ASCENSION is worth reading for its statements about
diversity alone. It's a truly diverse futuristic setting. The thematically-rich story features a
number of insightful observations about many subjects, yet does so without
being dry or too academic. One can enjoy it for the surface plot alone, but there's
also a cornucopia of social commentary for post-consumption contemplation.
Following are some non-spoiler tags to help you decide if
ASCENSION is up your alley!
*Space opera setting. Cool descriptions of spaceship tech.
The worldbuilding is a little fuzzy in terms of how everything was connected
and how that reality evolved the way it did (e.g., spirit guide abilities). It
didn't detract me in a big way, but there's still origin-type information I
wouldn't mind knowing about the universe the characters inhabit. There's no
hard science to speak of, so the technology parts are accessible.
*Story is told from the POV of heroine Alana Quick. Her
coming-of-age journey includes frequent introspection. She aspires to become
a "sky surgeon" (i.e., engineer) and have adventures among the stars.
*Alana is a disabled queer woman of color from a working class
background, and diversity is represented in other characters as well.
*Types of science fiction: Philosophical, psychological,
sociological, and a splash of action-adventure. Lots of Deep Thoughts. For a
spoiler-filled analysis that expands on this aspect, read Olivia Waite's K
is for Jacqueline Koyanagi.
*ASCENSION features a family-like cast of characters. I'll
go ahead and make the inevitable comparison: the tale has a FIREFLY-esque,
ragtag crew ensemble (except ASCENSION is what FIREFLY would look like told
from the perspective of a disabled queer woman of color!). This aspect reminds
me of Donna
S. Frelick's Spacefreighters Lounge post in which she reflects on how
stories featuring a warm circle of family and friends might help make science
fiction romance more appealing to romance readers.
*The prose has a lyrical quality to it, with lots of poetic description.
You may catch yourself reading some sentences a time or two to savor them.
Overall, the story progresses at a leisurely pace.
*Alana has a complicated, tension-filled relationship with
her sister, Nova. Nova is a "spirit guide." She's kind of like STAR TREK: THE
NEXT GENERATION's Deanna Troi, only more powerful.
*Women characters are the default in this story.
*The story features polyamorous relationships executed in a
mature way that serves the story.
*I'd tag ASCENSION as veering toward romantic SF. The romance
is subtle and despite the accelerated pace of Alana's "love at first
sight" attraction, develops at a slow burn. Heat level: mild. It was a bit
too underdeveloped for my taste. But for readers who go into ASCENSION mainly
for the SF part, it might be just the right amount.
*There are tragic moments, but the story has a hopeful ending.
ASCENSION has received a lot of buzz—in large part for its
diverse characters—and it's great to witness a book combining SF, romance, and
diversity garner so much attention.
Joyfully yours,