kristadollimore 's review for:

Ascension by Nicholas Binge

3.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I really enjoyed this novel. And the only reason I didn’t rate it higher is simply because I wanted more. I wish this was a chunky 600 pager filled with more detail. Perhaps structured with both the journal entries and other forms of character storytelling.
I still was satisfied with the form, and the story. But because I was so intrigued by the tale “Ascension” was spinning I closed this book feeling a little dissatisfied.

That being said. I fucking LOVED the themes in this novel. What is free will? Sisyphus endlessly going up the mountain. What does it mean to be human? Science and religion, and how the two interact. The power of belief. How love is in and of itself the true meaning of what it is to be alive and have a spiritual experience. Quantum physics and space time. Different dimensions. Grief, loss, and shame. Facing ourselves. Ugh there was so much in here, and it was soooooo good.
And when Binge leaned in I had all of the feels. I also really appreciated Harold as a main character. He was very obviously on the spectrum and I think the author did a very good job of providing nuance and depth. I really loved Naoko.
The family dynamics of Harold and his brother were incredibly interesting.
The things that live on the mountain are creepy. And some of this book gave me nostalgic X Files vibes that I thoroughly enjoyed. 
Overall I had a great time on this icy purgatory of a mountain 🏔️ 🥶