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Ascendancy #2
The Institute: Ascendancy: Book 2
The Revelation saga continues… It has been 5 years since the Revelation and Earth is now a member of the Intergalactic Confederation of Planets. Peace has broken out. Climate change has been reversed. Life expectancy has increased. Poverty has just about been wiped out. The Institute is up and running at the Embassy. Students from around the world have transferred; researchers from major Universities are doing sabbaticals. And, Confederation technology is being adapted for human use. However, the Enemy has strengthened and gained faster-than-light technology. An initial probing force is on its way, and they have learned what makes Earth so special. A massive invasion is in the works. Meanwhile, there is trouble afoot in the Confederation. Can Michael and his team prevail?
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2019
409 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
D. Ward Cornell
23 books51 followersD. Ward Cornell lives on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. His career as an engineer, consultant, and entrepreneur has taken him all over the world. Many of those places and elements of those cultures are featured in his writing.
Although still dabbling in those fields, his passion now is bring stories to life.
Although still dabbling in those fields, his passion now is bring stories to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 9, 2024
[3.5] stars rounded down in spite of the scope of the plot.
Contains all the fast-paced frenetic events unfolding just like in the first installment but the writing leaves a lot to be desired even for an indie offering.
Great story, lack-lustre characterisations except for a few stand outs and awesome scientific world-building and alien speculations contrasted with mild Mil-Sci-fi space opera vibes. Recommended... But it's a slog having to continually rehash events just described previously within the same book. Felt over explained.
Contains all the fast-paced frenetic events unfolding just like in the first installment but the writing leaves a lot to be desired even for an indie offering.
Great story, lack-lustre characterisations except for a few stand outs and awesome scientific world-building and alien speculations contrasted with mild Mil-Sci-fi space opera vibes. Recommended... But it's a slog having to continually rehash events just described previously within the same book. Felt over explained.
January 17, 2022
Very innovative, quite believable as to how first contact might happen. Many characters .
I enjoyed the concept the author presented. First contact, integration of our species and the complications that arrive. Draw back is for the story line to work there are many different individuals some major and many minor ones, can be confusing when you have to lay the book down to attend to normal life, trying to remember the individual characters at play. Other than that great read. Believers of other worlds with life will really enjoy this as well as sci-fi fans.
I enjoyed the concept the author presented. First contact, integration of our species and the complications that arrive. Draw back is for the story line to work there are many different individuals some major and many minor ones, can be confusing when you have to lay the book down to attend to normal life, trying to remember the individual characters at play. Other than that great read. Believers of other worlds with life will really enjoy this as well as sci-fi fans.
July 22, 2021
This book is VERY fast paced and intense. I sometimes had to put it down for a while to kinda catch my breath on all of the stuff going on. I liked the book but not as much as book #1. The book seemed to have a LOT of detail about happenings, kinda like it was written as a movie script. The book proceeds with meeting after meeting and new developments. But there does not seem to be a goal for all of the happenings other than the creation of a couple spaceships and staffing them with crews. Then at the end the book just stops, kinda like what we know is going to happen, i.e., there are followup books. So the story does not end or get to a good stopping point.
One big shortcoming for the book in my opinion is that although the aliens talk about a "confederation" of hundreds of planets and species, NONE of them are named. Neither the species nor their planets are named or described. Imagine what Star Trek would be like if none of the many species in that series were not named.
And I really want to know what that transluminite stuff is. There is a lot said about it but no explanation of what it is and how it works and what makes it so valuable.
One big shortcoming for the book in my opinion is that although the aliens talk about a "confederation" of hundreds of planets and species, NONE of them are named. Neither the species nor their planets are named or described. Imagine what Star Trek would be like if none of the many species in that series were not named.
And I really want to know what that transluminite stuff is. There is a lot said about it but no explanation of what it is and how it works and what makes it so valuable.
December 29, 2019
More to come
An unusual pace in which actions and reactions of characters and situations are thoroughly catalogued but it works well in building a complex and viable scene. Characters are compelling. The opposite of an apocalyptic vision, this is one full of hope. Can not wait for the next installment, and can foresee many more chapters.
An unusual pace in which actions and reactions of characters and situations are thoroughly catalogued but it works well in building a complex and viable scene. Characters are compelling. The opposite of an apocalyptic vision, this is one full of hope. Can not wait for the next installment, and can foresee many more chapters.
July 3, 2023
many repeated events
Many events occurred in the book where it was then reported in the news in the book. The event and news reporting both used the same description in detail then the same event happened to another person and that event was then reported on with the exact description. I had to skip ahead in some areas- too boring to read the same basic description over and over.
Many events occurred in the book where it was then reported in the news in the book. The event and news reporting both used the same description in detail then the same event happened to another person and that event was then reported on with the exact description. I had to skip ahead in some areas- too boring to read the same basic description over and over.
December 9, 2019
Great follow up book!
The Institute- Ascendancy is just as good as the stunning debut novel in this outstanding series. Come on, who doesn't love aliens, Avatars and great storytelling. Michael, the Avatar, is so good, kind and loving to his human wife to be. Who knew they could call in love. Certainly not Michael.
The Institute- Ascendancy is just as good as the stunning debut novel in this outstanding series. Come on, who doesn't love aliens, Avatars and great storytelling. Michael, the Avatar, is so good, kind and loving to his human wife to be. Who knew they could call in love. Certainly not Michael.
November 29, 2019
Great innovative read!
Highly recommend this series. Looking forward to the next book and technological ideas with much anticipation. Please keep it coming Mr. Cornell.
Highly recommend this series. Looking forward to the next book and technological ideas with much anticipation. Please keep it coming Mr. Cornell.
April 8, 2021
Not Your Father’s Science Fiction
The storyline has some elements common in several different sci-fi genres, covering styles from the 1950s to contemporary. There is enough here to initially be appealing for most readers though the intensity of the good vs. evil conflict has religious focus than usual. Good character development blended with reasonable and magical science advances help provide an entertaining storyline. The book resolves current story threads and provides an introduction into the next book.
The storyline has some elements common in several different sci-fi genres, covering styles from the 1950s to contemporary. There is enough here to initially be appealing for most readers though the intensity of the good vs. evil conflict has religious focus than usual. Good character development blended with reasonable and magical science advances help provide an entertaining storyline. The book resolves current story threads and provides an introduction into the next book.
June 27, 2025
Another great Ascendancy installment
I really like this series, but I couldn't help but notice an extremely important problem that wasn't even mentioned. The reduction in CO2 is, of course, of major importance, but there was no mention of our extremely polluted oceans.
Billions of tons of plastic from nanometer particals degraded from all kinds of plastic all the way up to semi truck tires are in our oceans. Add that to heavily over fished areas, and we have an urgent problem that needs fixing.
I really like this series, but I couldn't help but notice an extremely important problem that wasn't even mentioned. The reduction in CO2 is, of course, of major importance, but there was no mention of our extremely polluted oceans.
Billions of tons of plastic from nanometer particals degraded from all kinds of plastic all the way up to semi truck tires are in our oceans. Add that to heavily over fished areas, and we have an urgent problem that needs fixing.
March 26, 2023
Terrific read!
Science fiction that is a blend of the best sci-fi writers. Well developed characters from the beginning of the series. This is the first I've read by this author and I will be looking for more. This is for the reader that wants a very well told story without the hard core science and equations. Easy to understand principles that just
move the plot along. Enjoy!
Science fiction that is a blend of the best sci-fi writers. Well developed characters from the beginning of the series. This is the first I've read by this author and I will be looking for more. This is for the reader that wants a very well told story without the hard core science and equations. Easy to understand principles that just
move the plot along. Enjoy!
February 8, 2024
Reading Candy for Science Fiction Nuts
This is the first review I have ever given a book on Amazon. Seemingly, I have read hundreds. This is nicely written, solving well the vagaries of an unknown future. I would love to meet this guy and have a conversation. Probably, a criteria of mine for a good book: would I want to have a drink with the author somewhere and explore their mind?
This is the first review I have ever given a book on Amazon. Seemingly, I have read hundreds. This is nicely written, solving well the vagaries of an unknown future. I would love to meet this guy and have a conversation. Probably, a criteria of mine for a good book: would I want to have a drink with the author somewhere and explore their mind?
May 19, 2024
More trials and tribulations.
Going into this read, I was hesitant as to the expansion of the enemy. However, the human side of the progression continued in a fast paced manner similar to the first book. Also, the view into the devious galactic center was written in the manner which kept the plot exceedingly interesting.
Thanks for the great read. Another kudos as to the insight of writing the book!
Going into this read, I was hesitant as to the expansion of the enemy. However, the human side of the progression continued in a fast paced manner similar to the first book. Also, the view into the devious galactic center was written in the manner which kept the plot exceedingly interesting.
Thanks for the great read. Another kudos as to the insight of writing the book!
May 21, 2022
Another good installment to the series
The Ascendancy series is an entertaining series with an interesting plot and concept. This book moves the story development along at nice rate and builds the main characters and story line. We series meds a good solid pace and builds upon the story line from previous books. Over all a good entertaining read.
The Ascendancy series is an entertaining series with an interesting plot and concept. This book moves the story development along at nice rate and builds the main characters and story line. We series meds a good solid pace and builds upon the story line from previous books. Over all a good entertaining read.
May 2, 2023
Sigh, another war Scifi book
The first book in the series was good! At least until "The Enemy" was really introduced. Then it steadily became more and more about war.
Then this book is 100% about war and violence.
I don't understand why people are so obsessed with violence.
Write books about exploration instead!
The first book in the series was good! At least until "The Enemy" was really introduced. Then it steadily became more and more about war.
Then this book is 100% about war and violence.
I don't understand why people are so obsessed with violence.
Write books about exploration instead!
May 24, 2023
A melange of religious a imagery and scientific buzz words and scientific sounding concepts
The copious use of scientific sounding concepts such as Quantum foam and space time resonance Mixed with inside Christian mythology such as ocurances with the Sermon on the mount and catholic ideation around it. Instances of advanced aliens as manifestations as angels were exibited.
The copious use of scientific sounding concepts such as Quantum foam and space time resonance Mixed with inside Christian mythology such as ocurances with the Sermon on the mount and catholic ideation around it. Instances of advanced aliens as manifestations as angels were exibited.
August 1, 2023
Good creative story. However, I found I skipped large sections.
Pretty creative and able maintain my interest to see what happens. I lost interest in the story because of the encyclopedia style of stilted short explainations of everything that didn't really progress the main story. I'm not sure I'll finish the series.
Pretty creative and able maintain my interest to see what happens. I lost interest in the story because of the encyclopedia style of stilted short explainations of everything that didn't really progress the main story. I'm not sure I'll finish the series.
February 12, 2025
Better than book one
The various threads of this story, the sheer volume of characters, the wisdom and humanity of the Ambassador and his crew elevate this book to5 stars. You may need a spread sheet to track it all.
The Enemy, who must not be named, needs development. I’m sure it’s coming in the next book.
The various threads of this story, the sheer volume of characters, the wisdom and humanity of the Ambassador and his crew elevate this book to5 stars. You may need a spread sheet to track it all.
The Enemy, who must not be named, needs development. I’m sure it’s coming in the next book.
December 25, 2020
Great sequel. I particularly enjoyed the integration of human bureaucracy, subterfuge, economics, and culture into a future of benevolent (apparently) aliens and FTL travel. Starting the next book later today.
January 16, 2021
Exciting adventure!
This book keeps you going with just enough memory refreshing from the first book.
Great adventure, wonderful characters, and enough excitement to make you get excited about the next book.
This book keeps you going with just enough memory refreshing from the first book.
Great adventure, wonderful characters, and enough excitement to make you get excited about the next book.
March 11, 2021
If our 1st contact would work out so well.
A fast read. A page turner. A positive look at the results of a caring advance culture guiding humans to a better future. A good story. Will continue to follow the series.
A fast read. A page turner. A positive look at the results of a caring advance culture guiding humans to a better future. A good story. Will continue to follow the series.
April 9, 2021
Excellent Story but
This story of some Aliens using human Avatars and bringing Earth into the Galactic Confederation is a very interesting entertaining read. My BUT is the five year gap between books, but it was absolutely fantastic nonetheless.
This story of some Aliens using human Avatars and bringing Earth into the Galactic Confederation is a very interesting entertaining read. My BUT is the five year gap between books, but it was absolutely fantastic nonetheless.
March 31, 2022
Detail
I am torn. On the one hand these books are wonderful in the amount of detail and character development, on the other hand this adds a lot of text. It could be I am just used to a faster pace in today's world? In any case I like this series.
I am torn. On the one hand these books are wonderful in the amount of detail and character development, on the other hand this adds a lot of text. It could be I am just used to a faster pace in today's world? In any case I like this series.
January 24, 2023
Very interesting
Kept my interest most of the time. There were moments early on that were too repetitious, but suddenly things got moving along.
Looking forward to the next adventure!
Kept my interest most of the time. There were moments early on that were too repetitious, but suddenly things got moving along.
Looking forward to the next adventure!
February 27, 2023
raising up a space force
Enjoyed the different characters and how they worked together to create a viable community of protectors for earth and increasing the ability to travel through space.
Enjoyed the different characters and how they worked together to create a viable community of protectors for earth and increasing the ability to travel through space.
February 21, 2024
Wow I love these books
Thank you for a very fun book these characters become family as we move the books. I am Very happy to see that I can keep on reading thus truly is a joy to end my day by reading such fun books Thanks again to Edward Cornel
Thank you for a very fun book these characters become family as we move the books. I am Very happy to see that I can keep on reading thus truly is a joy to end my day by reading such fun books Thanks again to Edward Cornel
Read
June 9, 2020Book was very good. Am half way through book 3. I would recommend Book 2 to anyone. It is very engaging. The plot is super .. so engaging. I really liked all the characters.
April 20, 2021
Very entertaining read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it to anyone that likes space opera type of books.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it to anyone that likes space opera type of books.
February 12, 2022
Point of view
I love this story as it's being told from the alien perspective. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I love this story as it's being told from the alien perspective. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
March 30, 2022
Exciting book.
I like the way the storyline goes from revelation to showing what humanity has to offer. Humans are really nosy and wanting to do things easy, fast and affordable.
I like the way the storyline goes from revelation to showing what humanity has to offer. Humans are really nosy and wanting to do things easy, fast and affordable.
September 20, 2022
This entire series is exceptional. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading a Future Earth story with Rodenberry-esque optimism instead of the usual dystopian hysteria.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews