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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fantastic. Incredible world building, strong cast of characters, and a great story. What an unlikely hero's journey.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved the opening and was fully invested in the first 1/2-2/3 of the book. Towards the end, I thought it got a bit unwieldy, and I questioned some of the changes I saw in the main character. Still, I really enjoyed the prose throughout most of the book. I'm not usually a person who harps on world-building, but I thought the Tower was fascinating, and I *would* like to get to see more of the "ringdoms," and I'm enticed by the promise of exposing/toppling the systemic injustices of the Tower society. I'm undecided if I'll continue with the series, but I'm still glad that I read it.
Heard about this book series through Booktube, but don’t remember who recommended it - quite a unique story. Slow starting, but worth the slow build up and gradual introduction of some key character. First half of the book seems to drag, but it reflects on how hopeful the situation feels for Senlin. Better second half and a good build to the end of this volume. Left me interested in the next chapter of the series.
I LOVED this book!! The writing was excellent, the setting was unique, and the character development was really fulfilling. Cannot wait to pick up the second book!
Reminds me of Titus Groans in terms of style and vibe. Uniquely creative.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought it was fine. I got a quarter and then halfway through the book and thought should I DNF? But I stuck with it and I can see why people would enjoy it but for me it felt like it dragged or like it was boring but I can see why people like it.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Senlin Ascends is the story of a naive professor who loses his new bride in the depths of the monolithic Tower of Babel, an immeasurably large structure made up of an unknown number of rings, each of which contains its own kingdom of sorts. The story follows the professor as he ascends the tower, and the read is delighted with his character’s growth and the wonders of the Tower.
I quite enjoyed this book. I found the prose and narrative to be charming in a way that reminded me of pure, innocent fantasy, like the Hobbit or Narnia. Which makes sense, because it was told from the perspective of Thomas Senlin, who I couldn’t help picturing as a cross between Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory and the main protagonist from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
This naive and analytical point of view contrasted perfectly with the really awful truths—and the horror—underlying the secrets of the Tower. I experienced moments in the book that could have come straight from the pages of a Stephen King thriller, but which were delivered with an almost removed objectivity. It was fascinating and captivating and brilliant.
The worldbuilding was clever and dripped in perfect quantity. I really do want to read this entire series, and I will. The pacing was great and it was easy to read; I blew through the entire book in about 6 hours.
Im not going to give it a 5-star rating, because I typically enjoy different styles much more, and I’ve read books I loved more; however, that shouldn’t take away from the joy of this book.
Highly recommended.
I quite enjoyed this book. I found the prose and narrative to be charming in a way that reminded me of pure, innocent fantasy, like the Hobbit or Narnia. Which makes sense, because it was told from the perspective of Thomas Senlin, who I couldn’t help picturing as a cross between Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory and the main protagonist from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
This naive and analytical point of view contrasted perfectly with the really awful truths—and the horror—underlying the secrets of the Tower. I experienced moments in the book that could have come straight from the pages of a Stephen King thriller, but which were delivered with an almost removed objectivity. It was fascinating and captivating and brilliant.
The worldbuilding was clever and dripped in perfect quantity. I really do want to read this entire series, and I will. The pacing was great and it was easy to read; I blew through the entire book in about 6 hours.
Im not going to give it a 5-star rating, because I typically enjoy different styles much more, and I’ve read books I loved more; however, that shouldn’t take away from the joy of this book.
Highly recommended.