Book Review | The Way Up is Death

When thirteen strangers are teleported to a mysterious tower, they must work together in order to navigate deadly traps and puzzles.

The Way Up is Death by Dan Hanks delivers a propulsive, genre-bending thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I’ve got to say, this is a multi-facetted read.

On one hand, it’s an entertaining book that pokes fun at influencers and modern culture.

On the other hand, there’s a definite horror undercurrent as well. I absolutely loved the unsettling, every-changing architecture of the tower that seemed to respond to the characters, forcing them to face their inner demons. In a way, this reminded a bit of Silent Hill or the movie Escape Room (2019)—where the environment is a reflection and manifestation of its visitor’s mind, which allows for a deeper psychological look into its characters.

Overall, I feel like if you’re a fan of video games, complicated group dynamics, and cosmic horror with heart, you’ll have a good time with this one.

Thank you, NetGalley and Angry Robot Books, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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