Arm of the Sphinx

“Senlin Ascends is an adventure rife with character, voice and beauty-a well-polished knife drawn out slowly.”–Sam Sykes, author of The City Stained Red on Senlin Ascends“Senlin Ascends is a unique masterpiece. A brilliant debut. Highly recommended!”–Michael R. Fletcher, author of Beyond Redemption on Senlin Ascends“Senlin Ascends crosses the everyday strangeness and lyrical prose of Borges and Gogol with all the action and adventure of high fantasy. I loved it, and grabbed the next one as soon as I turned the last page.”–Django Wexler, author of The Thousand Names on Senlin Ascends“Senlin Ascends is one of the best reads I’ve had in ages … I was dragged in and didn’t escape until I’d finished two or three days later.”–Mark Lawrence, author of Prince of Thorns on Senlin Ascends“Bancroft’s world continues to teem with explosive energy, and he ranges ably from the transcendent to the vicious in an instant … . This volume not only matches but adds to the notable achievements of the first.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review“It’s rare to find a modern book that feels like a timeless classic. I’m wildly in love with this book.”–Pierce Brown, author of Red Rising on Senlin Ascends“Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty, and thought-provoking. I can’t wait for more.”–Madeline Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Circe“More than deserving of advance buzz and initial self-published success, Josiah Bancroft’s Senlin Ascends is an early contender for year-end best lists, and a towering achievement in weird fantasy.”–B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog on Senlin Ascends“Senlin is a man worth rooting for, and his strengthening resolve and character is as marvelous and sprawling as the tower he climbs.”–The Washington Post on Senlin Ascends“The “Books of Babel” are something you hope to see perhaps once a decade - future classics, which may be remembered long after the series concludes.“–Los Angeles Times on The Hod King“This is fantasy storytelling of a high order.”–The Toronto Star on Senlin Ascends“Ticks along with the tight precision and artistry of a well-wound watch.”–Kirkus on Senlin Ascends“What is remarkable about this novel, quite apart from its rich, allusive prose, is Bancroft’s portrayal of Senlin, a good man in a desperate situation, and the way he changes in response to his experiences in his ascent.”–The Guardian on Senlin Ascends“With deceptive simplicity Bancroft brings this gothic place and its denizens to a colourful life…I loved it!”–Adrian Selby, author of Snakewood on Senlin Ascends“Wonderfully unique and superbly well written. I loved every page.”–Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld on Senlin Ascends

Josiah Bancroft is the author of five novels, a collection of short fiction, and numerous poems. His books have been translated into eight languages. Before settling down to write fantasy full-time, he was a college instructor, rock musician, and aspiring comic book artist. When he’s not writing, he enjoys strumming a variety of stringed instruments, drawing with a growing cache of imperfect pens, and cooking without a recipe. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sharon, their daughter, Maddie, and their two rabbits, Mabel and Chaplin.