Dark Summit cover art

Dark Summit

The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season

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Dark Summit

By: Nick Heil
Narrated by: David Drummond
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About this listen

 In early May 2006, a young British climber named David Sharp lay dying near the top of Mount Everest while forty other climbers walked past him on their way to the summit. A week later, Lincoln Hall, a seasoned Australian climber, was left for dead near the same spot. Hall's death was reported around the world, but the next day he was found alive after spending the night on the upper mountain with no food and no shelter.

If David Sharp's death was shocking, it was not singular: despite unusually good weather, ten others died attempting to reach the summit that year.

In this meticulous inquiry into what went wrong, Nick Heil tells the full story of the deadliest year on Everest since the infamous season of 1996. He introduces Russell Brice, the outfitter who has done more than anyone to provide access to the summit via the mountain's north side---and who some believe was partially responsible for Sharp's death. As more climbers attempt the summit each year, Heil shows how increasingly risky expeditions and unscrupulous outfitters threaten to turn Everest into a deadly circus.

Written by an experienced climber and outdoor writer, Dark Summit is both a riveting account of a notorious climbing season and a troubling investigation into whether the pursuit of the ultimate mountaineering prize has spiraled out of control.

©2008 Nick Heil (P)2008 Tantor Adventure Travel Climbing & Mountaineering Ecosystems & Habitats Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Outdoor Adventure Extreme Sports

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Critic reviews

"Here is humanity itself, personified in exemplary fashion by Nick Heil, addressing the Everest culture's lack of compassion and coming up with the right answers." (Bob Shacochis, author of The Immaculate Invasion)
Through rock-solid reporting and vital prose, Heil leads us up into this rarefied world, step by hypoxic step." (Hampton Sides, author of Ghost Soldiers)
All stars
Most relevant  
Was great to hear about a season other than that of 2006. Well written and balanced.

Not about 96

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The delivery of the subject matter was excellent.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think the author presented all the people in the incident well and faithfully.

What about David Drummond’s performance did you like?

His accents are excellent. You really feel the international nature of Everest climbers

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When David Sharp passed away and the almost palpable pain of those who passed him unable to help.

Any additional comments?

All in all an excellent rendering of a difficult tale.

Excellent narration and story

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Brought home just how challenging, uncomfortable and dangerous scaling Everest is. This served to confirm my total respect for those who achieve the summit, and all my views on why I'd never consider attempting it!

Great listen

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I enjoyed every moment of this book, and was really sorry to get to the end. It was well-performed, vivid, detailed and well-researched. Loved it!

Wonderfully detailed, yet never boring

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Hard to follow in places as an audio book but informative and interesting read .

Good in parts

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Good but another example of a narrator trying to do accents when reading and not hitting the mark.

Good but...

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One of the best books I've listened to!



Such an interesting book.



Very well written!



Kept me on the edge og my seat!

Simply Brilliant!

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enjoyed this book and find it even more compelling than any other book about the giants. narrator very good, easy listening, but could have done this without trying to imitate other accents.

Thoroughly enjoyed

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It satisfied my Everest curiosity. I loved it. The accounts catapulted you onto the cliff face with the climbers.

Loved it!

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Having read numerous accounts of the epic journey to the summit of Everest... this is by far the best. It's a gripping story of endurance, adrenaline fueled sadness of reality... Leaves you wondering why people put themselves through it and to pay for not knowing if you will ever return...
R I P to all those that don't...

Gripping

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