What do you think?
Rate this book
Fire Rises Within
The basis of the Schieber law is oppress and prosper, but when a power-hungry elder decides to harness the power of superstition to assume control over his equals, a second plan is set in motion that threatens to turn his murderous crusade against him. Loyalties are demanded, blood is spilled, and betrayal is the name of the game. In the twisted city of Gordrim, the ruling Schieber class has isolated themselves from the subdued Hasste class, which toils day and night to provide the means for the Schieber's extravagant lifestyle. For centuries the Schieber controlled themselves with strict tradition and a balance of unearned power, but when the opportunity for more arises, few Schieber can resist. Alek Verdammten, the prominent head of his family, seizes control of circumstance to manipulate his people into obedience, but at a high cost to those around him. There are men and women with motives of their own surrounding him, and trust is merely a charade performed to keep others in the dark. In the midst of political chaos, a spark of life unknown to the Schieber is struck when two young hapless rejects, Jaheira and Leon, meet by chance and form a strange and unflinching bond that may hold the key to unshackling Gordrim and setting its people free.
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2013
12 people want to read
About the author
Kurt McCrohan
1 book31 followersKurt was born in Media, PA, where he was raised with his older brother, John, and his older sister, Kristin. Tragedy struck his family when his sister committed suicide on Valentine's Day of 2001, following which his brother became addicted to heroin.
Following those turbulent years, Kurt went on to graduate High School and attend Drexel University, where he received his Bachelor's in English and returned for his M.A. in Secondary Education.
In January of 2013, Kurt's first novel, "Human Nature: Fire Rises Within", was published by Dmon Publishing, LLC.
Following those turbulent years, Kurt went on to graduate High School and attend Drexel University, where he received his Bachelor's in English and returned for his M.A. in Secondary Education.
In January of 2013, Kurt's first novel, "Human Nature: Fire Rises Within", was published by Dmon Publishing, LLC.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 19, 2013
*I was given this book free, in exchange for a honest review.
What if the life you knew was planned out for you? Who you would have a Union with? What house you would join? What would you do? Would you quietly accept it and move on? Or would you reach out for the brass ring that is offered and try your hands at something else? Just for once, taking your own life in your hands?
This isn’t just a story about good Vs. evil. It’s little stories, within a bigger story. The smaller stories between families and what lies beneath the surface. Things that most people wouldn’t voice out loud, let alone to their spouse.
Leon is a loner in the land of conformity. He has no idea what he wants to do or be when he grows up. But he needs to do something, because he just got his papers for a Union with Jaheira. A girl he never met in his life, but now was going to be his life. Seems rather unfair to Leon. When he is given an offer to jump ship and never return, he takes it. He runs with it, not thinking what troubles will be caused in his wake. Lives are destroyed, families are broken.
In a society of Have and Have Nots things are about to drastically change. The Have society is tore apart by a power hungry man; Alek. Who see’s an opportunity to turn an entire community based on out dated traditions onto it’s head with new rules and leader; himself. He has abolished the 9 ruling houses and placed himself at the top. He uses who he needs to make his point and be damn if you cross him.
The cast of other Have’s are like a flock of sheep, willing to obey his every command, because he holds the power that they fear or covet themselves. Few speak up and if they do, are quickly taken care of by Alek’s henchman. The non-believers aren’t unified enough to oust him and need a push in the right direction.
Let this book be a lesson to those who read it. Do NOT put all your faith and trust into one man. He shall be the one who destroy you all.
I enjoyed how the characters where written. I especially like Leon, you can see him go from a child to someone that opens his eyes to what is around him. Vera and Braun their story hit me like a lead balloon, it was very real. As well as the other Unions. The writing flows nicely, the dream sequences are done beautifully, those I liked the best, gave more depth and insight to what the characters were feeling and what was going on around them.
For me this is a 4 star book. It was good, I did enjoy it, but it was slow start that took some time to get into. But once I did, I enjoyed the book. And it made me think. Any book that makes me think, is a good book.
What if the life you knew was planned out for you? Who you would have a Union with? What house you would join? What would you do? Would you quietly accept it and move on? Or would you reach out for the brass ring that is offered and try your hands at something else? Just for once, taking your own life in your hands?
This isn’t just a story about good Vs. evil. It’s little stories, within a bigger story. The smaller stories between families and what lies beneath the surface. Things that most people wouldn’t voice out loud, let alone to their spouse.
Leon is a loner in the land of conformity. He has no idea what he wants to do or be when he grows up. But he needs to do something, because he just got his papers for a Union with Jaheira. A girl he never met in his life, but now was going to be his life. Seems rather unfair to Leon. When he is given an offer to jump ship and never return, he takes it. He runs with it, not thinking what troubles will be caused in his wake. Lives are destroyed, families are broken.
In a society of Have and Have Nots things are about to drastically change. The Have society is tore apart by a power hungry man; Alek. Who see’s an opportunity to turn an entire community based on out dated traditions onto it’s head with new rules and leader; himself. He has abolished the 9 ruling houses and placed himself at the top. He uses who he needs to make his point and be damn if you cross him.
The cast of other Have’s are like a flock of sheep, willing to obey his every command, because he holds the power that they fear or covet themselves. Few speak up and if they do, are quickly taken care of by Alek’s henchman. The non-believers aren’t unified enough to oust him and need a push in the right direction.
Let this book be a lesson to those who read it. Do NOT put all your faith and trust into one man. He shall be the one who destroy you all.
I enjoyed how the characters where written. I especially like Leon, you can see him go from a child to someone that opens his eyes to what is around him. Vera and Braun their story hit me like a lead balloon, it was very real. As well as the other Unions. The writing flows nicely, the dream sequences are done beautifully, those I liked the best, gave more depth and insight to what the characters were feeling and what was going on around them.
For me this is a 4 star book. It was good, I did enjoy it, but it was slow start that took some time to get into. But once I did, I enjoyed the book. And it made me think. Any book that makes me think, is a good book.
February 21, 2013
A refreshing dose of originality in the often hackneyed genre of Modern Fiction. Embedded within a suspenseful, page-turning storyline, Human Nature delves head first into the deeper origin of human joys, pleasures, and triumphs, contrasted with the woes, transgressions, and follies, all of which, is human nature.
Kurt boldly approaches taboo topics we are discouraged from discussing at the dinner table; namely, politics and religion. Human Nature provocatively exposes the darker underpinnings of what typically drives the human machine. Rejecting the out-dated traditional and orthodox ideals of justice, Human Nature implements radical & revolutionary philosophies of justice in its place. Unapologetic, yet sincerely forthright, Human Nature rebukes the denial society is heavily invested in maintaining about its own shadow, and leaves the reader trampled by the pink elephants who can no longer be trained and contained by society's zoo-keepers.
Reminiscent of how legends like Ayn Rand utilized situational fiction as an effective means to convey deep philosophical insights, Kurt delivers a poignant message for society's troubled times, yet manages to do so with a light and enjoyable, fictional adventure all while staring endearing and memorable characters. The story flows well, is easily assimilated, yet leaves the reader with many questions to digest at a later date. One of which, is when can I read the sequel?
Kurt boldly approaches taboo topics we are discouraged from discussing at the dinner table; namely, politics and religion. Human Nature provocatively exposes the darker underpinnings of what typically drives the human machine. Rejecting the out-dated traditional and orthodox ideals of justice, Human Nature implements radical & revolutionary philosophies of justice in its place. Unapologetic, yet sincerely forthright, Human Nature rebukes the denial society is heavily invested in maintaining about its own shadow, and leaves the reader trampled by the pink elephants who can no longer be trained and contained by society's zoo-keepers.
Reminiscent of how legends like Ayn Rand utilized situational fiction as an effective means to convey deep philosophical insights, Kurt delivers a poignant message for society's troubled times, yet manages to do so with a light and enjoyable, fictional adventure all while staring endearing and memorable characters. The story flows well, is easily assimilated, yet leaves the reader with many questions to digest at a later date. One of which, is when can I read the sequel?
February 16, 2013
This novel is an intriguing and truly compelling exploration of the ideas and actions unique to humans, especially with respect to power, authority, religion, and society. Several storylines merge together to create a genuinely unique world. The cast is uncommon and unforgettable! The type of read that stays with you long after the last chapter.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews