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Ascension #2
Star Divide
Lost!
After initial contact with an alien entity leaves Kaylan unconscious, she wakes up to discover that she’s now in command of the Athena mission stranded in a star system far from Earth.
The ship’s computer is malfunctioning and former hacker and astronaut trainee, Zack Quick, is the only one who can fix it. If he can’t figure out what’s wrong, they have no hope of getting back home.
In order to survive, the crew of the Athena must explore an alien star system to find the species that summoned them.
After initial contact with an alien entity leaves Kaylan unconscious, she wakes up to discover that she’s now in command of the Athena mission stranded in a star system far from Earth.
The ship’s computer is malfunctioning and former hacker and astronaut trainee, Zack Quick, is the only one who can fix it. If he can’t figure out what’s wrong, they have no hope of getting back home.
In order to survive, the crew of the Athena must explore an alien star system to find the species that summoned them.
Audible Audio
First published March 29, 2016
1303 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Ken Lozito
65 books471 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 68 reviews
January 29, 2021
Characterization is beyond words inconsistent, contradictory, and just plain bad. This sci-fiction reads like cheesy romance.
An example: Here’s our commander of the ship, which is lost in alien space... letting her petty jealousies influence how she treats her crew. Zack was in the med bay, finally getting the neural implants. She [the commander] felt bad for being so hard on him, but a small, petty side of her enjoyed lashing out at him. It was childish and she knew it, but ....
Or later...teenage hysterics from kiddie captain Kalyan. Zack stopped what he was doing. His dark eyes were a mix of pain and anger. “So that’s what all this hostility is about? Me and Katie?”
Kaylan shook her head, but she knew it was written all over her face. “I’m with Katie now. I’m sorry if that bothers you, but I’m sure Hicks will be there to comfort you,” Zack said stiffly. He killed the holodisplay and left the bridge.
Kaylan’s face crumpled, but she wouldn’t let the tears come. She clenched her jaw and snatched a clipboard off one of the nearby consoles. She held it up, but she couldn’t read anything because of her watery eyes. A throaty cry escaped her thickening throat, and she flung the clipboard at the door to the bridge.
An example: Here’s our commander of the ship, which is lost in alien space... letting her petty jealousies influence how she treats her crew. Zack was in the med bay, finally getting the neural implants. She [the commander] felt bad for being so hard on him, but a small, petty side of her enjoyed lashing out at him. It was childish and she knew it, but ....
Or later...teenage hysterics from kiddie captain Kalyan. Zack stopped what he was doing. His dark eyes were a mix of pain and anger. “So that’s what all this hostility is about? Me and Katie?”
Kaylan shook her head, but she knew it was written all over her face. “I’m with Katie now. I’m sorry if that bothers you, but I’m sure Hicks will be there to comfort you,” Zack said stiffly. He killed the holodisplay and left the bridge.
Kaylan’s face crumpled, but she wouldn’t let the tears come. She clenched her jaw and snatched a clipboard off one of the nearby consoles. She held it up, but she couldn’t read anything because of her watery eyes. A throaty cry escaped her thickening throat, and she flung the clipboard at the door to the bridge.
March 21, 2018
Infantile characters, shallow scifi ideas
The benevolent giant aliens sound like they were written for an episode of a 50s anthology, the bad aliens sound like super villains in some ridiculous american comic book.
Mwahahaha yes - but no, thank you, im too old for this childish nonsense.
Never passed book 2.
The benevolent giant aliens sound like they were written for an episode of a 50s anthology, the bad aliens sound like super villains in some ridiculous american comic book.
Mwahahaha yes - but no, thank you, im too old for this childish nonsense.
Never passed book 2.
October 16, 2017
Not enough action,
This book is OK, not enough action. I actually do not like Zack he is towimpy. For my taste. For me the pace of the book was too slow but I will try third book anyway. I suggest those who like a book that has some action interesting characters will enjoy this.
This book is OK, not enough action. I actually do not like Zack he is towimpy. For my taste. For me the pace of the book was too slow but I will try third book anyway. I suggest those who like a book that has some action interesting characters will enjoy this.
July 4, 2022
Lozito, Ken. Star Divide. Ascension No. 2. Acoustical Books, 2016.
I wanted to like Ken Lozito’s Star Divide more than I did. What I wanted was a young adult romance with narration that created individualized characters and some plausible science speculation. But it all falls a bit flat. We have a young man, Zack, who cannot make up his mind which of two intelligent, beautiful women he should romance and a young woman who must decide whether to pursue him or turn him over to her best friend. The two women are so similar, I understand the problem. Zack oscillates from being a socially challenged hacker to being a hunk with heroic potential. There are some aliens, and a plot that may or may not tell us what we want to know about them. Meanwhile, back on Earth, but never mind. 3 meh stars.
I wanted to like Ken Lozito’s Star Divide more than I did. What I wanted was a young adult romance with narration that created individualized characters and some plausible science speculation. But it all falls a bit flat. We have a young man, Zack, who cannot make up his mind which of two intelligent, beautiful women he should romance and a young woman who must decide whether to pursue him or turn him over to her best friend. The two women are so similar, I understand the problem. Zack oscillates from being a socially challenged hacker to being a hunk with heroic potential. There are some aliens, and a plot that may or may not tell us what we want to know about them. Meanwhile, back on Earth, but never mind. 3 meh stars.
February 19, 2019
An exciting second book in this sci-fi adventure series.
This story is told in third person only present point of view. the author does pull it off fairly well and continues to pull the reader through the story. Honestly though I'd rather it be just straight third person limited because often the story does have that feel to it before you head hop. The story does jump right into the action and doesn't really stop all the way through. As with the first book it cannot stand on its own but does keep the reader hooked into the series.
The series is fun to read and the only reason it doesn't get a five star rating from me is because of the storytelling style doesn't really allow you to get too deep into the characters. Though there is two main protagonist to the story we are in enough heads that the story does have a diluted feel to it in parts where a third person limited story would really link you to the characters more closely. It is hard to set and keep a good pace in a third person only present point of view story because each time you head jump as a reader you have to readjust and pull back from the story just slightly. Of course I've read some really bad attempts at the omnipresent point of view and this is not one of them. You can keep up with the story without getting pulled too far out of it.
With all the Sci-Fi adventure going on there is a romantic subplot that surround a few of the characters. I like having romance to any story because it's just like spicing a good meal. If done right it makes everything better. I like where the author is going with it but I do think that with all the adventure and events occurring within the story there was really no time to explore any real relationship.
In any case I'm excited to start the next book of the series. The series as a whole is appropriate for young adults and above. There is no foul language or anything inappropriate for minor.
This story is told in third person only present point of view. the author does pull it off fairly well and continues to pull the reader through the story. Honestly though I'd rather it be just straight third person limited because often the story does have that feel to it before you head hop. The story does jump right into the action and doesn't really stop all the way through. As with the first book it cannot stand on its own but does keep the reader hooked into the series.
The series is fun to read and the only reason it doesn't get a five star rating from me is because of the storytelling style doesn't really allow you to get too deep into the characters. Though there is two main protagonist to the story we are in enough heads that the story does have a diluted feel to it in parts where a third person limited story would really link you to the characters more closely. It is hard to set and keep a good pace in a third person only present point of view story because each time you head jump as a reader you have to readjust and pull back from the story just slightly. Of course I've read some really bad attempts at the omnipresent point of view and this is not one of them. You can keep up with the story without getting pulled too far out of it.
With all the Sci-Fi adventure going on there is a romantic subplot that surround a few of the characters. I like having romance to any story because it's just like spicing a good meal. If done right it makes everything better. I like where the author is going with it but I do think that with all the adventure and events occurring within the story there was really no time to explore any real relationship.
In any case I'm excited to start the next book of the series. The series as a whole is appropriate for young adults and above. There is no foul language or anything inappropriate for minor.
September 19, 2024
2.5 half-hearted stars
It's a good thing there was something other than Kaylan's childish reactions in this 2nd volume of the series, because I'm putting up with her less and less.
Example: "Zack stopped what he was doing. His dark eyes were a mix of pain and anger. “So that’s what all this hostility is about? Me and Katie?”
Kaylan shook her head, but she knew it was written all over her face. “I’m with Katie now. I’m sorry if that bothers you, but I’m sure Hicks will be there to comfort you,” Zack said stiffly. He killed the holodisplay and left the bridge.
Kaylan’s face crumpled, but she wouldn’t let the tears come. She clenched her jaw and snatched a clipboard off one of the nearby consoles. She held it up, but she couldn’t read anything because of her watery eyes. A throaty cry escaped her thickening throat, and she flung the clipboard at the door to the bridge."
How old is she? 16? She's not cut out to lead this mission; putting her feelings aside seems impossible for her, and having a good talk once and for all with Zack doesn't seem possible for her either. The story would have benefited from not having a bad romance woven into it.
As for the rest, there are really few surprises. The script is fairly classic, reminiscent of 50s and 60s TV series, with really nasty villains and really naive good guys. I'm going to continue with the series, though, because it's an easy read and I've got nothing better at the moment.
It's a good thing there was something other than Kaylan's childish reactions in this 2nd volume of the series, because I'm putting up with her less and less.
Example: "Zack stopped what he was doing. His dark eyes were a mix of pain and anger. “So that’s what all this hostility is about? Me and Katie?”
Kaylan shook her head, but she knew it was written all over her face. “I’m with Katie now. I’m sorry if that bothers you, but I’m sure Hicks will be there to comfort you,” Zack said stiffly. He killed the holodisplay and left the bridge.
Kaylan’s face crumpled, but she wouldn’t let the tears come. She clenched her jaw and snatched a clipboard off one of the nearby consoles. She held it up, but she couldn’t read anything because of her watery eyes. A throaty cry escaped her thickening throat, and she flung the clipboard at the door to the bridge."
How old is she? 16? She's not cut out to lead this mission; putting her feelings aside seems impossible for her, and having a good talk once and for all with Zack doesn't seem possible for her either. The story would have benefited from not having a bad romance woven into it.
As for the rest, there are really few surprises. The script is fairly classic, reminiscent of 50s and 60s TV series, with really nasty villains and really naive good guys. I'm going to continue with the series, though, because it's an easy read and I've got nothing better at the moment.
January 8, 2019
Great story, stilted writing
I've read a lot of Lozito, and I find myself really enjoying the plot and the characters, but getting hung up on the awkward writing.
In each book there's several instances of him using the same word within the same sentence, and there are a few inconsistencies. “By what RIGHT do you dare show mercy during the RITE?” (He could have easily used another word, or changed his phrasing)
Example, involving both of these, in the first book of the series, he describes a shower on the ship Athena as nothing more than a steam bath. However, in this book, he describes Zack as taking a shower where "hot water is cascading down his back" then shortly thereafter describes dirt as "cascading down the drain".
I feel his books and writing would greatly benefit from better editing, proofreading, and beta-ing in order to smooth out some of these problems. I read his second series, first. It still contains these same problems.
All in all, the plot is what draws me back to Lozito, but the awkward, stilted prose makes me have to take a break every so often.
I've read a lot of Lozito, and I find myself really enjoying the plot and the characters, but getting hung up on the awkward writing.
In each book there's several instances of him using the same word within the same sentence, and there are a few inconsistencies. “By what RIGHT do you dare show mercy during the RITE?” (He could have easily used another word, or changed his phrasing)
Example, involving both of these, in the first book of the series, he describes a shower on the ship Athena as nothing more than a steam bath. However, in this book, he describes Zack as taking a shower where "hot water is cascading down his back" then shortly thereafter describes dirt as "cascading down the drain".
I feel his books and writing would greatly benefit from better editing, proofreading, and beta-ing in order to smooth out some of these problems. I read his second series, first. It still contains these same problems.
All in all, the plot is what draws me back to Lozito, but the awkward, stilted prose makes me have to take a break every so often.
October 2, 2022
Does not compute
Ok book but with some inconsistencies a wonky love triangle ,and some magic LOL. The "remote viewing " is not supported by any attempt at science and as such is fantasy fiction rather than science fiction. One inconsistency occurs when the protagonist who is an MIT grad. Part of the gifted program there and a genius ,when the reference to a planet's location is made as the goldilocks location asks " what is the goldilocks location " giving the author the opportunity to fill a couple of pages with an explanation. Really? An MIT genius did not know what the goldilocks location was???
Ok book but with some inconsistencies a wonky love triangle ,and some magic LOL. The "remote viewing " is not supported by any attempt at science and as such is fantasy fiction rather than science fiction. One inconsistency occurs when the protagonist who is an MIT grad. Part of the gifted program there and a genius ,when the reference to a planet's location is made as the goldilocks location asks " what is the goldilocks location " giving the author the opportunity to fill a couple of pages with an explanation. Really? An MIT genius did not know what the goldilocks location was???
September 22, 2023
Who is who.
Book two of the Ascension series by Ken Lozito is a confusing one now that we know of the galactic war that goes on and the cunning enemy, the real question is if to blindly trust the supposedly good guys or is it all one con.
Narration by Jeff Hays is perfectly done for each of the characters in this book.
Recommended !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
Book two of the Ascension series by Ken Lozito is a confusing one now that we know of the galactic war that goes on and the cunning enemy, the real question is if to blindly trust the supposedly good guys or is it all one con.
Narration by Jeff Hays is perfectly done for each of the characters in this book.
Recommended !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
Read
February 8, 2025Second 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.
October 25, 2018
Best series I've started
The 1st. 2books start off real nice as an exploratory mission but now the story is heading into a more complicated crisis after crises mess. Also I tried to subscribe to Crash Dive, I ran into a non user friendly questioner that got complicated so I gave up! Please fix it! I'd like to read Crash Dive!
The 1st. 2books start off real nice as an exploratory mission but now the story is heading into a more complicated crisis after crises mess. Also I tried to subscribe to Crash Dive, I ran into a non user friendly questioner that got complicated so I gave up! Please fix it! I'd like to read Crash Dive!
November 22, 2018
Solid space advenrure
The emotions are this books strong point. A few characters are a little lacking, but something rare that this book pulls off is back to back action that doesnt feel forced. You can feel the characters groan, and pull themselves up for another fight, in a way that seems genuine.
A few little things off on the sci part though...
The emotions are this books strong point. A few characters are a little lacking, but something rare that this book pulls off is back to back action that doesnt feel forced. You can feel the characters groan, and pull themselves up for another fight, in a way that seems genuine.
A few little things off on the sci part though...
October 30, 2019
They just keep coming
This is an amazing series. A trip to Pluto to check out a building. Meeting several new species and getting involved in a war. What more could you ask for in a sci fi story. This author knows how to pull you in to a story. I would recommend this series to anyone who lives a good sci fi book.
This is an amazing series. A trip to Pluto to check out a building. Meeting several new species and getting involved in a war. What more could you ask for in a sci fi story. This author knows how to pull you in to a story. I would recommend this series to anyone who lives a good sci fi book.
July 31, 2017
This was completely different from the first book. Although I enjoyed the plot and the world building, I had a difficult time following the three made up alien races. I did the like the evolution of the characters and look forward to following them the through book 3.
November 12, 2017
Unexpected ending!
Wow, wow, wow! Several trials for the crew of the Athena in this book some personal and some not. Its hard to say much with out giving things away but the book is great and I can't wait to read the third one.
Wow, wow, wow! Several trials for the crew of the Athena in this book some personal and some not. Its hard to say much with out giving things away but the book is great and I can't wait to read the third one.
May 19, 2018
Another great read by Ken
I really enjoy this series, you get all the space action you could handle, plus a ton of sub-plots. Now we’re left wondering if politicians will muck it up once again. History says yes...
I really enjoy this series, you get all the space action you could handle, plus a ton of sub-plots. Now we’re left wondering if politicians will muck it up once again. History says yes...
August 17, 2018
Excellent sequel
I have enjoyed this book. It is gripping and keeps you hanging on. The story is rich and well-rounded, danger, intrigue, love, action, and a bit of philosophy. Our first contact doesn't go as planned.
I have enjoyed this book. It is gripping and keeps you hanging on. The story is rich and well-rounded, danger, intrigue, love, action, and a bit of philosophy. Our first contact doesn't go as planned.
August 24, 2018
Fantasy, not SciFi
The "star" in the title describes the setting, but the science is lacking. Plot and characterizations are adequate, but not enough to overcome the "then a miracle occurs" physics and orbital mechanics.
The "star" in the title describes the setting, but the science is lacking. Plot and characterizations are adequate, but not enough to overcome the "then a miracle occurs" physics and orbital mechanics.
August 28, 2018
Not impressed with the writing or story. Seemed to be written by a 10th grader. Couldn't get past that image of some kid fervently writing while in his hoodie, chewing on twizzlers and slugging mountain dew. "Now for the love story angle..."
On to the next.
On to the next.
December 26, 2018
Engaging series
I have read the first 2 books in 3 days. I am really enjoying the storyline and pace of the book. It has a good plot with relatable characters and a good space exploration sci-fy expansion into the universe and alien species. An enjoyable read
I have read the first 2 books in 3 days. I am really enjoying the storyline and pace of the book. It has a good plot with relatable characters and a good space exploration sci-fy expansion into the universe and alien species. An enjoyable read
January 15, 2019
I have read some of his books. I enjoying with the characters, the stories. But there are few inconstancies in his stories.
He describes something, yet in the next book, that thing changes to something. No explanation why and how!
Not AMAZING!, still enjoying it.
He describes something, yet in the next book, that thing changes to something. No explanation why and how!
Not AMAZING!, still enjoying it.
September 7, 2019
Gripping
I'm enjoying the Ascension series so far, but there feels to be a lot more unspoken assumptions than in the First Colony series. Having said that, thanks Ken for keeping me entertained, and let's see what book three brings
I'm enjoying the Ascension series so far, but there feels to be a lot more unspoken assumptions than in the First Colony series. Having said that, thanks Ken for keeping me entertained, and let's see what book three brings
June 17, 2020
First contact
Good story but sometimes the writing can be sketchy rather than giving the wealth of new ideas and experiences one might expect from First Contact. Maybe this will be remedied later in this series.
Good story but sometimes the writing can be sketchy rather than giving the wealth of new ideas and experiences one might expect from First Contact. Maybe this will be remedied later in this series.
November 9, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Intrigue big time, cliffhangers abound. Will Zack win free of his current predicament and get the girl? Tune in next time sports fans for a rock em, sock em fun time in a galaxy far far away. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Intrigue big time, cliffhangers abound. Will Zack win free of his current predicament and get the girl? Tune in next time sports fans for a rock em, sock em fun time in a galaxy far far away. Thanks for a GoodRead.
December 10, 2020
Cannot wait to continue the series
After reading the ascension series 1&2,cannot wait to
Start on 3. I read a lot of sci-fi and this is by far one of the best writers I have followed in a long time. Of to series 3.
After reading the ascension series 1&2,cannot wait to
Start on 3. I read a lot of sci-fi and this is by far one of the best writers I have followed in a long time. Of to series 3.
April 22, 2021
Great follow up novel! The pace of this book was a lot faster than the first book. We finally get to see a lot of what this wide universe looks like. There is good character building and drama with the plot.
June 17, 2021
Classic Space Opera, a proper adventure only slightly marred by an unnecessary and dull love square(?) between the crew. Decent characters, simple aliens and tropes abound, making this an easy, untaxing read.
October 22, 2021
Great story
I really, really enjoyed this book. Full of action and suspense and mystery with a small love story thrown in. A very good story and I recommend it all science fiction lovers.
I really, really enjoyed this book. Full of action and suspense and mystery with a small love story thrown in. A very good story and I recommend it all science fiction lovers.
September 22, 2022
Space science fiction
In book one we discovered we were not alone. The Athena and her crew have been sent far from our star system and dumped in the middle of a conflict between other races. The universe is way larger and more diverse than we imagined.
In book one we discovered we were not alone. The Athena and her crew have been sent far from our star system and dumped in the middle of a conflict between other races. The universe is way larger and more diverse than we imagined.
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. 4 stars is a bit much, but certainly a solid 3 1/2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews