Ooh, I really liked this one. It's a fun sci-fi mindbender. I will recommend Ascension to patrons at my library. It's good for those just getting into sci-fi as well as seasoned sci-fi readers. Looking forward to future titles from Nicholas Binge.

I am a library associate and received an advance copy from #NetGalley.

I love me some cosmic horror. This was so creative and engrossing, very compelling. I was so thoroughly invested in this story I didn't even realize I had come up to the last page. Tightly plotted and really interesting, I highly recommend this if you find the synopsis as interesting as I did!

Really fun cosmic horror! Engrossing, immersive, imaginative, and propulsive sci-fi--couldn't put it down! Really enjoyed spending time in this arctic-alien landscape.

Not sure what genre this book is in, SciFi, fantasy, mystery, action… whichever genre, the story line of discovery by scientists on a newly created mountain in the Pacific Ocean kept me turning the pages.

A unique new sci novel you won’t be able to put down until you finish it. A mix of deeply emotional characters and scientific adventure. Ascension will make you think about the earth’s limits in unexpected ways.

Ascension by Nicholas Binge has a .unique premise that went beyond my understanding of it. Found it hard to maintain an interest in the story. As has been said, readers of sci fi based physiological mysteries are in for a treat.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book

Ascension is proof that you sometimes can judge a book by its cover. It jumped out at me on NetGalley — and the description sounded right up my alley — so I requested a copy. I'm glad I did because I have a feeling a lot of folks are going to be talking about this one in 2023.

The good stuff: Some of the promo language for Ascension references Andy Weir, and I see that most in its sprightliness. It's tight, it's sharp, it gets to the point pretty quickly! There's not a lot of flab in here, which can really kill the momentum of so much modern sci-fi.

The mixed bag: Ascension really does wear its references on its sleeve. The Southern Reach Trilogy, Lovecraftian lore, Interstellar… some of what happens here feels a little too familiar. That said, the mountain itself is super memorable and wholly unique — definitely a setting that's going to stick in my brain for a long while.

The bad stuff: Some of the dialogue, especially in the early chapters, is a little frustrating at times. But that's a pretty minor nitpick, all things considered.

The bottom line: 4.5 stars for me, rounded down to 4. Great plot, satisfying ending. Sci-fi that tries to say something and largely succeeds, even if its message isn't exactly new.