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Ascendant Chronicles #1

Project Atlantis

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A secret branch of the U.S. government has found pyramids on Callisto, a Jupiter moon. They are etched with ancient hieroglyphs that no one can understand -- no one but archaeologist Kaden Jaxx. What's more, the pyramids are giving off energy. Lots of energy. Enough to power half of the United States.

But Jaxx discovers his Black Ops bosses are hiding an Earth-shattering truth -- an ancient civilization may still be on that moon. And a secret launch to that moon is imminent.

Jaxx hires a brilliant but impulsive reporter who digs into the agency's mandate. When they learn too much, the hunt is on: they're on a government hit list and are now trapped in a race against time to blow the lid off the secret plans, save themselves, and maybe even mankind.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2017

792 people are currently reading
513 people want to read

About the author

Brandon Ellis

71 books106 followers
Brandon Ellis was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up on the outskirts of the city in a little town known as Gladstone, where he graduated high school and moved on to college. After studying Therapeutic Bodywork at East-West College of the Healing Arts, he excelled in his field, becoming one of the Pacific Northwest's leading Therapeutic teachers and bodywork professionals. After several years, the love for writing tugged at his heart so much that he decided to put things aside and live his passion - write. He's now fashioning story after story, creating imaginative worlds of inspiration and art.

The PureLights of Ohm Totem

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5 stars
233 (39%)
4 stars
187 (32%)
3 stars
103 (17%)
2 stars
42 (7%)
1 star
18 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
37 reviews
November 8, 2017
I am struggling with this book, and probably won't finish it.

On the plus side, the premise is wonderful and fascinating. This, plus the decent blurb and $.99 price convinced me to make the purchase.

However, I ran into trouble within the first few chapters. Immediately, the first big reveal was too unbelievable. Not the Big Mystery itself, not entirely. But that it was discovered the way it was. It was silly. The current-day US technology was just silly. And the author robbed himself a delicious plot line.

Also in the first few chapters, an archaeologist doing work in a way NO archaeologist would or could or would ever be allowed. Working on a site that could not possibly be called by the name given by the author. And working on a theory that would not be described in the way the author describes it. I was an archaeology major, worked on a dig, and studied the area the author describes. I love science fiction that stretches the bounds of current theory of ancient civilizations, and can suspend my disbelief. But the author needs to make some effort in researching the subject matter.

But I go back to the fact that the author came up with a good premise.
Profile Image for William Fulton.
36 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2017
Ok the concept was good but fragmented to the point of becoming uninteresting at quite a few points in the book. Way to many major plot lines after reading it felt like this should have been three sifrenr books about three sifrenr things. Most importantly I am going to read number 2 so I did get invested enough to put myself through another....
Profile Image for Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime.
5,639 reviews330 followers
March 6, 2018
Review: PROJECT ATLANTIS by Brandon Ellis
(ASCENDANT CHRONICLES BOOK 1)

Thrillers need to start with a strong reader's hook; PROJECT ATLANTIS zooms into space with powerful impact, riveting readers to the page. As a born conspiracy theorist, I reveled in the multiple layers of conspiracy riddled throughout the plot, cheering on several characters, wishing others would just disappear. PROJECT ATLANTIS is meta-sci fi thriller--so much is delved into: astrophysics, space travel, space battle, the Solar System, aliens, geology, Atlantis, Pyramids...The author has a wide-ranging imagination and a thirst for research and knowledge (rather like protagonist Kaden Jaxx) and he delights to share it with readers. Now, on to Book 2!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,865 reviews69 followers
May 7, 2018
Project Atlantis - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Jon, Paul and Tansho are part of an interplanetary mission to Jupiter's unexplored moon Callisto.
They are stunned when their explorer satellite TECS IV sends back photos showing jet fighters on a landing-strip near pyramids, which seem to be an exact copy of those on Earth in Egypt! Their commander Colonel Slade Roberson, brings in an expert archaeologist, Kaden Jaxx to translate the hieroglyphs that adorn one of the pyramids. Jaxx reveals they are 'instructions' for using the pyramids as a massive power source, which would greatly benefit humanity.

What is Project Atlantis? Who does Jaxx believe built the pyramids on Callisto? What is their link to pyramids on Earth? Why does Jaxx go to Grenada? Where does he go next and for what reason?
What other message do the hieroglyphics reveal? What does Jaxx remember during hypnotherapy?
Why doesn't he believe what's revealed? What is the relationship between Jaxx and Slade?

When Jaxx relates his beliefs about the Atlantean civilization and its links to other pyramid structures across the globe, he puts his credibility and possibly his life in danger in this fascinating
what if....? alternative possible future reality thriller by Brandon Ellis, that's sure to be a winner!
4,469 reviews21 followers
September 21, 2017
What a great story. It had it all - mystery, military secrets, scientists vs the military, underground installations, space ships, and pyramids on a Jupiter moon. Some parts made me laugh and some made me think. Spent most of the book trying to figure out who were really the bad guys and who were the good guys. And who was crazy and who was not. Thought it would be over the top tin foil hat crazy kind of story but was not. How the story was written made me almost believe it could happen. Once I started it I had to see how it would end. Would I find out how put the pyramids on Earth and Jupiter's moon. The story flipped between different characters points of views and odd things popped up to keep me reading to see what would happen next. Really had to see what Slade needed Jaxx for. After the first few chapters I was hooked and read it all in one sitting. So many questions left unanswered so cannot wait to see what book 2 brings. I honestly really liked the story. Felt it was a different kind of story then the usual and that worked for me.
Profile Image for Jim.
1,229 reviews50 followers
August 22, 2018
Well, this is a new author to me and a new series. I wasn’t sure what this was going to be about, but the cover made the book look interesting. Overall, it was very interesting and I’m ready to read book two.

Kaden Jaxx is an archeologist researching ancient pyramids in a remote part of South America (I think). He’s a professor of archeology and has published papers that are very controversial in the archeology world. He is expounding a theory that the ancient pyramids are actually power focusing sources built by the ancient Atlantean's. They had math and science skills far in advance of even modern day man, but that was all lost when Atlantis was destroyed.

He’s just seen a military helicopter land in his vicinity and a guy name Colonel Slade Roberson approaches him and tells Kaden that he must go with him. He doesn’t actually say where or why, but he’s very insistent so Kaden grabs his bags and heads for the helicopter. Kaden is soon taken to a secret underground facility located somewhere near the island of Grenada. There he is shown some wondrous things that he can barely comprehend. A group of scientist and archeologist like him are studying holographic images of pyramids and they need him to help decipher some of the script writings.

The only thing strange about this secret setup is that the images they were viewing holographically came from a satellite orbiting a moon of Jupiter, Callisto, to be exact. Kaden Jaxx has no idea how they got the photos, but he’s very curious as to how there are pyramids on Callisto that look exactly like the ones on Earth. He doesn’t trust Colonel Slade, but he soon finds out that his feelings towards him were correct. Slade needs Kaden because he seems to be the only archeologist on Earth that can actually read the symbols on the sides of the pyramids.

Then we also find out that something far more sinister is hidden from everyone on Earth. There seems to be a Secret Space Program (SSP) that is well advanced in technology already functioning in space. The members of the SSP are humans and they have been in space for a long time. In fact, Colonel Slade apparently was a member of the SSP and so was Kaden Jaxx, but he cannot remember ever doing anything remotely like that.

So, there are a lot of mysteries that have to be solved in this book. Just who is Kaden Jaxx and why does his name show up on one of the Callisto pyramids. This is going to be one wild read. Some of it makes sense and some doesn’t. Fortunately, book two is already out so I’m heading for it now.
70 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2019
This a very mind-stretching book, very intriguing as well, it will definitely keep you reading and thinking. I do have to agree slightly with another reviewer, there are a lot of story arcs, and subplots in this book. That is part of the mind-stretching, however, that just means that you have to pay attention to what you are reading. I would definitely suggest putting aside several hours to read this book, and eliminate all distractions while reading this book. While there may be a few aspects of this story that are iffy, to me they were very minor and did not distract from the overall story. As it seems to be the norm in Science Fiction Stories these days, this story also blurs the line between good and evil. In fact, due to all of the twists and turns, and permutations in this book, I am not exactly sure who the Good Guys are. I have a fair idea, but until I read more I am not going to carve that in stone. The author definitely keeps you on your toes with his writing, especially his changes of direction. I also must admit that I have gone back to re-read sections, because I thought that I had missed something. The characters are true to life and are continually developing, they almost jump off the pages. I actually feel as if I am in the scenes as I am reading. I will definitely be reading Book Two as soon as possible. I only gave the book Four Stars due to its complexity, however, don't let that stop you from reading this excellent book!
I received this book as a free copy, however, this review is completely voluntary, and I am receiving no remuneration for writing this.
Profile Image for Alex (Bri's Book Nook).
805 reviews22 followers
March 16, 2018
Kaden Jaxx is invited to a secret branch of the government. This branch has discovered pyramids on Callisto, a moon of Jupiter, and they are etched with ancient hieroglyphs. Jaxx can understand the hieroglyphs, and so they want him to go and translate, hopefully discovering why there is so much energy there. However, when he joins the team, he realizes that there are many things about the government and about his life that he does not know. 

He asks a family member to do research for him even as he is trapped at the base. As things start to get even more heated, both Jaxx and his family member are under attack by the government. 

Usually, when I come to science fiction novels, I am wary. Some of them are far too technical for me to enjoy. This book is a little technical, but it is definitely not too technical to enjoy. 

The plot of the story moves quickly, and the storyline is enjoyable, not "fake". Jaxx and his nephew get into trouble a lot as they fight the government, and the government doesn't seem to do anything too dumb to give them an easy win. Instead, both sides are just as smart, and they have equally intricate and unique battles. The worldbuilding is also semi-realistic. All of these things make up this great science fiction novel. 

I only wish that the story hadn't felt a little rushed at the end. I wanted to know more about the space program, but I will definitely have to read the next book in this series to find out. 

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth not completely technical science fiction novel. 
Profile Image for Lisa Denn.
510 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2018
I mostly consume cozy mysteries although I do enjoy a good fantasy story from time to time as well. The PureLights Of Ohm Totem also written by Ellis was my only prior experience with the author so I wasn't totally in the dark when it came to what to expect when I opened my eReader to the first page of Project Atlantis.

Project Atlantis is the first book in Brandon Ellis' science fiction (aka sci-fi) series the Ascendant Chronicles. For those unfamiliar with the sci-fi genre - as I was before reading Project Atlantis - books in this genre tell a tale using advanced science and technology, time travel, spaceflight and/or extra-terrestials to entertain the reader.

Ellis totally nails it in terms of descriptive writing. His words conjured up clear images ofthe fictional world where his story takes place.

As for the characters again I give BIG kudos to Ellis! The characters' movements, choices, dialogue, internal thoughts were all believeable and moved the story along at a nice pace.

Not a big fan of conspiracy theories BUT the role it plays in the book is handled nicely and adds some necessary intrique without drama to the story.

All in all Project Atlantis looks to be a great start for the author's sci-fi series the Ascendant Chronicles. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Barbara.
93 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2018
Pure Sci-fi with a bit of conspiracy theory thrown in. Yeah, the government is run by a bunch of crazies and then we have the underground (both dark web and ultra-crazy government), explains why we prefer to hide our heads in the sand.

Pretty good character development, there are a couple of characters who seem kind of "flat." However, since they are "main"-ish characters, I expect I will find out more about them in later books. While I do enjoy each chapter told from a different character, some of the chapters ended a bit abruptly. Usually, however, you don't have to wait until that character's chapter comes around again to figure out what happened. There were seemingly a few too many plot lines for the story, but since it is a series, that can be forgiven since the trend in writing today is to never tie up a plot line in the first book.

While there are a couple typos (spelling errors, grammar errors), there isn't enough to detract from the story.

Even though I did give it a 3* rating, I will continue to read through the series, because I want to know what happens to a few of the characters.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest copy.
53 reviews
July 22, 2019
Let me just start by saying that I love sci-fi. And as a kid I was captivated by the adventures of Indiana Jones. As I grew older, my imagination was stoked by incredible sci-fi shows like Star Trek and Stargate. For as long as I can remember, I've read books across all genres but almost always come back to sci-fi; be it military, space opera or other sub-genres. This book combines a number of different genres, and I think it works brilliantly. It combines great writing with what might come across as outlandish theories on climate science, the origins of the human race, and the construction of the pyramids. Of course there will always be people who find those things distasteful because of their personal beliefs. But for me, everything makes sense. The characters are believable, the science is plausible and the dialogue is decent. Yes, there is some strong language throughout so probably not a book for those who find that distasteful. But, I really don't mind that so much. If you like modern day sci-fi thrillers with twists, turns, political maneuvering and more, then this is definitely the book for you!

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review
369 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2017
I give this book 4.5 star's.
I just didn't like the story jumping around between all the characters. I know the Author​​ wants everyone to tell his or hers side and what they are doing. It would of been better after 5 or 10 characters not every few chapters. But everything else was great. All the characters are well developed. Can't get bored reading this so much going on.
I dislike Rivkah if she can feel or read people after what happen to her. Why is she acting that way toward Kaden when he doesn't remember anything. I truly believe she was misled and the lie to her. I hope she's in book 2 and finds out how wrong she was about him. Which I'll be reading next. I hope drew gets his justice after what happen to his mother. See like I said so much going on can't get bored from this book keeps you on you're toes lol. And the details.. ( Is big deal for me! ) you did amazing job with all the details during this book. You put whole lot of heart into it!.


I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for an honest opinion
Profile Image for Shirley .
80 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2018
Project AtlantisThis book has everything. A secret project within the government. New discoveries are made on a far moon that appears inhabited by a race from earth. Kaden Jaxx, an archaeologist, is kidnapped by the US Government Safety Administration. He has written many papers and books on the Atlantiaen's civilization and how they were more technologically advanced than we were. The chance to make a name for himself is alluring, but the more involved he is the sketchier things look. Will he go to the new moon? What is General Slade Issac Roberson's role, is he a good guy or not? So many characters to explore and keep track of. All the characters have different agenada's and Brandon Ellis does a great job exploring all the aspects of the characters and keeping the plot interesting.
This is a great read.
Profile Image for David Campbell.
314 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2019
This book reads like fan fiction or conspiracy theory. It jumps all over the place and makes too many crazy plot leaps.

I think it's set in the "current day". But there's also this Secret Space Program (actual name...) that has some sort of advanced tech fighting various aliens (with lasers and magic ESP/telepathy). The main characters are all part of that or a spin off group, so they know about aliens. Yet somehow they can't believe that someone built pyramids on a moon in the solar system.

Based on the premise, I was hoping for Stargate or Indiana Jones in Space. What I got was a fanfic episode of Ancient Aliens from the history channel with as much logic and reason as that implies. (And I say this as a fan of sci-fi and fantasy. You can world build nearly anything, but this attempt was a failure)

My guess is that most of the positive reviews are from people who think the pyramids are controlling the weather or volcanos. I don't know.
Profile Image for William.
184 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2019
What I liked best about this book is how plausible the behaviors are of the various characters and the organizations they represent.
With all of the distrust we have today about our governments, and major corporations (business and social), the behaviors driving the activities in this book are easily accepted. Not only that, but much of the technology depicted here is currently being investigated. So much of Sci-Fi becomes Science Fact in shorter and shorter intervals.
This is a great first book in what promises to be an exciting series. I consider myself fortunate to have discovered this when several of the books in the series have already been written. For someone like myself, who reads many books in the same genre, I won't have to wait and play "catch-up" as subsequent books are published. I can read each book without interruption. You will appreciate this as well if you're just starting this series.

Review by THE HOLEY ONE
2,000 reviews37 followers
January 11, 2020
Project Atlantis is a well written science fiction story with lots of interesting characters and a complex backstory with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.
I loved it, right up until the very end when it became obvious that there would be absolutely no resolutions offered in this one. It's the first of a series, and if you're willing to commit to a multi volume story arc, finding out whether Drew's mother is really dead, which side of the family Uncle Jaxx is actually related to, who set up the Jupiter base and a whole lot of other mysteries is an investigation that will likely, eventually, provide you with plenty of rewarding reading.
On the other hand, if you're a one and done reader who likes a nice, tidy package of rewards at the end of your read, this definitely isn't the story for you, because by the end of this one, almost everything is "to be continued".
Profile Image for Monica Mac.
25 reviews
March 30, 2024
needs a lot of work

To be fair, it could be that this authors writing style is just not for me. There wasn’t a lot of character development or world building. I kept reading, hoping I would be given a reason to like the main character or that the author would explain the setting. The main character acts like a lot of things are normal that make no sense in real life. If you are going to introduce this, you need to do “world building” I honestly got tired of trying to figure out what was going on. When you read a book, good story telling is “the author telling us what is going on” I left it at 2 star because I’m sure he tried, I think he probably had a bad editor or beta readers.
258 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2021
I so thoroughly enjoyed this book! With the pace of things, sometimes I felt like I was going down the rabbit hole different times with both Kaden's story of what has happened to him and who these people really are, and with his nephew Drew Avera and how he's coping with everything with the use of his usual hit from drugs. The fast-paced wording of this story has kept me enthralled. When I got to the end of Chapter 53, I just kept trying to turn the page for more. I just didn't want this story to end where it did. I am definitely hooked on this series and can't wait to read Book 2. Thanks for such fantastic writing Brandon Ellis.
Profile Image for Adam Keith Thornhill.
16 reviews
February 28, 2018
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this novel... No! I loved this novel. The concept is old but the deliverance is unique. Atlantis being an advanced Civilization before our time is old but when mixed in with science fiction, conspiracy theories, government espionage and some action makes this an exceptional read. The novel even has some aspects of self discovery and remembering ones past, coupled with intriguing characters, this is a read that should not be put down. Thank you Brandon Ellis for this exceptional read.
Profile Image for Tim Cahoon.
40 reviews
May 1, 2018
Interesting storyline

I liked the overall premise of the story. I plan to read the next one. I didn’t really care for the military leaders. Spade and Fox are just too homicidal to be at the level they are at. They alternate between we need you, we are your friend, so if you don’t cooperate we will kill you flip flops. There is also too much blow them up First attitudes for a starship admiral. Maybe Star Trek spoiled me. Still the story line is good and I want to find out more
Profile Image for John F. Wells Jr..
190 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2019
Just one small break, even a little one.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, I believe this is my first read by Brandon Ellis but it won't be my last. The direction and structure of the story is well done and the characters are really strong with a lot of emotion. There is a lot hatetred with a couple people in this book but for very good reason. I'm a firm believer in karma so I'm hoping somewhere in this series a little vengeance will be taken out on a couple of characters who deserve it. Read the books because they are great reads and will hook you fast.!
75 reviews
March 1, 2018
Brandon Ellis has given us a bonifide killer read. Part conspiracy, part action adventure, part space opera all mixed together to create one magnificent read. Now most of his characters are interesting because they don’t know who they really are. The plot has more twists and turns than a Tilta-whirl.
Brandon’s storyline is quirky as he pulls one rabbit out of his hat with every plot twist.
Gotta read his next book soooooonnnnn.......
146 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2018
If you want hard sci-fi and lots of proven facts then this book isn't for you, but if you want a good light fun read then Brandon Ellis with this book gives you just that and more. An amusing and entertaining book that ties Atlantis, the pyramids, space travel, global warming and government conspiracy all in one book.
A departure from the books I normally read this book kept me thoroughly entertained and I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for Brad.
699 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2018
This was an exciting and interesting read. While racing through a series of adventures, we get to know a lot about the main characters. The premise requires a little leap of faith, but diving in is rewarding.

This is clearly part of a series. The ending is really the end of Act 1 rather than an end to a story. Basically, it provides a satisfying introduction to a different reality or maybe our own reality. :)
Profile Image for Paula.
1,319 reviews48 followers
March 11, 2018
I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, especially the back and forth between Jaxx and Slade. These made for some laugh out loud moments in their dialogue exchanges. I liked the nod Mr. Ellis did throughout the book by naming characters after other Sci Fi authors, rather clever. There were some great intense scenes and good pacing throughout the storyline. Now on to Book 2, Destination Atlantis!
1,184 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2019
Book is OK, too many threads somewhat confusing.

I enjoyed the story somewhat. Too much going on from present time to flashbacks. Too many threads and too much gobbledygook about pyramids. As I always said this is a first book in the series so it may be a little slow, at least it was to me not too keen on the characters as of yet but the premise is intriguing enough for me to read the next book in the series.
1 review
October 31, 2017
Seems I'm bucking the trends here, but I really struggled to finish this book. The basic idea is good, but the convoluted story twists, the odd typo (there, their) and the grammatical errors really annoy me.
It reads like a "young adult" story, which if it wasn't for the odd bit of swearing it could be. I doubt if I will read the next instalment, but then I might be missing out as the writing improves...
So basically not my cup of tea, but I can see how it would appeal to a lot of people.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2017
Great story

A great story with a great cast of characters. I love sci-fi that is earthbound and uses bit of history and math and lower to enter twine into the story. And you can never go wrong with Atlantis thrown in. And entertaining story with action a few twists and plenty of tech. Well worth the read
Profile Image for PJ Lea.
1,064 reviews
February 4, 2018
📚📚📚📚📗

I read an article recently about the connection between pyramids and volcanoes, this book uses that information in a fantastic way. There's a mass of interconnected stories going on but it never gets confusing. It's a great story well researched. Using the names of many other authors was an interesting touch.
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