The Ascent

By: Adam Plantinga

Narrated by: Charles Halford, Christine Lakin

Publisher's summary

When a high security prison fails, a down-on-his luck cop and the governor’s daughter are going to have to team up if they’re going to escape in this "jaw-dropping, authentic, and absolutely gripping" (Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author) debut thriller from Adam Plantinga, whose first nonfiction book Lee Child praised as “truly excellent.”

Kurt Argento, an ex-Detroit street cop who can’t let injustice go—and who has the fighting skills to back up his idealism.

If he sees a young girl being dragged into an alley, he's going to rescue her and cause some damage.

When he does just that in a small corrupt Missouri town, he’s brutally beaten and thrown into a maximum-security prison.

Julie Wakefield, a grad student who happens to be the governor's daughter, is about to take a tour of the prison. But when a malfunction in the security system releases a horde of prisoners, a fierce struggle for survival ensues.

Argento must help a small band of staff and civilians, including Julie and her two state trooper handlers, make their way from the bottom floor to the roof to safety.

All that stands in their way are six floors of the most dangerous convicts in Missouri.

©2024 Adam Plantinga (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing

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Critic reviews

“The Ascent is jaw-dropping, authentic, and absolutely gripping.”—Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of I Will Find You

“Adam Plantinga’s debut thriller, THE ASCENT, is a nail-biting ride out of Hell itself. It’s Dante’s Inferno—but with gangs, corruption, bone-breaking brawls, and a kick-ass, determined police officer struggling through it all to save another. It reads with raw authenticity and brutal honesty. Don’t miss this debut of a new crime-thriller star!”—James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Kingdom of Bones

"Damn! I had to hold onto this one for dear life. THE ASCENT is a ferociously propulsive thriller. Plantinga creates a haunted house of horrors that’s utterly convincing, while at the same time keeping the focus on complex, layered, and engaging characters. An outstanding debut crime novel."—Lou Berney, Edgar award-winning author of November Road

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5 out of 5 stars

By John on 01-05-24

Really hoping this book becomes a series!

I am an Audible power listener approaching 2000 titles and I have to say this listen most definitely lands in the top 1%. If you are a Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, or Orphan X (etc) fan you will love this book. I was so impressed I wanted more and was disappointed to find out that there is nothing. Not another novel anyway. Not even from the male narrator. He did a fantastic job and has a fantastic voice. I highly recommend this book. It quickly drew me in and was so engaged that I finished in 2 stints and that's because I had to sleep. I don't normally take the time to leave a review past the star rating but I want to make sure others have the opportunity to enjoy this listen.

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5 out of 5 stars

By David Warren on 03-15-24

Wow

This book was amazing, Great story and great characters. Can't wait for the next book.

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5 out of 5 stars

By P12 on 04-14-24

Gripping and fast paced.

Amazing first book and the author’s experience as a LEO is obvious. I’m looking forward to more books by Plantinga.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Rick Brodersen on 05-17-24

Jack Reacher like

Fast action. A lot of violence. Very accurate depiction of a prison in the inmates behavior.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Paul W. Fowler on 01-11-24

Far from boring!

Whoa! This book was far from boring. It’s a story I hope never comes true. I read based on one recommendation and have no regrets.

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5 out of 5 stars

By luann mackraz on 01-14-24

Gripping thriller

This was definitely a gripping thriller. I loved the characters and couldn’t stop listening to it. A great debut novel!

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4 out of 5 stars

By Officer Miller on 05-14-24

Great Story, terrible narration.

This was a great story with excellent characters, but the narration by a man and woman for the same characters led to two different voices for all the characters, one female and one male. This is a terrible why to present the story and very difficult to enjoy it.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Investowiz on 05-25-24

Difficult To Put Down

A fascinating character. A standup guy who is falsely accused of dirty deeds. His journey through the prison system will keep you reading to find out if, when and how he might survive.,,if that is even possible.

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5 out of 5 stars

By AnQs Mom on 05-23-24

Excellent Listen

Got this book on a audible daily deal. Great listen! Narrators are excellent. Will look for other books by this author.

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5 out of 5 stars

By gloria on 02-04-24

Could not put down

Adrenaline rush! Not your usual plot/ending. Terrifying till the end. Use the credit and enjoy the ride.

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