This is an action movie in book form. Take Die Hard and set it in a prison filled with the most dangerous inmates ever, a sadly small contingent of poorly paid and trained guards, an ambivalent administration, and then have the digital locking system malfunction. Add in a wrongly accused ex-cop with nothing to lose and a tour contingent from the governor’s family and you get quite the wild ride. This was incredibly violent and maybe a little too gruesome but I could not put it down. This should be a movie, and they should take some of the dialogue directly from the book—it’s that good.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"The Ascent" by Adam Plantinga is a debut thriller that takes readers on a harrowing journey through the darkest corridors of human nature and the criminal justice system. The novel introduces us to Kurt Argento, an ex-Detroit street cop with a heart as big as his fists are hard. When a high-security prison's systems fail, Argento, alongside the governor's daughter, must navigate a gauntlet of chaos and violence to survive.

Plantinga's narrative is a masterclass in suspense, weaving a tale that is as much about the human spirit as it is about survival. The story's pacing is relentless, each chapter ratcheting up the tension as Argento and his unlikely allies fight their way through a building teeming with the worst of the worst. The author's background in law enforcement lends an air of authenticity to the proceedings, making the reader feel the walls closing in and the danger lurking around every corner.

The characters are well-drawn, with Argento standing out as a man driven by a sense of justice that burns bright even in the darkest moments. His interactions with Julie Wakefield, the governor's daughter, are fraught with tension and an underlying current of mutual respect that adds depth to their relationship.

The setting of the prison is a character in itself, a labyrinthine structure that holds terror and uncertainty within its walls. Plantinga's description of the prison's architecture, the inmates' hierarchy, and the breakdown of order is meticulous and immersive.

In essence, "The Ascent" is a story about the indomitable will to survive against all odds. It's a testament to the strength found in unity and the unexpected humanity that can emerge in times of crisis. Plantinga has crafted a thriller that is thought-provoking, leaving the reader to ponder the true meaning of justice and redemption.

For those who crave a thriller that combines action with a deep dive into the psyche of its characters, "The Ascent" is a must-read. It's a book that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the very last page, and even then, it lingers in the mind long after the cover is closed. A stellar debut from Adam Plantinga.

I loved the no thrill language of this book - kept the plot on task and fast paced.
I loved Kurt's character from the start - rough and grieving, loved his dog and protected a young girl from a monster, Which starts Kurt on a downward spiral - housed in a maximum security prison over a long holiday weekend.
Enjoyed the relationship between Kurt and Julie, the high tension and intensity. Great read.

This was an action-packed read that is destined for the big screen! Memorable characters, some genuinely scary moments and propulsive writing - this debut will keep you turning pages until you're done. There are some graphically violent scenes but they served the story well.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the copy to review.

I don’t give out 5 stars very often but The Ascent gets 5 stars from me. Not my usual genre but on a friend’s recommendation, I read this book (truly, I’m a Jane Austen fan). And oh my goodness. From the very beginning, I was entranced. Our MC carries some baggage, is a little sad and damaged. But he’s got his dog, Hudson, as he heads out on a road trip to see the Pacific Ocean.
Not one to give spoilers, all I can say is that he is a former cop who spends some time in a Missouri prison, meets the governors daughter, and masquerades as a garbage man. (It’s truly so much more than that!)
The action starts immediately and I enjoyed many “jump starts” and “OMG!” moments.
Many unpredictable twists and some violent scenes. Some redemption ultimately. A truly exciting, well written novel.

TW [Sexual Assault, Attempted SA of a minor, Murder, Gore, Rape, Swearing]

If there was ANYTHING worth note in this book, it would be the cover (which is admittedly amazing) and the actual writing style.

I enjoyed the first 30 or so pages of the book. I truly did! Kurt had just lost his wife, then loses his job, and travels cross-country to clear his head. At a local festival, he stops a pedophile from sexually assaulting a minor only to end up in a maximum security prison from a corrupt cop. I was rooting for him to get out!

And then it just got.. worse. Turns out our MC Kurt is the definition of a Mary Sue. He has all the plot armor because he's such an amazing cop! He saves our "damsel in distress" Julie, who came to the prison for a tour for one of her graduate classes. While she's described as athletic, the comments revolving around her body made me wholly uncomfortable.

Secondly, usually I can put political leanings in books aside. With the mention of ACAB, constant jabs at those who lean democratically, and consistently awful stereotyping, it's a miracle I even made it through this book.

So, let's get into the thick of it. Within the first 30 pages there is an attempted rape scene and roughly 4 people die gruesomely. We are then greeted with multiple descriptions of stereotypes concerning the POC community. African Americans are described as gang members almost exclusively throughout the entire book, druggies, and people who wear their pants below the waist. There are mentions of racism, Aryan (White) Power and more. While the Kurt is pulling on his experience as a cop from Detroit that has higher levels of POC population, the descriptions just didn't sit right with me.

Lastly, I am apt to believe that the author let his own notions seep into the book. Looking at his author books as well as the acknowledgements, he is a cop as well. I'm not a part of law enforcement, but it seems to glorify the position of good cops highly.

Overall, it reads like an action-packed slasher film with excellent writing but poor characters. Even the ending was left open, one of my least favorite ways to end a book. Maybe I'll try giving one of his other books a read, but for now I think I'm good.

If you're a fan of Lee Child's Reacher series, you will love this book. From the very first page, The Ascent takes you on a breathless, non-stop thrill-ride.

The set up is simple: former cop Kurt Argento finds himself on the wrong side of a corrupt Sheriff and winds up in a maximum security prison. When the convicts take over the facility, it's up to Argento to guide a group of civilians safely to the roof for extraction.

This novel is hard to put down. Argento makes a fantastic character that should have his own book series and will no doubt wind up on screen.

I loved this book so much and a shortlisted more copies because I think more people should read this. This book was a 90s action movie slash video game and I was hooked from the start. I loved the over the top characters and would not be mad if this was a series. Congratulations to the author and thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy. I also purchased my own copy for my library and will definitely read this again.

"The Ascent" by Adam Plantinga is an absolute gem in the world of thrillers, delivering a pulse-pounding and immersive experience that kept me hooked from the very first page. Plantinga, a Sergeant with the San Francisco Police Department, brings his real-world expertise to the narrative, infusing it with a level of authenticity that elevates the entire reading experience.

The protagonist, Kurt Argento, is a compelling character whose ex-Detroit street cop background and unwavering commitment to justice make him instantly relatable. His fearless determination to rescue a young girl in a corrupt Missouri town sets the stage for a gripping and intense story that only gains momentum as the plot unfolds.

The dynamics between Argento and Julie Wakefield, the governor's daughter, add a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. As they join forces to navigate the chaos unleashed by a high-security prison failure, readers are treated to a well-crafted blend of action, suspense, and unexpected alliances. Julie, a grad student, brings intelligence and resourcefulness to the mix, making her a character worth rooting for.

What truly sets "The Ascent" apart is the meticulous attention to detail in describing the prison setting and the relentless pace at which the story unfolds. The malfunction in the security system that releases a horde of prisoners becomes a catalyst for a fierce struggle for survival, and Plantinga skillfully crafts each scene to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The endorsement from Harlan Coben, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, is well-deserved. "The Ascent" is, indeed, jaw-dropping, authentic, and absolutely gripping. Adam Plantinga's transition from nonfiction to fiction is seamless, and his debut thriller stands as a testament to his storytelling prowess. If you're a fan of heart-stopping action, well-developed characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, "The Ascent" is a must-read. I eagerly anticipate more thrilling stories from this talented author in the future.

Big thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the review copy!

In Adam Plantinga's debut thriller, a high-security prison fiasco thrusts a struggling cop and the governor’s daughter into an unexpected alliance for their escape.

Kurt Argento, an ex-Detroit street cop with an unyielding commitment to justice, embarks on a journey across the country to distance himself from deep personal pain. In a twist of fate, he uncovers corruption in a non-urban Missouri county through a mix of happenstance and determination.

Julie Wakefield, a grad student and the governor's daughter, is poised to tour a private prison in the same Missouri county.

A security system malfunction triggers a massive failure, releasing prisoners into chaos.

Kurt, Julie, and a small group find themselves ensnared, forced to navigate six floors teeming with humanity's darkest and most vicious individuals to reach the roof.

This novel is a mixed bag—I found enjoyment in the characters, pacing, and writing, but it falls short of its full potential. Tropes are abundant, yet a fresh voice manages to break through. Imagine a blend of Die Hard, Jack Reacher, Towering Inferno, Game of Death, and the Escape films—Ascent is relentless, not without flaws, but a swift and engaging read.

If you're on the lookout for a compelling action-suspense novel from a first-time fiction author, this might just be your pick.

Bestowing it a solid B, I eagerly anticipate Adam's next literary endeavor.

This is a good, gritty (at times veering into gruesome) entry in the "taciturn but quippy" bad-ass old guy genre. Main character Argento (he's got a heart of silver, not gold?), is your classic noir "code of the west" type guy, unable to avoid shoehorning himself into scrapes. Usually he can scrap his way out, but when he can't, as when our story kicks off, it's a doozy. The structure of this one kinda reminded me of a video game - there's a "boss" on each of the successive levels, either a person or a situation, that has to be confronted, confounded and conquered. Sometimes the pacing dragged a bit for my taste, especially that long expository lead-in, but I guess maybe that's to be expected in what promises to be the first of a series. But man, there's a lot of backstory on this fella. I'm also skeptical about crowning Plantinga the heir of Lee Child or Michael Connelly - to me he's more in the vein (sorry) of: Mickey Spillane or, at best, some of Thomas Perry's standalones like The Old Man. Like Perry, his strength is being cinematic, real-time and (once he got started) relentless. Like Spillane, he is not one to shy away from ultra-violence. Genre fans will enjoy, others, I suspect, not so much.

An action packed read. It’s not groundbreaking but still enjoyable. I could easily see this being turned into a film or tv series. Fans of Prison Break and Reacher should enjoy this one

January brings many thrilling releases this year, unveiling new works from esteemed authors such as Rachel Hawkins, Stacy Willingham, and Adam Michaelides. The thriller I started with this year hails from a new voice in the genre, one who has lived a captivating life of his own—a life that undoubtedly infuses his fiction with riveting excitement. Adam Plantinga, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with twenty-two years of experience, has previously authored two non-fiction works about the profession. In The Ascent, Plantinga leverages his insider knowledge to craft an unconventional prison break story that signals the emergence of a promising career in fiction.

The narrative begins with two distinct storylines. The first follows Kurt Argento, an ex-cop still grappling with the profound loss of his wife to cancer. Consumed by the injustice of her senseless death, Kurt becomes obsessed with seeking retribution and addressing the grievances he perceives in the world. His deep-seated need for justice prompts him to intervene when he witnesses a young girl being dragged into an alley. This act results in Kurt being brutally beaten and confined to a maximum-security prison.

Simultaneously, the story introduces Julie, a graduate student and the governor's daughter. Despite her father's pleas to avoid visiting the prison, Julie is determined to tour the facilities and gain firsthand knowledge of the treatment and rehabilitation of inmates for her studies. Acutely aware of the facility's notorious reputation, Julie commences her tour just as Kurt is being processed as the prison's newest inmate. Things take an unexpected twist when a security system malfunction occurs, unleashing a horde of violent criminals and initiating a countdown for a full system reset that will unlock every door on the premises. Now, Kurt must join forces with a small group of staff and civilians, including Julie and her two state trooper handlers, to navigate six perilous floors filled with the state's most dangerous convicts and reach the rooftop for safety.

Adam Plantinga makes an impressive fiction debut in The Ascent, seamlessly blending a sense of familiarity with refreshing innovation. Drawing from his real-world encounters, Plantinga meticulously constructs a prison setting infused with dark, intricate details that only someone with firsthand experience could envision. The storyline is irresistibly suspenseful, revolving around a simple yet intense objective: ascend to the prison's summit before a timelock unleashes a horde of malevolent beings, sealing the fate of every innocent soul left behind. The prison transforms into a nightmarish battleground, with each floor presenting new and terrifying challenges. The main character, Kurt, channels the spirit of Bruce Willis in Die Hard—a cop caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, compelled by a sense of duty to navigate an extraordinary and perilous situation. Paired with the innocent Julie, the characters provide readers with an emotional anchor as they navigate the story's thrilling climb. The Ascent proved impossible to set aside, leaving me eagerly anticipating Plantinga's next thrilling story.

