Rising: After the Thaw (The Thaw Chronicles Book 1)

I've been on a dystopian kick lately, I actually read mostly dystopian along the lines of this series last year, and yet I still can't get enough, especially those that stand apart and really shine. This is one of those! I can see The Hunger Games, but that was never my favorite of the genre, and one I found last year, Becky Moynihan's The Elite Trials is more what I'd compare it too (also one of my Top Favorites!), or even like Ashley Maker's book Seer, with the intensity of Ash Princess by Lauren Sebastion.I love books like this, that can't even really be explained or compared truly based on other books, it really is a story that is unique and original, fast-paced, and well executed while still hitting all the things I want in the genre, fast-pace, high stakes/plenty of danger, complex characters with questionable agendas, and all the struggle and unfair political intrigue that makes dystopians so exiting, this one is all that, and so much more. I'm so glad I started my year with this one, might easily be one of my favorites (of all time, not just for 2020, and we aren't even a month in!).

Admission; as a teenage post apocalypse, this not my genre. I don’t know why I bought and read this book but someone must have spoken highly of it. Hard to know why. The dialogue is banal and clumsy. The editing is poor with mistakes that should have been easily detected. I will not be moving on to the second in the series. There is nothing of interest to entice me to do that.

Really good dystopian book. Yes, it will put you in mind of Hunger Games or Maze Runner but the storyline and world building is unique and inventive. The characters are so well thought out and developed. Wren, Dex, and Nova are my favorites, but Felicia makes it hard to cast her aside as a favorite too. Plot starts off at a walk but escalates to a sprint fairly quick. The "proving" is intense. Really, really intense. There are scenes with unexpected events; in fact I felt the entire story was rather unpredictable. Killer cliffhanger ending! So good! It's a must read!!

The prequel, Burning, introduced you to Askala, and in Rising you get to experience a Proving through the eyes of some of those characters' children as well as a surprising new comer. These 4 teens will face challenges that test their abilities, put their survival on the line, and ultimately determine their fates. Suspense, action, and budding romance fill the pages as twists and secrets draw you into this story. Some characters you will like, others you will hate, but regardless, you'll find yourself rooting for these teens to succeed. Told from Kian, Nova, Dex, and Wren's viewpoints you get to see how each of them feels as the book takes you on a journey that the results of which will effect all of their lives. Ending on a bit of a cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what the future holds for these four and how they will face the challenges ahead of them in the rest of the series.

I read this book in 2 days! Firstly, I love the entire premise of the series. It was very well written with ideas that don’t seem that far fetched, which made me even more enraptured with it, knowing it’s not a completely wild idea. I couldn’t put it down and I found myself rooting for the characters. The books has twists and turns I didn’t see coming and it definitely keeps you intrigued. I love dystopian books like the hunger game and divergent, and this is another great series to add to my list! I already purchased the rest of the series and pre-ordered the last one. I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait!

With characters that evoke so many emotions while reading and descriptive world Building that allows the reader to easily visualize the story taking place this is sure to be one of my fave series of 2020! Action, suspense & a dash of romance this is a must read for all dystopian, urban fantasy fans. Excited to see what happens next

Pretty predictable wasn't too impressed with story line. I won't get second book because I really don't care what happens to any of them

Different. This was a different approach to a story line I have read. I liked it. I liked the characters. Looking forward to the next book.

WOW. Rising has been a journey and a half... and then some! This is edge of the seat fantasy at its best, with a complex, twisty plot and a convincing array of characters - some more loveable than others! - that'll have you turning the pages way past bedtime. That ending... ohemgee! I don't think I've ever used so many exclamation marks in a book review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After reading the prequel novella I knew I was in for a treat and this book totally delivered! This world is very different to our current world and the imagining of the consequences of global warming is vivid, and all too real. Society has evolved and the ‘Proving’ which all teens must face to determine their place in society is both inventive and dangerous.The story revolves around 4 teens, and Wren and Dex are without doubt my favorites. Although Kian and Nova are right up there too! I mean, really, how can I choose?The book ends on a cliff hanger which leaves me grateful that book 2 is only a few weeks away!Excellent writing, vivid landscapes, and characters that feel more like my best friends now I’ve been through so much with them.So good.

I loved following the characters Kian, Nova, Dex and Wren - all are so beautifully-written, real and engaging - as they navigate their way through survival in the complex reality of Askala, which is a well-crafted, frightening setting. Coming off the back of the prequel novella, Burning, Rising is thought-provoking, intense and suspenseful with a dramatic ending that will leave you racing for the next book in the series. It's a perfect read for anyone who loved The Hunger Games!

After reading the novella to this series Burning, I could not wait to get into Book One: Rising. This book was fabulous in every way it was very hard to put it down. Set years after Burning and the next generation which is the children of the characters of Burning made Rising a terrific story. The children of the next generation had a huge role in Rising. As I love The Hunger Games, Rising reminded me very much of that. Romance, action as well as what the Dystopian society of Askala has to offer. After reading Rising I could not wait to get into Book Two of this great Dystopian futuristic series. Huge credit to Authors Heidi Catherine and Tamar Sloan for a book with a great description of characters as well as their lives in Askala. If you love or enjoyed The Hunger Games, you will enjoy Rising immensely the same I did.Again another book I recommend highly.

Wow, what an absolute rollercoaster ride this book is! Tamar and Heidi take us on a gripping journey through a dystopian universe that feels worryingly feasible given our current climate change issues. The characters really draw you into their world. I found myself so emotionally invested in their lives that I felt compelled to keep reading when I really didn't have time! The plot is full of agonising twists and moral dilemmas that had me holding my breath at times with anticipation!I have loved everything that both Tamar and Heidi have written, but was a little dubious about how a jointly-written book would work. Thankfully my fears were unfounded as this story is seamlessly written and showcases the excellent style I've come to expect from both authors. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!