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David Hooper #3
Ascendance
Spine creased, cover worn. Shipped from the U.K. All orders received before 3pm sent that weekday.
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
47 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
John Birmingham
77 books1,158 followersJohn Birmingham grew up in Ipswich, Queensland and was educated at St Edmunds Christian Brother's College in Ipswich and the University of Queensland in Brisbane. His only stint of full time employment was as a researcher at the Defence Department. After this he returned to Queensland to study law but he did not complete his legal studies, choosing instead to pursue a career as a writer. He currently lives in Brisbane.
While a law student he was one of the last people arrested under the state's Anti Street March legislation. Birmingham was convicted of displaying a sheet of paper with the words 'Free Speech' written on it in very small type. The local newspaper carried a photograph of him being frogmarched off to a waiting police paddy wagon.
Birmingham has a degree in international relations.
While a law student he was one of the last people arrested under the state's Anti Street March legislation. Birmingham was convicted of displaying a sheet of paper with the words 'Free Speech' written on it in very small type. The local newspaper carried a photograph of him being frogmarched off to a waiting police paddy wagon.
Birmingham has a degree in international relations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 27, 2015
Review copy
Sometimes it's OK to jump into a series without reading the books from the beginning, other times it not such a good idea. If you decide to check out Dave vs. the Monsters: Ascendance I strongly recommend starting at the beginning with Emergence and then reading Resistance. There were times, particularly at the beginning, where I had no idea what was happening. That I blame on myself for jumping in mid-steam.
Combine a Lovecraftian horror novel with an acid trip from the seventies and you might have some idea of the world created by novelist John Birmingham in his Dave vs. the Monsters series. The book certainly gets to the action quickly and barely lifts its foot from the accelerator until the very end.
Early on, I wanted to put this one down and move on to another book, but I really hate to do that. When I pick a new read it's always with a reason, a favorite author, interesting subject matter, a recommendation. In this case the following description for the book sold me...
"For fans of Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne comes an exhilarating new urban fantasy series featuring monster-slayer Dave Hooper and his magical splitting maul.
Kids, there are no monsters under the bed. They’re in the front yard.
As a hardworking monster-slayer, Dave Hooper tries not to bring his work home with him. But nowadays it’s hard to keep them separate. Email, cellphones, empath daemons, they never let a guy rest.
The Horde has been raising hell and leveling cities from New York to Los Angeles, keeping Dave and his fellow monster-killer, Russian spy Karin Varatschevsky, very busy. But when the legions of hell invade the small seaside town his boys call home, Dave has to make a call. Save the world? Or save his family?
Not as easy a choice as you’d think, since Dave’s ex-wife expects to be saved too. And there’s no convincing her that the supersexy Russian spy isn’t his girlfriend. She’s just his sidekick—and an assassin."
Hell, I'm in. I'm not sure why I didn't like this as much as I wanted to. At times I found Dave vs. the Monsters: Ascendance very entertaining, laced with pop-culture and literary references, and ultra-violent. All things I like in my urban fantasy.
Dave vs. the Monsters: Ascendance will be available in paperback and e-book formats beginning June 30, 2015. Published by Del Rey Books, the Science Fiction & Fantasy imprint from Random House.
Recommended, but not for everyone.
Sometimes it's OK to jump into a series without reading the books from the beginning, other times it not such a good idea. If you decide to check out Dave vs. the Monsters: Ascendance I strongly recommend starting at the beginning with Emergence and then reading Resistance. There were times, particularly at the beginning, where I had no idea what was happening. That I blame on myself for jumping in mid-steam.
Combine a Lovecraftian horror novel with an acid trip from the seventies and you might have some idea of the world created by novelist John Birmingham in his Dave vs. the Monsters series. The book certainly gets to the action quickly and barely lifts its foot from the accelerator until the very end.
Early on, I wanted to put this one down and move on to another book, but I really hate to do that. When I pick a new read it's always with a reason, a favorite author, interesting subject matter, a recommendation. In this case the following description for the book sold me...
"For fans of Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne comes an exhilarating new urban fantasy series featuring monster-slayer Dave Hooper and his magical splitting maul.
Kids, there are no monsters under the bed. They’re in the front yard.
As a hardworking monster-slayer, Dave Hooper tries not to bring his work home with him. But nowadays it’s hard to keep them separate. Email, cellphones, empath daemons, they never let a guy rest.
The Horde has been raising hell and leveling cities from New York to Los Angeles, keeping Dave and his fellow monster-killer, Russian spy Karin Varatschevsky, very busy. But when the legions of hell invade the small seaside town his boys call home, Dave has to make a call. Save the world? Or save his family?
Not as easy a choice as you’d think, since Dave’s ex-wife expects to be saved too. And there’s no convincing her that the supersexy Russian spy isn’t his girlfriend. She’s just his sidekick—and an assassin."
Hell, I'm in. I'm not sure why I didn't like this as much as I wanted to. At times I found Dave vs. the Monsters: Ascendance very entertaining, laced with pop-culture and literary references, and ultra-violent. All things I like in my urban fantasy.
Dave vs. the Monsters: Ascendance will be available in paperback and e-book formats beginning June 30, 2015. Published by Del Rey Books, the Science Fiction & Fantasy imprint from Random House.
Recommended, but not for everyone.
May 31, 2015
The final novel to feature rig engineer turned superhero monster slayer Dave Cooper, Ascendance picks up right where Resistance left off.
Super Dave, newly teamed with the katana wielding Russian spy Karen Warat (aka Colonel Ekatarina Varatchevsky), is in New York. Dismissing Trinder, they race to defend areas of the city under siege but are nearly overwhelmed as the Hunn continue boiling up from the underworld realm. The powers that be soon realise that the Horde is using Professor Compton's theoretical model for collapsing western civilisation, and the world is in real peril. However Dave's primary concern becomes his sons when he learns New Harbour is under attack and if he can't save the world, he is determined to at least save his children.
Dave suffers badly in comparison to Karen whose training and discipline allows her to exploit her gifts, which includes an empathic ability. Not only does she wield her deadly katana like a master, she thinks strategically and seems to have her powers sussed out. Dave is pretty much left trailing in her wake like a meat-head while the choices he made in Resistance come back to haunt him.
The action in Ascendance is non-stop, violent and bloody. This is not a story for the squeamish what with splattering ichor and demon flesh and babies being tossed from buildings like confetti. To be honest I got a little bored with all the fighting, though the final confrontation was tense and exciting.
There is plenty of the bold and crass humour I've come to expect in this series. Dave is still a dick, Threshy's thinkings are riotously confused and Karen adds her own brand of dry humour.
While this is supposed to be last book of a trilogy, the story definitely feels unfinished. It has been fun though.
March 20, 2025
The finale for this trilogy of a hungover man named Dave hooper with a magic splitting maul Lucille and don’t want to do anything lol. Dave and his now new sidekick Karen eat a lot of protein to keep their super powered bodies healthy. Threshy is a trip one of the funniest villains swear..Total massacre and craziness happening in right now it’s like a warzone of cops,civilians, and firefighters. Super Dave and Karen the closest thing to a super powered black widow like character have front row seats at the beginning. Then they head to Ny The orcs from below are on the rise to rule. My man Dave’s ex wife Annie stays on this man’s mind I swear smh. You do not mess with New York’s 69th fighting Irish infantry. You do not do this!!! It def ended with the beginnings of a super team with meeting up with a super reverend with a chainsaw and a sheriff with an over powered riot gun shotgun. Is this the final end of the Dave Hooper saga?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2025
I'm not sure how I feel. This is book 3, and I can honestly say these books are very much you either love them or hate them. For myself, they were like a bad movie you can't stop watching. I couldn't not finish the 3 books. I am, however, very disappointed with how this ended. I think it has ended this way, so a 4th could be written if it hasn't been already. My opinion without spoilers, it is so bad it is good. I really enjoyed reading them.
May 14, 2017
I liked the first book but beginning with the second book Dave Hooper became less and less...i don't know...likeable... I understand he's a huge douchebag but u was waiting and kinda hoping he'd be redeemed by the "end" but alas not so much. if there and up being more books to this series which seems as though there will be then I'll most likely read the cribnotes version.
May 11, 2015
‘The monsters are back. They’re here. In the city.’
Don’t make the same mistake as I did. Start with ‘Emergence’ and then read ‘Resistance’ before tackling ‘Ascendance’. Dave Hooper’s world may not necessarily make more sense, but it will be a lot more fun to be part of. And it’s important to know just how Dave Hooper, an American oil rig worker, became a hero.
‘Is this daemon bothering you, ma’am?’
Now that you’ve read the first two books, you’ll be happy to know that Dave continues to battle the monsters who’ve been unleashed on the world. With his trusty enchanted splitting maul (her name is Lucille), his ability to stop time and his superspeed, Dave should be almost invincible. Especially now that Karen Warat (or is it Varatchevsky?)and her magic sword have joined him. She’s ultra competent and sexy, and a Russian deep cover agent, and she knows just how to keep Dave going.
‘I might indeed be cool, had I any idea of what you speak.’
And the monsters? Well, they haven’t been marking time. And they are not all as nice as Threshy. There are a lot of cunning monsters out there, and they appear to be getting assistance from some traitorous humans. Whatever is the world coming to? Dave and Karen are almost overwhelmed in New York. The monsters are learning about human technology and how to adapt, and some of the demons can use empathy. Dave is not finding this battle easy. So how will it end? Read on, and find out.
Just don’t take it all too seriously, there’s plenty of humour in there as well.
‘It was almost like a date, except he was a razor-toothed Hell daemon intent on enslaving all mankind, and she was his captive.’
Note: My thanks to Momentum Books and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Don’t make the same mistake as I did. Start with ‘Emergence’ and then read ‘Resistance’ before tackling ‘Ascendance’. Dave Hooper’s world may not necessarily make more sense, but it will be a lot more fun to be part of. And it’s important to know just how Dave Hooper, an American oil rig worker, became a hero.
‘Is this daemon bothering you, ma’am?’
Now that you’ve read the first two books, you’ll be happy to know that Dave continues to battle the monsters who’ve been unleashed on the world. With his trusty enchanted splitting maul (her name is Lucille), his ability to stop time and his superspeed, Dave should be almost invincible. Especially now that Karen Warat (or is it Varatchevsky?)and her magic sword have joined him. She’s ultra competent and sexy, and a Russian deep cover agent, and she knows just how to keep Dave going.
‘I might indeed be cool, had I any idea of what you speak.’
And the monsters? Well, they haven’t been marking time. And they are not all as nice as Threshy. There are a lot of cunning monsters out there, and they appear to be getting assistance from some traitorous humans. Whatever is the world coming to? Dave and Karen are almost overwhelmed in New York. The monsters are learning about human technology and how to adapt, and some of the demons can use empathy. Dave is not finding this battle easy. So how will it end? Read on, and find out.
Just don’t take it all too seriously, there’s plenty of humour in there as well.
‘It was almost like a date, except he was a razor-toothed Hell daemon intent on enslaving all mankind, and she was his captive.’
Note: My thanks to Momentum Books and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 20, 2015
I am a huge fan of this series. It is a completely different direction of urban fantasy than some of my other favorites, like Dresden and The Nightside books, but thats what I like so much. The main character, Dave Hooper, has more in common with Sandman Slim than Harry Dresden, while not quite crossing the line to anti-hero. In this book, the third in the series, the monsters/demons, are finally using the knowledge stolen from the scientist they captured earlier, who know how to strategically and tactically cripple the human defense. Lots of twist and turns, lots of reversals for the humans, although we are introduced to several more human champions, and find out how they are created. Well plotted, the story never seemed to drag, and I never felt any lulls. There is a lot of good character exploration, deepening the feeling you know the characters and their motivations. The story leaves you fulfilled, but wanting to read the next installment. I'd recommend this to any fan of The Dresden Files, The Nightside books, or Richard Kadrey's Sandman Slim books.
January 6, 2019
The rollicking conclusion to a great aussie piss-take of the whole superhero genre. a seering commentary on the average american, and indeed our western civilisation. yet thoroughly entertaining with an endless stream of laugh-out-loud moments laced with action, sci-fi and fantasy.
July 20, 2017
2.5 stars. John Birmingham returns to the world of Dave Hooper, exploring what would happen if a working class Trump voter got superpowers, and a invasion of demons from the underworld with apon which to expend them.
The tale picks up right after the conclusion of volume #2, with Dave and Russian spy Karin Varatchevsky calling a truce on account of the problem that what with their super strength and all, they cannot kill or subdue each other, so they might as well join forces against the monsters. And in any case, they both think that Trinder, the MIB who is out to capture Karin is an arsehole.
Birmingham has introduced some necessary tweaks to the powers of both the monsters and the superheroes. First, the introduction of 'Threshrendum' a species of empath demons which can interdict Dave's enhanced speed (which tended to make him invincible, and the demon fights a dull turkeyshoot), making for a more even contest. And secondly, the ability of some of these empath demons to dine on the brains of captured humans, thereby gaining their knowledge and strategy. in a stroke of luck, one such demon chowed down on strategist Compton's grey matter (in addition to that of random other morons and military personnel, making for conflict in the resultant hybrid demon Compt'n ur Threshrend's addled brainpan), with the effect that thedemon hordes can use modern military planning and learn from their mistakes, rather than repeat them, like dumb nazis from any number of WW2 movies.
The story moves along mostly with verve and humourous snark, despite getting bogged down in some overlong gory moster battles. Through the agency of the very kick-ass karin, glimmers of civilization gradually penetrate Dave's thick scull (making him a most atypical Trump voter, it must be acknowledged), and it is these converations and interactions that are the most enjoyable passages of the book, together with our plucky little demon empath's fevered internal monologues. Will Threshy find tru love, will he even survive?
The book ends on another cliffhanger, so there is some chance of Dave reappearing in future if the fancy takes. Not sure I'd bother, unless the library happens on a copy.
The tale picks up right after the conclusion of volume #2, with Dave and Russian spy Karin Varatchevsky calling a truce on account of the problem that what with their super strength and all, they cannot kill or subdue each other, so they might as well join forces against the monsters. And in any case, they both think that Trinder, the MIB who is out to capture Karin is an arsehole.
Birmingham has introduced some necessary tweaks to the powers of both the monsters and the superheroes. First, the introduction of 'Threshrendum' a species of empath demons which can interdict Dave's enhanced speed (which tended to make him invincible, and the demon fights a dull turkeyshoot), making for a more even contest. And secondly, the ability of some of these empath demons to dine on the brains of captured humans, thereby gaining their knowledge and strategy. in a stroke of luck, one such demon chowed down on strategist Compton's grey matter (in addition to that of random other morons and military personnel, making for conflict in the resultant hybrid demon Compt'n ur Threshrend's addled brainpan), with the effect that thedemon hordes can use modern military planning and learn from their mistakes, rather than repeat them, like dumb nazis from any number of WW2 movies.
The story moves along mostly with verve and humourous snark, despite getting bogged down in some overlong gory moster battles. Through the agency of the very kick-ass karin, glimmers of civilization gradually penetrate Dave's thick scull (making him a most atypical Trump voter, it must be acknowledged), and it is these converations and interactions that are the most enjoyable passages of the book, together with our plucky little demon empath's fevered internal monologues. Will Threshy find tru love, will he even survive?
The book ends on another cliffhanger, so there is some chance of Dave reappearing in future if the fancy takes. Not sure I'd bother, unless the library happens on a copy.
April 16, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
New York is on fire, the streets are overrun, and the Demon Horde is feasting. With the world's greatest city in chaos, all eyes are on Dave Hooper, the superhero destined to save mankind.
But hero or not, Dave is just one man and he's short of allies. He soon finds himself relying on Karen Warat: art dealer and Russian deep cover agent. Smart, dangerous and armed with a magic sword, Dave knows not to trust her. He also knows that without her, New York will fall.
While the United States military try desperately to hold off the Horde, Dave and Karen realise that the monsters have a powerful new weapon - one of their best warfare strategists is working for them. With the enemy using the military's own tactics against them, defeat seems imminent.
To have any chance of survival, mankind needs its Champion more than ever. The world needs Dave to become the hero he is meant to be.
This is the third book in the David Hooper series. I strongly recommend starting at the beginning with Emergence and then reading Resistance before tackling this one. It can be confusing to follow at the start if you don't know the backstory.
It is very hard to describe this book (and series) - maybe urban fantasy meets action hero. Or maybe Bruce Willis channels Harry Dresden. I don't know...
What I do know is that this is a great 3rd book...following the first two great books. Hooper is still fighting off the daemons and is now ably assisted by Karen Warat and her magical sword. As for the monsters themselves? Still scaring the bejesus out of anyone who gets in their way - but they are also pretty damn smart as well, learning how to break through the human defenses.
Is there character development? Deep psychological studies of humanity? Sure....but for me, who cares? This book is fun and should be treated as such. I love the humor, the monsters, Dave and Karen's dialogue and, most of all, I can "hear" Birmingham's Australian "voice" throughout.
Give this series a go...I can't recommend it highly enough!
Paul
ARH
New York is on fire, the streets are overrun, and the Demon Horde is feasting. With the world's greatest city in chaos, all eyes are on Dave Hooper, the superhero destined to save mankind.
