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Until the Rising
More than a millennia into the future, the world has been thrust back to a medieval age where men live and die by the sword. The kingdom of Aquila is considered by many to be the epicenter of beauty, culture, and grace. However, between wars and its own tribal politics, she is under the perpetual threat of destruction. Growing up in the Shadowlands and believing most of his family to be dead, young Tristan is in search of his last known relative whom he hopes to find alive. All he has ever wanted is a quiet home and a family to love-but as Tristan grows into manhood, he discovers the price of a peaceful life may prove to be too steep. In this coming-of-age kingdom fantasy, destiny may be calling Tristan to something bigger, if only he has the courage to meet it.
478 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2023
2 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kirkpatrick
7 books55 followersAmber dabbled with words for years and dreamed of writing a story that had been in her head since her teens. In 2021 she finally sat down to get it out of her system. It was intended to be something fun for her kids to read someday, but evolved into her coming-of-age kingdom fantasy, Until the Rising. After that, there was no stopping her. Now characters and stories flood Amber’s mind, and she tries to capture them as best as she can.
Rather than be put in a box, Amber enjoys exploring different genres and writing styles. Her short stories and poetry can be found in various anthologies. More books are simmering on the stove, waiting to be served one day.
Amber lives in the Texas Hill Country. You can connect with her at www.amberkirkpatrick.com and on IG at @amber.kirkpatrick.writer
Rather than be put in a box, Amber enjoys exploring different genres and writing styles. Her short stories and poetry can be found in various anthologies. More books are simmering on the stove, waiting to be served one day.
Amber lives in the Texas Hill Country. You can connect with her at www.amberkirkpatrick.com and on IG at @amber.kirkpatrick.writer
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 19, 2023
Masculinity without toxicity. The sometimes rocky terrain of growing into adulthood. The love of a father. Forgiveness, shame, grief, and triumph.
Until the Rising lovingly portrays all those aspects of life in a way that had me smacking my forehead with a groan as often as it had me smiling affectionately.
While I was initially taken off guard by the direction the plot was taking, it only took a few chapters for me to settle into what this story really is—a beautifully tender depiction of the growth of a young man over more than six years of life. Through these pages, we see a boy grow into a man, with all the ups and downs (and OH, there are downs) that come with the territory of a well written Kingdom Fantasy.
The ending is super satisfying, even as the author leaves room for a second installment of the series. All in all, this will undoubtedly be a re-read, most likely in the times when I feel the world is too heavy and against me. What more could a reader ask for?
I’d put this one at a solid PG-13 in terms of fantasy violence and allusions to adult themes. For parents, it’s also worth noting that there’s a fade-to-black (nothing explicit or overly descriptive) scene between two married characters. Best suited for older teens as opposed to middle schoolers.
Until the Rising lovingly portrays all those aspects of life in a way that had me smacking my forehead with a groan as often as it had me smiling affectionately.
While I was initially taken off guard by the direction the plot was taking, it only took a few chapters for me to settle into what this story really is—a beautifully tender depiction of the growth of a young man over more than six years of life. Through these pages, we see a boy grow into a man, with all the ups and downs (and OH, there are downs) that come with the territory of a well written Kingdom Fantasy.
The ending is super satisfying, even as the author leaves room for a second installment of the series. All in all, this will undoubtedly be a re-read, most likely in the times when I feel the world is too heavy and against me. What more could a reader ask for?
I’d put this one at a solid PG-13 in terms of fantasy violence and allusions to adult themes. For parents, it’s also worth noting that there’s a fade-to-black (nothing explicit or overly descriptive) scene between two married characters. Best suited for older teens as opposed to middle schoolers.
May 3, 2023
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, the opinions are my own.
Until the Rising is a slow burn, epic style fantasy with lots of in depth, lovable characters. I appreciate the emphasis on family bonds, brotherhood, and romance saving intimacy until marriage.
What didn't work for me in particular was how slow the story moved. I do wish things had happened, and began to happen, sooner and didn't feel invested until about the halfway mark. However, I think those who enjoy honest characters and their growth taking its time will be pleased.
While technically very clean and vested in solid values, several instances of almost sexual intimacy and an after married scene are included and worth noting for mature teen audiences and adult audiences.
Until the Rising is a slow burn, epic style fantasy with lots of in depth, lovable characters. I appreciate the emphasis on family bonds, brotherhood, and romance saving intimacy until marriage.
What didn't work for me in particular was how slow the story moved. I do wish things had happened, and began to happen, sooner and didn't feel invested until about the halfway mark. However, I think those who enjoy honest characters and their growth taking its time will be pleased.
While technically very clean and vested in solid values, several instances of almost sexual intimacy and an after married scene are included and worth noting for mature teen audiences and adult audiences.
April 14, 2023
Until the Rising kept me up late many nights because I couldn’t resist reading just one more chapter. The characters are endearing, and by the end, I felt like we were old friends. If you want a NA book with brotherhood, romance, intrigue, and adventure, this is for you!
April 12, 2023
If you enjoy tales that capture your imagination, make you fall in love with a whole family of characters, and then rip your heart out in the most beautiful way possible...this book is for you! Kirkpatrick writes with skill and emotion. She will take you on an epic journey and leave you wanting more of the Thatchers' story.
August 14, 2023
Until the Rising is a beautifully crafted tale of courage, devotion, coming of age, and first love. There's death, there's war, there's ugliness, but oh, there is such sweet redemption and beautiful growth of characters. I cannot wait for the next installment with these phenomenal characters!
August 8, 2023
Kirkpatrick’s Until the Rising is an epic story of family, hardships, and love.
The Shadowlands are a world so rich and developed that it feels as if the reader is right there with the Thatcher boys, experiencing their summers ranging the forest and their winters in the castle.
I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys fantasy, coming of age, or stories about family.
The Shadowlands are a world so rich and developed that it feels as if the reader is right there with the Thatcher boys, experiencing their summers ranging the forest and their winters in the castle.
I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys fantasy, coming of age, or stories about family.
February 23, 2024
A sweet, heartwarming story about four brothers, with a focus on the youngest brother's growing up years. Since the story spans about six years, the plot is slow moving, and there's a lot of "telling" instead of "showing," but I didn't really mind since the telling was beautiful also.
My favorite thing was the relationship dynamics, which were SO well done. All the brotherly banter and bicker and yet their fierce loyalty and love for one another had me rooting for all of them. The father-son dynamics were so touching also!
My main problem was that the plot seemed disconnected. I don't mind slow-moving, but when key moments have no effect on the storyline, it bothers me. (Examples: )
Also, I'm not a fan of comma splices, and they were endless lol...my brain kept trying to fix them, which was distracting.
All in all, still worth the read, however! :)
My favorite thing was the relationship dynamics, which were SO well done. All the brotherly banter and bicker and yet their fierce loyalty and love for one another had me rooting for all of them. The father-son dynamics were so touching also!
My main problem was that the plot seemed disconnected. I don't mind slow-moving, but when key moments have no effect on the storyline, it bothers me. (Examples: )
Also, I'm not a fan of comma splices, and they were endless lol...my brain kept trying to fix them, which was distracting.
All in all, still worth the read, however! :)
March 31, 2025
I've heard a lot about this book over the past year, and now that I've read it, my only regret is not reading it soon. This is a spectacular tale of boundless family devotion, unstoppable love, and growth from boyhood into manhood. It entranced me, it made me cry my eyes out, and it refreshed my heart in a way that only a Kirpatrick novel can. If you don't know what I mean, then darling, you need to look up her books.
Until the Rising follows the gritty story of a father and his four sons, who will sacrifice anything for the protection and honor of each other. Written into a complex dystopian future where catastrophic technology has turned the world back into medieval days, the political intrigue and war-time dangers will keep you flipping the pages far past your bedtime.
Woven through this tale of devotion, war, and courage lies a precious love story whose beauty made me weep. Stolen behind enemy lines as a child, Tristan's life has seen far too much brutality and suffering...but from the moment he lays eyes on Christiana, a light enters his heart that no amount of suffering can snuff out. Though wrought with struggle, their story is one you will want to read and re-read again.
Containing everything I want in a story, Until the Rising is easily my favourite read of the year, and I eagerly await book 2.
Until the Rising follows the gritty story of a father and his four sons, who will sacrifice anything for the protection and honor of each other. Written into a complex dystopian future where catastrophic technology has turned the world back into medieval days, the political intrigue and war-time dangers will keep you flipping the pages far past your bedtime.
Woven through this tale of devotion, war, and courage lies a precious love story whose beauty made me weep. Stolen behind enemy lines as a child, Tristan's life has seen far too much brutality and suffering...but from the moment he lays eyes on Christiana, a light enters his heart that no amount of suffering can snuff out. Though wrought with struggle, their story is one you will want to read and re-read again.
Containing everything I want in a story, Until the Rising is easily my favourite read of the year, and I eagerly await book 2.
April 20, 2023
The heart poured into these pages and the love of these characters is evident. This debut novel had me laughing and crying and obsessively finishing each page. There really was no good place to set it down! It left me with a serious book hangover when I was done.
I'd recommend this for an adult audience, as some of the thematic elements are quite heavy at times. But Kirkpatrick did a beautiful job of weaving hope and purpose through it all.
I'd recommend this for an adult audience, as some of the thematic elements are quite heavy at times. But Kirkpatrick did a beautiful job of weaving hope and purpose through it all.
May 6, 2023
What a story! The relationships among the four brothers and their father was my absolute favorite part. But I also loved the romance, the sword fighting, and the horses! Warning: this story will hurt. But it's also raw and epic and gritty and beautiful, which makes it worth the hurt. Amber Kirkpatrick is a genius and I can't wait for book 2!
Content warning: multiple uses of mild profanity and a couple of intense kissing scenes (although I appreciate the parameters they stayed within)
Content warning: multiple uses of mild profanity and a couple of intense kissing scenes (although I appreciate the parameters they stayed within)
May 29, 2023
This titles is as seared into my mind as the scene is that inspired it. It’s the sort of book that makes you want to curl up in front of a fire, warm drink in hand, and immerse yourself in until everything else falls away.
Kirkpatrick tells an expansive tale while drawing you close to follow a young boy and his brothers living under the threat of conflict and war.
The story is coloured with hope even as the four face trials and tragedy, and will make you want to pick up a sword and join the fight.
Kirkpatrick tells an expansive tale while drawing you close to follow a young boy and his brothers living under the threat of conflict and war.
The story is coloured with hope even as the four face trials and tragedy, and will make you want to pick up a sword and join the fight.
September 17, 2023
This is one of those rambling, family saga books that are largely plotless. There's not even an antagonist until after the midpoint. I understand why people love these kinds of books, because it's like TV episodes, but it wasn't my thing.
November 5, 2024
Definitely a favorite book from the last few years of reading. I recently re-read it and enjoyed it so much still! The characters really feel like family by the end of the book, which is my favorite kind of story ❤️
February 28, 2024
This was fun! The Thatcher boys really come to life in the reading of this story and that was the strongest element of the book. While there wasn’t a substantial plot, the story was driven well by the characters and they gave it momentum. Still, I would have enjoyed a more engrossing plot, and I had some issues with the writing, but overall, I enjoyed the ride and would welcome another Kirkpatrick novel on my shelf.
May 18, 2023
Kirkpatrick's command of heartfelt storytelling bleeds through from page one. Her focus on family and brotherhood in the face of hardship and unknowns is so beautiful and raw, and I felt a sweet kinship with the brothers—especially Tristan and Michael. Until the Rising is the beginning of an epic series I can't WAIT to keep reading!
June 25, 2024
So many fantasy stories begin with heavy action at the beginning of the book, but this story begins with the main character Tristan when he's a preteen reeling from loss and a difficult childhood. The author gives this character's backstory, allowing the reader to feel what he's been through to prepare them for what is coming. Kirkpatrick seamlessly moves forward in time, skipping over the more mundane aspects of the character's life but without giving the reader whiplash.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Tristan, his brothers, and their father. The mystery of their family's past is woven throughout, and I wish there had been more of it. Maybe it will be more prominent in the second book...if there's a second book? I'm not sure.
I loved reading the author's note about where this story originated. It was a nice touch to see that this has been a story that has been with her for many years.
This is definitely a book written for teens, and I knew that going in. I don't mind some angst -- it's expected. What threw me were the several chapters toward the end with cringey pent-up teenage sexual frustration (kind of funny) followed by unrealistic depictions of first-time sexual relations (less funny). The PG-13 fade-to-black intimacy was definitely catering to teenage-girl fantasies, but was disappointingly trite and fuels false expectations. Overall, if you're uncomfortable like I was, I would just skip that section. Nothing major happens by then.
The way the characters talk about some of the women made me uncomfortable. There are prostitutes and even though the male main characters physically treat them with respect, the way they talk about their misfortunes is basically, well what do they expect to happen? I would have liked to have seen at least one of them treated with more empathy.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Tristan, his brothers, and their father. The mystery of their family's past is woven throughout, and I wish there had been more of it. Maybe it will be more prominent in the second book...if there's a second book? I'm not sure.
I loved reading the author's note about where this story originated. It was a nice touch to see that this has been a story that has been with her for many years.
This is definitely a book written for teens, and I knew that going in. I don't mind some angst -- it's expected. What threw me were the several chapters toward the end with cringey pent-up teenage sexual frustration (kind of funny) followed by unrealistic depictions of first-time sexual relations (less funny). The PG-13 fade-to-black intimacy was definitely catering to teenage-girl fantasies, but was disappointingly trite and fuels false expectations. Overall, if you're uncomfortable like I was, I would just skip that section. Nothing major happens by then.
The way the characters talk about some of the women made me uncomfortable. There are prostitutes and even though the male main characters physically treat them with respect, the way they talk about their misfortunes is basically, well what do they expect to happen? I would have liked to have seen at least one of them treated with more empathy.
October 5, 2023
Endorsement:
Amber Kirkpatrick has written a masterpiece. With hope and despair, joy and sorrow, strength and weakness, it captures the imagination and doesn’t let go. In a world so familiar to what we know and yet so different, the Thatcher brothers grab ahold of you and won’t let go. You cheer for their successes and cry in their sorrow. It’s a book that will linger long after you turn the final page.
Five million out of five stars!
Amber Kirkpatrick has written a masterpiece. With hope and despair, joy and sorrow, strength and weakness, it captures the imagination and doesn’t let go. In a world so familiar to what we know and yet so different, the Thatcher brothers grab ahold of you and won’t let go. You cheer for their successes and cry in their sorrow. It’s a book that will linger long after you turn the final page.
Five million out of five stars!
April 10, 2023
Brotherhood, family, romance, heartwrenching everything. What else to say? Oh yes, I cried. Such great characters, such a great book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews