Ascension

Synopsis: 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?

Thoughts: From the outset, the novel had me captivated and managed to sustain my interest until the last page. The prose was finely crafted, and the intricate blend of science, theology, and emotional depth was compelling. The narrative choice of framing the story as letters to a young relative felt somewhat forced and lacked a clear direction or purpose. Some of the characters felt formulaic, though one could argue that certain roles necessitate specific personality types. To be candid, only a handful of characters resonated with me, and the main players fell short of making a lasting impression. The conclusion, however, left me puzzled. It's unclear if even the editor fully grasped the intended outcome, as it could have benefited from some refining. Despite these critiques, the book offers a riveting experience, and I'd recommend it. Just be prepared for an ending that's open to interpretation.