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Future Worlds #1
Rise
Nominated for the 2017 Dragon Award for Best SciFi Novel! On a world brought to the brink of destruction, life now clings to the shattered remains of the planet's crust. These fragments are the fragile wastelands of desert and rock, protected from the cold of space by a water shield. In the struggle for survival, its people have depended on ancient technology, controlled by the omnipresent Network, to sustain the entire population.
But the Network is breaking down, water is sparse, and a complete societal collapse is imminent. As the stakes become clear, the inhabitants of the Shells begin to turn on each other, and appear headed for all-out global war.
Now the paths of several strangers will converge at the opportune moment. From a woman who seeks to protect her family as it's ripped apart to a prison warden hiding from his past, this unlikely group has little in common―but together, they may hold the key to saving humanity from its worst itself.
But the Network is breaking down, water is sparse, and a complete societal collapse is imminent. As the stakes become clear, the inhabitants of the Shells begin to turn on each other, and appear headed for all-out global war.
Now the paths of several strangers will converge at the opportune moment. From a woman who seeks to protect her family as it's ripped apart to a prison warden hiding from his past, this unlikely group has little in common―but together, they may hold the key to saving humanity from its worst itself.
539 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2016
18 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Brian Guthrie
6 books158 followersBrian Guthrie, 2017 Dragon Award nominee Best Scifi novel, is an independent author of science fiction, fantasy, and more. His first novel, Rise (book one of a series of four, available now) won the Inkshares Nerdist Contest and a Break the Bechdel Syndicate pick and his second planned novel, After Man (co-authored with Michelle Guthrie; release TBD) won the Inkshares Geek and Sundry Contest, making him the first author on Inkshares to win two contests. Rise’s sequel, Fall, is available now, and he has plans for a joint project science fiction/historical fiction piece, some historical fiction, and much more. He is married to Michelle Guthrie, a father of a teen who defies gender roles, and has a menagerie of pets.
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July 26, 2017
Rise is a crowd-funded publication.
What this means is that potential readers are provided a synopsis of a story and asked if they'd like to pre-order the novel. Once a certain financial threshold is met, the work is published. The publisher (in this case Inkshares) will then ship the book to those who ordered it and supply additional stock to selected sales venues. I bought my copy at Barnes & Noble where, it must be said, the seller made no mention of this. Had I been aware of the grass roots course this novel took to reach my hand, I would have approached it in a more flexible frame of mind. Still, the aim here is to give an outsider an equal shot at the wider reading public. In taking that shot, you also take on the expanded field of reaction and review.
I mention these factors because I had difficulty with the story, and because this is a Goodreads author, and because at the end of the day we have become - however the method - joined as writer and reader. This is me trying to be aware of all of that.
At five hundred plus pages, Rise is a hefty science fiction novel fresh to the shelves by first-time author Brian Guthrie. It's a good-looking paperback that nestles nicely in the hand. The cover blurbs are filled with promise. One, by podcaster Tom Merritt, aims an arrow straight to the heart: "If Arrakis had just a little more water and a network instead of spice." This is where the well-read fantasy fan has a tendency to cock his brow and start calculating the hit to his funding. And while I suppose that's the purpose of a blurb, there really should be some ounce of truth in the quip. I did not find this story to be particularly Dune-like, Dune-inspired, or even Dune-influenced. There's a water issue, sure. But, hey, Los Angeles has a water issue too. Doesn't mean you're going to find Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam walking down Hollywood Boulevard.
Guthrie's tale revolves, quite literally, around a planet that has suffered a cataclysmic event. Chunks of its crust have broken off and now orbit the core. These chunks were artificially-equipped with some sort of water-shielding and seeded with the planet's surviving population. So there are a number of these "shells" with diverse communities upon them, a few of which can be visited when they happen to be in range.
There is, apparently, a conspiracy. The Dragon Queen (a powerful presence who remains insufficiently explained) enlists a scribe named Logwyn to interview four key figures in an effort to uncover and address the mysterious re-routing of water on one of the shells. Logwyn's interviews are what tell the story...and while one might imagine five hundred plus pages would give her plenty of time to talk to all four of her assigned subjects, alas no. Her formal interviews amounted to two, both of which answered far fewer questions than they should have and solved not a single crime. (I read the whole book. Still don't know who re-routed the water or why.)
My observation, for whatever this may be worth: It takes more than busy characters to keep a story moving. If an author allows his characters to distract him, the most they can hope for in literary life is to exist as distractions. Then the whole thing implodes. You've got a story to tell? Tell it. That's why we're here.
What this means is that potential readers are provided a synopsis of a story and asked if they'd like to pre-order the novel. Once a certain financial threshold is met, the work is published. The publisher (in this case Inkshares) will then ship the book to those who ordered it and supply additional stock to selected sales venues. I bought my copy at Barnes & Noble where, it must be said, the seller made no mention of this. Had I been aware of the grass roots course this novel took to reach my hand, I would have approached it in a more flexible frame of mind. Still, the aim here is to give an outsider an equal shot at the wider reading public. In taking that shot, you also take on the expanded field of reaction and review.
I mention these factors because I had difficulty with the story, and because this is a Goodreads author, and because at the end of the day we have become - however the method - joined as writer and reader. This is me trying to be aware of all of that.
At five hundred plus pages, Rise is a hefty science fiction novel fresh to the shelves by first-time author Brian Guthrie. It's a good-looking paperback that nestles nicely in the hand. The cover blurbs are filled with promise. One, by podcaster Tom Merritt, aims an arrow straight to the heart: "If Arrakis had just a little more water and a network instead of spice." This is where the well-read fantasy fan has a tendency to cock his brow and start calculating the hit to his funding. And while I suppose that's the purpose of a blurb, there really should be some ounce of truth in the quip. I did not find this story to be particularly Dune-like, Dune-inspired, or even Dune-influenced. There's a water issue, sure. But, hey, Los Angeles has a water issue too. Doesn't mean you're going to find Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam walking down Hollywood Boulevard.
Guthrie's tale revolves, quite literally, around a planet that has suffered a cataclysmic event. Chunks of its crust have broken off and now orbit the core. These chunks were artificially-equipped with some sort of water-shielding and seeded with the planet's surviving population. So there are a number of these "shells" with diverse communities upon them, a few of which can be visited when they happen to be in range.
There is, apparently, a conspiracy. The Dragon Queen (a powerful presence who remains insufficiently explained) enlists a scribe named Logwyn to interview four key figures in an effort to uncover and address the mysterious re-routing of water on one of the shells. Logwyn's interviews are what tell the story...and while one might imagine five hundred plus pages would give her plenty of time to talk to all four of her assigned subjects, alas no. Her formal interviews amounted to two, both of which answered far fewer questions than they should have and solved not a single crime. (I read the whole book. Still don't know who re-routed the water or why.)
My observation, for whatever this may be worth: It takes more than busy characters to keep a story moving. If an author allows his characters to distract him, the most they can hope for in literary life is to exist as distractions. Then the whole thing implodes. You've got a story to tell? Tell it. That's why we're here.
November 3, 2016
Rise by Brian Guthrie
Our story takes place in a world formed of scattered landmasses or ‘Shells’ that that are kept in gravitational rotation around the earth’s core by an ancient computer known as the Network. Protected from the unforgiving darkness of space by a water shield also supplied by the Network it’s as though the earth has become a mini cluster of planets, so when this omnipotent being recognises her own failing reasoning she tasks a seemingly ordinary man, but a man who sees things others miss, to go looking for answers.
The afore mentioned man is a scribe named Logwyn and he receives a visit from a Nomad with a note telling him that the Queen will soon summon him with a task. With very little justification or reasoning he is told to respond a certain way and show her the contents of a box that he himself must not even view. These two stipulations or orders are the first of many things this character must take on trust and also the first of many breadcrumbs readers must follow and it is only much later that their purpose comes into focus. The mission is vague other than to seek out three people, two of whom are lost to everyone but the third, but the way the reader is enveloped into this strange and wonderful world is inviting and bound to inspire their curiosity.
His first stop is Micaela with her story potentially leading him to Suyef and Quentin, the other major players. Here we learn how a father’s obsession with coding allowed him and his family to have a fighting chance when their water allocation starts disappearing and also the ramifications of getting inside the system and changing things to suits one’s needs. Micaela’s first and unique encounter with the Queen, where she alone is left unharmed after an attack, points to her being a person of some supernatural importance and from here things really start to amp up. To reveal any more of the story in terms of these three characters would push things into spoiler territory but each voice is distinctive, rich and also tragic in it’s own way.
There is something incredibly original and fantastical within these pages. The world building is second to none, the characters are relatable and inspire empathy and the story is unlike anything I’ve come across. What kept me enjoying Rise was that it’s an equally fulfilling blend of science fiction, gumshoe mystery and fantasy with the mechanicals of space being balanced by, and this is just a taste of the otherworldly magic, some people’s ability to manifest themselves into dragons. This is only the beginning of something much bigger and watching this world unfold further or even come apart altogether will be a real treat for readers.
Our story takes place in a world formed of scattered landmasses or ‘Shells’ that that are kept in gravitational rotation around the earth’s core by an ancient computer known as the Network. Protected from the unforgiving darkness of space by a water shield also supplied by the Network it’s as though the earth has become a mini cluster of planets, so when this omnipotent being recognises her own failing reasoning she tasks a seemingly ordinary man, but a man who sees things others miss, to go looking for answers.
The afore mentioned man is a scribe named Logwyn and he receives a visit from a Nomad with a note telling him that the Queen will soon summon him with a task. With very little justification or reasoning he is told to respond a certain way and show her the contents of a box that he himself must not even view. These two stipulations or orders are the first of many things this character must take on trust and also the first of many breadcrumbs readers must follow and it is only much later that their purpose comes into focus. The mission is vague other than to seek out three people, two of whom are lost to everyone but the third, but the way the reader is enveloped into this strange and wonderful world is inviting and bound to inspire their curiosity.
His first stop is Micaela with her story potentially leading him to Suyef and Quentin, the other major players. Here we learn how a father’s obsession with coding allowed him and his family to have a fighting chance when their water allocation starts disappearing and also the ramifications of getting inside the system and changing things to suits one’s needs. Micaela’s first and unique encounter with the Queen, where she alone is left unharmed after an attack, points to her being a person of some supernatural importance and from here things really start to amp up. To reveal any more of the story in terms of these three characters would push things into spoiler territory but each voice is distinctive, rich and also tragic in it’s own way.
There is something incredibly original and fantastical within these pages. The world building is second to none, the characters are relatable and inspire empathy and the story is unlike anything I’ve come across. What kept me enjoying Rise was that it’s an equally fulfilling blend of science fiction, gumshoe mystery and fantasy with the mechanicals of space being balanced by, and this is just a taste of the otherworldly magic, some people’s ability to manifest themselves into dragons. This is only the beginning of something much bigger and watching this world unfold further or even come apart altogether will be a real treat for readers.
February 11, 2017
This started as a good book, it had an interesting world and characters, but then just ran around in circles punctuated by lines such as this:
Those words occupied my mind, which tried to find their meaning. I didn't have to wait long.
But you did have to wait long, because at the end of this 540 page book you're still not really any closer to any tangible answers or reasons to anything that happened in this story.
Those words occupied my mind, which tried to find their meaning. I didn't have to wait long.
But you did have to wait long, because at the end of this 540 page book you're still not really any closer to any tangible answers or reasons to anything that happened in this story.
June 19, 2024
I had a really hard time getting through this book. I was having a difficult time knowing whose perspective I was reading from and I was confused a lot of the time. I liked the premise but I think the structure needed to be a bit better
December 15, 2024
In this book, the author crafts a gripping narrative set in a dystopian future where humanity clings to survival on the remnants of a shattered planet. The world-building is both imaginative and haunting, as the author introduces readers to the Shells—fragile wastelands encased in a protective water shield. This unique setting serves as a backdrop for the story, highlighting the precariousness of life in a world where ancient technology, controlled by the omnipresent Network, is the only thing keeping the population alive.
The central conflict of the book revolves around the impending collapse of the Network, which has long been the lifeline for the Shells' inhabitants. As water becomes increasingly scarce and societal structures begin to crumble, the tension escalates, leading to a palpable sense of urgency throughout the narrative. The author skillfully portrays the desperation of the people, who, in their struggle for survival, begin to turn against one another.
At the heart of the story is a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own personal demons while navigating the larger crisis at hand. From a mother determined to shield her family from the chaos to a prison warden haunted by his past, these characters are well-developed and relatable. The author excels at weaving their individual stories together, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that ultimately converge in a moment of potential salvation.
As the characters' paths intertwine, the themes of hope, resilience, and the power of unity emerge as central motifs. The author emphasizes that, despite their differences, the characters possess a shared goal: to save humanity from its own self-destructive tendencies. This message resonates deeply, particularly in a world where division and conflict often overshadow the potential for collaboration and understanding.
With its rich narrative and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone interested in stories that explore the resilience of the human spirit. As the first installment in what promises to be an exciting series, it leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this gripping saga.
The central conflict of the book revolves around the impending collapse of the Network, which has long been the lifeline for the Shells' inhabitants. As water becomes increasingly scarce and societal structures begin to crumble, the tension escalates, leading to a palpable sense of urgency throughout the narrative. The author skillfully portrays the desperation of the people, who, in their struggle for survival, begin to turn against one another.
At the heart of the story is a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own personal demons while navigating the larger crisis at hand. From a mother determined to shield her family from the chaos to a prison warden haunted by his past, these characters are well-developed and relatable. The author excels at weaving their individual stories together, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that ultimately converge in a moment of potential salvation.
As the characters' paths intertwine, the themes of hope, resilience, and the power of unity emerge as central motifs. The author emphasizes that, despite their differences, the characters possess a shared goal: to save humanity from its own self-destructive tendencies. This message resonates deeply, particularly in a world where division and conflict often overshadow the potential for collaboration and understanding.
With its rich narrative and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone interested in stories that explore the resilience of the human spirit. As the first installment in what promises to be an exciting series, it leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this gripping saga.
September 13, 2016
Brian Guthrie's Rise opens with a quiet conversation between two strangers in a single room. Yet it expertly paints a picture of an expansive world to be explored, and kicks off the plot with an intriguing mystery to be solved. I found myself reminded of Gandalf tasking Frodo with protecting the One Ring. So many questions to be answered, but for now, just enough need-to-know details to begin what is sure to be an epic quest. I am sold!
October 22, 2016
Guthrie has, with Rise, dug a deep pool of character and mystery and, within the first few pages pulls, you right in. There’s a rich mysticism woven in the fabric of this science fiction story. Told through vivid images and descriptions, the author manages to make a dystopia feel oddly beautiful. My only complaint, as is often the case with some of my favourite books, is that the sequel isn’t close at hand for me to read.
February 7, 2017
Full review
Rise is a flawed but entertaining sci-fi page-turner and a promising set up to its series. It's an ambitious book that doesn't accomplish everything it sets out to do, but it certainly won't bore you. I recommend it, especially to fans of science fiction and fantasy
Rise is a flawed but entertaining sci-fi page-turner and a promising set up to its series. It's an ambitious book that doesn't accomplish everything it sets out to do, but it certainly won't bore you. I recommend it, especially to fans of science fiction and fantasy
August 11, 2024
I Love this book!!!
The narration is some of the best I have read so far, I was so invested I didn’t want to put the book down!
I was lucky enough to meet Brian Guthrie in person and to get a signed copy. My only complaint is that the rest of the series isn’t out yet.
The narration is some of the best I have read so far, I was so invested I didn’t want to put the book down!
I was lucky enough to meet Brian Guthrie in person and to get a signed copy. My only complaint is that the rest of the series isn’t out yet.
March 26, 2017
Deep and compelling story in a cleverly designed world, Rise is a solid read. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
October 4, 2016
Fantastic world building and outstanding character development. I had an absolute blast reading this book. Well done Brian Guthrie!
