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The Ascender
Billy Magnusson, a twelve year-old boy, has been the target of The Mandela Effect, an energy wave that attacks him, erasing pieces of his past and adding new details to his personal history. Billy would describe the attacks as like riding a surf board atop waves he can't see coming, and he never knows when the next energy wave might hit him.*These waves isolate Billy, they're growing stronger, changing bigger chunks of his past, and they're driving a wedge between him and his father who seems to know more than he's saying.*When Billy attends a new school in Florida, he's forced to join The Ascension Club, where he meets an odd mix of kids he can finally trust with his secret. Together they discover a weapon that will soon threaten them all unless they can stop it.
234 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 12, 2020
Pacelli has a gift for figurative language, and her imagery and metaphors were extraordinary when describing the Wave attacks. I felt empathetic towards Billie, and his sense of morality was very strong. I could tell from the first few pages that Billie would turn out to be a very human-like character. I pitied him immensely and his personal growth in courage was awesome.
The Ascender was a super fun and is an awesome leisure read- especially on a bad day as there is plenty of humor! The idea of "The Wave" is very creative, and I enjoyed trying to guess what would change next! There was also plenty of mystery and suspense, and although the world seemed a bit too far-fetched at times, the author did a nice job of reeling it back into reality and tying into main themes. The foreshadowing was epic as the book neared its end and I was upset when it did!
You can see this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com
The Ascender was a super fun and is an awesome leisure read- especially on a bad day as there is plenty of humor! The idea of "The Wave" is very creative, and I enjoyed trying to guess what would change next! There was also plenty of mystery and suspense, and although the world seemed a bit too far-fetched at times, the author did a nice job of reeling it back into reality and tying into main themes. The foreshadowing was epic as the book neared its end and I was upset when it did!
You can see this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com
June 24, 2020
2.5 stars.
the plot was compelling enough for me to finish. it was a bit slow and confusing. I soon realised that it was confusing for a reason, I thought I was a bit crazy. but the idea though!! so good and unique, I've never read anything like this before. loved it. the ending? loved it haha.
Billy is not my favourite protagonist but oh well, he's 12. he is very smart and he reminds me of a real kid I know. that kid in real life is not my favourite kid, so in this case, I think this is a me problem haha.
the other characters were okay, likeable enough for me.
but the villain though, I wish we had more villainy of him. maybe I'm too gruesome?? I wanted more of him.
the main conflict, the whole MAX thing, was a bit rushed. because it was solved so quick. but I'm not complaining, it was a good book.
I liked it, nonetheless. :)
the plot was compelling enough for me to finish. it was a bit slow and confusing. I soon realised that it was confusing for a reason, I thought I was a bit crazy. but the idea though!! so good and unique, I've never read anything like this before. loved it. the ending? loved it haha.
Billy is not my favourite protagonist but oh well, he's 12. he is very smart and he reminds me of a real kid I know. that kid in real life is not my favourite kid, so in this case, I think this is a me problem haha.
the other characters were okay, likeable enough for me.
but the villain though, I wish we had more villainy of him. maybe I'm too gruesome?? I wanted more of him.
the main conflict, the whole MAX thing, was a bit rushed. because it was solved so quick. but I'm not complaining, it was a good book.
I liked it, nonetheless. :)
July 8, 2020
I received a review copy of this book from the author. My reading preferences do not include YA Science Fiction, which may color this review. I have never written or published a work of fiction, so I can only view this book as a reader, a consumer.
The main character, Billy Magnusson, is a middle school boy. He is able to perceive what he calls WAVES, in which reality is changed. These WAVES push him from place to place, so far with the same parents and as an only child. Early in the book Billy goes to a new school and is required to join a club. He chooses the Ascender Club. Slowly he begins to form closer friendships with his new club members and determines that many of them also can perceive the WAVES, something he thought was unique to himself.
Shortly after this latest change to a new location and this new school with the Ascender Club, another WAVE occurs and Billy discovers that he has a new brother, a younger institutionalized brother with multiple handicaps and some unique abilities of his own. Billy goes with his parents to the facility where his new brother lives and has a private conversation with his mother’s doctor about whether his mother had known before the brother’s birth that he was severely handicapped and whether she had knowingly chosen to give birth instead of have an abortion. This is about where I put the book down.
First, no medical professional would discuss anyone’s medical decisions with that person’s 12 year old, unless permission was given to do so. Secondly, no 12 year old would initiate such a conversation on just hearing he had a new family member. Third, this anti-choice message has no place in a young adult science fiction story about a middle school boy.
I’m not sure which audience this book fits. I would not buy it for any child in my circle.
The main character, Billy Magnusson, is a middle school boy. He is able to perceive what he calls WAVES, in which reality is changed. These WAVES push him from place to place, so far with the same parents and as an only child. Early in the book Billy goes to a new school and is required to join a club. He chooses the Ascender Club. Slowly he begins to form closer friendships with his new club members and determines that many of them also can perceive the WAVES, something he thought was unique to himself.
Shortly after this latest change to a new location and this new school with the Ascender Club, another WAVE occurs and Billy discovers that he has a new brother, a younger institutionalized brother with multiple handicaps and some unique abilities of his own. Billy goes with his parents to the facility where his new brother lives and has a private conversation with his mother’s doctor about whether his mother had known before the brother’s birth that he was severely handicapped and whether she had knowingly chosen to give birth instead of have an abortion. This is about where I put the book down.
First, no medical professional would discuss anyone’s medical decisions with that person’s 12 year old, unless permission was given to do so. Secondly, no 12 year old would initiate such a conversation on just hearing he had a new family member. Third, this anti-choice message has no place in a young adult science fiction story about a middle school boy.
I’m not sure which audience this book fits. I would not buy it for any child in my circle.
January 11, 2021
The Ascender is the first novel that I have read written by the author Tracey L Pacelli. Story features Billy Magnusson, a twelve years old boy who is in a middle school. Billy and his mom Shirley Magnusson move to a new place every summer. Billy's dad has only two obsession: work and coffee. His dad is a military man and his mom is a Science teacher. Whenever they move to a new place because of his dad, a job is created for Billy's mom as a teacher.
Billy has been the target of the Mandela Effect. He always called the attacks The Wave, a force of nature that tore away pieces from his shoreline, shifting
memories. When Billy's family moved to Florida, he joined The Mayweather Charter School. At the school, he was asked to join any club and Billy randomly chosen The Ascension Club. Grab a copy of this book and read the story to know what all gonna happen in Billy's life.
I appreciate author's vivid imagination in writing this interesting story. Language of the book is lucid. Cover photo is well designed. Plot of the story is well thought. The wave striking Billy and changing fractions of his life is a nice concept. I enjoyed this story totally. Strongly recommended to science fiction or fantasy lovers.
Billy has been the target of the Mandela Effect. He always called the attacks The Wave, a force of nature that tore away pieces from his shoreline, shifting
memories. When Billy's family moved to Florida, he joined The Mayweather Charter School. At the school, he was asked to join any club and Billy randomly chosen The Ascension Club. Grab a copy of this book and read the story to know what all gonna happen in Billy's life.
I appreciate author's vivid imagination in writing this interesting story. Language of the book is lucid. Cover photo is well designed. Plot of the story is well thought. The wave striking Billy and changing fractions of his life is a nice concept. I enjoyed this story totally. Strongly recommended to science fiction or fantasy lovers.
March 16, 2020
The author has done such an outstanding job of showing the complexities of human beings, whether they are "normal" or otherwise.
Love and acceptance are strong themes in this story and in today's world, and very much needed.
I do not want to be a spoiler, so I will not discuss the characters or the plot and deprive you of the pleasure of your discoveries.
Tracey Pacelli, the author, has a great capacity for understanding children, as well as adults, and their desires to be loved, despite their insecurities and shortcomings. It is apparent that she has not forgotten what it's like to be a child.
This book is not just for "young adults," but should be read by adults who have not lost their ability "to dream the impossible dream."
Weaving important historic figures into such imaginative settings, The Ascender is truly a wondrous and fun read.
Love and acceptance are strong themes in this story and in today's world, and very much needed.
I do not want to be a spoiler, so I will not discuss the characters or the plot and deprive you of the pleasure of your discoveries.
Tracey Pacelli, the author, has a great capacity for understanding children, as well as adults, and their desires to be loved, despite their insecurities and shortcomings. It is apparent that she has not forgotten what it's like to be a child.
This book is not just for "young adults," but should be read by adults who have not lost their ability "to dream the impossible dream."
Weaving important historic figures into such imaginative settings, The Ascender is truly a wondrous and fun read.
March 27, 2020
Wow. That was certainly fun!! I never knew what the Mandela Affect was before. And there’s poor Billy dealing with it all alone. Couldn’t wait for this great kid to find somebody to trust. Don’t want to spoil plots but i will tell u The Ascender kept me guessing and wondering what changes would hit Billy next. It was like a Disney ride that made me smile, tense and laugh all the way through it. And then the ending ... (not wanting to tell u) when’s the next one coming out? A huge recommend to young and sorta young readers like me - 29 plus shall we say! ALL thumbs up on this one!!!
March 31, 2020
I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the story line with its perfect blend of science, fantasy, and suspense. I want more epic heroic quests from Billy and the Ascension Club as the the mandala affect continues. I agree with the reviewer who said "that was fun." It was!
May 30, 2020
Good stuff!
I was a bit worried. I read Testament by Margaret Atwood followed by Blowout by Rachel Maddow. How could I get into The Ascender after those powerhouses?
I worried for no reason. I really enjoyed this book. At first, and remember what I wrote above, I thought this book was going to be ordinary. I'm old and a fan of fiction. It's hard to surprise and keep me interested. Once this book got me, it didn't let go. Good to the last word. BRAVO,
I was a bit worried. I read Testament by Margaret Atwood followed by Blowout by Rachel Maddow. How could I get into The Ascender after those powerhouses?
I worried for no reason. I really enjoyed this book. At first, and remember what I wrote above, I thought this book was going to be ordinary. I'm old and a fan of fiction. It's hard to surprise and keep me interested. Once this book got me, it didn't let go. Good to the last word. BRAVO,
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews