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Ascension Gate #1
Star Forged
Semper Fi, Do or Die, the Marines say. But superpowers have changed the equation.
Gunnery Sergeant Trent Helms wanted to be among the first Marines through the gateway to the stars. But as they say, no plan survives first contact. There was definitely no plan to become super-powered and discover the deadliest threat ever known.
Back on Earth, Intel Agent Shrina Collins will do whatever it takes to see the threat extinguished, but discovers a government conspiracy that changes everything. Now it's up to these two to save the universe, or watch as it unravels.
Earth’s first journey through a gateway to the stars unlocks a great evil, but equally great potential.
Fans of Stargate and Dragonriders of Pern will love this first book in the Ascension Gate series.
Gunnery Sergeant Trent Helms wanted to be among the first Marines through the gateway to the stars. But as they say, no plan survives first contact. There was definitely no plan to become super-powered and discover the deadliest threat ever known.
Back on Earth, Intel Agent Shrina Collins will do whatever it takes to see the threat extinguished, but discovers a government conspiracy that changes everything. Now it's up to these two to save the universe, or watch as it unravels.
Earth’s first journey through a gateway to the stars unlocks a great evil, but equally great potential.
Fans of Stargate and Dragonriders of Pern will love this first book in the Ascension Gate series.
- GenresScience Fiction
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2018
649 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Justin Sloan
152 books208 followersJUSTIN SLOAN wrote video games before becoming a full-time author, with credits on such games as Game of Thrones, Tales from the Borderlands, Walking Dead, and Marvel and mobile games. Now you can find his military science fiction and space superheroes books on Amazon, KU, and Audible.com. He taught Muay Thai kickboxing and Marine Corps Martial Arts, and can play three songs on the bagpipes. Justin holds advanced degrees in international relations/economics and creative writing. Oh, and he acted in movies for a bit - all small roles though.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 22, 2019
“As far as he was concerned, he was home.”
I am snagged!
What wonderfully logical detail...exciting storytelling and moving characterization, there was so much more to this story.
State of the art high tech, astounding and fantasyland-style aliens, incredible magical like powers...this is fascinating! Although Biotech Wars Series would be a good background to this series, the author expertly flash backs to give us an insight of past events. There are so many unsuspecting twists and surprising turns, the storyline kept me glued to the book, without any respite, not even for the protagonists. I like the way the plot evolves from three points of view, it makes it more intense, knowing how they all are going through. A thought provoking, fast paced and thrilling installment! I highly recommend it! Next, Star Legacy #2!
I am snagged!
What wonderfully logical detail...exciting storytelling and moving characterization, there was so much more to this story.
State of the art high tech, astounding and fantasyland-style aliens, incredible magical like powers...this is fascinating! Although Biotech Wars Series would be a good background to this series, the author expertly flash backs to give us an insight of past events. There are so many unsuspecting twists and surprising turns, the storyline kept me glued to the book, without any respite, not even for the protagonists. I like the way the plot evolves from three points of view, it makes it more intense, knowing how they all are going through. A thought provoking, fast paced and thrilling installment! I highly recommend it! Next, Star Legacy #2!
August 23, 2018
Having more than one MC can work, in this case it didn't feel like it did. Trent was initially introduced as "the marine", with shrina being "the agent". Then we get Espinoza thrown in aswell, also as "the Marina" ending up with a double booking for that role.
You could combine both characters into one and the story would just be that much better for it. The way it turned out it ended up pointless, annoying and more. Either one of them had no reason to exist and just ended up splitting the plot in more ways than necessary.
You could combine both characters into one and the story would just be that much better for it. The way it turned out it ended up pointless, annoying and more. Either one of them had no reason to exist and just ended up splitting the plot in more ways than necessary.
August 24, 2021
*Not a Full/Formal Review*
Just reader notes. This is terrible, the beginning is so slow, even when there's a supernatural-maybe attack at the beginning, the way it's written the scene is without any sense of urgency. This seems to be of the "it doesn't have to make sense, it's fiction!" school of writing, or perhaps Justin Sloane is sci-fi's version of Jerry Cole (which was honestly my first thought seeing his numerous titles and unskilled writing.)
Beautiful covers. Too much poorly written nonsense instead of actual, you know, science fiction when I was really in the mood for some good sci-fi. Or even mediocre sci-fi.
Just reader notes. This is terrible, the beginning is so slow, even when there's a supernatural-maybe attack at the beginning, the way it's written the scene is without any sense of urgency. This seems to be of the "it doesn't have to make sense, it's fiction!" school of writing, or perhaps Justin Sloane is sci-fi's version of Jerry Cole (which was honestly my first thought seeing his numerous titles and unskilled writing.)
Beautiful covers. Too much poorly written nonsense instead of actual, you know, science fiction when I was really in the mood for some good sci-fi. Or even mediocre sci-fi.
January 27, 2020
Interesting twist on your standard military space opera fare
Nice combination of scifi space opera and fantasy
Not having read much Justin Sloan I found the author's take on scifi and fantasy compelling. IMHO I would read the Biotech war series first for background (although it isn't required)
Nice combination of scifi space opera and fantasy
Not having read much Justin Sloan I found the author's take on scifi and fantasy compelling. IMHO I would read the Biotech war series first for background (although it isn't required)
April 9, 2020
An exciting sand entertaining read
This book follows three different individuals/groups. Their stories seem to be interrelated, although they do not come together in this book. The characters are well-developed, full of excitement, mystery, and surprises. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the others in the series.
This book follows three different individuals/groups. Their stories seem to be interrelated, although they do not come together in this book. The characters are well-developed, full of excitement, mystery, and surprises. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the others in the series.
November 17, 2018
A good read
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed the read. There is a series that could be a prequel to this book but like me i will let you read this book then like me you can ponder which way to go. Do you go to book two or to the books that could be the prequel. I can't tell which way I am going as I am still struggling with the decision. Read enjoy and work out which way to go lol
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed the read. There is a series that could be a prequel to this book but like me i will let you read this book then like me you can ponder which way to go. Do you go to book two or to the books that could be the prequel. I can't tell which way I am going as I am still struggling with the decision. Read enjoy and work out which way to go lol
June 17, 2018
Great story
Interesting all the way through, next book should be amazing. Love the jamie hawk mention.
Very mysterious antagonists, haven't caught on to them yet.
Interesting all the way through, next book should be amazing. Love the jamie hawk mention.
Very mysterious antagonists, haven't caught on to them yet.
July 21, 2018
A great scifi read by a master of many stories. Intriguing,impossible to stop reading
July 23, 2018
Wow
Wasn’t sure how this one was going to work out but so glad I stuck with it. Great read I can’t wait for the next one!!
Wasn’t sure how this one was going to work out but so glad I stuck with it. Great read I can’t wait for the next one!!
January 28, 2019
Good book to get.
At times the book is some times a little strange the way it goes along, but I find it interesting to read and enjoy reading it.
At times the book is some times a little strange the way it goes along, but I find it interesting to read and enjoy reading it.
February 12, 2020
Exactly what to expect from Justin Sloan
I read all the prequels and this new series is the logical next step. Can't wait to read the next in this series
I read all the prequels and this new series is the logical next step. Can't wait to read the next in this series
July 11, 2021
A good plot and character development ruined with extraneous material that takes away from the story. SPOILER ALERT in details following.
The story revolves around trying to reach another planet through a "portal." Probes have been sent and return positive information, though the probes themselves never make it back. Instead of sending the single ship with people to visit and return they are sending a fleet of ships with scientists and soldiers. When the portal is opened and the ships are ready to launch another group of people attack and attempt to take over the ships and fly to the new world and claim it for themselves. From there things get unnecessarily weird with the attackers having glowing red eyes and vampire like teeth, things degenerate from there with magic shape shifters that do not follow logical concepts that have developed over the past half a century such as shape shifters cannot change mass. Bites from the "vampire like," people being deadly either killing people outright or changing them into vampire analogs. This is too much for most people to suspend belief on. Definitely not buying the sequels.
The story revolves around trying to reach another planet through a "portal." Probes have been sent and return positive information, though the probes themselves never make it back. Instead of sending the single ship with people to visit and return they are sending a fleet of ships with scientists and soldiers. When the portal is opened and the ships are ready to launch another group of people attack and attempt to take over the ships and fly to the new world and claim it for themselves. From there things get unnecessarily weird with the attackers having glowing red eyes and vampire like teeth, things degenerate from there with magic shape shifters that do not follow logical concepts that have developed over the past half a century such as shape shifters cannot change mass. Bites from the "vampire like," people being deadly either killing people outright or changing them into vampire analogs. This is too much for most people to suspend belief on. Definitely not buying the sequels.
December 13, 2021
The series overall is pretty meh (through 4 books). The writing is not great and the characters are not complex. The story follow 3 MCs, Shrina, Trent and Espanoza on three different planets giving us information is the smallest amounts possible. Not sure why there was three, two would have been fine... or maybe even one.
Some of the main things that happen either progress slowly or very quickly. MC is possessed in one paragraph and breaks free in the next. Why? No idea. Some sort of handwavyam happens. Frankly the story feels like it was written from a computer game plot that is being told in cut scenes.
There was an interesting discussion where a character mentions Jamie Hawke books... who seems to be Justin Sloan's real name. Funny, arrogant, yet somewhat brilliant. I didn't know this, but the writing style probably is better suited to litrpg and humorous harem romps instead of military scifi.
Semper Fi!
Some of the main things that happen either progress slowly or very quickly. MC is possessed in one paragraph and breaks free in the next. Why? No idea. Some sort of handwavyam happens. Frankly the story feels like it was written from a computer game plot that is being told in cut scenes.
There was an interesting discussion where a character mentions Jamie Hawke books... who seems to be Justin Sloan's real name. Funny, arrogant, yet somewhat brilliant. I didn't know this, but the writing style probably is better suited to litrpg and humorous harem romps instead of military scifi.
Semper Fi!
July 17, 2022
Great read and a really cool way to twist fantasy and sci-fi together. Loved this book
I had read books one through three before book 4 had come out and had forgotten all about it and then going through my books cuz I keep buying books when they're on sale. Realized I had a bunch more books in the series now so I cracked open for this morning and just finished it tonight and what a good read it was.. genetic modification, magic science fiction. All things I love to read about woven really well into a great story. This was a fun book and then some. Can't wait to crack the next one. Open and read it
I had read books one through three before book 4 had come out and had forgotten all about it and then going through my books cuz I keep buying books when they're on sale. Realized I had a bunch more books in the series now so I cracked open for this morning and just finished it tonight and what a good read it was.. genetic modification, magic science fiction. All things I love to read about woven really well into a great story. This was a fun book and then some. Can't wait to crack the next one. Open and read it
March 9, 2021
Has promise, but execution is jumbled.
I want to like the book. There are elements that I believe are well done, but that is destroyed by the structure. After reading from beginning to end I am left having no idea what is happening. There appears to be 3 or 4 unrelated storylines that are randomly intermixed, and everything predicates on something that happened in the past but is not detailed or explained. As it's a multi book series, maybe focus on one storyline for each book.
I want to like the book. There are elements that I believe are well done, but that is destroyed by the structure. After reading from beginning to end I am left having no idea what is happening. There appears to be 3 or 4 unrelated storylines that are randomly intermixed, and everything predicates on something that happened in the past but is not detailed or explained. As it's a multi book series, maybe focus on one storyline for each book.
November 6, 2021
What a mix of genres! What started as military Sci-fi quickly descended into horror fantasy. Vampires? Really? But then there was the riding on dragons in space and shooting golden laser beams from your hands? Really? Completely lost me. I guess I can only suspend my disbelief so much.
The prose was fine. The split of 3 different points of view (Trent, Shrina, & Espinoza) could've worked had it been done properly (still don't know who Espinoza is). But the story itself was just too far-fetched for me.
Found it lacking - 2 stars
The prose was fine. The split of 3 different points of view (Trent, Shrina, & Espinoza) could've worked had it been done properly (still don't know who Espinoza is). But the story itself was just too far-fetched for me.
Found it lacking - 2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
I didn't read what the book was about (other than the cover told me it was military syfy) and was glad I didn't. Most of the book surprised me from the first page to the last. This is not the type of story I usually read, but it worked and I liked it. There was much more to the book that the cover didn’t clue me in on. I found this ebook for free during a promotion and this is an honest, yet none descriptive review.
June 21, 2018
Not for me as it skipped between three different character perspectives in three different areas, so while you were more knowledge about what was happening at once you also kept getting pulled into different sub-plots. Sadly by halfway through the book I was ready just to call it quits because I felt I kept getting dragged around without learning much of anything.
July 25, 2018
Enjoyable, but too much going on.
I enjoy the premise of the book. Who can’t like super soldiers Allah captain America. What confused me is who is the hero, you had three simultaneous stories going on which was very confusing. Do I root for all three protagonist? As I said the book was enjoyable I will wait and read the next one.
I enjoy the premise of the book. Who can’t like super soldiers Allah captain America. What confused me is who is the hero, you had three simultaneous stories going on which was very confusing. Do I root for all three protagonist? As I said the book was enjoyable I will wait and read the next one.
November 4, 2020
Who’s, was not expecting that!
I read the prequel story first and really enjoyed it. I thought this was book two in that series, but wow, I was not expecting space dragons, vampire like critters, or a black dragon transformation. Well, now I have to go back to the prequel series before moving on in the Assension Gate series. Great read!
I read the prequel story first and really enjoyed it. I thought this was book two in that series, but wow, I was not expecting space dragons, vampire like critters, or a black dragon transformation. Well, now I have to go back to the prequel series before moving on in the Assension Gate series. Great read!
December 8, 2021
A three POV story.
A group of people have been 'enhanced' in preparation for 'gate' space travel. Just before they are to leave, creatures start attacking. 2 of the characters are transported to different planets along with some others. A third person is enhanced and joins a force working to defeat the creatures on Earth.
It's a part story but enjoyable anyway.
A group of people have been 'enhanced' in preparation for 'gate' space travel. Just before they are to leave, creatures start attacking. 2 of the characters are transported to different planets along with some others. A third person is enhanced and joins a force working to defeat the creatures on Earth.
It's a part story but enjoyable anyway.
June 18, 2018
Very good start to a possible outstanding series
The start of tales involving DNA, weapons, magic (higher tech), sex, space, etc what more do you need like I said ha the makings of an outstanding space opera thanks Mr Sloan
The start of tales involving DNA, weapons, magic (higher tech), sex, space, etc what more do you need like I said ha the makings of an outstanding space opera thanks Mr Sloan
March 19, 2021
Fantastic
Well not my usual type of sci-fi never had one mixed with fantasy like this so it has been a pleasant change to read and to find myself wanting more.. Book 2 is already downloaded and ready to be read. Well worth 5 stars
Well not my usual type of sci-fi never had one mixed with fantasy like this so it has been a pleasant change to read and to find myself wanting more.. Book 2 is already downloaded and ready to be read. Well worth 5 stars
June 1, 2021
Decent story
This definitely a setup book. One that doesn't stand on its own. There is a lot of setup for the series in this book. There is action but even it is geared towards the series. Yet it is well put together and fun to read.
This definitely a setup book. One that doesn't stand on its own. There is a lot of setup for the series in this book. There is action but even it is geared towards the series. Yet it is well put together and fun to read.
June 29, 2021
Worth 10 stars
It’s going to be impossible to not read on. Reaching the end of Star Forged was gasp worthy. This is a most epic story, combining many threads with breathtaking characters. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
It’s going to be impossible to not read on. Reaching the end of Star Forged was gasp worthy. This is a most epic story, combining many threads with breathtaking characters. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
December 13, 2022
Well, it started out really well.
Then it went downhill.
Probably my fault for expecting the story to go where it didn't, but I'm not a big vampire guy, so stories of such really don't interest me.
Sorry, but no, won't be continuing with this series I don't think.
Then it went downhill.
Probably my fault for expecting the story to go where it didn't, but I'm not a big vampire guy, so stories of such really don't interest me.
Sorry, but no, won't be continuing with this series I don't think.
June 24, 2018
Keep it coming
An interesting concept, keeps us guessing, characters are just like us, flawed and conflicted. They are just human or are they?
An interesting concept, keeps us guessing, characters are just like us, flawed and conflicted. They are just human or are they?
July 2, 2018
Not bad
But it lost its 'just on the side of possible' that kept the Biowars credible, it crosses over into Fantasy, kind of a pity as the transition is to jarring.
But it lost its 'just on the side of possible' that kept the Biowars credible, it crosses over into Fantasy, kind of a pity as the transition is to jarring.
July 6, 2018
Excellent
Excellent space marine story, fast paced with plot twists galore! I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
Excellent space marine story, fast paced with plot twists galore! I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
December 26, 2019
Very captivating book - SiFi space military with aliens thrown it to make it more interesting. Can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews