Title: Inevitable Ascension
Author: V. K. McAllister
Genre: Steampunk, Time-Travel, Fantasy
Book Blurb:
If you knew your world would soon be torched to carbon, would you fight to save it? …Or light a match of your own? Violina’s life was never an easy one. Her late father was a mobster, and her mother was killed by the mob when Violina was only three. Still, she refused to be a product of her circumstances, opting instead to be a product of her choices. With this mindset she headed out to build a new life. But does a new life mean a better life? She soon finds herself thrown into a post-apocalyptic war with mankind on the brink of extinction. Discovering the means to travel back in time, she teams up with the ever-optimistic, pun-loving Lux and sets out to prevent the apocalypse from ever happening in the first place. But as her crusade advances, she becomes increasingly disturbed by humanity’s apparent lack of humanity and comes to a frightening realization: to build a new world, she must first tear the old one down. Inevitable Ascension—The twisted jigsaw puzzle of a story with equal parts rapid-fire action, humor and charm. While it's events can be dark at times, Violina and Lux are quite the opposite. They are hilarious, witty, lovable and a team to root for. Inevitable Ascension has a host of twists that will literally make your brain explode! Actually not literally, you know, because otherwise that would be really gross.
My Review:
This is my first book by this husband-wife writing team and I am supremely impressed. Not only do they write in one voice but they’ve created a fantastic futuristic world filled with vibrant characters and non-stop action.
While steampunk is not my favorite genre, McAllister gives it a new twist. The more I read Inevitable Ascension, the more I was immersed in Violina’s universe. Who knew blending steampunk and time-travel would be a roller-coaster ride?
Beyond the obvious story arc, there’s an underlying morality thread to this book which I found intriguing. Spiritual themes are woven throughout the plot and yet, as a reader, you aren’t aware of it at first. Inevitable Ascension makes you think about things, especially how interconnected the past, present and future really are.
If you’re a steampunk fan, you’re in for a rare treat with this book. If you’re a fan of escaping from the real world (and who isn’t?), you won’t regret buying this one. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Favorite Character:
Violina. She’s one of the strongest main characters I have ever had the pleasure to read and gets bonus points from me for being female. She’s a futuristic badass who when the chips are down and she’s almost to the brink of despair, pulls herself up by her bootstraps and finds a way to get herself out of whatever situation she’s in. She’s braver than I would be in her shoes and I know she will be a role model for women around the world.
Favorite Quote:
“Can we not catch a break?!” sputtered Lux. “Another psycho wants us dead!” The number of people now on the list was getting absurd.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it now:
Author Biography:
Who is V. K. McAllister? So glad you asked. We're a husband/wife duo (Andrew and Sasha McAllister) with a unique approach to writing. We work simultaneously and in secret before combining what we come up with, resulting in dramatic and unexpected twists that surprise even us! Crazy? Yes, yes it is, but it's surprisingly effective and a lot of fun. :) Despite being two people with very unique takes, we managed to write a smooth and coherent piece with one voice. We’re basically a one-man band, except with two people… and no music… so perhaps not the best metaphor, but we’re confident you get what we mean.
Social Media Links:
Facebook www.facebook.com/inevitableascension
Reviewed by: Mrs. N