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Peak #3
Ascent
A few months after returning from Afghanistan, Peak Marcello is in Myanmar visiting Alessia. Myanmar has been in the grips of a brutal military regime for more than fifty years, and although it has opened up more to tourists, much of the country is still off-limits to foreigners.
While there, Peak is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, one of the most isolated mountains in the world. Getting to the mountain involves a four-week trek through tropical rain forests rife with hazards--from venomous reptiles and leeches to corrupt police and military. Summiting Hkakabo Razi may be the easiest thing Peak does.
While there, Peak is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, one of the most isolated mountains in the world. Getting to the mountain involves a four-week trek through tropical rain forests rife with hazards--from venomous reptiles and leeches to corrupt police and military. Summiting Hkakabo Razi may be the easiest thing Peak does.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2018
161 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Roland Smith
152 books837 followersRoland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction as well as nonfiction books for children.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 3, 2024
Realistic real world adventure! Greatly enjoyed my first of this series, and now want all of them. I smiled a dozen times, did not want to put the book down. Just as credible and appropriate for older adults as for teens.
I’m not a climber, but this felt authentic. One of the human relationships felt authentic as well, and distilled to the core essentials.
The plot was somewhat predictable, and there were few if any twists or surprises. The first half read a bit like an old choose your own adventure story, with all the choices made for you. In retrospect, I choose to attribute that just to clarity and simplicity in writing style
I’m not a climber, but this felt authentic. One of the human relationships felt authentic as well, and distilled to the core essentials.
The plot was somewhat predictable, and there were few if any twists or surprises. The first half read a bit like an old choose your own adventure story, with all the choices made for you. In retrospect, I choose to attribute that just to clarity and simplicity in writing style
May 3, 2019
The theme to this book is if you try your hardest you can achieve something. One example of this is him climbing the mountains of Afghanistan and then going to Myanmar a place that has very brutal military's. The second example is he went through a jungle that has venomous animals and insects.
March 24, 2025
Very good read. Really enjoyed it.
December 8, 2020
4.8
Me: *gasps* Oh my word!
Friend: What??
Me: Look *holds up book* we read the first two in 6th grade, remember?
Friend: *dumbfounded; reaches toward book*
Me: No, no, no. I found it first...
And thus ends the story of how I found this wonderful book😂
But really, fantastic book. Fans of the first and second won't be disappointed! Full review to come.
**Update**
OVERVIEW
"A few months after returning from Afghanistan, Peak Marcello is in Myanmar visiting Alessia. Myanmar has been in the grips of a brutal military regime for more than fifty years, but recently the government has allowed more tourists to enter. While there, Peak is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, one of the most isolated mountains in the world, to discover the exact elevation of the mountain. But getting to the mountain will involve a four-week trek through tropical rain forests rife with hazards—from venomous reptiles and leeches to corrupt police and military. In the end, summiting Hkakabo Razi may be the easiest thing Peak does."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Peak, Alessia, Ethan and others care for each other and sacrifice themselves for others.
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Zopa is a Buddhist monk. Respect is shown. Zopa also shows an uncanny sense of what will happen in the future. Mentions of hoping someone gets better.
VIOLENCE
Someone gets killed by an elephant, mentions of blood and a mangled body. A man follows Peak and his friends and hurts Peak and Ethan (quite severely). Mentions of bleeding and swelling (not detailed).
SEXUAL CONTENT
Alessia and Peak kiss a few times (not detailed), mentions of figuring out emotions.
LANGUAGE
Pretty clean. "D--n" is said twice.
OTHER NOTES
Peak's parents are divorced. His father Josh may have other motives for coming to see him. An avalanche happens burying two of Peak's team.
This book is great. Full of adventure and fun, highly suggest for anyone looking for a good read.
Me: *gasps* Oh my word!
Friend: What??
Me: Look *holds up book* we read the first two in 6th grade, remember?
Friend: *dumbfounded; reaches toward book*
Me: No, no, no. I found it first...
And thus ends the story of how I found this wonderful book😂
But really, fantastic book. Fans of the first and second won't be disappointed! Full review to come.
**Update**
OVERVIEW
"A few months after returning from Afghanistan, Peak Marcello is in Myanmar visiting Alessia. Myanmar has been in the grips of a brutal military regime for more than fifty years, but recently the government has allowed more tourists to enter. While there, Peak is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, one of the most isolated mountains in the world, to discover the exact elevation of the mountain. But getting to the mountain will involve a four-week trek through tropical rain forests rife with hazards—from venomous reptiles and leeches to corrupt police and military. In the end, summiting Hkakabo Razi may be the easiest thing Peak does."
POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Peak, Alessia, Ethan and others care for each other and sacrifice themselves for others.
SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Zopa is a Buddhist monk. Respect is shown. Zopa also shows an uncanny sense of what will happen in the future. Mentions of hoping someone gets better.
VIOLENCE
Someone gets killed by an elephant, mentions of blood and a mangled body. A man follows Peak and his friends and hurts Peak and Ethan (quite severely). Mentions of bleeding and swelling (not detailed).
SEXUAL CONTENT
Alessia and Peak kiss a few times (not detailed), mentions of figuring out emotions.
LANGUAGE
Pretty clean. "D--n" is said twice.
OTHER NOTES
Peak's parents are divorced. His father Josh may have other motives for coming to see him. An avalanche happens burying two of Peak's team.
This book is great. Full of adventure and fun, highly suggest for anyone looking for a good read.
March 6, 2021
Great book! Like I have said for the other two books in the series, I loved it. This review will be short; I pretty much have the exact same thing to say as I did in the other book. Very well written, amazing plot, great characters! Great book, 5 stars, would record to anyone (after reading the first two. I mean, you can read these out of order or standing alone, but they are all so good I would recommend reading all of them in order. It will just make a bit more sense.)
June 13, 2018
I enjoyed catching up with Peak, Alessia, and Ethan and it was really great to be able to visit Burma in this book. But to be honest, there were times when it was really slow and not that engaging. Even the parts that were supposed to be thriller-y weren't very suspenseful to me. I also felt like there wasn't really much character development or that I really got a clear sense of who the characters even are. It's more a book documenting a journey rather than one with a strong central plot and conflict.
October 31, 2022
The book Ascent by Roland Smith is an adventure and realistic fiction novel in the Peak Marcello series.
The book is about Peak Marcello and his journey attempting to climb Hkakabo Razi with his friends Ethan and Alessia. The book follows the group as they face sickness, downed bridges, injuries, and overall hardship as they try and get to the base of the mountain, and while ascending the mountain. We follow them through villages with bustling markets, and even some that no longer exist. We experience their recounts of the past, and their hopes for the future.
The book starts with Peak, Ethan, and Alessia in the forest on their way to the base of Hkakabo Razi, a mountain in Myanmar. They are with Lwin, their guide who is taking them through the forest to Hkakabo Razi. On their way through the forest Alessia gets sick. They need a doctor and end up meeting nick an amateur herpetologist, ornithologist, and professional botanist who agrees to help treat Alessia. Nick tells Peak that Lwin is not to be trusted and probably doesn’t know his way to the mountain. They decide to pay Lwin so he can leave them and continue their journey with Nick, who will lead them to the mountain for free. Now their journey has really started, and the worst has yet to come.
I really enjoy how realistic this book feels. Although some things in the book may not be very common, I feel they could all realistically happen to me if I were to go on a similar adventure. I also like how well the characters are developed. Throughout the story it feels like the reader is getting to know them on a personal level. For example, the reader learns a lot about their past experiences. They also experience very personal moments between each other. I enjoy that the book has some romance every now and then, but it’s not cringey and it doesn’t ruin the plot if you don’t like that kind of thing. One thing I didn’t really like about the book is how random some encounters feel while reading it. Everything ends up being important to the story later on, but in the moment while reading the story they feel unimportant or unrelated to the overall story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure, or realistic fiction, as well as anyone who enjoys a good book with a bit of romance. You don’t have to enjoy climbing or mountaineering to enjoy this book or understand what’s going on. If you enjoy a good read but not something super long, it’s a great book for you.
This is the third book in a 4-book series, the other books follow Peak Marcello and his friends on other adventures. The first book is about Peak’s attempt to summit Everest and the second book is about Peak climbing in the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan. The author of the Peak Marcello series and many other books, Roland Smith, was born in Portland, Oregon, and he graduated from Portland state University. Smith now lives with his wife and stepchildren in Portland, Oregon.
The book is about Peak Marcello and his journey attempting to climb Hkakabo Razi with his friends Ethan and Alessia. The book follows the group as they face sickness, downed bridges, injuries, and overall hardship as they try and get to the base of the mountain, and while ascending the mountain. We follow them through villages with bustling markets, and even some that no longer exist. We experience their recounts of the past, and their hopes for the future.
The book starts with Peak, Ethan, and Alessia in the forest on their way to the base of Hkakabo Razi, a mountain in Myanmar. They are with Lwin, their guide who is taking them through the forest to Hkakabo Razi. On their way through the forest Alessia gets sick. They need a doctor and end up meeting nick an amateur herpetologist, ornithologist, and professional botanist who agrees to help treat Alessia. Nick tells Peak that Lwin is not to be trusted and probably doesn’t know his way to the mountain. They decide to pay Lwin so he can leave them and continue their journey with Nick, who will lead them to the mountain for free. Now their journey has really started, and the worst has yet to come.
I really enjoy how realistic this book feels. Although some things in the book may not be very common, I feel they could all realistically happen to me if I were to go on a similar adventure. I also like how well the characters are developed. Throughout the story it feels like the reader is getting to know them on a personal level. For example, the reader learns a lot about their past experiences. They also experience very personal moments between each other. I enjoy that the book has some romance every now and then, but it’s not cringey and it doesn’t ruin the plot if you don’t like that kind of thing. One thing I didn’t really like about the book is how random some encounters feel while reading it. Everything ends up being important to the story later on, but in the moment while reading the story they feel unimportant or unrelated to the overall story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure, or realistic fiction, as well as anyone who enjoys a good book with a bit of romance. You don’t have to enjoy climbing or mountaineering to enjoy this book or understand what’s going on. If you enjoy a good read but not something super long, it’s a great book for you.
This is the third book in a 4-book series, the other books follow Peak Marcello and his friends on other adventures. The first book is about Peak’s attempt to summit Everest and the second book is about Peak climbing in the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan. The author of the Peak Marcello series and many other books, Roland Smith, was born in Portland, Oregon, and he graduated from Portland state University. Smith now lives with his wife and stepchildren in Portland, Oregon.
August 13, 2018
Peak has found himself in the tropical rainforest of Myanmar. Not exactly his favorite place given the extreme heat, dampness, bugs, and of course venomous reptiles. Even though he is on this trek with Alessia and her body guard Ethan, the alluring target is their planned climb of Hkakabo Razi. One would think that his past life and death climbs would cause Peak a few moments of indecision, but for Peak the planning of a dangerous climb is completely alluring. After all, hanging by a "rope" is just a normal experience for any serious mountaineer.
Can you say "extreme chaos!" Peak's adventures are never a calm experience. There are always risks, some are life threatening (mutated strain of malaria, militia, environmental degradation, dangerous wild animal attacks, avalanches, and death). Of course there are minor challenges (extreme weather, treacherous footing, harsh conditions, and the expected "stabs, slices, pokes, bites, and stings"). And yet, for Peak to turn down a climb is like a reader refusing to open a book. He just has to answer the call of the next mountain.
If you are an "on the edge" reading junkie, there is no greater thrill than continuing a saga with characters that have "stretched" your every day universe beyond endurance. When Peak was first introduced, I considered him "edgy" and completely ready for any "over the edge" experience. With continued climbing experiences, he has matured into a mountaineer who is now a respected leader.
Be brave and enjoy another "Peak" experience,
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
Can you say "extreme chaos!" Peak's adventures are never a calm experience. There are always risks, some are life threatening (mutated strain of malaria, militia, environmental degradation, dangerous wild animal attacks, avalanches, and death). Of course there are minor challenges (extreme weather, treacherous footing, harsh conditions, and the expected "stabs, slices, pokes, bites, and stings"). And yet, for Peak to turn down a climb is like a reader refusing to open a book. He just has to answer the call of the next mountain.
If you are an "on the edge" reading junkie, there is no greater thrill than continuing a saga with characters that have "stretched" your every day universe beyond endurance. When Peak was first introduced, I considered him "edgy" and completely ready for any "over the edge" experience. With continued climbing experiences, he has matured into a mountaineer who is now a respected leader.
Be brave and enjoy another "Peak" experience,
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
January 13, 2023
Ascent was written by Roland Smith. The main theme of the book is just because you lose someone does not mean you should stop doing the things you love to do. This is true because when Ethan can not go on the climb because of his head injury, Peak and Zopa still climb the mountain despite Ethan not being there.
Ascent is a realistic fiction book that takes place in the jungle and mountains of Myanmar. The time period is the present day. Peal is the main character and is going to climb Hkakabo Razi with his girlfriend Alessia and her bodyguard and former climber with Peak, Ethan. Alessia needs a bodyguard because her parents are part of the French embassy. They start going through the jungle to get to the mountain and encounter many problems. From their tour guide being a murderer to police following them, everything is not great. Things get even worse when Ethan realizes that their former tour guide was following them and was causing problems like cutting bridges and stealing. One day Peak’s friend and monk Zopa comes and decides to join them. When they get near the mountain, Peak finds Ethan unconscious and half dead. They realize that he was hit in the head and that he can't climb. Alessia leaves with Ethan and Peak does not want to climb any more. Zopa convinces him to climb so they head to the start up the mountain. Peak meets his dad on Hkakabo Razi and they climb together. When they reach the top Peak has learned a lot about himself and his family and friends.
I really liked how every chapter had a suspenseful page or pages. Some books have too much or too little suspense which makes the book worse. Also, some books have moments that do not make sense, but this book was completely normal. Lasly, I liked the end when Peak becomes closer to his dad on the mountain. This was really nice because it was a good ending to the story and helped answer some questions about his dad.
Someone who is adventurous, loves nature, and likes suspense will like Ascent. You do not have to like climbing to like this book. I did not know a lot about climbing before reading this but I still loved it. It is a great book for nature lovers because there is not only climbing a mountain but also traversing through a jungle beforehand. It is for suspense lovers because there's a lot of suspense in the book. Ascent is the third book in the series which shows how good Roland Smith’s books are.
Ascent is a realistic fiction book that takes place in the jungle and mountains of Myanmar. The time period is the present day. Peal is the main character and is going to climb Hkakabo Razi with his girlfriend Alessia and her bodyguard and former climber with Peak, Ethan. Alessia needs a bodyguard because her parents are part of the French embassy. They start going through the jungle to get to the mountain and encounter many problems. From their tour guide being a murderer to police following them, everything is not great. Things get even worse when Ethan realizes that their former tour guide was following them and was causing problems like cutting bridges and stealing. One day Peak’s friend and monk Zopa comes and decides to join them. When they get near the mountain, Peak finds Ethan unconscious and half dead. They realize that he was hit in the head and that he can't climb. Alessia leaves with Ethan and Peak does not want to climb any more. Zopa convinces him to climb so they head to the start up the mountain. Peak meets his dad on Hkakabo Razi and they climb together. When they reach the top Peak has learned a lot about himself and his family and friends.
I really liked how every chapter had a suspenseful page or pages. Some books have too much or too little suspense which makes the book worse. Also, some books have moments that do not make sense, but this book was completely normal. Lasly, I liked the end when Peak becomes closer to his dad on the mountain. This was really nice because it was a good ending to the story and helped answer some questions about his dad.
Someone who is adventurous, loves nature, and likes suspense will like Ascent. You do not have to like climbing to like this book. I did not know a lot about climbing before reading this but I still loved it. It is a great book for nature lovers because there is not only climbing a mountain but also traversing through a jungle beforehand. It is for suspense lovers because there's a lot of suspense in the book. Ascent is the third book in the series which shows how good Roland Smith’s books are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
Why Don't More People Know?
This series brought me in with the first chapter of the first book, and simply wouldn't let me go. Peak Marcello is an exceptional young man who doesn't realize how special he is. In the literary world, he's a complete breath of fresh air. To be sure, this series may have been written for young adults, but in truth they simply transcend both age and gender. The events Peak struggles with are timeless: every generation has dealt with these same issues. He just happens to work them out while attempting to summit some of the most treacherous mountains in the world.
If you've followed this series, you've been with the intrepid young man and his climbing posse as they attempted Mt. Everest, then the mountains of Afghanistan. Both expeditions were heart-pounding and insane, yet each brought a completely different host of problems. Now Peak and his French girl friend, Alessia, are attempting an isolated mountain in Myanmar (formerly Burma). This is a strange new world for the young travelers, with even more bizarre happenings. From a fierce military regime to treachery in the jungle, this story will again keep readers on the edge. Don't let the YA label fool you: this is a wonderfully written and well balanced story for all ages. I'm astounded more people don't know about this stellar read.
This series brought me in with the first chapter of the first book, and simply wouldn't let me go. Peak Marcello is an exceptional young man who doesn't realize how special he is. In the literary world, he's a complete breath of fresh air. To be sure, this series may have been written for young adults, but in truth they simply transcend both age and gender. The events Peak struggles with are timeless: every generation has dealt with these same issues. He just happens to work them out while attempting to summit some of the most treacherous mountains in the world.
If you've followed this series, you've been with the intrepid young man and his climbing posse as they attempted Mt. Everest, then the mountains of Afghanistan. Both expeditions were heart-pounding and insane, yet each brought a completely different host of problems. Now Peak and his French girl friend, Alessia, are attempting an isolated mountain in Myanmar (formerly Burma). This is a strange new world for the young travelers, with even more bizarre happenings. From a fierce military regime to treachery in the jungle, this story will again keep readers on the edge. Don't let the YA label fool you: this is a wonderfully written and well balanced story for all ages. I'm astounded more people don't know about this stellar read.
Read
April 8, 2020Do you like to go on adventures? If yes then this is the book for you. This is the third book of the series and it was really good. Also if you like books where you wonder “what is going to happen next” and you want suspense and adventure starting from the first chapter, then you will like The Ascent.
In this story, all sorts of unexpected things happen. Each book has a brand new adventure so you don't necessarily have to start with book one but starting from book one, PEAK, can help you get to know the characters better.
The Ascent takes place in a deep jungle in Burma, where Peak Marcelo, a 15-year old mountaineer, wants to summit a mountain. I recommend this book because all sorts of unexpected things happen and it is really fun to read. Also there is always something new that's going to happen and not so much stalling at one scene. Also the story uses very strong imagery so while reading you can picture the environment and what the characters are going through. So, does this interest you? This book is really fun to read and isn't boring. Do you want to find out what happens? Do you want to know if Peak Marcelo makes it or not? Or you can always start with book one and work up from there.
In this story, all sorts of unexpected things happen. Each book has a brand new adventure so you don't necessarily have to start with book one but starting from book one, PEAK, can help you get to know the characters better.
The Ascent takes place in a deep jungle in Burma, where Peak Marcelo, a 15-year old mountaineer, wants to summit a mountain. I recommend this book because all sorts of unexpected things happen and it is really fun to read. Also there is always something new that's going to happen and not so much stalling at one scene. Also the story uses very strong imagery so while reading you can picture the environment and what the characters are going through. So, does this interest you? This book is really fun to read and isn't boring. Do you want to find out what happens? Do you want to know if Peak Marcelo makes it or not? Or you can always start with book one and work up from there.
October 26, 2018
Ascent
Roland Smith
Date Finished: 10/14/18
Ascent, by Roland Smith, is an adventure book, and the third book in the Peak Marcello Adventure series. Soon after returning from Afghanistan, Peak Marcello travels to Myanmar, to visit Alessia. When he first arrives, he does not plan on climbing a mountain. When he is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, he gladly accepts, and he, Alessia, and Alessia’s bodyguard set out to climb Hkakabo Razi. When they set out to climb the mountain, they meet many challenges along the way, but meet family and friends along the way. This book is very well written, and has a very diverse characters. This is shown because Peak has a personality of always trying his best and being a leader when others need him to be, and Alessia has a personality of caring for others, and always leaving things better than she found them. There is also a major theme of perseverance in this book, as well as the previous two books in the series. This is because they are trying to climb a mountain, and run into many obstacles along the way, but keep pushing, and eventually, Peak makes it to the summit.
Roland Smith
Date Finished: 10/14/18
Ascent, by Roland Smith, is an adventure book, and the third book in the Peak Marcello Adventure series. Soon after returning from Afghanistan, Peak Marcello travels to Myanmar, to visit Alessia. When he first arrives, he does not plan on climbing a mountain. When he is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, he gladly accepts, and he, Alessia, and Alessia’s bodyguard set out to climb Hkakabo Razi. When they set out to climb the mountain, they meet many challenges along the way, but meet family and friends along the way. This book is very well written, and has a very diverse characters. This is shown because Peak has a personality of always trying his best and being a leader when others need him to be, and Alessia has a personality of caring for others, and always leaving things better than she found them. There is also a major theme of perseverance in this book, as well as the previous two books in the series. This is because they are trying to climb a mountain, and run into many obstacles along the way, but keep pushing, and eventually, Peak makes it to the summit.
October 18, 2019
I chose this book because I didn’t know there was a sequel and when I did find out, I devoured it. I have really enjoyed Roland Smith and his creativeness in his many series. They’re easy to read, GOOD story line along with an underlying build of suspense and mystery. I personally like how the author starts most of his books with a snippet of the story then builds up to and past it. I think that he purposefully tries to make his stories so that if you haven’t for example read the previous book in the series he’ll fill you in on the basics from it. (I’m not saying you can just read the last book and say you’ve read the series!!). The book is around two hundred thirty pages and I’m definitely not a fast reader but I did read it in around a week after school. It’s not a long book, which keeps with Roland’s style. His first book, Peak, at least for me dragged a bit whereas his other two books in the series are right to the point, but not in a way that made it have no suspense. I did wish the book had a little more drama like The Edge (100% recommend). All in all this is a thrilling and well laid out book.
September 3, 2018
Ascent by Roland Smith, 228 pages, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018, $18.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Peak Marcello is back, eying the ascent of a relative mystery mountain, Hkakabo Razi, one of the highest in Asia, but also one of the most remote. Peak is traveling with Alessia, whom he has feelings for, and her bodyguard, Ethan. In order to get to the mountain, Peak and his fellow travelers have to navigate the rain forest, which turns out to be as dangerous as the ascent itself.
Roland Smith skillfully weaves Peak’s adventures with enough description that I wanted to swat at bugs in the rain forest and get a cup of hot tea on the mountain. The characters are likeable and the pacing is great. This book could stand alone, though it is the third book in the series. If you do read it first, you will want to go back and check out the other two.
Michelle in the Middle, Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Peak Marcello is back, eying the ascent of a relative mystery mountain, Hkakabo Razi, one of the highest in Asia, but also one of the most remote. Peak is traveling with Alessia, whom he has feelings for, and her bodyguard, Ethan. In order to get to the mountain, Peak and his fellow travelers have to navigate the rain forest, which turns out to be as dangerous as the ascent itself.
Roland Smith skillfully weaves Peak’s adventures with enough description that I wanted to swat at bugs in the rain forest and get a cup of hot tea on the mountain. The characters are likeable and the pacing is great. This book could stand alone, though it is the third book in the series. If you do read it first, you will want to go back and check out the other two.
Michelle in the Middle, Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
November 29, 2020
This series is always so refreshing to read. The drama isn't so much relationships or bad guys or revenge, but the danger lies in the moment, and the drama is the mountain and the terrain. Though there are the occasional bad guy and revenge it's not the purpose of the story and it's not what drives the story forward. What drives the story is the desire to reach the end goal (usually a mountain top) and the decisions made along the way.
It's refreshing, and thoughtful, and good.
Things may not always go the way Peak intended, and usually don't, but he thinks, he adapts, he doesn't get stuck on the what-ifs. He looks at a situation, assesses it, then moves forward, and it's something I respect.
Ascent had everything the first two books had, and then some. I wasn't disappointed at all, not that I expected to be, and it just felt good to read a book like this.
It's refreshing, and thoughtful, and good.
Things may not always go the way Peak intended, and usually don't, but he thinks, he adapts, he doesn't get stuck on the what-ifs. He looks at a situation, assesses it, then moves forward, and it's something I respect.
Ascent had everything the first two books had, and then some. I wasn't disappointed at all, not that I expected to be, and it just felt good to read a book like this.
February 8, 2020
The third installment of the Peak Marcello adventure did not disappoint. Like the first two books, Peak sets off on a climbing expedition. This climb, he has reunited with Alessia and Ethan 6 months after their harrowing experience in the Pamirs (book 2). The three teammates and friends venture through a thick jungle on their way to climb the mysterious and isolated Hkakabo Razi in Myanmar. Along the way they meet trustworthy friends, murderous opportunists, and demanding military police officers. After another near death experience, Peak ends up getting to the mountain, but not in the way or with whom he expected. The story ends half way through, leading this reader to believe the second half of this journey will be a Peak book 4! Here's to hoping!
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May 6, 2023 This book was great, it shows how much work the author put into it. The book was told in detail where the characters actions were highlighted in the book. The book started with flashback back to the first two books. It hooks the reader by telling us what will happen in the book since it started in the middle of the timeline so you must keep reading to see what will be happening.
This book has a lot of action in it and is great. The characters in the book all have great back stories from the first two books which contribute to this book. I suggest reading the first two books so you can understand more when you go into this book. Overall, I think this book is great and you should give this book a chance and read it.
This book has a lot of action in it and is great. The characters in the book all have great back stories from the first two books which contribute to this book. I suggest reading the first two books so you can understand more when you go into this book. Overall, I think this book is great and you should give this book a chance and read it.
February 29, 2024
I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a while -- I'm currently a senior in highschool, and I must've bought it in 8th or 9th grade. I finally picked it up for a quick read and finished it in a day. While this book is meant for 7-9 graders, I definitely enjoyed an easy read with a captivating plot and storyline. I realized once I started reading this book that it is the third in a series, and I think I may have read the first one a while ago, but it was still ok to pick up the trilogy on the last book. There were definitely some plot holes for me due to this, but most of the references to the previous books filled themselves in. This book is great for middle-highschoolers who love adventure and the outdoors, as the main character, Peak, is just that himself. A great easier read!
June 7, 2018
This is really 3.5 stars for me.
I have enjoyed the Peak series but really think the first book is the star of the series.
I was disappointed that this book is missing some of the aspects of the previous books. For instance, there is no mention of Vincent, Peak's literary mentor. Also, it is not really narrated as a written journal which makes it less interesting. In addition, the chapters do not have unique titles like in the previous books. Instead, they have normal chapter titles.
Although it is a complete story, it just did not seem as well thought out as the previous tales. Events were rushed and characters were underdeveloped.
I have enjoyed the Peak series but really think the first book is the star of the series.
I was disappointed that this book is missing some of the aspects of the previous books. For instance, there is no mention of Vincent, Peak's literary mentor. Also, it is not really narrated as a written journal which makes it less interesting. In addition, the chapters do not have unique titles like in the previous books. Instead, they have normal chapter titles.
Although it is a complete story, it just did not seem as well thought out as the previous tales. Events were rushed and characters were underdeveloped.
July 21, 2018
Book three that could absolutely continue as a series but doesn't necessarily have to be. It's a cool concept really in following Peak himself as he goes on various adventures in hiking high peaks around the world. This one takes him to Myanmar and provides a great historical and political history as well as geographical cues that make it a fantastic read with the dose of adventure that while generally formulaic to some degree is a great adventure sports story for a sport that doesn't often get published in YA. Yes, Peak is an extreme case, but it's still action-packed nonetheless and features loveable and relatable characters on every continent.
March 9, 2022
I really liked the story it was better than I thought it was going to be like. I thought it would be more like a climbing story like his other books, but it was more of an adventure book. They are in a foreign country, and the government is hunting them because they don't have a permit to climb the mountain they are heading towards. They have gotten rocks thrown at them I liked this book the whole time I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next thing to happen. Right from the beginning it starts off interesting I would recommend this book to anyone that like adventure books it is a entertaining book to read.
September 28, 2018
Peak Marcello is in Myanmar for vacation and is contemplating climbing Hkakabo Razi despite the dangers and uncertainties of both the climb itself and the dangerous political climate in the country. His friend Alessia is there as well with her bodyguard. They decide to try for the summit despite dangerous trek through rain forest with a crazed guide and crazed elephant, downed bridges, and all sorts of other hazards.
Sort of predictable, but fans of action thrillers and the other Peak adventures will want to read this.
Sort of predictable, but fans of action thrillers and the other Peak adventures will want to read this.
May 10, 2021
Like the previous Peak books, the reader is immediately swept into an adventure. Readers will be glad that Peak's friends Ethan and Alessia return, and perhaps the cagey monk Zopa will even appear, but who can ever tell with him... I loved that Peak and his father Josh finally got to climb together and sort out some of their issues. Climbing scenes are excellent, family scenes are sentimental, violence scenes are serious but not overly graphic, and language is clean other than a very few minor words. Adventurous teens and adults will enjoy.
November 21, 2022
Tried to mush two stories into one. The book started in the middle of adventure A with only a few explanations of how we got there, not even flashbacks. Then it ends at the climax of adventure B I'd have happily read two separate books that both had a proper beginning, middle, and ending.
June 26, 2025
This one has more slower parts than the first two, but stick with it for an awesome ending. I love that certain characters keep showing up and we get to spend more time with them.
Content-wise, this is similar to the first two Peak books: No sex, a few brief instances of profanity, and the occasional moments of violence aren't unnecessarily graphic. A great read for fans of mountain-climbing, survival, and realistic action.
Content-wise, this is similar to the first two Peak books: No sex, a few brief instances of profanity, and the occasional moments of violence aren't unnecessarily graphic. A great read for fans of mountain-climbing, survival, and realistic action.
December 20, 2025
I've was gifted this book awhile ago and never read it. I'm not sure why. Anyway, I went through my things and decided now is the time. This book would have been better if I had read the series in order. It was a short and simple read, finished it in a few hours. My favorite part was the flashback to his childhood, remembering the mountains and comparing them to skyscrapers. It ends at the top of the mountain, so I am assuming the next in the series is the trip back down.
November 30, 2018
My son picked this book up at the school library, but I read it. It has a very gripping beginning and a solid end. It is at its best when the story is about the climb and about culture in Burma and Southeast Asia. This is a book 3, which I didn’t know when I began reading it, so parts were difficult to follow. However, I now want to go back and read books 1 and 2.
January 7, 2020
Mild spoilers.
I definitely enjoyed the chapters spent climbing instead of the chapters spent in the jungle. I guess I'm less interested in the drama that happens unless it's mountain-related? I'm also not a fan of how Josh was handled. Yes, he explained his reasons for not writing back, but that doesn't really make up for everything else he's done and how he's treated Peak.
I definitely enjoyed the chapters spent climbing instead of the chapters spent in the jungle. I guess I'm less interested in the drama that happens unless it's mountain-related? I'm also not a fan of how Josh was handled. Yes, he explained his reasons for not writing back, but that doesn't really make up for everything else he's done and how he's treated Peak.
January 16, 2021
This book was really fast paced which may be one of the reasons that I like the series so much. The only reason that it doesn't get a full five stars from me is because I felt like the whole of the story was rushed a bit too much and because the ending was so sudden. I literally didn't see it coming.
July 24, 2021
I bought this book thinking it was non-fiction. I didn't read the jacket flap thoroughly because, like an intro, they sometimes give away too much. Well, though I quickly discovered this book to be a work of fiction, and written for young adults, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The story was interesting, concise, and well told.
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