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A small-town family’s tragedy kept secret has a teenage girl turning to competitive rock climbing to find answers...and herself.
Deserted by her father and kept in the dark about her brother’s accident that she was too young to recall, high schooler Ashley Davies has her own secrets. When she enters a forbidden rock-climbing contest to teach her bully a lesson, she ends up uncovering old wounds about her family’s connection to another’s heartache.
Climb is a masterfully written coming of age story of resilience, grit, and self-discovery in the most heartbreaking of circumstances.
Deserted by her father and kept in the dark about her brother’s accident that she was too young to recall, high schooler Ashley Davies has her own secrets. When she enters a forbidden rock-climbing contest to teach her bully a lesson, she ends up uncovering old wounds about her family’s connection to another’s heartache.
Climb is a masterfully written coming of age story of resilience, grit, and self-discovery in the most heartbreaking of circumstances.
294 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2021
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Philip Barker
3 books10 followersYoung adult literary fiction author Philip Barker believes it is important to do something every day that scares you, even if it’s only a little bit; it means you are pushing yourself to experience new things. Through his writing, he aspires to provide his young readers a different perspective, to put emotions into words so that they can hopefully feel a way that they normally wouldn’t, or even wouldn’t want to.
Philip realized in high school that he wanted to be a writer when he discovered that books have the capacity to make him think outside of the established way that was taught to him growing up in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. He likes to ground his stories in reality and relate them to personal experiences. It is his opinion that life itself is amazing and story-worthy, and there are so many interesting people in the world, all things that he can harvest great writing from.
Philip believes a great story is one that has relatable and interesting characters. Everyone lives interesting lives, and getting to know people is the fun part, even with fictional characters. Having them leave their comfort zones becomes fascinating and often hilarious. To Philip, everyone has a story to tell, and he hopes his young readers learn from his own story that life is complicated and things occur that can often be out of their control. But how they overcome obstacles is what’s important and committing oneself to something with a goal and purpose, like rock climbing, can help ground you.
When he isn’t writing thought-provoking fiction stories for young adults, Philip enjoys rock climbing, gardening, and watching B Grade movies. His wife, siblings, mother, and father-in-law provided the positive support and courage for his book and in his life. He lives in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, NSW, Australia with his wife, two dachshunds, Alfie and George, and a rabbit named Abby. Climb is his debut novel.
Philip realized in high school that he wanted to be a writer when he discovered that books have the capacity to make him think outside of the established way that was taught to him growing up in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. He likes to ground his stories in reality and relate them to personal experiences. It is his opinion that life itself is amazing and story-worthy, and there are so many interesting people in the world, all things that he can harvest great writing from.
Philip believes a great story is one that has relatable and interesting characters. Everyone lives interesting lives, and getting to know people is the fun part, even with fictional characters. Having them leave their comfort zones becomes fascinating and often hilarious. To Philip, everyone has a story to tell, and he hopes his young readers learn from his own story that life is complicated and things occur that can often be out of their control. But how they overcome obstacles is what’s important and committing oneself to something with a goal and purpose, like rock climbing, can help ground you.
When he isn’t writing thought-provoking fiction stories for young adults, Philip enjoys rock climbing, gardening, and watching B Grade movies. His wife, siblings, mother, and father-in-law provided the positive support and courage for his book and in his life. He lives in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, NSW, Australia with his wife, two dachshunds, Alfie and George, and a rabbit named Abby. Climb is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 14, 2021
This book had me gripped.
There were two main reasons for this. The first were the characters. In Ashley, Philip has created a relatable and interesting protagonist who I instantly connected to (as will many others). Her encounters with love, belonging, and discovering new passions had me hooked.
The second was the backdrop of the story. Philip Barker's vivid descriptions of small-town Australia were so interesting to me as an outsider, but also felt very familiar.
This book will appeal to all ages and even to non-climbers. I knew nothing about climbing, but the simple explanations and descriptions were easy to follow and added great excitement to the book. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful illustrations.
Climb is a wonderful book, and I look forward to more of Philip Barker's work!
There were two main reasons for this. The first were the characters. In Ashley, Philip has created a relatable and interesting protagonist who I instantly connected to (as will many others). Her encounters with love, belonging, and discovering new passions had me hooked.
The second was the backdrop of the story. Philip Barker's vivid descriptions of small-town Australia were so interesting to me as an outsider, but also felt very familiar.
This book will appeal to all ages and even to non-climbers. I knew nothing about climbing, but the simple explanations and descriptions were easy to follow and added great excitement to the book. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful illustrations.
Climb is a wonderful book, and I look forward to more of Philip Barker's work!
March 16, 2022
Our protagonist is a 15 year old Ashley who has her own secrets and problems including the need to belong, her crush, being bullied as well as dealing with family secrets and the mystery of her brother's accident. When she expends her energy climbing everything, a local climber takes her under his wing and teachers her how to do it the right way so can enter a climbing competition she has to keep hidden from her family. The descriptions were detailed and made a great movie of the mind. I loved how you see Ashely grow throughout the book and I can't wait to see what will happen next! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 22, 2021
Such an enlightening book I thoroughly enjoyed it! It made me want to rockclimb something I haven’t done a lot of and now feel like I’m missing out, it was character driven and super easy to read. I loved the whole story and the flow and the main protagonist has a good heart and I was rooting for her the whole way through!
September 22, 2021
Awesome book. Had me turning pages and forgeting all the things I should have been doing. I highly recommend this read.
January 16, 2022
Fifteen year old Ashley is rebellious and restless, and running either from or towards the secrets that are weighing heavily on her and her family. The only way out is up, and so up she goes into trees, treehouses, water towers, and then, finally, rocks. A local climber draws Ashley (and her nemesis) into learning to climb properly, safely, and with all the gear, to qualify for a competition that might just take Ashley to her absentee father. Throughout her training, she has to stay on top of schoolwork, navigate goth bookworms with a crush on her older brother, figure out why her bully has suddenly turned quiet and shy, nurse an injured ankle, go on a date with the cute boy in her science class - and hide all of her training from her family.
At first I found this book slow going. There were many characters to meet, and some of the dialogue I found to be quite stilted and scripted, but they were intriguing enough that I didn't really mind. I couldn't tell you where exactly I got hooked, but suddenly I was desperate to know how the story would turn out. Then the plot twists came thick, fast, and hugely unexpected. Everything wraps up in the most satisfying way - with a few very subtly poetic elements. I was left fulfilled but still wanting more, so I was very excited to see that 'Climb 2' is coming.
The way the author wove all of the characters and their backstories into Ashley's life was quite well done. A few times I had to flip back a couple of pages to remember who someone was, as there were so many characters, but that may simply have been my fault as a reader. The descriptions of small town Australia were fascinating in both their familiarity and foreignness.
I was so excited when I saw this book as climbing is so hugely underrepresented in YA novels. I've been an avid reader my entire life and I never saw it mentioned in a book, never mind found a whole book about it. And the way it's written in 'Climb' is fantastic. The slang is explained, the gear is sketched and described, and even if you're not interested in the technicalities, you can skim over it and still understand what's going on. I've only been climbing for a year, so not all of it made sense to me, but that didn't interfere with the novel whatsoever.
I also loved how climbing is described as a passion for many reasons. As with any sport, the reasons for loving it are varied, and Ashley expresses several of them throughout the book.
Overall, I found the book to have a slow start but developed into an engaging, honest and empathetic story of a teenage girl finding her feet, her family, and the topout.
At first I found this book slow going. There were many characters to meet, and some of the dialogue I found to be quite stilted and scripted, but they were intriguing enough that I didn't really mind. I couldn't tell you where exactly I got hooked, but suddenly I was desperate to know how the story would turn out. Then the plot twists came thick, fast, and hugely unexpected. Everything wraps up in the most satisfying way - with a few very subtly poetic elements. I was left fulfilled but still wanting more, so I was very excited to see that 'Climb 2' is coming.
The way the author wove all of the characters and their backstories into Ashley's life was quite well done. A few times I had to flip back a couple of pages to remember who someone was, as there were so many characters, but that may simply have been my fault as a reader. The descriptions of small town Australia were fascinating in both their familiarity and foreignness.
I was so excited when I saw this book as climbing is so hugely underrepresented in YA novels. I've been an avid reader my entire life and I never saw it mentioned in a book, never mind found a whole book about it. And the way it's written in 'Climb' is fantastic. The slang is explained, the gear is sketched and described, and even if you're not interested in the technicalities, you can skim over it and still understand what's going on. I've only been climbing for a year, so not all of it made sense to me, but that didn't interfere with the novel whatsoever.
I also loved how climbing is described as a passion for many reasons. As with any sport, the reasons for loving it are varied, and Ashley expresses several of them throughout the book.
Overall, I found the book to have a slow start but developed into an engaging, honest and empathetic story of a teenage girl finding her feet, her family, and the topout.
Read
March 11, 2022BOOK:CLIMB BY PHILIP BARKER,ILLUSTRATION BY KATRINA CHURCHILL
BOOK REVIEWER:OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS:-
A Sports story on the sports of tower and rock climbing centred around the Davies family.The writer in the book uses symbolism,metaphor allegory and other literary devices to tell this beautiful story about climbing with training,instruction and professional supervision .It is a book on the life process of risk taking and supporting each other depicted using the sports of climbing.In the book the writer writes on tourism,good food,betrayal,book club and reading,bullying,leadership and gives climbing tips using the life of Ashley ,Jacob and Alex. At some point we see the use of 'tree' climbing with 'school bag' as signifying a process of sexual intercourse or relations with the tree signifying the female organ and the school bag the male organ and at some point climbing is used to describe achieving an objective. This creative story tells of Ashley's climbing a tree and a rope and how to climb a rope with a Prusik knot having no need for mechanical support or an equipment. The writer using the three characters of Ashley, Jacob and Alex explains that the type of rope used in climbing mattered as some enabled you to be pulled up when attached to a Prusik knot while with others you needed to swing to the ladder.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE BOOK READ:-
📞We all have choices and can decide to be faithful to our promises just as Ashley when asked about her choice of a particular tree and why she chose to stop climbing responded on her choice to keep her promise to her brother to stop climbing.
📞The writer condemns bully of junior students by senior students.
📞The phrase in the book "people don't get rich by climbing" could mean that people don't get rich by sexual relations or intercourse.
📞If you want to ruin a good thing,make it about the money.
📞The leader never falling and the teasing of Ashley that he brother Cameron thought to be a leader fell and became wheel chaired due to climbing shows the negative results from climbing and its effect on even one who leads the game when you fall.
📞Climb quietly and with purpose focusing on technique.
📞The advice to climb with concentration, focus and skill and climbing as a monkey tells of the effort and work involved in climbing.
📞Need for protection while climbing could mean using a condom or requiring support even as we see Ashley Davies needing her mum as sponsor and Alex sponsoring Jacob.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT:-
On ruining a good thing by making it about the money ,personally I would describe my journey into book reviews as an example as it started as an intentional effort to build myself and I have come to see it as a good thing which I shouldn't ruin by thinking if I get paid for it or not.
BOOK REVIEWER:OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS:-
A Sports story on the sports of tower and rock climbing centred around the Davies family.The writer in the book uses symbolism,metaphor allegory and other literary devices to tell this beautiful story about climbing with training,instruction and professional supervision .It is a book on the life process of risk taking and supporting each other depicted using the sports of climbing.In the book the writer writes on tourism,good food,betrayal,book club and reading,bullying,leadership and gives climbing tips using the life of Ashley ,Jacob and Alex. At some point we see the use of 'tree' climbing with 'school bag' as signifying a process of sexual intercourse or relations with the tree signifying the female organ and the school bag the male organ and at some point climbing is used to describe achieving an objective. This creative story tells of Ashley's climbing a tree and a rope and how to climb a rope with a Prusik knot having no need for mechanical support or an equipment. The writer using the three characters of Ashley, Jacob and Alex explains that the type of rope used in climbing mattered as some enabled you to be pulled up when attached to a Prusik knot while with others you needed to swing to the ladder.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE BOOK READ:-
📞We all have choices and can decide to be faithful to our promises just as Ashley when asked about her choice of a particular tree and why she chose to stop climbing responded on her choice to keep her promise to her brother to stop climbing.
📞The writer condemns bully of junior students by senior students.
📞The phrase in the book "people don't get rich by climbing" could mean that people don't get rich by sexual relations or intercourse.
📞If you want to ruin a good thing,make it about the money.
📞The leader never falling and the teasing of Ashley that he brother Cameron thought to be a leader fell and became wheel chaired due to climbing shows the negative results from climbing and its effect on even one who leads the game when you fall.
📞Climb quietly and with purpose focusing on technique.
📞The advice to climb with concentration, focus and skill and climbing as a monkey tells of the effort and work involved in climbing.
📞Need for protection while climbing could mean using a condom or requiring support even as we see Ashley Davies needing her mum as sponsor and Alex sponsoring Jacob.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT:-
On ruining a good thing by making it about the money ,personally I would describe my journey into book reviews as an example as it started as an intentional effort to build myself and I have come to see it as a good thing which I shouldn't ruin by thinking if I get paid for it or not.
March 17, 2022
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐
This book teach me so much!
We will follow Ashley, a free and wild kid trying to find something she would love to do. In here it means climbing. I love Ashley so much! She is such a pure kid and her character develop over again and again in this book. From selfish kid to a kid with such a dream. I love how hard Ashley try to pursue her goal in climbing. Looking at her growing up with her friends is also lovely to see. We can also see a great relationship on her family but also other families too.
And something I learn so much in this book is about climbing, yes rock climbing! Because this is something Ashley want to try, we also learning with Ashley about the theory on rock climbing. From all the gears and terms on rock climbing. And this book give us the illustration about rock climbing, there are many pictures about the theory that explain to Ashley or about the gear that they will use. Make it easy for us to imagine what's happening in the book.
This book teach me so much!
We will follow Ashley, a free and wild kid trying to find something she would love to do. In here it means climbing. I love Ashley so much! She is such a pure kid and her character develop over again and again in this book. From selfish kid to a kid with such a dream. I love how hard Ashley try to pursue her goal in climbing. Looking at her growing up with her friends is also lovely to see. We can also see a great relationship on her family but also other families too.
And something I learn so much in this book is about climbing, yes rock climbing! Because this is something Ashley want to try, we also learning with Ashley about the theory on rock climbing. From all the gears and terms on rock climbing. And this book give us the illustration about rock climbing, there are many pictures about the theory that explain to Ashley or about the gear that they will use. Make it easy for us to imagine what's happening in the book.
January 20, 2022
Loved it! I could feel every inch of those climbs. Philip Barker shows us both the blessing and the curse of small, rural towns. And makes us feel how painful it is to hold on to secrets, and to share them. I am looking forward to the sequel, Climb Harder.
Read
March 28, 2022Not a bad first effort, but would have benefitted from expert editing and proofreading.
September 23, 2021
Got my hands on a copy before it's official release. I was pleasantly suprised with this book. Philip Barker has kept away from the teen fiction cliches and created an engaging world to which I am thoroughly glad I have been given a window. I'm looking forward to following his works as an up and coming writer we should all keep an eye on.
September 23, 2021
Fantastic first novel! Couldn't put it down!
I found the subject matter gripping. The characterisation really drew me into the book.
I found the subject matter gripping. The characterisation really drew me into the book.
September 23, 2021
Surprisingly good. I thought it would be rubbish but it was actually pretty good! Huh!
January 11, 2022
An engaging, entertaining read. I quickly developed a connection with the characters and am really looking forward to the sequel. Bring it on !
January 7, 2026
REVIEW OF "CLIMB" BY PHILIP BARKER
Philip Barker’s CLIMB is a compelling debut that maneuvers through the rugged terrain of teenage angst, rural Australian life, and the literal verticality of rock climbing. It is a "coming-of-age" story in the truest sense—not just about a girl growing up, but about a family unearthing buried truths to survive.
1. CHARACTER QUALITY: The Weight of Secrets
The protagonist, Ashley Davies, is a masterclass in realistic teenage characterization. Barker avoids the "perfect hero" trope, instead presenting a thirteen-year-old who is impulsive, burdened by secrets, and occasionally defiant.
Authenticity: Ashley’s voice is refreshingly raw. Her internal monologue captures the specific isolation of living in a small, drought-stricken town like Abbeydale.
Motivation: Her drive for climbing isn't just about athletic glory; it is a psychological escape. The "climb" serves as a metaphor for her need to rise above the confusing silence of her mother and the absence of her father.
Supporting Cast: Characters like Ethan, the school janitor and mentor, provide a grounded moral compass. Barker uses these secondary characters effectively to reflect different facets of Ashley’s growth—some as anchors and others, like her school rivals, as the "crags" she must navigate.
2. PLOT QUALITY: A Slow-Burn Ascent
The plot is structured like a difficult climbing route: it starts with a steady, atmospheric build-up and concludes with a high-stakes "crux" (the hardest part of a climb).
The Mystery: The narrative engine is powered by a family tragedy involving Ashley's brother—an event she was too young to remember but which has left a "scar" on the family dynamic. The way Barker drip-feeds information keeps the reader engaged without feeling manipulated.
The Technicality: Barker is an actual climber, and it shows. The technical descriptions of "belaying," "crimping," and "beta" are woven seamlessly into the prose. These scenes are the most high-octane parts of the book, turning a sport into a survivalist drama.
Pacing: While the middle section leans heavily into the "small-town drama" of school and bullying, the final third at the Bathurst competition is where the plot converges. The "revelation" at the climax is handled with emotional maturity rather than cheap shock value.
3. PERSONAL VIEW & GENERAL REVIEW
In my view, CLIMB stands out because it treats its "Young Adult" (YA) audience with intellectual respect. It doesn’t shy away from the darkness of grief or the reality of rural hardship.
Strengths:
Atmospheric Writing: You can almost feel the dust and heat of Abbeydale. The setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character that forces the protagonists to be "gritty."
Thematic Resonance: It explores the idea that we cannot move forward until we look back. Ashley’s physical ascent is tied directly to her emotional descent into her family’s past.
Visual Aid: The inclusion of sketches (by Katrina Churchill) adds a tactile layer to the book that helps non-climbers visualize the technical maneuvers Ashley performs.
Areas for Critique:
Age-Experience Gap: At times, Ashley’s introspection and the weight of her experiences feel more suited to a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old than a thirteen-year-old. This creates a slight cognitive dissonance for the reader, though her "older" soul is explained by the trauma she carries.
Prose Polish: As a debut, there are minor instances where the dialogue attribution is a bit stiff, but this rarely detracts from the emotional payoff.
Philip Barker’s CLIMB is a compelling debut that maneuvers through the rugged terrain of teenage angst, rural Australian life, and the literal verticality of rock climbing. It is a "coming-of-age" story in the truest sense—not just about a girl growing up, but about a family unearthing buried truths to survive.
1. CHARACTER QUALITY: The Weight of Secrets
The protagonist, Ashley Davies, is a masterclass in realistic teenage characterization. Barker avoids the "perfect hero" trope, instead presenting a thirteen-year-old who is impulsive, burdened by secrets, and occasionally defiant.
Authenticity: Ashley’s voice is refreshingly raw. Her internal monologue captures the specific isolation of living in a small, drought-stricken town like Abbeydale.
Motivation: Her drive for climbing isn't just about athletic glory; it is a psychological escape. The "climb" serves as a metaphor for her need to rise above the confusing silence of her mother and the absence of her father.
Supporting Cast: Characters like Ethan, the school janitor and mentor, provide a grounded moral compass. Barker uses these secondary characters effectively to reflect different facets of Ashley’s growth—some as anchors and others, like her school rivals, as the "crags" she must navigate.
2. PLOT QUALITY: A Slow-Burn Ascent
The plot is structured like a difficult climbing route: it starts with a steady, atmospheric build-up and concludes with a high-stakes "crux" (the hardest part of a climb).
The Mystery: The narrative engine is powered by a family tragedy involving Ashley's brother—an event she was too young to remember but which has left a "scar" on the family dynamic. The way Barker drip-feeds information keeps the reader engaged without feeling manipulated.
The Technicality: Barker is an actual climber, and it shows. The technical descriptions of "belaying," "crimping," and "beta" are woven seamlessly into the prose. These scenes are the most high-octane parts of the book, turning a sport into a survivalist drama.
Pacing: While the middle section leans heavily into the "small-town drama" of school and bullying, the final third at the Bathurst competition is where the plot converges. The "revelation" at the climax is handled with emotional maturity rather than cheap shock value.
3. PERSONAL VIEW & GENERAL REVIEW
In my view, CLIMB stands out because it treats its "Young Adult" (YA) audience with intellectual respect. It doesn’t shy away from the darkness of grief or the reality of rural hardship.
Strengths:
Atmospheric Writing: You can almost feel the dust and heat of Abbeydale. The setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character that forces the protagonists to be "gritty."
Thematic Resonance: It explores the idea that we cannot move forward until we look back. Ashley’s physical ascent is tied directly to her emotional descent into her family’s past.
Visual Aid: The inclusion of sketches (by Katrina Churchill) adds a tactile layer to the book that helps non-climbers visualize the technical maneuvers Ashley performs.
Areas for Critique:
Age-Experience Gap: At times, Ashley’s introspection and the weight of her experiences feel more suited to a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old than a thirteen-year-old. This creates a slight cognitive dissonance for the reader, though her "older" soul is explained by the trauma she carries.
Prose Polish: As a debut, there are minor instances where the dialogue attribution is a bit stiff, but this rarely detracts from the emotional payoff.
February 9, 2026
Thank you so much to Booktasters and Philip Barker for the opportunity to read Climb. This was a beautifully written, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant story that truly stayed with me. Philip Barker’s debut novel, Climb, is a masterfully written coming-of-age story that balances the raw adrenaline of extreme sports with the quiet, heartbreaking realities of family secrets and personal resilience. Set in the parched, drought-stricken landscapes of rural Australia, the narrative follows high schooler Ashley Davies, a girl who has grown thick-skinned and tanned from a life outdoors, but who remains deeply scarred by the departure of her father and a mysterious accident that left her brother, Cameron, in a wheelchair.
At the heart of the story is Ashley Davies, a tough, stubborn, fiercely independent teenage girl growing up in rural Australia. Abandoned by her father and shaped by the fallout of her brother Cameron’s life-altering accident, Ashley carries more emotional weight than anyone her age should have to. She climbs trees, towers, anything vertical, not for recklessness, but for peace. Up high is the only place she feels safe, in control, and free. From the very first chapters, it’s clear that climbing isn’t just a hobby for Ashley; it’s her language, her therapy, her rebellion, and her survival.
The opening scene alone, Ashley scaling a rusted water tower after being challenged at school, immediately sets the tone: bold, risky, and emotionally charged. Barker captures that mix of teenage bravado and buried pain with striking authenticity. The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics either: bullying, disability, abandonment, identity, and the quiet rage of feeling unseen. None of it is sensationalised; it’s honest, grounded, and handled with real care
What makes Climb especially moving is the family dynamic. Ashley’s relationship with Cameron is filled with love, guilt, humour, and unspoken trauma. Their bond feels lived-in and real. The same goes for her relationship with her mother, Clara, a woman doing her best to hold everything together while carrying her own grief. These relationships anchor the story and give it emotional depth far beyond a typical YA novel.
The introduction of climbing as a structured, disciplined pursuit (rather than reckless escape) mirrors Ashley’s internal journey beautifully. Learning technique, trust, and control become symbolic of her learning how to navigate the world and how to be brave without self-destructing. The climbing terminology and safety notes reinforce that realism and respect for the sport, making the metaphor land even harder.
Quietly reflective, emotionally rich, and incredibly sincere, Climb is about learning when to hold on, when to let go, and when to trust yourself enough to keep going upward even when the ground below feels unstable.
This is a book for readers who love character-driven stories, found family, emotional growth, and protagonists who feel painfully real. It’s not flashy or loud; it’s steady, meaningful, and deeply affecting. One of those books that sits with you long after you close the cover.
Harrowing, thought-provoking, and unforgettable, Climb is a masterfully crafted debut. It proves that the most dangerous heights aren't always on a cliffside; sometimes, they are the rules of reality we must rewrite for ourselves. This is a story of grit and self-discovery that will stay with you long after the final page.
At the heart of the story is Ashley Davies, a tough, stubborn, fiercely independent teenage girl growing up in rural Australia. Abandoned by her father and shaped by the fallout of her brother Cameron’s life-altering accident, Ashley carries more emotional weight than anyone her age should have to. She climbs trees, towers, anything vertical, not for recklessness, but for peace. Up high is the only place she feels safe, in control, and free. From the very first chapters, it’s clear that climbing isn’t just a hobby for Ashley; it’s her language, her therapy, her rebellion, and her survival.
The opening scene alone, Ashley scaling a rusted water tower after being challenged at school, immediately sets the tone: bold, risky, and emotionally charged. Barker captures that mix of teenage bravado and buried pain with striking authenticity. The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics either: bullying, disability, abandonment, identity, and the quiet rage of feeling unseen. None of it is sensationalised; it’s honest, grounded, and handled with real care
What makes Climb especially moving is the family dynamic. Ashley’s relationship with Cameron is filled with love, guilt, humour, and unspoken trauma. Their bond feels lived-in and real. The same goes for her relationship with her mother, Clara, a woman doing her best to hold everything together while carrying her own grief. These relationships anchor the story and give it emotional depth far beyond a typical YA novel.
The introduction of climbing as a structured, disciplined pursuit (rather than reckless escape) mirrors Ashley’s internal journey beautifully. Learning technique, trust, and control become symbolic of her learning how to navigate the world and how to be brave without self-destructing. The climbing terminology and safety notes reinforce that realism and respect for the sport, making the metaphor land even harder.
Quietly reflective, emotionally rich, and incredibly sincere, Climb is about learning when to hold on, when to let go, and when to trust yourself enough to keep going upward even when the ground below feels unstable.
This is a book for readers who love character-driven stories, found family, emotional growth, and protagonists who feel painfully real. It’s not flashy or loud; it’s steady, meaningful, and deeply affecting. One of those books that sits with you long after you close the cover.
Harrowing, thought-provoking, and unforgettable, Climb is a masterfully crafted debut. It proves that the most dangerous heights aren't always on a cliffside; sometimes, they are the rules of reality we must rewrite for ourselves. This is a story of grit and self-discovery that will stay with you long after the final page.
July 26, 2022
Climb (The Ashley Davies Trilogy Book 1) by Philip Barker takes place in rural Australia. Layers of red dust cover the cars, and fifteen-year-old Ashley Davies struggles to find purpose. She doesn’t care that she doesn’t fit in but longs for friends. As the youngest of two children, she lives with her mum and an older brother who is wheelchair bound since “the accident.” But what accident? Why doesn’t anyone talk about what happened? And why did her Dad leave when she was so young?
When a classmate, Jacob, says her handicapped brother deserves to be in his wheelchair, she challenges him to climb the old rusty water tower. Whoever climbs to the top first gets to let the other’s phone drop to the ground. Ashley is a born climber, and when she wins the climbing challenge, she drops Jacob's phone, and it crashes to pieces. In short order, she is called to the principal’s office along with her mum.
After getting in trouble, Ashley tries to turn over a new leaf and be a better student. She makes a few friends, and life unfolds with a torrent of events that reveal bits and pieces of the past in her small-town clarifying details of the accident and why her Dad left. As she deals with emotional baggage, the school’s American janitor offers her a chance to enter a climbing contest in Sydney. At first, she dismisses the idea but changes her mind. She loves climbing. To her surprise, when she shows up for training Jacob is there to train for the qualifying contest. To make matters worse, he is to be her climbing partner.
When her brother, Cameron, learns she is training for a chance to go to Sydney he offers to help her. As the two work together, he admits he used to be “pretty good” at climbing and he gives her his dusty bag of climbing gear. He teaches her the clove hitch and says, “You don’t even need a partner to climb with you. The knot is your partner. And the only person that you ever need to trust is yourself.” She grabs onto that idea. This way, she will never let anyone down.
Climb is an inspiring YA story about overcoming emotional, physical, and psychological obstacles for all ages. Ashley faces one hurdle after another in her quest to compete in Sydney and prove something to herself and others. When she gets injured, the man training her meets her mum. Can she hide her plans? Or will this put a stop to her dreams to compete? Then she learns the secrets behind her brother’s accident. It drives her to want to prove herself. To show her family is better than what people in her small-town think. This is more than a coming-of-age story. It’s an overcoming story. A story of healing and growth. A contemporary, action-packed story that doesn’t stutter or stall. It’s a story of first loves and finding oneself amid the chaos of the world. In one word Climb is satisfying, and I recommend it to readers young and old. I give it 5 stars and look forward to the sequel.
As BookHookup, I am a long-time book reviewer and I received Climb as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with #Blackberry Book Tours.
When a classmate, Jacob, says her handicapped brother deserves to be in his wheelchair, she challenges him to climb the old rusty water tower. Whoever climbs to the top first gets to let the other’s phone drop to the ground. Ashley is a born climber, and when she wins the climbing challenge, she drops Jacob's phone, and it crashes to pieces. In short order, she is called to the principal’s office along with her mum.
After getting in trouble, Ashley tries to turn over a new leaf and be a better student. She makes a few friends, and life unfolds with a torrent of events that reveal bits and pieces of the past in her small-town clarifying details of the accident and why her Dad left. As she deals with emotional baggage, the school’s American janitor offers her a chance to enter a climbing contest in Sydney. At first, she dismisses the idea but changes her mind. She loves climbing. To her surprise, when she shows up for training Jacob is there to train for the qualifying contest. To make matters worse, he is to be her climbing partner.
When her brother, Cameron, learns she is training for a chance to go to Sydney he offers to help her. As the two work together, he admits he used to be “pretty good” at climbing and he gives her his dusty bag of climbing gear. He teaches her the clove hitch and says, “You don’t even need a partner to climb with you. The knot is your partner. And the only person that you ever need to trust is yourself.” She grabs onto that idea. This way, she will never let anyone down.
Climb is an inspiring YA story about overcoming emotional, physical, and psychological obstacles for all ages. Ashley faces one hurdle after another in her quest to compete in Sydney and prove something to herself and others. When she gets injured, the man training her meets her mum. Can she hide her plans? Or will this put a stop to her dreams to compete? Then she learns the secrets behind her brother’s accident. It drives her to want to prove herself. To show her family is better than what people in her small-town think. This is more than a coming-of-age story. It’s an overcoming story. A story of healing and growth. A contemporary, action-packed story that doesn’t stutter or stall. It’s a story of first loves and finding oneself amid the chaos of the world. In one word Climb is satisfying, and I recommend it to readers young and old. I give it 5 stars and look forward to the sequel.
As BookHookup, I am a long-time book reviewer and I received Climb as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with #Blackberry Book Tours.
August 18, 2022
I picked this book because it covered an unfamiliar territory: climbing. And I always like to learn about new things.
As a YA literature connoisseur, I tend to grab books that show struggles this age group is confronted with. And there are so many unique and yet similar challenges teenagers have to face daily. This is another reason I picked young Ashley and her battles - inner and outer - to show me how to ascend the steep journey called life.
I would have liked to find a better connection with Ashley, but from time to time, she annoyed me. Most of all her giggly and dumbed down self when she meets a cute boy. Maybe because I was never like that and/or because I hope that feminism and emancipation has created girls and young women who are more complex and have more self worth than that.
I also must say that my attempt to learn something about climbing failed substantially. Philip Barker made a great effort explaining terminology used in the climbing profession; nonetheless I was totally lost in the description of the act itself. I had a big question mark above my head when reading how Ashley climbed and ended up just skimming these sections.
The plot was interesting, and the relationships made sense, but sometimes I felt that some ideas weren’t very well executed. I guess that comes with being a novice novel author. Philip Barker definitely has great potential, and I’m sure that his writing skills will only improve from here on out.
I think I will read the sequel. Not just to see how Philip’s journey is going but also to find out how “high” Ashley will go.
I wish both of you the best of luck!
As a YA literature connoisseur, I tend to grab books that show struggles this age group is confronted with. And there are so many unique and yet similar challenges teenagers have to face daily. This is another reason I picked young Ashley and her battles - inner and outer - to show me how to ascend the steep journey called life.
I would have liked to find a better connection with Ashley, but from time to time, she annoyed me. Most of all her giggly and dumbed down self when she meets a cute boy. Maybe because I was never like that and/or because I hope that feminism and emancipation has created girls and young women who are more complex and have more self worth than that.
I also must say that my attempt to learn something about climbing failed substantially. Philip Barker made a great effort explaining terminology used in the climbing profession; nonetheless I was totally lost in the description of the act itself. I had a big question mark above my head when reading how Ashley climbed and ended up just skimming these sections.
The plot was interesting, and the relationships made sense, but sometimes I felt that some ideas weren’t very well executed. I guess that comes with being a novice novel author. Philip Barker definitely has great potential, and I’m sure that his writing skills will only improve from here on out.
I think I will read the sequel. Not just to see how Philip’s journey is going but also to find out how “high” Ashley will go.
I wish both of you the best of luck!
August 15, 2022
I am very excited to be part of my first Blackberry Book tour for 'Climb' by Philip Barker. Thank you very much!
I really enjoyed this story. I don't know much (if anything really) about climbing, but if I'm going to read a book that has sports in it, this would be my pick. It was really interesting to learn about the different grips etc. and what is involved in climbing. Although climbing is a focus for the characters, there is so much more to this story.
There are secrets bubbling away under the surface all the way through. This adds a layer of discovery and conflict. It explores relationships with your family, friends, teachers/coaches, and a smidge of romance too. Ultimately it is about self-discovery, and learning what you want from life. Living for you, rather than other people.
I enjoyed this as an audiobook, and there were sound effects and things to add to the atmosphere. Some of the recording quality wasn't perfect (repeated lines and lack of space between chapters for instance), but this didn't detract overly from the experience. Just felt a bit jarring at points.
I think teenagers in particular would enjoy this book, as they are finding their own passions, but there is a bit of something for everybody. You really root for the characters. Overall a good story.
I really enjoyed this story. I don't know much (if anything really) about climbing, but if I'm going to read a book that has sports in it, this would be my pick. It was really interesting to learn about the different grips etc. and what is involved in climbing. Although climbing is a focus for the characters, there is so much more to this story.
There are secrets bubbling away under the surface all the way through. This adds a layer of discovery and conflict. It explores relationships with your family, friends, teachers/coaches, and a smidge of romance too. Ultimately it is about self-discovery, and learning what you want from life. Living for you, rather than other people.
I enjoyed this as an audiobook, and there were sound effects and things to add to the atmosphere. Some of the recording quality wasn't perfect (repeated lines and lack of space between chapters for instance), but this didn't detract overly from the experience. Just felt a bit jarring at points.
I think teenagers in particular would enjoy this book, as they are finding their own passions, but there is a bit of something for everybody. You really root for the characters. Overall a good story.
November 21, 2022
Thank you so much @blackberrybookt and the author for the review copy🤗❤️
'Climb' is an excellent coming-of-age story featuring our bold, determined protagonist - 'Ashley' as she undergoes a series of drastic changes and challenges. Surely the cover is beautiful and the blurb sounds promising but I was attracted to the book for two other reasons.
No. 1️��� - I LOVE climbing like crazy. There aren't many mountains in our country to climb, so I don't get to do it frequently. Also it's a bit difficult for me due to Asthma but nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment and excitement I feel when I reach the top. It was a joy to see someone share that feeling, even if that 'someone' is a fictional character.
No. 2️⃣ - The current phase in my life is a difficult one. As a teenager, I often feel lost and have been bullied by friends and relatives. Therefore, I could resonate to most of Ashley's struggles, her outbursts and rebellious nature. Watching her grow as a person and learn important life lessons were so comforting!
Overall, it's a wonderful book that I would recommend to everyone😊❤️
'Climb' is an excellent coming-of-age story featuring our bold, determined protagonist - 'Ashley' as she undergoes a series of drastic changes and challenges. Surely the cover is beautiful and the blurb sounds promising but I was attracted to the book for two other reasons.
No. 1️��� - I LOVE climbing like crazy. There aren't many mountains in our country to climb, so I don't get to do it frequently. Also it's a bit difficult for me due to Asthma but nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment and excitement I feel when I reach the top. It was a joy to see someone share that feeling, even if that 'someone' is a fictional character.
No. 2️⃣ - The current phase in my life is a difficult one. As a teenager, I often feel lost and have been bullied by friends and relatives. Therefore, I could resonate to most of Ashley's struggles, her outbursts and rebellious nature. Watching her grow as a person and learn important life lessons were so comforting!
Overall, it's a wonderful book that I would recommend to everyone😊❤️
April 7, 2022
At its heart, Climb is the story of Ashley, a 15-year-old girl dealing with some difficult circumstances. There is some secrecy within her family regarding something that happened to her brother, a bully at school, and of course all the typical issues and problems that come with being 15.
It was interesting to read how Ashley got involved with rock climbing,and found a mentor to help her learn to purse this safely. It was even more interesting to see how Ashley grows as a person and learns some valuable life lessons that will help her navigate her teenage years and beyond. I really liked her character, and found her very realistic in the way she spoke, felt, and dealt with things.
The setting was great! This story is set in Australia, and I enjoyed all the descriptions, both of the area and of the sport of rock climbing. I felt like I could really see and experience everything right along with Ashley.
A great story, a great protagonist, a great setting...what's not to love?
It was interesting to read how Ashley got involved with rock climbing,and found a mentor to help her learn to purse this safely. It was even more interesting to see how Ashley grows as a person and learns some valuable life lessons that will help her navigate her teenage years and beyond. I really liked her character, and found her very realistic in the way she spoke, felt, and dealt with things.
The setting was great! This story is set in Australia, and I enjoyed all the descriptions, both of the area and of the sport of rock climbing. I felt like I could really see and experience everything right along with Ashley.
A great story, a great protagonist, a great setting...what's not to love?
August 18, 2022
This book is a YA Fiction novel about a middle school girl that has been climbing her whole life. One day she challenges her school bully to climb the water tower with her. The first one there wins, and gets to throw the other person's phone off the water tower. She climbs the tower beautifully, and then when she returns back to the ground, her school janitor tells her he is a professional rock climber and would be interested in training her if she would like to compete and become even better at climbing. She agrees to this and begins training with him.
We follow through her training from starting out as a beginner, all the way to entering into a national championship. There are many trials and triumphs along the way, and we enjoy watching her grow as a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
This book teaches us to never give up on ourselves and reminds us the importance of having strong family connections.
We follow through her training from starting out as a beginner, all the way to entering into a national championship. There are many trials and triumphs along the way, and we enjoy watching her grow as a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
This book teaches us to never give up on ourselves and reminds us the importance of having strong family connections.
August 23, 2022
Climb is definitely a grand read!
What a grand story in Climb by Philip Barker. I haven't read work from this author before, and I enjoyed this story. Here we meet Ashley, as it is the first book of the The Ashley Davies Trilogy. This is a remarkable journey filled with strength, triumph and defeat. Ashley has something to prove to herself, and also deal with family secrets, and bullying. Sometimes it is more than she can handle. She is a very realistic teenager, and has more than the average teen's issues, but of course, you never know what happens behind closed doors. Climb refers to not only her rock climbing contest that she enters, but climbing out of the dispare and tragedy. Climb is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book, giving my honest and unbiased review. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a grand story in Climb by Philip Barker. I haven't read work from this author before, and I enjoyed this story. Here we meet Ashley, as it is the first book of the The Ashley Davies Trilogy. This is a remarkable journey filled with strength, triumph and defeat. Ashley has something to prove to herself, and also deal with family secrets, and bullying. Sometimes it is more than she can handle. She is a very realistic teenager, and has more than the average teen's issues, but of course, you never know what happens behind closed doors. Climb refers to not only her rock climbing contest that she enters, but climbing out of the dispare and tragedy. Climb is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book, giving my honest and unbiased review. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
January 9, 2026
This book is the first in the Ashley Davies trilogy. Before I started reading, I expected a nail-biting thriller, and I wouldn't say it was like that exactly, but it was a page turner. I found Ashley quite relatable ; she was a teenager, and I think we all remember what it feels like to be that young. We often feel like the world doesn't understand us, and sometimes we might feel a little lost or not very sure of ourselves.
It seemed to me that the book's title referred to a personal journey and personal growth, as well as a literal climb. As a person who has never tried rock climbing, and is afraid of heights, I thought of her as a courageous character, and I was rooting for her. If you asked me to describe, in one word, how this book felt to read, I would say something like “motivating” or even “uplifting”.
It seemed to me that the book's title referred to a personal journey and personal growth, as well as a literal climb. As a person who has never tried rock climbing, and is afraid of heights, I thought of her as a courageous character, and I was rooting for her. If you asked me to describe, in one word, how this book felt to read, I would say something like “motivating” or even “uplifting”.
January 16, 2026
A very well-thought and grappling story.
Climb by Philip Barker is a coming-of-age story that follows Ashley, a fearless teenager with personal struggles and family mystery that the story aims to unfold. Though, I will not dig deeper into the plot because the blurb pretty much covers the rest.
Anyway, it is not my usual read, but it was a time well-spent. Very few authors include a glossary of terms in their books, and I’m glad Barker did. Churchill also did great with the illustrations—It made the story more entertaining and engaging to say the least.
Lastly, I love the characters, they feel genuine and easy to connect with, especially Ashley, who’s stubborn yet brave. Her relationship with her brother Cameron adds a lot of heart to the story as well. I also liked how the book slowly reveals their struggles instead of dumping everything at once.
Climb by Philip Barker is a coming-of-age story that follows Ashley, a fearless teenager with personal struggles and family mystery that the story aims to unfold. Though, I will not dig deeper into the plot because the blurb pretty much covers the rest.
Anyway, it is not my usual read, but it was a time well-spent. Very few authors include a glossary of terms in their books, and I’m glad Barker did. Churchill also did great with the illustrations—It made the story more entertaining and engaging to say the least.
Lastly, I love the characters, they feel genuine and easy to connect with, especially Ashley, who’s stubborn yet brave. Her relationship with her brother Cameron adds a lot of heart to the story as well. I also liked how the book slowly reveals their struggles instead of dumping everything at once.
October 15, 2021
I was so excited to read this book and was not disappointed!
A great contemporary fiction following Ashley who has a natural affinity for climbing being given the challenge and training to do it properly and win a state competition, with plenty of small town charm, family secrets, some great characters and even a little educational for someone like me with zero climbing knowledge. Interspersed with gorgeous drawings by Katrina Churchill, this is a great debut and the start of something pretty special.
This book is perfect for all ages, with or without any knowledge or interest in climbing, it's just a beautiful Australian book.
A great contemporary fiction following Ashley who has a natural affinity for climbing being given the challenge and training to do it properly and win a state competition, with plenty of small town charm, family secrets, some great characters and even a little educational for someone like me with zero climbing knowledge. Interspersed with gorgeous drawings by Katrina Churchill, this is a great debut and the start of something pretty special.
This book is perfect for all ages, with or without any knowledge or interest in climbing, it's just a beautiful Australian book.
October 31, 2022
Title: Climb
Author: Philip Barker
Release Date: September 24th, 2021
Page Count: 246
Start Date: October 12th, 2022
Finish Date: October 21st, 2022
Review:
Story: This story follows a girl that really loves climbing. She gets in trouble because she decides to engage in a dangerous competition with somebody. It does get her into a team where she can compete legitimately and less dangerously. She’s afraid to tell her mother because she’s afraid her mother won’t allow her to do it.
Characters: This is a middle-grade book. A coming of age story if you will. All the characters in this book are written from a younger point of view. I really found it very refreshing compared to books I normally read.
Critiques: See narration.
Narration: This book is narrated by the author. It’s a decent narration. It just sounds a bit canned. There are also some places that I think that the edits weren’t fully removed from the audiobook. Again, I don’t think it’s horrible. It’s decent. It could use another editing run through though.
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book very much. The girl followed her passions. She worked hard to get where she wanted to be. She accepted responsibility when she was in the wrong. It was also very realistic. I loved the representation in this book.
Author: Philip Barker
Release Date: September 24th, 2021
Page Count: 246
Start Date: October 12th, 2022
Finish Date: October 21st, 2022
Review:
Story: This story follows a girl that really loves climbing. She gets in trouble because she decides to engage in a dangerous competition with somebody. It does get her into a team where she can compete legitimately and less dangerously. She’s afraid to tell her mother because she’s afraid her mother won’t allow her to do it.
Characters: This is a middle-grade book. A coming of age story if you will. All the characters in this book are written from a younger point of view. I really found it very refreshing compared to books I normally read.
Critiques: See narration.
Narration: This book is narrated by the author. It’s a decent narration. It just sounds a bit canned. There are also some places that I think that the edits weren’t fully removed from the audiobook. Again, I don’t think it’s horrible. It’s decent. It could use another editing run through though.
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book very much. The girl followed her passions. She worked hard to get where she wanted to be. She accepted responsibility when she was in the wrong. It was also very realistic. I loved the representation in this book.
August 18, 2022
Some teenagers do better in life when they join a soccer or softball team. Some are better solo, as boxers… or rock climbers. Ashley, the teen character in Climb, excelled without team sports, and the mental toughness she developed learning to climb helped her in all areas of life. Enjoyed the story!
August 19, 2022
I really envoyés this book! It was very easy to read and couldn’t stop reading once I begun. I loved the main character who was very relatable and the whole story made me want to start rock climbing! The author had given us a list with the vocabulary used in climbing. I would definitely recommend this book!
January 28, 2026
this is not just a climbing book. this is a book of self discovery.
she is betrayed. not in the real sense. they kept the family tragedy hidden from her.
what happened to her brother is not known to her. her father is not close with her.
she is too young to remember this.
still she managed to achieve.
very nice read
she is betrayed. not in the real sense. they kept the family tragedy hidden from her.
what happened to her brother is not known to her. her father is not close with her.
she is too young to remember this.
still she managed to achieve.
very nice read
August 19, 2022
The name of my blog says everything. Couch! Yes! I am definitely not an athlete. Against all the odds, though, I am crazy about learning how to climb! Need it! I just need it! Ashley super inspired me. Maybe next year my blog will be Coffee.Books.Climb?! What do you think?
Five stars!
Five stars!
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