But hero or not, Dave is just one man and he's short of allies. He soon finds himself relying on Karen Warat: art dealer and Russian deep cover agent. Smart, dangerous and armed with a magic sword, Dave knows not to trust her. He also knows that without her, New York will fall.
While the United States military try desperately to hold off the Horde, Dave and Karen realise that the monsters have a powerful new weapon - one of their best warfare strategists is working for them. With the enemy using the military's own tactics against them, defeat seems imminent.
To have any chance of survival, mankind needs its Champion more than ever. The world needs Dave to become the hero he is meant to be.
This is the third book in the David Hooper series. I strongly recommend starting at the beginning with Emergence and then reading Resistance before tackling this one. It can be confusing to follow at the start if you don't know the backstory.
It is very hard to describe this book (and series) - maybe urban fantasy meets action hero. Or maybe Bruce Willis channels Harry Dresden. I don't know...
What I do know is that this is a great 3rd book...following the first two great books. Hooper is still fighting off the daemons and is now ably assisted by Karen Warat and her magical sword. As for the monsters themselves? Still scaring the bejesus out of anyone who gets in their way - but they are also pretty damn smart as well, learning how to break through the human defenses.
Is there character development? Deep psychological studies of humanity? Sure....but for me, who cares? This book is fun and should be treated as such. I love the humor, the monsters, Dave and Karen's dialogue and, most of all, I can "hear" Birmingham's Australian "voice" throughout.
Give this series a go...I can't recommend it highly enough!
Paul
ARH
October 5, 2020
I think this book was a 10/10 for me. I really liked how he set up the setting so that you can see it in your head, like a painting. My favorite part was when they rode the school bus into town and ran over several monsters, destroying the bus, and ramming it into the pole. The pace of the novel is not too fast, not too slow, but just right to be enjoyable. I suggest anyone who is either 1. a fan of this author, 2. someone who is a fan of this series, or 3. someone who is a fan of gory, funny action books.
November 6, 2018
Monster slayer, “The” Dave, was so obnoxious in book #2, I was not expecting to enjoy book #3, but I felt like I should finish the series. The book is saved by another monster slayer, Karen, a Russian mole in the US. Karen is everything Dave isn’t: intelligent, a grown up, tactical, proactive instead of reactive. She makes Dave and the book bearable. Although this is the final book in the series, it ends very abruptly without resolution - why???
October 2, 2019
A great finish(?) to the series! I was worried the writer wouldn't stick the end very well but he certainly did. I like the character development especially on the part of the antagonists as I was not expecting one of them change and the depth of change in the other. Also Dave gets to solve some of his issues but not all of them! I hope the series continues but alas the author has moved onto the Cruel Stars, starting a new series, which I am starting soon.
June 15, 2017
Good fun
Enjoyable romp with blood, death and monsters. Dave is still a toddler but is developing well as a character and a human. The idea are good and I'm waiting for the next one.
Enjoyable romp with blood, death and monsters. Dave is still a toddler but is developing well as a character and a human. The idea are good and I'm waiting for the next one.
June 25, 2020
When the Horde invades the seaside town where his sons live, monster-slayer Dave Hooper, with a female Russian assassin at his side, has to decide if he is going to continue to fight to save the major cities of the country or save his family.
May 18, 2017
Much better than Book #2.
May 19, 2017
Excellent.
Action cover to cover. We get more Dave and Karen and see some new champions. Dave sees more personal growth beaten to it by Karen's empathic strengths.
Action cover to cover. We get more Dave and Karen and see some new champions. Dave sees more personal growth beaten to it by Karen's empathic strengths.
April 7, 2018
Grim stuff there at the end
June 24, 2018
The Dave, Superjerk, worst superhero ever.
September 2, 2018
Great series, this book definitely leaves you hanging, wanting more.
December 28, 2018
LOVE this book in the Dave VS The Monsters trilogy. Sure wish there were more of these!!! Come on John Birmingham, PLEASE write more!!!
May 5, 2019
Corny but also very enjoyable.
September 15, 2019
Very disappointed that this is the last book.... you could see it was set up to go further and then........
August 31, 2021
I did a moderate amount of blow and drank a liter of bottom shelf gin to get into character for the last book. Are you proud Dave? I sure as fuck am.
April 4, 2023
Solid American super hero
Dave an Lucille continue to make stupid decisions, but at least they are entertaining decisions.
Over all much better than book 2.
Dave an Lucille continue to make stupid decisions, but at least they are entertaining decisions.
Over all much better than book 2.
January 5, 2024
Is this how it ends? I feel it's not finished! I loved all three books
September 28, 2025
Great adventure
April 29, 2016
[Review originally appeared on SFRevu at: http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.p...]
John Birmingham's escapist Dave vs. the Monsters trilogy reaches its conclusion with Ascendance, an action packed book that rarely slows down. Dave Hooper, our exuberant, super-heroic, rednecky champion, continues to protect America from the creatures of the UnderRealms.
Joining Dave in his fight is Russian spy Karen Warat, aka Karin Varatchevsky--who brings more experience and perspective to the whole monster fighting business and helps to get Dave to look at the bigger picture a bit more. Karen has powers of her own, obtained when she killed a demon with a samurai sword. Like Dave, she has similar strength and endurance. But while Dave can slow time as a result of killing a Hunn demon, Karen has the ability to control emotions as a result of killing a Threshrend demon. They complement each other nicely and are doing a bang up job of putting down the enemy, until the enemy starts using their own tactics against them.
The bulk of the book features Dave and Karen responding to incursions in New York City. The battle scenes are well written, tense, and exciting, and the banter between Dave and Karen is some of the most amusing and well written of the series. The progression of their powers while working together and the global implications they have are a pleasure to read.
As with Emergence and Resistance, Ascendance also features chapters that focus on the Horde and their efforts to understand and control what has become of humanity. Leading that charge is Lord Guyuk, a Grymm warrior who has learned to respect humanity and not think of it as cattle. Advising Guyuk is still Threshy, the empath demon who has gained a rather annoying human personality through the ingestion of human brains. Most recently, due to Dave's inability to follow directions, Threshy consumed Professor Compton's brain, thereby gaining Compton's expertise on guerilla warfare tactics. Together, Guyuk and Threshy have a formidable plan to undermine the governmental structures of the world, enabling them to more easily deal with humanity’s technological advantage.
One of the strengths of Birmingham's past work in his Axis of Time and Without Warning trilogies was the focus on complex relationships and the exacting details he put into the geopolitical plots. Emergence had less of that, stripping the plot down to a very bare-bones approach – see monster, smash monster. With Resistance, Birmingham began to somewhat address the larger implications of the existence of Dave and the monsters, but still portrayed Dave as a clueless dummy ruled only by his urges. With Ascendance, Birmingham finally brings his skills to bear, using the presence of Karen Warat to create a deeper Dave, or at least one who is forced to think a bit deeper at times, despite himself.
Birmingham actually notes in his acknowledgements that he was receiving feedback on Emergence as he was working on Resistance and Ascendance. One has to think that some of the feedback must have focusd on the juvenile nature of Dave in the first book. It simply did not feel like a quality Birmingham book--Ascendance does. Unfortunately for the reader, some of the better parts of Emergence were the chapters focusing on the creatures from the UnderRealms. They were somewhat alien, somewhat confused by what they were seeing, and intriguingly written. But beginning midway through Resistance, that aspect of the books began to change. Threshy, the empath demon from Ascendance, absorbed the essence of a young, uneducated doughnut seller. For the rest of the series, despite the more educated people he winds up absorbing, Threshy always speaks with an absurdly annoying attempt at young urban speak by Birmingham. It seems to waver from gamer-speak to hip-hop lingo to stoner drawl, never really settling on a true voice, other than distracting. The attempt might have been there by Birmingham, but it isn’t quite successful.
As a series, Dave vs the Monsters is pretty entertaining. It's not deep in any way, but it certainly moves along at a great clip. Each book builds nicely on the others and by Ascendance it finally feels like a Birmingham book. The battles are impressively described with an exciting cinematic quality and the characters develop enough depth to make them interesting. Small annoyances aside, if the premise of the series sounds like something you'd enjoy, you likely will. Just don't think about it too much!
John Birmingham's escapist Dave vs. the Monsters trilogy reaches its conclusion with Ascendance, an action packed book that rarely slows down. Dave Hooper, our exuberant, super-heroic, rednecky champion, continues to protect America from the creatures of the UnderRealms.
Joining Dave in his fight is Russian spy Karen Warat, aka Karin Varatchevsky--who brings more experience and perspective to the whole monster fighting business and helps to get Dave to look at the bigger picture a bit more. Karen has powers of her own, obtained when she killed a demon with a samurai sword. Like Dave, she has similar strength and endurance. But while Dave can slow time as a result of killing a Hunn demon, Karen has the ability to control emotions as a result of killing a Threshrend demon. They complement each other nicely and are doing a bang up job of putting down the enemy, until the enemy starts using their own tactics against them.
The bulk of the book features Dave and Karen responding to incursions in New York City. The battle scenes are well written, tense, and exciting, and the banter between Dave and Karen is some of the most amusing and well written of the series. The progression of their powers while working together and the global implications they have are a pleasure to read.
As with Emergence and Resistance, Ascendance also features chapters that focus on the Horde and their efforts to understand and control what has become of humanity. Leading that charge is Lord Guyuk, a Grymm warrior who has learned to respect humanity and not think of it as cattle. Advising Guyuk is still Threshy, the empath demon who has gained a rather annoying human personality through the ingestion of human brains. Most recently, due to Dave's inability to follow directions, Threshy consumed Professor Compton's brain, thereby gaining Compton's expertise on guerilla warfare tactics. Together, Guyuk and Threshy have a formidable plan to undermine the governmental structures of the world, enabling them to more easily deal with humanity’s technological advantage.
One of the strengths of Birmingham's past work in his Axis of Time and Without Warning trilogies was the focus on complex relationships and the exacting details he put into the geopolitical plots. Emergence had less of that, stripping the plot down to a very bare-bones approach – see monster, smash monster. With Resistance, Birmingham began to somewhat address the larger implications of the existence of Dave and the monsters, but still portrayed Dave as a clueless dummy ruled only by his urges. With Ascendance, Birmingham finally brings his skills to bear, using the presence of Karen Warat to create a deeper Dave, or at least one who is forced to think a bit deeper at times, despite himself.
Birmingham actually notes in his acknowledgements that he was receiving feedback on Emergence as he was working on Resistance and Ascendance. One has to think that some of the feedback must have focusd on the juvenile nature of Dave in the first book. It simply did not feel like a quality Birmingham book--Ascendance does. Unfortunately for the reader, some of the better parts of Emergence were the chapters focusing on the creatures from the UnderRealms. They were somewhat alien, somewhat confused by what they were seeing, and intriguingly written. But beginning midway through Resistance, that aspect of the books began to change. Threshy, the empath demon from Ascendance, absorbed the essence of a young, uneducated doughnut seller. For the rest of the series, despite the more educated people he winds up absorbing, Threshy always speaks with an absurdly annoying attempt at young urban speak by Birmingham. It seems to waver from gamer-speak to hip-hop lingo to stoner drawl, never really settling on a true voice, other than distracting. The attempt might have been there by Birmingham, but it isn’t quite successful.
As a series, Dave vs the Monsters is pretty entertaining. It's not deep in any way, but it certainly moves along at a great clip. Each book builds nicely on the others and by Ascendance it finally feels like a Birmingham book. The battles are impressively described with an exciting cinematic quality and the characters develop enough depth to make them interesting. Small annoyances aside, if the premise of the series sounds like something you'd enjoy, you likely will. Just don't think about it too much!
November 16, 2015
Received via NetGalley and Penguin Random House/Del Rey in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
It took me awhile to get through book three of the Dave Hooper trilogy . I've never been much for military fiction so I think that perhaps the amount of fighting scenes in Ascendance might have slowed me down. It's not that Ascendance wasn't very good or that I disliked it, in fact I still loved it, but I found the beginning fighting scenes that take up a good 40% of the book were unnecessary for someone reading this series for the wit, sarcasm and fantasy elements. Birmingham is extremely well written and his action sequences are believable and inspiring.
I struggled mostly because it wasn't relevant to my interests. It doesn't mean I didn't appreciate the skillful writing or masterful plot development.
However, once we return to the main story line everything went along much quicker. There are more mysteries revealed! Mysteries that have me salivating for book four. Karin Varatschevsky is a Russian spy and fellow Champion who makes Dave look like the bumbling idiot he is. She also has some really neat powers that Dave doesn't have that come in handy during the battle of New York. The chemistry between these two is refreshingly not romantic (or sexual) and Karen's constant disdain for Dave is amusing. Best of all, Douchebag Dave is no longer in the picture and we get Good ol' Dave back. No more over the top man whoring or self-congratulations from Dave! Instead, we start to see Dave's character grow into his new role as human Champion..sort of..he still kind of sucks at it.
There is a crafty Lord of the Rings reference, lots of action, blood and huge plot developments that only make Dave vs The Monsters all the more legendary. A main character might die tragically and some fantastic character development may be on the horizon.
I think the majority of the satire is focused on our Monst'r element - Compt'n ur Threshrend. He's becoming a whole new creature who is becoming less Threshrend and more human by the minute. It's interesting to see how Compt'n's story is proceeding from low level lackey to Procounsul who is simultaneously developing a forbidden lust for a human creature (much to his chagrin) and a rise in disrespect for his lead Monster. Will Compt'n inevitably defect or take over the Monsters? Meanwhile, Guyuk has discovered the timeless beer-and-pork rinds meal combination. Seriously, he loves them.
The series of Dave vs The Monsters has been opened up to a confirmed fourth book to be published at a later date. The world of The Dave will continue to develop with another potential twelve heroes to make their entrance in the coming novels. I cannot wait for book four..I love where Birmingham is going with Dave and the wider world building he's developed in Ascendance. So, never fear fellow Dave readers, this is not the end of this amazing series!
This book will appeal to committed fantasy readers and action lovers. Almost as amazing as the first book of this series Dave vs The Monters: Emergence, Ascendance is a strong tale of human strength, an apocalyptic situation and a brand new set of fantastical creatures from the lower realm. A must read for those who enjoy the rise of the under dog, strong female leads and tons of gory action.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
It took me awhile to get through book three of the Dave Hooper trilogy . I've never been much for military fiction so I think that perhaps the amount of fighting scenes in Ascendance might have slowed me down. It's not that Ascendance wasn't very good or that I disliked it, in fact I still loved it, but I found the beginning fighting scenes that take up a good 40% of the book were unnecessary for someone reading this series for the wit, sarcasm and fantasy elements. Birmingham is extremely well written and his action sequences are believable and inspiring.
I struggled mostly because it wasn't relevant to my interests. It doesn't mean I didn't appreciate the skillful writing or masterful plot development.
However, once we return to the main story line everything went along much quicker. There are more mysteries revealed! Mysteries that have me salivating for book four. Karin Varatschevsky is a Russian spy and fellow Champion who makes Dave look like the bumbling idiot he is. She also has some really neat powers that Dave doesn't have that come in handy during the battle of New York. The chemistry between these two is refreshingly not romantic (or sexual) and Karen's constant disdain for Dave is amusing. Best of all, Douchebag Dave is no longer in the picture and we get Good ol' Dave back. No more over the top man whoring or self-congratulations from Dave! Instead, we start to see Dave's character grow into his new role as human Champion..sort of..he still kind of sucks at it.
There is a crafty Lord of the Rings reference, lots of action, blood and huge plot developments that only make Dave vs The Monsters all the more legendary. A main character might die tragically and some fantastic character development may be on the horizon.
I think the majority of the satire is focused on our Monst'r element - Compt'n ur Threshrend. He's becoming a whole new creature who is becoming less Threshrend and more human by the minute. It's interesting to see how Compt'n's story is proceeding from low level lackey to Procounsul who is simultaneously developing a forbidden lust for a human creature (much to his chagrin) and a rise in disrespect for his lead Monster. Will Compt'n inevitably defect or take over the Monsters? Meanwhile, Guyuk has discovered the timeless beer-and-pork rinds meal combination. Seriously, he loves them.
The series of Dave vs The Monsters has been opened up to a confirmed fourth book to be published at a later date. The world of The Dave will continue to develop with another potential twelve heroes to make their entrance in the coming novels. I cannot wait for book four..I love where Birmingham is going with Dave and the wider world building he's developed in Ascendance. So, never fear fellow Dave readers, this is not the end of this amazing series!
This book will appeal to committed fantasy readers and action lovers. Almost as amazing as the first book of this series Dave vs The Monters: Emergence, Ascendance is a strong tale of human strength, an apocalyptic situation and a brand new set of fantastical creatures from the lower realm. A must read for those who enjoy the rise of the under dog, strong female leads and tons of gory action.
February 5, 2021
Worst of the three and ends with a cliff hanger, with no new book insight!
This series started with a jolt, but just never progresses or develops beyond the first books.
Disappointed.
This series started with a jolt, but just never progresses or develops beyond the first books.
Disappointed.
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