Melissa’s Review: Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft

Senlin Ascends (The Books of Babel #1)
written by Josiah Bancroft
published by Createspace, 2013

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Smashwords,  Book Depository, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange  for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book: I loved it.

I’m impressed with Bancroft’s prose, and although there are a few typos, I can’t find much else to complain about grammatically. Also, just so you know, the story is fantastic. I’m not a fan of wimpy school teachers, so I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book (it’s hard to love a book without loving its protagonist). But friends, Senlin changes as he climbs the Tower, and I found myself growing more and more attached to him. I can’t wait to see what he’ll do in the sequel!

 

GOLDEN LINES

“My wife is not lost.”

“It is easier to accept who you’ve become than to recollect who you were.”

“The Tower is only as tall as the man that climbs it.”

Would I recommend it: It’s too good to read quickly, so take your time as you follow Senlin up the Tower.

About the book – from Goodreads: Senlin, a mild-mannered school teacher, is drawn to the Tower of Babel by the grandiose promises of a guidebook. The ancient and immense Tower seems the perfect destination for a honeymoon. But soon after arriving, Senlin loses his young wife, Marya, in the crowd.

Senlin’s search for Marya carries him through slums and theaters, prisons and ballrooms. He must survive betrayal, assassination, and the long guns of a flying fortress. But if he hopes to find Marya, Senlin will have to do more than survive. This quiet man of letters must become a man of action.