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A bold, atmospheric, genre-blending adventure that delivers plenty of chills and mind-bending twists. Not for everyone, but if you love mysterious expeditions and unsettling, thought-provoking sci-fi, this one's a must-try.

If you liked Ascension, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    Ararat
    Book 1 in the series:Ben Walker

    Ararat - Ben Walker by Christopher Golden
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    A fast-paced, cinematic ice-cold horror adventure - with high tension and chills to spare, even if it occasionally sticks to the horror playbook. Worth it for fans of action-horror blends!

    Ararat by Christopher Golden follows a team of archaeologists who uncover a buried ship on Mount Ararat that could potentially be Noah's Ark. As they investigate further, they encounter supernatural elements and must navigate treacherous situations to survive. The book combines elements of horror, adventure, and suspense, keeping readers on edge as the team delves deeper into the mysteries hidden within the ark. Golden's writing style is described as crisp and engaging, painting vivid pictures without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

    Feyiz froze, breath catching in his throat as he put his hands out to steady himself, waiting for the tremor to end. Instead it worsened. His clients shouted at him in German, a language he did not sp...
    April 2017
    315 pages

  2. #2

    Where the Dead Wait by Ally Wilkes
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    Deliberate, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling - if you love bleak, character-driven gothic horror with a queer heart, you’ll be chilled and moved. If you need more plot than mood, tread carefully.

    'Where the Dead Wait' by Ally Wilkes is a gothic novel set in the Arctic, where doomed exploration leads to depravity and isolation. The story follows disgraced ship captain William Day as he uncovers his past and the true nature of his relationship with his second in command, Jesse Stevens. Haunted by his actions during a previous Arctic expedition, Day embarks on a journey to find Stevens, delving into themes of survival, cannibalism, and inner struggles. The writing style is described as immersive, atmospheric, and eerie, creating a chilling and hopeless atmosphere that forces readers to confront the characters' motivations and actions.

    December 2023
    397 pages

  3. #3

    Road of Bones by Christopher Golden
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    A fast-paced, atmospheric winter horror with an unforgettable setting, but mixed reviews on characters and conclusion. Great for fans of chilly folk horror and remote survival tales, but not for those who need tight plots and warm, relatable protagonists.

    'Road of Bones' by Christopher Golden is set along Siberia's Kolyma Highway, a place with a tragic history where prisoners built and died along the road, their bones becoming the base of the road itself. The story follows Felix Teigland and his cameraman on a journey to find a hook for a TV deal, leading them to the coldest place on earth and possibly to the gates of hell. weaves a tale of extreme cold, hardship, and spirits, creating a perfect setting for a horror story in a cold, bleak, and isolated environment. However, some readers found the characters lacking depth and the ending unsatisfactory, while others appreciated the well-crafted characters and the slow burn that builds up to a heart-pounding adventure.

    January 2022
    238 pages

  4. #4

    Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
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    A unique and memorable horror novel that nails its atmosphere and horror vibes, even if it's a bit drawn out. If you enjoy eerie, unsettling stories that take their time burrowing under your skin, Echo is for you.

    Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a chilling novel that follows the story of lovers Sam and Nick in the aftermath of a climbing accident on a remote mountain in the Swiss Alps. As Nick returns from the expedition with mysterious and terrifying changes, Sam is left to unravel the dark forces that have taken hold of his boyfriend, leading to a series of gruesome events that challenge their relationship and sanity. The narrative unfolds through journal entries, emails, and alternating perspectives, creating a haunting atmosphere that delves into human fears and the supernatural.

    The author, Thomas Olde Heuvelt, masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and horror that delves into deep-rooted human fears and the complexities of relationships. Through a blend of supernatural elements and psychological tension, Echo explores themes of possession, terror, and the unknown, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Sam and Nick's harrowing journey through the treacherous aftermath of the climbing accident.

    But three, now, Christ, three a.m.! . . . The soul is out. The blood moves slow. . . . Sleep is a patch of death, but three in the morn, full wide-eyed staring, is living death! You dream with your ey...
    May 2019
    493 pages

  5. #5
    Briardark
    Book 1 in the series:Briardark

    Briardark - Briardark by S.A. Harian
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    A chilling, twisty, wilderness horror full of heart and high strangeness - just know you'll want the sequel ready before you dive in!

    Briardark by S.A. Harian is a captivating blend of cosmic horror and survival story. The plot follows a team of researchers, led by Dr. Siena Dupont, as they venture into the mysterious Deadswitch Wilderness to study a glacier. As tensions rise, they encounter bizarre occurrences—paths that vanish, changing landscapes, and the ominous feeling that something is deeply wrong. Parallel to their struggles is the narrative of Holden, an IT worker who uncovers disturbing audio recordings of the expedition, adding to the sense of unease and intrigue.

    The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, allowing readers to feel immersed in the unsettling setting. Harian's ability to craft complex, relatable characters, coupled with a tightly plotted narrative, makes the story compelling. The book keeps readers guessing, blending familiar horror themes while introducing original elements. With its cliffhanger ending, Briardark leaves you eager for its sequel, promising further explorations of the eerie happenings in the woods.

    January 2023

  6. #6
    Terminal Freeze
    Book 2 in the series:Jeremy Logan

    Terminal Freeze - Jeremy Logan by Lincoln Child
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    A fast-paced, popcorn thriller set in the Arctic; great for fans of suspenseful monster tales, less so for those craving originality or nuanced characters.

