The tower is an incredibly mammoth undertaking involving a remarkable coalition of private investors and governments. Part space elevator, part launching pad, the tower is placed on top of Mount Everest for several reasons: the mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the world, providing a 29,000-foot platform from which to work. It is the most famous peak in the world, making it a strategic marketing tool for attracting both investors and customers. Cities are actually built within the mountain to help finance the project. As the story unfolds, the unscrupulous nature of some men is quickly revealed, coupled with a blatant disregard for a global treasure. Amazing feats of technology are accomplished, which boggle both the mind and imagination. Loyalties come and go, the end justifies the means, and the law of unintended consequences always seems to have the final say.