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Not everything someone sees is real. Now, both sides of the story are tested by those who hide their reasons.
For some, the reasons are good, for others not so much.
Molly, Oz, Joel, Sean, Jack and the others are back in Action, supporting the Etheric Federation to stop a planet from being destroyed. At the same time, Molly is working on a personal project to implement teaching at a higher level.
But who knew that politics ran institutions of learning?
Join our team as they go undercover, cloaked, to help save ... a world.
--- PLEASE NOTE ---
Inside this book is cursing, amusing cursing, but cursing nonetheless. If bad language offends you, perhaps this book is not for you.
Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, The Ascension Myth tells an entirely new story in the Age of Expansion--when the Etheric Empire is fast becoming the Etheric Federation with all of the trials and tribulations that come with bringing together different peoples, systems, and ideals.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2017
339 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Ell Leigh Clarke
70 books126 followersRelapsing theoretical physicist, professional geek, sci fi novelist, and Doctor Who fan.
Though she is originally from England, she is mostly what her friends call a “digital nomad”, hanging in whichever country calls to her… as long as it has good wifi, and coffee.
@ellleighclarke
Official Ell Leigh Clarke Fan Club for book discussions and shenanigans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ellle... Join Us <3
Though she is originally from England, she is mostly what her friends call a “digital nomad”, hanging in whichever country calls to her… as long as it has good wifi, and coffee.
@ellleighclarke
Official Ell Leigh Clarke Fan Club for book discussions and shenanigans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ellle... Join Us <3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 8, 2018
Aah, another epitome epistle embodiment of essence exemplification. Not a bad read either.
Seriously though, this woman is amazing. And so is Ell. Molly has matured amazingly fast…but not as fast as Ell’s writing prowess.
OK, with that much lavish pandering, I’m allowed a little criticism. Well, not really criticism but a bit of editorial elucidation…which I am certainly not qualified to do. But, as a dedicated Ell reader, I got my opinions and I’m stickin’ to it. Here goes…
1. Centuries in the future with ships run by uber-advanced AI’s, able to general space gates and with drives beyond warp, we have manual controls with buttons, switches and joysticks to, among other things, manually dodge space junk? Hmm.
2. How is it that in blushing situations, the rosiness shows up on…the chest? Maybe those envirosuits are low cut?
3. Unless the crew is on nitrous oxide inhalers, I can’t understand how they giggle, laugh and enter hysteria at minimally, mildly, moderately humorous situations (respectively speaking).
4. After reading seven books, I finally encountered an editing error. OMG!
But I relished it. I had previously complained that reading gets disrupted and eyeballs screech to a halt when Jack is followed by “she” or “her” but Book Seven hiccupped too. Yup, in one single spot, Jack was followed “his”. Ta da! And I’m not going to say where. A search for “his” is going to take even Oz a long time with lots of wrong hits.
Finally, fremdschämen
Seriously though, this woman is amazing. And so is Ell. Molly has matured amazingly fast…but not as fast as Ell’s writing prowess.
OK, with that much lavish pandering, I’m allowed a little criticism. Well, not really criticism but a bit of editorial elucidation…which I am certainly not qualified to do. But, as a dedicated Ell reader, I got my opinions and I’m stickin’ to it. Here goes…
1. Centuries in the future with ships run by uber-advanced AI’s, able to general space gates and with drives beyond warp, we have manual controls with buttons, switches and joysticks to, among other things, manually dodge space junk? Hmm.
2. How is it that in blushing situations, the rosiness shows up on…the chest? Maybe those envirosuits are low cut?
3. Unless the crew is on nitrous oxide inhalers, I can’t understand how they giggle, laugh and enter hysteria at minimally, mildly, moderately humorous situations (respectively speaking).
4. After reading seven books, I finally encountered an editing error. OMG!
But I relished it. I had previously complained that reading gets disrupted and eyeballs screech to a halt when Jack is followed by “she” or “her” but Book Seven hiccupped too. Yup, in one single spot, Jack was followed “his”. Ta da! And I’m not going to say where. A search for “his” is going to take even Oz a long time with lots of wrong hits.
Finally, fremdschämen
March 4, 2024
I like Ell Leigh Clarke’s writing style. I also realize she’s a new author honing her craft in this series.
That being said, I believe that there are positives and negatives in the series.
Positives:
She has built a strong team of characters.
Her writing style is good.
She understands the science as much as the fiction.
Her main character is growing (although it’s taking forever) lol.
Negatives:
I don’t feel like this series belongs in the Kutherian Universe. The tie in between the Sanguine Squad and the Etheric Federation just doesn’t jibe well. Also, strong secondary and supporting characters written by Michael Anderle (like General Lance Reynolds and a few Guardian characters) have had personality changes or been super watered down. This novel would be better served by either not being a part of the Etheric or by a more generic Etheric intermediary)
The relationship between Molly and Joel should be completely defined by now. The ambiguity of whether he’s a love interest or a John Grimes type character is completely frustrating as we’re 8 books in to a 12 book series.
The books pacing and transitions can be quite abrupt. They just aren’t as smooth as they could be. And it feels like the author has a ton of great ideas and is trying to put them all in at one time.
Anyway, I believe the author has a ton of potential, but writing in someone else’s universe is hard. She would be better off in her own.
That being said, I believe that there are positives and negatives in the series.
Positives:
She has built a strong team of characters.
Her writing style is good.
She understands the science as much as the fiction.
Her main character is growing (although it’s taking forever) lol.
Negatives:
I don’t feel like this series belongs in the Kutherian Universe. The tie in between the Sanguine Squad and the Etheric Federation just doesn’t jibe well. Also, strong secondary and supporting characters written by Michael Anderle (like General Lance Reynolds and a few Guardian characters) have had personality changes or been super watered down. This novel would be better served by either not being a part of the Etheric or by a more generic Etheric intermediary)
The relationship between Molly and Joel should be completely defined by now. The ambiguity of whether he’s a love interest or a John Grimes type character is completely frustrating as we’re 8 books in to a 12 book series.
The books pacing and transitions can be quite abrupt. They just aren’t as smooth as they could be. And it feels like the author has a ton of great ideas and is trying to put them all in at one time.
Anyway, I believe the author has a ton of potential, but writing in someone else’s universe is hard. She would be better off in her own.
May 12, 2022
I'm really loving this slightly more emotional Molly. It's making a huge difference, not only in her life, but for all the team. I also love the idea of her new academy, and so wish that there was something like that to teach US, here on Earth, and not only our children, what would be good for everyone, and for this ball of mud, hurtling speedily through space, around a molten ball that could fry us all in an instance - a lovely thought, not! Lol
But, getting back to Cloaked, there was something slightly different about this book, that I can't put my finger on, but it got me to thinking a lot about the subjects brought up in it.
But then, even though books are generally for entertainment, there's always something in them to make us think, isn't there?
I'm really loving this whole series, but can say, with hand in heart that, so far, this is the best of it!
So, now I've finished this book, it's time to look at my reading list, to see what book is next.
Having looked, I'm happy to say that the next story to read, is book three of the Judge, Jury, and Execution series: Serial Killer!
I hope I'm going to like this one, even though I can be terribly squeamish about this particular subject! Huge, loud, space battles? No problem! Serial Killers, though???? Hmmmmm, we'll have to see!
But, getting back to Cloaked, there was something slightly different about this book, that I can't put my finger on, but it got me to thinking a lot about the subjects brought up in it.
But then, even though books are generally for entertainment, there's always something in them to make us think, isn't there?
I'm really loving this whole series, but can say, with hand in heart that, so far, this is the best of it!
So, now I've finished this book, it's time to look at my reading list, to see what book is next.
Having looked, I'm happy to say that the next story to read, is book three of the Judge, Jury, and Execution series: Serial Killer!
I hope I'm going to like this one, even though I can be terribly squeamish about this particular subject! Huge, loud, space battles? No problem! Serial Killers, though???? Hmmmmm, we'll have to see!
June 9, 2025
In Cloaked, Ell Leigh Clarke imagines a world where everything unfolds flawlessly—almost too flawlessly. In a perfect world, everything ends perfectly, leaving little room for tension, uncertainty, or surprise. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens here: every challenge resolves neatly, every character finds their happy ending, and every conflict is smoothed over.
While that might sound like a recipe for a comforting read, it ultimately leaves the reader with little to wonder about. There’s no thrill of action or suspense, no messy consequences, and no sense of risk. Instead, reading Cloaked feels like watching a documentary about the best possible future—interesting, but lacking the emotional stakes that make a story compelling.
If you’re looking for a book that’s neat, tidy, and optimistic, this might be for you. But if you’re seeking tension, complexity, or a bit of edge, Cloaked might leave you wanting more.
While that might sound like a recipe for a comforting read, it ultimately leaves the reader with little to wonder about. There’s no thrill of action or suspense, no messy consequences, and no sense of risk. Instead, reading Cloaked feels like watching a documentary about the best possible future—interesting, but lacking the emotional stakes that make a story compelling.
If you’re looking for a book that’s neat, tidy, and optimistic, this might be for you. But if you’re seeking tension, complexity, or a bit of edge, Cloaked might leave you wanting more.
July 22, 2018
Ok, finally caught up in the main timeline with my reviews. This series is so good that you don't have time to leave things like reviews, even though you know in your heart that they are sitting by the computer waiting to see your reviews so they can write that one more chapter before sleep. If you do happen to read this Ell, Thank you so much for making all of us part of your universe and part of the crew. I just realized that I really hope that my posting all of these reviews at once does not cause an issue with KU's algorithms as they have been whacking some good authors off for violating TOS. ACK!! Going to burn some sacrificial herbs and oils to hope this does not come to pass. Now once more into the breach! Book 8 awaits!! (then back to Giles!)
March 5, 2019
Excellent series that is an offshoot of the Kurtherian Gambit series and universe. This series is a really fast read and if you liked the Michael Anderle series, then this series will help you to get your fix.
The characters develop well over the course of the series and they stay consistent with the overall theme set by Michael Anderle in the Gambit series. This series stands alone well and you don't have to have read the original series to enjoy these books.
I was glad I actually started reading them once the series was complete, it enabled me to get through the entire series in about a month. While I did miss some sleep, I don't regret it.
The characters develop well over the course of the series and they stay consistent with the overall theme set by Michael Anderle in the Gambit series. This series stands alone well and you don't have to have read the original series to enjoy these books.
I was glad I actually started reading them once the series was complete, it enabled me to get through the entire series in about a month. While I did miss some sleep, I don't regret it.
September 24, 2017
Unlike the rest of the TKG universe, this series has taken a turn toward becoming progressive message fiction. The characters are stereotypical, there is a complete lack of understanding of how finance works and an insistence on playing with themes that she don't directly impact her main characters (which seem to have become cartoon characters).
I am more than willing to indulge an author's economic fantasies as long as the story is good. I loved Heinlein and Mack Reynolds growing up. The characters and the story have to be focused.
Ms. Clarke has good intentions, but lost focus.
I am more than willing to indulge an author's economic fantasies as long as the story is good. I loved Heinlein and Mack Reynolds growing up. The characters and the story have to be focused.
Ms. Clarke has good intentions, but lost focus.
April 5, 2022
Shenanigans at its best in the author notes
OMG, I nearly peed myself laughing so hard at the author notes, you guys are hilarious… and no, I haven’t forgotten this is a book review, not an author notes review.
Sooo the book… utterly brilliant!!!!! Captures the attention from first to last word in the book. Great to see how Molly is evolving with her capability for realm walking and interaction with others. It was wonderful to see some of the crew show their capabilities on the mission without a lot of input from the boss. Now for book 8, can’t wait.
OMG, I nearly peed myself laughing so hard at the author notes, you guys are hilarious… and no, I haven’t forgotten this is a book review, not an author notes review.
Sooo the book… utterly brilliant!!!!! Captures the attention from first to last word in the book. Great to see how Molly is evolving with her capability for realm walking and interaction with others. It was wonderful to see some of the crew show their capabilities on the mission without a lot of input from the boss. Now for book 8, can’t wait.
May 24, 2023
So many threads to follow!
I skipped the authors' notes because it was an added 8 minutes and I need to go on! I have been sucked into ever corner of BA's world and Michael A's universe and his family notes over the years. I am so far behind. I had to reread the first two books from the beginning when I found MA again, and the Kutherian threads/roots seem to go on forever! Here we have Professor Von, Paige's romance, kidnapped Anne being rescued, Molly's new supergirl actions, and still more action to come. I hope Carl shows up again! Maybe go to the new university?
I skipped the authors' notes because it was an added 8 minutes and I need to go on! I have been sucked into ever corner of BA's world and Michael A's universe and his family notes over the years. I am so far behind. I had to reread the first two books from the beginning when I found MA again, and the Kutherian threads/roots seem to go on forever! Here we have Professor Von, Paige's romance, kidnapped Anne being rescued, Molly's new supergirl actions, and still more action to come. I hope Carl shows up again! Maybe go to the new university?
September 22, 2017
I love this series!
This is my favorite series aside from the main TKG. All of the characters are like real people to me, well as real as they can be but I can relate to them so well its amazing! The writing style, the characters, the universe is all so compelling that I can't put it down. Thank you Ell Leigh Clarke and Michael Anderle for this series, I think it is surpassing Tolkiens works as my all time favorites.
This is my favorite series aside from the main TKG. All of the characters are like real people to me, well as real as they can be but I can relate to them so well its amazing! The writing style, the characters, the universe is all so compelling that I can't put it down. Thank you Ell Leigh Clarke and Michael Anderle for this series, I think it is surpassing Tolkiens works as my all time favorites.
September 27, 2017
SJW SCREED INCLUDING ADVENTURE
I was enjoying the book as I have almost all of the books in this Franchise. I totally enjoyed the battle between good and evil and to see Good triumph. I started noticing far left political advocacy in certain parts of the book and it made me very uncomfortable and discouraged me from thoroughly enjoying the book. If I find that this franchise is supporting this far left agenda I will not be reading anymore of their books.
I was enjoying the book as I have almost all of the books in this Franchise. I totally enjoyed the battle between good and evil and to see Good triumph. I started noticing far left political advocacy in certain parts of the book and it made me very uncomfortable and discouraged me from thoroughly enjoying the book. If I find that this franchise is supporting this far left agenda I will not be reading anymore of their books.
February 26, 2018
Remarkable
I liked this story and the idea of educating better government and social interactions ect. The hard part is overcoming greed and selfishness that is so engrained in our society. " It's mine and you can't have any part of it. " And then some are just lazy and think they are owed every thing. So good luck with that, it really would be a great reality if it could be realized; but we are dealing with niggles here.
I liked this story and the idea of educating better government and social interactions ect. The hard part is overcoming greed and selfishness that is so engrained in our society. " It's mine and you can't have any part of it. " And then some are just lazy and think they are owed every thing. So good luck with that, it really would be a great reality if it could be realized; but we are dealing with niggles here.
February 15, 2019
Still worthwhile
Although a good story this feels a little bit less exciting, maybe because you feel we're being readied for a big reveal hmmm. Still a good story if a little flat during some moments as it feels very under control except for an occasional surprise.
If your a fan then it's all good, if your reading because your curious then I'm sure the levels of excitement will push back up again.
Although a good story this feels a little bit less exciting, maybe because you feel we're being readied for a big reveal hmmm. Still a good story if a little flat during some moments as it feels very under control except for an occasional surprise.
If your a fan then it's all good, if your reading because your curious then I'm sure the levels of excitement will push back up again.
September 19, 2017
Mighty good!
This is an entertaining series, you see a person go from just existing day to day, to becoming passionate about life. From being on the outside looking in, to being involved and even the pivot to a dynamic group, if you are tired of reading standard sci-fi and want something with a twist, this series is for you.
This is an entertaining series, you see a person go from just existing day to day, to becoming passionate about life. From being on the outside looking in, to being involved and even the pivot to a dynamic group, if you are tired of reading standard sci-fi and want something with a twist, this series is for you.
September 21, 2017
Cloaked:Age of Expansion
Well done All the series has been a fantastic ride so far.I was well and truly capture from book one. Molly and gang have been wonderful. I can not wait to see what happens next, also who else will show up. Please keep up the wonderful work. I look forward to the authors note almost A much as the book.
Well done All the series has been a fantastic ride so far.I was well and truly capture from book one. Molly and gang have been wonderful. I can not wait to see what happens next, also who else will show up. Please keep up the wonderful work. I look forward to the authors note almost A much as the book.
December 25, 2017
Brilliant!
I'm really enjoying the slow reveal of Molly's powers. Can't wait to read what happens next with the university. Molly's dream is the best! Two things I wanted to mention especially. First, how homely it is that people on Gaitune revolve around the kettle. Second, please let us see a heffalump!
I'm really enjoying the slow reveal of Molly's powers. Can't wait to read what happens next with the university. Molly's dream is the best! Two things I wanted to mention especially. First, how homely it is that people on Gaitune revolve around the kettle. Second, please let us see a heffalump!
June 17, 2020
This story had a bit more angst in it than the others, but then what is life without balance? The characters are stronger and more "alive" with each story in this series, and this one was no different. The plot is the same, yet different, to cover what the characters are experiencing. I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys right winning out over wrong.
June 3, 2023
Another great read
More than anything else, I love the banter between the authors in their notes. Putting that aside. I hope Carl figures something out and makes it back to Paige. And Molly, she is starting to sound like she can kick ass with the Queen B herself, but in a way different way.
More than anything else, I love the banter between the authors in their notes. Putting that aside. I hope Carl figures something out and makes it back to Paige. And Molly, she is starting to sound like she can kick ass with the Queen B herself, but in a way different way.
September 19, 2017
Still loving our girl
This series continues to improve and I love looking forward to reading more of Molly's Shenanigans 😉I love how the characters continue to evolve and change. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
This series continues to improve and I love looking forward to reading more of Molly's Shenanigans 😉I love how the characters continue to evolve and change. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
September 19, 2017
Great addition to the series.
Another great efforts by Ms. Clarke. Molly continues to grow and so does her team. Plenty of interesting things happen that continue to flesh out story and the characters. Looking forward the Molly's next adventure.
Another great efforts by Ms. Clarke. Molly continues to grow and so does her team. Plenty of interesting things happen that continue to flesh out story and the characters. Looking forward the Molly's next adventure.
September 29, 2017
Wonderful a action.
The best book in the series so far and I am hoping for a extended continued stories,lots more about the continue development of Molly's power's all the way to superwoman.
The best book in the series so far and I am hoping for a extended continued stories,lots more about the continue development of Molly's power's all the way to superwoman.
October 2, 2017
Another great adventure
Yes. This ones good too. Exactly like we've come to expect. Nine more words required! I'm the reader not the writer. Why do I need to write? That's the point of stars. Click on 5 and be done.
Yes. This ones good too. Exactly like we've come to expect. Nine more words required! I'm the reader not the writer. Why do I need to write? That's the point of stars. Click on 5 and be done.
October 2, 2017
Read this in a few hours. It starts off a little slow but then it picks up and keeps you involved in the story. Each book is interesting and the characters keep building and building. Can't wait for the next book.
November 5, 2017
Another fun. Romp
Kidnappings, rescues, imprisonments, and more rescues oh my. This book also introduces new characters and evolves powers of existing characters. Overall a great time.
Kidnappings, rescues, imprisonments, and more rescues oh my. This book also introduces new characters and evolves powers of existing characters. Overall a great time.
October 13, 2017
Molly Bates and company engaging multiple tasks, as usual.
The new Molly persona is a nice thing. She is more receptive to the norms of society. As in "feelings". I like the growth. I enjoyed the book.
The new Molly persona is a nice thing. She is more receptive to the norms of society. As in "feelings". I like the growth. I enjoyed the book.
December 4, 2017
Loved it!
So happy for Molly that she is getting the hang of dimension (realm) walking. Wow that was a definite ride. Action packed but not physical and the story is moving along very nicely. Looking forward to their next adventure.
So happy for Molly that she is getting the hang of dimension (realm) walking. Wow that was a definite ride. Action packed but not physical and the story is moving along very nicely. Looking forward to their next adventure.
July 20, 2018
Thank you
I'll consider the previous book as just a hiccup in an amazing set of tales. This one has, most definitely, redeemed the series. Not that it actually needed redeeming, but it's about redemption. Yes, I'm being vague. Buy the book and figure it out yourself!
I'll consider the previous book as just a hiccup in an amazing set of tales. This one has, most definitely, redeemed the series. Not that it actually needed redeeming, but it's about redemption. Yes, I'm being vague. Buy the book and figure it out yourself!
October 21, 2018
University was never so Good
An Interstellar travelling badass who happens to relax jump and develop spiritual powers decided to start a university.
And ya know what? I'd sign up for it.
Gotta un-program the military mentality somehow.
An Interstellar travelling badass who happens to relax jump and develop spiritual powers decided to start a university.
And ya know what? I'd sign up for it.
Gotta un-program the military mentality somehow.
October 30, 2022
Gets better and better
I've read this series at least twice. I like the characters growth, especially Molly. in this book , Molly starts developing her university to teach future leaders better ways to govern.
I've read this series at least twice. I like the characters growth, especially Molly. in this book , Molly starts developing her university to teach future leaders better ways to govern.
September 13, 2023
Another KGU 5 Star Tale
Ell Leigh Clarke has written another tale well worth the 5 stars I have just given it, albeit belatedly on the 4th or 5th read since originally published. Off to (re)read the next in the series with delay.
Ell Leigh Clarke has written another tale well worth the 5 stars I have just given it, albeit belatedly on the 4th or 5th read since originally published. Off to (re)read the next in the series with delay.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews