Thirteen strangers are mysteriously drawn to a floating tower with a single word above its doorway: ASCEND. As they race to the top through nightmarish challenges, the group must confront their humanity and unravel the twisted horror behind their selection.

Reader Review Summary

"The Way Up is Death" by Dan Hanks is a mind-bending, genre-blending masterpiece that takes readers on a thrilling, emotionally-charged journey like no other. From the gripping premise alone, it's clear this novel is something truly special and unique in the literary world.

The story hooks you immediately with an extraordinary, unexplained event - the sudden appearance of a mysterious tower in the English countryside. Thirteen strangers from all walks of life are inexplicably drawn to this tower, greeted only by an ominous countdown and the cryptic command to "ASCEND." What follows is a breathtaking race against escalating nightmares and ever-present death as the characters ascend level by level.

Hanks deftly blends elements of science fiction, horror, and deeply human drama, crafting a multi-layered narrative that transcends genres. The tower itself feels like a living, malevolent presence full of twisted horrors, each new ascent more bizarre and terrifying than the last. Sinking ships, haunted houses, and nightmarish abominations relentlessly test the characters' boundaries of fear and sanity. And yet, amidst the unrelenting chaos, Hanks injects surprising moments of profundity and poignancy that give the story remarkable depth.

The characters are the heart of this novel, and Hanks has created a superbly diverse ensemble that leap off the page. From the grieving but noble Alden to the determined Nia fighting for her place in a male-dominated field, to the scene-stealing Rakie whose youthful courage shines, each character is richly drawn and unforgettable. Even the deliciously detestable Dirk plays an integral role in the intoxicating narrative. The interplay between the characters and how they react to the horrors around them is absolutely captivating.

What elevates the book to pure brilliance is how deftly Hanks interweaves deeper themes amidst the thrilling plot. Grief, loneliness, sexism, morality, love, memory, sacrifice - no topic is off limits as the characters are forced to confront the harsh realities of their lives and very existence. These profound existential musings seamlessly complement the frenetic action, providing gut-punching emotional stakes. The result is a wildly entertaining story that also leaves you contemplating the deepest truths about humanity.

With relentless pacing, mind-bending imagination, and resonant characters, "The Way Up is Death" takes readers on "one helluva ride" indeed. Harrowing, hilarious, haunting, and ultimately deeply moving, this is a unforgettable novel that cements Dan Hanks as a master of speculative fiction. Refusing to be confined to one genre, he has crafted a story that will thrill diehard horror fans, sci-fi aficionados, and contemporary fiction lovers alike. "The Way Up is Death" is an exhilarating, audacious achievement that you do not want to miss.