What do you think?
Rate this book
MetaWars #2
MetaWars: The Dead Are Rising
The second book in the explosive METAWARS saga.
At the climax of the first instalment, METAWARS: FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE, Jonah Delacroix led the "Uploaded," the digital dead, from the faltering Metasphere virtual world into the light of the rival Changsphere world.
The Changsphere offers a safe haven for the Uploaded, and with more processing power than the Southern Corner could ever offer, the Uploaded begin to grow, develop, and yearn to be alive again. With the Changsphere offering competition to the Metasphere, more and more avatars take up residency in it. But the Uploaded begin to prey on live avatars, infecting them, and their users, with their personalities and becoming reborn in the real world. The dead are rising.
Now reborn into the real world, the once dead avatars will not let anyone shut down the Changsphere - the source of their rebirth. Meanwhile, Jonah, Sam, and Axel struggle to keep the Metasphere safe from Granger's assault on the Western Corner, which is housed in the old subway lines under New York City. But Jonah struggles with whether they are doing the right thing: in fighting Granger, they face a more dangerous virtual world, where millions of Uploaded now roam freely, stalking users for their virtual avatars and their real bodies.
THE DEAD ARE RISING deals with the unintended consequences of Jonah's actions, and creates a frighteningly plausible future where the digital dead could be stored online and eventually reborn in new bodies.
This second instalment is a page-turning, action-packed thriller, but one that presents a harrowing moral challenge to Jonah and readers alike.
At the climax of the first instalment, METAWARS: FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE, Jonah Delacroix led the "Uploaded," the digital dead, from the faltering Metasphere virtual world into the light of the rival Changsphere world.
The Changsphere offers a safe haven for the Uploaded, and with more processing power than the Southern Corner could ever offer, the Uploaded begin to grow, develop, and yearn to be alive again. With the Changsphere offering competition to the Metasphere, more and more avatars take up residency in it. But the Uploaded begin to prey on live avatars, infecting them, and their users, with their personalities and becoming reborn in the real world. The dead are rising.
Now reborn into the real world, the once dead avatars will not let anyone shut down the Changsphere - the source of their rebirth. Meanwhile, Jonah, Sam, and Axel struggle to keep the Metasphere safe from Granger's assault on the Western Corner, which is housed in the old subway lines under New York City. But Jonah struggles with whether they are doing the right thing: in fighting Granger, they face a more dangerous virtual world, where millions of Uploaded now roam freely, stalking users for their virtual avatars and their real bodies.
THE DEAD ARE RISING deals with the unintended consequences of Jonah's actions, and creates a frighteningly plausible future where the digital dead could be stored online and eventually reborn in new bodies.
This second instalment is a page-turning, action-packed thriller, but one that presents a harrowing moral challenge to Jonah and readers alike.
366 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
72 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Norton
24 books41 followersJeff is the author of the award-winning MetaWars series for young adult readers and 'Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie' and 'Alienated: Grounded At Groom Lake' for middle-grade readers.
Jeff is also a writer and Executive Producer in television. He is the showrunner and EP of 'Finding Her Edge' for Netflix (based on the book by Jennifer Iacopelli). He is also the originating EP of 'Geek Girl' (based on the books by Holly Smale).
His new book series is 'Dino Knights', a chapter book series about brave knights riding into adventure on the backs of dinosaurs!
A reluctant reader as a youth, Jeff is passionate about creating stories that will turn reluctant readers into lifelong ones.
Before writing novels, Jeff managed the Enid Blyton literary estate. Jeff moved to London from Los Angeles where he'd developed and produced the critically acclaimed interactive movie Choose Your Own Adventure, based on the best-selling books.
Jeff recently moved back to his homeland of Canada from London, UK where he lives with his wife, two sons, and a fluffy Bernedoodle.
Jeff is also a writer and Executive Producer in television. He is the showrunner and EP of 'Finding Her Edge' for Netflix (based on the book by Jennifer Iacopelli). He is also the originating EP of 'Geek Girl' (based on the books by Holly Smale).
His new book series is 'Dino Knights', a chapter book series about brave knights riding into adventure on the backs of dinosaurs!
A reluctant reader as a youth, Jeff is passionate about creating stories that will turn reluctant readers into lifelong ones.
Before writing novels, Jeff managed the Enid Blyton literary estate. Jeff moved to London from Los Angeles where he'd developed and produced the critically acclaimed interactive movie Choose Your Own Adventure, based on the best-selling books.
Jeff recently moved back to his homeland of Canada from London, UK where he lives with his wife, two sons, and a fluffy Bernedoodle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 13, 2014
The Dead are Rising is the second book in Jeff Norton's Metawars series and is just as action packed and addictive as the first. The story picks up not long after Fight for the Future ended, the Uploaded are now safely in the newly created Changsphere and the superior server power of the new system means that they are more "alive" than they ever were in the Metasphere. The Uploaded are regaining their memories and becoming much more self aware which would be a good thing if it didn't mean they were starting to realise that they're actually dead. With the Uploaded desperate to find a way into the real world it doesn't take long before they realise that by taking over the avatar of someone who is still alive they can exit the Changsphere and steal that person's body. With millions of Uploaded users looking for a quick exit the Changsphere is soon in real trouble and Jonah is right at the heart of it all. Can he find a way to stop the Uploaded without having them deleted? Will the Guardians be able to capture another corner of the Metasphere from Granger and the Millennials?
Everything I loved about the first book is back in The Dead are Rising and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out. Poor Jonah is even more confused than ever about which side he should really be on and every time he thinks he has the answers he has the floor swept out from under him by a new revelation. I really don't know who the good guys are any more and I think that's actually the point that Jeff Norton is trying to make. He shows that the lines between good and evil aren't so black and white and that there is a whole lot of grey in between. The "good" guys do terrible things in pursuit of their goals and the "bad" guys aren't always completely evil. Jonah has a major moral dilemma on his hands and no matter how hard he tries he can't seem to find the right answer. I actually felt really sorry for him because I'm not convinced that any of the options currently available to him are the right choices. It's going to be really interesting to see how things play out as the series continues that's for sure!
Jonah has come a long way since we first met him, he has grown in confidence and he is more willing to stand up for what he believes in. It isn't easy for him to face off against his friends and allies but he does it and he even manages to make Sam start to question her upbringing rather than continue to blindly follow the Guardians. The Uploaded add a whole new dimension to the story, it was very easy to understand how much they wanted the chance to live again and to feel sorry for them and the situation they now found themselves in but that didn't make it any more acceptable for them to basically evict other people from their own bodies so they could return to reality.
This is the kind of series that really makes you think, it leaves you asking yourself questions about what you would be prepared to do for a few extra days with your loved ones but also makes you think about terrorism, dwindling natural resources and the future of our planet. I honestly have no idea how I want things to turn out - I'm definitely not a fan of Granger and the Millennials but I'm not sure that the Guardians can be trusted either so at the moment I'm on the fence about which side I think Jonah should take. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how Jeff Norton continues the series though and will be starting Battle of the Immortal asap.
Everything I loved about the first book is back in The Dead are Rising and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out. Poor Jonah is even more confused than ever about which side he should really be on and every time he thinks he has the answers he has the floor swept out from under him by a new revelation. I really don't know who the good guys are any more and I think that's actually the point that Jeff Norton is trying to make. He shows that the lines between good and evil aren't so black and white and that there is a whole lot of grey in between. The "good" guys do terrible things in pursuit of their goals and the "bad" guys aren't always completely evil. Jonah has a major moral dilemma on his hands and no matter how hard he tries he can't seem to find the right answer. I actually felt really sorry for him because I'm not convinced that any of the options currently available to him are the right choices. It's going to be really interesting to see how things play out as the series continues that's for sure!
Jonah has come a long way since we first met him, he has grown in confidence and he is more willing to stand up for what he believes in. It isn't easy for him to face off against his friends and allies but he does it and he even manages to make Sam start to question her upbringing rather than continue to blindly follow the Guardians. The Uploaded add a whole new dimension to the story, it was very easy to understand how much they wanted the chance to live again and to feel sorry for them and the situation they now found themselves in but that didn't make it any more acceptable for them to basically evict other people from their own bodies so they could return to reality.
This is the kind of series that really makes you think, it leaves you asking yourself questions about what you would be prepared to do for a few extra days with your loved ones but also makes you think about terrorism, dwindling natural resources and the future of our planet. I honestly have no idea how I want things to turn out - I'm definitely not a fan of Granger and the Millennials but I'm not sure that the Guardians can be trusted either so at the moment I'm on the fence about which side I think Jonah should take. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how Jeff Norton continues the series though and will be starting Battle of the Immortal asap.
January 4, 2013
This review first appeared on The Book Zone(For Boys) blog
Why does the phrase 'more of the same' seem to sound more negative than positive. In my review, I described Fight For The Future, the first book in Jeff Norton's Metawars series, as a "super fast-paced and well plotted story that sucks readers in from the very first chapter" and the sequel is, to coin a phrase, more of the same. So I put it to you that in this case, 'more of the same' is far from negative and is in fact high praise indeed.
The story picks up very soon after the climactic finale of the first book, with Jonah and Sam still in Australia. Jonah is spending a huge amount of time inside the newly formed Changsphere, enjoying the company of his father, who, like the rest of the Uploaded, has somehow recovered most of his memories. However, Jonah very quickly discovers that there is something not quite right with the Uploaded, and at Gamescon, now newly relocated from the Metasphere to the Changsphere, everything hits the fan. The Uploaded, with their newly regained faculties, now realise that they are dead in the real world, and they are hungry for life. And the only way to get it is to consume the avatar of a living person, and in doing so usurp that person's body in real life.
Whilst all this is going on, Matthew Granger is up to his old tricks, and this time he is out for revenge. Having escaped from the Guardians as the end of Fight For The Future, he has managed to make his way to Manhattan Island, now an independent republic, and a safe-haven for anyone who has enough money to be able to afford to live there. His solution to the Changsphere is an extreme one, with little care for the avatars that have moved over to the rival virtual world, and it isn't long before Jonah and Sam find themselves heading for Manhattan to attempt an invasion of the Western Corner, although the real world journey from Australia, via Hong Kong, is fraught with danger.
As with the previous instalment, The Dead Are Rising, is much more than just a science fiction action adventure story. It raises a number of question regarding identity, and Jonah continues to find his conscience twisted and torn as he struggles with the various moral dilemmas that come his way. These books are ideal for book groups as they would encourage young people to debate on a number of issues related to technology, virtual worlds, global corporations and eco-terrorism.
Metawars: The Dead Are Rising is already available in book stores, and the good news is that the third in the series, Battle of the Immortal, is less than six months away, with a provisional release date of 2nd May.
Why does the phrase 'more of the same' seem to sound more negative than positive. In my review, I described Fight For The Future, the first book in Jeff Norton's Metawars series, as a "super fast-paced and well plotted story that sucks readers in from the very first chapter" and the sequel is, to coin a phrase, more of the same. So I put it to you that in this case, 'more of the same' is far from negative and is in fact high praise indeed.
The story picks up very soon after the climactic finale of the first book, with Jonah and Sam still in Australia. Jonah is spending a huge amount of time inside the newly formed Changsphere, enjoying the company of his father, who, like the rest of the Uploaded, has somehow recovered most of his memories. However, Jonah very quickly discovers that there is something not quite right with the Uploaded, and at Gamescon, now newly relocated from the Metasphere to the Changsphere, everything hits the fan. The Uploaded, with their newly regained faculties, now realise that they are dead in the real world, and they are hungry for life. And the only way to get it is to consume the avatar of a living person, and in doing so usurp that person's body in real life.
Whilst all this is going on, Matthew Granger is up to his old tricks, and this time he is out for revenge. Having escaped from the Guardians as the end of Fight For The Future, he has managed to make his way to Manhattan Island, now an independent republic, and a safe-haven for anyone who has enough money to be able to afford to live there. His solution to the Changsphere is an extreme one, with little care for the avatars that have moved over to the rival virtual world, and it isn't long before Jonah and Sam find themselves heading for Manhattan to attempt an invasion of the Western Corner, although the real world journey from Australia, via Hong Kong, is fraught with danger.
As with the previous instalment, The Dead Are Rising, is much more than just a science fiction action adventure story. It raises a number of question regarding identity, and Jonah continues to find his conscience twisted and torn as he struggles with the various moral dilemmas that come his way. These books are ideal for book groups as they would encourage young people to debate on a number of issues related to technology, virtual worlds, global corporations and eco-terrorism.
Metawars: The Dead Are Rising is already available in book stores, and the good news is that the third in the series, Battle of the Immortal, is less than six months away, with a provisional release date of 2nd May.
December 30, 2012
The dead are rising was every bit as good as the first book in this fantastic series, its full of just as much fast paced action and the story has taken a great turn.
I thought the idea of the Uploaded becoming hungry for life and usurping the bodies of people who are alive was a great one, it was a twist I didn't see coming but totally makes sense as something that could happen, it also kept the series fresh while still following the main plot of the Guardians trying to find and take over the four corners.
Norton managed to keep the balance just right between these two plots that eventually weave together perfectly and kept me entertained throughout, I really like how the relationship between Jonah and Sam is developing so slowly that they don't even realise its happening.
Its also great to see Jonah growing up, though he's still questioning his allegiances, he's becoming more head strong and turning into a leader, whether he wants to be one or not. And I still love Sam, she's so tough and clever and someone I'd always want on my side.
Another thing I enjoyed about The dead are rising, was the travel, Jonah and Sam visit more places and we really get to see more of the world and find out what its like in this future setting that the author has created and the contrasting lives of the people in it.
Fight for the future was an excellent debut and The dead are rising is a brilliant follow up, I cannot wait to see where we go in book three, that's if I can make the wait until May!
Favourite quotes
''Jonah!' yelled Sam, panic-stricken, angry at her friend for pushing her out of the window first. She thought back to what she had said to her father. He's doing what Jonah does. Putting himself in danger to help others.
She loved him for it and she hated him for it.'
'They found a door that led from the station directly out onto the street. It was chained from this side, and padlocked. Of course, Sam had a bolt cutter in her handbag.'
I thought the idea of the Uploaded becoming hungry for life and usurping the bodies of people who are alive was a great one, it was a twist I didn't see coming but totally makes sense as something that could happen, it also kept the series fresh while still following the main plot of the Guardians trying to find and take over the four corners.
Norton managed to keep the balance just right between these two plots that eventually weave together perfectly and kept me entertained throughout, I really like how the relationship between Jonah and Sam is developing so slowly that they don't even realise its happening.
Its also great to see Jonah growing up, though he's still questioning his allegiances, he's becoming more head strong and turning into a leader, whether he wants to be one or not. And I still love Sam, she's so tough and clever and someone I'd always want on my side.
Another thing I enjoyed about The dead are rising, was the travel, Jonah and Sam visit more places and we really get to see more of the world and find out what its like in this future setting that the author has created and the contrasting lives of the people in it.
Fight for the future was an excellent debut and The dead are rising is a brilliant follow up, I cannot wait to see where we go in book three, that's if I can make the wait until May!
Favourite quotes
''Jonah!' yelled Sam, panic-stricken, angry at her friend for pushing her out of the window first. She thought back to what she had said to her father. He's doing what Jonah does. Putting himself in danger to help others.
She loved him for it and she hated him for it.'
'They found a door that led from the station directly out onto the street. It was chained from this side, and padlocked. Of course, Sam had a bolt cutter in her handbag.'
June 18, 2013
Pretty Awesome read, better than the first book with a load of action, suspense and Suprising twists, turns and plots throughout the book and intruiging characters. Would recommend this book.
December 23, 2013
When I read the first book in a series and it is so great that it blows me away, I am always hesitant to read the next book, wondering if I will be left disappointed, or if its just as good as its predecessor.
When I began reading MetaWars: The Dead are Rising, I was looking forward to visiting these worlds again and seeing what else the guardians would do to capture the other corners.
I love the new twist on the story with the Uploaded, not knowing who is themselves or who has been taken over which makes this book just a gripping as the previous. Reading MetaWars: The Dead are Rising made me feel even more sorry for Jonah, torn between wanting his Dad there, but also wanting to do what is right, not only for the Metasphere and Changsphere, but the world. He has to make some tough decisions, and things quickly get out of hand when a plan backfires and things escalate in a serious way.
While Granger may be the opposition in these books, in his own twisted way he does try to help the Uploaded find themselves again. While his first few tests weren't exactly working correctly the idea and thought behind it are certainly for the benefit of everyone, but also making sure he gains a good standing in the eyes of everyone watching.
Each new chapter of MetaWars: The Dead are Rising only brought a new surprise to the book, and there were a lot of times I was on the edge of my seat wondering if everything was going to be OK. With action and suspense Jeff takes us on another journey with Jonah, Sam, and the Guardians, as they fight to get the Metasphere out of Granger's hands. While there wasn't as much fighting in this compared to its predecessor, it certainly doesn't lack for anything.
Once again I am left wishing that I had found these books earlier, but also glad I didn't as I can jump straight into the next book without hesitation.
When I began reading MetaWars: The Dead are Rising, I was looking forward to visiting these worlds again and seeing what else the guardians would do to capture the other corners.
I love the new twist on the story with the Uploaded, not knowing who is themselves or who has been taken over which makes this book just a gripping as the previous. Reading MetaWars: The Dead are Rising made me feel even more sorry for Jonah, torn between wanting his Dad there, but also wanting to do what is right, not only for the Metasphere and Changsphere, but the world. He has to make some tough decisions, and things quickly get out of hand when a plan backfires and things escalate in a serious way.
While Granger may be the opposition in these books, in his own twisted way he does try to help the Uploaded find themselves again. While his first few tests weren't exactly working correctly the idea and thought behind it are certainly for the benefit of everyone, but also making sure he gains a good standing in the eyes of everyone watching.
Each new chapter of MetaWars: The Dead are Rising only brought a new surprise to the book, and there were a lot of times I was on the edge of my seat wondering if everything was going to be OK. With action and suspense Jeff takes us on another journey with Jonah, Sam, and the Guardians, as they fight to get the Metasphere out of Granger's hands. While there wasn't as much fighting in this compared to its predecessor, it certainly doesn't lack for anything.
Once again I am left wishing that I had found these books earlier, but also glad I didn't as I can jump straight into the next book without hesitation.
August 29, 2014
it was an amazingly good book full of mystery and it was also one of the best books that i have read!!!
Read
October 10, 2014epic
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews