Reviews

In Ascension by Martin MacInnes

Only show reviews with written explanations

theinkwyrm's review

mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

This was a literary sci-fi with vibes similar to Our Wives Under the Sea meets Galaxias with a hint of climate drama thrown in for the razzle dazzle. I really liked some of the individual settings and the science was actually pretty interesting for the first half(ish) of the book, but the back end really lost me and I was not at all a fan of the ending. I also feel like the entire section from Helena’s POV could have been cut and it wouldn’t have made any difference to the overall theme/ vibes of the book. I’m not mad that I read it, I just wish I had enjoyed it more.

Content Warnings

tobsiz's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

brookeklebe's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I love this book.

As an extremely picky reader with a lot of jaded feelings towards fiction, I seldom find works with characters and concepts that speak to me but I genuinely felt changed after reading In Ascension. I found MacInnes's writing to be exceptional and never tone deaf, corny, or obnoxious. I wholeheartedly cared for the characters in this book and was fully committed to understanding whatever it was that I could about the main character, Leigh, and their family. I was gutted by the book's resolution and having to part ways.

Despite being branded as science fiction, I would argue that this book is so much more. It is an incredibly slow burn with major emphasis on the main character's internal relationship with themself as well as their external relationships with family and the people they meet along the way.
My biggest gripe about this book was simply that I am not someone with a very science-y brain, nor do I care much about topics in science, especially biology. With much of this book being filled with conversation about science related topics, it was easy to find myself zoning out or bored. I do not feel like this is necessarily a flaw, but I do think it is something that will deter certain readers. This is not an action packed book filled with super entertaining adventures or crazy events that will keep you on your toes, but it is an incredibly thought provoking and moving piece of writing that I would genuinely encourage the right reader to consume.

I'll be thinking about this one for a very long time.

wellsee's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

One of the most mesmerising and unique books I've read in a long time. Almost did not pick it up due to someone saying that it is very science-heavy. I loved all the detailed explanations of why and how something works and it gave the book it's soul.
This book will pull you in, throw you around and spit you out in the end. It's amazing and you will love the whole journey.