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Kurt Argento #1
The Ascent
A “jaw-dropping, authentic, and absolutely gripping” thriller (Harlan Coben) performed by dual narrators: While touring a maximum security prison, grad student Julie Wakefield ends up trapped on the bottom floor with ex-cop Kurt Argento… along with a group of the center’s most dangerous inhabitants blocking their exit.
When a high security prison fails, a down-on-his luck cop and the governor’s daughter are going to have to team up if they’re going to escape in this debut thriller from Adam Plantinga, whose first nonfiction book Lee Child praised as “truly excellent.”
Kurt Argento, an ex-Detroit street cop who can’t let injustice go—and who has the fighting skills to back up his idealism. If he sees a young girl being dragged into an alley, he's going to rescue her and cause some damage. When he does just that in a small corrupt Missouri town, he’s brutally beaten and thrown into a maximum-security prison.
Julie Wakefield, a grad student who happens to be the governor's daughter, is about to take a tour of the prison. But when a malfunction in the security system releases a horde of prisoners, a fierce struggle for survival ensues.
Argento must help a small band of staff and civilians, including Julie and her two state trooper handlers, make their way from the bottom floor to the roof to safety.
All that stands in their way are six floors of the most dangerous convicts in Missouri.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2024
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5269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
July 10, 2023
Holy crap! This needs to be a movie. I mean…there are things in this book that they would probably NEVER show on the screen (canoe scene anyone???), but this would make a seriously intense film!
The author is in law enforcement – and he’s clearly one of those cops who sees the good, bad and ugly that exists beneath the shield. He doesn’t pull any punches on the bad cops and the good ones are, for various reasons, more than a bit damaged by things seen and done. He makes them feel very real.
Some of the characters in the book are iconic – oddly, one of my favorites wasn’t a very good person. He was highly damaged and such a sad person.
The book is exciting from the first page to the last and I really hope the author gives us more books in the future!
Get your popcorn (though at times you may lose your appetite) and get ready to simply not come up for air with this one!
• ARC via Publisher
The author is in law enforcement – and he’s clearly one of those cops who sees the good, bad and ugly that exists beneath the shield. He doesn’t pull any punches on the bad cops and the good ones are, for various reasons, more than a bit damaged by things seen and done. He makes them feel very real.
Some of the characters in the book are iconic – oddly, one of my favorites wasn’t a very good person. He was highly damaged and such a sad person.
The book is exciting from the first page to the last and I really hope the author gives us more books in the future!
Get your popcorn (though at times you may lose your appetite) and get ready to simply not come up for air with this one!
• ARC via Publisher
February 5, 2024
4.5 stars
An ex-Detroit cop, a governor's daughter, her two bodyguards, a prison nurse, a chaplain, and several prison guards are locked inside a prison with no way out, due to a computer glitch. That sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but instead, it is the plot of this new debut crime fiction thriller. The tension ramps up as this group traverses six floors filled with rapists, killers, and criminal psychopaths in order to make it to the roof to call for help. All does not go well.
As you can guess, this band of unfortunate captives will face many adversities along the way in which pain, injury, dismemberment, and/or murder are all part of their day. And, just when you think that it can't get any worse, it does. If you don't mind your suspense stories accompanied with a generous dose of graphic violence and like to feel your hands sweat and your heart pound, then you'll want to read this book.
I would definitely read another book by this author, who is a police officer himself and I hope to see this MC, Kurt Argento, and his dog, Hudson, again. I would also recommend this debut novel to fans of the Jack Reacher or Orphan X novels.
Thank you to my GR friends Michelle and Melissa for introducing me to this book in their reviews!
An ex-Detroit cop, a governor's daughter, her two bodyguards, a prison nurse, a chaplain, and several prison guards are locked inside a prison with no way out, due to a computer glitch. That sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but instead, it is the plot of this new debut crime fiction thriller. The tension ramps up as this group traverses six floors filled with rapists, killers, and criminal psychopaths in order to make it to the roof to call for help. All does not go well.
As you can guess, this band of unfortunate captives will face many adversities along the way in which pain, injury, dismemberment, and/or murder are all part of their day. And, just when you think that it can't get any worse, it does. If you don't mind your suspense stories accompanied with a generous dose of graphic violence and like to feel your hands sweat and your heart pound, then you'll want to read this book.
