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Transcendence
Nicholas, Charon, and Dorothy are separated, and stranded in a cosmos they don’t understand. Behind is a City that would kill them, and the cooling gulf of rage that split them. Their only landmarks now are the distant stars, galaxies, and antique wooden doors that litter the plane. Through each door, the promise of a new world brims with possibility, but all they find are dead ends. A translucent tunnel extends before them and shows their direction. Or does it determine it? Are they in control of their decisions, or is something else guiding them? And who, or what, is the Narrator?
Cosmic in scale and scope, Transcendence follows on from the events of Transference. As Nick and Dorothy search the cosmos for each other, and answers, they find the signs of manipulation by an outside hand. Will they reconnect? And how far are they willing to go to be in charge of their own story?
Cosmic in scale and scope, Transcendence follows on from the events of Transference. As Nick and Dorothy search the cosmos for each other, and answers, they find the signs of manipulation by an outside hand. Will they reconnect? And how far are they willing to go to be in charge of their own story?
244 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
6 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Ian Patterson
3 books43 followersIan Patterson is many things. Importantly here, he’s the author of The Narrator Cycle. He’s also an engineer, cyclist, foodie, coffee lover, cat dad, human father, and reader of books. Preferably, thick books that deal with strange things and big ideas. He’s dreamed of being an author for decades, but finally began the journey with the birth of his first daughter. This is an objectively terrible time to start work that requires quiet concentration, and he knows it, but he loves the chaos nonetheless. He lives in Colorado with his wonderful family.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 5, 2025
What a great follow up to Transference! The book is filled with tension, suspense and mystery and makes you want to keep turning pages to see how things are going to end up. I also loved the ending - I don't see how it could've ended any other way.
April 9, 2025
Transcendence is the second book in the Narrator Cycle by Ian. I’ve previously reviewed his first book, Transference, and I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on an Advanced Reader Copy of this, the sequel prior to its release in May 2025.
Transference is a hard act to follow and often a second book can fall short but I’m happy to say that in this case that doesn’t apply. Transcendence is sufficiently different to feel fresh. The reader is presented with a whole new galaxy of ideas, and yet the significance of what has already happened isn’t played down. This is a book ambitious in scope and deftly executed. The story is gripping, the characters compelling. Really good quality science fiction like this is quite hard to come by and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give away any spoilers but the ending was really strong.
I absolutely love these books and I know you will too!
Transference is a hard act to follow and often a second book can fall short but I’m happy to say that in this case that doesn’t apply. Transcendence is sufficiently different to feel fresh. The reader is presented with a whole new galaxy of ideas, and yet the significance of what has already happened isn’t played down. This is a book ambitious in scope and deftly executed. The story is gripping, the characters compelling. Really good quality science fiction like this is quite hard to come by and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give away any spoilers but the ending was really strong.
I absolutely love these books and I know you will too!
January 13, 2026
So much better than Book 1
The storyline in this picks up directly from where Book 1 ended, and in that refused I don't think either would really work without the other. We have the same central four characters: Nick, Dorothy, the Narrator and Charon. Sophia reappears in a very different guise.
The pacing of the story is great, and the alternating chapters shared by Nick and Dorothy swallow the story to expand.
What most impressed me was the way it was written, flowing so much more smoothly, particularly in terms of the dialogue. Well done, Ian Patterson, you really found your writer's voice in this.
The storyline in this picks up directly from where Book 1 ended, and in that refused I don't think either would really work without the other. We have the same central four characters: Nick, Dorothy, the Narrator and Charon. Sophia reappears in a very different guise.
The pacing of the story is great, and the alternating chapters shared by Nick and Dorothy swallow the story to expand.
What most impressed me was the way it was written, flowing so much more smoothly, particularly in terms of the dialogue. Well done, Ian Patterson, you really found your writer's voice in this.
October 7, 2025
what an amazing plot twist! when I started getting to the end I thought "how is he going to wrap it up, there has to be another book" but Ian did his job and left me satisfied.
September 14, 2025
This is a great book- well thought through and gripping to the end. I enjoyed Transference, but this one is even better. Thoroughly recommended!
February 10, 2026
Not a sequel
First of all, Transcendence by Ian Patterson is NOT a sequel. It’s second book in a series, and a conclusion of a continued story. If you haven’t, start with Transference. Hint: it’s good.
So how is it?
The answer to that question would’ve differed based on what place in the book I was at the time.
Ummmm…
I was kind of “ummmm…” when it started. Ian clearly has modified his writing style, and it not necessarily translated in a more enjoyable read. When inevitably comparing to Transference (Book 1), the narrative seemed more, cómo se dice, refined but at the same time constrained onto invisible rails.
Book 1 was all over the place with wildly branched action, like a child in a playground. The main characters—Nick and Dotty—were running around, towards goals, places or people to help them.
In Book 2, in contrast, the narrative seemed to have been following a trail of breadcrumbs. With all the side-characters bumping into Nick/Dotty and either bouncing off into oblivion or sticking to them and tagging along.
But wait…
And then it hit me. The narrative. The Narrator. The whole premise revolves about the idea of predestination. Could it be… could it be that Ian is so genius of a writer to be able to word out the narrative to make the reader feel uncomfortably constrained?
I don’t have the answer to that question, but I’m making a note to harass Ian about it.
Regardless, the realization transformed the way I took the book in, and admittedly raised the enjoyment level.
Enter Kurt
And then, about 2/3 into the book, it transformed yet again after the author dropped a Kurt Vonnegut reference.
I just wish it would’ve come sooner. With Kurt’s subliminal snarky voiceover added to the narrative, it was a straight finish line.
So, M, enough bullshit, is it good?
Yes. If I had to say it with one word.
Elaborate
Well, like with any book, there are places that jump out. Transcendence is not an exception. I can’t dive into details as to not provide spoilers, but there’s a fair share of dialogs that felt a bit flat, and scenes that felt unbelievable, but nothing that would’ve taken me near the deal-breaking threshold.
What I especially liked is the world. Book 1 environment was already quite extensive. In the second installment it explodes even further.
Bottom line: if you liked Transference, you need to check out Transcendence, too.
First of all, Transcendence by Ian Patterson is NOT a sequel. It’s second book in a series, and a conclusion of a continued story. If you haven’t, start with Transference. Hint: it’s good.
So how is it?
The answer to that question would’ve differed based on what place in the book I was at the time.
Ummmm…
I was kind of “ummmm…” when it started. Ian clearly has modified his writing style, and it not necessarily translated in a more enjoyable read. When inevitably comparing to Transference (Book 1), the narrative seemed more, cómo se dice, refined but at the same time constrained onto invisible rails.
Book 1 was all over the place with wildly branched action, like a child in a playground. The main characters—Nick and Dotty—were running around, towards goals, places or people to help them.
In Book 2, in contrast, the narrative seemed to have been following a trail of breadcrumbs. With all the side-characters bumping into Nick/Dotty and either bouncing off into oblivion or sticking to them and tagging along.
But wait…
And then it hit me. The narrative. The Narrator. The whole premise revolves about the idea of predestination. Could it be… could it be that Ian is so genius of a writer to be able to word out the narrative to make the reader feel uncomfortably constrained?
I don’t have the answer to that question, but I’m making a note to harass Ian about it.
Regardless, the realization transformed the way I took the book in, and admittedly raised the enjoyment level.
Enter Kurt
And then, about 2/3 into the book, it transformed yet again after the author dropped a Kurt Vonnegut reference.
I just wish it would’ve come sooner. With Kurt’s subliminal snarky voiceover added to the narrative, it was a straight finish line.
So, M, enough bullshit, is it good?
Yes. If I had to say it with one word.
Elaborate
Well, like with any book, there are places that jump out. Transcendence is not an exception. I can’t dive into details as to not provide spoilers, but there’s a fair share of dialogs that felt a bit flat, and scenes that felt unbelievable, but nothing that would’ve taken me near the deal-breaking threshold.
What I especially liked is the world. Book 1 environment was already quite extensive. In the second installment it explodes even further.
Bottom line: if you liked Transference, you need to check out Transcendence, too.
May 18, 2025
Transcendence continues Nicholas and Dotty's story from Transference, the first book in The Narrator Cycle, which I enjoyed immensely. I was very happy to receive an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review of this great sequel.
Transcendence picks up exactly where the first book left us, in the cosmos after Nicholas and Dotty have parted ways. Their journeys take them to other worlds, each with its unique societal problems, and hovering over it all is the hand of the mysterious Narrator. As in the first book, the author's fantastic character-building and attention to small details immerses the reader completely in a perfectly-paced story that isn't easy to drag yourself away from. The characters, even the secondary ones, are all so real, and I was invested in Transcendence from the opening pages.
I don't think you necessarily have to be an avid sci-fi fan to enjoy this book. It has so much to say about humanity, morality, choice and consequence, as well as portraying very realistic relationships and giving us some terrific action sequences. I personally loved the threads that weave through all the worlds the author creates. It's not often that a book manages to make profound comments on society without sounding preachy, instead remaining engaging and entertaining till the very end.
Transcendence picks up exactly where the first book left us, in the cosmos after Nicholas and Dotty have parted ways. Their journeys take them to other worlds, each with its unique societal problems, and hovering over it all is the hand of the mysterious Narrator. As in the first book, the author's fantastic character-building and attention to small details immerses the reader completely in a perfectly-paced story that isn't easy to drag yourself away from. The characters, even the secondary ones, are all so real, and I was invested in Transcendence from the opening pages.
I don't think you necessarily have to be an avid sci-fi fan to enjoy this book. It has so much to say about humanity, morality, choice and consequence, as well as portraying very realistic relationships and giving us some terrific action sequences. I personally loved the threads that weave through all the worlds the author creates. It's not often that a book manages to make profound comments on society without sounding preachy, instead remaining engaging and entertaining till the very end.
February 22, 2026
The Narrator Cycle really keeps knocking it out of the park for me. I read Transference and Transition prior to Transcendence, and this one was definitely my favourite out of the three.
This novel picks up immediately after the events of Transference and sets off at a run. Gone is semi-chaotic idealistic dystopian adventure to save a single city of people from the revealed tyranny of the mysterious Narrator, and we are thrust onto the interdimensional cosmic timeline where anything and everything is possible, while the characters (and the reader) are left wondering after not only their own reality but also their own free will. A lot of complex concepts and dizzying ideas are packed into this novel, threatening to make you head spin, but Patterson also doesn't skimp on the action as the character march along their respective paths.
And such characters they are! Nicholas, Dotty, and Charon are all back in a big way; lost amongst the cosmos where they will find themselves, their friends, and strange new worlds with even stranger inhabitants as they come to realize the extent of the Narrator's meddling and the overwhelming need to see him taken down. The salvation on all humanity that hangs in the balance.
Fantastic read. Fantastic series. Just... fantastic.
This novel picks up immediately after the events of Transference and sets off at a run. Gone is semi-chaotic idealistic dystopian adventure to save a single city of people from the revealed tyranny of the mysterious Narrator, and we are thrust onto the interdimensional cosmic timeline where anything and everything is possible, while the characters (and the reader) are left wondering after not only their own reality but also their own free will. A lot of complex concepts and dizzying ideas are packed into this novel, threatening to make you head spin, but Patterson also doesn't skimp on the action as the character march along their respective paths.
And such characters they are! Nicholas, Dotty, and Charon are all back in a big way; lost amongst the cosmos where they will find themselves, their friends, and strange new worlds with even stranger inhabitants as they come to realize the extent of the Narrator's meddling and the overwhelming need to see him taken down. The salvation on all humanity that hangs in the balance.
Fantastic read. Fantastic series. Just... fantastic.
June 25, 2025
Ian Patterson's Transcendence is an unforgettable conclusion to an extraordinary series. From the first page, Patterson’s writing draws you in with vivid prose, deep emotional resonance, and a storyline that refuses to let go. Though the timeline switching took a little getting used to, once I found the rhythm, I was completely immersed.
One of the most striking aspects of Transcendence is how richly layered it is — so much so that it almost felt like two powerful novels woven seamlessly into one. Each thread of the narrative adds depth and tension, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally satisfying. Patterson masterfully balances complex themes and character arcs, leaving you both breathless and deeply moved.
The only downside? It ended. Knowing this is the final installment in the series is bittersweet. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this world or these characters. Patterson has created something truly special here, and I’d eagerly welcome more.
If you're looking for a smart, emotionally charged, and beautifully written read, Transcendence is not to be missed.
One of the most striking aspects of Transcendence is how richly layered it is — so much so that it almost felt like two powerful novels woven seamlessly into one. Each thread of the narrative adds depth and tension, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally satisfying. Patterson masterfully balances complex themes and character arcs, leaving you both breathless and deeply moved.
The only downside? It ended. Knowing this is the final installment in the series is bittersweet. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this world or these characters. Patterson has created something truly special here, and I’d eagerly welcome more.
If you're looking for a smart, emotionally charged, and beautifully written read, Transcendence is not to be missed.
November 24, 2025
Such a good sequel! I don’t read a lot of them, or tend to like sequel movies, so I didn’t really know what to expect. But I felt so impressed halfway through, realizing - both the characters are exploring the same thing from different angles, and it’s another facet of the thing that they explored and tried to expose and end in the first book! I think the structure is great. It feels like there was more to say after Transference, so this was a really satisfying read.
November 27, 2025
This was better than the first book. It made you think. interesting concepts.
May 6, 2025
Transcendence bucks the usual "the original is better than the sequel" train of thought. While I enjoyed Transference (Book One), the exploration of human society and revolutions to society found in Transcendence (Book Two) adds a great depth to this story. I recommend both of these books for not only sci-fi fans, but lovers of philosophy as well!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews