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The Rising Order
Flynn faces an impossible choice—save her family and friends or save the lives of thousands of innocent people
Flynn Zarytsky, recruiter for the Chicago mega-tech company Magnetic, comes face-to-face with true terror amid a horrific mass shooting by homegrown terrorist organization REDS. Wolf, a REDS soldier, has her in his sights, then decides to spare her life. But in doing so, he may have ensnared her in a fate worse than death.
REDS’ master plan is to make society pay for its greed and to establish a new order. Wolf sees manipulating Flynn in her role at Magnetic as the perfect way to infiltrate the tech company and use its reach to unleash catastrophic devastation on the city of Chicago and topple civilization. He never expected Flynn could chip away at his resolve and question REDS’ mission. And she never dreamed she’d be a pawn in a dangerous game that forces her to leave the citizens of Chicago vulnerable to slaughter so that her loved ones can live.
The Rising Order is a gripping read for fans of Homeland and the Divergent series looking for an adult take on the lead-up to a dystopian society.
Flynn Zarytsky, recruiter for the Chicago mega-tech company Magnetic, comes face-to-face with true terror amid a horrific mass shooting by homegrown terrorist organization REDS. Wolf, a REDS soldier, has her in his sights, then decides to spare her life. But in doing so, he may have ensnared her in a fate worse than death.
REDS’ master plan is to make society pay for its greed and to establish a new order. Wolf sees manipulating Flynn in her role at Magnetic as the perfect way to infiltrate the tech company and use its reach to unleash catastrophic devastation on the city of Chicago and topple civilization. He never expected Flynn could chip away at his resolve and question REDS’ mission. And she never dreamed she’d be a pawn in a dangerous game that forces her to leave the citizens of Chicago vulnerable to slaughter so that her loved ones can live.
The Rising Order is a gripping read for fans of Homeland and the Divergent series looking for an adult take on the lead-up to a dystopian society.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
29 people are currently reading
3335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 16, 2023
Okay wow where do I even begin?! Rising order is THE book of 2023!! I did not want this book to end and was SO SAD when it was over!! Already anxiously awaiting the next book. This is the type of book that you will be thinking about weeks after you finish. The story itself is so captivating and engaging and perfectly fast paced, but also the writing itself is BEAUTIFUL…so descriptive and it has an incredible way of making you feel immersed in each scene. Do yourself a favor and order this book right now!!
September 11, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down. I find myself still thinking about the characters and wondering what’s next for them. Excellent debut!!
September 7, 2024
One of the things that I love about being a reader is that sometimes you go into a book thinking that it’s going to be one type of read and it turns into something completely different… THE RISING ORDER by Claire isenthal is such a book. I knew I was getting a story of action, of exploring good vs evil - what I did not realize is that I was getting a story that would make me evaluate myself, a story that explores humanity, that makes you think of what motivates good and evil.
Action packed yes but also compassion packed.
Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Action packed yes but also compassion packed.
Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
October 15, 2023
(2.5 stars)
"Now, the world will finally have to see me, he thought. And this time, they won't forget."
I can't help but feel I must have read a different book to all the five star reviewers on here, as I found The Rising Order a bit naff. First-time author, Claire Isenthal, has clearly set out to write a fictional book that explains the motivations of domestic American terrorists. While she credits an original source for these motivations, they read very thin: "How had they known he had nothing to live for? That he hated his existence?"
Isenthal borrows heavily from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during the Ariana Grande concert to set the scene for the ensuing alternating chapters between attack perpetrator Wolf, and someone experiencing the attack. The Rising Order's heroine, Flynn, a victim and survivor of the attack, is set up as the one woman who can reach the socially excluded Wolf. This is because of her own experiences of exclusion stemming from being the only Jewish girl in her school in Indiana, something that is laboured in the book unnecessarily. The reader is not stupid, we don't need to hear the same thing over and over again.
This story-line makes the book read like a weird extremist action novel meets Mills & Boon where Flynn half hates and half wants to have sexy times with the hot and hard (another laboured description) radical extremist, Wolf: "Although he could be infuriating even she had to admire the way his shirt clung to him in all the right places." And as for the writing, the descriptions praised by other readers lacked nuance and sophistication for me: "He was completely bald, with thick eyebrows that canopied his glowering eyes." Is this a comic? Isenthal's use of contemporary terms like 'adulting' speak to the intended audience I suspect. It ain't readers who love nuanced and complex books unpacking nuanced and complex people: "Since then, they'd battled through the stages of early adulting together, surviving." The Rising Order is no We Need to Talk About Kevin.
With thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for sending me a copy to read.
"Now, the world will finally have to see me, he thought. And this time, they won't forget."
I can't help but feel I must have read a different book to all the five star reviewers on here, as I found The Rising Order a bit naff. First-time author, Claire Isenthal, has clearly set out to write a fictional book that explains the motivations of domestic American terrorists. While she credits an original source for these motivations, they read very thin: "How had they known he had nothing to live for? That he hated his existence?"
Isenthal borrows heavily from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during the Ariana Grande concert to set the scene for the ensuing alternating chapters between attack perpetrator Wolf, and someone experiencing the attack. The Rising Order's heroine, Flynn, a victim and survivor of the attack, is set up as the one woman who can reach the socially excluded Wolf. This is because of her own experiences of exclusion stemming from being the only Jewish girl in her school in Indiana, something that is laboured in the book unnecessarily. The reader is not stupid, we don't need to hear the same thing over and over again.
This story-line makes the book read like a weird extremist action novel meets Mills & Boon where Flynn half hates and half wants to have sexy times with the hot and hard (another laboured description) radical extremist, Wolf: "Although he could be infuriating even she had to admire the way his shirt clung to him in all the right places." And as for the writing, the descriptions praised by other readers lacked nuance and sophistication for me: "He was completely bald, with thick eyebrows that canopied his glowering eyes." Is this a comic? Isenthal's use of contemporary terms like 'adulting' speak to the intended audience I suspect. It ain't readers who love nuanced and complex books unpacking nuanced and complex people: "Since then, they'd battled through the stages of early adulting together, surviving." The Rising Order is no We Need to Talk About Kevin.
With thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for sending me a copy to read.
September 29, 2023
Let’s just say I found myself taking this book everywhere with me and finding excuses to sneak away from work to read during the day. Could not put it down! I need to know what happens! I can’t wait for the next book!
The writing was so descriptive that you could perfectly picture everything going on, even more so if you’re familiar with Chicago. The plot is something out of a movie (btw this should be a movie, seriously). This book truly makes you think about everything going on and begs to answer the question, “could this really happen?!” So many emotions out of this book, it’s truly a roller coaster and I am here for it!
The writing was so descriptive that you could perfectly picture everything going on, even more so if you’re familiar with Chicago. The plot is something out of a movie (btw this should be a movie, seriously). This book truly makes you think about everything going on and begs to answer the question, “could this really happen?!” So many emotions out of this book, it’s truly a roller coaster and I am here for it!
November 18, 2023
If you've ever thought "it can't happen here", this edge-of-your-seat, domestic terrorist story will make you rethink your comfort zone.
August 8, 2025
Started off really action-packed and had me hooked, but then the pace slowed and turned into a bit of a romance novel and lost me. 🫠
I listened to the audiobook while following along in the physical, and the narration was good!
Recommend checking this one out if you enjoy action mixed with sexual tension. This does end a bit on a cliffhanger, but the second book is out now as well!
Thank you to PR by the Book for the gifted hardcover copy in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
I listened to the audiobook while following along in the physical, and the narration was good!
Recommend checking this one out if you enjoy action mixed with sexual tension. This does end a bit on a cliffhanger, but the second book is out now as well!
Thank you to PR by the Book for the gifted hardcover copy in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
February 29, 2024
I honestly couldn’t put this book down it was so good and kept my attention so well. Only complaint is that it’s more violent than I expected, almost to the point where it’s slightly disturbing
April 30, 2024
4.25 ⭐️ (review soon)
September 28, 2023
Wow! Is it too crazy to say that I can’t wait to see this story play out on the big screen one day…
An incredible debut that leaves you wondering how the author was able to create such dynamic and complicated characters within such a thrilling storyline. Creepily relevant and modern while at the same time weaving in a love triangle that I didn’t see coming. Could not put this book down. Im left wondering what’s going to happen to the characters next and still spinning about my feelings for one character in particular.
Gripping, thrilling, complicated and full of drama, The Rising Order far succeeded my expectations. Looking forward to seeing more from this author!!
An incredible debut that leaves you wondering how the author was able to create such dynamic and complicated characters within such a thrilling storyline. Creepily relevant and modern while at the same time weaving in a love triangle that I didn’t see coming. Could not put this book down. Im left wondering what’s going to happen to the characters next and still spinning about my feelings for one character in particular.
Gripping, thrilling, complicated and full of drama, The Rising Order far succeeded my expectations. Looking forward to seeing more from this author!!
September 27, 2023
My absolute favorite book of 2023! The Rising Order is a page-turning thriller that had me invested in the characters! Lots of action, suspense, plot twists and romance! It is like a present day Hunger Games meets Divergent! The author has you captivated in the story, you feel like you're there! I can't say enough about this book!
November 2, 2023
This book was so dang good. Can’t wait to read more of it in the next book. Highly recommended
September 17, 2023
I've recently been in a malaise when it comes to reading and have struggled to pick it back up. But finding this book reinvigorated my love for reading. The pacing is excellent, starting at breakneck speed and rarely slowing to catch its breath. The characters are brilliantly developed, invoking strong reactions and showing Isenthal's ability to write round characters that spark self-reflection (I continually imagined myself in the character's shoes, trying to see how I would react to the various situations they face). And the writing reminds me of some of my other favorite authors, like Don Winslow.
Perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay this book, though, is that I could never predict the turns. Just when I thought I had thrillers all figured out, Isenthal has sucked me back in - and with a debut novel at that!
Perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay this book, though, is that I could never predict the turns. Just when I thought I had thrillers all figured out, Isenthal has sucked me back in - and with a debut novel at that!
September 22, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Claire Isenthal. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, the characters are well-developed, and the story is full of suspense. The writing is vivid and descriptive, and the plot is fast-paced and engaging. As a Chicagoan, this one hits close to home. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller and I'm looking forward to the 2nd installment.
February 3, 2025
I sincerely loved this book and am so glad I discovered it! I think it deserves way more credit and attention. This is such a unique story because it doesn’t stick to one genre. It has elements of a thriller, a romance (maybe even a dark one), and dystopian. The writing and story-telling kept me hooked the entire time and I wanted to go back and read more as soon as I stopped. Even after finishing it I find myself thinking about it and trying to examine the deeper themes of the book. Major props to the author for putting so much thought and attention into creating this over the course of six years. It is evident that the time invested into it was well spent!
I think as a fantasy reader you always naturally root for the villain (or at least I do), and in this story the character who fulfills that role is Wolf. He truly is a character who you would think would not be redeemable in any way. And maybe he isn’t in your opinion. That is for you to judge. After all - he does have malicious intent in every sense of the way and shows not a single ounce of remorse when acting on behalf of REDS. That being said, I feel like the author did an awesome job of humanizing the villain. Bit by bit as you go throughout this book, you begin to feel yourself empathize more with Wolf and why he is the way that he is at this point in time. Flynn’s ability to show compassion and search to find the good when all appears evil is the driving force behind all of this. I have never read about such a compassionate and resilient female character.
I won’t spoil for anyone where Wolf and Flynn’s relationship eventually goes, but one thing I will say is I loved the progression of it throughout the book. We see at the very beginning the reason why Wolf spares Flynn’s life, and how that one moment changed everything. Throughout the rest of the sequence of events in the book we see cracks in Wolf’s façade because of it. He can’t seem to shake Flynn no matter how evil he gets. He stays in constant battle with his dichotomous feelings - between want and need, good and evil, strength and weakness. She is a haunting example to him of his inner turmoil, and when he looks at her he feels this sort of dual existence that before was shut off. On the flip side, the FMC, Flynn, is also at war with herself. Wolf has given her every reason to hate him and to give all the ruthless violence back to him. He threatens her family and her life many, many times, not to mention he works under a terrorist organization and is using her for access to information at Magnetic. Yet, he has spared her life before and continues to protect her.
*Minor spoiler* - I loved the scene at the end of the book where Flynn has Nate in a chokehold and she is pointing the gun at Wolf, ready to shoot and end it all. With shaking hands, she gets ready to pull the trigger and something stops her. The author writes it as seeing a reflection of herself as she stares into the eyes of Wolf - all the pain that has been bottling up inside of her has led her to rage and violence, just the same as Wolf. She realizes she is the exact thing that Wolf has become, and that their relationship was always taking something from the other person. I thought that moment was very well done and was a great conclusion to all of these confusing moments between the two of them the whole book.
Needless to say, I am PUMPED for any other books that come out of this series. I would love to see where the story progresses from here. Also side note - I love listening to music now as I read, especially in tense moments. If you like to have music on as well, the song “Renegade” by Aaryan Shah goes SO WELL with this story. “Didn’t you listen to them?” “Don’t you know what I am?”
I think as a fantasy reader you always naturally root for the villain (or at least I do), and in this story the character who fulfills that role is Wolf. He truly is a character who you would think would not be redeemable in any way. And maybe he isn’t in your opinion. That is for you to judge. After all - he does have malicious intent in every sense of the way and shows not a single ounce of remorse when acting on behalf of REDS. That being said, I feel like the author did an awesome job of humanizing the villain. Bit by bit as you go throughout this book, you begin to feel yourself empathize more with Wolf and why he is the way that he is at this point in time. Flynn’s ability to show compassion and search to find the good when all appears evil is the driving force behind all of this. I have never read about such a compassionate and resilient female character.
I won’t spoil for anyone where Wolf and Flynn’s relationship eventually goes, but one thing I will say is I loved the progression of it throughout the book. We see at the very beginning the reason why Wolf spares Flynn’s life, and how that one moment changed everything. Throughout the rest of the sequence of events in the book we see cracks in Wolf’s façade because of it. He can’t seem to shake Flynn no matter how evil he gets. He stays in constant battle with his dichotomous feelings - between want and need, good and evil, strength and weakness. She is a haunting example to him of his inner turmoil, and when he looks at her he feels this sort of dual existence that before was shut off. On the flip side, the FMC, Flynn, is also at war with herself. Wolf has given her every reason to hate him and to give all the ruthless violence back to him. He threatens her family and her life many, many times, not to mention he works under a terrorist organization and is using her for access to information at Magnetic. Yet, he has spared her life before and continues to protect her.
