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Everest Files #1
The Everest Files: A thrilling journey to the dark side of Everest
A thrilling journey to the dark side of Everest. In the deepest Himalaya a story is spreading like wildfire. The story of an Everest expedition unlike any other. An expedition that ended in lies, betrayal, mysterious disappearances … and death. At the heart of it all - rumours of dark forces at play. This is the mystery that eighteen-year-old Ryan Hart sets out to solve. Ryan is on a gap year adventure, working for a medical charity in Nepal. In his own words he is 'up for anything' and when a local girl begs him to investigate why her sixteen-year-old friend Kami never came back from Everest, Ryan cannot resist the challenge. A solo journey takes Ryan deep into the mountains where his detective work finally pays off. What emerges is a shocking story of fatal human errors, a twisting tale in which life and death decisions are distorted by ambition, ego and greed. All played out on the lethal slopes of the highest mountain in the world. Kami's story seems like an open and shut case but something has changed in Ryan and it turns out the adventure isn't over. Everest is calling ... and Ryan may not be able to resist.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2014
31 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 24, 2015
Wow. I truly loved, and savored this book, and I literally could not put it down. Matt Dickinson really had an amazing way of storytelling, which included not just the success, but the many, many problems that happened along the way.
Without those problems, I would still be addicted to the book, because I love mountains, but I guess that the book would not be as good.
I could talk about the book for days, but I want to talk about what I feel is the main point of the story. I feel this moral is that is that no matter who you are, and what your duties may be, you sometimes have to think about what you feel is right. If Kami was a bit more forceful with Mr. Brennan, and less amiable at times, he may have even summited. Even if he didn't, he would not have been put through the trauma that he had to deal with days and days later.
As I said, I can talk for days, but an amazing and life changing read.
Without those problems, I would still be addicted to the book, because I love mountains, but I guess that the book would not be as good.
I could talk about the book for days, but I want to talk about what I feel is the main point of the story. I feel this moral is that is that no matter who you are, and what your duties may be, you sometimes have to think about what you feel is right. If Kami was a bit more forceful with Mr. Brennan, and less amiable at times, he may have even summited. Even if he didn't, he would not have been put through the trauma that he had to deal with days and days later.
As I said, I can talk for days, but an amazing and life changing read.
October 17, 2015
The Everest Files was a little slow to start, but once Kami began his trek up Everest, I was hooked. Dickinson masterfully built a complicated web of conflict and moral dilemma that kept me glued until the end. Looking forward to his visit at my school this week!
July 9, 2020
I listened to this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story follows Ryan who is trying to find out what happened to Kami on an expedition to climb Everest. We are with him (and Kami) every step of the way. The writing was very good, that is the nearest I’m going to get to Everest, the cold really came through in the storytelling. I’m now going to get this book and the rest of the series for my granddaughter to read.
Thanks Jellybooks for taking me out of my comfort zone with this book. I recommend it to teenage readers who like an adventure story.
Thanks Jellybooks for taking me out of my comfort zone with this book. I recommend it to teenage readers who like an adventure story.
May 5, 2014
When reading a book I take the time to become immersed in the story; I let myself 'get into' the book, almost as if I am a character.
The story starts with Ryan who, on a gap year working for a charity in Nepal meets Shreeya, who is heartbroken over the disappearance of Kami who disappeared during an expedition on Everest.
For me, the main part of the story is told through Kami’s eyes, and this is a subtle and heart-warming tale that grips you with every sentence.
I have never climbed a mountain, yet after finishing reading this novel, I recounted the highs and lows of the whole experience, and each page was turned to find out what Kami would do next, or how he dealt with each situation. You physically will him on, and that you are part of the team, as you want him to succeed. The storyline highlights the dangers of scaling a mountain, and the writer really gets across the idea that the higher Kami climbs, the more developed in life he becomes, and how fragile life really is. This mirrors the development of a teenager through puberty; the introduction of different situations that one might encounter as one matures definitely gives the ideas of morals and right and wrong, some of the situations allowing the reader to ponder over the decisions that could be made.
The characters are well constructed and are believable. The storyline is clearly thought out and develops at a good pace, which I feel is essential to keep a person reading on through to the end, and the author has managed this perfectly in my opinion.
Although this is a book aimed at teenagers, I feel that it also has plenty of appeal to adults; this is shown through the harrowing, yet perfectly accurate details of previous climbers attempts to climb the mountain, and the uncovering of their grisly demise as Kami battles towards the top.
Read through the gripping account of Kami and the account of a Sherpa’s life and his battles of morality whilst trying to battle his feelings and grasp true love. This is a read that you will not be disappointed with.
The story starts with Ryan who, on a gap year working for a charity in Nepal meets Shreeya, who is heartbroken over the disappearance of Kami who disappeared during an expedition on Everest.
For me, the main part of the story is told through Kami’s eyes, and this is a subtle and heart-warming tale that grips you with every sentence.
I have never climbed a mountain, yet after finishing reading this novel, I recounted the highs and lows of the whole experience, and each page was turned to find out what Kami would do next, or how he dealt with each situation. You physically will him on, and that you are part of the team, as you want him to succeed. The storyline highlights the dangers of scaling a mountain, and the writer really gets across the idea that the higher Kami climbs, the more developed in life he becomes, and how fragile life really is. This mirrors the development of a teenager through puberty; the introduction of different situations that one might encounter as one matures definitely gives the ideas of morals and right and wrong, some of the situations allowing the reader to ponder over the decisions that could be made.
The characters are well constructed and are believable. The storyline is clearly thought out and develops at a good pace, which I feel is essential to keep a person reading on through to the end, and the author has managed this perfectly in my opinion.
Although this is a book aimed at teenagers, I feel that it also has plenty of appeal to adults; this is shown through the harrowing, yet perfectly accurate details of previous climbers attempts to climb the mountain, and the uncovering of their grisly demise as Kami battles towards the top.
Read through the gripping account of Kami and the account of a Sherpa’s life and his battles of morality whilst trying to battle his feelings and grasp true love. This is a read that you will not be disappointed with.
March 15, 2014
As a reader I've been focussing on mountaineering books almost exclusively for the last 35 years. The big bulk of books dealing with the history of exploration, with mountaineering, climbing and expeditions to faraway places are works of non-fiction. So, as a reader, I'm always happy to hear about a new book of mountaineering fiction, as it gives me some time off from my day to day focus on, what at times can be very serious, climbing matters.
Matt Dickinson obviously knows what he's talking about when it comes to climbing, having summited Everest amongst other peaks. In this story he displays an even greater talent; perfectly describing mountaineering activities while at the same time avoiding the trap of using technical climbing vernacular ad infinitum. This is a great advantage as the story remains understandable even for non-climbers. However, this tale isn't "just" about mountaineering; it's the start of an adventure in Nepal where the main characters of the book merely happen to be climbers or family related to people who make an income from expeditions.
I'll do my best to avoid including spoilers here, but the picture painted in this book is about an adventure set in a beautiful country against the backdrop of some of the world's highest mountains. There's a mystery and a challenge to solve it. The young man who takes up the gauntlet sets off to a far-away place in a remote valley to get to the bottom of this. The way the story flows is a remarkably well-written tale of exciting adventures making this book one that is hard to put down. I understand this is just the first part of what is to become a trilogy, and in all honesty I can't wait to get onto the couch with the next book.
Rating; 5 stars out of 5.
Matt Dickinson obviously knows what he's talking about when it comes to climbing, having summited Everest amongst other peaks. In this story he displays an even greater talent; perfectly describing mountaineering activities while at the same time avoiding the trap of using technical climbing vernacular ad infinitum. This is a great advantage as the story remains understandable even for non-climbers. However, this tale isn't "just" about mountaineering; it's the start of an adventure in Nepal where the main characters of the book merely happen to be climbers or family related to people who make an income from expeditions.
I'll do my best to avoid including spoilers here, but the picture painted in this book is about an adventure set in a beautiful country against the backdrop of some of the world's highest mountains. There's a mystery and a challenge to solve it. The young man who takes up the gauntlet sets off to a far-away place in a remote valley to get to the bottom of this. The way the story flows is a remarkably well-written tale of exciting adventures making this book one that is hard to put down. I understand this is just the first part of what is to become a trilogy, and in all honesty I can't wait to get onto the couch with the next book.
Rating; 5 stars out of 5.
August 7, 2022
The book was great! I honestly loved the plot and I would say Kami is my favorite character since he has committed a lot. I loved Matt's choice of words but what really upset me is overusing the word "Namaste" when it is not needed. One part of the book, a man said "he didn't even said Namaste" and that word was not needed. Yes, in the book, in Nepal everyone is talking Nepali but writing it in english it would just make sense to say "he didn't even say hello/hi". Things like 'we greeted each other, "Namaste"' really annoy me. As a person from Nepal it just sounded wrong and unnecessary. But this is just my opinion; it doesn't have to change (but I'm sure it won't either way).
I mean, it did sound good, but it just seems unnatural. I can't put it into words (since I'm not the best), but as a small writer, whenever I use another language in my writing it sounds good to me, even if I don't know the language as much. "He didn't even say Hola" it sounds good to me, but it doesn't make sense for Spanish folk. It just sounds weird.
Sorry for the overdramatic review but I feel like small things like this is what writer's should really fix and finally put the research you need to do when you're a writer. Big apologies, but great book overall.
I mean, it did sound good, but it just seems unnatural. I can't put it into words (since I'm not the best), but as a small writer, whenever I use another language in my writing it sounds good to me, even if I don't know the language as much. "He didn't even say Hola" it sounds good to me, but it doesn't make sense for Spanish folk. It just sounds weird.
Sorry for the overdramatic review but I feel like small things like this is what writer's should really fix and finally put the research you need to do when you're a writer. Big apologies, but great book overall.
October 16, 2015
Matt Dickinson used his own experiences and threw in some creativity. So here is the "The Everest Files". This is a nice book that you won't be able to drop after you read the first 100 pages. Yes. 100. This is flaw #1. The book starts off really slow, and you need to read a lot before you have some action and excitement. And flaw #2 is pretty much the same flaw pretty much every teen-age book has. It is not something new. Something revolutionary. Of course, events change, characters change, setting changes, the story changes, but there isn't something that makes this book stand apart from other teen-age books. Don't get me wrong, the book is awesome, the story is really nice and the language is pretty easy to understand, without compromises. But there are also lots of great stories out there, such as the Percy Jackson series, or the Ranger's Apprentice Series, or the Brotherband Chronicles. Mortal Chaos in the other hand, is much different than other books, with an exceptional storyline.
So it comes down to the reader. Again. I gave this book 4 stars, because of the 2 flaws, and one is not a big problem. I really liked the book, and I recommend this book.
So it comes down to the reader. Again. I gave this book 4 stars, because of the 2 flaws, and one is not a big problem. I really liked the book, and I recommend this book.
September 26, 2018
This is a great book for both female/male readers. Perfect I would say for 8-14 age group. The language is difficult enough to help develop vocab but simple enough to be accessible for all reading ages.
As an adult, there were a lot of things that annoyed me about this story. First off, I wasn't a huge fan of the main characters voice or story I found him rather dull and unnecessary. As soon as the book followed Kami and his journey up Everest I found the story became engaging and exciting.
However, none of the characters resonated with me and the 'big bad's' change of heart at the end seemed silly. Character motivations were unclear or changed too quickly. Actions/ dialogue didn't always fit and the ending left me feeling rather bored by it all.
However, that being said, I think younger readers will be caught up in the Everest Expedition as I was and they might not be so bogged down by the immature writing/lack of depth.
Personally, not my favourite book in the world but I admire it for its versatility and its appeal for the younger audience.
As an adult, there were a lot of things that annoyed me about this story. First off, I wasn't a huge fan of the main characters voice or story I found him rather dull and unnecessary. As soon as the book followed Kami and his journey up Everest I found the story became engaging and exciting.
However, none of the characters resonated with me and the 'big bad's' change of heart at the end seemed silly. Character motivations were unclear or changed too quickly. Actions/ dialogue didn't always fit and the ending left me feeling rather bored by it all.
However, that being said, I think younger readers will be caught up in the Everest Expedition as I was and they might not be so bogged down by the immature writing/lack of depth.
Personally, not my favourite book in the world but I admire it for its versatility and its appeal for the younger audience.
June 20, 2020
Thank you to Jellybooks for this free audiobook! I didn’t pay attention to the description before I agreed to listen and review, so I was expecting a non-fiction book for adults about climbing Everest. I was completely wrong. This was a fiction book for young adults. And I really enjoyed it!
The writing was very clear, especially during action sequences, making it ideal for the audio format. The storyline is one that my middle schoolers would find pretty compelling...themes of environment, social justice, and ethics were right on target for that age group. Finally, the climbing sequences were detailed enough to bring the listener to the setting, but not so detailed as to lose the attention of those who do not climb.
The plot points were pretty predictable, but I find that to be the case with most YA novels, even the most popular ones.
Great start of a series.
The writing was very clear, especially during action sequences, making it ideal for the audio format. The storyline is one that my middle schoolers would find pretty compelling...themes of environment, social justice, and ethics were right on target for that age group. Finally, the climbing sequences were detailed enough to bring the listener to the setting, but not so detailed as to lose the attention of those who do not climb.
The plot points were pretty predictable, but I find that to be the case with most YA novels, even the most popular ones.
Great start of a series.
June 13, 2020
The Everest Files (Everest Files, #1) by Matt Dickinson is an exciting read about a climb of Mt. Everest from the perspective of a young Sherpa boy. The events surrounding the climb itself are more or less what you would expect plus some surprising turns along the way. To me, the more interesting part of the book is what we learn of the Sherpa culture, private lives and customs. Of particular note is how Sherpas are treated, at least in this story, working with the mountain climbers. It is dangerous work for little compensation. In this story, the young Sherpa is used hard and must follow what he is directed to do. In the end, it is quite tragic.
I listened to an audio of the book given to me through Jelly Books. I am voluntarily posting an honest review.
I listened to an audio of the book given to me through Jelly Books. I am voluntarily posting an honest review.
September 21, 2022
This was a fun book to read for someone who has been to Nepal and Everest, but I'd say this book doesn't have much for someone who has never been. The plot is fairly slow, the characters not very well-built, the places assumed that you know. It is however, a nice story about courage and corruption on the highest peak on Earth.
For me, it was a nice nostalgic read. Would I recommend it to someone who's never been? Maybe. It depends whether you're into adventure or not. You'd have to be specifically into Everest or climbing to be drawn into this book. It is very factual, but not a totally gripping or exciting story. It is awesome to hear such a detailed depiction of what it's like to climb the mountain, but it lacks wow factor.
For me, it was a nice nostalgic read. Would I recommend it to someone who's never been? Maybe. It depends whether you're into adventure or not. You'd have to be specifically into Everest or climbing to be drawn into this book. It is very factual, but not a totally gripping or exciting story. It is awesome to hear such a detailed depiction of what it's like to climb the mountain, but it lacks wow factor.
September 25, 2022
I am not really sure where this book came from- it seemed to just arrive on my 'To read' list from nowhere. I am not mad about it.
This is the story of an English gap year dude who goes to the Himalaya to help with a medical delivery mission. On the way, he stumbles across a girl who lost her partner and decides to help her find him. On finding him, we hear the whole story of what happened when the boy, a sherpa, climbed Everest.
I guess I give this three stars as it didn't feel particularly well written. It was interesting, sure, and I loved the limelight that it shone on the inequalities between sherpa and those coming from the Western world to climb the mountain. Yet the sentences felt simple and the writing style didn't capture me. It was very much a recount.
That said, I am glad I read something about walking Everest. It opened my eyes to the reality of the climb.
This is the story of an English gap year dude who goes to the Himalaya to help with a medical delivery mission. On the way, he stumbles across a girl who lost her partner and decides to help her find him. On finding him, we hear the whole story of what happened when the boy, a sherpa, climbed Everest.
I guess I give this three stars as it didn't feel particularly well written. It was interesting, sure, and I loved the limelight that it shone on the inequalities between sherpa and those coming from the Western world to climb the mountain. Yet the sentences felt simple and the writing style didn't capture me. It was very much a recount.
That said, I am glad I read something about walking Everest. It opened my eyes to the reality of the climb.
June 13, 2020
Thank you Jellybooks for the opportunity of stepping out of my comfort zone with this audiobook.
It's still a pretty new experience for me to listen to audiobooks instead of reading books, so I am trying to find a genre that works for me under that format.
If I wouldn't normally go for a book such as this one (I am more into thrillers for instance), listening this story was a nice experience.
I mean the Everest... Lots of people lost their lives attempting to reach the summit (and as it turns out, even more on the way back), but those who didn't must have an incredible stories to tell.
This audiobook definitely made me want to know more about those stories!
It's still a pretty new experience for me to listen to audiobooks instead of reading books, so I am trying to find a genre that works for me under that format.
If I wouldn't normally go for a book such as this one (I am more into thrillers for instance), listening this story was a nice experience.
I mean the Everest... Lots of people lost their lives attempting to reach the summit (and as it turns out, even more on the way back), but those who didn't must have an incredible stories to tell.
This audiobook definitely made me want to know more about those stories!
June 13, 2020
The narrator of the audiobook did a good job. There were definitely some pacing issues with the slow start and rapid end. However, I think the book did well with building interest and teasing out why things turned out the way they did. The answers may have been a bit predictable for a young adult novel, but the story is engaging and I enjoyed reading it. I also appreciated that the setting and climb felt rooted in reality. Everest was brought to life and seemed like another character in the story.
October 17, 2017
This book was on my to-read list for a while and was purely through recommendation. I really enjoyed the way Matt Dickson writes about a thing he enjoys (mountaineering) in a way that is interesting to the reader. There are many big ideas, but this book mainly goes into courage, adventure, family and friendship. I also really liked the way Matt shows the different characters views on the major ideas. A highly recommended read!
May 5, 2022
Really enjoyed this mountain adventure. It was a gripping read once the story was told through Kami and the perils of being a Sherpa for rich Americans as they climb Everest. Matt Dickinson brought his personal experience of the treacherous climb to the story which added an in-depth knowledge and realism to the story.
Suitable for anyone with a thirst for adventure and realistic climb up Everest from the warmth and comfort of your armchair.
Suitable for anyone with a thirst for adventure and realistic climb up Everest from the warmth and comfort of your armchair.
June 17, 2025
I know I gave this a harsh score but if I’m honest I didn’t hate reading it. My main problem lies with the writing. The author uses way too much tell and not enough show and when reading it is clear that Matt Dickinson isn’t an author. The plot was basically just a tell by tell of climbing Everest and has no interesting plot points. All the conflicts are solved too fast and the synopsis at the back of the book is FALSE ADVERTISING!!!
February 22, 2019
A great series. Even as someone who has never truly thought about mountain or shown any interest in them this book (and the whole trilogy) is gripping and definetly worth a read. It is a book that it doesn't matter whether you a male or female, young or old, a fan of horror or a fan of fantasy, it is a joy to read.
June 5, 2020
Review program by Jellybooks in exchange for an honest review.
Loved it! So far out of my genre, but the story gripped me from the very outset.
I fell for the Nepalese people with their beliefs and traditions. The pull of the Everest, for those who make it and those that never leave it.
I've put the rest of this series on my TBR list.
Loved it! So far out of my genre, but the story gripped me from the very outset.
I fell for the Nepalese people with their beliefs and traditions. The pull of the Everest, for those who make it and those that never leave it.
I've put the rest of this series on my TBR list.
June 15, 2020
This book was very underwhelming. Little actually happened in this book and what did happen was very predictable. Although saying this, I was still interested in finishing the book, but it’s doubtful I shall read the next one. Maybe if you’re interested in climbing and Everest it would be more interesting, I don’t know, but it wasn’t for me.
April 21, 2018
A super fast read and, for three-fourths of the book, a good perspective. I didn't find much remarkable about it, though, and found the structure and the ending a little problematic. Also, there are these weirdly out of place italicized sentences for no apparent reason ...
June 4, 2020
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this audio. Not only is the story exciting and kept me gripped but the authors obvious knowledge of climbing and Everest shone through in this book which added to it. This really is a gem of a story.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this audio. Not only is the story exciting and kept me gripped but the authors obvious knowledge of climbing and Everest shone through in this book which added to it. This really is a gem of a story.
June 4, 2020
Audio book review program from JellyBooks.
YA adventure on Everest. Too similar to fiction movie I've seen to be very interesting for me.
I thought a bit slow to start, good flow for most of the middle, quick and less believable end but not the worst ever.
YA adventure on Everest. Too similar to fiction movie I've seen to be very interesting for me.
I thought a bit slow to start, good flow for most of the middle, quick and less believable end but not the worst ever.
June 28, 2020
An interesting book that covers the story of an Everest expedition as experienced by a young Nepalese Sherpa. The has it all: death, accidents, friendships and loyalties. I listened to the audio version of this and felt the readers voice really matched the story.
December 7, 2018
Very good
December 15, 2018
It was a good story though some parts seemed unnecessary.
February 6, 2019
Frosty read
March 3, 2020
was gifted by my little brother. a good, well researched YA read. enjoyed the trip.
August 20, 2021
I thought this was a good book and I like the protagonist
November 11, 2021
best book ever:))))
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews