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Ascension

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Amos Lee has never played well with others. He prefers to live his life alone. When the mother he’s never known dies and leaves him a remote trailer house on a few country acres, he jumps at the chance to live life as a hermit. But there seems to be more to this property than he bargained for. Memories he thought were gone return, bringing feelings he didn’t know he had. A couple of people from the area seem way too interested in him. He’s hearing and seeing things that can’t be real. What has gotten into him? Can he survive it?

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2024

6 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

Joshua Scribner

476 books35 followers
Joshua Scribner is the author of the novels Mantis Nights, The Coma Lights and Nescata. His fiction won both second and fifth place in the 2008 Whispering Spirits Flash Fiction contest. Up to date information on his work can be found at joshuascribner.com. Joshua currently lives in Michigan with his wife and two daughters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Peter Topside.
Author 6 books1,481 followers
September 16, 2025
I struggled with this story a great deal. I felt that it tackled way too many characters and the style of writing was hard to handle. 90% of the book jumped around from past to present and then person to person every few paragraphs. It was very tough to keep focused on what each character was going through as things moved around too much. Amos, as the one lead, was definitely the most interesting person, but I felt that he wasn’t explored enough, as the author was trying so hard to fit everything else in. By the time I got to the ending, I really wasn’t even sure what was going on. I think this needed to either reduce the amount of characters to keep things more focused and/or spread the characters out more evenly, giving the reader time to adjust each time. The story itself was good and I did like more than I disliked, however, there were just a lot of obstacles blocking my enjoyment here.
Profile Image for M.J. Evans.
Author 26 books143 followers
July 22, 2025
This book is a haunting, paranormal, horror story. If you like weird paranormal/horror stories, this is the book for you. You will have to endure lots of murders, some of which are gruesome, possessed people and animals, voices in heads and dreams, some sex, though not graphic, some foul languge. This is the story of a farm in Oklahoma that is filled with an evil presence. Amos, a young man with a criminal past is willed the farm by his birth mother whom he has never met. Moving to the land he becomes acquinted with neighbors and a psycholigist from the area. One by one the people in the story are taken over by an evil powers. The reader is not told the whole story until the very end.
The story jumps around both in time period and point of view. So it take some concentration to follow along. It is also in need of some careful editing to clean it up.
Profile Image for Robert Appleton.
Author 64 books71 followers
March 4, 2024
When Amos moves into the rural home he’s inherited from his recently deceased mother, he quickly encounters mysterious behavior among the locals, as well as inexplicable visions and apparitions that suggest something paranormal may be occurring. Worse, it all seems to be centered on his new property. What’s behind it? Will he be able to unravel the malevolent secret before events spiral out of control?

Two of Ascension’s strengths are its rawness and unpredictability. The author isn’t afraid of delving into his characters’ deepest flaws and traumas. The sense of dread as the story develops has an external element, but it also comes from within these people because we’ve seen them at their most exposed. I thought I had a handle on what would explain the supernatural goings-on, but the story kept surprising me. The final act didn’t play out the way I expected. That’s a definite plus, as it kept me on my toes, but I wasn’t wowed by the supernatural revelation.

The mystery at the heart of Joshua Scribner’s horror novel kept me intrigued throughout, even when the characters became so loathsome I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading. The reveal at the climax explains the nastier aspects of the story, but even aside from that, these people are so unlikeable I found myself rooting against them, not for them. The one character with any decency, the therapist, Janie, acts as the reader’s conscience. She’s the only one trying to get to the bottom of the bizarre events. But she isn’t fleshed out particularly well. I wanted to connect with her more, but the choppy narrative didn’t give her enough room to breathe. It was more interested in Amos, his neighbor Leah, and a deranged killer with some kind of possessed multiple personality disorder, Jonnie: all are jerks who only get worse under the malign influence at the story’s center.

Writing is earthy and insightful in the first half, when the author is building his characters, but becomes a little rushed in the second half, when truly bad things start to happen. I think elements of Ascension work well: the characters gradually losing control, the mystery swirling around one geographical point, the teasing of supernatural forces. If it doesn’t quite come together, for me, is more to do with a disconnect I had with the central trio. In the absence of someone to root for, I stuck around for the plot only. Other readers may really dig the darker aspects of character and story more than I did. By all means, give it a whirl if the premise intrigues you.
Profile Image for Michael J.P. J.P..
Author 7 books6 followers
January 23, 2026
In Ascension, Amos inherits a rural home from his recently deceased mother and finds himself entangled with the peculiar locals and seeing unsettling visions that hint at a deeper, darker mystery tied to his new property. The premise is intriguing, but the execution suffers at times from an overload of point-of-view shifts, making it somewhat difficult to engage with the narrative. With such a short story, the frequent transitions between characters, especially those with their own fractured identities, detract from the overall enjoyment.

One of the novel’s notable strengths is its portrayal of the characters’ flaws and issues. Scribner dives deep into the complexity of human nature, revealing the dread that emerges not just from external forces, but from the characters' internal struggles. Yet, while I appreciated the unpredictability of the plot, the constant shifts in perspective often left me disoriented rather than intrigued. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a more cohesive experience. Combining some of the characters could have streamlined the narrative, making it easier to connect with their arcs.

The darker mystery kept me curious, even when the characters often became so unlikable that I questioned my desire to continue reading. The climactic reveal sheds light on the darker elements of the plot, yet I found myself rooting against most characters, lacking a protagonist to genuinely support. Janie, the therapist, serves as a moral compass in this chaotic landscape, but her character felt underdeveloped. I craved a deeper connection with her, yet the choppy narrative prevented any meaningful exploration. The ending with her felt rushed.

The writing in Ascension is grounded and punchy during the initial buildup, but as the tension rises, the pacing becomes rushed and chaotic. While the premise offers intriguing elements—such as the gradual unraveling of control among the characters and the looming supernatural threat—the disconnect I felt with the central trio left me disengaged. Without a character to invest in emotionally, I found myself merely following the plot without true investment.

Ultimately, Ascension presents a compelling premise filled with potential, but the multitude of point-of-view shifts and the need for tighter character development hinder the overall impact. 3.5- 4 stars. If you enjoy stories that delve into darker themes and psychological complexities, it might still capture your interest but be prepared for a narrative that may leave you feeling fragmented, much like its characters.
13 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2026
I wish I could rate this higher because the story itself is pretty good, but I didn’t enjoy the writing style or the way it was put together. It almost felt like one person wrote the first half and someone else finished it. There were also these weird # thrown in the novel, and it took me a while to realize the author used these as scene breaks. There’s a really interesting psychological horror at the core, but the way it was done kept taking me out of the story.

The story about Amos and the rural property is interesting, especially in the early scenes. For example, at the gas station, Amos challenges a stranger by saying, “So, you think by saying that, your imaginary friend in the sky will bless me?” These moments show strong character and set up some dark tension. When Amos moves onto the inherited land, the descriptions of the old barn and the lonely fields create a creepy setting that fits supernatural horror well. The mood is most effective when it focuses on that quiet sense of dread. But the pacing and structure made it hard to stay engaged. The point of view changes quickly, sometimes even in the middle of a scene, which breaks the flow. The writing often repeats sentence patterns and uses a lot of explanation instead of showing what’s happening. For example, lines like “She found herself giggling like a girl throughout the day” or sudden emotional moments in conflicts feel more told than shown. The formatting also adds to this, making the story feel choppy, especially in the middle of the book.

There are still some great ideas in the book. The mysterious voice that tells Jonnie, “No more. Wait for dark. Take your mom’s car,” and later says, “I’m like you,” hints at a deeper psychological or supernatural story that could have been really interesting. But the uneven flow and editing problems make it tough to fully enjoy these parts. Overall, I’d give this about 2.75 stars, rounded up to 3. The story and creativity are there, and with better editing, a more consistent point of view, and smoother writing, it could have been a really gripping horror novel. I’d still be interested in reading more from this author because there’s a lot of imagination here.
Profile Image for Aubrey Cleeves.
197 reviews13 followers
January 19, 2026
Ascension by Joshua Scribner is both a humorous and chilling tale which follows a group of characters and their ghostly dealings. It starts off with a strong plot and engaging characters, and while the plot doesn’t initially seem to fall in the ‘horror’ genre, by the end there are plenty of paranormal and ghastly details which had me engaged throughout.

I do enjoy a rude and miserable protagonist from time to time and Amos Lee was a really fun character. He is rude and judgemental to more or less everyone, from cashiers to land agents as he arrives at his deceased mother’s home, to his ex-partners who haunt his dreams. I enjoyed his thoughts and haunting at his new home and how the author slowly introduced the paranormal effects surrounding and controlling him. His relationship with Leah was interesting too and the dynamic of having such a miserable and selfish lead engage in a relationship was fun. It was only when she started to play his game did the two really connect, only for things to then take a sinister turn.

There is a side story following Jonnie and the ghost of his deceased younger brother, Keven, who pushes Jonnie down a very dark path which leads to some unfortunate events. Jonnie’s story was sorrowful and dark and under the influence of paranormal visions made his a tragic character in many ways. I enjoyed the brothers' interactions as much as Amos and Leah’s, and they gave off a very eerie and dark vibe. There is another story following Jenie and a clairvoyant which starts off slower but turns into a deeper plot that affects all characters. I liked how the author tied all three of these strands together by the end, and how the haunting figures and tasks affected all so very deeply.

This starts off as a light-hearted, fun book, and steadily falls into a firm and engaging horror story filled with hauntings, possession, manipulation, and the powers of persuasion. There are some very graphic and disturbing scenes which will delight horror fans as much as it did me.
Profile Image for Anita Dow.
225 reviews17 followers
March 11, 2024
Strong and intriguing first half, but second didn't work for me 3.5 stars.
This is the first book I've read by Joshua Scribner and I was quickly into the story with the way the author introduced the central characters, who are all drawn to a rather remote rural property in Oklahoma. The protagonist, Amos Lee, has inherited it from his deceased mother, who he never knew and therefore has no emotional connection with. He's a loner and doesn't seem to care what people think of him, and his bluntness and rudeness gives the first half of the story an edginess and unpredictability that worked well. The additional characters we meet seem decent people at first – quite likeable – but their connection to Amos' property releases some dark forces within them, and they each become possessed by an evil entity, (which isn't necessarily the same one for each person). Author Scribner's capable writing builds a sense of dread and growing horror for what might come next. I was unable to guess exactly how this would all be explained and the intrigue and suspense in the first half kept me reading.

In the second half, Amos softened up after becoming involved sexually with a local woman, and whilst it wasn't love, he seemed to care about her. However, she and other characters became driven by their 'demon' to commit bloodthirsty murder – some were random acts and some were people close to them. The story then felt a bit rushed with an escalation of the killings, and the explanation for the supernatural forces surrounding Amos' property didn't resonate with me. The ending itself felt rather abrupt and I was a little disappointed that what had started out as a suspenseful and sinister psychological mystery didn't quite deliver. However, fans of paranormal and horror stories will probably appreciate it.
Profile Image for Thomas Norford.
Author 3 books20 followers
March 18, 2024
This is a reasonably straightforward supernatural tale, plot wise, about an entity attached to a rural location which induces those who cross its path to lose their grip on reality, with terrible consequences.

We follow a few main characters as they become drawn in to the entity's sphere of influence, along with another character who is aware of what's going on and tries to prevent tragedy.

The prose style is extremely no-frills, with short, punchy sentences and spare use of imagery. Brief sections follow one character for a short time before switching away to another. The style reminded me of the US 'blank fiction' trend of the 90s, in which the plot is related in an afectless, disengaged tone - think Denis Cooper or Brett Easton Ellis.

This was both a strength and a weakness, I felt. In the early parts of the book I didn't feel very engaged with the characters or plot, and this wasn't helped by the prose being clunky in places. But when the action and violence ramped up, the style suddenly made a lot more sense - the form worked with the content - and the last sections were very enjoyable. I should say that the characters came to life a lot more through their dialogue than the narration.

Plot wise, different threads came together in a satisfying way, but I wonder if it would have been more effective if the point of view had stayed with each character a little longer rather than switching so often. The reveal at the end was interesting but I'd have liked to know a bit more. The very ending bit was extremely abrupt, so abrupt that there was something darkly tongue in cheek about it, though some readers might see it as rushed.

Overall, good fun and worth sticking with.
10 reviews
March 14, 2024
"Ascension" by Joshua Scribner is an absolutely amazing piece of writing that combines elements of science fiction, horror and adventure in a captivating narrative that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. This book deserves every bit of its five-star rating and more. Scribner's writing style is simply awesome, effortlessly weaving together intricate plotlines, characters and thought-provoking themes. The story follows the young man Amos as he inherits a plot of land from his estranged mother after her death but it is so much more than just a simple horror as strange happenings start happening to him and his new neighbour Leah. The characters in this book are incredibly well-developed, each with their own motivations, flaws, growth and haunted and chequered pasts. I found myself deeply invested in these characters, rooting for them through every obstacle and revelation. The dynamics between the characters add depth and richness to the story, making their relationships feel authentic and relatable. One of the highlights of the book is its world-building. Scribner creates a vivid and immersive world filled with suspense and excellent environments. The attention to detail is commendable, making every setting feel alive and full of possibilities. Overall this book is a riveting thought-provoking read that I wholeheartedly recommend to any fan of suspenseful super-natural horror and mystery or anyone looking for a captivating story that will stay with them long after the final page. Joshua Scribner has crafted a literary gem that deserves a place among the classics of the genre.
Profile Image for E.B. Hauk.
Author 4 books31 followers
March 24, 2024
Ascension is a fast-paced supernatural horror with psychological elements strewn throughout as we examine a rotating cast of point of view characters, all with distinct voices and connections to a rural property out main character, Amos, has come into possession of through the hands of a mother who was all but a stranger to him in the end.

Scribner’s style is quick, moving from one plot point to another with understated prose. While I wouldn’t sing his prose from the mountaintops, it’s effective and aids the quick read of the novel.

The characters in the novel are all well-defined. While I might’ve appreciated a degree more depth, they weren’t exactly shallow, either. Everyone was well-defined and distinct. Jonnie was a particular source of intrigue and the tragic elements of this character during his deft introduction was what made me genuinely curious about where the novel was going.

I will say that the focus on relationship drama (particularly Amos’ and also Leah’s) was not really my cup of tea. Amos in particular is an especially flawed protagonist with a penchant for acting like a jerk. At first the focus on his romantic consequences seemed so unrelated to anything that it was a drag on the story as I kept waiting for the main plot to arrive. In retrospect, these choices made a bit more sense, but less focus on them and more hints of the main plot earlier on could’ve helped. It almost felt like the lede was buried.

With some restructuring and light editing this novel could’ve been especially intriguing. In the end, though, it just didn’t quite hook me.
105 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2024
In Joshua Scribner's "Ascension," you embark on a solitary odyssey alongside Amos Lee, whose reclusive life takes an unexpected turn with an inheritance shrouded in mystery.

The narrative is rich in imagery, vividly portraying encounters like the unsettling gas station exchange. While character depth is evident, pacing issues hinder immersion, with a slow start and scattered plot development detracting from the overall momentum.

However, amidst the shadows lies the psychological turmoil of Janie, compellingly depicted in Chapter 38, offering poignant insights amidst the supernatural intrigue. The story's eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists keep readers engaged, though occasionally at the expense of character development.

"Ascension" beckons to fans of psychological thrillers with a penchant for the supernatural, offering a journey into the unknown with gripping moments and chilling revelations. Yet, the narrative's occasional disjointedness may leave readers longing for greater cohesion, detracting from its overall impact.

Ultimately, "Ascension" proves a captivating but imperfect tale, weaving together elements of mystery and the supernatural in a narrative that both intrigues and frustrates. For those seeking an atmospheric journey into the depths of the unknown.
244 reviews14 followers
February 29, 2024
creepy supernatural thriller

Ascension caught my attention from the first pages. The opening chapter is descriptive and intense, and the first character we meet, Amos, is truly unlikeable.

Amos, inherits an old house from his estranged mother. As the story progresses, we learn that his mother was not crazy as people assumed, but was protecting the local people from a strange and unnerving supernatural forces.
Janie, his mother’s psychologist is drawn into the eerie goings on and must do all she can to help.

The descriptive writing does tail off during the book and the narrative becomes very stilted in places. The chapters flit around from POV to POV, and most of them feel choppy in the way they open. Things aren’t always clear and it often felt jarring to read when it wasn’t clear whose head I was in.

In places, the book had me gripped and I wanted to read on, yet quite often I felt things weren’t explained well enough and I was scratching my head trying to understand what was going on. I found the Johnny character and his interactions with the supernatural entity most confusing. The connection between the characters all becomes clear in the end, and the ending comes to a thrilling conclusion.

I really enjoyed the dark element and the suspense, and overall I found it a great creepy tale. Creepy
Profile Image for Ailsa Mellor.
Author 1 book10 followers
March 6, 2024
I enjoyed the the first half of this novel far more than the latter. Firstly, there’s the build up of the central characters, which the author does well, creating intrigue and suspense. I also enjoyed the scene setting: a young man - Amos - inherits and moves into his deceased mother’s property. He does not express any sadness that she has died. In fact, he has no emotional connection to her at all, which may explain why Amos is a loner and struggles with relationships. Then along comes Leah, Amos’ neighbour, and like a breath of fresh air, she seems to change all that. It even appears that Amos has finally found a woman with whom he can imagine a future with. When they begin to experience supernatural things together, this brings Amos and Leah even closer together. The plot starts to speed up at this point, more characters are introduced - Sam, Jonnie, Janie, Miss Jameson - and I struggled to keep up. I appreciate that there needs to be an element of unpredictability to maintain suspense but the story just didn’t come together for me. There seemed to be a disconnect between the main characters, which made it difficult to follow all the supernatural going-ons, and I found it confusing in parts. That aside, it’s a well written book and I think paranormal and thriller fans will particularly enjoy it.
Profile Image for John.
70 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2026
The story in this book grabs hold of the mind and refuses to let go. This supernatural mystery feels like a journey into a dark, thick woods where every shadow holds a secret. The writer creates an atmosphere that builds tension through simple descriptions of the remote property and the strange trailer home. These settings feel heavy with a sense of dread that makes the heart beat a bit faster. There is a real feeling of curiosity about the inheritance Amos receives and how his past connects to the ground beneath his feet. The interaction between the neighbors and the psychologist adds layers to the mystery that keep the pages turning.

Reading this book brings up a mix of nerves and excitement. The isolation of the main character feels real and makes the creepy events on the property hit harder. There is a sense of relief when characters find each other, yet a lingering fear about the forces they face. This story leaves a lasting impression because of how it explores internal struggles alongside external threats. The ending provides a shock that stays in the thoughts long after the final sentence. It is the kind of book that makes a person look twice at the shadows in their own home. It feels like a solid addition to any collection of dark tales.
Profile Image for C.D. McKenna.
Author 13 books82 followers
February 5, 2026
I picked up Ascension because I am a hardcore horror fan, and the premise sounded incredibly promising. It absolutely delivered.
Horror is a type of genre that gives a lot of flexibility to the type of writing, character development, and plot. Scribner takes this and owns it. This is a story that embraces unpredictability and, to some degree, rawness. With a heavy dose of unreliable characters and escalating plot, Ascension manages to hold onto some of the classic elements that make horror what it is, but still provides a unique twist that makes it distinctly Scribner.
I particularly enjoyed the complex characters that Scribner explores. What makes horror interesting is the willingness to show some of the “nastier” or “unpretty” sides of human nature, which we get to see in this novel.
I would have loved to see a bit more depth to some of these characters and smoother narrative – at times, some choppiness can be disruptive, but nothing that would ruin the experience for an everyday reader. The narrative style is definitely reader preference, so don’t let that deter you. The premise is awesome, and I think it’s an absolutely delightful read if you’re looking for something intriguing and unique.
68 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2026
So this novella is a little slow to start. Mainly because our hero Amos is an edge lord and wants to make sure you know it. Something plaguing many of this author’s works, though sometimes with wondrous twists. This one simply takes a little too long to get moving in my opinion, as well as to make the MC less annoying. Well, slightly less annoying. Which is fine. A character only needs to be interesting, not perfect.

So one star off there for pacing and broody stereotypes.

And once it gets going? This is actually a pretty solid piece of horror once you can get past the terrible sex/relationship scenes and ignore the worse parts of the MCs “introverted” (whiny) attitude. It seemed less refined than the author’s shorter stories, making me believe this work was from earlier in the author’s career. Or needed another edit.

The ending goes for shock value. Standard for the genre, but I saw it coming from quite a ways away. Maybe I have just gotten jaded with this genre. Or maybe this is not the author’s best work. With a solid edit/trim to get the page count down, this would be better.

I would say this is a solid 3.5, but we can’t do halves so I will round up just to be nice.
Author 4 books8 followers
March 2, 2024
An irritating, anti-social man inherits a trailer and some land from a mother he barely knew and ends up in a confusing maze of ghostly creatures and murder. Ascension has all the ingredients of a good horror story, including a mother who was a witch, a beautiful ghost, some murderous neighbors, and a shrink with a gun.
I didn’t like Amos very much. He was not the kind of guy I’d want moving next door. Even when I discovered he had some childhood trauma of his own, I still didn’t feel good about him. However, the author outdid himself in creating characters that were very real and sometimes obnoxious. I was so caught up in the story and the atmosphere, that I forgot my dislike for Amos.
I wanted to find out the secrets long hidden. The story is very fast-paced, and the answer to the mystery is unexpected.
In reading this book I was reminded of all those old horror movies where the hero was standing at the top of the staircase to the basement, the lights were off, and spooky music was playing, and you were screaming at the actor, “Don’t go down into the basement.”
Reading this book took me down to the basement, and you’ll hardly believe what you find.
Profile Image for Andrea Spinosa.
Author 3 books
March 5, 2024
"Ascension" by Joshua Scribner has been a real surprise. It’s the first time I've read a book by this author, but it was a good surprise. It mixes horror, thriller, and supernatural elements in a very interesting and page-turning book (especially in the first half).

The book's strength lies in its ability to create a sense of dread that emanates both externally and from within the characters themselves. While Amos, Leah, and Jonnie may not be the most likable protagonists, their descent into darkness under the influence of the malevolent forces at play is gripping.

Scribner's writing shines in the first half of the book, as he skillfully builds the characters and the eerie atmosphere surrounding the property. However, the narrative becomes rushed in the second half, especially as the supernatural elements escalate, and I must say I started to lose a bit of interest after the first half of the book.

The novel ends with a climax that provides an unexpected twist to the mystery. Despite its flaws, "Ascension" offers a dark and suspenseful journey into the unknown, reminiscent of classic horror stories where secrets long hidden are revealed in a thrilling conclusion.
45 reviews
March 20, 2024
A gripping tale that seamlessly combines elements of horror with psychological depth. Following the main protagonist's (Amos Lee) solitary life, the narrative delves into the complexities of memory and social isolation, taking an unexpected twist when he inherits a property laden with mysteries and unexpected secrets. As a reader, you find yourself hooked and intrigued by the fast-paced plot, filled with eerie encounters and unsettling revelations. The narrative keeps you constantly guessing what comes next, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The book explores metaphysical and psychological themes, as well as the complexity of human emotions and relationships. If you are someone who enjoys psychological thrillers, horror, and supernatural mysteries, you will find this book particularly interesting and intriguing. The intricate storytelling and haunting atmosphere leave a lasting impression, making you contemplate the depths of the human psyche. The seamless integration of different elements makes it a worthwhile addition to the library, especially for fans of the genre.
Profile Image for Connor Gunnin.
Author 1 book5 followers
February 27, 2024
A unique paranormal mystery. This is not your traditional horror novel. It’s an intense, character-focused mystery with multiple intersecting subplots all related to protagonist Amos’s exploration of a dark secret his deceased mother left behind. I’ll admit it took a while for the darker, paranormal side of this novel to kick in. A lot of time is spent first to introduce and develop the wide cast of characters. I found the story of the three brothers, one or more of whom may be dead, to be the most interesting. Amos was a little bit tough to empathize with at first, but he comes around somewhat as the plot progresses. By the midpoint, Ascension feels more like a proper paranormal/suspense book and the intensity of the story only escalates from there. To me, the book has an overall theme of troubled people dealing with loss and grief, which manifest in some very creative ways. I found this book highly unique and character driven. If you’re looking for something outside the usual horror/mystery genre conventions, this one is worth a look.
25 reviews
March 1, 2024
I recently delved into Ascension and found myself on an exhilarating rollercoaster of psychological thriller and supernatural mystery. Amos Lee is thrust into a web of unsettling events on his inherited property, challenging not only his way of life but also his perception of reality.

The unique blend of psychological elements and supernatural intrigue sets Ascension apart from conventional horror tales. The author's ability to probe into the depths of memory, isolation, and the human psyche adds a layer of complexity that elevates the reading experience. The tension is palpable, blurring the lines between what's real and what's imagined. This dark and intense tone, far from being a drawback, enriches the narrative, making it an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Just when I thought I had the story figured out in the initial chapters, Scribner skillfully surprised me, leaving me hooked and eager to discover what lay ahead. It's a rare feat for a horror story to grip me so intensely, and Ascension achieved just that.
Profile Image for Matt Mememaro.
33 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2024
This psychological thriller is a great blend of horror, thriller and the supernatural elements. Amos Lee is a psychopathic and dangerous individual. He is alone after his mother dies, leaving him in a trailer park. Throughout the story we get a detailed look into what helped twist and contort Amos’ mind. The first half of the book introduces us to well-fleshed-out characters as well as Scribner taking us on an eerie tour of Amos’ surroundings. If that is your type of thing you’ll love Ascension.
Ascension is not for the faint of heart. This story is dark and twisted and certainly one to bode over. It gave me massive American Psycho vibes, however Amos is less charismatic and charming than Patrick Bateman. If Scribner’s goal was for me to not like the characters, then job well done sir! There was more than one moment within the novel that sent a chill up my spine.
Twist at the end was solid as well. Ascension is very much a short read, one that you can quite easily knock over in an afternoon of reading. Be prepared to keep turning the pages.
Profile Image for Ann Birdgenaw.
Author 10 books124 followers
March 13, 2024
Ascension by Joshua Scribner is a psychological thriller with many moving parts and characters. Amos Lee has anger management and relationship problems due to a childhood spent in juvey that has turned him into a loner. He meets some crazy (crazier) characters when he inherits his biological mother’s remote property and creepy trailer home. There is Leah, the well-meaning girl-next-door, who lives a mile away, a mentally unstable door-to-door salesman and Janie, his departed mother’s psychologist, who is drawn to the supernatural elements she's heard about the property. All of the characters struggle with their own connection and gravitation to the "evil forces" that arise at the property. The insulated setting of the story and the strange neighbors and goings-on are the perfect backdrop for this chilling, dark horror story. I did not like Amos’ character and enjoyed the first half of the story more than the second half. I would recommend this book to fans of supernatural mystery horror stories with a few surprises.
145 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2025
“Ascension” by Joshua Scribner is highly original. The writing is minimalist to the point where until everything unfolds, we are not sure about each character and what they’re up to. But that, among other things, keeps you reading.

So everything is not laid out like: here are the good and bad guys and you know they’re going to battle. Instead, you have a main character who wants to be left alone, but everyone in the area seems to have a reason to be trying to get at him or at the property his mom left him. And because he didn’t know his mom, we have no clue what could happen and why. It makes for an intriguing read. We have no idea how it will resolve itself. I’ve read other books by this author and they’re all similarly original, minimalist, and interesting.

The second half of the book is surprisingly and entertainingly macabre. The sinister randoms under the control of an evil force reminds me of Stephen King’s writing. But more efficient, so maybe the author is a Dean Koontz in the making.
Profile Image for Creedence Gilgud.
10 reviews
July 18, 2025
This book features several different perspectives. We start with Amos, a spectacularly mean-spirited man, and Leah, a successful woman struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Jonnie is a local underachiever, and then we have Janie, the sleuth who has eyes on all of them. Amos has recently moved into the home of his deceased birth mother, where it quickly becomes apparent that the area is a hotspot for some sort of entity. This entity latches onto all of the characters causing morbid shenanigans to unfold.

Firstly, the writing is punchy and to-the-point. The characters are deeply flawed (especially Amos who I just found horrible) and difficult to like, but it does create the misanthropic atmosphere for the story. Where this one falls down is in the ending, which is wrapped up very abruptly with lots of exposition. Many of the revelations could have been explored at the beginning of the book. There is some extremely disturbing imagery in this story. Very much a story for hardcore horror fans.
223 reviews9 followers
January 21, 2026
Horror and Supernatural Thrill


I read Ascension looking for a creepy, psychological horror with real bite, and it delivered a tense, unsettling ride. Amos Lee is a prickly loner with a rough past, and when he inherits his estranged mother’s remote trailer and acreage, I could feel the dread settling in fast. I enjoyed how the property becomes its own character, pulling in a strange orbit of neighbors and broken people, especially Leah and Janie, who add curiosity and emotional stakes. The book kept me turning pages with eerie sightings, resurfacing memories, and a growing sense that something is feeding on their trauma.
For me, the atmosphere and first half were the strongest: isolated setting, oddball characters, and a steady drip of supernatural mystery. The second half felt more uneven and rushed, with some repetition and transitions that pulled me out. Still, I liked the surprises and the dark momentum. If you enjoy supernatural mystery horror with multiple perspectives and a bleak, creepy backdrop, this is worth the trip.
Profile Image for Angie Nel.
Author 6 books5 followers
February 2, 2026
Ascension by Joshua Scribner is absolutely fascinating. The wonderful blend of science fiction and horror had me hooked from the get go and didn’t let go until the very last page had been read.

Joshua’s writing style is effortlessly enjoyable. But don’t let that fool you. It takes quite a lot of talent and hard work to balance the characters and plot as deftly as he manages here. The extensive world building he had done is on full display, and was a big reason for my enjoyment.

Though, it has to be said, that a good novel lives and dies by its main protagonist. I loved the character of Amos. He was complex yet easy to route for. I found his character development to be quite satisfying.

I love it when a book jumps from one perspective to another, and Joshua does it here to great effect. It really served to deepen the experience quite a bit, while also making me appreciate the characters more.

I can easily recommend this novel. If you are a fan of atmospheric horror stories, you’ll love this.
Profile Image for Garth Simmons.
Author 2 books147 followers
February 11, 2026
I'm not generally much of a horror reader at all, think I've read a few Stephen Kings and a bit of HP Lovecraft and often find the prose style pretty long-winded and never really goes anywhere, almost like delaying a story. Clearly I probably just don’t get the genre though. Strange how I find dread and ambiance easier in films but often quite dreary in books. Scribner, however, kind of writes this with a slight sense of comedy, and keeps a fast pace to it. Amos is very acerbic and rude to pretty much everyone, but also manages to be likeable enough, the supporting cast are also well-sketched, and given lots of context through their recollections, and their reasons for being at the abandoned trailer house. The ending gets really interesting IMHO, even though the explanation for the phenomena isn't that great, the propulsion makes it so it doesn't matter, almost like reading a Sam Raimi film. I think it could have done with a bit less of the characters explaining the plot to one another.
6 reviews
February 15, 2026
There’s a lot to like with Ascension, it’s reasonably fast-paced, and the more paranormal elements ramp up quickly from the beginning, with plenty of little unsettling moments that soon become far more serious.

The way in which characters grapple with everything going on is well written, their flaws central to their reactions which leads to distinct voices coming through. The primary characters feel real, interesting, and different from one another.

For a reasonably short book, there are a lot of shifts in point of view characters, as well as some relatively chopping editing. This together, especially when combined with some of the characters having complicated secondary and even tertiary personalities, detracts from the interesting narrative.

At times, it feels like we’re told the same thing from two opposite perspectives, rather than letting the reader infer how the other party may be thinking or reacting.

On the whole, a good quick, paranormal read, especially when focused on the story itself, rather than the execution.
Profile Image for Kelly Miller.
Author 14 books436 followers
January 21, 2026
“Ascension” by Joshua Scribner is the tale of Amos Lee, a loner, who prefers to be left alone. Although he has dated women for the sex, he does not really want thema round. When he inherits land, a barn, an outdoor cellar, and a house trailer from the mother he never knew, he travels to Oklahoma from Michigan to claim the property, which includes a small income. He goes to live in the trailer and looks forward to living an isolated existence as a hermit. But a neighbor, Leah, appears at the trailer to introduce herself to Amos and doesn’t seem to get the hint that she is not welcome there, and a salesman, ???, who travels with two “imaginary” brothers, keeps coming around despite being rebuked by Amos. And Amos is plagued by memories of past girlfriends, and his final conversations with them. Then Amos is drawn into a relationship with Leah, and the two of them discover a strange presence in his trailer. What does this entity want? This is a creepy and unsettling story.
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