The Way Up is Death by Dan Hanks ~ a Review

by MK French

A red tower floating above the English countryside, and no one knows why it's there. A week after its appearance, a countdown of sorts begins, and thirteen strangers materialize in front of the tower. There is now a door, the word "Ascend," and machinations to funnel the people inside. Soon, it's clear that there is little else they can do but climb up. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

January 2025; Angry Robot; 978-1915202949
ebook, print (400 pages); science fiction

The thirteen strangers all have their own stories before they appear, but we're given the most information about three: Alden, a teacher and band member grieving multiple losses; Nia, a graphic designer who habitually is spoken over; and Dirk, an author and influencer who is something of an opportunist. While many of the thirteen strangers have theories at first, the frightening atmosphere, eerie feelings, and downright murderous conditions are very overwhelming for them. The group is in the middle of a horrific tower that seems bent on testing them and extracting a bloody toll.

The story is intriguing from the start and draws you in as you try to figure out the point along with these people. Nia calls them survivors, and that's certainly the case as they move through the challenges set by the tower. While they're influenced by memories of the people present, there are significant differences that increase the risks. The group moves through a video game, sinking ship, haunted house, beachfront home, spaceship, and marketplace. One by one, lives are claimed, and the survivors are rattled as they try to figure out why it's happening and why they were chosen to participate. Nia and Alden figure it out partway through the challenge, and it twists partway through the book. This group isn't the only one moving through the tower, and the prize isn't personal.

Moving from horror to contemplative, the bloody trials showcase the best and worst in the thirteen people chosen to represent humanity. We see not only grief but the determination to live and to appreciate all that life has to offer. the aptly titled "Meaning of Life" within the novel gives us a clue as well as the characters. There are phases of understanding, and to finding the ultimate purpose in living. While there are horrors, within them is a clue for going forward, and a chance to survive. It's a lovely meaning within this novel.

Buy The Way Up is Death at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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