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Ascension #3
Star Alliance
Will humanity be the next race to be enslaved?Held prisoner by a vicious alien whose race is determined to conquer the galaxy, Zack wakes to find that he is cut off from everything. Zack must figure out a way to escape his captors and a prison full of dangerous aliens to get back to his ship. Did his friends even know he was still alive?Kaylan commands the Athena, Earth’s most advanced spaceship. The crew is far from home and caught in an intergalactic war. The Boxans demand that they leave the star system, Xiiginn warships are hunting them, and the Athena is hopelessly outclassed. Kaylan must choose between leaving Zack to his fate or risk the lives of the crew for the slim chance of rescuing him. Kladomaor can’t let the Humans fall into the hands of the Xiiginns. The Boxans have been at war with the Xiiginns for years and they were losing. The Humans might be the key to their salvation, but only if he can bring them before the High Council and convince them to protect Earth. Their stealth ship is no match for the Xiiginn warships hunting them and if he can’t get the Humans to leave soon they would all be doomed.Star Alliance is the third book in an action packed space opera series. The crew of the Athena stands upon a precipice and their next action will affect Earth for generations to come.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2016
996 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Ken Lozito
61 books467 followersKen Lozito is the best-selling author of multiple science fiction series, including First Colony, Ascension, & Federation Chronicles. He writes about first contact, colonization, exploration, heroic tales, redemption stories, and old-fashion adventure stories with rich and interesting characters. He’s had over a million books sold and loves the fact he’s been able to reach so many amazing readers with his stories. Readers have lost precious hours of sleep while they read just one more page.
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 6, 2017
Excellent Third Volume of Military/Exploration Space Opera
Lozito just keeps building up this epic story of humanity exploring our solar system and meeting alien races. The story seems to slowly be building to a crescendo...but that personal conclusion is not yet verified.
Within the storyline, there is a lot gping on. Among the aliens, there is considerable dissonance. Among the human crew, interesting interpersonal and international relationships keep popping up ...One member remains on Pluto...the others accompany the huge "Boxon" aliens...
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS: EXPLORATION/MILITARY SPACE OPERA (BOTH THIS BOOK AND THE SERIES) WITH JUST A TOUCH OF ROMANCE AND HEROIC ACTION.
Lozito just keeps building up this epic story of humanity exploring our solar system and meeting alien races. The story seems to slowly be building to a crescendo...but that personal conclusion is not yet verified.
Within the storyline, there is a lot gping on. Among the aliens, there is considerable dissonance. Among the human crew, interesting interpersonal and international relationships keep popping up ...One member remains on Pluto...the others accompany the huge "Boxon" aliens...
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS: EXPLORATION/MILITARY SPACE OPERA (BOTH THIS BOOK AND THE SERIES) WITH JUST A TOUCH OF ROMANCE AND HEROIC ACTION.
February 19, 2019
The best book of the series so far.
Everything in the first two books came together nicely here in book 3 enough to earn a 5-star rating from me. As the series has gone on the overall story has gotten deeper and everything from the action to the romantic subplots feel real and genuine. The story is still told in third person omnipresent point of view but there is less head hopping in this story in previous ones. it does feel more like a third person limited story for the most part and I think that is one reason why I enjoyed it the most.
This sci-fi adventure explores just what happens when humanity finds they are not alone and the universe is not safe. while it does have some familiar elements in that humans are somehow unique and have some sort of special quality it does not come off as we are a gift to the universe. I look forward to the rest of the series and wish for more LOL.
I'm primarily a reader of fantasy genres like epic and urban along with paranormal romances but this sci-fi adventure really makes me enjoy the genre. Reading this series is like having an epic fantasy doled out in small chunks rather than in one large book. Well it does tend to lead to stories that cannot stand on their own taken as a whole the effect is quite enjoyable.
This series remains appropriate for young adults and above with no coarse language nor graphic scenes a violence or sex. The story still remains interesting enough to pull you through every page. It does go to show that certain styles of writing work better in some genres than others.
Everything in the first two books came together nicely here in book 3 enough to earn a 5-star rating from me. As the series has gone on the overall story has gotten deeper and everything from the action to the romantic subplots feel real and genuine. The story is still told in third person omnipresent point of view but there is less head hopping in this story in previous ones. it does feel more like a third person limited story for the most part and I think that is one reason why I enjoyed it the most.
This sci-fi adventure explores just what happens when humanity finds they are not alone and the universe is not safe. while it does have some familiar elements in that humans are somehow unique and have some sort of special quality it does not come off as we are a gift to the universe. I look forward to the rest of the series and wish for more LOL.
I'm primarily a reader of fantasy genres like epic and urban along with paranormal romances but this sci-fi adventure really makes me enjoy the genre. Reading this series is like having an epic fantasy doled out in small chunks rather than in one large book. Well it does tend to lead to stories that cannot stand on their own taken as a whole the effect is quite enjoyable.
This series remains appropriate for young adults and above with no coarse language nor graphic scenes a violence or sex. The story still remains interesting enough to pull you through every page. It does go to show that certain styles of writing work better in some genres than others.
July 23, 2021
So, I did something with this book (and series) that I almost never do: stopped halfway through. I've read some of Ken's other books and have enjoyed them. But, this series is just...not good. The romantic relationships felt forced. The characters don't always make sense. I was willing to overlook these faults because I enjoyed the plot. But, I felt that even that began to fall apart in this book. In particular, the Athena crew is able to avoid alien detection throughout the book by...being small? Even with our limited tech today, we can detect the smallest space dust in our atmosphere. But, somehow the aliens are totally incapable of detecting our heroes because their engines are too small to show up... On top of that, the hero goes from a paranoid hacker to a full-blown leader in just two books. Also, just another minor annoyance, they had to refuel in the first book just to make it to Jupiter, but they spend the last two books flying all over an alien star system without a single concern for fuel?
All that to say, I just couldn't keep suspending my disbelief. The story is interesting. The aliens are interesting. But, just too many glaring plot holes and character issues for me to keep going...
All that to say, I just couldn't keep suspending my disbelief. The story is interesting. The aliens are interesting. But, just too many glaring plot holes and character issues for me to keep going...
October 29, 2019
This book is the Pits for Zack!
I mean literally the Pits! After being subjected to capture and torture by the Xiiginns, Zack is tossed into "The Pit", a prison dumping ground filled with mutated and crazed subjects created by Xiiginns genetic experimentation and surgical alterations/augumentations. The Nershal Etanu has also been tossed into the pit as well and they will need to work together to survive and escape "The Pit".
In the meantime Kaylan and the crew of the Athena must convince the Boxans and the Nershal to work together to help find Zack and free him from the Xiiginns prison.
The book really brings the series together with Zack becoming leader and protector of victims of "The Pit", thereby showing the humanity and compassion for species outside our own to the Nersal and Boxans.
I mean literally the Pits! After being subjected to capture and torture by the Xiiginns, Zack is tossed into "The Pit", a prison dumping ground filled with mutated and crazed subjects created by Xiiginns genetic experimentation and surgical alterations/augumentations. The Nershal Etanu has also been tossed into the pit as well and they will need to work together to survive and escape "The Pit".
In the meantime Kaylan and the crew of the Athena must convince the Boxans and the Nershal to work together to help find Zack and free him from the Xiiginns prison.
The book really brings the series together with Zack becoming leader and protector of victims of "The Pit", thereby showing the humanity and compassion for species outside our own to the Nersal and Boxans.
December 10, 2018
I am enjoying Ken Lozitos series of books. They are an enjoyable mix of sci-fi and frontier exploration. Easy to pickup and get lost, put down and find it a week later to continue. This third book in the series was not as good as others. I’ve already started the 4th and it picks up the pace. So don’t be discouraged by my 3* rating, make it through and you will be rewarded with the following book.
November 2, 2019
And the adventure continues
This book was excellent, in my humble opinion. This adventure gets better and better. I'm loving this series! I'm not a scientist or a writer. I just an older retired lady who lives to read. I realize that this is fiction. But while I am reading this story, all the advanced in technology and space flight all seem real to me. The author writes about different species from different planets and I am under his spell. You will be also.
This book was excellent, in my humble opinion. This adventure gets better and better. I'm loving this series! I'm not a scientist or a writer. I just an older retired lady who lives to read. I realize that this is fiction. But while I am reading this story, all the advanced in technology and space flight all seem real to me. The author writes about different species from different planets and I am under his spell. You will be also.
November 27, 2019
Now I just don’t know
Up until now I’ve enjoyed the series pretty well, but really, the first book was the best. Now there are parts that are somewhat juvenile. Sometimes the mission commander seems to be more worried about her love life than the mission. The series has got me sucked in enough that I’ll probably read the rest of it. Just not looking as forward to it as I did after the first book.
Up until now I’ve enjoyed the series pretty well, but really, the first book was the best. Now there are parts that are somewhat juvenile. Sometimes the mission commander seems to be more worried about her love life than the mission. The series has got me sucked in enough that I’ll probably read the rest of it. Just not looking as forward to it as I did after the first book.
Read
February 8, 2025Third book in the Ascension: Volume 1 omnibus I read. Multi-species space opera with a setting based around the Fermi Paradox (if the galaxy is full of other intelligent life... wher are they?) and the trope where humans go from obscure unknowns to mighty warriors who save the galaxy, although Alan Dean Foster still did that best in The Damned trilogy.
November 10, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Wow the pressure is ramping up now. Earth has a new entry on the Galactic Threat Board. (GTB) The Xiijinns must be dealt with and the only way seems to lead to genocide for the Space Vampires. Prepare for max acceleration and buckle up bucko, we are going suck head hunting. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Wow the pressure is ramping up now. Earth has a new entry on the Galactic Threat Board. (GTB) The Xiijinns must be dealt with and the only way seems to lead to genocide for the Space Vampires. Prepare for max acceleration and buckle up bucko, we are going suck head hunting. Thanks for a GoodRead.
October 17, 2022
Space military drama
The crew of Athena have been pulled into another galaxy through a wormhole and find themselves in the middle of a conflict between two races. They must learn as much as possible if they are to help Earth avert disaster. What they discover means they might be a long time returning home.
The crew of Athena have been pulled into another galaxy through a wormhole and find themselves in the middle of a conflict between two races. They must learn as much as possible if they are to help Earth avert disaster. What they discover means they might be a long time returning home.
May 28, 2018
And there would be giants
Our resourceful crew carries on even after losing (maybe not) their Commander.
New allies and the enemies get worse as humans find they are very small peas in the pod.
Our resourceful crew carries on even after losing (maybe not) their Commander.
New allies and the enemies get worse as humans find they are very small peas in the pod.
August 30, 2018
Better than book 2.
The love story complication was an interesting twist with legit emotion (Zach, you heartbreaking dog, you).
Mr. Lozito even made me feel something for our evil and twisted doctor. Kudos for that. Looking forward to see how Zach's rage plays out.
The love story complication was an interesting twist with legit emotion (Zach, you heartbreaking dog, you).
Mr. Lozito even made me feel something for our evil and twisted doctor. Kudos for that. Looking forward to see how Zach's rage plays out.
October 22, 2018
Great Book!
This series is one of the most enjoyable that I’ve read In quite some time. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Ken Lozito is an author to be reckoned with!
This series is one of the most enjoyable that I’ve read In quite some time. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Ken Lozito is an author to be reckoned with!
June 19, 2020
Cliffhangers
My previous review of this series criticised the lack of differentiation between aliens and humans. I now have cause to eat my words. Thought processes are distinct and explored in this volume. And a fast paced narrative
My previous review of this series criticised the lack of differentiation between aliens and humans. I now have cause to eat my words. Thought processes are distinct and explored in this volume. And a fast paced narrative
June 21, 2021
Another good space romp occasionally marred by the unlikely, and reduced by boring romance. Nonetheless the adventures are exciting and the characters engaging, and ultimately it never pretends to be high brow.
October 29, 2021
Great book
I love science fiction and this book is full of it. Tremendous amount of action, suspense and more. Great cast of characters, Ken has done a wonderful job of blending them together. I recommend this to all science fiction lovers.
I love science fiction and this book is full of it. Tremendous amount of action, suspense and more. Great cast of characters, Ken has done a wonderful job of blending them together. I recommend this to all science fiction lovers.
August 31, 2023
I read this as part of a volume set, so its difficult to distinguish one book from another. The storyline is the strongest part of these books. I wanted to know what was going to happen.
I think that this is the book when Zack gets thrown in the pit. I liked this book the best in the series.
I think that this is the book when Zack gets thrown in the pit. I liked this book the best in the series.
June 27, 2017
The story continues ...
Kayla not and the crew of Athena continue their adventures. Nicely done and interesting plot twists, though some are obvious.
Kayla not and the crew of Athena continue their adventures. Nicely done and interesting plot twists, though some are obvious.
December 21, 2017
Great series.
February 18, 2018
Good read enjoyed all three in the series, apparently, there are more.
February 28, 2018
Love the series. Well written. Can't wait to read the next book.
June 17, 2018
Fast paced exciting
Multiple story lines keep the readers interest without getting one lost. All working to a common end.
Nice transition to next book.
Multiple story lines keep the readers interest without getting one lost. All working to a common end.
Nice transition to next book.
September 9, 2018
Good Book
Book is very exciting. Lots of plot twists and turns. Reminds me on Star Trek. Would make an unusual movie adaptation.
Book is very exciting. Lots of plot twists and turns. Reminds me on Star Trek. Would make an unusual movie adaptation.
October 2, 2018
Ken Lozito is a fantastic author and this book just continues the adventure with him at the helm.
October 14, 2018
WOW
Great 3 books. I read them very quickly as I could not wait to know what would happen next. I will re-read to pick up the details.
Great 3 books. I read them very quickly as I could not wait to know what would happen next. I will re-read to pick up the details.
December 27, 2018
Solid story
Great series. Really engaging. Just burning thru this series. 3 books in 3 days. Great plot with intriguing characters and worlds. Love it.
Great series. Really engaging. Just burning thru this series. 3 books in 3 days. Great plot with intriguing characters and worlds. Love it.
December 28, 2018
WOW
Great read. Greater series. The series is like a Sci Fi library. Great job. See you on the other side.
Great read. Greater series. The series is like a Sci Fi library. Great job. See you on the other side.
September 20, 2019
Another cracking read
A great read, with tales of friendship between different races, betrayal, and heroism ..... what's not to like, and here's to the next installment.
A great read, with tales of friendship between different races, betrayal, and heroism ..... what's not to like, and here's to the next installment.
October 28, 2019
Much better
This is so much better than the last book and an enthralling read. I like how the stories characters are really showing their strength and weaknesses.
This is so much better than the last book and an enthralling read. I like how the stories characters are really showing their strength and weaknesses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews