In Christina Lim’s novel, Elevate, a young architect wins a position at one of Manhattan’s most prestigious firms and finds herself fighting for the credit and respect that is rightfully hers.

On the day Celeste Sharma begins her job at Stern Architecture & Design, she arrives starry-eyed and eager to get started. But her boss Thomas Whitaker immediately reveals himself to be an arrogant bully with clear expectations that she will fail – like so many others. But Sharma, the daughter of a late architect and already excelling in her work, refuses to allow herself to be beaten.

Whitaker, however, isn’t her only challenge. Shortly after beginning at Stern, she finds herself at an urban development conference, where she encounters the charismatic Dominic Westley, “her university rival and her nemesis.” Westley believes Sharma unfairly won a university competition against him and treats her with belittling disdain.

As Sharma meets these challenges with an unwavering resolve, she begins to learn the truth about Whitaker, including his deceit involving a project with her father. She also begins to see beneath Westley’s cool exterior as both learn they are better as a team than rivals.

The engaging characters and interesting behind-the-scenes look inside the world of architects create an enjoyable escape, although the novel also has flaws. The plot can be predictable, and, unfortunately, the author robs readers of the pleasure of discovery by offering a summary at the beginning of each chapter of what is about to happen. While this approach might appeal to impatient readers, the plot spoilers will almost certainly dampen the reading experience for anyone seeking to savor the unwinding of a good story.

Still, those who can overlook the plot giveaways will find a contemporary tale with just enough twists to keep it interesting, but not so much tension that it clouds the day.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.