"Ascension: A Novel" by Nicholas Binge - Book Review
Summary
"The only way out is up. . .
An enormous snow-covered mountain has appeared in the Pacific Ocean. No one knows when exactly it showed up, precisely how big it might be, or how to explain its existence. When Harold Tunmore is contacted by a shadowy organization to help investigate, he has no idea what he is getting into as he and his team set out for the mountain.
The higher Harold’s team ascends, the less things make sense. Time moves differently, turning minutes into hours, and hours into days. Amid the whipping cold of higher elevation, the climbers’ limbs numb and memories of their lives before the mountain begin to fade. Paranoia quickly turns to violence among the crew, and slithering, ancient creatures pursue them in the snow. Still, as the dangers increase, the mystery of the mountain compels them to its peak, where they are certain they will find their answers. Have they stumbled upon the greatest scientific discovery known to man or the seeds of their own demise?
Framed by the discovery of Harold Tunmore’s unsent letters to his family and the chilling and provocative story they tell, Ascension considers the limitations of science and faith and examines both the beautiful and the unsettling sides of human nature."
Review
I am a huge fan of sci-fi and horror. A friend recommended this book, the plot was interesting, and after a quick search to discover that it had won awards, I decided to give it a go. The first part of the book is perfectly crafted, well-written, and intriguing, which is the main element in any story involving the combination of fiction, mystery and horror. Through letters that seem almost lost in time, we follow the journey of Harold Tunmore, an aloof physicist who disappeared in the 1990s during an expedition involving a colossal mountain that suddenly appeared in the middle of the ocean. As with any good sci-fi book, this one involves existential questions about humanity's place in the grand cosmic scheme of things, and how scary the unknown unknowns can be. Unfortunately, the end is rushed and underwhelming. Like many books and movies, the resolution of the mystery is disappointing and does not live up to the expectations set in the first part. Also, it is filled with soap opera moments that were uncalled-for. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable journey, with good moments of science fiction bliss.
Key Takeaways
- Intriguing sci-fi mystery
- Well-written and gripping
- Underwhelming ending with unnecessary dramatic moments
Who Should Read This
Readers looking for an easy sci-fi read with elements of Lovecraftian horror.
Favourite Quotes
“Sometimes what the soul needs isn’t to give meaning to hollow words: prayers and confessions that you do not really believe. Instead, we need to let it give words to the unspoken meanings inside of us. To do that, you have to give it a voice. It’s not an easy thing, son. Not at first. It’s not an obvious task, but . . . write everything down. Don’t cross anything out. Don’t lie or explain or prevaricate. You have no one to hide anything from but yourself.”
"When I was a boy, things were quite the opposite. I didn’t believe He existed, Hattie, but I missed Him. I had a nostalgia for faith, even though it was something that I had never really experienced. This is, perhaps, the most toxic kind of nostalgia—egged on by envy of those who I could see believed, truly believed, in divine purpose. My parents and their community of churchgoers were so assured of their place in the universe, of what they meant to it."
"The past was determined to remain the past, refusing to be dredged up except for in his nightmares."
"It’s not a question of choice. There’s no such thing as starting fresh: new beginnings all contain the old ones bundled up inside of them."
Rating
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)