Reviews
"This is an exceedingly rich book. A depth of imagination married with a poetic turn of phrase and an engaging cast of characters conspire to deliver an epic story soaring high above the clouds."-- Fantasy Faction, "More than deserving of advance buzz and initial self-published success, Josiah Bancroft's Senlin Ascends is an early contender for year-end best lists, and a towering achievement in weird fantasy."-- B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog, " Senlin Ascends is one of the best reads I've had in ages . . . I was dragged in and didn't escape until I'd finished two or three days later."-- Mark Lawrence, author of Prince of Thorns, "With deceptive simplicity Bancroft brings this gothic place and its denizens to a colourful life...I loved it!"-- Adrian Selby, author of Snakewood, "What is remarkable about this novel, quite apart from its rich, allusive prose, is Bancroft's portrayal of Senlin, a good man in a desperate situation, and the way he changes in response to his experiences in his ascent."-- The Guardian, "Wonderfully unique and superbly well written. I loved every page."-- Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld, "Senlin is a man worth rooting for, and his strengthening resolve and character is as marvelous and sprawling as the tower he climbs."-- The Washington Post, " Senlin Ascends is a unique masterpiece. A brilliant debut. Highly recommended!"-- Michael R. Fletcher, author of Beyond Redemption, " Senlin Ascends is an adventure rife with character, voice and beauty-a well-polished knife drawn out slowly."-- Sam Sykes, author of The City Stained Red, "Like a blend of Kafka's The Castle and Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast , Josiah Bancroft's ambitious first chapter in his The Books of Babel series is an impressive display of imagination and humor."-- SciFiNow, "It's rare to find a modern book that feels like a timeless classic. I'm wildly in love with this book."-- Pierce Brown, author of Red Rising and Iron Gold, "Brilliant debut fantasy . . . This novel goes off like a firework and suggests even greater things in the author's future."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review, "Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty, and thought-provoking. I can't wait for more."-- Madeline Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Circe, " Senlin Ascends crosses the everyday strangeness and lyrical prose of Borges and Gogol with all the action and adventure of high fantasy. I loved it, and grabbed the next one as soon as I turned the last page."-- Django Wexler, author of The Thousand Names, "The "Books of Babel" are something you hope to see perhaps once a decade - future classics, which may be remembered long after the series concludes."-- Los Angeles Times on The Hod King