Adam Plantiga’s The Ascent doesn’t break any new ground as thriller. The hero, Kurt Argento, is a widowed Detroit cop who resigns over his lack of duties. With nothing to lose Argento takes off and ends up in Rocker, Missouri. Kurt, not long after he arrives, rescues a young girl from a pedophile then brutally beats him to the ground. The pedophile is coincidentally the brother of the town sheriff, Sheriff Hokus. The sheriff alters Argento’s rescue story to multiple charges including assault on a police officer. Hokus sends Kurt to a maximum security prison figuring Argento won’t make it out of there alive. The first day of Argento’s arrival, the prison is shutdown by what the prison’s staff, but turns out that the prisoners have overtaken. Kurt leads the remaining staff plus a graduate student, Julie, who happens to be the governor’s daughter, to flee the prison. Their oppositions including blood thirsty prisoners and a possible traitor among them not only stand in their way of escaping, but surviving the night.

Formula Fiction has never bothers me unless it’s badly told. Plantinga’s debut features an alpha male hero, a cartoon villain, and an assortment of stock characters. At the same time, he throws in hardcore action,
exciting plot developments, and a twist or two that threw me for a loop. This is also one of the most bloody debut’s that I’ve ever read. The extreme violence is never gratuitous, but there were a couple of scenes that made me squirm.

The Ascent is big, boisterous, and brutal. The energetic narrative doesn’t stop until its exciting final conclusion.

The Ascent by Adam Plantinga is an exhilarating journey that captivates the reader from the first page. Set against a backdrop that seamlessly blends suspense with vivid settings, the novel creates an immersive experience for readers. Plantinga's skillful portrayal of characters adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making them relatable and engaging. The plot unfolds perfectly with intrigue and excitement, keeping readers on edge. What truly sets this novel apart is the clarity of Plantinga's writing, making the narrative easily accessible to a broad audience. Attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience. The Ascent is a masterfully crafted work that combines a great setting, fantastic characters, and clear prose to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable reading experience.

The Ascent is the fiction debut from Adam Plantinga. This book comes out on Jan 2 and you're going to want to take those bookstore giftcards and get this one.

"Kurt Argento, an ex-cop from Detroit, is arrested and sent to a privately run Super Max prison. All because he stopped someone from hurting a little girl. Someone who happened to be the nephew of the corrupt sheriff.
The governor's daughter happens to be visiting the prison that day. There is a computer malfunction and cell doors start randomly opening. Kurt ends up with the daughter's group trying to find their way to the roof for rescue. But they must fight through 6 floors of convicts that want them all dead."

Imagine the movie Lockout combined with Bruce Lee's Game of Death. Once Plantiga gets going he never lets up. It's non-stop action. You're pulling for Kurt - especially since he's been wrongly imprisoned. And you're pulling for Julie - because there's some backbone there. There are a couple of other "good-guy" characters that you'l want gone. Sadly, you probably work with someone like that. Plantinga shows he is not afraid to kill a character so you have no idea if anyone is going to make it to the roof.
Plantinga writes some scary bad guys, especially the one on the top floor - you'll see. Nice twist at the end.

Plan on reading this in '24. Great action story from Adam Plantinga.

Fans of Lee Child's Reacher tales may want to pick up this high octane thriller by ex-cop Adam Plantnga. Kurt Argento, an ex-Detroit street cop, finds himself in a prison housing violent criminals on six different floors. When a security lockdown goes haywire, Kurt and a small group of guards find themselves having to run a gauntlet to the roof hoping a helicopter can rescue them. Included in the group is the governor's daughter who is fairly resouceful herself. Kurt is a brawler and much like Jack Reacher has skills in dispatching bad guys with little in the way of weapons The story has a video game feel where each floor confronts the group with more and more outlandish violence. Soaked with testosterone this tale moves fast.

QUICK TAKE: PRISON BREAK meets DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL...super violent and super fun and super tropey. I enjoyed.

Wow! This was a really interesting story that kept my attention. This is absolutely a gory book with very graphic details, so *trigger warning* there. This absolutely needs to be made into a movie.

A cop is let go and must rebuild his life after his wife dies. He gets wrongly accused and sent to jail where he meets Julie, the governments daughter. Julie is on a tour of the jail when the jail’s security malfunctions. How far will these two go to get out?

The definition of copaganda. The Blue Lives Matters crowd should eat it up. Sociologically useful, though, as a lesson in how not to think humanely.