Reviewed by Linda on
Justice Ascending is extremely tense, there are traitors in the midst of our heroes, and there is love, betrayal, hope and so much action it's impossible to sit still while reading!
The Scorpius Syndrome is one of my favorite dystopian series - it is really realistic in many ways, and even more so in Justice Ascending. There is a lot of tension, as different factions continue to fight, all the while trying to see if there is any cooperation possible. The president and his elite guard are lurking in the dark, at the outskirts, partly out of reach, but still able to meddle where they aren't wanted. Of course, some suspension of disbelief is needed, but the fact that there is love and hope actually makes it more realistic to me - not less. I think we are hardwired for hope, and so, seeing Jax, Raze, Tace and the others keep moving forward, protecting the people they love, and ultimately, seeing the light somewhere sends a really strong message.
Sami is one of the stronger female characters I've had the pleasure to get to know lately. Present and important in the prior installments, in Justice Ascending, she takes on a leading role, next to Tace. And their dance is filled with equal parts romance and violence. Both want the power, and neither wants to admit to anything. However, even with Sami's excellent fighting skills, Tace just might be stronger than her.
The overall plot of the series moves forward very nicely in Justice Ascending, and some loose ends are tied up, while others seem to keep unraveling. I really enjoyed that both Lynne and Vinnie are present and have important roles in the storyline, especially as the next novel has been neatly set up. (Please tell me there is a next novel being written?!?) The pace is extremely fast, and I have to admit that my heart-rate is still way up there, while I am thinking of possibilities and directions for these vanguards who need to build something strong to keep humanity going.
Written in third person point of view, focusing mostly on Sami and Tace, and in past tense, the action was really never-ending here. The way the story unfolded kept me in suspense, and I loved that even with some devastating moments, the characters were able to both grieve and stay strong all at the same time. Leaning on each other, and being strong for each other - again, a message of hope and strength that is important in a series that could easily become very bleak.
Tace sat back to watch crumbling buildings and deserted alleyways rush by. Nature had quickly begun to reclaim the earth, poking through concrete and climbing up brick. What was once a perfectly gray and concrete area was rapidly turning green again. Seemed like the earth always won the battle, didn't it?
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 11 January, 2017: Finished reading
- 11 January, 2017: Reviewed