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Upheaval
An impossible choice - survive to live in bondage or die.
In a world torn apart by racism and nuclear warfare, Juli and her fiancé Moses, an Army Ranger, must fight to save the last stronghold of freedom in the US. With their diverse group of friends in tow, they set out to unite the disparate ethnocentric militias of Cincinnati under their leadership.
But the forces of darkness, led by the drug lord-turned-general Martin and his powerful gangs, are closing in. Will they be able to stop the darkness from taking over?
Find out in CC Robinson's debut novella Upheaval, a suspenseful tale of strength, courage, and hope in the face of unspeakable odds. Upheaval is the post-apocalyptic present-day prequel to the Divided dystopian series.
Rebel movement. Found family. Fight against impossible odds. Diverse cast of characters.
Midwestern urban setting.
Trigger Warnings: death on page, waterboarding, other violence, orphaned children, and gun violence.
In a world torn apart by racism and nuclear warfare, Juli and her fiancé Moses, an Army Ranger, must fight to save the last stronghold of freedom in the US. With their diverse group of friends in tow, they set out to unite the disparate ethnocentric militias of Cincinnati under their leadership.
But the forces of darkness, led by the drug lord-turned-general Martin and his powerful gangs, are closing in. Will they be able to stop the darkness from taking over?
Find out in CC Robinson's debut novella Upheaval, a suspenseful tale of strength, courage, and hope in the face of unspeakable odds. Upheaval is the post-apocalyptic present-day prequel to the Divided dystopian series.
Rebel movement. Found family. Fight against impossible odds. Diverse cast of characters.
Midwestern urban setting.
Trigger Warnings: death on page, waterboarding, other violence, orphaned children, and gun violence.
- GenresDystopia
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2024
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Robinson
5 books33 followersCC Robinson has over two decades’ experience in cross-cultural settings as a medical doctor working in post-civil war nations and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation led by an African-American man in Cincinnati, the setting for Divided. When she’s not throwing on her superhero cape to save her characters from their dystopian antics, CC enjoys hiking, gardening, dancing, swimming, and driving her jeep through the woods with her husband and three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 3, 2025
After reading the book I would say the cover depicts the characters of Juli and Moses as they make their way through the now ravaged, broken world. The cover would definitely make me stop and want to read the blurb to learn more about the book.
The world has now been torn apart by racism and nuclear warfare, though some people were expecting and had been somewhat preparing it is still a shock to most.
The main characters are Julianna/Juli a pregnant teacher and her fiancé Moses whom she has been dating for 9 months. The book begins after an EMP has hit and the electric has gone off for its final time. Half an hour later Juli makes the difficult and probably dangerous decision to set off alone and head to the meeting point of the like-minded group of people she and Moses are part of. Moses should be on his way over but with the area in chaos he hasn’t arrived yet and Juli doesn’t feel safe waiting, she leaves him a note and sets off. Juli may be pregnant but she and Moses have ensured she has maintained her fitness levels so she sets of running to the meeting place. Just as Juli is about to run into trouble, she is joined by Moses who had been frantically making his way to her. They end up in a shoot out with Juli having to kill to defend them for the very first time in her life. They finally get to the meeting place which is underground, it is a dancehall in an old speak easy and thankfully largely forgotten about.
Initially the group use it as a base to survive, to live in relative safety but they soon have to decide whether they should save themselves and try running to a safer area, or to stay and attempt to help others and fight those who are attacking others.
There are pockets of different survivors and militia but they are spread quite widely and though fighting back their impact is becoming less and less effective. Juli suggests them all coming together in one base, which securing would not take as many people as the individual bases were. They could pool resources and rescue people and bring them into relative safety.
The Cincinnati University is chosen for the new larger base. The different groups slowly come together and Juli and the others assign them different dormitories to stay in with their own groups so trouble within the larger group doesn’t start too.
It turns out that their radio transmissions are being listened to so a special code is created by Donna and distributed, with Moses taking the risk to attempt to sneak across the bridge to further out groups they communicate with. Unfortunately, they have a mole within the camp are betrayed again from someone with their own trusted group revealing the new code.
A battle breaks out and the decision is made that they all need to leave the University. Various people lead different groups, though Juli naturally insists on being with Moses when he finally returns. Some of the groups, escape, sadly others, including Moses and Juli’s are captured. Moses is singled out for torture though he reuses to reveal any information on the other wider spread groups.
The other former residents of the University are separated into races and given different places to live. This means that Juli’s & Moses’ core group are split up, which will make planning mass resistance, fighting back or escaping extremely difficult.
My initial thoughts upon finishing the novella were Wow what an action-packed novella where and when can I read some more of this series!
Summing up, though this is a novella it is packed with detailed world building (or should that be destroying) great characters and has so much packed in!
The world has now been torn apart by racism and nuclear warfare, though some people were expecting and had been somewhat preparing it is still a shock to most.
The main characters are Julianna/Juli a pregnant teacher and her fiancé Moses whom she has been dating for 9 months. The book begins after an EMP has hit and the electric has gone off for its final time. Half an hour later Juli makes the difficult and probably dangerous decision to set off alone and head to the meeting point of the like-minded group of people she and Moses are part of. Moses should be on his way over but with the area in chaos he hasn’t arrived yet and Juli doesn’t feel safe waiting, she leaves him a note and sets off. Juli may be pregnant but she and Moses have ensured she has maintained her fitness levels so she sets of running to the meeting place. Just as Juli is about to run into trouble, she is joined by Moses who had been frantically making his way to her. They end up in a shoot out with Juli having to kill to defend them for the very first time in her life. They finally get to the meeting place which is underground, it is a dancehall in an old speak easy and thankfully largely forgotten about.
Initially the group use it as a base to survive, to live in relative safety but they soon have to decide whether they should save themselves and try running to a safer area, or to stay and attempt to help others and fight those who are attacking others.
There are pockets of different survivors and militia but they are spread quite widely and though fighting back their impact is becoming less and less effective. Juli suggests them all coming together in one base, which securing would not take as many people as the individual bases were. They could pool resources and rescue people and bring them into relative safety.
The Cincinnati University is chosen for the new larger base. The different groups slowly come together and Juli and the others assign them different dormitories to stay in with their own groups so trouble within the larger group doesn’t start too.
It turns out that their radio transmissions are being listened to so a special code is created by Donna and distributed, with Moses taking the risk to attempt to sneak across the bridge to further out groups they communicate with. Unfortunately, they have a mole within the camp are betrayed again from someone with their own trusted group revealing the new code.
A battle breaks out and the decision is made that they all need to leave the University. Various people lead different groups, though Juli naturally insists on being with Moses when he finally returns. Some of the groups, escape, sadly others, including Moses and Juli’s are captured. Moses is singled out for torture though he reuses to reveal any information on the other wider spread groups.
The other former residents of the University are separated into races and given different places to live. This means that Juli’s & Moses’ core group are split up, which will make planning mass resistance, fighting back or escaping extremely difficult.
My initial thoughts upon finishing the novella were Wow what an action-packed novella where and when can I read some more of this series!
Summing up, though this is a novella it is packed with detailed world building (or should that be destroying) great characters and has so much packed in!
January 19, 2024
Talk about A STORY!
Upheaval is the thrilling prequel to C.C. Robinson’s upcoming post-apocalyptic Divided series. We find ourselves in the aftermath of an EMP, following Juli — an intelligent, strong female lead, and her soon-to-be husband, Moses, an army Reserve through a devastated and divisive Cincinnati. The city has been overtaken by gangbangers, led by a frightening villain named El Paco who threatens violence around every corner. With an unborn baby to protect and the drive to sustain what’s left of the city they love, Juli and Moses attempt to bring together the disparate militias within the city to overtake El Paco and his men.
Robinson manages to build a richly detailed, terrifying post-apocalyptic United States in the short span of a novella. The circumstances of the war-torn world power feel frighteningly realistic — a nod to what our futures could possibly hold — nuclear warfare, dictatorships, and EMPs. Still, even in the midst of the darkness, Robinson manages to show us pockets of humanity and hope through rich character-building. Juli and Moses are easy to root for and though they spend a majority of the novella apart, their love and devotion for one another shines through the pages.
A wonderful, well-written page-turner that kept me reading into the late evening hours. I am so excited for the next part of C.C. Robinson’s Divided series! This is a must-read for all post-apocalyptic fans!
Upheaval is the thrilling prequel to C.C. Robinson’s upcoming post-apocalyptic Divided series. We find ourselves in the aftermath of an EMP, following Juli — an intelligent, strong female lead, and her soon-to-be husband, Moses, an army Reserve through a devastated and divisive Cincinnati. The city has been overtaken by gangbangers, led by a frightening villain named El Paco who threatens violence around every corner. With an unborn baby to protect and the drive to sustain what’s left of the city they love, Juli and Moses attempt to bring together the disparate militias within the city to overtake El Paco and his men.
Robinson manages to build a richly detailed, terrifying post-apocalyptic United States in the short span of a novella. The circumstances of the war-torn world power feel frighteningly realistic — a nod to what our futures could possibly hold — nuclear warfare, dictatorships, and EMPs. Still, even in the midst of the darkness, Robinson manages to show us pockets of humanity and hope through rich character-building. Juli and Moses are easy to root for and though they spend a majority of the novella apart, their love and devotion for one another shines through the pages.
A wonderful, well-written page-turner that kept me reading into the late evening hours. I am so excited for the next part of C.C. Robinson’s Divided series! This is a must-read for all post-apocalyptic fans!
August 21, 2024
A powerful and timely debut from an up-and-coming author.
Upheaval is a prequel novella to the forthcoming Divided series, a fresh take on the dystopian genre for a new generation. Upheaval tells the story of Julie and Moses, two ordinary citizens thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Like the main characters themselves, the world of Upheaval quickly develops into something far from ordinary life, as an act of terror ignites racial and political tensions in modern-day America, leading to societal breakdown and mass violence. Julie, Moses, and a team of newfound allies unite to combat the violence around them, but with their world turned upside down, they may find not everyone can be trusted.
Some worldbuilding elements remain purposely vague, as the novella serves to set the stage for the longer series, with the promise of more details to come. Overall, a quick and fast-paced read for those anxiously awaiting the publication of the first book in the series next month.
Upheaval is a prequel novella to the forthcoming Divided series, a fresh take on the dystopian genre for a new generation. Upheaval tells the story of Julie and Moses, two ordinary citizens thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Like the main characters themselves, the world of Upheaval quickly develops into something far from ordinary life, as an act of terror ignites racial and political tensions in modern-day America, leading to societal breakdown and mass violence. Julie, Moses, and a team of newfound allies unite to combat the violence around them, but with their world turned upside down, they may find not everyone can be trusted.
Some worldbuilding elements remain purposely vague, as the novella serves to set the stage for the longer series, with the promise of more details to come. Overall, a quick and fast-paced read for those anxiously awaiting the publication of the first book in the series next month.
September 1, 2024
Upheaval is a great prequel to the upcoming Divided series! Seeing the background of some of the older characters we meet in Divided and how they ended up where they did, was thrilling and heart breaking.
This story follows Juli and Moses, soon to be married with a child on the way, as they struggle to survive uprising gang attacks and a recent EMP which shut off all communication in the country. They fight to unite militia against the upcoming gang forces, while protecting each other and their unborn child.
This story is short but thrilling from beginning to end, pulling you right into the characters lives and grieving and cheering with them. I highly recommend reading this after reading Divided as that background info, while sad, makes it better.
This story follows Juli and Moses, soon to be married with a child on the way, as they struggle to survive uprising gang attacks and a recent EMP which shut off all communication in the country. They fight to unite militia against the upcoming gang forces, while protecting each other and their unborn child.
This story is short but thrilling from beginning to end, pulling you right into the characters lives and grieving and cheering with them. I highly recommend reading this after reading Divided as that background info, while sad, makes it better.
May 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I totally loved Upheaval: A Post-Apocalyptic Prequel Novella!
At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d even finish it because dystopian isn’t usually my thing, but after chapter 1, I was curious... and by the end of chapter 2? OMG, I was completely hooked!
Juli is such a strong and impressive character. And Moses? Their character growth throughout the story had me really invested. I loved getting into their heads and seeing how differently they think about everything. This book has it all—mystery, suspense, love, fear, and so much more. Even if you don’t usually read YA dystopian stuff, you’ve got to check this out!
C.C. Robinson is an amazing storyteller, and I’m 100% here for everything she publishes! I already bought Book 1 in the Divided series and am loving it so far.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author, but this is my honest review.
I totally loved Upheaval: A Post-Apocalyptic Prequel Novella!
At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d even finish it because dystopian isn’t usually my thing, but after chapter 1, I was curious... and by the end of chapter 2? OMG, I was completely hooked!
Juli is such a strong and impressive character. And Moses? Their character growth throughout the story had me really invested. I loved getting into their heads and seeing how differently they think about everything. This book has it all—mystery, suspense, love, fear, and so much more. Even if you don’t usually read YA dystopian stuff, you’ve got to check this out!
C.C. Robinson is an amazing storyteller, and I’m 100% here for everything she publishes! I already bought Book 1 in the Divided series and am loving it so far.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author, but this is my honest review.
September 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I totally loved Upheaval: A Post-Apocalyptic Prequel Novella!
At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d even finish it because dystopian isn’t usually my thing, but after chapter 1, I was curious... and by the end of chapter 2? OMG, I was completely hooked!
Juli is such a strong and impressive character. And Moses? Their character growth throughout the story had me really invested. I loved getting into their heads and seeing how differently they think about everything. This book has it all—mystery, suspense, love, fear, and so much more. Even if you don’t usually read YA dystopian stuff, you’ve got to check this out!
C.C. Robinson is an amazing storyteller, and I’m 100% here for everything she publishes! I already bought Book 1 in the Divided series and am loving it so far.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author, but this is my honest review.
I totally loved Upheaval: A Post-Apocalyptic Prequel Novella!
At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d even finish it because dystopian isn’t usually my thing, but after chapter 1, I was curious... and by the end of chapter 2? OMG, I was completely hooked!
Juli is such a strong and impressive character. And Moses? Their character growth throughout the story had me really invested. I loved getting into their heads and seeing how differently they think about everything. This book has it all—mystery, suspense, love, fear, and so much more. Even if you don’t usually read YA dystopian stuff, you’ve got to check this out!
C.C. Robinson is an amazing storyteller, and I’m 100% here for everything she publishes! I already bought Book 1 in the Divided series and am loving it so far.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author, but this is my honest review.
July 28, 2024
I received this dystopian book for free for my honest voluntary review. I absolutely loved this author’s writing. She keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. It’s hard to put down, so exciting and has relatable characters. The plot line is engaging and I happily recommend reading this book tor all ages. It will draw you in. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. Get your copy today!
March 5, 2025
This was a prequel novella for The Divided Series which is a post-apocalyptic series. This type of book is usually one of my favorite types to read but this one was just ok. I don’t really know how to explain it other than that. EMPs across the US, gangs destroying cities, and groups of survivors trying to take back their country - sounds great! - just a little flat though. I’m not sure I’ll read the rest of the series.
March 22, 2025
I read this out of order. First I found Divided, the first full-length novel in the series. I was impressed with the amazing and varied cast of characters struggling to live in a dystopian world, but had no idea how our world devolved into theirs. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to read this prequel. It introduces some major characters fifty years before book one, and explains the fall of the United States. Most of all, it's well written and thrilling from page one!
August 17, 2024
A beautifully harrowingly realistic and poignant story as the world as people have lived in is suddenly shattered, plunging everything into fear and chaos; forcing every single person to have to fight to survive as every city across the world is gripped by fear of what's will happen next.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
October 11, 2024
I've been wanting to read something dystopian lately, and Upheaval was perfect for that. Packed with characters who are trying to come to terms with the facts of their new reality while holding onto what hope is left, Upheaval serves as a prequel novella to the Divided series. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic worlds and strongly written characters, you'll enjoy Upheaval!
August 11, 2024
Great Start!
As a prequel to a larger series, this book is a superb introduction to the characters and settings. There’s some juicy unanswered questions, and lots of room for awesome post-apocalyptic resistance cell action!
As a prequel to a larger series, this book is a superb introduction to the characters and settings. There’s some juicy unanswered questions, and lots of room for awesome post-apocalyptic resistance cell action!
September 9, 2024
this was a great prequel to a new series for me to get into and I am looking forward to read Divided in the next couple of weeks
September 15, 2024
Not what I expected.
I thought this was a post apocalyptic book and yes it was. But it was more of war than survival.
I thought this was a post apocalyptic book and yes it was. But it was more of war than survival.
July 27, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Upheaval which is the introduction novella to the series Divided. This prequel is action packed with interesting and relatable characters. I am looking forward to book one with great anticipation.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews