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The Ascendancy Trilogy #1
The Deep Link
Taryn Harber knows humanity must someday join the rest of galactic society. But the xenophobic TMC prohibits all contact.
When a resistance cell calls on her for a dangerous first-contact mission, Taryn leaps at the chance.
But her dream of making a powerful ally against the TMC turns into a nightmare. Taryn finds herself mentally linked to the ruthless warlord Amharr, and all chances of peaceful contact are lost.
As she fights to regain her freedom, the Link starts changing Taryn from within. She is transformed into a living weapon, something she cannot control by herself. Something even her own people would kill to possess.
Soon, Taryn must fight for much more than her life, and Amharr, who had no regard for another's life before, has become her last hope.
When a resistance cell calls on her for a dangerous first-contact mission, Taryn leaps at the chance.
But her dream of making a powerful ally against the TMC turns into a nightmare. Taryn finds herself mentally linked to the ruthless warlord Amharr, and all chances of peaceful contact are lost.
As she fights to regain her freedom, the Link starts changing Taryn from within. She is transformed into a living weapon, something she cannot control by herself. Something even her own people would kill to possess.
Soon, Taryn must fight for much more than her life, and Amharr, who had no regard for another's life before, has become her last hope.
- GenresScience FictionEbooks
416 pages, ebook
First published June 15, 2015
14 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Sicoe
4 books47 followersI write about adventures that span the galaxy and shape normal people into heroes as they brave terrible dangers, navigate conflict-ridden alien cultures, and grow through personal hardship.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 23, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I receive a new book I generally read a few pages to see how soon I plan to read it (honestly). This book caught my attention right out of the gate, which means I didn’t manage to put it down until I’d finished it. I loved the story. The characters were people that you could believe in, whether they garnered your trust or suspicion. The author managed to put an interesting spin on this book and I was happy to follow Taryn throughout her adventures.
The alien races are done well. The story is one of overcoming insurmountable odds while making unexpected allies and friends. Parts of this book are a little dark. I don’t know if my mind worked overtime, but it seemed to me that there were some pretty gruesome wound descriptions. I’m not talking about gratuitous violence as these scenes were integral to the story and what was happening, but some of the descriptions were pretty graphic.
There’s a lot going on in this story, including an alien invasion, rebellions on several fronts and various other people with their own agendas that throw a wrench in the works from time to time for Taryn as she does her best to cope with the connection between her and the alien she becomes linked to. As first contact stories go, I found this one very entertaining. The characters were complex and had a good deal of depth. I enjoyed the book right up to the ending when I started wishing that the next one was out so I could see where this interesting new joining of souls goes next.
The alien races are done well. The story is one of overcoming insurmountable odds while making unexpected allies and friends. Parts of this book are a little dark. I don’t know if my mind worked overtime, but it seemed to me that there were some pretty gruesome wound descriptions. I’m not talking about gratuitous violence as these scenes were integral to the story and what was happening, but some of the descriptions were pretty graphic.
There’s a lot going on in this story, including an alien invasion, rebellions on several fronts and various other people with their own agendas that throw a wrench in the works from time to time for Taryn as she does her best to cope with the connection between her and the alien she becomes linked to. As first contact stories go, I found this one very entertaining. The characters were complex and had a good deal of depth. I enjoyed the book right up to the ending when I started wishing that the next one was out so I could see where this interesting new joining of souls goes next.
March 4, 2020
A riddle wrapped in an enigma
Taryn is a mess. Her parents fled the less than merciful TMC to a colony of sentient arthropods. Partly to study them, partly to hide amongst them. But TMC decided that the colony had grown too large and culled them down to 1 hive. In the process, her parents were killed. Sent back under TMC rule, Taryn found another way to escape, anarchy. A subversive group seeking to overthrow tyrannical rule, she's sent onna mission to aquire new allies outside their galaxy. But what she encounters has the same goals the humans of TMC do: assimilate or annihilate. If they can't be ruled, then they're destroyed. From the frying pan to the fire, right? Because this very powerful alien race is trying to decide if humans deserve to live, and humans are currently in a civil war. Piece of cake.
Spoilers ahead.
I'm still processing what I've just read. This is definitely sci-fi. Not exactly sure on the romance angle lol. So, some trigger warnings for readers. Abuse, torture, medical torture, experimentation, child abuse- including sexual assault, mind control, gruesome deaths, lack of understanding of the word no- quickly rectified by Taryn, and pretty much anything you can associate with a corrupted regime and warfare. Most of it is flashbacks from characters' pasts, except for the torture, medical torture and experimentation. Oh, and gruesome deaths. Multiple POVs, from both main characters and side characters. Usually they get their own chapters, but sometimes it jumps after a paragraph or 3. The editing is well done, but there's a lot of jargon to Wade through. This isn't a quick fluff read. It has layers, sub plots, mysteries, it leads you along and then drops you off a cliff. It's nice to say that I'm not exactly sure where this is going. Because while the humans are rebelling, so are the aliens. Can they assimilate a new species while others are rising up? Humans don't stand a chance against these guys. The lack of humanity in Arr(I can't remember how to spell his name) shows in his actions. He isn't exactly a monster, his whole culture is completely different. And I'm not exactly sure he was able to think independently before the link to Taryn formed. But even with the overload of info, I have a million questions:
*What does a non Dominant (Arr's people) look like?
*What is the rest of their society like? As in, the ones not controlling ships and seeking new species to subjugate? And where are the women?
*I want more info on that ceremony Arr went through. It's what makes me think he wasn't fully in control.
*We see a handful of races, what are the others? They've encompassed galaxies, universes.
*The link strengthens Taryn, but leaves Arr a glaring weakness. What happens when a link breaks?
*What exactly is kaar? (I probably didn't spell that right.)
*Constructive or destructive, are there no shades of grey? No subjective thinking on the part of the Dominant deciding?
*What is the "buddy system" they have in place and how did it get started?
I know I have more questions. They'll bubble up later, I'm sure. When I'm not as overwhelmed. This really is a book that makes you pause, re-read sections, and think. But there are a few sections, after the linking, that float along. It's odd, a little disconnected, but it fits the narrative of the confusion both parties are dealing with. Anyways, it's worth the price for the sci-fi aficionados out there.
Taryn is a mess. Her parents fled the less than merciful TMC to a colony of sentient arthropods. Partly to study them, partly to hide amongst them. But TMC decided that the colony had grown too large and culled them down to 1 hive. In the process, her parents were killed. Sent back under TMC rule, Taryn found another way to escape, anarchy. A subversive group seeking to overthrow tyrannical rule, she's sent onna mission to aquire new allies outside their galaxy. But what she encounters has the same goals the humans of TMC do: assimilate or annihilate. If they can't be ruled, then they're destroyed. From the frying pan to the fire, right? Because this very powerful alien race is trying to decide if humans deserve to live, and humans are currently in a civil war. Piece of cake.
Spoilers ahead.
I'm still processing what I've just read. This is definitely sci-fi. Not exactly sure on the romance angle lol. So, some trigger warnings for readers. Abuse, torture, medical torture, experimentation, child abuse- including sexual assault, mind control, gruesome deaths, lack of understanding of the word no- quickly rectified by Taryn, and pretty much anything you can associate with a corrupted regime and warfare. Most of it is flashbacks from characters' pasts, except for the torture, medical torture and experimentation. Oh, and gruesome deaths. Multiple POVs, from both main characters and side characters. Usually they get their own chapters, but sometimes it jumps after a paragraph or 3. The editing is well done, but there's a lot of jargon to Wade through. This isn't a quick fluff read. It has layers, sub plots, mysteries, it leads you along and then drops you off a cliff. It's nice to say that I'm not exactly sure where this is going. Because while the humans are rebelling, so are the aliens. Can they assimilate a new species while others are rising up? Humans don't stand a chance against these guys. The lack of humanity in Arr(I can't remember how to spell his name) shows in his actions. He isn't exactly a monster, his whole culture is completely different. And I'm not exactly sure he was able to think independently before the link to Taryn formed. But even with the overload of info, I have a million questions:
*What does a non Dominant (Arr's people) look like?
*What is the rest of their society like? As in, the ones not controlling ships and seeking new species to subjugate? And where are the women?
*I want more info on that ceremony Arr went through. It's what makes me think he wasn't fully in control.
*We see a handful of races, what are the others? They've encompassed galaxies, universes.
*The link strengthens Taryn, but leaves Arr a glaring weakness. What happens when a link breaks?
*What exactly is kaar? (I probably didn't spell that right.)
*Constructive or destructive, are there no shades of grey? No subjective thinking on the part of the Dominant deciding?
*What is the "buddy system" they have in place and how did it get started?
I know I have more questions. They'll bubble up later, I'm sure. When I'm not as overwhelmed. This really is a book that makes you pause, re-read sections, and think. But there are a few sections, after the linking, that float along. It's odd, a little disconnected, but it fits the narrative of the confusion both parties are dealing with. Anyways, it's worth the price for the sci-fi aficionados out there.
October 13, 2019
A dense beginning got me angry for the first 30 pages, creating a deep frustration equivalent to the one the character had with the unexpected mess she got to deal with in her head.
The author throws a lot of acronyms and unexplained terms that leave you wondering if you are reading a novel or a scientific paper.
Nevertheless, do not allow these things to stop you from reading this. This hard-to-chew piece of literary meat gets juicy and delicious the more you sink your teeth into it. An emotional upheaval awaits you with our protagonists experiences of new feelings, thoughts and emotions.
I cannot truly give it 5 starts because from the bottom of my heart, the hard time I had biting the first bits took out that one start.
The author throws a lot of acronyms and unexplained terms that leave you wondering if you are reading a novel or a scientific paper.
Nevertheless, do not allow these things to stop you from reading this. This hard-to-chew piece of literary meat gets juicy and delicious the more you sink your teeth into it. An emotional upheaval awaits you with our protagonists experiences of new feelings, thoughts and emotions.
I cannot truly give it 5 starts because from the bottom of my heart, the hard time I had biting the first bits took out that one start.
May 13, 2017
This book had promise, but it quickly became a novel filled with tropes I'm tired of seeing. I cannot disclose such tropes without spoilers, so I will withhold that information for those of you who could enjoy this book. Not horrible, but the characters weren't my cup of tea. The premise is worth 5 stars, though.
May 2, 2024
I loved this book, great writing and amazing characters. I was drawn to this book for the lead (Taryn) and the mental link she gets with an alien warlord. The alien species are so cool and I got vivid pictures of them with Veronica's awesome writing. I am so happy that this book is in a series because I need more. Highly recommend if you're looking for action and adventure. 👍💕
November 30, 2020
Very clever
Lots a good science fiction in this book with emphasis on the fiction that lets her write a compelling story that keeps your attention throughout
Lots a good science fiction in this book with emphasis on the fiction that lets her write a compelling story that keeps your attention throughout
December 12, 2015
Reposted review from Amazon
This is sort of book you pick up and it throws you into its world. It maintains this sense of pacing throughout the book. There is things happening, complex things, wide things, and you reminded that each character is merely a part of a greater puzzle, which is the galaxy itself.
The story is written well enough were massive information overload is pretty much avoided. Everything is well woven in without feeling like you’ve read an encyclopedia. It makes you feel more immersed in what is a rich, vibrant world that is as alive as the story itself.
One of the aspects I love in the most is the aliens. They feel unique, diverse, and different from each other. They aren’t all carbon copies of each other. A problem that is somewhat hard to handle due to aliens already being so different. It is handled in a truly excellent matter.
Amharr‘s perspective is incredibly well done. It isn’t a ‘good’ character. He has done and seen horrible things. Yet as the story moves on you gain such insight and understanding of him. You see him change, not become ‘good’, but more than what he is. It is subtle, and beautiful transformation that works great.
The plot itself moves at a good pace, it isn’t sprinting, and it isn’t slow, it hits highs and lows at a good times. The actions scenes are well done.
It does have some problems. The villains are almost, too evil. They have their good points, but for me, villains need to be people first, evil second. They have to believe in their own morality superiority, even if it only exists in their mind. Preston, who I think of as an antagonist fits this, but someone of the others do not.
If you are looking for a good scifi epic, this is definitely a book to check out.
This is sort of book you pick up and it throws you into its world. It maintains this sense of pacing throughout the book. There is things happening, complex things, wide things, and you reminded that each character is merely a part of a greater puzzle, which is the galaxy itself.
The story is written well enough were massive information overload is pretty much avoided. Everything is well woven in without feeling like you’ve read an encyclopedia. It makes you feel more immersed in what is a rich, vibrant world that is as alive as the story itself.
One of the aspects I love in the most is the aliens. They feel unique, diverse, and different from each other. They aren’t all carbon copies of each other. A problem that is somewhat hard to handle due to aliens already being so different. It is handled in a truly excellent matter.
Amharr‘s perspective is incredibly well done. It isn’t a ‘good’ character. He has done and seen horrible things. Yet as the story moves on you gain such insight and understanding of him. You see him change, not become ‘good’, but more than what he is. It is subtle, and beautiful transformation that works great.
The plot itself moves at a good pace, it isn’t sprinting, and it isn’t slow, it hits highs and lows at a good times. The actions scenes are well done.
It does have some problems. The villains are almost, too evil. They have their good points, but for me, villains need to be people first, evil second. They have to believe in their own morality superiority, even if it only exists in their mind. Preston, who I think of as an antagonist fits this, but someone of the others do not.
If you are looking for a good scifi epic, this is definitely a book to check out.
November 9, 2015
Got this as a free Kindle book.
Fast paced, obsessive read. I like sf books which focus on alien contact, and this one definitely delivers. The aliens rock!
Only 3 stars because...
Supporting characters' motivations, and the whole background situation lacked depth. The evil military government was simply evil without much nuance. Colony populations have advanced technical and information hacking skills, futuristic engineering and medical marvels, and live under severe resource restrictions - but don't seem to have basic family planning (a sleeper agent now has 5 kids and is pregnant with twins?!).
Jade was a nice backup character for the MC, but had even less depth than Bray. I felt the author really tried to do something with Bray's character, but ended up with major motivation and logic holes.
Even so, I'm definitely reading the sequel to this, and hope for somewhat better quality of world-building.
Fast paced, obsessive read. I like sf books which focus on alien contact, and this one definitely delivers. The aliens rock!
Only 3 stars because...
Supporting characters' motivations, and the whole background situation lacked depth. The evil military government was simply evil without much nuance. Colony populations have advanced technical and information hacking skills, futuristic engineering and medical marvels, and live under severe resource restrictions - but don't seem to have basic family planning (a sleeper agent now has 5 kids and is pregnant with twins?!).
Jade was a nice backup character for the MC, but had even less depth than Bray. I felt the author really tried to do something with Bray's character, but ended up with major motivation and logic holes.
Even so, I'm definitely reading the sequel to this, and hope for somewhat better quality of world-building.
Read
March 13, 2016DNF at Ch. 16
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews