The good souls don't have the means or mind for it, and the bad souls will only bleed you dry.

Senlin Ascends had such a unique concept, prose and setting that it was easy to get sucked in and want to read more. Like Senlin I was swept up in the whimsy and wonder but also the dark and mysterious nature of the Tower.

Whenever my wife lost track of me at a pub or a party, all she had to do was follow the chimney. I gravitate to fires. People leave you alone if you're stirring a fire.

As Senlin progresses through this labyrinth of a Tower more questions are raised than answered and I was keen to keep on reading and learn more, get some payoff and get that desire to read more.

One has to tell lies that don't hide the truth.

Ultimately Senlin Ascends is all build up and introduction and no conclusion. As the book reached the final quarter I wondered if I was enjoying it that much to keep reading. I didn't dislike the story but four books is a large commitment when I'm not immediately hooked.

Flattery in portraiture guarantees a long but miserable career.

Ratings for the series improve so I will give Arm of the Sphinx a spin before making my final decision.

It is easier to accept who you've become than to recollect who you were.

I like that Senlin autocorrects to Senile, as I imagine everyone in the Tower suffers a little from senility. Also worth noting that this series has been on my to read list for almost three years, which is a significant amount of anticipation.