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  • Senlin Ascends

  • The Books of Babel, Book 1
  • By: Josiah Bancroft
  • Narrated by: John Banks
  • Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (337 ratings)

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Senlin Ascends cover art

Senlin Ascends

By: Josiah Bancroft
Narrated by: John Banks
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Publisher's Summary

Discover the extraordinary debut that has got everyone talking.

Mild-mannered headmaster, Thomas Senlin prefers his adventures to be safely contained within the pages of a book. So when he loses his new bride shortly after embarking on the honeymoon of their dreams, he is ill-prepared for the trouble that follows. 

To find her, Senlin must enter the Tower of Babel - a world of geniuses and tyrants, of menace and wonder, of unusual animals and mysterious machines. And if he hopes to ever see his wife again, he will have to do more than just survive...this quiet man of letters must become a man of action.

©2013 Josiah Bancroft (P)2018 Little, Brown Book Group

Critic Reviews

"One of my favourite books of all time." (Mark Lawrence)

"An extraordinary debut that is well worthy of the hype. A beautifully written, highly engaging page-turning masterpiece." (Fantasy Book Review)

"Thomas Senlin is the most unlikely yet likeable hero since a certain hobbit rushed out of Bag End leaving his second breakfast half-finished and entirely unwashed-up." (Fantasy Faction)

What listeners say about Senlin Ascends

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Unique and Amazing!

Would you listen to Senlin Ascends again? Why?

Senlin Ascends is a fantastic book with a unique setting that gives the reader an ever-changing environment and dynamic cast that will keep the reader always looking for more.John Bank's is the perfect fit for Thomas Senlin, and does an admirable job of a wide range of voices.Can't recommend this book enough.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

different but the same

This story is along the same lines as keys to the kingdom. Different levels, different problems. I am not sure I liked it. reader was great.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

intriguing

took a little while to get into. at times the dialogue and maim character are full. the world of the story is the highlight. still, by the end of the book I was fully engaged.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best books I have ever 'read'

Where does Senlin Ascends rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my favourite books of all times, not just on audiobooks.

What did you like best about this story?

It is beatifically written. It has have an almost poetic feel, something I have only really encountered in Lord of the Rings and The Book Thief.

The world created is immersive and the story completely engrossing. It is fantasy escapism at its best.

It will no doubt end up a blockbuster movie or tv series, which is a shame in a way.

What about John Banks’s performance did you like?

John's performance was excellent. His characters were completely believable and engaging, with only 'Erin' perhaps being a bit off to my ear.

Any additional comments?

I cannot recommend this enough. It is a joy and a treasure. I can't wait for the third book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • TR
  • 02-04-2023

Great narration but it doesn’t save the story.

The narration is great and I can’t fault it. The story was very slow to start and I found my mind wandering more then once, but I had read the other reviews that said to keep going and it gets better. It does get better, but I don’t think slogging it 3/4 the way through the book for a mildly interesting ending was worth it. I don’t really care what happens with the characters in the next book and won’t be continuing unfortunately.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Shaky start, but really good

The first bit seemed like it was going to be too slow and really dated. I quickly got into the swing of it and really enjoyed pretty much every scene once the story got properly going.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An unexpected treasure

Great book, It doesnt go where you might suspect at the beginning which suprised me. The narrator was brilliant too.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great read.

It was a little slow to begin, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Buckle up for an adventure

This was a bumpy thrilling ride - do yourself a favour - download and listen non stop until you’re done...then get the next one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Starts slow, leaves you wanting more

Really enjoyed the world and character development, eager to listen on. Was a little difficult to get into, due to the starangness of the world and main characters goofiness. Glad I kept going as the immediate plot thickens significantly and the larger Tower of Babel mystery just keeps heating up.

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