Book 117: Everest 3: The Summit

Everest #3: The Summit, by Gordon Korman

“The Summit” finishes the Everest trilogy, an explosive, action-packed tale of four youngsters who are trying to be the youngest climbers ever to summit Everest.

The competition between Dominic, Perry, Sammi, and Tilt was fierce in the previous two books, but now it’s even more cutthroat. Readers know that Tilt will stop at nothing to be the youngest climber on Everest, and for him to do that, Dominic must be stopped. In his sabotage, Tilt violates every unwritten rule of mountain climbing…but will he do the right thing when it counts?

Throughout the trilogy, Korman hinted at one of the climbers not surviving the mountain, and I was surprised at who stayed on Everest; I definitely didn’t see it coming. I won’t spoil it for other readers, but I think others may be surprised as well.

I really enjoyed “The Summit;” Korman has a talent for describing terse and dangerous situations. I admit, I’m a little tempted to strap on some crampons myself and try some climbing, thanks to what I read. My one complaint is that I would like a little more detail on some of the climbing gear, as some items are never described, such as pitons or climbing harnesses. I would’ve liked a mental picture to add to my imagining of the difficulty in conquering Everest.

5/5.

Book 116: Everest 2: The Climb

Everest #2: The Climb, by Gordon Korman

Continuing the premise introduced in book one of the Everest trilogy, “The Climb” follows the chosen four as they get ready for their attempt to conquer the highest mountain in the world.

Korman keeps the action going at a brisk pace, and describes the process all climbers undertake as they prepare to summit Everest. Acclimatization is extremely important, as their bodies have to get used to less oxygen in the air.

By now, readers will probably have a favorite climber they are rooting for. Perry is on the expedition reluctantly, trying to carry on his uncle’s dream. Tilt is a smart-mouth, who sees Everest as his ticket to fame. Sammi is the ultimate thrill seeker; Everest is just one big adrenaline rush to her. And Dominic is the youngest climber, shorter and slimmer than everyone else, but he’s extremely talented. My personal fav is Dominic, I like his perseverance.

The Everest series is recommended for young adrenaline jockeys, or anyone curious about rock climbing, especially on Everest.

4/5.

Book 115: Everest 1: The Contest

Everest #1: The Contest, by Gordon Korman

An athletic company is holding a contest to sponsor the youngest climber ever to summit Everest, the highest mountain in the world. “The Contest” follows several young hopefuls as they compete for a place on the four person team.

Book one in an action-packed trilogy, “The Contest” is quick, decent read. My main complaint is that Korman uses several climbing terms and equipment pieces that he doesn’t explain until the end of the book, if at all. For example, I knew what crampons were, but I don’t think it’s a common term.

The story isn’t told from the viewpoint of any one character; and several of the characters are cliches: there’s the young kid, the mean kid, the kid who doesn’t want to be there, the adrenaline junky, etc. “The Contest” is still a good story, though, and I enjoy these types of stories because they introduce me to a new world or new activity that I was previously unfamiliar with.

The entire Everest trilogy is best for readers who are interested in mountain climbing, competition, or just learning about something new.

3/5.