The Europa Ascent wastes no time in throwing the reader headlong into a breathtaking relentless battle for survival as creatures beyond our understanding overrun the station.
The Europa Ascent by Patrick Loveland – Book Review
Sometimes a book leaves you wanting more, and The Europa Ascent by Patrick Loveland is one of those books. This fast-paced sci-fi horror novella is a classic example of this phenomenon. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a satisfying read, packed with action and horror that immerses the reader in a relentless thrill ride. However, it does suffer a bit from its overly self-contained story.
Loveland has created a fascinating world where a corporate research mission deep beneath the oceanic crust of Jupiter’s moon Europa uncovers a bizarre structure during a routine mission. Echoing themes from Alien and The Thing, the narrative quickly devolves into a chilling, nightmarish fight for survival for the team of scientists and engineers.
The Europa Ascent wastes no time in throwing the reader headlong into a breathtaking relentless battle for survival as creatures beyond our understanding overrun the station.
As the crew is picked off one by one, you find yourself gasping for breath as Loveland accelerates the narrative, never lifting his foot off the gas. He drives straight through a literal narrative crash barrier.
In terms of world-building, there are some intriguing elements presented. However, we are left with too many unanswered questions regarding the nature of the building and its connection to the creatures attacking the base. Loveland even tantalizes us with an account from one of the personnel about an encounter with another species of killer alien on a desert planet. It was somewhat frustrating that these elements were not further explored, but perhaps that was intentional. We can only hope for more adventures in this universe.
Those of you who have read extensively or watched a lot of sci-fi horror will recognize several tropes from various films and books. We have the evil mega-corporation, the tough female character, and the weary lead protagonist who just wants to go home. While the plot is not highly original, it is undeniably entertaining, and you will find yourself devouring this book in one sitting. Loveland has a talent for taking what should be dull, well-worn concepts and weaving them into a narrative that is far more satisfying than you might expect from a list of tropes.
His creature design is excellent; these almost unstoppable amorphous creatures are an interesting concept, and he utilises them great skill throughout the novella and even manages to though in a few surprises.
My main criticism of the book is that there are times when it feels overwritten. The very first page is a prime example; Loveland occasionally gets bogged down in describing the technical aspects of the world he has created, which can disrupt the narrative flow. However, when the story is allowed to flow naturally, it is truly captivating.
However, despite this occasional tendency to overwrite, The Europa Ascent is a captivating and highly enjoyable read. If Loveland decides to return to this universe, I would eagerly dive back into its cold and nightmarish waters.
The Europa Ascent by Patrick Loveland
While on a corporate research mission, deep under the oceanic outer crusts of Europa, a structure of bizarre design is discovered, its purposes unknown. But what starts as an excursion in scientific discovery quickly dissolves to the stuff of nightmares as something else quickly rises from the depths, something intent on consumption.
A small group of survivors is forced to set differences aside as they enter into the race for their lives, trapped within the depths of a submerged facility, enclosed by the terrifying darkness of alien night. While they desperately flee upwards towards the surface and their only salvation, their inevitable end seeks to draw them back down into infinite darkness.
