Senlin Ascends cover art

Senlin Ascends

The Books of Babel, Book 1

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Senlin Ascends

By: Josiah Bancroft
Narrated by: John Banks
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About this listen

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 Action & Adventure Classics Fantasy Fiction Historical Science Fiction Steampunk Adventure

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)
All stars
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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.

Great narration but it doesn’t save the story.

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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.

intriguing

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A fantastic story brilliantly narrated. Unique and well written, unusual characters. Grabbed me at the first chapter.

Can't wait for the next one.

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A cracking plot with a host of stunningly realised characters. John Banks’ performance cannot be faulted, and I look forward to diving straight into the next book in the series.

What an adventure!

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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.

Starts slow, leaves you wanting more

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Very impressed by this book and the world that has been created. Excellent character development for the main character, Senlin.

Modern classic

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Really fun, fantasy in a unique and interesting world. Took a little bit to get into so stick with it! Will be getting the next one. Feels like bran stoker or dickens meets terry Gilliam.

Recommend!

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Fantastic setting and interesting characters. Perfomance is also well presented and entertaining to listen to.

Fantastic setting, interesting characters.

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Ok..I nearly gave up on this a number of times before the third act. Note..once he gets to the ‘ports’ you’re in for a good time but it’s painfully dull until then. A little bit like Bilbo Baggins or a Arthur (Hitchhikers guide) type of awkward and plenty boring..until the pace steps up. By the end I was queuing up the next book right away. Steampunk and old Victorian themes throughout give it a certain unpredictability because nothing is explained in a way that you want..but little by little the pieces begin to fit. The narrator does his best with the voices and accents though variety is not a strong point. Average overall but very promising for the next book.

Slow to start..but...

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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.

different but the same

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