December 17, 2016
Noch lange nach dem Lesen von Rise ist mir die Welt und vor allem die Charaktere nicht mehr aus dem Kopf gegangen. Dabei ist es vor allem diese ungewöhliche Komplexität der in Rise erschaffenen Welt und ihrer Bewohner, die den Leser fesseln, ihn fordern und ihn gedanklich noch lange in dieser zerbrochenen Welt leben lassen. Ich habe selten ein Buch gelesen, in dem auch über die kleinsten Nebencharaktere so viel erzählt wird, ohne sie zu beschreiben. Das funktioniert auch aus dem Grund, dass Brian Guthrie unglaublich gute Dialoge schreibt. Von tiefgründig bis humorvoll ist alles dabei ohne je artifiziell zu wirken.
Das Buch handelt nicht nur von einer zerbrochenen Welt, sondern auch von gebrochenen Menschen, die in tiefster Dunkelheit wieder Hoffnung finden, jeder mit seiner eigenen tragischen Geschichte. Die Handlung, die Wendungen sind nichts, was man bereits schon mehrfach gelesen hat, es ist ein sehr ungewöhnliches Werk, dem man von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite anmerkt, dass Brian Guthrie diese Welt mit einer riesigen Leidenschaft erschaffen hat.
Jeder, der es liebt über neue Zukunftswelten und Charaktere mit besonderer Tiefe nachzudenken, der wird von Rise begeistert sein und wie ich nach dem Lesen sehnsüchtig auf den zweiten Teil warten.
Das Buch handelt nicht nur von einer zerbrochenen Welt, sondern auch von gebrochenen Menschen, die in tiefster Dunkelheit wieder Hoffnung finden, jeder mit seiner eigenen tragischen Geschichte. Die Handlung, die Wendungen sind nichts, was man bereits schon mehrfach gelesen hat, es ist ein sehr ungewöhnliches Werk, dem man von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite anmerkt, dass Brian Guthrie diese Welt mit einer riesigen Leidenschaft erschaffen hat.
Jeder, der es liebt über neue Zukunftswelten und Charaktere mit besonderer Tiefe nachzudenken, der wird von Rise begeistert sein und wie ich nach dem Lesen sehnsüchtig auf den zweiten Teil warten.
April 5, 2017
In Brian Guthrie's Rise, he starts with a science fiction setting based on a familiar idea, the scarcity of water, then takes the world and literally breaks it into dozens of floating pieces (or shells in this case) and tops it all off with the addition of dragons.
The main character Logwyn is is tasked by her Queen to find and interview four individuals in hopes of understanding and piecing together the answers of a problem that threatens to destroy everything. Unlike many fantasy novels, it is not necessarily Logwyn's job to take action, but instead to sort the pieces of the puzzle in hopes of uncovering the answers that seem to be eluding the Queen. That perspective, along with the recounting of the tales from her interviews give plenty to hook and draw the reader deeper into the world.
The twist of having the world broken into different shells instead of kingdoms or regions adds another level of complexity. Most people grow up knowing about the other shells, but never visiting or meeting others from any other than their own. Logwyn's puzzle effects them all, but isn't the only connection. Across the shells is a network of knowledge and information. The network controls the flow of water to different areas of different shells and that network is breaking down, decaying.
The more you read and the further you dive into the world the more you get sucked in wanting to not only help find the answer for the Queen, but the desire to learn the stories of these people Logwyn is interviewing and what is it that connects them all so deeply.
Where are the dragons you ask? If tracking down four different stories and solving a problem that threatens the whole of existence isn't enough, there are always dragons striking seemingly from nowhere while raining terror and stealing lives when unexpected. The dragons hold an additional puzzle piece, but what, and why? Those questions and others are left hanging while the reader pines for the next installment of this epic series.
The main character Logwyn is is tasked by her Queen to find and interview four individuals in hopes of understanding and piecing together the answers of a problem that threatens to destroy everything. Unlike many fantasy novels, it is not necessarily Logwyn's job to take action, but instead to sort the pieces of the puzzle in hopes of uncovering the answers that seem to be eluding the Queen. That perspective, along with the recounting of the tales from her interviews give plenty to hook and draw the reader deeper into the world.
The twist of having the world broken into different shells instead of kingdoms or regions adds another level of complexity. Most people grow up knowing about the other shells, but never visiting or meeting others from any other than their own. Logwyn's puzzle effects them all, but isn't the only connection. Across the shells is a network of knowledge and information. The network controls the flow of water to different areas of different shells and that network is breaking down, decaying.
The more you read and the further you dive into the world the more you get sucked in wanting to not only help find the answer for the Queen, but the desire to learn the stories of these people Logwyn is interviewing and what is it that connects them all so deeply.
Where are the dragons you ask? If tracking down four different stories and solving a problem that threatens the whole of existence isn't enough, there are always dragons striking seemingly from nowhere while raining terror and stealing lives when unexpected. The dragons hold an additional puzzle piece, but what, and why? Those questions and others are left hanging while the reader pines for the next installment of this epic series.
February 14, 2017
Actual rating 2/5
Per the author's request, I'm adding a written review to this book.
I was initially really excited to read this book because I've been on a science fiction kick lately, and this was exactly the type of sci fi I was really digging. But after five chapters, I really couldn't continue anymore. And that's because there was a stark lack of filler, for lack of a better word. Let me elaborate.
So for me, in order to enjoy a book and really get involved and invested with the characters and the story, it needs to be organic, and the plot needs to move naturally rather than stilted and contrived. The book dropped us in the middle of a story, and while I enjoy en media res in certain cases, sci fi is NOT a genre you can do that with. We meet the protag in this wasteland shell of an asteroid, and then suddenly this mysterious stranger showed up and quite literally jump started the plot without giving the reader a chance to discover this world. Within the first chapter, we met the protag, the mysterious stranger, the queen or empress or whoever, and the protag was given his mission. In my opinion, that entire scene, which took 15 pages, should have taken double, if not triple, that amount, so we could enjoy this setting to the fullest.
There was also a lot of telling rather than showing. This is an issue with most sci fi novels, however, because there's so much science and technical language and world/universe building that really needs to be explained, but there are artful ways to do that. I would have preferred an organic conversation between characters about their world, rather than a narrative by the author telling us where we were and why we were there.
Overall, the idea was there, and it was a really interesting one. The plot could have been great, and the characters could have been really dynamic. But unfortunately, the caliber of writing I prefer just wasn't there.
Per the author's request, I'm adding a written review to this book.
I was initially really excited to read this book because I've been on a science fiction kick lately, and this was exactly the type of sci fi I was really digging. But after five chapters, I really couldn't continue anymore. And that's because there was a stark lack of filler, for lack of a better word. Let me elaborate.
So for me, in order to enjoy a book and really get involved and invested with the characters and the story, it needs to be organic, and the plot needs to move naturally rather than stilted and contrived. The book dropped us in the middle of a story, and while I enjoy en media res in certain cases, sci fi is NOT a genre you can do that with. We meet the protag in this wasteland shell of an asteroid, and then suddenly this mysterious stranger showed up and quite literally jump started the plot without giving the reader a chance to discover this world. Within the first chapter, we met the protag, the mysterious stranger, the queen or empress or whoever, and the protag was given his mission. In my opinion, that entire scene, which took 15 pages, should have taken double, if not triple, that amount, so we could enjoy this setting to the fullest.
There was also a lot of telling rather than showing. This is an issue with most sci fi novels, however, because there's so much science and technical language and world/universe building that really needs to be explained, but there are artful ways to do that. I would have preferred an organic conversation between characters about their world, rather than a narrative by the author telling us where we were and why we were there.
Overall, the idea was there, and it was a really interesting one. The plot could have been great, and the characters could have been really dynamic. But unfortunately, the caliber of writing I prefer just wasn't there.
September 15, 2016
Great book! I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the characters and the story kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. Can't wait for the sequel!
November 15, 2016
I'll start off by stating that Science Fiction isn't my go-to genre. I grew up on the classics and was a big Bradbury and Heinlein fan but swapped genre's later on in life.
