Book Review: The Fall Of Babel

It’s suddenly over and now I don’t know what to do with myself.

Josiah Bancroft’s Books Of Babel series is fantastic. If you could only read one more series of books before the world ended and you’re into fantasy steampunk, then I’d give you this.

It’s the kind of book series that will be remembered as a classic of our time, I’m sure of it.

Tom Senlin’s ascent through the tower in search of his lost wife has finally ended, and what an amazing adventure it was. We’ve met so many incredible characters on our way, had a bunch of exciting adventures, and been privy to Bancroft’s excellent world building skills. I wish there was an animated series or a video game to accompany this, because I want to see this world.

But you really should read it, because it is absolutely exquisite writing. I think I’ve written in every one of my reviews so far, but I’m not above mentioning it again: Bancroft has an incredible way with words. His ability to spin a phrase, to describe a thing vividly in just a small handful of words, to create a simile so strong that it’s right there in your mind in an instant… It’s beyond anything I’ve read in ages.

Honestly, this series is some of the best writing I’ve read in my entire adult life.

Check out my reviews of Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3 here.

And yet, I didn’t feel like book 4 was the strongest. I can’t quite put my finger on it; maybe it was that the first three books were stronger, maybe it is that I know the world and the characters now, and it takes more to surprise me, or maybe it’s just that the chase is sweeter than the reward.

With the first three books we were always running after something, building toward an end, and… Well I guess I wish it would never come. I wanted this adventure to go on forever, because it’s just so damn entertaining. It was unique and exciting, and again, one of the best things I’d experienced in years.

The ending is good, it’s not that. I enjoyed it, and it surprised me and it felt rewarding. Yet, it just couldn’t compete with the incredible journey that came before.

I know I recommend a lot of the books that I read, because usually I like them and want others to experience them too. But this is truly unique. You’re not going to want to leave once the Tower of Babel sucks you in.

Have you read anything that just wouldn’t let go of you lately? Or maybe you’ve read this series? Let me know in the comments!