Review: The Way Up is Death by Dan Hanks
Blurb:
A SFF thriller where a mysterious, otherworldly tower appears in the sky above the UK with a single word emblazoned above its doorway... ascend. A great read for fans of Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart.
When a mysterious tower appears in the skies over England, thirteen strangers are pulled from their lives to stand before it as a countdown begins. Above the doorway is one word: ASCEND.
As a grieving teacher, a reclusive artist, and a narcissistic celebrity children’s author lead the others in trying to understand why they’ve been chosen and what the tower is, it soon becomes clear the only way out of this for everyone… is up.
And so begins a race to the top, through sinking ships, haunted houses and other waking nightmares, as the group fights to hold onto its humanity, while the twisted horror of why they’re here grows ever more apparent – and death stalks their every move.
Review:
The Way Up Is Death by Dan Hanks follows a group of strangers who find themselves mysteriously transported to a vast, floating tower with no memory of how they got there or why they were chosen. The only thing they know for certain is that they must ascend. But climbing isn’t just a test of endurance, it’s a journey through ever changing, nightmarish landscapes that defy logic and reality. From sinking ships to haunted houses, each level presents a new challenge, pushing them to their limits. As they struggle to survive, one question looms: what awaits them at the top?
I stumbled upon The Way Up Is Death while browsing for ARCs in the Angry Robot library. The cover immediately caught my eye with its vibrant use of colour, and the title was just as intriguing as it all but promised a story steeped in death. Naturally, I had to request a copy, and Angry Robot generously provided one with no strings attached, just the expectation of an honest review. Now that’s out of the way, let’s dive into the crux of my thoughts.
The story reminded me slightly of Dungeon Crawler Carl, with the group navigating through different levels, each presenting its own unique challenge. Every floor forced them to figure out how to overcome the obstacles ahead. However, the similarities end there. This novel carries a much darker, more mature tone, featuring far more graphic deaths and an introspective exploration of what it truly means to live. The characters constantly wrestle with the purpose behind their selection and the reason for their presence in the mysterious tower. Dan Hanks masterfully crafts an unsettling, horror-infused atmosphere right from the start, immersing the reader through the character’s raw reactions and inner thoughts.
One of the things I loved most about this book was how it instantly gripped me with its introduction of such distinct characters. Each one came from a completely different background, yet they were thrown together, allowing their personalities to clash and evolve in unpredictable ways. Beyond that, each character was dealing with their own struggles, and their time in the tower forced them to confront and grow from them. Nia, for example, initially avoided conflict and kept her thoughts to herself, but as the story progressed, she became more outspoken, standing up for herself and calling out those who were rude or dismissive toward others. Alden, on the other hand, was weighed down by grief. The death of his dog had left a deep wound, as his companion was not only a source of unconditional love but also a tether to his best memories with his parents. Losing that connection drained his will to live and robbed him of happiness. Yet, through his experiences in the tower and the bonds he formed with the group, he slowly found the strength to embrace life again. This journey of personal growth added so much depth to the novel, making each moment of survival even more meaningful.
My favourite characters were Alden, a musician turned teacher; Rakie, a young aspiring writer; Nia, a graphic artist; and Earl, Rakie’s loving father. I immediately connected with them as they were incredibly likable, not because they were flawless, but because of how they approached challenges. They never acted like they had all the answers but instead relied on logic, gut instinct, and teamwork. Their goal was never just self-preservation; they genuinely cared about the group and constantly sought ways to keep everyone alive, persuading others to follow the safest path forward.
On the other hand, the character I despised the most was Dirk, a self-absorbed celebrity children’s author. From the moment he was introduced, I knew I wouldn’t like him. His arrogance, his condescending attitude toward those who lacked his fame, and his constant need to undermine others made him insufferable. Worse still, he was a complete coward, often causing problems only to panic when things went sideways. Dan Hanks did an excellent job crafting a character so utterly detestable that I wanted to punch him in the face every time he spoke.
Overall, The Way Up Is Death is an engaging, dark, and thought-provoking novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. More than just a survival horror story, it’s a reflection on the appreciation of life and the inevitability of death. The novel reminds us that death comes for all, and when it does, we must be ready to embrace it, whether it arrives in a horrifying form or as a peaceful release. At the same time, it emphasises the importance of protecting the next generation, as they are the ones who will carry on after us. If you’re looking for a gripping read filled with suspense, existential questions, and a relentless sense of dread, this one is definitely worth picking up.