This is important as I picked up Rise. It had a slow start and onion-style world building. Where each chapter reveals just a little bit more, so on and so forth. So I tossed the book in my bag and carried it around the behemoth with me. Picking up a chapter here and there in daily life.
Normally, this would be the sign of a bad review or a bad book. If a book doesn't hook you and make you feel like tearing through it, it's rubbish they say. In this case, and in the case of most classic sci-fi, the book carries you from day to day allowing you to escape a bit each time. You find yourself pondering the world of the Rise, the Shells, and the broken earth, wondering how they got there.
This is why I rated it as high as I did. Very few books provide me with a month of entertainment while reading, and then have enough depth to spark an imagination afterwords and engage in theory craft.
So, if you are a looking for a great winter read, check out Rise.
This is important as I picked up Rise. It had a slow start and onion-style world building. Where each chapter reveals just a little bit more, so on and so forth. So I tossed the book in my bag and carried it around the behemoth with me. Picking up a chapter here and there in daily life.
Normally, this would be the sign of a bad review or a bad book. If a book doesn't hook you and make you feel like tearing through it, it's rubbish they say. In this case, and in the case of most classic sci-fi, the book carries you from day to day allowing you to escape a bit each time. You find yourself pondering the world of the Rise, the Shells, and the broken earth, wondering how they got there.
This is why I rated it as high as I did. Very few books provide me with a month of entertainment while reading, and then have enough depth to spark an imagination afterwords and engage in theory craft.
So, if you are a looking for a great winter read, check out Rise.
December 19, 2016
Warning: Don't start this book unless you are happy to read all four books in the (forthcoming) series. You will have questions upon questions, and Guthrie likes to keep us in suspense while he carefully weaves his story.
I enjoyed this book and its blend of genres. I was there for the characters and the story, and I could let the sci-fi details of terrain and technology wash over me. It's not just for hardcore sci-fi/fantasy fans. I was surprised several times throughout the story by what else appeared in this strange new world Guthrie has created (I won't post any spoilers, you will have to find out for yourselves!). The story also deals with some tough issues in a sensitive manner, creating some very emotional moments.
I became a little weary in the middle, but just because there is so much story to tell and no answers to all the questions. The writing style has room for improvement, but seeing as the whole series hasn't yet been finished, I'm sure Guthrie would appreciate your feedback for his future work. I have already given him my two cents! All in all, an enjoyable and intriguing book that will leave you wanting more.
I enjoyed this book and its blend of genres. I was there for the characters and the story, and I could let the sci-fi details of terrain and technology wash over me. It's not just for hardcore sci-fi/fantasy fans. I was surprised several times throughout the story by what else appeared in this strange new world Guthrie has created (I won't post any spoilers, you will have to find out for yourselves!). The story also deals with some tough issues in a sensitive manner, creating some very emotional moments.
I became a little weary in the middle, but just because there is so much story to tell and no answers to all the questions. The writing style has room for improvement, but seeing as the whole series hasn't yet been finished, I'm sure Guthrie would appreciate your feedback for his future work. I have already given him my two cents! All in all, an enjoyable and intriguing book that will leave you wanting more.
November 29, 2016
Some of the most wonderful prose and clarity in a science fiction novel I've read in the past 7 years. Guthrie has an amazing talent for fleshing out ideas and scenes and even when the book lulls the writing and inter-personal relationships keep the reader engaged.
The narrator is believable and rarely acts out of character. She's inquiring and curious and makes for an excellent window into the book's unique world. The remaining cast is interesting, filled with qualities that make them feel like real people instead of caricatures of purity or evil or written to fulfill a role.
My usual main requirement is 5 stars if the book makes me; constantly step back and think about the issues at hand, feel remorseful that I've finished all that's written, and if the book leaves me feeling emotionally compromised one way or the other. Rise does all three even through some of it's faults and Guthrie has earned my anticipation for his next novel.
The narrator is believable and rarely acts out of character. She's inquiring and curious and makes for an excellent window into the book's unique world. The remaining cast is interesting, filled with qualities that make them feel like real people instead of caricatures of purity or evil or written to fulfill a role.