I would definitely read another book by this author, who is a police officer himself and I hope to see this MC, Kurt Argento, and his dog, Hudson, again. I would also recommend this debut novel to fans of the Jack Reacher or Orphan X novels.
Thank you to my GR friends Michelle and Melissa for introducing me to this book in their reviews!
December 6, 2023
DNF - This is just porn for people who think kneeling for the anthem should be a felony
January 9, 2024
This Thriller Delivers
THE ASCENT is a thriller that transcends its familiar tropes: It’s basically Jack Reacher in an Irwin Allen movie. But debut novelist Adam Plantinga is so good at cranking up the tension, asserting unimpeachable authority over his situations and settings, and developing strong, multifaceted characters along the way that you won’t care. It is almost impossible to not read THE ASCENT in one sitting. I’d say Plantinga is a star in the making, though to me it’s clear that he’s already arrived, and I’m eager to see what he comes up with next.
THE ASCENT is a thriller that transcends its familiar tropes: It’s basically Jack Reacher in an Irwin Allen movie. But debut novelist Adam Plantinga is so good at cranking up the tension, asserting unimpeachable authority over his situations and settings, and developing strong, multifaceted characters along the way that you won’t care. It is almost impossible to not read THE ASCENT in one sitting. I’d say Plantinga is a star in the making, though to me it’s clear that he’s already arrived, and I’m eager to see what he comes up with next.
December 14, 2023
QUICK TAKE: PRISON BREAK meets DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL...super violent and super fun and super tropey. I enjoyed.
October 28, 2023
Kurt Argento and Chow-Shepherd mix Hudson left Detroit in Kurt's Ford F-350 truck. Headed west. A look at the Pacific Ocean sounded good. After all, it wasn't much of a choice after 21 years patrolling the streets from the 9th Precinct of the Detroit Police Department. Resign or face a termination hearing with multiple charges. It has all been different since he lost Emily to cancer. His dog knows it, too. Emily was love. Emily was joy. Emily was everything that the streets were not.
Julie Wakefield, 25, a graduate student and governor's daughter, is taking a tour of Whitehall, a private, maximum-security prison. It's a field visit for her Corrections class, part of the last requirements for her master's degree in public administration with a concentration in criminal justice.
Kurt and Julie will meet unexpectedly at Whitehall. The question is, will they survive the day they meet?
Authenticity isn't merely a descriptive word in this book review. It's palpable on every page long before the reader explores About the Author. Character development is strong regardless of their role in the storyline, and each is essential to the plot. The story is gripping, page-turning, edgy, taut, and jarring, taking one's imagination of a maximum-security prison to chilling, unforeseen, heart-stopping danger with every turn of the page. This is no ordinary tour.
An impressive author debut! Twists are staggering and inconceivable, and while still reeling, the next turn is even more shocking. This book is incredible. I want to read more of the author's writing. It will be an automatic pre-order as each upcoming novel is announced. Every. Single. Future. Novel.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Novel Suspects for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.
Julie Wakefield, 25, a graduate student and governor's daughter, is taking a tour of Whitehall, a private, maximum-security prison. It's a field visit for her Corrections class, part of the last requirements for her master's degree in public administration with a concentration in criminal justice.
Kurt and Julie will meet unexpectedly at Whitehall. The question is, will they survive the day they meet?
Authenticity isn't merely a descriptive word in this book review. It's palpable on every page long before the reader explores About the Author. Character development is strong regardless of their role in the storyline, and each is essential to the plot. The story is gripping, page-turning, edgy, taut, and jarring, taking one's imagination of a maximum-security prison to chilling, unforeseen, heart-stopping danger with every turn of the page. This is no ordinary tour.
An impressive author debut! Twists are staggering and inconceivable, and while still reeling, the next turn is even more shocking. This book is incredible. I want to read more of the author's writing. It will be an automatic pre-order as each upcoming novel is announced. Every. Single. Future. Novel.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Novel Suspects for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.
March 14, 2024
5 out of 5
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/79j4Oa8bkdw?si=22vrd...
I loved every minute of this book! I cannot believe this is Adam Plantinga's debut novel. 😱
So much care was put into this story. This is my kind of book! So cinematic!
And I loved the main character Kurt Argento and will read anything else featuring him.
There was also lots of humor too.
I was just on the edge of my seat throughout most of the book.
Be warned though... this is not for the faint of heart. It is very graphic in terms of violence and gore. Please check the trigger warnings because there's also sexual assault (on and off page). But as someone who's very careful about what I read and what triggers are in books, this was not too much for me.
I look forward to seeing what Adam Plantinga does next.
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/79j4Oa8bkdw?si=22vrd...
I loved every minute of this book! I cannot believe this is Adam Plantinga's debut novel. 😱
So much care was put into this story. This is my kind of book! So cinematic!
And I loved the main character Kurt Argento and will read anything else featuring him.
There was also lots of humor too.
I was just on the edge of my seat throughout most of the book.
Be warned though... this is not for the faint of heart. It is very graphic in terms of violence and gore. Please check the trigger warnings because there's also sexual assault (on and off page). But as someone who's very careful about what I read and what triggers are in books, this was not too much for me.
I look forward to seeing what Adam Plantinga does next.
April 22, 2025
Another reviewer stated that this book is porn for people who think it should be a felony to kneel for the anthem. I managed to get 1/3 of the way through and can attest that to be a spot-on assessment. Normally I can look past political differences, but the issue with this particular option is our hero is Brian Mills, But Better. He is Chuck Norris, But Better. Combine the literal spitting at Democrats in this book with the fact that our cop is a complete Mary Sue, and it was a hard DNF for me. Based on the tone of the book, I'm pretty sure a blue like me wouldn't have been welcome to read it anyway.
December 21, 2023
The Ascent is the fiction debut from Adam Plantinga.
"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. Thanks to @grandcentralpub and @novelsuspects for early access.
"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. Thanks to @grandcentralpub and @novelsuspects for early access.
January 4, 2024
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.
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.
December 12, 2023
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?
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?
May 16, 2024
This was amazing! This is the first thriller that I’ve read in a while that was actually thrilling with some added suspense. I enjoyed getting the story primarily from the main characters ex-cop Argento and grad student Julie but I liked how the author would add in other POVs randomly throughout the story so we would see the story from another side. The author is a cop and I can definitely tell because it felt like I was truly getting the story from a cop’s POV. I know that our prisons are not the best and some are way worse than others but the things that were described in this book and the things these inmates were capable of makes me not EVER want to see the inside of a prison. Once I started this book I didn’t want to put it down and anytime I was not reading it I was thinking about it. I will absolutely read whatever this author puts out next!
January 11, 2024
This book reminded me a lot of the movies Dredd and The Raid. Both are brutal, action-packed, suspenseful and a helluva entertaining watch. Truly excellent films. This book was all that plus nice sprinkles of humor and emotion throughout. I mean, you can’t tell me the plot of fighting and surviving through six floors of increasingly dangerous and demented criminals to make it to freedom at the roof doesn’t sound fun and amusing. And oh boy did I have a devious smile on my face when certain characters got the justice they deserved. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
January 16, 2024
I am just going to repeat the review I wrote back on April 23, 2021, when I finished a similar book entitled Breakout by Paul Herron- This book is a ready-made action movie. The role of Kurt Argento would be perfect for Jason Statham, or Frank Grillo, or Scott Adkins.
Reading this book reminded me of action movies like Fortress and Fortress II starring Christopher Lambert, or Lockout starring Guy Pearce, and of course Escapes From New York & L.A. starring Kurt Russell.
I hope I don't have to wait too long to read Kurt Argento's next adventure
Reading this book reminded me of action movies like Fortress and Fortress II starring Christopher Lambert, or Lockout starring Guy Pearce, and of course Escapes From New York & L.A. starring Kurt Russell.
I hope I don't have to wait too long to read Kurt Argento's next adventure
April 7, 2024
CONTENT WARNINGS: on page r*pe, on page attempted r*pe, on page S.A., Attempted SA of a minor, unaliving oneself, on page Murders, on page extreme violence, on page fighting, gun making/gun use, knife use on page, on page injuries, eye gore, ear gore, extreme misuse of cadavers, blood, extreme gore, a person on fire, people thrown down stairs or elevator shafts, sexism, fatphobia, racism, stereotyping of literally everyone in the prison, animal abuse mentioned in passing, animal death mentioned, mutilations of people mentioned in passing, on page mental illness shown, kidnapping, prescription medication abuses on page, addiction shown, fecal play, on page cavity search, abuse of the deceased, mentions of pedophilia, illness, cancer, death, mourning, jail, prison system living, confinement, abandonment, hospital stay.
Maddie Z here on goodreads said this novel is “ just porn for people who think kneeling for the anthem should be a felony”, and I agree completely.
The lead character Kurt Argento is from a B movie, right out of central casting, and who wants badly to be Jason Statham but is not. He has no charm and is not very funny, though he tries very hard. Argento has zero charm, is a not very good person, and a terrible cop who views himself as a "warrior" instead of a "peacekeeper." He also has a terrible, awful anger management problem that was never dealt with while he was a cop, nor afterwards. He should literally be in intensive therapy right now. Hell, he should have been in jail for all his beating on people, long before this novel happened..! He is also the literal definition of a Mary Sue.
The author writes the Argento like he is a cross between Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne, but badly. Just about every character has been written as a stereotype, and some grossly so. Meanwhile Julie, who came to the prison for a tour for one of her graduate classes, is described as athletic, etc.; but the comments revolving around her body made me wholly uncomfortable. The sexism around the politician’s daughter, Julie, is out of hand. It consistently focuses on her physical features and how she must be reminded of them in the context of the setting. Mentioning it once or twice would make sense. But the consistency of it is overdone and damaging to younger readers, IMO. And let’s not overlook the politician’s-daughter trope….!
As far as the prison population itself, Adam Plantinga heads straight to the extremes of them all. This includes the racism between inmates, division by race, and an extreme depiction of gang life. To be fair, I don’t have any experience with any of the prison systems, nor have I been in one. And while I believe these issues do exist in prisons, this over the top focus on stereotypes was uncalled for. This includes multiple descriptions of stereotypes concerning the POC community, and African Americans are described as gang members almost exclusively throughout the entire book, (and druggies, and people who wear their pants below the waist). There are also mentions of racism, Aryan (White) Power and more. Lastly, the view of that one (Armenian?) death-row inmate was not just stereotypical but ludicrous. I also found the depictions of the mentally ill population on one floor of the prison to be highly problematic, especially how they were all treated in this novel - and with no repercussions whatsoever, as well.
I can usually put political leanings in books aside. But here in this novel, with the derogatory mention of ACAB, the constant jabs at those who lean democratically, the literal spitting at Democrats in this book, that was all too much for me. While I understand that the character Kurt is pulling on the authors actual experience as a cop from Detroit that has higher levels of a POC population, these happenings in this novel just didn't sit right with me. I believe the author let his own notions seep into the book. And as you know, I hate that (see my review for Dean Koontz’ novel ‘After Death’, found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
So basically, this novel reads like an over the top action film. It also leans heavily into being a slasher film as well… but therein lies the biggest problem; Plantinga wrote this novel like he expects it to be made into an action movie. It’s all bang and flash, and no substance. There is too much gore, and the action just keeps going, and going and going, way way too long. The big twists were seen coming from a mile away, and didn’t even register for me. Meanwhile, the writing was ok, but the the characters were poorly written. So all this made this novel both boring, and incredibly unbelievable. (Except for the cop being a racist asshole. I totally believed that part).
The ending was also left open, just in case this novel does well, and the author is asked to write some kind of sequel, and I hate that also. It does have a very nice cover though…..?
Charles Halford and Christine Lakin are the Narrators for the audiobook version of this novel. They both deserved better.
2 stars, and not recommended to anyone
Maddie Z here on goodreads said this novel is “ just porn for people who think kneeling for the anthem should be a felony”, and I agree completely.
The lead character Kurt Argento is from a B movie, right out of central casting, and who wants badly to be Jason Statham but is not. He has no charm and is not very funny, though he tries very hard. Argento has zero charm, is a not very good person, and a terrible cop who views himself as a "warrior" instead of a "peacekeeper." He also has a terrible, awful anger management problem that was never dealt with while he was a cop, nor afterwards. He should literally be in intensive therapy right now. Hell, he should have been in jail for all his beating on people, long before this novel happened..! He is also the literal definition of a Mary Sue.
The author writes the Argento like he is a cross between Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne, but badly. Just about every character has been written as a stereotype, and some grossly so. Meanwhile Julie, who came to the prison for a tour for one of her graduate classes, is described as athletic, etc.; but the comments revolving around her body made me wholly uncomfortable. The sexism around the politician’s daughter, Julie, is out of hand. It consistently focuses on her physical features and how she must be reminded of them in the context of the setting. Mentioning it once or twice would make sense. But the consistency of it is overdone and damaging to younger readers, IMO. And let’s not overlook the politician’s-daughter trope….!
As far as the prison population itself, Adam Plantinga heads straight to the extremes of them all. This includes the racism between inmates, division by race, and an extreme depiction of gang life. To be fair, I don’t have any experience with any of the prison systems, nor have I been in one. And while I believe these issues do exist in prisons, this over the top focus on stereotypes was uncalled for. This includes multiple descriptions of stereotypes concerning the POC community, and African Americans are described as gang members almost exclusively throughout the entire book, (and druggies, and people who wear their pants below the waist). There are also mentions of racism, Aryan (White) Power and more. Lastly, the view of that one (Armenian?) death-row inmate was not just stereotypical but ludicrous. I also found the depictions of the mentally ill population on one floor of the prison to be highly problematic, especially how they were all treated in this novel - and with no repercussions whatsoever, as well.
I can usually put political leanings in books aside. But here in this novel, with the derogatory mention of ACAB, the constant jabs at those who lean democratically, the literal spitting at Democrats in this book, that was all too much for me. While I understand that the character Kurt is pulling on the authors actual experience as a cop from Detroit that has higher levels of a POC population, these happenings in this novel just didn't sit right with me. I believe the author let his own notions seep into the book. And as you know, I hate that (see my review for Dean Koontz’ novel ‘After Death’, found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
So basically, this novel reads like an over the top action film. It also leans heavily into being a slasher film as well… but therein lies the biggest problem; Plantinga wrote this novel like he expects it to be made into an action movie. It’s all bang and flash, and no substance. There is too much gore, and the action just keeps going, and going and going, way way too long. The big twists were seen coming from a mile away, and didn’t even register for me. Meanwhile, the writing was ok, but the the characters were poorly written. So all this made this novel both boring, and incredibly unbelievable. (Except for the cop being a racist asshole. I totally believed that part).
The ending was also left open, just in case this novel does well, and the author is asked to write some kind of sequel, and I hate that also. It does have a very nice cover though…..?
Charles Halford and Christine Lakin are the Narrators for the audiobook version of this novel. They both deserved better.
2 stars, and not recommended to anyone
January 1, 2025
Kurt Argento, an ex cop from Detroit, sees a man take a young girl to “get her a lemonade” behind a carnival tent. Kurt follows them, beating up the man within an inch of his life.
The cops that show up with the ambulance tell Kurt that he needs to get out of town.
On his way out he meets the sheriff, the man’s brother. Kurt ends up in an orange jump suit in prison.
The governor’s daughter is visiting the prison and in a prison riot of epic proportions, Kurt tries to save the governors daughter.
This is how an author builds tension! A very good story that made me never want to visit a privately run prison. Extremely violent.
The cops that show up with the ambulance tell Kurt that he needs to get out of town.
On his way out he meets the sheriff, the man’s brother. Kurt ends up in an orange jump suit in prison.
The governor’s daughter is visiting the prison and in a prison riot of epic proportions, Kurt tries to save the governors daughter.
This is how an author builds tension! A very good story that made me never want to visit a privately run prison. Extremely violent.
August 15, 2023
A recently retired Detroit Police officer lands in prison himself after an altercation with the police in Missouri. At the same time, the Governor's daughter is touring the prison for her studies when the computer system goes haywire, trapping everyone inside while unlocking random cells and doors throughout the entire prison. They find themselves grouped together with other guards and a nurse to find a way out, putting themselves in harms way and finding out just how depraved people can truly be.
When I started this, it was solely for the purpose of needing a palate cleanser from my usual reads. I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. It was intense, heartfelt, disturbing, action packed and downright scary at times. The main character was so highly likeable and brutal at the same time. I honestly would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie with Jason Statham in the leading role. This author has tremendous talent and is not afraid to shock you. I highly, highly recommend this to my fellow readers. Five Stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC.
When I started this, it was solely for the purpose of needing a palate cleanser from my usual reads. I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. It was intense, heartfelt, disturbing, action packed and downright scary at times. The main character was so highly likeable and brutal at the same time. I honestly would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie with Jason Statham in the leading role. This author has tremendous talent and is not afraid to shock you. I highly, highly recommend this to my fellow readers. Five Stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC.
February 8, 2024
"The Ascent" - written by Adam Plantinga and published in 2024 by Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group. Heart-pounding action and gruesome violence carry this thriller from start to finish. Kurt Argento has severed ties with the Detroit Police Department and, a la many other lone heroes lately, dives right into righteous trouble. "Maybe that could be his new purpose in life. A depressed widower walking the lands beating up sex offenders." Most of the story takes place in a dismal, dangerous private prison as an interesting and well-drawn group tries to escape. I tore through this very dark thriller, definitely not for everyone, and am not surprised to see that Plantinga is in law enforcement himself.
March 17, 2024
This is a book for fans of movies starring Jason Statham, Tom Cruise, Liam Neeson, Keanu Reeves, and the like. Twenty years ago, Bruce Willis would have taken the lead for sure.
The Ascent is full of action and macho men and military tactics. There's personal drama and themes of justice, injustice, and redemption.
But it was all just a bit too... over the top. Cinematic. Eye-rolling at times. And ultimately, just not for me.
3 out of 5 stars
The Ascent is full of action and macho men and military tactics. There's personal drama and themes of justice, injustice, and redemption.
But it was all just a bit too... over the top. Cinematic. Eye-rolling at times. And ultimately, just not for me.
3 out of 5 stars
September 30, 2023
I'm still reeling after finishing Adam Plantinga's first thriller, The Ascent. A seasoned sergeant in the San Francisco PD, Plantinga has impressed readers with his outstanding non-fiction classics, 400 Things Cops Know and Police Craft, and now he has revealed a masterful storytelling skill with a book that is unrelentingly propulsive, shocking, and full of graphic violence. More importantly, he has created an iconic character, Kurt Argento, that you can't help rooting for, even as you wonder how such a person can exist.
Kurt has recently resigned from the police after the tragic death of his wife and the inappropriately uninhibited behavior that followed. He's someone who can't resist stepping in when someone is in jeopardy, and he has the mad skills to back it up. That's what lands him in jail during a road trip with his beloved dog after he stops a thug from molesting a young girl at a fair. And he has the bad luck to arrive at a maximum-security state prison in Missouri when a technology glitch opens up many of the inmates' doors unexpectedly, soon leading to riots. But the governor's daughter--taking a tour to fulfill a requirement of her master's program--and two accompanying state troopers, the prison nurse and chaplain, and other prison employees are glad to have Argento on their side. Almost the entire story takes place at the prison over a few hours, and it is unbelievably suspenseful, disturbing, and enthralling.
Those of faint heart and/or weak stomach may want to skip this one. It is FAR outside of my usual literary fare, but I couldn't look away. Sometimes I felt the violence was just too much, but I so admire the author's insightful descriptions, self-assured writing style, and adept combination of both personal experience and research, together with the creativity that makes this an unforgettable read.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
Kurt has recently resigned from the police after the tragic death of his wife and the inappropriately uninhibited behavior that followed. He's someone who can't resist stepping in when someone is in jeopardy, and he has the mad skills to back it up. That's what lands him in jail during a road trip with his beloved dog after he stops a thug from molesting a young girl at a fair. And he has the bad luck to arrive at a maximum-security state prison in Missouri when a technology glitch opens up many of the inmates' doors unexpectedly, soon leading to riots. But the governor's daughter--taking a tour to fulfill a requirement of her master's program--and two accompanying state troopers, the prison nurse and chaplain, and other prison employees are glad to have Argento on their side. Almost the entire story takes place at the prison over a few hours, and it is unbelievably suspenseful, disturbing, and enthralling.
Those of faint heart and/or weak stomach may want to skip this one. It is FAR outside of my usual literary fare, but I couldn't look away. Sometimes I felt the violence was just too much, but I so admire the author's insightful descriptions, self-assured writing style, and adept combination of both personal experience and research, together with the creativity that makes this an unforgettable read.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
June 7, 2024
Loved it.
Yes, this book is violent and there is a high body count. Yes, it's a little bit predictable. Yes, there were a couple of scenes where the conversation went on too long and I wanted to shake the characters and say, "You don't have time to argue about this!" And yes, there were a few moments that strained believability (not individually, but taken all together.) But all that said, this was a fun, fun read with a great new series character in Kurt Argento.
The author, in law enforcement himself, leant credibility to the story and the characters because of his experience. It was raw and authentic. I always love good cop v bad cop stories. Also, the author did a good job with his female character (sometimes, male authors don't write their female characters with enough authenticity, making them two dimensional.) Because there were several chapters in Julie's POV, I felt Plantinga did a really good job there. Many reviewers are comparing Argento to Jack Reacher -- there are some similarities, but they're mostly different. The author probably spends a bit more time on Argento's thoughts and his feelings about certain things, than Child does with Reacher. Most of it gave good insight into his character.
Overall, I just enjoyed the story and was totally entertained. I kept picturing the six levels of the prison like The Princess Bride's Zoo of Death, LOL.
The audio book was told by two narrators, male and female, and I really liked both narrators. I listened at 1.1X speed.
Yes, this book is violent and there is a high body count. Yes, it's a little bit predictable. Yes, there were a couple of scenes where the conversation went on too long and I wanted to shake the characters and say, "You don't have time to argue about this!" And yes, there were a few moments that strained believability (not individually, but taken all together.) But all that said, this was a fun, fun read with a great new series character in Kurt Argento.
The author, in law enforcement himself, leant credibility to the story and the characters because of his experience. It was raw and authentic. I always love good cop v bad cop stories. Also, the author did a good job with his female character (sometimes, male authors don't write their female characters with enough authenticity, making them two dimensional.) Because there were several chapters in Julie's POV, I felt Plantinga did a really good job there. Many reviewers are comparing Argento to Jack Reacher -- there are some similarities, but they're mostly different. The author probably spends a bit more time on Argento's thoughts and his feelings about certain things, than Child does with Reacher. Most of it gave good insight into his character.
Overall, I just enjoyed the story and was totally entertained. I kept picturing the six levels of the prison like The Princess Bride's Zoo of Death, LOL.
The audio book was told by two narrators, male and female, and I really liked both narrators. I listened at 1.1X speed.
October 1, 2023
This is an action packed book from beginning to end. The Author is a shoe in for accuracy, literary
Intelligence and creative license in ways possible only because he’s a member of a large, urban
Police Department. I’m willing to bet he had a blast penning this story, and I hope he’s working on
a sequel with retired Officer Argento, which would be awesome! He would need time to recover from the
near death injuries sustained while he tried to save innocent lives (and his own somewhat compromised
life) and heal from the ultimate heartbreak and of equal importance, getting his beloved Hudson back.
His dog, Hudson, was nearly a goner, or so we thought, but in the end, there is a little bit of good in
a fallen from grace character.
I started reading the book with a critical eye but it was clear that the Author is spot on and well researched, making this a book that will entertain working cops along with fiction loves.
I highly recommend it to folks who enjoy the Gregg Hurwitz Orphan X series. My thanks to Grand Central
Publishing and NetGalley for a download copy of the book for review purposes.
Intelligence and creative license in ways possible only because he’s a member of a large, urban
Police Department. I’m willing to bet he had a blast penning this story, and I hope he’s working on
a sequel with retired Officer Argento, which would be awesome! He would need time to recover from the
near death injuries sustained while he tried to save innocent lives (and his own somewhat compromised
life) and heal from the ultimate heartbreak and of equal importance, getting his beloved Hudson back.
His dog, Hudson, was nearly a goner, or so we thought, but in the end, there is a little bit of good in
a fallen from grace character.
I started reading the book with a critical eye but it was clear that the Author is spot on and well researched, making this a book that will entertain working cops along with fiction loves.
I highly recommend it to folks who enjoy the Gregg Hurwitz Orphan X series. My thanks to Grand Central
Publishing and NetGalley for a download copy of the book for review purposes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
Jack Reacher meets the Poseidon Adventure in this bloody, brutal actioner with surprising heart. Plantinga’s blistering debut hits all the right buttons. It’s a rager in a sweat box prison. Bones break. Faces bleed. It does not stop.
I effin’ loved it.
I effin’ loved it.
January 21, 2024
DNF. I think this book is a great option for people who have the ‘Calvin peeing’ decals on their car
January 24, 2024
So ooo good!
Read it in almost one sitting if you can! Propulsive and violent and some of the good guys win. The hero is flawed but amazing and so is the heroine.
Read it in almost one sitting if you can! Propulsive and violent and some of the good guys win. The hero is flawed but amazing and so is the heroine.
March 8, 2024
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A Detroit cop is thrown off the force and walks the earth, until he finds a rapist in a small town. Giving the rapist a beatdown, he is railroaded to jail by the perp's Sheriff uncle.
The Governor's daughter decides to tour the prison just as there's a jail break.
Some pretty good tension. I hope there's a second book at least.
A Detroit cop is thrown off the force and walks the earth, until he finds a rapist in a small town. Giving the rapist a beatdown, he is railroaded to jail by the perp's Sheriff uncle.
The Governor's daughter decides to tour the prison just as there's a jail break.
Some pretty good tension. I hope there's a second book at least.
March 31, 2025
I’m not really sure why I couldn’t get into this. Dual narration, action packed. It just didn’t work for me.
March 14, 2024
From start to finish this book had me locked in! Edge of my seat the entire time. I enjoyed the different characters and found myself laughing at the main character’s witty comments. This book was like an action packed movie playing in my head! I hope the author continues writing on this path, he’s truly gifted!
January 24, 2024
Whew! This is the definition of a thriller for sure. Corruption. Mystery. Fast-paced. Overcoming an impossible situation against all odds.
CW: Very intense violence.
I binged this in a day. The plot is great and nonstop, and the two MCs are savage.
5/5 stars
CW: Very intense violence.
I binged this in a day. The plot is great and nonstop, and the two MCs are savage.
5/5 stars
January 14, 2024
Many thanks to Novel Suspects Insiders Club for an arc of this novel. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is slow at the beginning but then it gets very fast pace and doesn’t stop until the very end. I am so glad that Argento was able to see his dog again after surviving his day stint in jail. Argento had to do some horrible things in order to save everyone even though he wasn’t able to save everyone. I’m glad he was able to go to Julie’s wedding and see her again and I’m sure he will continue to help those who can’t help themselves. I was very surprised when it turned out that Rachel was in a committed relationship with Micah who was the guy who the sheriff wanted to murder Argento before it got out that he sent a decorated cop to jail for doing nothing except hurt the sheriff’s brother for trying to rape a young girl. I didn’t meant to take so long reading this but some things happened and I just needed to take a break. There are some pretty graphic scenes so if you can’t handle that then don’t read this. I basically skipped those parts as much as I could.
This book is slow at the beginning but then it gets very fast pace and doesn’t stop until the very end. I am so glad that Argento was able to see his dog again after surviving his day stint in jail. Argento had to do some horrible things in order to save everyone even though he wasn’t able to save everyone. I’m glad he was able to go to Julie’s wedding and see her again and I’m sure he will continue to help those who can’t help themselves. I was very surprised when it turned out that Rachel was in a committed relationship with Micah who was the guy who the sheriff wanted to murder Argento before it got out that he sent a decorated cop to jail for doing nothing except hurt the sheriff’s brother for trying to rape a young girl. I didn’t meant to take so long reading this but some things happened and I just needed to take a break. There are some pretty graphic scenes so if you can’t handle that then don’t read this. I basically skipped those parts as much as I could.
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