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The Ascendance Series #2
Every Star a Song
Jay Posey returns with the much-anticipated second installment of the critically acclaimed Ascendance series following a powerful woman who can destroy planets with a single word but who is suddenly faced with an adversary that threatens the entire universe.
Far in the future, human beings have seeded themselves amongst the stars. Since decoding the language of the universe 8,000 years ago, they have reached the very edges of their known galaxy and built a near-utopia across thousands of worlds, united and ruled by a powerful organization known as the Ascendance. The peaceful stability of their society relies solely on their use of this Deep Language of the cosmos.
Elyth—a former agent of the religious arm of the Ascendance, The First House—is on the run after the events of Every Sky a Grave, when she and the fugitive Varen Fedic exposed the darker side of Ascendance hegemony on a planet called Qel. Though she just wishes to put the past (and Varen) behind her, she is soon tracked and cornered by the Ascendance agents. Surprisingly, they aren’t there for punishment. Instead, they offer her a deal in exchange for her help in exploring a new planet that seems to have appeared out of nowhere. If she agrees, her sins against the Ascendance and the First House will be forgiven.
Elyth reluctantly agrees to join the team of elite agents (including some former allies-turned-enemies) but almost as soon as they touch down on the planet’s surface, things start to go awry. Strange sounds are heard in the wilderness, horrifying creatures are seen stalking the forests, and even the landscape itself seems to change during the night.
But as expedition members start dying, two things become the planet is conscious, and it’s trying to kill them.
Far in the future, human beings have seeded themselves amongst the stars. Since decoding the language of the universe 8,000 years ago, they have reached the very edges of their known galaxy and built a near-utopia across thousands of worlds, united and ruled by a powerful organization known as the Ascendance. The peaceful stability of their society relies solely on their use of this Deep Language of the cosmos.
Elyth—a former agent of the religious arm of the Ascendance, The First House—is on the run after the events of Every Sky a Grave, when she and the fugitive Varen Fedic exposed the darker side of Ascendance hegemony on a planet called Qel. Though she just wishes to put the past (and Varen) behind her, she is soon tracked and cornered by the Ascendance agents. Surprisingly, they aren’t there for punishment. Instead, they offer her a deal in exchange for her help in exploring a new planet that seems to have appeared out of nowhere. If she agrees, her sins against the Ascendance and the First House will be forgiven.
Elyth reluctantly agrees to join the team of elite agents (including some former allies-turned-enemies) but almost as soon as they touch down on the planet’s surface, things start to go awry. Strange sounds are heard in the wilderness, horrifying creatures are seen stalking the forests, and even the landscape itself seems to change during the night.
But as expedition members start dying, two things become the planet is conscious, and it’s trying to kill them.
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First published October 19, 2021
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About the author
Jay Posey
16 books346 followersJay Posey is a professional typist with a face for radio and a voice for print. He’s the author of the Legends of the Duskwalker trilogy (novels, THREE, MORNINGSIDE FALL, and DAWNBREAKER), and the military science-fiction novel OUTRIDERS, all published by Angry Robot Books.
He's also Expert Narrative Designer at Ubisoft/Red Storm Entertainment, where he has spent over a decade contributing as a writer and game designer to top franchises like Tom Clancy’s award-winning Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, as well as several top secret projects he's not allowed to talk about.
He blogs occasionally at jayposey.com and spends more time than he probably should hanging around Twitter as @HiJayPosey.
He's also Expert Narrative Designer at Ubisoft/Red Storm Entertainment, where he has spent over a decade contributing as a writer and game designer to top franchises like Tom Clancy’s award-winning Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, as well as several top secret projects he's not allowed to talk about.
He blogs occasionally at jayposey.com and spends more time than he probably should hanging around Twitter as @HiJayPosey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 6, 2022
Read: 30th of June, 2022
1st edit: 12062022
This is a Sci-fi Fantasy that reads like a thriller. Jay Posey does a much better job of describing necessary details within this book than the prior installment.
I did enjoy the first book but the major turn-off was its lack of details in describing the world-building. I was pleasantly surprised that I found this sequel as enjoyable as I did considering I rated the first installment, Every Sky a Grave 3 stars (which means I might not give it another go sometime later).
That said, the plotline was as captivating as ever, the writing equally as good. The story begins some three years after the end of the first and follows Elyth as she uncovers what happens when a mission to a ''newly'' discovered planet fails. A really engaging read, recommended.
1st edit: 12062022
This is a Sci-fi Fantasy that reads like a thriller. Jay Posey does a much better job of describing necessary details within this book than the prior installment.
I did enjoy the first book but the major turn-off was its lack of details in describing the world-building. I was pleasantly surprised that I found this sequel as enjoyable as I did considering I rated the first installment, Every Sky a Grave 3 stars (which means I might not give it another go sometime later).
That said, the plotline was as captivating as ever, the writing equally as good. The story begins some three years after the end of the first and follows Elyth as she uncovers what happens when a mission to a ''newly'' discovered planet fails. A really engaging read, recommended.
November 9, 2021
I received this book from the publisher in return for a review. All my reviews are honest!
Every Sky a Grave was my first read by Jay Posey, and I really enjoyed it, despite the rather slow middle.
Posey is an incredibly skilled wordsmith. In fact, the prose is what I liked most about The Ascendance Series. It's descriptive and at times, it was like reading poetry. It's obvious that every word is chosen with care.
The Deep Language is such a clever idea. As a reader, the fact that language is essentially unlimited power in this world won me over.
Overall, the world building is intricate and creative, reminding me of the epic scope in Alastair Reynold's work (especially House of Suns). While Posey took great care in developing his setting throughout the first book, the world building takes a backseat in the second book. Every Star A Song is much more fast-paced - there is no slow middle - and almost the entire book is filled with action instead.
It definitely makes for an easier read.
The protagonist, Elyth, is a smart, knowledgeable and curious woman. She's intelligent and I quickly found myself rooting for her. She's fiercely independent, loyal at first but grows into her own during the first book.
In Every Star A Song, Elyth has to give up some of her independence and work together with a team to solve the mystery of the planet that has appeared seemingly out of nowhere. The supporting cast is made up of intriguing characters, and I enjoyed the dynamics among the rather uneasy companions.
I recommend The Ascendance Series to all science fiction fans who don't mind a touch of fantasy in their books.
Every Sky a Grave was my first read by Jay Posey, and I really enjoyed it, despite the rather slow middle.
Posey is an incredibly skilled wordsmith. In fact, the prose is what I liked most about The Ascendance Series. It's descriptive and at times, it was like reading poetry. It's obvious that every word is chosen with care.
The Deep Language is such a clever idea. As a reader, the fact that language is essentially unlimited power in this world won me over.
Overall, the world building is intricate and creative, reminding me of the epic scope in Alastair Reynold's work (especially House of Suns). While Posey took great care in developing his setting throughout the first book, the world building takes a backseat in the second book. Every Star A Song is much more fast-paced - there is no slow middle - and almost the entire book is filled with action instead.
It definitely makes for an easier read.
The protagonist, Elyth, is a smart, knowledgeable and curious woman. She's intelligent and I quickly found myself rooting for her. She's fiercely independent, loyal at first but grows into her own during the first book.
In Every Star A Song, Elyth has to give up some of her independence and work together with a team to solve the mystery of the planet that has appeared seemingly out of nowhere. The supporting cast is made up of intriguing characters, and I enjoyed the dynamics among the rather uneasy companions.
I recommend The Ascendance Series to all science fiction fans who don't mind a touch of fantasy in their books.
November 6, 2021
4.25 / 5 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
I was kindly furnished an advance copy in return for a fair and honest review. Many thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Please beware minor spoilers for Every Sky a Grave—Ascendance Book #1
Elyth was once of the House of Ascendance—but that was a long time ago. She now lives her life as an Exile, constantly on the run from the Ascendance and Hezra agents trying to capture her—or worse.
For a while, she is able to keep one step ahead, but those times are over. Cornered on a backwater planet at the galaxy’s edge, Elyth is taken, but not as a prisoner. Instead, the Empire offers her a choice.
A planet has appeared out of nowhere, following Qel like a shadow. This planet has no mass, follows no orbit, and one day simply popped into existence with no warning. In short, it shouldn’t exist. But it’s very much real. This has been verified by a prior Ascendance team sent to the world to investigate. A team which never returned.
And herein lies Elyth’s bargain: help the Hezra explore the new planet and unravel its mystery and all her past sins will be forgiven. She can rejoin the Ascendancy, or return to her quiet life, but with no more fear of capture. The Empire will leave her alone, for good or ill. Or… she can refuse the mission and will be given a day’s head start.
Reluctantly Elyth agrees to accompany the team, but the mission appears doomed from the start. Upon touching down on planet at the scene of the last mission’s disappearance, they are confronted with… nothing. No sign anyone has ever set foot on the planet, let alone a spacecraft has landed there. Shortly after, the noises begin. Strange knocking from all around. Then the creatures appear; creatures that have never been seen before. And then expedition begins to lose members—in the most horrific ways possible.
It soon becomes clear that the planet knows they’re there, and it means to kill them.
This book takes place three years removed from the events of Every Sky a Grave, but as if those years had passed in the blink of an eye. Other than an offhand comment that she has spent the years on the run from the Ascendancy, there’s nothing about how Elyth has spent the time. Indeed, after the first few chapters, everyone seems to forget that it’s been three years at all. It could’ve been yesterday for all that the story is concerned. I would’ve like to see a flashback of her on the run, a memory, a lesson, a thought—something. But we don’t. Every Star a Song begins a new adventure and—while we continually come back to the events on Qel that brought us to this point—isn’t interested in revisiting the past. Not any more of it, at least.
There are some holes; some flowery writing that serves no purpose other than to fill space; not to mention a few contradictions. Mostly though, Every Star a Song tells an immersive, thrilling story that just drags the reader along for the ride kicking and screaming. I spent more than a few nights planning to cap my reading at the end of a certain chapter, only to carry on through it when something exciting or mysterious or unforeseen occurred at the conclusion of the one prior. Then I’d end up staying up way too late and be bleary-eyed in the morning. And do it all over again the next night. This story is not a hard one to read—nor fall in love with—despite my gripes with how it started.
The mystery is well explained in the end, and thoroughly mysterious and exciting every moment on the way through. Up to the final pages it still kept me guessing, and even delivered a final twist at the very end (not a cliffhanger, just a surprise). It’s a bit reminiscent of the first in the series, yet Every Star a Song blows that away in terms of pace, action, and excitement. Where Every Sky a Grave had some trouble deciding what it wanted to be, this knew the whole time. It’s an excellent read, despite its flaws. I’ve no problem recommending it!
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
I was kindly furnished an advance copy in return for a fair and honest review. Many thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Please beware minor spoilers for Every Sky a Grave—Ascendance Book #1
Elyth was once of the House of Ascendance—but that was a long time ago. She now lives her life as an Exile, constantly on the run from the Ascendance and Hezra agents trying to capture her—or worse.
For a while, she is able to keep one step ahead, but those times are over. Cornered on a backwater planet at the galaxy’s edge, Elyth is taken, but not as a prisoner. Instead, the Empire offers her a choice.
A planet has appeared out of nowhere, following Qel like a shadow. This planet has no mass, follows no orbit, and one day simply popped into existence with no warning. In short, it shouldn’t exist. But it’s very much real. This has been verified by a prior Ascendance team sent to the world to investigate. A team which never returned.
And herein lies Elyth’s bargain: help the Hezra explore the new planet and unravel its mystery and all her past sins will be forgiven. She can rejoin the Ascendancy, or return to her quiet life, but with no more fear of capture. The Empire will leave her alone, for good or ill. Or… she can refuse the mission and will be given a day’s head start.
Reluctantly Elyth agrees to accompany the team, but the mission appears doomed from the start. Upon touching down on planet at the scene of the last mission’s disappearance, they are confronted with… nothing. No sign anyone has ever set foot on the planet, let alone a spacecraft has landed there. Shortly after, the noises begin. Strange knocking from all around. Then the creatures appear; creatures that have never been seen before. And then expedition begins to lose members—in the most horrific ways possible.
It soon becomes clear that the planet knows they’re there, and it means to kill them.
This book takes place three years removed from the events of Every Sky a Grave, but as if those years had passed in the blink of an eye. Other than an offhand comment that she has spent the years on the run from the Ascendancy, there’s nothing about how Elyth has spent the time. Indeed, after the first few chapters, everyone seems to forget that it’s been three years at all. It could’ve been yesterday for all that the story is concerned. I would’ve like to see a flashback of her on the run, a memory, a lesson, a thought—something. But we don’t. Every Star a Song begins a new adventure and—while we continually come back to the events on Qel that brought us to this point—isn’t interested in revisiting the past. Not any more of it, at least.
There are some holes; some flowery writing that serves no purpose other than to fill space; not to mention a few contradictions. Mostly though, Every Star a Song tells an immersive, thrilling story that just drags the reader along for the ride kicking and screaming. I spent more than a few nights planning to cap my reading at the end of a certain chapter, only to carry on through it when something exciting or mysterious or unforeseen occurred at the conclusion of the one prior. Then I’d end up staying up way too late and be bleary-eyed in the morning. And do it all over again the next night. This story is not a hard one to read—nor fall in love with—despite my gripes with how it started.
The mystery is well explained in the end, and thoroughly mysterious and exciting every moment on the way through. Up to the final pages it still kept me guessing, and even delivered a final twist at the very end (not a cliffhanger, just a surprise). It’s a bit reminiscent of the first in the series, yet Every Star a Song blows that away in terms of pace, action, and excitement. Where Every Sky a Grave had some trouble deciding what it wanted to be, this knew the whole time. It’s an excellent read, despite its flaws. I’ve no problem recommending it!
October 27, 2021
There's a kind of open jawed debut which feels common in science fiction at the moment. A self-contained novel which does decent complex world building, introduces a well fleshed out protagonist and possibly some universe shaking along the way. Every Sky A Grave, the previous book by Jay Posey was exactly that kind of book - there was an ending which was final enough but left characters in flux. As I got near the end of the book (or the percentage ran down in this case), it was clear that not every mystery would be solved, the galactic tyrants would still be in place and our genocide-monger who had belatedly discovered that destroying planets might actually be a bad thing, was on the run. It could have ended.
Every Star a Song therefore felt a little artificial as a follow-up, not least as it packs the genocide background that Elyth the lead has in a tidy box. Instead it produces a discrete new adventure (vaguely linked to the previous one) and a different kind of book. Here she is slotted into a fellowship of uneasy companions to solve a mystery – a planet has appeared out of nowhere and is acting even stranger than a planet just appearing out of nowhere. Every Sky A Grave spent much of its time in Elyth’s head, so it is interesting to see here in a group, it sandpapers off some of the more unique aspects on the previous book, but does make it consistently exciting read (even if the mystery character reveals in the middle and at the end are pretty obvious in a Galaxy that seems to have only twenty characters). It also continues its “sci-fi that is actually a fantasy” theme, the Deep Language (with which Elyth could destroy a planet with a word) is still employed as magic here, and spaceships, blasters and robots just act as need be. There is a creepiness though to much of the action which was appreciated.
The sequel to anything surprising will always be less novel, and in trapping the lead on a planet with no escape and a small team Posey did not have to do any additional filling in on the blanks of his seeming space Utopia. But I appreciate that instead time has been spent on characters, and action – which unpacks the underlying themes. I can’t say I was shocked by the ultimate ending, which considering where the book started I should have been, but unlike Every Sky A Grave, this book needs and will be getting a sequel to tie off its loose ends. There is a bit of “putting people in place” going on, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the journey.
Every Star a Song therefore felt a little artificial as a follow-up, not least as it packs the genocide background that Elyth the lead has in a tidy box. Instead it produces a discrete new adventure (vaguely linked to the previous one) and a different kind of book. Here she is slotted into a fellowship of uneasy companions to solve a mystery – a planet has appeared out of nowhere and is acting even stranger than a planet just appearing out of nowhere. Every Sky A Grave spent much of its time in Elyth’s head, so it is interesting to see here in a group, it sandpapers off some of the more unique aspects on the previous book, but does make it consistently exciting read (even if the mystery character reveals in the middle and at the end are pretty obvious in a Galaxy that seems to have only twenty characters). It also continues its “sci-fi that is actually a fantasy” theme, the Deep Language (with which Elyth could destroy a planet with a word) is still employed as magic here, and spaceships, blasters and robots just act as need be. There is a creepiness though to much of the action which was appreciated.
The sequel to anything surprising will always be less novel, and in trapping the lead on a planet with no escape and a small team Posey did not have to do any additional filling in on the blanks of his seeming space Utopia. But I appreciate that instead time has been spent on characters, and action – which unpacks the underlying themes. I can’t say I was shocked by the ultimate ending, which considering where the book started I should have been, but unlike Every Sky A Grave, this book needs and will be getting a sequel to tie off its loose ends. There is a bit of “putting people in place” going on, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the journey.
November 6, 2021
REVIEW: Don’t read the full blurb for this one – it contains far too many spoilers regarding Elyth’s initial adventures. And if you have picked this one up without having first read Every Sky a Grave, it’s not a major problem. Some time has passed since the events of the first book, and Posey is sufficiently skilled that you can quickly work out what is going on without needing to know about Elyth’s previous adventures. That said – I think this is an outstanding series, so I’d advise that you read it, anyway.
As with the first book, I was struck by Elyth’s nuanced and subtle characterisation. She is very capable, but spends a lot of time quietly observing from the sidelines – and such characters are tricky to write. It’s all too easy to make them appear overly passive, or plain boring and Elyth is neither. It doesn’t hurt that once again, I was swept up in the cracking story, full of adventure and tension. Which meant I wasn’t sure exactly what was going on for a large portion of the book – other than it wasn’t anything good…
But who is responsible? Could it be the recklessly dangerous Varden? Or maybe one of the scarily clever scientists working for the ruthless organisation partly responsible for running the Ascendance. And amongst the elite team put together to investigate this latest crisis were some thoroughly likeable people who I didn’t want to see either hurt, or find out they’re the villains. Posey’s vivid descriptions of the rogue planet brought the landscape to life in all its threatening beauty. And he has the knack of writing routine so that it’s still gripping, which gives the action scenes extra shock value when they appear to come from nowhere.
All in all, this was an outstanding read. I got to the point where I had nearly finished the book and I didn’t want such a thoroughly satisfying reading experience to end – and that’s when I know I’m in the middle of something special. Very highly recommended for all science fiction readers – and those who enjoy a gripping adventure. While I obtained an arc of Every Song is a Star from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
As with the first book, I was struck by Elyth’s nuanced and subtle characterisation. She is very capable, but spends a lot of time quietly observing from the sidelines – and such characters are tricky to write. It’s all too easy to make them appear overly passive, or plain boring and Elyth is neither. It doesn’t hurt that once again, I was swept up in the cracking story, full of adventure and tension. Which meant I wasn’t sure exactly what was going on for a large portion of the book – other than it wasn’t anything good…
But who is responsible? Could it be the recklessly dangerous Varden? Or maybe one of the scarily clever scientists working for the ruthless organisation partly responsible for running the Ascendance. And amongst the elite team put together to investigate this latest crisis were some thoroughly likeable people who I didn’t want to see either hurt, or find out they’re the villains. Posey’s vivid descriptions of the rogue planet brought the landscape to life in all its threatening beauty. And he has the knack of writing routine so that it’s still gripping, which gives the action scenes extra shock value when they appear to come from nowhere.
All in all, this was an outstanding read. I got to the point where I had nearly finished the book and I didn’t want such a thoroughly satisfying reading experience to end – and that’s when I know I’m in the middle of something special. Very highly recommended for all science fiction readers – and those who enjoy a gripping adventure. While I obtained an arc of Every Song is a Star from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
November 4, 2021
I'll admit I'm at a bit of a disadvantage since this book is #2 in a series and I did not read the first one. But it's a peeve of mine when authors totally expect you to have read a previous title and do nothing to clue you in as to what is going on. In this case he immediately launched into a bunch of typical Sci-Fi babble about rival governments, religious orders, cosmic skills and a multitude of other things that left me scratching my head. Of course there are odd, made-up names and titles. A prologue of some sort would have been nice. I had to read a summary of the first book to even get a hint of what the universe (literally) was surrounding this story.
It also struck me as borrowing a lot of details and plot points from many other things I've read over the years. I kept thinking, "Oh that's just like..." and "So and so did that in his book." Modern Sci-Fi is not nearly as creative as it was in days past, in my opinion.
So unless I find the time and inclination to read the first book in this series, I'm going to set this aside.
It also struck me as borrowing a lot of details and plot points from many other things I've read over the years. I kept thinking, "Oh that's just like..." and "So and so did that in his book." Modern Sci-Fi is not nearly as creative as it was in days past, in my opinion.
So unless I find the time and inclination to read the first book in this series, I'm going to set this aside.
October 10, 2021
The first book in this series was impressive, but this second one is absolutely fabulous. I just could not put it down and yet I wanted to make it last longer. Now I am anxiously awaiting for the next one. If you like science fiction and space adventures this is a must for your reading list. It does remind me of the bene geserit sisterhood in Frank Herbert’s Dune. And, like Dune, could well end up being a classic of the genre.
November 4, 2021
Every Sky a Grave was a book that I’d picked up on a whim because the premise intrigued me, and it ended up being a fantastic and incredibly surprising read. I hadn’t known quite what to expect, and I was blown away – and what I particularly enjoyed about it was the writing and the use of language. In my mind, that is where the heart of this series lies – in language, and how it can be used and how it can be corrupted and this sequel which has the challenge of following on from a strong debut stays true to that essence but takes a different approach which also polishes some aspects and shows just what Posey is capable of.
In Every Star a Song follows a separate storyline, although the connections were there – and what I particularly enjoyed about this one is that it opens up the world through the characters. Elyth is a fantastic character, and I was glad to see her again. She underwent a lot of growth throughout the first book and had really come into her own. In Every Sky a Grave the story was primarily focused on her, but in Every Star a Song this viewpoint expands as we have her working with a group of people, although she still dominates the story – but this wider perspective is both refreshing and also allows us to see different sides of Elyth as well. But, it was through the rest of the team that she was working with, that I felt we really got to see Posey’s characterisation skills at play.
There is a small cast of characters, but it is very much a case of quality over quantity, and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of the new characters, and I liked that it took time for the team to come together. They had a shared goal – along with the shadow of the threat of a previous expedition team that had disappeared, but they were still strangers and had to learn to work together. It felt very natural watching them coming together as the story progressed, with ups and downs – distrust and betrayal, and very human emotions in those kinds of situations getting in the way, before giving away to a team that had a wonderful dynamic and some great banter towards the end.
‘“I don’t believe I’d like to come back this way,” he said.
“I don’t believe I want to come this way a first time,” Korush said from the opposite side.’
It’s hard to choose a favourite from the new characters, and especially because I love Elyth so much as a character. However, if I had to choose one I’d probably choose Varen because he just had such a wonderful charm and so much depth to him. He was the character that certainly caught me by surprise the most, and I absolutely loved his interactions with Elyth especially towards the end of the book – although boy did it twist my heart in wonderful and painful ways.
‘…she’d been certain that she would find him standing in its midst, his schoolboy grin greeting her with a mischievous did I do that? glint in his eye.’
While the characters have expanded, the setting itself was a lot more focused and lay in the background in this book. The worldbuilding had been established in Every Sky a Grave – and was fantastically done, and I did love returning to the Deep Language and just that exploration of what language can do – and here, beyond some exploration of Qel’s Shadow and the immediate setting, it took on a supporting role. I think this worked really well, especially with the expansion of the cast, and because it helped move away from one of the few things that I had found was a problem with the first book, which was the pacing being slowed a little too much in places by the description. Here Posey has found a wonderful balance between the description of the world, the characters and the action, and it made for a book that flowed beautifully from start to finish and had me on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion.
The ending was powerful – and I was holding my breath for the last ten per cent, and it really showed Posey’s skill with balancing action and emotion, and here was where we got to see Deep Language at its best. It’s also the strongest reminder that this series treads the boundary between SciFi and Fantasy, and it just worked so well that I had to go back and reread it straight away just to soak in what happened. The epilogue has me excited for what might lay ahead too. Just a wonderful, wonderful conclusion to a fantastic book.
Every Star a Song is a fantastic read that I all but flew through, and honestly, I just love Posey’s way of writing so much that I would happily read it all over again. Plus, I wasn’t ready for my time with Elyth to end, because she really is such a great character. I would highly recommend The Ascendance series, especially for anyone who enjoys SciFi that leans into science-fantasy, and with some truly beautiful writing. I look forward to seeing what the author will do in the future.
In Every Star a Song follows a separate storyline, although the connections were there – and what I particularly enjoyed about this one is that it opens up the world through the characters. Elyth is a fantastic character, and I was glad to see her again. She underwent a lot of growth throughout the first book and had really come into her own. In Every Sky a Grave the story was primarily focused on her, but in Every Star a Song this viewpoint expands as we have her working with a group of people, although she still dominates the story – but this wider perspective is both refreshing and also allows us to see different sides of Elyth as well. But, it was through the rest of the team that she was working with, that I felt we really got to see Posey’s characterisation skills at play.
There is a small cast of characters, but it is very much a case of quality over quantity, and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of the new characters, and I liked that it took time for the team to come together. They had a shared goal – along with the shadow of the threat of a previous expedition team that had disappeared, but they were still strangers and had to learn to work together. It felt very natural watching them coming together as the story progressed, with ups and downs – distrust and betrayal, and very human emotions in those kinds of situations getting in the way, before giving away to a team that had a wonderful dynamic and some great banter towards the end.
‘“I don’t believe I’d like to come back this way,” he said.
“I don’t believe I want to come this way a first time,” Korush said from the opposite side.’
It’s hard to choose a favourite from the new characters, and especially because I love Elyth so much as a character. However, if I had to choose one I’d probably choose Varen because he just had such a wonderful charm and so much depth to him. He was the character that certainly caught me by surprise the most, and I absolutely loved his interactions with Elyth especially towards the end of the book – although boy did it twist my heart in wonderful and painful ways.
‘…she’d been certain that she would find him standing in its midst, his schoolboy grin greeting her with a mischievous did I do that? glint in his eye.’
While the characters have expanded, the setting itself was a lot more focused and lay in the background in this book. The worldbuilding had been established in Every Sky a Grave – and was fantastically done, and I did love returning to the Deep Language and just that exploration of what language can do – and here, beyond some exploration of Qel’s Shadow and the immediate setting, it took on a supporting role. I think this worked really well, especially with the expansion of the cast, and because it helped move away from one of the few things that I had found was a problem with the first book, which was the pacing being slowed a little too much in places by the description. Here Posey has found a wonderful balance between the description of the world, the characters and the action, and it made for a book that flowed beautifully from start to finish and had me on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion.
The ending was powerful – and I was holding my breath for the last ten per cent, and it really showed Posey’s skill with balancing action and emotion, and here was where we got to see Deep Language at its best. It’s also the strongest reminder that this series treads the boundary between SciFi and Fantasy, and it just worked so well that I had to go back and reread it straight away just to soak in what happened. The epilogue has me excited for what might lay ahead too. Just a wonderful, wonderful conclusion to a fantastic book.
Every Star a Song is a fantastic read that I all but flew through, and honestly, I just love Posey’s way of writing so much that I would happily read it all over again. Plus, I wasn’t ready for my time with Elyth to end, because she really is such a great character. I would highly recommend The Ascendance series, especially for anyone who enjoys SciFi that leans into science-fantasy, and with some truly beautiful writing. I look forward to seeing what the author will do in the future.
November 3, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sitting down to write this review is proving to be hard. I simply don’t know where to begin; the various aspects of this book rumble around in my head, as they have done since I closed the final page and set the book down.
Every Star A Song is a sequel to Jay Posey’s Every Sky a Grave which I read and loved last year. It follows Elyth, a Daughter of the House and speaker of the Deep Language whose purpose was to analyse and kill planets where that Deep Language has been corrupted. Set over three years after the events of the previous book, Elyth finds herself drawn back into the fold when she is brought into an expedition to explore a new planet, where the previous expedition there had disappeared without a trace.
It is a very different story to the first book, yet still stays true to the series’ essence. While the first focused primarily on Elyth alone, here we see her working with a group of people. A change which really worked in the book’s favour. I loved each of the new characters in this team and seeing them come together as the book progressed was a delight. It was these character interactions that really made me love this book through the natural banter, the worry, even the instances of distrust and betrayal which occurred. Elyth still commanded the pages but having these extra characters really helped ground the story and allow us to see different sides of Elyth as well.
Elyth’s own internal struggles of who she is and where she fits in are reflected in the team as well as the world around her. The world of the Ascendance is an interesting one and we see a bit more of the two ruling powers through the members of the Hezra and the House joining the expedition. Mostly, however, the world-building focus is on the exploration of Qel’s Shadow as the group try to figure out what is going on and what it means for the wider galaxy. Seeing the dark and more vengeful sides of it were thrilling to read, and I lost track of the number of times I gasped aloud as reveals and revelations occurred. The Deep Language was still beautiful to read as Elyth put it in action, and while I was disappointed that we didn’t see much of it at the start, this changed as the book went on.
Throughout the book I laughed, I cried, I held my breath and sat on the edge of my seat. This was an excellent read from start to finish. Where the first book suffered a little from pacing as it set everything up, Every Star A Song had no such issues and I found myself flying through. I thoroughly enjoyed joining Elyth on this adventure and am only sad that it is over. I just want more.
Sitting down to write this review is proving to be hard. I simply don’t know where to begin; the various aspects of this book rumble around in my head, as they have done since I closed the final page and set the book down.
Every Star A Song is a sequel to Jay Posey’s Every Sky a Grave which I read and loved last year. It follows Elyth, a Daughter of the House and speaker of the Deep Language whose purpose was to analyse and kill planets where that Deep Language has been corrupted. Set over three years after the events of the previous book, Elyth finds herself drawn back into the fold when she is brought into an expedition to explore a new planet, where the previous expedition there had disappeared without a trace.
It is a very different story to the first book, yet still stays true to the series’ essence. While the first focused primarily on Elyth alone, here we see her working with a group of people. A change which really worked in the book’s favour. I loved each of the new characters in this team and seeing them come together as the book progressed was a delight. It was these character interactions that really made me love this book through the natural banter, the worry, even the instances of distrust and betrayal which occurred. Elyth still commanded the pages but having these extra characters really helped ground the story and allow us to see different sides of Elyth as well.
Elyth’s own internal struggles of who she is and where she fits in are reflected in the team as well as the world around her. The world of the Ascendance is an interesting one and we see a bit more of the two ruling powers through the members of the Hezra and the House joining the expedition. Mostly, however, the world-building focus is on the exploration of Qel’s Shadow as the group try to figure out what is going on and what it means for the wider galaxy. Seeing the dark and more vengeful sides of it were thrilling to read, and I lost track of the number of times I gasped aloud as reveals and revelations occurred. The Deep Language was still beautiful to read as Elyth put it in action, and while I was disappointed that we didn’t see much of it at the start, this changed as the book went on.
Throughout the book I laughed, I cried, I held my breath and sat on the edge of my seat. This was an excellent read from start to finish. Where the first book suffered a little from pacing as it set everything up, Every Star A Song had no such issues and I found myself flying through. I thoroughly enjoyed joining Elyth on this adventure and am only sad that it is over. I just want more.
January 10, 2022
The sequel to Every Sky a Grave, Every Star a Song continues the story of Elyth, who has the power to break worlds.
I got the first one through the subscription service, A Box of Stories, and I'm so glad I did - absolutely fabulous. This is why I subscribed: to read things that I might not have chosen. I enjoyed it so much that I simply had to get the sequel! And I was not disappointed...
Blurb:
Book Two in the extraordinary Ascendance series.
What is the cost of silence?
Mankind has spread itself across the galaxy, building a near-utopia ruled by the Ascendance, with order maintained by their wielding of the Deep Language.
Rebellion can be wiped out and planets destroyed with a single word.
Elyth, a former Ascendance agent, is on the run. Lost after her discoveries of corruption in the system, she longs for the simplicity and blind dedication of her life as an agent. But Elyth is quickly tracked and cornered by the Ascendance.
However, they aren't there for punishment. Instead, they offer her a deal...
Elyth agrees to join a team of elite agents exploring a new planet in order to clear her name and rejoin the fold. But things soon start to go awry. Strange sounds are heard in the wilderness, horrifying creatures are seen stalking the forests, and even the landscape itself seems to change during the night.
As expedition members start dying, two things become clear: the planet is awake, and is speaking back.
An unforgettable conclusion to the acclaimed duology.
Overall, a great sequel, rounding out more flesh to the characters, and building even more worlds. No spoilers from me, but this is a keeper, and one I'll come back to and reread. I find the characters to be strong, especially the women. I do see there being the option for a different novel to be written after this in the same world - how Elyth deals with the politics involved in the Ascendance as she moves from the position of Exile to Paragon. But that would be very different from the existing series, so probably won't happen!
Read and enjoy!
I got the first one through the subscription service, A Box of Stories, and I'm so glad I did - absolutely fabulous. This is why I subscribed: to read things that I might not have chosen. I enjoyed it so much that I simply had to get the sequel! And I was not disappointed...
Blurb:
Book Two in the extraordinary Ascendance series.
What is the cost of silence?
Mankind has spread itself across the galaxy, building a near-utopia ruled by the Ascendance, with order maintained by their wielding of the Deep Language.
Rebellion can be wiped out and planets destroyed with a single word.
Elyth, a former Ascendance agent, is on the run. Lost after her discoveries of corruption in the system, she longs for the simplicity and blind dedication of her life as an agent. But Elyth is quickly tracked and cornered by the Ascendance.
However, they aren't there for punishment. Instead, they offer her a deal...
Elyth agrees to join a team of elite agents exploring a new planet in order to clear her name and rejoin the fold. But things soon start to go awry. Strange sounds are heard in the wilderness, horrifying creatures are seen stalking the forests, and even the landscape itself seems to change during the night.
As expedition members start dying, two things become clear: the planet is awake, and is speaking back.
An unforgettable conclusion to the acclaimed duology.
Overall, a great sequel, rounding out more flesh to the characters, and building even more worlds. No spoilers from me, but this is a keeper, and one I'll come back to and reread. I find the characters to be strong, especially the women. I do see there being the option for a different novel to be written after this in the same world - how Elyth deals with the politics involved in the Ascendance as she moves from the position of Exile to Paragon. But that would be very different from the existing series, so probably won't happen!
Read and enjoy!
November 4, 2021
‘If a voice can end worlds, what is the price of silence?’ - cover tag line.
My thanks to HarperVoyager for an invitation to receive an advance review copy via NetGalley of ‘Every Star A Song’ by Jay Posey in exchange for an honest review. I elected to purchase its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Laura Lefkow, and combined listening with reading. I was also invited to take part in its blog tour.
This is Book Two in Posey’s Ascendance series and continues the story that began in ‘Every Sky A Grave’. Obviously, I don’t want to head into spoiler territory about Book 1 as some readers may not yet have read it. So, I will tread carefully about plot details of Book 2.
Three years after the events on Qel in ‘Every Sky’, Elyth, a woman with the power to destroy planets with a single word, agrees to join a team that is about to explore a mysterious new planet. Yet they quickly find themselves faced with an adversary that threatens the entire universe.
I found this a strong sequel that brings Elyth into contact with other members of the Ascendance; so rather than working as a lone agent she is part of a larger operation with the attendant interpersonal dynamics.
Posey’s world building continues to be excellent and as a result I found it very easy to immerse myself in the narrative. I felt that there was a good balance between the novel’s action sequences, character interaction, and its more philosophical aspects.
I admire Elyth as a character and while I found the ending perfect, I find myself hoping that there will be further books in the Ascendance series, either continuing her story or expanding into the wider universe.
Excellent epic science fiction. Highly recommended.
My thanks to HarperVoyager for an invitation to receive an advance review copy via NetGalley of ‘Every Star A Song’ by Jay Posey in exchange for an honest review. I elected to purchase its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Laura Lefkow, and combined listening with reading. I was also invited to take part in its blog tour.
This is Book Two in Posey’s Ascendance series and continues the story that began in ‘Every Sky A Grave’. Obviously, I don’t want to head into spoiler territory about Book 1 as some readers may not yet have read it. So, I will tread carefully about plot details of Book 2.
Three years after the events on Qel in ‘Every Sky’, Elyth, a woman with the power to destroy planets with a single word, agrees to join a team that is about to explore a mysterious new planet. Yet they quickly find themselves faced with an adversary that threatens the entire universe.
I found this a strong sequel that brings Elyth into contact with other members of the Ascendance; so rather than working as a lone agent she is part of a larger operation with the attendant interpersonal dynamics.
Posey’s world building continues to be excellent and as a result I found it very easy to immerse myself in the narrative. I felt that there was a good balance between the novel’s action sequences, character interaction, and its more philosophical aspects.
I admire Elyth as a character and while I found the ending perfect, I find myself hoping that there will be further books in the Ascendance series, either continuing her story or expanding into the wider universe.
Excellent epic science fiction. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2022
I inadvertently picked this science fiction novel up in the middle of a series, but the backstory is explained well enough that it doesn’t matter much. The writing was good and some of the characters were well written (others were hard to tell apart). I particularly liked the captain of the ship, who is a minor character but one of the few with a sense of humor and some humility. There is lots of action, scary and imaginative monsters, plus tons of magic (despite it being science fiction). One glaring mistake was when mysterious forces hurl the planet our heroine is exploring 24 light years away, there is no change in the amount of daylight or when dawn happens. Did the star that the planet orbited move too? It’s never discussed. It certainly would have cranked up the tension to have all the following action happen in total darkness and with the planet’s surface temperature dropping. This was a fun enough read that I will probably go back and read the first in the series.
November 17, 2021
Contrary to what I expected, I actually enjoyed this sequel a lot more than book one. It was paced to just the right level, the characters interesting and compelling enough, and this new mystery mission that is the focal point of the story is utterly absorbing. The science fictional elements of the story don’t overwhelm and quite nicely fits together, but the best part of course is the Camaraderie of the group facing off a hostile planet. Detailed review to come soon!
This story of the Ascendance is tipped to be hurtling along to a nice climax. If you enjoyed the first book in this series, then this sequel does a marvellous job of building on top of that.
Here's the link to the longer review up on my blog now: http://fantasy-smorgasbord.blogspot.c...
This story of the Ascendance is tipped to be hurtling along to a nice climax. If you enjoyed the first book in this series, then this sequel does a marvellous job of building on top of that.
Here's the link to the longer review up on my blog now: http://fantasy-smorgasbord.blogspot.c...
March 24, 2023
Fun, exciting, and engaging writing makes Jay Posey's Sci-fi Fantasy more like a Thriller. I found myself flipping through the pages quite quickly as I just had to know what happened next.
I found the first book enjoyable but its lack of details in describing the world-building made me slightly less enthusiastic about it. Despite this, it was still enjoyable, and the second book improves upon it greatly. I understand why Posey didn't go for it all the way in the first book after reading the second one, however I do think it could have been done well in the first book too.
The sequel improved on it by providing more detail while still maintaining the fun and excitement of the story. If you liked the first book, you'll love this one!
I found the first book enjoyable but its lack of details in describing the world-building made me slightly less enthusiastic about it. Despite this, it was still enjoyable, and the second book improves upon it greatly. I understand why Posey didn't go for it all the way in the first book after reading the second one, however I do think it could have been done well in the first book too.
The sequel improved on it by providing more detail while still maintaining the fun and excitement of the story. If you liked the first book, you'll love this one!
November 8, 2021
I have never before let out a wail of despair upon reading a dust jacket, but it happened with "Every Star a Song". Why? Because I read the words "An unforgettable conclusion to the acclaimed duology", and I so desperately wanted this to be at least a trilogy! As with "Every Sky a Grave" (book 1) the story, the writing, the characters are all perfectly crafted. Reading this book was a beautiful experience. I smiled, I gasped, and I cried a few tears too. Please, please, please give us more - another duology would be beyond awesome!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
August 6, 2023
Not quite as good as the first book in the duology, belief had to be suspended quite a lot in this one. Slightly disappointed that not much was explained in this conclusion of the series and the last 2 or 3 pages were a bit of a nonsense, concentrating on titles given out to the 'heroes' (a bit like an American graduation ceremony). All a bit too vague but with the typical American hero ending coming out above a meaningful ending. Kind of glad there isn't a third in the series.
For all that, the book was still a decent read, the author's style does flow well, just not sure of I'd invest in another offering as I prefer SF with at least a bit of realistic science in it.
For all that, the book was still a decent read, the author's style does flow well, just not sure of I'd invest in another offering as I prefer SF with at least a bit of realistic science in it.
December 12, 2021
Another enjoyable and meditative read in this series. I was happy to be back in Elyth's company as she reunited with old friends and foes and dig deeper into the secrets of the universe. Both cerebral and action packed at different times, I continued to enjoy the world building.
A few times I felt a little lost in the narrative, but the ending was good.
I assume there will be more books in the series as there seems to be many more stories to tell.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A few times I felt a little lost in the narrative, but the ending was good.
I assume there will be more books in the series as there seems to be many more stories to tell.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
Elyth is captured by the rival Hezra rather than "persuaded"; she is given amnesty from imprisonment in exchange for joining their mission to solve the mysteries of Qel's Shadow.
Without a doubt, there is something very wrong with this brand new planet. Their attempts to explore it are reminiscent-at least to me-of Star Trek shuttle missions. The members of the mission are sitting ducks on the planet, yet every one who should survive does, as to the rest: they are expendable to the plot.
A good book, but I preferred it when Elyth worked alone for the Sisterhood in "Every Sky a Grave".
Without a doubt, there is something very wrong with this brand new planet. Their attempts to explore it are reminiscent-at least to me-of Star Trek shuttle missions. The members of the mission are sitting ducks on the planet, yet every one who should survive does, as to the rest: they are expendable to the plot.
A good book, but I preferred it when Elyth worked alone for the Sisterhood in "Every Sky a Grave".
March 31, 2023
If you enjoyed the first book at all, this one is a must-read. As well-written as the first, with characters as colorfully real as before, the story is simpler and more accessible, whole still meaningful and fun. It hinges on the first book, but reminds you of what you need to remember without requiring a reread. Both fortunately and unfortunately, the universe of this book is much like our own, and leaves too many questions to truly satiate even as it leaves you happily satisfied. You won't regret continuing the story
December 13, 2021
Excellent writing, really great world building by the author. it was descriptive enough to paint a picture but did not overdo it to the point of the descriptions becoming tedious and boring like some do. The characters were emotion building for the reader (me) and i actually went ahead and purchased the first book in this series after reading this. I also can not wait for the next book to come out so i can find out how Elyth finds her soulmate across the universe!
November 7, 2023
I was hoping to be sucked into this world but in the end I wasn't. The only thing that kept me from selfing this book was the plot. Yeah the plot was really good, but the writting didn't work for me. The characters didn't have depth until half way thourgh the book. The writting is super bland for a si fi book and didn't add to the story at all.
I mean it wasn't that bad but could have been better.
I mean it wasn't that bad but could have been better.
May 27, 2025
The first book in the series is slow in the beginning, and then super action-packed at the end. This one is action-packed the whole time, it seems like every chapter has a twist. I loved the little crumbs he gives you to solve the puzzle. I really like how writing style. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, it seemed a little unresolved to me. Perhaps he’ll write another book.
October 11, 2021
Picking up after the events of Every Sky a Grave, Elyth finds herself swept up in a new adventure that threatens the existence of everything. A worthy sequel and thrilling read in its own right. I was sad to see this one end and hope that Jay Posey has more in store for the Ascendance series.
Want to read
November 14, 2021A strong follow-up novel. I enjoyed this and stayed engaged. Good premise and a well-told story. The author has a good imagination, and it shows here. Recommended.
I really appreciate the free review copy!!
I really appreciate the free review copy!!
February 14, 2022
This is an extremely enjoyable read - I finished 3/4 of the book in one night unable to put it down. I would say it’s the perfect end of a duology as the cover suggests it is but I don’t feel like this is the end of Elyths story by a long way.
December 11, 2024
The second in a duology, again I love the character of Elyth. This had quite a different feel to the first book, with a mission to a mysterious planet, and there were several shocks at events which kept me reading on to the next chapter.
I wait to see if the series ever becomes a trilogy.
I wait to see if the series ever becomes a trilogy.
December 27, 2021
VERY enjoyable sci-fi novel.
this was a goodreads giveaway
this was a goodreads giveaway
Want to read
December 28, 2021Great book from stat to finish I recommend reading this book
January 3, 2022
Love the world building of this book by Jay Posey and I am in love with the characters
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