Ascension Point

The Unity Sequence #1

by Dan Harris

Titan. A genetically engineered warrior for whom going home means a death sentence…
Commonwealth. A powerful politician chasing a legend from her family’s past…
Seryn. A young girl seeking adventure and hiding more power than even she knows…
Collective. A synthetically augmented scientist whose singular nature makes him an exile…

Representatives from each of humanity’s four feuding factions, each offered the chance to see the legendary Book of Ascension—an ancient artefact rumoured to hold the key to immortality. The four form an uneasy alliance before discovering they have been Before they can see the Book, they must find a mythical deity, protect the galaxy from an ancient evil—and save humanity’s future.

Genres: Science Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Dan Harris writes stories that haven't happened yet. He currently lives in the United States, with his beautiful wife and a wine rack that keeps emptying mysteriously.

His debut series, THE UNITY SEQUENCE, began with ASCENSION POINT, and continued with VENUS RISING. The third book in the series, CAUSAL NEXUS, is out now, and the series finale - SOVEREIGN POWER - is coming soon.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ascension Point is science fiction in the “it’s the future” sense of the genre, with the Seryn race, Harris mixes in a bit of fantasy. As I read through the novel, I felt more and more that it was a YA novel. Why? Luc, Neela, Abe, and Ariadne, make up the Chosen, representatives of their races to read the Book of Ascension and achieve enlightenment and immortality. Luc, Neela, and Abe aren’t teenagers, Ariadne is, so what made it feel YA to me? Their character arcs—Luc, a Titan neophyte receives the results of his final test, mirroring a transition into manhood; Neela is a senator but she follows in the footsteps of her father, a politician, and “chas[es] a legend from her family’s past” working, by the end of the novel, towards a different path; Abe, an outcast, seems young compared to the rest of the Collective and journey’s towards finding his place in the universe. Ariadne, the only teenager, is filled with the mystical wisdom of the Seryn and dangerous discrimination of her people; her growth is minimal throughout the novel, though her youth is apparent in her wonder at the rest of the world.

Could Harris easily shift this to a YA novel? Yes. Should he? That’s his call. I don’t know much about traditional publishing, but if he were to pursue that path, I’d recommend a YA overhaul for a better chance at success.

While I read, Harris’s use of humor throughout the novel reminded me of Douglas Adam’s “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Not only did Ascension Point bring out genuine laughter in me, but the plot, though epic in nature, was handled in a light and refreshing way, similar to that of Hitchhiker’s. I was able to tear through Ascension Point rather quickly and didn’t have to spend hours wondering when the climax would finally arrive.

I always have an eye on the writing of the books I read and I have no qualms abandoning a book for grammar that makes my head spin, but Harris pulled me in and kept me. He can grow, as all writers can, but the mistakes he made were minimal and the types I’d suspect from a new author. While Indie books can get the bad rap of poor editing, I don’t think this is the case for Harris’s novel. I’ve abandoned more traditionally published books for their poor editing than Harris made mistakes in his novel.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun and lighthearted read in the style of the old Saturday morning matinee. The book moves along at a crackling pace right to the last page, with plenty of believable action and intrigue. I was entertained, and sometimes that is the highest compliment I can pay a book. For a self-published book, I was also quite impressed with the quality of writing. Recommended, and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the next instalment in what appears to be an inevitable series.

[Kevin Beyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that I couldn't put down - excellent characters and pacing. Really also loved the hard sci-fi concepts that didn't hold back. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Tom Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a bit to get all the characters straight in my mind, but once there the book was fine. Fairly fast moving and with a good plot. Of course you just knew the good guys would win, but at what cost. And then the author went and brought in reality to the story and you had to sit back and ponder a bit.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains an intriguing story, and you will not be able to put it down. I cannot wait to read more by Dan Harris.