    Terminal Freeze follows a group of scientists studying climate change in Alaska who stumble upon an ancient creature frozen in a glacier. As the creature thaws and starts hunting them, chaos ensues at the isolated research base. The book combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and horror, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on edge. The writing style is described as suspenseful, creepy, and well-crafted, creating a sense of isolation and tension as the characters battle the unknown creature in the inhospitable Arctic wilderness.

    Evan Marshall put the ziplock bag aside and stood up, massaging his lower back. He’d spent the last ninety minutes with his face inches above the ground, collecting samples from the glacial sediment,...
    2008
    415 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jeremy Logan )

  7. #7

    All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes
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    A chilling, character-driven survival horror with wintry atmosphere and queer representation - best for those who like their scares slow-burning and thoughtful.

    All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes is a chilling novel set in the Antarctic during the early 1900s. The story follows a young woman named Jonathan who identifies as male and stows away on an all-male Antarctic expedition led by the legendary explorer James Australis Randall. As disaster strikes, the crew must seek shelter in an abandoned cabin to survive the brutal Antarctic winter. The novel expertly weaves elements of horror, survival, and gender exploration, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere as the crew faces both the unforgiving elements of the Antarctic and a paranormal presence that threatens their lives.

    The writing style in All the White Spaces is described as vivid and realistic, with well-developed characters and a dark, eerie tone that keeps readers on edge. The plot unfolds with a mix of intimate character moments, scenes of survival, and paranormal encounters, culminating in a gripping narrative that delves into themes of grief, loss, and the struggle for survival in the face of unimaginable horror.

    March 2022
    360 pages

  8. #8

    The Abominable by Dan Simmons
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    A richly detailed, slow-burning historical adventure that absolutely nails the mountaineering atmosphere, but may try your patience if you’re not here for epic climbs and exhaustive detail. Expect an Everest-sized story with just a dusting of chills.

    The Abominable by Dan Simmons is a historical fiction novel that delves into the world of mountain climbing in the 1920s, specifically focusing on a team's secret mission to uncover the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a British citizen on Mt. Everest. The book intricately weaves elements of adventure, espionage, and historical events between post WWI Europe and WWII, creating a gripping narrative that blends fact and fiction seamlessly. Simmons' writing style is described as detailed and descriptive, offering vivid descriptions of the challenges faced by the protagonists during their mountain climbing expedition, making the readers feel like they are experiencing the climb themselves.

    It is a perfect day in late June of 1924, and the news lies folded in a three-day-old British newspaper that someone in the kitchen at the small inn at Breuil in Italy has wrapped around our cold beef...
    October 2013
    676 pages

  9. #9
    The Anomaly
    Book 1 in the series:The Anomaly Files

    The Anomaly - The Anomaly Files by Michael Rutger
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    A rollicking, page-turning expedition bursting with mystery, wit, and blockbuster thrills - just don’t expect literary depth or strict plausibility. Great fun for fans of thrilling, high-concept adventures!

    The Anomaly by Michael Rutger is a thrilling adventure novel that follows Nolan Moore, a rogue archaeologist, and his team as they embark on a journey to find a mysterious cave hidden in the Grand Canyon. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, revealing dark secrets and supernatural occurrences within the cave. The book is described as a mix of Indiana Jones and The X-Files, offering a fast-paced and action-packed storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The author, Michael Rutger, creates a vivid and atmospheric setting, with well-developed characters and descriptive imagery that brings the story to life. The book combines elements of conspiracy theories, mystery, monsters, and alien technology, providing a unique and engaging reading experience. Despite some controversial aspects, such as underlying racism in the premise, the book offers a thrilling and entertaining adventure that captivates readers till the end.

    It took six hours to get to the Grand Canyon from LA despite the fact that Ken drives like a crazy person, and by the time we arrived at the hotel it was late afternoon and everyone was very hot and e...
    June 2018
    392 pages

  10. #10

    Beyond the Ice Limit - Gideon Crew by Douglas Preston
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    A thrilling, imaginative, and slightly grotesque adventure that's best for fans of fast-paced science fiction and Preston & Child enthusiasts. Not perfect, but definitely entertaining!

    Beyond the Ice Limit is a thrilling sequel to The Ice Limit, where an expedition led by Eli Glinn from Effective Engineering Solutions sets out to retrieve the largest meteorite on Earth from a remote island in Chile. However, as they reach the ice limit of Antarctica, strange occurrences begin to unfold, revealing that the meteorite is not what it seems but rather an alien seed with dangerous implications for Earth. The plot is filled with suspenseful twists, blending elements of science fiction and horror seamlessly, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

    The writing style of Preston and Child shines in this book, with tight prose and pacing that keeps the story engaging from start to finish. The authors expertly weave together a cohesive plot that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and adventure, creating a riveting narrative that leaves readers wanting more. The book also delves into the depths of imagination, introducing unique characters and gruesome scenarios that add layers of complexity to the storyline.

    GIDEON CREW STARED at Eli Glinn. The man was standing—standing!—in the kitchen of Gideon’s cabin high in the Jemez Mountains, gazing at him with placid gray eyes. His all-terrain wheelchair—the wheelc...
    May 2016
    390 pages

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