*Minor spoiler* - I loved the scene at the end of the book where Flynn has Nate in a chokehold and she is pointing the gun at Wolf, ready to shoot and end it all. With shaking hands, she gets ready to pull the trigger and something stops her. The author writes it as seeing a reflection of herself as she stares into the eyes of Wolf - all the pain that has been bottling up inside of her has led her to rage and violence, just the same as Wolf. She realizes she is the exact thing that Wolf has become, and that their relationship was always taking something from the other person. I thought that moment was very well done and was a great conclusion to all of these confusing moments between the two of them the whole book.
Needless to say, I am PUMPED for any other books that come out of this series. I would love to see where the story progresses from here. Also side note - I love listening to music now as I read, especially in tense moments. If you like to have music on as well, the song “Renegade” by Aaryan Shah goes SO WELL with this story. “Didn’t you listen to them?” “Don’t you know what I am?”
March 7, 2024
“The end goal was the same for each—societal breakdown. Destruction before creation.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
Wasn’t really grabbing me until 60%, then I was really turning the pages. End felt like a major cliffhanger.
October 28, 2023
Not good, but not awful either. It was just meh.
The book has a lot of potential, as it deals with a very heavy and important subject, but I felt like something was missing. Maybe if we had seen more into why the characters are doing what they're doing and what their motive or goal is, it would have been better. It also felt very repetitive, the same conversations were had and the same things kept happening. And of course it ended with a cliffhanger which I don't love. The second book isn't out, but I don't think if I'd pick it up.
**Thanks to Goodreads for sending me a copy of this book**
The book has a lot of potential, as it deals with a very heavy and important subject, but I felt like something was missing. Maybe if we had seen more into why the characters are doing what they're doing and what their motive or goal is, it would have been better. It also felt very repetitive, the same conversations were had and the same things kept happening. And of course it ended with a cliffhanger which I don't love. The second book isn't out, but I don't think if I'd pick it up.
**Thanks to Goodreads for sending me a copy of this book**
January 10, 2024
The Rising Order
A group of domestic terrorists prey on young men that feel like they have been abandoned by everyone and are searching for where they belong. The leaders of this terrorist group use intimidation to teach them how to be “men.” In the end they are used to help terrorize Chicago. One of the best recruits dutifully performs all his assigned tasks with ease. Until he runs into one female. Now he is torn between saving himself and his “family” and protecting her.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
A group of domestic terrorists prey on young men that feel like they have been abandoned by everyone and are searching for where they belong. The leaders of this terrorist group use intimidation to teach them how to be “men.” In the end they are used to help terrorize Chicago. One of the best recruits dutifully performs all his assigned tasks with ease. Until he runs into one female. Now he is torn between saving himself and his “family” and protecting her.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
November 13, 2023
What a debut! Claire absolutely knocks this out of the park, diving deep into the psychological side of extremism in this debut novel that is bound to stun every reader. From the action to the chapter by chapter viewpoint of each character, Claire sucks you in with her writing and begs you to put the book down. Spoiler alert—you can’t. What an incredible talent! Go read it now!
August 29, 2024
Okay, I have to start by absolutely raving about the concept of this book! There are SO many dystopian government books out there that are amazing, but we normally come in as the audience at the time of revolution (The Hunger Games, Divergent, Red Rising, need I go on…?). Those books are exciting and are all about the rise against power. BUT this book is the start of the collapse and the reason why society crumbled. Set in modern-day Chicago, it starts with a HUGE TRIGGER WARNING mass shooting that leads to mass panic, confusion, and fear. Our main character Flynn gets wrapped up in a terrorist plot to take down society as we know it and make it how they think it should be. Flynn is caught between saving THE WORLD and saving her family - listen, it’s a hard choice and I’m with Flynn on this one.
This book is a DEBUT for this author and I absolutely loved it! I thought the overall plot, action, and concept was so interesting. And you can tell she’s from the Midwest because she nailed Chicago. I knew exactly where everything was and the targets that were attacked so I really connected to this book (and honestly, with how Chicago is right now, maybe hitting the nail a little too hard on the head?). While the overall terrorist plot is pretty black and white in terms of good and bad, there were so many little trigger points scattered through the backstory of the organization that it’s like … yikes, I could see how they have a very twisted point. It made reading it really interesting. Obviously, they are evil and wrong, but I could see their way of thinking and how they came to that decision without it just being like “oh well they’re just bad people.” Anyone who can make me see the villain’s side and humanize them a bit is a fantastic writer in my opinion.
Now hear me out. You’ve heard of “morally grey” characters and book boyfriends. This book introduces the morally onyx character. I’m not going to lie to you, he’s done some real bad things. Like probably definitely shouldn’t can’t forgive kind of things. HOWEVER, I love the way he’s written. I’ll let you decide for yourself how you want his ending to go (I have some big but spoiler-y thoughts, so I’ll keep it to myself for right now).
As a whole, I loved this one and definitely recommend to anyone looking for an exciting action book told in alternating POVs between a terrorist and a girl caught in the middle. I believe this is going to be a duology (we love) so also STAY TUNED FOR A BIG CLIFFHANGER AND THRILLING SECOND HALF!
**spoiler starts here
If I loved it so much, why a 4 star instead of 5 star rating? I have to put this in the spoiler section because there were some specific things. One, it was a little jumpy in terms of the linear timeline. It spanned quite a few months, which I appreciate because Flynn was literally kidnapped and tortured, she needed time to heal and get back to work. Makes sense. But then after the first third-ish of the book where the opening action and healing were, the scene cuts were a little jumpy. One that really stood out for me was when she got off the boat with Wolf after one of their meetings, it went to him kind of pining over her and then all of a sudden she was in a sketchy part of town buying an unregistered firearm. I had to go back and see where she had even been contemplating that or had talked to anyone to get the “password” but it seemed to kind of come out of nowhere. It made total sense that she would want to arm herself - I mean a terrorist organization had literally been threatening her for months - but it was a jarring scene that was just kind of dropped in. There were a few others like that where they made sense as a whole, but just seemed pasted in.
JUSTICE FOR CORI. That is all. Oh wait, I hope Nate doesn’t die. He doesn’t have to end up with Flynn, I’m not sure I’m 100% in on that romance between them but I AM in on Nate as a human living through this ordeal. If he dies, I will be very, very sad.
I love a morally grey “touch her and I’ll kill you” character as much as the next bookworm girl, but I think Wolf kind of pushed that line for me towards the end and I’m not really on board with the Wolf/Flynn romance. If she can use it to weaken him, great, but I hope she’s not like “oh it’s all forgiven, thanks for putting a literal knife in my best friend’s back, though, I forgive you.” I hope this was the catalyst to try to stop them but it’ll be really interesting if this series doesn’t have a happy ending and it does end with the REDS accomplishing their goals.
This book is a DEBUT for this author and I absolutely loved it! I thought the overall plot, action, and concept was so interesting. And you can tell she’s from the Midwest because she nailed Chicago. I knew exactly where everything was and the targets that were attacked so I really connected to this book (and honestly, with how Chicago is right now, maybe hitting the nail a little too hard on the head?). While the overall terrorist plot is pretty black and white in terms of good and bad, there were so many little trigger points scattered through the backstory of the organization that it’s like … yikes, I could see how they have a very twisted point. It made reading it really interesting. Obviously, they are evil and wrong, but I could see their way of thinking and how they came to that decision without it just being like “oh well they’re just bad people.” Anyone who can make me see the villain’s side and humanize them a bit is a fantastic writer in my opinion.
Now hear me out. You’ve heard of “morally grey” characters and book boyfriends. This book introduces the morally onyx character. I’m not going to lie to you, he’s done some real bad things. Like probably definitely shouldn’t can’t forgive kind of things. HOWEVER, I love the way he’s written. I’ll let you decide for yourself how you want his ending to go (I have some big but spoiler-y thoughts, so I’ll keep it to myself for right now).
As a whole, I loved this one and definitely recommend to anyone looking for an exciting action book told in alternating POVs between a terrorist and a girl caught in the middle. I believe this is going to be a duology (we love) so also STAY TUNED FOR A BIG CLIFFHANGER AND THRILLING SECOND HALF!
**spoiler starts here
If I loved it so much, why a 4 star instead of 5 star rating? I have to put this in the spoiler section because there were some specific things. One, it was a little jumpy in terms of the linear timeline. It spanned quite a few months, which I appreciate because Flynn was literally kidnapped and tortured, she needed time to heal and get back to work. Makes sense. But then after the first third-ish of the book where the opening action and healing were, the scene cuts were a little jumpy. One that really stood out for me was when she got off the boat with Wolf after one of their meetings, it went to him kind of pining over her and then all of a sudden she was in a sketchy part of town buying an unregistered firearm. I had to go back and see where she had even been contemplating that or had talked to anyone to get the “password” but it seemed to kind of come out of nowhere. It made total sense that she would want to arm herself - I mean a terrorist organization had literally been threatening her for months - but it was a jarring scene that was just kind of dropped in. There were a few others like that where they made sense as a whole, but just seemed pasted in.
JUSTICE FOR CORI. That is all. Oh wait, I hope Nate doesn’t die. He doesn’t have to end up with Flynn, I’m not sure I’m 100% in on that romance between them but I AM in on Nate as a human living through this ordeal. If he dies, I will be very, very sad.
I love a morally grey “touch her and I’ll kill you” character as much as the next bookworm girl, but I think Wolf kind of pushed that line for me towards the end and I’m not really on board with the Wolf/Flynn romance. If she can use it to weaken him, great, but I hope she’s not like “oh it’s all forgiven, thanks for putting a literal knife in my best friend’s back, though, I forgive you.” I hope this was the catalyst to try to stop them but it’ll be really interesting if this series doesn’t have a happy ending and it does end with the REDS accomplishing their goals.
March 21, 2024
In “The Rising Order,” author Claire Isenthal crafts a tense dystopian thriller that plunges readers into a world of moral ambiguity and heart-wrenching choices. Flynn Zarytsky, caught in the crosshairs of a homegrown terrorist organization, faces an impossible decision—save her loved ones or prevent catastrophic devastation. As she grapples with loyalty, the narrative unfolds with gripping intensity, reminiscent of Homeland and the Divergent series. A thought-provoking exploration of sacrifice and survival, “The Rising Order” offers a riveting adult perspective on the harrowing lead-up to a dystopian society.
Curating Edits Review of The Rising Order
Trigger warnings do come in the book, so the reader is aware beforehand of what to expect. The word “gripping” came up a lot while I was reading “The Rising Order”. The subject matter was intense, in the unfortunate scenario we are all currently living in when acts of terrorism can take place at any moment. I did put the book down a few times, to regroup and process my feelings towards the difficult situation Flynn Zarytsky faces throughout this book.
Flynn comes face to face with someone she met in her past, this person is now committing a heinous terrorist attack on the city of Chicago, and the odds of it all will have you glued to reading what happens next in The Rising Order.
Not only is this thriller a page-turner it is also compelling. As the reader you will ask yourself many times how you would handle the situation Flynn finds herself in. As initially stated in the beginning, there is a moral dilemma of saving her loved ones or stopping RED. Wolf also faces a dilemma, the lone soldier has now met his match. He finally realizes he’s not empty inside, but again, that moral dilemma is tricky. Wolf is living a spectrum of good and evil, it is a lot to process but time is ticking literally.
Curating Edits Review of The Rising Order
Trigger warnings do come in the book, so the reader is aware beforehand of what to expect. The word “gripping” came up a lot while I was reading “The Rising Order”. The subject matter was intense, in the unfortunate scenario we are all currently living in when acts of terrorism can take place at any moment. I did put the book down a few times, to regroup and process my feelings towards the difficult situation Flynn Zarytsky faces throughout this book.
Flynn comes face to face with someone she met in her past, this person is now committing a heinous terrorist attack on the city of Chicago, and the odds of it all will have you glued to reading what happens next in The Rising Order.
Not only is this thriller a page-turner it is also compelling. As the reader you will ask yourself many times how you would handle the situation Flynn finds herself in. As initially stated in the beginning, there is a moral dilemma of saving her loved ones or stopping RED. Wolf also faces a dilemma, the lone soldier has now met his match. He finally realizes he’s not empty inside, but again, that moral dilemma is tricky. Wolf is living a spectrum of good and evil, it is a lot to process but time is ticking literally.
October 6, 2025
Claire Isenthal writes an intense thriller with The Rising Order
In The Rising Order, the reader is brought into the life of Flynn Zarytsky, a recruiter for a tech company. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. First, I must say to read it from beginning to end. The author warns that there are scenes that may be troubling for some, and that it is not promoting infliction of violence on others, and once you read the story, you understand the warning. Flynn is a magnetic character, no pun intended because she works for Magnetic. She is a real, hard-hitting character, and then becomes an unwitting pawn, because of Wolf, a card-carrying, intense member of REDS. REDS is a close knit organization that is intent on the destruction of others, through many methods of violence, and intimidation. It will use whoever it can to get the job done, and the final result of pain, suffering, and whatever the next cause to destroy is. The author tells this story well, and scenes are very descripted, and you find yourself, wondering what the next page is going to contain. The game is afoot, and there is nothing fun about the rules and endgame. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. This story is absolutely chilling, with death around every corner. An intense storyline, with little wiggle room for nothing but chills and fear. Some characters you just love to hate, and some you just can't stand because of the character, as if he was a real radicalistic, and that one is Wolf. His moniker fits his character, and more. The Rising Order is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
In The Rising Order, the reader is brought into the life of Flynn Zarytsky, a recruiter for a tech company. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. First, I must say to read it from beginning to end. The author warns that there are scenes that may be troubling for some, and that it is not promoting infliction of violence on others, and once you read the story, you understand the warning. Flynn is a magnetic character, no pun intended because she works for Magnetic. She is a real, hard-hitting character, and then becomes an unwitting pawn, because of Wolf, a card-carrying, intense member of REDS. REDS is a close knit organization that is intent on the destruction of others, through many methods of violence, and intimidation. It will use whoever it can to get the job done, and the final result of pain, suffering, and whatever the next cause to destroy is. The author tells this story well, and scenes are very descripted, and you find yourself, wondering what the next page is going to contain. The game is afoot, and there is nothing fun about the rules and endgame. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. This story is absolutely chilling, with death around every corner. An intense storyline, with little wiggle room for nothing but chills and fear. Some characters you just love to hate, and some you just can't stand because of the character, as if he was a real radicalistic, and that one is Wolf. His moniker fits his character, and more. The Rising Order is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
October 9, 2023
Wanting to have a fun night out, Flynn reluctantly agrees to go to a team building work function, a concert, when a coworker insists that she goes. Shortly after the concert begins, gunfire erupts. The concert is abandoned as everyone panics and tries to escape to safety. Chicago’s own homegrown terrorist organization claims responsibility for the attack. Unfortunately for Flynn, she has found herself in the crosshairs of a terrorist.
THE RISING ORDER opens with a mass shooting event, which has been a hot topic for the last two decades here in the U.S. This is the first book I have read with this type of premise. I thought for a first book that it was captivating and a very good read. There were a few spots where the sentence structure was off. I also didn’t really connect to the story or have any deep feelings about the plot or characters in spite of such a heavy topic until the last 2 chapters. I am surprised I made it through 50 chapters without the book getting under my skin. I found the use of animal characteristics for the terrorist an interesting touch to the story. Some information was added for fluff, such as her creepy boss sexually harassing her, but then that storyline just abruptly ends. Overall, I found this to be a great solid first book. I am very interested in seeing where Claire goes next as a writer!
I also think that this book should be listed in the horror genre instead of just mystery/thriller.
THE RISING ORDER opens with a mass shooting event, which has been a hot topic for the last two decades here in the U.S. This is the first book I have read with this type of premise. I thought for a first book that it was captivating and a very good read. There were a few spots where the sentence structure was off. I also didn’t really connect to the story or have any deep feelings about the plot or characters in spite of such a heavy topic until the last 2 chapters. I am surprised I made it through 50 chapters without the book getting under my skin. I found the use of animal characteristics for the terrorist an interesting touch to the story. Some information was added for fluff, such as her creepy boss sexually harassing her, but then that storyline just abruptly ends. Overall, I found this to be a great solid first book. I am very interested in seeing where Claire goes next as a writer!
I also think that this book should be listed in the horror genre instead of just mystery/thriller.
May 7, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book from Claire. She even wrote a personal note in it. I’m so glad I saw her Facebook post the day she offered her book!! To say I loved this book would be an understatement. I didn’t want to put it down and neglected many chores in order to race to the end. I fell in love with Flynn and Nate and even Wolf. I was actually rooting for Wolf the entire way through! The characters are so real, I feel like I know them. Flynn had such compassion to see the heart of a person, even a person doing evil things. The struggle that Wolf goes through is real and makes you want the best for him in his terrible existence. At least it did for me.
The book makes you think about things that are going on in this world and what possesses people to do the things they do. What may have happened in their lives to make them the person they came to be. Wolf is thinking about his childhood and to where his life has lead him and he thinks this:
“Other kinds of brutality could destroy a person. True villains preyed on the depths of a human soul. They reached in and ripped it apart. Manipulation was their ultimate weapon, far more dangerous than physical harm. Villains preyed on the emotions that separated humans from animals. They went after the unimaginable—to places impossible to conjure in childhood fantasies.”
Do yourself a favor and read this fantastic book! Now to grab a copy of the next one, The New Order!!
BRAVO Claire Isenthal 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The book makes you think about things that are going on in this world and what possesses people to do the things they do. What may have happened in their lives to make them the person they came to be. Wolf is thinking about his childhood and to where his life has lead him and he thinks this:
“Other kinds of brutality could destroy a person. True villains preyed on the depths of a human soul. They reached in and ripped it apart. Manipulation was their ultimate weapon, far more dangerous than physical harm. Villains preyed on the emotions that separated humans from animals. They went after the unimaginable—to places impossible to conjure in childhood fantasies.”
Do yourself a favor and read this fantastic book! Now to grab a copy of the next one, The New Order!!
BRAVO Claire Isenthal 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
November 5, 2023
The novel starts with a terror attack during a concert at Soldier Field in Chicago and the terrorists are a little known and under-estimated home-grown group called REDS. Flynn, our protagonist, is at the concert and survives the traumatizing ordeal only to be taken hostage and threatened with the deaths of her friends and family unless she helps REDS execute their next attack on the city. Our protagonist also becomes our antagonist....a unique idea and results in an interesting exploration of character development.
This is a fast-paced thriller with a protagonist who becomes sympathetic (to an extent) with the bad guys. This feels like a very timely plot in light of global unrest and the lack of civility among groups in the U.S. -- a very scary thought.
This is Claire Isenthal's debut novel. She is a young woman from my community who went to school with my kids....so I picked up this title because I was curious. And I was not disappointed. Her writing style is thoughtful and descriptive. I'm sure Mrs. Vesely -- the 5th grade teacher to whom the book is dedicated -- is proud.
Spoiler Alert: My only criticism is that the novel ends with "End of Book One," which I don't like. I wish the novel had definitive closure, rather than leaving us hanging. Hopefully the sequel will be published, otherwise, the story is incomplete.
This is a fast-paced thriller with a protagonist who becomes sympathetic (to an extent) with the bad guys. This feels like a very timely plot in light of global unrest and the lack of civility among groups in the U.S. -- a very scary thought.
This is Claire Isenthal's debut novel. She is a young woman from my community who went to school with my kids....so I picked up this title because I was curious. And I was not disappointed. Her writing style is thoughtful and descriptive. I'm sure Mrs. Vesely -- the 5th grade teacher to whom the book is dedicated -- is proud.
Spoiler Alert: My only criticism is that the novel ends with "End of Book One," which I don't like. I wish the novel had definitive closure, rather than leaving us hanging. Hopefully the sequel will be published, otherwise, the story is incomplete.
October 22, 2024
Claire Isenthal's debut is called "The Rising Order." It is a gripping, heart-pounding novel that plunges you into a dystopian present that feels eerily close to our own. Every page is like walking alone in a dark alley at 2AM., with the creeping dread of danger lurking around every corner. The suspense builds relentlessly as a tech-savvy domestic terror group begins attacking society's critical systems, public spaces, and emotional touchstones. In this chilling world, nowhere feels safe. The sense of paranoia, coupled with the terrifying unpredictability of modern technology in the wrong hands, left me breathless and on edge, bracing for whatever might jump out next. Flynn and Wolf are walking vastly different roads in life—one hardened by violence, the other yearning for connection. They are destined for a collision that will spark both an explosion of violence and an unexpected eruption of something neither could have imagined. Their paths, though divergent, are driven by forces they don't fully understand, but when they finally meet, the clash is as destructive as it is transformative. Like two opposing storms colliding, the result is a whirlwind of chaos, passion, and danger that neither can escape, forever changing the course of their lives. Claire Isenthal is a great storyteller, and I can't wait to read Book #2!
October 19, 2023
"The Rising Order" by Claire Isenthal is an exceptional literary masterpiece that I would unquestionably teach if I were still an English teacher. This novel boasts an electrifying plot, unparalleled characterization, and a brilliant use of dual points of view. Claire's figures of speech, particularly her similes and metaphors, are so striking that they demand to be reread. Every sentence is impactful, and the ability to create such multifaceted characters, including the minor ones, is truly an art form. The book is a treasure trove of favorite passages and moments that give you goosebumps. Claire's writing style is a master class for any author, and her ability to seamlessly blend extensive research with powerful themes like extremism, big tech, gun safety, religious oppression, and gender disparity is astonishing. Her portrayal of human nature, the desire for love and acceptance, and the complex feelings of not belonging is unparalleled. Each sentence, each setting description, and each thought in the book deserves its own praise and thought. "The Rising Order" is a multifaceted and soulful masterpiece that keeps you awake, eager to uncover its next twist, making it an extraordinary journey.
October 13, 2023
4.5!!
So when I started this book I struggled to get into it because it begins with a major event. Not much exposition and then bang! (literally) you're right in the action.
But I always try to give books until the 20% mark and I'm glad I did because this one sucked me in.
Flynn lives a normal life doing normal, 20-something things when her life is turned upside down. She gets entangled with a mysterious terrorist organization that threatens to kill her friends and family if she doesn't cooperate.
She's stuck between saving her loved ones or betraying the one person keeping her safe: a strange man named Wolf.
As she learns more about Wolf, she begins to struggle with her own beliefs about good and evil, right and wrong. And Wolf, who has only known one family -- the extremist group called REDS -- questions everything he's believed for the last 10 years.
I can't wait for book 2 😭
So when I started this book I struggled to get into it because it begins with a major event. Not much exposition and then bang! (literally) you're right in the action.
But I always try to give books until the 20% mark and I'm glad I did because this one sucked me in.
Flynn lives a normal life doing normal, 20-something things when her life is turned upside down. She gets entangled with a mysterious terrorist organization that threatens to kill her friends and family if she doesn't cooperate.
She's stuck between saving her loved ones or betraying the one person keeping her safe: a strange man named Wolf.
As she learns more about Wolf, she begins to struggle with her own beliefs about good and evil, right and wrong. And Wolf, who has only known one family -- the extremist group called REDS -- questions everything he's believed for the last 10 years.
I can't wait for book 2 😭
May 25, 2024
Claire Isenthal crafts a tale like nothing I’ve ever read before. How does a sheltered young woman react after she is thrust into a savage world of senseless violence.
Claire takes us on a roller coaster of mental anguish as her protagonist, Flynn Zarytsky, survives a mass shooting only to be taken hostage by a terrorist group that is hell-bent on totally anarchy and the downfall of civilization.
The terrorists enlist her to do their bidding by threatening to murder her family and anyone else she cares about. However, if she cooperates, thousands of people will surely die at the hands of the terrorists.
Isenthal does a masterful job of detailing the impossible choices that Flynn faces. Help the terrorists with their deadly plot or sacrifice anyone she has ever loved.
When confronted with such overwhelming evil in the world, any choice you make is the wrong one.
Claire takes us on a roller coaster of mental anguish as her protagonist, Flynn Zarytsky, survives a mass shooting only to be taken hostage by a terrorist group that is hell-bent on totally anarchy and the downfall of civilization.
The terrorists enlist her to do their bidding by threatening to murder her family and anyone else she cares about. However, if she cooperates, thousands of people will surely die at the hands of the terrorists.
Isenthal does a masterful job of detailing the impossible choices that Flynn faces. Help the terrorists with their deadly plot or sacrifice anyone she has ever loved.
When confronted with such overwhelming evil in the world, any choice you make is the wrong one.
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