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Sean Royale is AWOL and in trouble.
Molly’s Mom is encroaching on the operation on Gaitune.
And the university is under threat from a new player in the system.
Tensions mount as secrets unfurl, culminating in Molly walking down the aisle to try and save her ruggedly handsome friend.
Meanwhile, Paige and Maya stay behind to protect the home front as best they can: with only a few yoll-aritas, and a bad boy AI to help.
There is no doubt: trouble is brewing in the Sark System.
And it’s bigger than any of them could imagine.
--- 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.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2018
283 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Ell Leigh Clarke
69 books125 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 38 reviews
June 24, 2025
Committed by Eli Clarke starts off with intriguing potential—a few chapters in and you can almost sense the momentum building. Clarke plants seeds that hint at deeper character arcs and plot turns, but unfortunately, most of them never take root.
The core issue lies in how easy everything feels. Conflicts are introduced only to be resolved with minimal resistance, and character decisions often lack the kind of emotional or psychological depth that would make their journey feel earned. There are glimmers of complexity in the setup, and you can see where the story wants to go, but the execution feels too broad and surface-level to really land.
And then there’s the ending—predictably neat, almost like the narrative couldn’t risk letting its characters deal with lingering tension. While a tidy resolution isn’t inherently bad, here it undercuts any stakes the story tried to build. It wraps up with the kind of perfect bow that leaves you unsatisfied, like watching a movie skip the third act.
That said, Clarke’s writing is clean and readable, and for readers looking for a light emotional arc with low friction, this might just be the kind of comfort fiction they enjoy. But for those seeking depth or narrative grit, Committed feels more like a missed opportunity than a memorable ride.
The core issue lies in how easy everything feels. Conflicts are introduced only to be resolved with minimal resistance, and character decisions often lack the kind of emotional or psychological depth that would make their journey feel earned. There are glimmers of complexity in the setup, and you can see where the story wants to go, but the execution feels too broad and surface-level to really land.
And then there’s the ending—predictably neat, almost like the narrative couldn’t risk letting its characters deal with lingering tension. While a tidy resolution isn’t inherently bad, here it undercuts any stakes the story tried to build. It wraps up with the kind of perfect bow that leaves you unsatisfied, like watching a movie skip the third act.
That said, Clarke’s writing is clean and readable, and for readers looking for a light emotional arc with low friction, this might just be the kind of comfort fiction they enjoy. But for those seeking depth or narrative grit, Committed feels more like a missed opportunity than a memorable ride.
July 10, 2018
WARNING: SPOILERS I gave this book a four because technically the writing in this book is still great. That being said I hate the story arc for this book. Perhaps if Katrina was a more sympathetic character or more time had been given to the interactions between Sean and Katrina I would have liked it better. I wasn't a big fan of Sean in this book either. He doesn't seem to have half the loyalty to Molly and the team as they have for him. It also seemed as if 80% of the reason that he wanted to stay married to Katrina is to use her as a buffer between himself and Molly. Molly's new power terrifies him. So, not a really a fan of this book. I do, however, love this series and am hopeful that I'll love the next book as much as I have loved the previous ones.
WARNING: SPOILERS I gave this book a four because , technically the writing in this book is still great. That being said, I hate the story arc for this book. Perhaps if Katrina was a more sympathetic character or more time had been given to the interactions between Sean and Katrina I would have liked it better. I wasn't a big fan of Sean in this book either. He doesn't seem to have half the loyalty to Molly and the team as they have for him. It also seemed as if 80% of the reason that he wanted to stay married to Katrina is to use her as a buffer between himself and Molly. Molly's new power terrifies him. So, not really a fan of this book. I do, however, love this series and am hopeful that I'll love the next book as much as I have loved the previous ones.
WARNING: SPOILERS I gave this book a four because , technically the writing in this book is still great. That being said, I hate the story arc for this book. Perhaps if Katrina was a more sympathetic character or more time had been given to the interactions between Sean and Katrina I would have liked it better. I wasn't a big fan of Sean in this book either. He doesn't seem to have half the loyalty to Molly and the team as they have for him. It also seemed as if 80% of the reason that he wanted to stay married to Katrina is to use her as a buffer between himself and Molly. Molly's new power terrifies him. So, not really a fan of this book. I do, however, love this series and am hopeful that I'll love the next book as much as I have loved the previous ones.
May 21, 2022
Wow!
Sean!
I couldn't put this one down. In fact, it's now 4.40 am here, in Wales, and I'm listening to the rooks waking up outside - noisy beggars, they are, too!
This story was, in places, laugh out loud, belly tickling, funny. It was also like a light bulb being switched on, where Molly is concerned.
I think, in all the books I've read in the series, this is the first time that Molly has reacted in a 'normal' manner. It felt strangely uncomfortable to me, I do admit.
I realised while reading, though, that I feel really sorry for Joel. He so obviously feels more for Molly than he shows, but is making sure that he's a good friend for her to lean on - now, that's some style!
But it was Sean's wedding that cracked me up. I could picture it all happening, like watching one of the old mafia films that Hollywood churned out at one time - crazy, surreal, and so, bloody, funny!!!
I'm really glad that there's more books in the series, though, as I can't even guess what the Clan are up to, and so I'm sure that Molly, and her team, will slowly, but surely, uncover what's going on with them.
Looking at my reading list, I'll be back here with Molly and Co., after the next book, which is book one of a new series, to me, called Deuces Wild.: Beyond the Frontier.
I'm looking forwards to starting that - after getting a few hours sleep, that is! Lol
Sean!
I couldn't put this one down. In fact, it's now 4.40 am here, in Wales, and I'm listening to the rooks waking up outside - noisy beggars, they are, too!
This story was, in places, laugh out loud, belly tickling, funny. It was also like a light bulb being switched on, where Molly is concerned.
I think, in all the books I've read in the series, this is the first time that Molly has reacted in a 'normal' manner. It felt strangely uncomfortable to me, I do admit.
I realised while reading, though, that I feel really sorry for Joel. He so obviously feels more for Molly than he shows, but is making sure that he's a good friend for her to lean on - now, that's some style!
But it was Sean's wedding that cracked me up. I could picture it all happening, like watching one of the old mafia films that Hollywood churned out at one time - crazy, surreal, and so, bloody, funny!!!
I'm really glad that there's more books in the series, though, as I can't even guess what the Clan are up to, and so I'm sure that Molly, and her team, will slowly, but surely, uncover what's going on with them.
Looking at my reading list, I'll be back here with Molly and Co., after the next book, which is book one of a new series, to me, called Deuces Wild.: Beyond the Frontier.
I'm looking forwards to starting that - after getting a few hours sleep, that is! Lol
April 25, 2020
Sanguine
Adding new characters can be both good and bad. Karina looks like exactly what the team needs as they take on the new Continuum. Her place in the team is a bit precarious, though. This story was a bit short, and had a long authors notes, it was 9% on the percentage bar, which is why the loss of a star. Granted, they are often very long, but as this book was the first one not in a 4 book offering, it made more of an impact. I would prefer the interplay to be in a different location, such as the fan pages. I guess I'm just old fashioned, being in the second half of my century.
I actually had to stop and make sure that if my husband had to choose between the Federation and me, let me know before hand, so I don't potentially anger the General. The bit between the parents was kinda scary and funny. Off to the next book
Adding new characters can be both good and bad. Karina looks like exactly what the team needs as they take on the new Continuum. Her place in the team is a bit precarious, though. This story was a bit short, and had a long authors notes, it was 9% on the percentage bar, which is why the loss of a star. Granted, they are often very long, but as this book was the first one not in a 4 book offering, it made more of an impact. I would prefer the interplay to be in a different location, such as the fan pages. I guess I'm just old fashioned, being in the second half of my century.
I actually had to stop and make sure that if my husband had to choose between the Federation and me, let me know before hand, so I don't potentially anger the General. The bit between the parents was kinda scary and funny. Off to the next book
June 9, 2018
KGU is an amazing universe. The stories pull you in. Only downside is they are rather short, usually only 100 pages or so. They do publish very frequently, but I would rather wait for a longer book. Due to this, the plot sometimes feels rushed towards the end, trying to tie up loose ends in a short amount of time/pages. Overall, I enjoy the series, but I would rather wait for several months and get a longer, more thorough book then get four books that only have 100 or so pages to get the entire plot tied up. I find this takes away from some really good character details, and makes them more two dimensional characters instead of fully fleshed out ones.
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.
April 2, 2018
Best one yet!
Gotta say, I love the humor in this one. Molly's parents are a blast. But really loved the whole Sean, Joel, Molly, and the whole group, they keypad me glue to the book from start to finish. Even Giles made a cameo appearance that was hilarious. (Especially if you've been reading his series too) And the author's notes are entertaining enough I would recommend reading them even if you aren't interested in the book (although I can't figure why that would be ...) If you haven't yet read them, get started on the first book, you won't regret it.
Gotta say, I love the humor in this one. Molly's parents are a blast. But really loved the whole Sean, Joel, Molly, and the whole group, they keypad me glue to the book from start to finish. Even Giles made a cameo appearance that was hilarious. (Especially if you've been reading his series too) And the author's notes are entertaining enough I would recommend reading them even if you aren't interested in the book (although I can't figure why that would be ...) If you haven't yet read them, get started on the first book, you won't regret it.
January 6, 2020
What are you writting?
Your readers aren't stupid. Why would you go to a space station you know nothing about in a area of space where you have no support. Just wanting to hook up your computer. You break into the door and kill people. What the hell. It make no logical sense. Why. They didn't attack you. They did nothing. Really these books are getting really bad. Disjointed. It's like you went what the he'll free for all I will take suspend belief to it's limits. Which is disrespectful of your readers and their trust in your huge project. Mike
Your readers aren't stupid. Why would you go to a space station you know nothing about in a area of space where you have no support. Just wanting to hook up your computer. You break into the door and kill people. What the hell. It make no logical sense. Why. They didn't attack you. They did nothing. Really these books are getting really bad. Disjointed. It's like you went what the he'll free for all I will take suspend belief to it's limits. Which is disrespectful of your readers and their trust in your huge project. Mike
March 28, 2018
Waiting on the next book
So I been waiting for Molly nine and managed to make it last two days ... To easy to read in one go , What continues is great characters , written with obvious and subtle humour and a revealing twist across the stories. So if you want a great read and some bad ass characters who stop to laugh occasionally then delve into the World of Molly but ..be warned you get hooked ..
So I been waiting for Molly nine and managed to make it last two days ... To easy to read in one go , What continues is great characters , written with obvious and subtle humour and a revealing twist across the stories. So if you want a great read and some bad ass characters who stop to laugh occasionally then delve into the World of Molly but ..be warned you get hooked ..
April 6, 2018
Not really liking the
While Sean marriage thing either. Doesn't seem consistent, but willing to see it through. I do like that this book is the point of view from Molly's team and Sean's. Also like the whole spy mom/dad thing came out. Giles needs to man up with Molly, that's actually getting boring otherwise. They are both way too smart to not realize there is something between them, coy and naive doesn't work here. More Neechie please!
While Sean marriage thing either. Doesn't seem consistent, but willing to see it through. I do like that this book is the point of view from Molly's team and Sean's. Also like the whole spy mom/dad thing came out. Giles needs to man up with Molly, that's actually getting boring otherwise. They are both way too smart to not realize there is something between them, coy and naive doesn't work here. More Neechie please!
August 17, 2019
Comic (space) opera
Sean goes off in The Scamp Princess without telling anyone so, when the Scamp comes back without him the team is worried. So off they go to search for him leaving Maya and Paige to handle the base and the University.
This all leads to some comical scenes and Molly learns some things about her parents that she didn’t know.
A great series in the KGS! For all sci-fi lovers.
Sean goes off in The Scamp Princess without telling anyone so, when the Scamp comes back without him the team is worried. So off they go to search for him leaving Maya and Paige to handle the base and the University.
This all leads to some comical scenes and Molly learns some things about her parents that she didn’t know.
A great series in the KGS! For all sci-fi lovers.
June 21, 2020
Issues needed to be discussed and explained. Learning about Molly's parents tells us (the readers) why she has made some of the decisions we didn't quite understand. I completely get it. Yes, the book wasn't as exciting as some of the others, but I finished it just as quickly as I did all the rest. Personally, I like how the characters are being explained and built upon. I recommend this book every bit as much as I have all the rest of the series.
April 6, 2022
Kidnapping, a wedding and a reunion….
It reads like a joke, but oh my goodness, this book captivates from the first word and doesn’t let go until the last. Poor Molly is having her senses blown with everything that is being thrown her way. Joel, ever faithful, stands with her and has her back. Can they find out what the heck is happening and who is behind it all, bring on the next book!
It reads like a joke, but oh my goodness, this book captivates from the first word and doesn’t let go until the last. Poor Molly is having her senses blown with everything that is being thrown her way. Joel, ever faithful, stands with her and has her back. Can they find out what the heck is happening and who is behind it all, bring on the next book!
March 28, 2018
Committed
Another excellent adventure in the Age of Expansion. Things did not go as I expected. I was quite surprised about many twists in the narrative. I am not sure I will like Sean as the series continues but I still love Molly and her group and look forward to the next installment.
Another excellent adventure in the Age of Expansion. Things did not go as I expected. I was quite surprised about many twists in the narrative. I am not sure I will like Sean as the series continues but I still love Molly and her group and look forward to the next installment.
April 13, 2018
Love it!!
I know some reviews did not like the marriage thing but I get it. Molly is looking for Sean who has disappeared and they think may be died. The University is under attack from outside sources and someone is hacking into Molly’s interests. Wonder who that could be well I am not going to say so you will have to read it to find out, so what are you waiting for!!!
I know some reviews did not like the marriage thing but I get it. Molly is looking for Sean who has disappeared and they think may be died. The University is under attack from outside sources and someone is hacking into Molly’s interests. Wonder who that could be well I am not going to say so you will have to read it to find out, so what are you waiting for!!!
February 22, 2019
It's all a misunderstanding
As political and familial issues come to a convergence it seems Molly had a lot to learn still and a lot to deal with.
This was a nice little piece as i found it a little bit easier to keep the interest going and a few twists that were very interesting.
As political and familial issues come to a convergence it seems Molly had a lot to learn still and a lot to deal with.
This was a nice little piece as i found it a little bit easier to keep the interest going and a few twists that were very interesting.
March 8, 2019
Very well written and the lives of people with whom you love
This is an awesome story with women who have had it for your life and the lives of people with whom you will come to love. This is science fiction that has it all. The very best series I've had the pleasure of reading in a while it is well written and the story line makes you want the next book very badly.
This is an awesome story with women who have had it for your life and the lives of people with whom you will come to love. This is science fiction that has it all. The very best series I've had the pleasure of reading in a while it is well written and the story line makes you want the next book very badly.
June 2, 2019
I loved this book. The wedding scene was pretty epic. I am kind of imagining a bunch of decked out swat types bashing into a church filled with people from the Godfather. It seemed hilarious. I kind of wonder who Molly will end up with. Giles or Joel? I mean Sean is taken so who is she going end up with.
October 28, 2022
Lol
Committed has so many laugh out loud moments in it that I had to put the book down and just let it wash over me several times. But poor Molly goes through hell. For a girl who has trouble dealing with and understanding emotions she is faced with every emotion you can think of. All of this leads to a great read. Enjoy!
Committed has so many laugh out loud moments in it that I had to put the book down and just let it wash over me several times. But poor Molly goes through hell. For a girl who has trouble dealing with and understanding emotions she is faced with every emotion you can think of. All of this leads to a great read. Enjoy!
May 5, 2018
Amazing (as always) !!!!
My only problem is having to wait for the next book!!! It’s like, what do you mean it’s over (for now)?!?!?! Molly is sure coming into her own; it’s a great progression. AND, it was nice to see Neechie pop up 💞 Love you guys!
My only problem is having to wait for the next book!!! It’s like, what do you mean it’s over (for now)?!?!?! Molly is sure coming into her own; it’s a great progression. AND, it was nice to see Neechie pop up 💞 Love you guys!
March 29, 2018
Yeah! Another Molly fix!
This series is fantastic; Each adventure leaves me satisfied, and at that same time waiting for more. I really enjoy the plot twists, flows naturally, but aways a surprise. Can hardly wait for the next!
This series is fantastic; Each adventure leaves me satisfied, and at that same time waiting for more. I really enjoy the plot twists, flows naturally, but aways a surprise. Can hardly wait for the next!
March 29, 2018
Very entertaining
Sean is married, did not see that one coming. Molly really upset about it, not surprising. Then bringing both of them back, surprising. What is going on back home?
Sean is married, did not see that one coming. Molly really upset about it, not surprising. Then bringing both of them back, surprising. What is going on back home?
March 30, 2018
Another great episode
Great characters and good writing. Lots happening in Molly's world and some serious revelations from her past. Going to be very interesting to see how Molly world with her mother.
Great characters and good writing. Lots happening in Molly's world and some serious revelations from her past. Going to be very interesting to see how Molly world with her mother.
June 4, 2018
Humor and Intensity
The humor keeps the intensity from being to much. I love Ell Leigh Clarke's sense of humor. Some of the scenes are so intense (but very riveting) that they make me stop breathing. The humor makes me laugh so I start breathing again.
The humor keeps the intensity from being to much. I love Ell Leigh Clarke's sense of humor. Some of the scenes are so intense (but very riveting) that they make me stop breathing. The humor makes me laugh so I start breathing again.
July 29, 2018
Well this was a horse of a different color lol. I mean Molly doesn't do emotions well lol but here we get to see several different changes in the dynamics of the team. Curious to see where this leads to.
October 22, 2018
Space opera...Mafia weddings?
That's as big a hint as you get. No spoilers, but someone is certainly off the menu!
I mean...
Come on.
Just read the damn book already. It's not often you get to hear the words "mafia wedding" in reference to Sci-Fi.
That's as big a hint as you get. No spoilers, but someone is certainly off the menu!
I mean...
Come on.
Just read the damn book already. It's not often you get to hear the words "mafia wedding" in reference to Sci-Fi.
May 27, 2023
Wow!
We have new aliens, a kidnapped damsel, wicked families, Baby Bourne cracking jokes and growing fast, a wonderful wedding, and adventures coming up! Cliffhanger not an issue, just more ahead. Getting through them fast! Easier to reread later.
We have new aliens, a kidnapped damsel, wicked families, Baby Bourne cracking jokes and growing fast, a wonderful wedding, and adventures coming up! Cliffhanger not an issue, just more ahead. Getting through them fast! Easier to reread later.
September 25, 2024
Entertaining Read
Molly's mother is trying to protect Molly. To that end she ends up creates danger for Molly and the team. Powers are working towards subverting the Sark System. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
Molly's mother is trying to protect Molly. To that end she ends up creates danger for Molly and the team. Powers are working towards subverting the Sark System. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
April 13, 2018
I love Molly and the Crew! I'm a little mad at Sean (it's like breaking up by email on the refrigerator). Bad form. Will see in the next book if it works out.
April 28, 2018
Good stuff
Sean has gone missing it is up to Molly and the team to find him! Meanwhile back home a mystery company is doing a compete takeover. This is a good story check it out
Sean has gone missing it is up to Molly and the team to find him! Meanwhile back home a mystery company is doing a compete takeover. This is a good story check it out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews