Member Review

Cover Image: Ascendant Unrest (Faded Skies #2)

Ascendant Unrest (Faded Skies #2)

Pub Date:

Review by

Stephenie S, Reviewer

Matthew S Cox returns to the world he created in Ascendant in his second novel - Ascendant Unrest.  His newest novel exceeds the high expectations set by his debut. Ascendant Unrest is a fantastic science fiction novel.  Not only is the world rich in detail and history, his characters have emotional depth, and he does a convincing job with both the adults and the children and how their lives and personalities have been shaped by their world.


Maya tried to change the world, but while there have been some changes in how the Authority treats nons, Ascendant is still powerful, and Maya’s mother is still in control.  All appears to have settled down, but soon after Gemma departs on a job, mercenaries try to kidnap Maya and Sarah, injuring Sarah’s father in the process. It quickly becomes clear that Ascendant has not forgotten Maya, and that more than one faction has plans that require her either in hand or dead.


Matthew S Cox is one of the best science fiction authors I’ve encountered in some time.  Yes there is plenty of action, but more than that, his novels immerse the reader in a believable near future world, filled with characters shaped by their pasts and the world they live in.  There is darkness, but as in life there is humor and there is hope. I highly recommend Ascendant and Its sequel Ascendant Unrest.


5 / 5


I received a copy of Ascendant Unrest from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.


— Crittermom
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