I CLIMB (A Progression/Evolution Sci-Fi Novel)

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

You have been invited. The Tower will appear in 77 days. You will be tested. A mysterious signal is detected simultaneously at several space centers, decoded to reveal an enigmatic message. Initially dismissed as a prank, the situation rapidly escalates as scientists and officials scramble to find a solution to an uncertain threat. But when The Tower finally appears, it defies all expectations. No explanations are given. No further messages, no prompts, no guiding systems. Those inside the Tower must make their own decisions in complete isolation. Will they rise to the challenge or succumb to despair? What is the true purpose of The Tower, and what does it mean for humanity? What to expect: 1. Weak to strong MC2. Science-based evolution and mutations3. Real-world involvement (multiple POV)4. Ever-growing mystery5. LitRPG elements that grow as the story progresses6. Large-scale worldbuilding7. Slow-burn character growth

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2024
Author: M. E. Cuartas

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 2,000
Views: 1,726,829

Chapters(376 total)

What readers say about I CLIMB (A Progression/Evolution Sci-Fi Novel)

“This is a wonderful tower climbing novel. It continues to slowly expand the world and provide more insights over time. It truly makes one think about all of the impacts and challenges that the characters face.I recommend everyone read this and think about w…”
OchoaRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“10.10.24 chapter 76Don't skip this. It could become one of the greats. I didn't get fully hooked until like chapter 50, so I guess maybe a slow start warning, but it's worth it. Really truly. Trust me. Or don't, but you're still reading my review! ＼(^^)／Is…”
Platonic DarkRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

OchoaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a wonderful tower climbing novel. It continues to slowly expand the world and provide more insights over time. It truly makes one think about all of the impacts and challenges that the characters face.I recommend everyone read this and think about what you would attempt if you were chosen.
Platonic DarkRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
10.10.24 chapter 76Don't skip this. It could become one of the greats. I didn't get fully hooked until like chapter 50, so I guess maybe a slow start warning, but it's worth it. Really truly. Trust me. Or don't, but you're still reading my review! ＼(^^)／Is it sci-fi role-playing as litrpg, or vice-versa？mystery, intrigue, action adventure, human drama... it's got it all! Rock on, author-man!
AliiiiRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I like it. The general theme of climbing the tower feels a bit overused nowadays, but I appreciate the unique take on this one. Essentially, a mysterious Tower appears in the middle of the ocean following an alien signal sent to Earth. When the Tower materializes, a million people are teleported inside. Currently, it's impossible to enter the Tower, and you are ejected upon death. Now when you come out, you are still alive and well. Maybe I should have added a spoiler tag there ...Here are the points in favor:Real-world perspective: The story effectively captures the viewpoint of those outside the Tower, particularly scientists and officials who are analyzing the occurrences within it.Psychological thriller/mystery/horrorPotential for development: The story has laid a solid foundation with numerous possibilities for future development. It can branch out in various intriguing directions from where it currently stands, and it is really hard to predict.Deep emotions and a realistic main character: The protagonist is well-developed, exhibiting genuine emotions that make them relatable and compelling.Unique science power progression: Although I've encountered science progression themes before, this particular take feels fresh and distinctive, setting it apart from others.Good action: The action scenes are well-crafted, adding excitement and dynamism to the plot.Engaging mysteryEffective zoom outsGood grammar and style: The writing is polished, with clear grammar and an engaging style that makes for a smooth reading experience where you do not have to go back and read a paragraph again.Overall, it's an interesting read that, unfortunately, is just starting. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Bill501Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This book perfectly describes the journey it takes to create a true warrior. We don't win them all. No one is perfect. However, when it comes down to it. We will never allow someone else to make us submit. That is the path to dishonor and losing our spirit. I do love this novel and highly recommend you read it too. It has the litRPG feel without wasting entire chapters on stats that contribute nothing to the story. I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I have. Give it a read it's a quick one.
DragaoBaianoGCRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The main point to my score is the brilliant ability of the author to keep the interest in the story of the main character and the impact of the phenomenon in human society. Using POV from media, common people with connections to the climbers or authorities, he give us a general understanding of how humans are dealing with an abhorrent change to all we believed.The exploration of the drama lived by the main character, a young researcher, is well written and we see the difficulties the climbers need to overcome to reach the next floor and survive the next challenge.The mystery to what the tower represents and the impact that it'll bring to human future is a good drive to keep reading the story, added by the curiosity of how the MC will be reintegrated to society with his new powers and traumas.A very good reading. I hope the author keep the good work!
Droy17Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I Climb is an engrossing and multifaceted tale that immediately captures your attention with its unique premise.
A cryptic signal, detected across multiple space centers, heralds the arrival of a mysterious structure, The Tower, promising a series of unimaginable trials for those within. What distinguishes this narrative is the way the world-building unfolds—its intricacies revealed slowly, pulling you into a living, breathing universe that feels both tangible and thrilling, even without all the answers. The stakes feel real, and the suspense is palpable, making it clear that this story is far more than a conventional “tower-climbing” narrative.
The protagonist, in particular, stands out. He is active, determined, and retains a sense of agency throughout the story. His growth is both emotional and intellectual, with one of the most refreshing aspects being his ability to process grief and move on, rather than lingering endlessly on past trauma. The evolution of his character is satisfying, and his journey is further enhanced by a power system that evolves with him—rooted in a solid foundation yet rife with potential as new abilities and mechanics are revealed in due course.
However, the story does have its inconsistencies. The MC’s progression with his power set occasionally feels erratic. He spends significant time developing one system, only to abandon it later in favor of a new one without clear justification. While this serves the broader plot, it occasionally disrupts the sense of steady development and leaves the reader questioning the logic behind these shifts. Additionally, the character’s development seems to take a backseat in favor of progressing the plot, which occasionally diminishes the emotional depth of the story.
The novel’s shift in narrative focus—particularly the transition from multiple points of view to a singular focus on the MC after chapter 21—is another noticeable change. While the multi-POV structure initially enriched the story, providing
BahuvoreRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm engaged as soon as we drop in. The tower trope is already a favorite of mine, but I won't hesitate to say that this one feels different- in the best sort of way. No foreknowledge or time gimmicks or even the slightest advantage- as close to a completely even playing field as the most brutal trials outside of 'Hell Mode' Stories can offer, and a progression system where we get to see our protagonist literally(metaphorically) build themselves from the ground up. I love the developments in the outside world surrounding the tower, as well as the way these trials have been presented- absent of shock and awe a faceless threat from far beyond our reach- it's charming as a plot device, and terrifying as a reality.
If I had to make some critiques, I would say that character development sometimes seems to be sidelined at times in favor of the next exciting thing- and that a bit of the outside worlds reaction can feel inauthentic, but on the whole, there's never a moment where I catch myself thrown out of my interest in seeing what happens next, Thank you for all of the Chapters, Dedication and Time you've put into this story and know that we're hungry for more!
IrenaeusRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The pacing, the perspective, the worldbuilding, and especially the power system and scaling... I love it all. There is some hickup with the powersystem when it goes more beyond basic EM understanding, but that might be able to be fixed, and vanishes from my mind after the stories unfolds further and the more abstract EM power / power system settles.Also: no friggin' system, thank the gods
LordPebisRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Great story, even greater power leveling and power systems. Please keep it going, this story is worth it.so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so sosorry for spam, I dislike the word 50 word minimum.
Rando99Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The background of this story is well known: A tower appears on Earth, a part of humanity is teleported in and has to conquer the tower.
The really good and captivating aspect is that there is no greeting, no known set of rules, no hints as to what is expected, simply nothing. The participants have to find out for themselves how to progress and don't even get any feedback as to whether they are doing well or not.
The story feels very similar to the science fiction horror-thriller film 'Cube', except that no teams have come together (yet).
Another twist is that the world continues to run normally and we see some official crisis meetings taking place regarding the appearing tower with no solutions to be found.
Update: Sadly a few chapters later the mystery starts to disappear as an alien website appears allowing anyone in the world to observe the guys in the tower.
The narrative changes and human experts analyses via captured videos the actions of the tower climbers. For me it feels a bit too much like 'author words' explaining the story; it lessens the immersion and pushes the climbers in a passive background role.
Update 2: In the meantime, the weaknesses have been eliminated and the story is also picking up speed. Now I can only say: Top job and one of the best and most interesting fictions in a long time.