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Torth #2
Colossus Rising: A Dark Sci-Fi Epic Fantasy
In this thrilling dystopian space-opera, escapees flee a ravaged Earth—but what’s more the wasteland of their past or the one that lies ahead?Having obliterated entire civilizations, the Torth Majority is now threatening humanity itself. Barreling through deep space—and hunted every dark mile by armadas, saboteurs, and kamikaze armies—the passengers of a refugee streamship must outrun everything they left behind if they hope to stay alive.Instilled with illegal superpowers, Ariock is a literal giant among gladiators. It’s in his his legendary great-grandfather outwitted the Torth, and Ariock himself dared to betray them. Thomas, on the other hand, is a supergenius. Sure, he’s physically disadvantaged, but his mind is a brainwashing, telepathic, terrifying wonder to behold. What he’s done to outlast the abuses of his youth is something of a mystery . . . and possibly malevolent. Not even Vy, his caretaker and foster sister, knows all of Thomas’s secrets.What all three share is a fear of the unknown. Their ship on the last dregs of fuel, they crash-land on a distant planet still under the toxic, storm-filled fallout of an ancient nuclear war. Turns out this hell-scape is the ancestral homeworld of the Torth. And while that savage empire couldn’t withstand this poisoned sludge of a planet, it doesn’t mean they’re not still guarding it.On a predatory world of mutant monstrosities and relentless galactic enemies, Thomas foresees nothing but death and defeat. But it’s do-or-die for Ariock and the streamship exiles who are fighting to survive—and somehow find light in a dead city of eternal night.The second volume of the hit sci-fi fantasy series—with more than 750,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2024
About the author
Abby Goldsmith
23 books150 followersMy reviews are honest. Yep, I'm one of the zillions of dastardly authors on Goodreads (my Torth series begins with MAJORITY), but I do read 65+ books per year. I particularly love space opera, epic fantasy, progression fantasy, thoughtful sci-fi, psychological thrillers, and harrowing nonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 16, 2024
This is book two of the Torth Series. The story continues with Thomas and friends’ escape from the Torth aliens. Thomas ends up locked up somewhere again but this time it was by his own choice. It was more like a hiding place to rethink his choices and to protect himself from hurting anyone with his powers. The story then focuses on Ariock and who he is. There’s interesting backstory to where he came from and who is father was. As the friends try to return to Earth, they couldn’t leave Thomas behind, so they found their way to him and helped him out of “hiding.” Thomas learns that the person he was with during this time was someone very powerful and could do a lot of damage with her powers. However, she didn’t want to leave her hiding so the group left her and made their journey home.
This story wasn’t as action packed as the first one, but it was still a good read. It felt like the story was preparing the reader for the next book in the series with all the back story and introduction to the new character. What I enjoyed most about this book was the friendship and learning more about Ariock. I found Ariack fascinating and liked his story, so I’m really glad this book focused more on him.
This story wasn’t as action packed as the first one, but it was still a good read. It felt like the story was preparing the reader for the next book in the series with all the back story and introduction to the new character. What I enjoyed most about this book was the friendship and learning more about Ariock. I found Ariack fascinating and liked his story, so I’m really glad this book focused more on him.
January 11, 2024
I'm an early reader and just finished the audiobook after its release. Firstly, the reading by George Newbern continues to be excellent. His inflection is great and the production is perfect. An engaging and easy listen. The emotional parts are read with strong emotion - I really felt some of these scenes.
In book 2 it's become more of an epic adventure and less about slavery, now that Ariock & friends have sort-of-escaped. Starting this book, it felt dark at first, definitely a darker tone than a lot of recent fiction. Within the first few chapters, it becomes clear its tone is because the author thought everything through carefully. This writing isn't winging it. It's deep and interesting. I'm really enjoying that!
Personally, I don't normally like any darkness at all. So I asked myself, why do I enjoy this? Because it's more realistic and meaningful. It's being set up for hard wins, not easy wins. Because the series is completed, the story arc is epic, happening over the whole series rather than 1-2 books.
Innovative epic series have been hard for me to find lately; most of the new good stuff is serialized. Serialized series, much like TV shows, often wane as they get longer, getting mired in details or unplanned events. Torth is the antidote to that; the plot is tight, it's going somewhere, and everything matters.
I definitely feel for Thomas in this book. As the only telepath in his party, I realized, there's an element to one-way telepathy where it's like you're talking but nobody can hear you, while you can hear others' thoughts. Overall this is a really tough book for Thomas. No spoilers, but he has a hard time. By the end, he's getting out of it. The author does a good job of showing that his friends care about him during this. And, that situation is an interesting mirror to book 1, where Ariock was in a difficult position (as gladiator).
I'm ready for book 3!
In book 2 it's become more of an epic adventure and less about slavery, now that Ariock & friends have sort-of-escaped. Starting this book, it felt dark at first, definitely a darker tone than a lot of recent fiction. Within the first few chapters, it becomes clear its tone is because the author thought everything through carefully. This writing isn't winging it. It's deep and interesting. I'm really enjoying that!
Personally, I don't normally like any darkness at all. So I asked myself, why do I enjoy this? Because it's more realistic and meaningful. It's being set up for hard wins, not easy wins. Because the series is completed, the story arc is epic, happening over the whole series rather than 1-2 books.
Innovative epic series have been hard for me to find lately; most of the new good stuff is serialized. Serialized series, much like TV shows, often wane as they get longer, getting mired in details or unplanned events. Torth is the antidote to that; the plot is tight, it's going somewhere, and everything matters.
I definitely feel for Thomas in this book. As the only telepath in his party, I realized, there's an element to one-way telepathy where it's like you're talking but nobody can hear you, while you can hear others' thoughts. Overall this is a really tough book for Thomas. No spoilers, but he has a hard time. By the end, he's getting out of it. The author does a good job of showing that his friends care about him during this. And, that situation is an interesting mirror to book 1, where Ariock was in a difficult position (as gladiator).
I'm ready for book 3!
January 25, 2024
When their starship runs out of fuel and crash lands on a ravaged world, things seem pretty bleak. But they have no where else to go and they are not going down without a fight. Time to see what they can salvage from the broken landscape.
This is book two of the series. It does pretty well as a standalone, but will be more enjoyable if read in order. Your call.
This is a science fiction thriller with a bit of a dystopian setting. The story is well written and generally easy to read, although there is a lot going on here. The setting is well developed and complex, with plenty of secret to deal with. The characters are also very well done with solid backgrounds and interesting abilities. The plot moves at a pretty fast pace with plenty of action and intrigue which keeps things interesting. Overall, this was a great addition to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two of the series. It does pretty well as a standalone, but will be more enjoyable if read in order. Your call.
This is a science fiction thriller with a bit of a dystopian setting. The story is well written and generally easy to read, although there is a lot going on here. The setting is well developed and complex, with plenty of secret to deal with. The characters are also very well done with solid backgrounds and interesting abilities. The plot moves at a pretty fast pace with plenty of action and intrigue which keeps things interesting. Overall, this was a great addition to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2026
better than the first book but by god. characters have these incredible monologues that would actually fix the interpersonal issues they have if they would just SAY THEM
god i hate the miscommunication trope so much. even more so when its because of a LACK of information instead of a real misinterpretation of communication. a noncommunication trope
god i hate the miscommunication trope so much. even more so when its because of a LACK of information instead of a real misinterpretation of communication. a noncommunication trope
January 17, 2024
Very interesting Read
I liked the book and now find myself excited for the next book of the series. It's an interesting and different take on books of a similar genre. Definitely a unique read.
I liked the book and now find myself excited for the next book of the series. It's an interesting and different take on books of a similar genre. Definitely a unique read.
February 20, 2024
Captivating read! I was so engrossed with the depth of the characters and story, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next in the series and other works by this gifted author.
March 28, 2024
Exciting, edge of your seat read. Definitely makes you can't wait to read the next book!
July 17, 2024
A little slower than the first book but still enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews