Beta Planet: Rise

by Dayton Grey

In 2031, fifteen-year-old Geon awakes from a coma with a biolimb arm in a postapocalyptic tech-driven world he barely recognizes. Climate catastrophes—the EarthShift—have reduced the livable landmass to a mere 1 percent, and the EndWar has killed much of the human population off. The remaining governing bodies have united into the Coalition Against the Reduction of Earth—CARE—and severely restrict all facets of life. Geon, along with his sister, two foster brothers, and new caretaker, learns to survive in a society where every aspect of life is controlled.

At first, he’s happy to have a second chance, thrust into his first day of school, surrounded by confusing 3-D holograms and into the heart-pounding new sport of JetSurf. On the surface, things seem optimistic.

But strange occurrences and a mysterious message from a supposedly dead old friend make Geon suspicious of CARE. Driven by a burning desire to know the truth, the foursome venture out in covert death-risking night missions to discover what CARE is hiding. Their search reveals a world of illegal holographic JungleWars, a secret underground society, and opulent hidden cities where only the elite survive.

Ultimately, they discover a sinister plot to control the population and a dark truth about the planet's future. Geon must risk everything to expose CARE—or abandon millions of citizens to a horrible fate.

394 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2014

About the author

Dayton Grey was born in the Midwest, schooled in the East Coast, and now lives in the West Coast.

In the seventh grade, he inadvertently won a regional creative writing tournament, planting a seed that has slowly grown. Twenty years later he now presents Beta Planet: Rise, his debut novel. His aim is to provide children the same sense of adventure and excitement he had growing up with his favorite novels.

Reviews

[Keenshopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this new book from my kids afterschool reading group and even though its listed as a slightly older age group than them, I bought it anyways after reading the sample pages online. At first I started reading it to them but lo and behold, my youngest grabbed it from my hands and started reading it himself! The book is easy enough to read for middle age group children, but interesting enough for an older group as well. my children dont really grasp all the tech part of the story (neither do I for that matter, but then again I dont know how to turn on my macbook!), but they LOVE the funny voices of Mama V and Kumuki, especially when my husband gets involved and does them out loud and acts them out and stomps around the house like Mama V. I thought this book was far more approachable than hunger games or maze runner, more intellectual than twilight (and i would let my kids read that pseudo-erotic stuff anyways), and as clever as the harry potter series. great read!​

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When the line between reality and dream begins to blur, our creative consciousness become truly awakened." Dayton Grey's opening lines couldn't better prepare the reader for what they are about to experience. These beginning statements resound throughout the novel as Grey's imagination paints a futuristic world I found engaging. Indeed, it seemed to me that Grey explored his "deepest desire, ambitions, and imaginings" through his protagonist Geon. He creates a tale that reminded me of why I got hooked on adventure stories in the first place. When Grey describes the sport JetSurf, it is hard not to feel the rush of excitement that Geon feels as he experiences it for the first time. This is the sort of engagement that I look for when choosing an adventure novel.

Often times I find authors of this genre writing in such a fantastical style that I am put off by the overindulgent tone of the author. Not with Dayton. His writing style was effective and approachable. It was never redundant and over-flourished with eccentricities; something that removes my suspension of disbelief immediately. His dialogue is clear and well written, contributing to the believability of the plot. This is why the novel was so compelling: It is Grey's ability to make real a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world that I believe in. The element that may have made this possible is the parallels to today's society that Grey seems to hint at throughout his book. In a world where every aspect of life is controlled by C.A.R.E, it was chilling to realize the implications of institutions on today’s way of life. I really enjoy when futuristic novels comment on the condition of today's society. Grey does exactly that.

[Sneh P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Harry Potter???

OK maybe thats an exaggeration, but this novella has a lot of the same qualities that I love in the HP series. Its long, (but then again so was HP), but I didnt feel like the pace or story was drawn out in any way. The author packs a tight and interesting story into these 400 or so pages. Its got really well thought out and funny charactors, death-defying missions, a new sport, and mystery. All qualities that young children, teens, and even adults like me can enjoy. I also loved the artwork and cover and also checked out the website for full color versions of all the art. Beautifully done.

Another reviewer on amazon mentioned that it starts off a bit slow. I would sort of agree with that, in that the pace and MAJOR action doesnt kick in until you get 5 chapters in or so, but thats the tradeoff. The main character wakes up from a coma, so I get why the author had the beginning paced out like that....it wouldnt make sense if Geon woke up from a coma and immedietely was running around caught in a deep adventure without first taking the time to understand the new world around him.

There are a couple parts of the book that didnt seem to connect together as well as I would have liked, but that a minor critique. I would have actually given it 4.5 stars, but rounded to 5 since we cant give halves here. As an avid reader and amateur writer myself, I hope that amazon can support lesser known authors like this one, giving the book a little bit of the spotlight it deserves!

[Cris Ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ! Action, adventure, comedy, danger, and excitement!

My mother read a synopsis of this story on another site and recommended to me and I got it at a discount from amazon. With new series books, you really dont know what you are going to get sometimes, but Im SO glad I took the chance. The story was really well developed and incredibly well thought out. I'm a bit of a sci fi geek so one of my biggest pet peeves is reading a book or watching a show or movie that doesnt explain how the "futuristic" tech works. They simply just have some magical device that does something crazy. It annoys the you-know-what out of me. well, fortunately, this book doesnt do any of that. its got pretty realistic tech in it, but its all well explained to the point where I actually thought the writer might have some tech background or something like that.

aside from that, its a great story that I could easily see adapted into a film. the charactors are original and unique (especially mama v!) and a total riot and the pace of the story is good without enough side stories to keep it interesting. i really appreciate that the author actually including a little bit of artwork in the book too. it made it really satisfying to read about something new, like the sport of jetsurf, and then see a pic of it at the end of the chapter.

the back cover compares this book to roald dahl and i would say thats pretty accurate. its got that same sense of fear, danger, and adventure that something like the witches had in it. overall A+!

[Barbara Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to babysit (not exactly babysitting) my 13 year old nephew who's always full of energy and would just never sit down. It's really hard to keep him entertained and I'm always looking around to find something cool and interesting for him. I got a copy of this book because he is a big time sci-fi fan and I was quite sure that he'd love the book. Moreover, looking at the price, I did not think twice before hitting the buy now button.

His name is George and he kept referring to the main character as George. He actually pictured himself in the story and was reading it all by himself. I hate to admit this, but I absolutely loved the story too and I feel that I liked it way more than he did. It was super-interesting and filled with a whole lot of action and adventure. I could go on and on about how amazing it is, but I'd stop right now before I give away anything important.

All in all, I give this bad boy 5 shiny stars and would recommend it to anybody who wants to spend some quality time with their children. Trust me, you'll enjoy it too.

[Rachel Horon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you woke up from a coma after six years. While it had been done before, in this case, Geon wakes up to an Earth which he describes as looking more like the barren moon than the lush, green planet he knew. While he is trying to cope with the changes in his life, he is not ready to adapt completely to his new life. This is especially true as he learns more about the government's control and monitoring of the 1% of the existing population. Geon, his sister Allea, and his two foster brothers Sabien and Kumuki take risks in their search for the truth of what is going on. Young readers who want excitement and a futuristic storyline will be satisfied with this book. The characters are fun and realistic and the overall story is written well with such creativity and imagination. Highly recommended!

[Lesley Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read books for young people but this one was highly recommended so I thought I'd take a look. I love stories set in the future, and this one didn't disappoint. There have been so many books and movies produced over the past few years set in post-apocalyptic worlds that the stories can tend to be very much alike. However, Beta Planet is very original, and I think it avoids any clichés by containing some great humour and some fun characters; in particular, I really liked Mama V.

Unusual in a book of this kind are the brilliant illustrations. They really bring the book to life and make it far more accessible for younger children. All in all, a fun and engrossing read for people of all ages, but especially kids; I'm sure that yours will love it.

[Mr F · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO SPOILERS! Stunning young adult sci-fi adventure story! This took me back to the days of reading the hardy boys but mixed with an incredible sci-fi world. Its not overly "fantasy", but it incorporates really cool technology that to be honest, is just over the horizon. Im surprised Apple hasnt made the "lifecuff" yet!

Aside from the tech, the characters are hilarious and well developed and the story is really well thought out and paced. There are twists and turns that I wont reveal here, but if you like harry potter, the divergent series, hunger games series, even roald dahl books, you will likely like this one. A great read!

[Champika Wickramasinghe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading.So, I want to read different book this time. When I find a book, I received this by chance.So,
I decided to buy this book.Actually,The book is geared for teens and tween but I hope this won't discourage adults from reading as I enjoyed this book from start to finish! So,A full novel length book with wonderfully created characters.well developed. Fun read.As well as, the book is easy enough to read for middle age group children, but interesting enough for an older group as well.Finally, I suggest my friends to read this and I presented my brother.Actually, very excellent book.I highly recommended.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great adventure for teens and adults alike

I’ll admit it, I read many books under the pretense that I am only making sure they are appropriate for my many nieces and nephews when in fact 90% of the time I enjoy the books just as much as them. I also love being the cool aunt who’s discovered another awesome book, like this one. This story might seem like your typical post-apocalypse story but the author’s unique writing and memorable characters makes this stand out. I’d have to say Mama V is my favorite character, she is amazing. For a debut novel this is fantastic. Very creative and fun to read, even for an adult. My 14 year old nephew said he loved it, and he’s a picky reader.

[Taylor Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! The author has done an amazing job of making the plot interesting and fun. My favorite part of this book was that it was set in the future time. The author does a great job with the story and he describes the settings well. It did really feel like the future and I appreciated that a lot. Geon is the main character and he is very brave! At 15 years-old, he is already thinking of others' needs and trying to save the world. I think that this book is perfect for young adults and they can learn a lot from it.

[J Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable tale!
Wow! I’m speechless………
Unpredictable events and stunning twists provoked the plot of this sci-fiction tale. It is skillfully engraved with the magic of the author. There is no ease in this adventurous tale after Geon is awaken from the coma. The adventures were really stirring, they convey contagious thrills which are easily transmitted to readers. The characters were well adorned with vivid and flamboyant words, thus they shone brightly. Indeed this epic tale is a store house for excitement and laughter. I love it!

[Tiff Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beta Planet: Rise" is an interesting post-apocalyptic book that had me reading through the pages until I came to the last page. It has a well-defined and intriguing plot that features Geon as the main character. He has to figure how to survive in a society whre every aspect of life is controlled. Although just fifteen years old, he has to fight against a sinister plot in order to save the planet's future.

I enjoy reading this book has it is action packed and well paced so I never bored as I read through the pages. I strongly recommend this book for someone who loves a good read.

[Nicolas H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, the book Beta Planet: Rise by Dayton Grey was a good book and was very enjoyable. The book was very clear, even though the main character(Geon) woke up in a changed world with society being completely different. Since the world is different, it is easy to see that this book fits into the genre of low fantasy. This is because the story takes place on Earth only eleven years in the future, but there is still a lot of new technology that we will probably never see any time soon. Grey was able to describe the changed world very well through dialogue with Geon’s friends; Sabien, Allea, and Kumuki, as well as Geon’s thoughts.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is learning how Earth changed with Geon. Grey did a great job not throwing all of the information at the readers face as soon as Geon wakes up, but rather sprinkles information about the new Earth little by little throughout the book. That way, it is easier to retain the information on how the Earth nearly got destroyed. This creates a lot of suspense, and you never really know what happened to Earth. When Geon wakes up, his family talked to him as if he knew everything about the world, when he was really in a coma for the past six years. Geon has to ask questions and figure out for himself how the world changed.

Another very interesting part of the book was the conflict. The book had a very interesting problem and Geon and his friends had to investigate and do a lot of thinking to finally uncover the mystery. The Earth in the future is ran by a company called CARE. They pretend that they are helping the Earth, when they are really only helping themselves. Geon and his friends have to go to a lot of places to finally find out that CARE is actually a bad company. Everyone on Earth is suspicious of CARE, but it’s interesting to read how Geon and his friends find out the truth on how CARE is working only for themselves.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geon feels like he is in a different world. A lot has changed in the nearly 7 years he was in a coma-only 1% of the world is inhabitable, more than 90% of the world's population is gone, and technology has advanced so far he doesn't recognize it.
There is also a new governing body-CARE. The Coalition Against the Reduction of Earth stepped in to help save what was left of the world and now they are in charge of everything. They regulate everything-including how long you sleep and how many calories you burn in a day. Most people see them as saviors, but there are those that suspect something more sinister.
As happy as he is to have this second chance at a life and a family, things start to not add up like they should; causing Geon to question the motives of CARE as well. Soon he and his siblings will start looking for answers, but doesn't take long before they find more than they bargained for.

Dayton Grey puts you right smack in the middle of the devastation and makes you feel as if you were really there. Beta Planet: Rise is a book people of all ages will enjoy.
Everything about this book is good, and you can tell the author put a lot of heart and thought into everything he wrote. There is an explanation for everything, and it helps make the story believable. I also liked the way Grey incorporated the problems of today (global warming, technology, 'Big Brother', etc) into the future he created in a way that was very plausible and made sense.
Grey sets the story up perfectly, and made it easy for us to learn about everything since we were learning about it at the same time Geon was. It was a brilliant way to explain what was happening and how things work without slowing down the story or squeezing it in in a way that left the reader confused. It helps keep the story flowing and the reader informed.
The characters are another home run. They are written with complex human emotions and their own personalities; they seem more like real people instead of just characters in a book. The fact they are all multicultural is also something that is well done and rings true.
Grey's talent is on full display with this book. It is well written with fully developed, believable characters and a story that sucks you in and doesn't let you go. Beta Planet: Rise is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and entertained until the end. I loved it, and I'm sure you will too. I definitely want more!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an action-packed and heart-racing adventure thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and completely engaged from the moment I started reading. The story reminds me of a lot of what is going on in society today with our loss of freedoms and more and more government control. The author has really done a great job but the use of imagery and careful descriptive words that really color and bring to life each character and each scene in the book. You feel as if you are actually there as you are reading. The plot develops nicely and is very well paced with enough cliffhanger moments that are perfectly executed. I really love books of this genre and theme and read a lot of them, so I tend to be quite a critic. But I must say, this one really is great and delivers everything that I look for and this type of story. If you are looking for a good book to put on your reading list, and you like this style of reading as much as I do, then I highly recommend this book for you. I don't think you will be disappointed. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

[Rosemary Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Planet Rise by Dayton Grey is a great book that takes place in the not so distant future. The story centers on Geon a teen that was in a coma for many years that wakes up to find the world has changed dramatically. The only member of his family left living after the “Earth Shift” is his younger sister Allea, with the help of two other teens, Kumuki and Sabian, and their adoptive mother Mama V Geon adjusts to life in the present. In a world where the danger of flash floods, tsunamis and earthquakes Geon learns that the government “Care” is not as great as it seems. With stunningly beautiful illustrations this book is bound to be one of the greatest teen fantasy scifi books of recent times.

[Liz Vinc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dayton Grey's novel is a fun, approachable sci fi about fifteen-year-old Geon who wakes up from a coma in a world that is strictly controlled and filled with technology. At first, the technology is fascinating, including the futuristic sport JetSurf. But the controlling organization known as CARE attracts Geon's attention.

With his friends, Geon begins to investigate, discovering dark secrets about the future. Grey does an excellent job of introducing this world to the reader, without overwhelming them. The plot is paced well, and I felt that Grey was able to relay Geon's sense of discovery and amazement perfectly to the reader. "Beta Planet: Rise" is an engaging read for anyone who likes sci-fi novels that are approachable and fun.

[Lila Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start off by saying that "Beta Planet: Rise" was a thrilling and compelling novel that managed to mix emotionally charged drama with futuristic dystopian and post-apocalyptic elements into a fast-paced read. Dayton Grey is a talented author that sucks you into the story very quickly, making the reader invested in Geon's story as his newly created family strives to unravel the mystery surrounding CARE and the sinister fate that all of them face. The novel is well-written with a sharp and evocative tone, vivid storytelling, strong well-developed characters and a plot that has multiple layers. From action/adventure to drama and friendships, this is a fun and entertaining novel that kept me locked in with Geon's journey. It left me eager to read more in the Beta Planet series.

[Amy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher I am always looking for good books for my students to read. Ones that will keep their interest and keep them engaged in reading and writing great stories. This book did just that. The book starts off excitingly with fifteen-year-old Geon being caught up in a mystery and going on a hero’s quest. The author’s writing style is very candid and real. His story is very gripping, grabs and keeps you reading until the very end. The story and character interaction just flows and is very funny at times. The story is full of twist and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a page turner that delivers. My students will love the action, adventure and mystery of this book-- Well Done and Great Read for all ages.

[Therin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly imaginative, engaging and fascinating read! Beta Planet: Rise is a very visual well written and captivating story. It is a great read for the teen / young adult reader. The story is very imaginative and flows quickly which really holds your attention. The character development throughout the story is excellent. The dialogue between the characters is also especially good. It feels like you are right there within the story with the major characters. It is a long book, but it is very well written and there is enough action and adventure that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. I also liked the illustrations in the book were a nice touch. It added to the visual effect of the characters. This is a fun book to read and I look forward to seeing more from this author.

[NBYNYC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Beta Planet: Rise! Normally, I'm not a fan of science fiction / fantasy, but there was something about this book that I found really intriguing -- it captured and held my attention every step of the way. I loved all of the interwoven plot lines, from Geon's jet surfing and the jungle wars to the rebellion against CARE. The characters were really well described and I felt as if I actually knew some of them. One of the things I liked most about the book was the humor that was sprinkled throughout -- there were times when I was literally laughing out loud! The ending was such a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the sequel to come out so I can find out what happens next. :-)

[Michael Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Planet: Rise is one of the best science fiction novels I have read in a while. Post Apocalyptic fiction is my favourite genre and this book definitely met my high expectations for this genre. I am really hoping that this is just the first in a series of Beta Planet books as the author has created and intriguing and immersive world and a story fit for young adults and adults alike. The characters are believable and well written and the plot is action packed from very early on. Beta Planet had me hooked from page one and it just gets better as the story progresses.

A must read for any science fiction fan of any age.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Planet: Rise is a post-apocalyptic novel. I liked how the author created the characters. The main character wakes up from a coma to see the world around him has changed as well as himself. He went to sleep a boy and wakes up a teenager. It’s sort of a parallel to how the Earth changed. He must cope with being older as well as this weird, new existence.

I think kids would definitely relate to this story. Being a teenager is tough. I can’t imagine trying to cope with the breakdown of society as well. It’s something parents could read along with their kids and spur literary discussions as well as governmental.

[Tracy Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to read about a diverse, brave group of young people who have endured through personal loss and danger in this exciting backdrop of technology. The warmth of the maternal character, Mama V and the camaraderie of the youths is a refreshing change from most science fiction efforts. The technology is captivating but certainly not far-fetched--one can imagine this as the near future. The structures, challenges and conflicts have already drawn comparisons to the Harry Potter series--never a bad thing for readers. This is an enjoyable book for all readers, but may appeal to those who don't usually read. I sincerely hope to read about Geon, Allea, Sabien and Mama V again.

[Sam Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun sci-fi. Bought this for my son a while ago and he loved it so much that I decided to read it myself and see what the fuss was about. It turned out to one of the most engrossing books I’ve read in a long while. The author’s prose is precise but not flashy, illuminating without being overwrought. I also love the attention to detail that has gone into the development of the main character and his relationships with other figures as well as his vivid, detailed descriptions of the fantasy world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an entertaining, escapist read.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some coworkers kept raving about this book. I shrugged it off but, one day I decided to bite the bullet and purchase the book. And was I surprised. This book is extremely fun to read. The story is very well written, full of action and adventure. The story takes place in a fantasy world where the main character must engage against the forces of the dark. Without giving away spoilers, this book is a definite read for young adults, heck it’s enjoyable for everyone. Now that I have discovered this great writer, I will definitely be checking out his other books.

[Kevin Lintner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often I can say that I was bowled over by the first book in a series, especially a YA series (because I'm old, you know) but Dayton Grey is an amazing writer who is clearly stating his claim as a definite writer to watch for. Beta Planet: Rise is full of action, suspense and intrigue. It never gets boring and you feel real empathy for the richly crafted characters. A really great start to what can only get better.

[Peter Crooks (Dalibor) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dayton Grey is impressive and Beta Planet is a great release from him. The suspense, adventure, character development of this story - all are nicely organized by the author. The story hooked me up until the last page and entertained me. The plot line of this story is very interesting. I can't recommend enough!