I couldn't put Ascendants down - the world building was first rate, above all else. It's set in Boston, but a omnipotent corporate entity has taken the entire world by storm with their unique contributions to science, including the discovery of an afterlife. What was more compelling was the impact this has on everyday life in the book, which is where I felt Schechter really shined in this debut novel. Despite a large cast of characters, each and every one had a distinct voice, exemplified through the well-written dialogue. This can be tough to accomplish when the POV switches so much, but I thought it was easy to follow all the different characters' journeys and this made it all the more satisfying when their paths finally crossed. I especially liked Price, his road to power was unexpected, and his headspace was interesting to be in.

This book stands at the intersection of dystopian, thriller, science fiction, and even new adult; but the central theme is clear, and more timely than ever - how will AI change our world, in both macro and micro ways. It put me in a position where I was forced consider how I would react in the dystopian 2060 times of the world of Ascendants. I like to think I would be like Maya - the fearless "new adult" of the series, but who's to say.

If you like high-concept science fiction like Dune, or a more approachable 1984, I'd recommend this book.

Science-Fiction but with very real themes that transcend time & space. Ascendants is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller that doesn't stop and you don't want it to end. It touches on religion, ethics, politics, morals, values, and, most of all, trust - not in anything in particular, but trust overall . . . and, in turn, faith. Schechter keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat the entire time with every character and their development and their intention. Each character was written with depth and such detail that readers will feel connection or at least some level of understanding simply due to the nature of humanity and relatable determination - be it greed, power, or love (keeping the moral compass in check) - and the reason for choices laid bare - love, faith, and healing. This is a meaningful read especially now - but it will transcend that as well, lest we ascend . . .

The year was 2060. Many were steadfast in their belief in faith and quiet contemplation. Others were convinced of “the righteousness of scientific certainty.” The Institute insisted upon the truth, invoking the life after. The “light of truth” would be made available to a select few. In accordance with the Jacobs Institute dogma, "faith and good works do not secure your future. It is not the life you lead, it is the quest for clarity, to assuage fear, seek comfort…Ascension is the peace you have been seeking.”

The Jacobs Institute can confirm Ascendant status through the testing of willing subjects between the ages of eighteen and forty. The Institute Viewing Rooms provide “Proven Ascendants” with a snapshot of what lies ahead. One can ascend starting at age 40.

Six year old Hannah Teller was a student at the exclusive Jacobs Academy where most students tested had proven to be Ascendants. Without verification of status, Hannah was referred to as a “Biomass…wasted matter”. Perhaps she secretly wished to be an “A” like her classmates. Dr. Rebecca Teller, Hannah’s mother, worked at the Jacob's Institute Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Teller’s interpretation of the Hippocratic Oath was tested when three gunshot victims arrived at the emergency room. “Two ‘A’s, one already ascended en route, and that guy behind is a ‘B’ (a Biomass).” Rebecca’s slate connected to the “PACT bots” inside the two patients which displayed full medical records. Rebecca was reprimanded for violating policy by tending to a Biomass before the ‘A’ patients. “My job should be to save lives.” Rebecca was placed on leave.

A chance encounter. In a twist of fate, Hannah Teller’s Ascendant Profile provided a link to the First Ascendant. Henry Price, chief operations officer for the Institute had secretly tested Hannah by interesting her in a game on her slate while using a test kit releasing “an army of PACT bots, invisible to the naked eye…to take blood and tissue samples”.

Dr. Charles Jacobs, arguably the world’s top researcher in neural interface and diseases of the brain, was in a race against time to find a cure for Alex’s neurodegenerative disease. Sam Lee embraced Ascension as a way to appeal to his wife Alex’s father, Charles Jacobs, founder of the Institute. Sam and Alex made a pact to ascend together at age 40 if Alex was able to outlive her devastating prognosis. “She understood the allure of having proof, of being able to point to the ‘science’ of it all. She was certain nothing awaited on the ‘other side’.”

The world of Ascension created a lopsided view of society. Being an Ascendant meant being an elite with bragging rights. It was no wonder that the “Ascendant Revolutionary Militia” (A.R.M.) was formed. A militant had secret ways to deal with ‘A’s, however at present, only a few rogue clusters were still active. “Death was not the end for Ascendants. It was inconceivable to the billions who had experienced the connection to the afterlife in the Viewing Rooms that some would challenge the Institute. The protesters demanded equality for Biomasses and an end to the bifurcation of society.”

Truth be told, countless diseases had been treated, lives had been saved, however, Institute scientists were now operating at odds with each other. Spying invaded the fabric of the Institute’s existence. Enter alleged prodigy, scientist Sebastian Reed. “The best outcome was only possible if all options on the table were considered. Anything short of that approach ran the risk of overlooking a solution that solved for all variables.” Sounds good…until a new company specializing in new emerging technologies would record data through its own encrypted network and surveil billions.

Backtracking to 2016, the reader can follow the steps leading to the inception of the Jacobs Institute and the specifics of the end game as envisioned by the scientists involved. This fast moving techno-thriller was unputdownable. Contemplation of the lives of Hannah Teller and Alexandra Lee will stay with this reader.

Highly recommended.


Thank you Girl Friday Productions and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a very good read with excellent pacing and dialogue. I was invested and engaged by the end of the first chapter. The cast of characters and sub plots gave me a science fiction Game of Thrones vibe. No clear protagonist, hence anyone can be eliminated. That unknown keeps the reader riveted. Can’t wait for the next installment.