed by | Mass Effect: Retribution |
Mass Effect: Ascension is a science fiction novel by author Drew Karpyshyn. It is a sequel to the video game Mass Effect, as well as to its prequel novel, Mass Effect: Revelation, also written by Karpyshyn. The novel is set approximately two months after the ending events of the first game.[1] While the first book acted as a prequel to the first game, Ascension helps to bridge the gap between the first game and Mass Effect 2.[2]
Plot
The novel takes place shortly after the attack on the Citadel by the
The
Reception
Rick Dakan from Pop Matters called Ascension a "solid action/adventure thriller that's a pleasant page turner". He noted that the novel marked the first appearance of the Illusive Man as well as the first mention of the Collectors in the Mass Effect series. Dakan noted that he has only read a few video game novels, but he liked that the author Drew Karpyshyn was also a designer for the Mass Effect series, noting that "it signaled to me that the book's events were likely to be fully integrated into the canon of the games".[3] Matt Wadleigh praised Karpyshyn as a good story-teller and that "his love and curiosity for the universe that he’s helped build shine through on every page", though he feels that the book is over-written and would have benefited from more editorial oversight. He felt "a legitimate connection to the characters and support for their fight" by the time he finished the novel, and recommends it for fans who are interested in further exploring the motives of the Illusive Man, who Commander Shepard works with as an unwilling operative of Cerberus in Mass Effect 2.[4] Brendan Lowry from Windows Central praised Ascension, commenting that the novel gives insight into the lives of the quarian people. He noted that there's a lot of information to be learned about the quarians, which supplements and clarifies the lore and history provided by Tali'Zorah to Commander Shepard in the first Mass Effect, as well as further insight into Cerberus and their schemes, "effectively serving as a prelude to Mass Effect 2".[5]
See also
References
- ^ Drew Karpyshyn Official Website
- ^ "New Mass Effect book, Ascension, to land next summer". Ars Technica. December 22, 2007. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ Rick Dakan (January 27, 2010). "Things to Know from Mass Effect: Ascension That Make Mass Effect 2 More Interesting". Pop Matters. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ Wadleigh, Matt (1 April 2011). "Mass Effect: Ascension by Drew Karpyshyn". Thunderbolt. Archived from the original on April 5, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ Brendan Lowry (September 18, 2017). "The 8 best Mass Effect books you can't miss". Windows Central. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
External links
- Ascension title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database