My usual main requirement is 5 stars if the book makes me; constantly step back and think about the issues at hand, feel remorseful that I've finished all that's written, and if the book leaves me feeling emotionally compromised one way or the other. Rise does all three even through some of it's faults and Guthrie has earned my anticipation for his next novel.
October 20, 2024
3.5/5 rounded up! This was a weird one! The narration style was…unique…and it made me have to really pay attention to whose perspective we were in and whether it was the past or present. The book was majority sci-fi but had dragons(??) for some reason! Very intriguing! There was also a “magic” system called scripting that made me wonder if the story is even told in the real world or if we’re dealing with The Matrix.
Lots of questions, not a ton of answers by the end but I’m intrigued enough to want to see the second! After all, a plus would be for the world-building! A planet (assumedly earth) shattered into tectonic pieces (shells) orbiting around its molten core, surrounded by a sphere of water….quite interesting! I wanted a bit more description of the world but I think I put together a good map in my mind!
Looking forward to the sequel, “Fall”
Lots of questions, not a ton of answers by the end but I’m intrigued enough to want to see the second! After all, a plus would be for the world-building! A planet (assumedly earth) shattered into tectonic pieces (shells) orbiting around its molten core, surrounded by a sphere of water….quite interesting! I wanted a bit more description of the world but I think I put together a good map in my mind!
Looking forward to the sequel, “Fall”
October 10, 2017
Guthrie transports the reader into a genre-bending world that feels familiar and alien all at once. A world in which a stack of paper is all but a distant memory, and shells of a fractured planet orbit gracefully within view of one another. I was drawn to the protagonist, Logwyn, and was eager to accompany him on his journey from one shell to the next as he uncovered inconvenient truths about politics and network of societal fragments that formed the 'world' around him. Rise was instantly enchanting, captivating, and sure to be the start of a successful series that will translate well to visual media. I will be on the lookout for Guthrie's next adventure.
November 3, 2016
I found the worlds Brian Guthrie created fascinating. I suspect what the shell worlds are and looking forward to the sequel to see if my conclusions are correct (who are The Ancients?). The story contains elements of computer networks with a talking wolf, warriors and dragons - what a combination! I mostly enjoyed the read yet thought it might have been more concise. I am looking forward to the sequel Fall.
January 24, 2017
The book starts off interesting and unique and quickly devolves into mundane and generic. Few male authors can write authentic female characters. Most don't seem to try. To the authors credit he did try, but the female characters sound like a male author trying to write female characters.
Fair warning: this is the 1st of four novels, two written, and three unpublished. This book cannot stand on its own as a complete novel.
Fair warning: this is the 1st of four novels, two written, and three unpublished. This book cannot stand on its own as a complete novel.
July 17, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the sequel.
Update: I recently reread this book. I didn’t remember much if it as it had been so long. It definitely leaves the reader with many unanswered questions, but it also makes me want to read the next book. It can be a bit confusing, but again, that just keeps me curious.
Update: I recently reread this book. I didn’t remember much if it as it had been so long. It definitely leaves the reader with many unanswered questions, but it also makes me want to read the next book. It can be a bit confusing, but again, that just keeps me curious.
September 14, 2016
An epic science fiction novel set a fantastic future world that is beginning to fall apart. The author creates an interesting world and believable characters, this book is the beginning of a very interesting series - I can't wait to see where the story will take us.
October 26, 2016
Brian Guthrie makes a wonderful impression with 'Rise'. Having long been a sci-fi lover, this book is an amazing introduction to his series, with its sequel 'Fall' the next of what I know will be a long and wonderful story.
November 12, 2016
Great book for a first time author. Good sci-fi elements in a huge, open world. The first book leaves a lot of mysteries unsolved so be prepared if you read this one you'll have to read the second one. Would recommend as a great change from more typical sci-fi and fantasy.
February 3, 2017
An intricate sci-fi/fantasy tale packed with emotion. The setting is unique and interesting to explore. Looking forward to the sequel.
August 11, 2023
A broken world, a search for truth, this story has all right pieces for a compelling saga. I was easily able to immerse myself into the story.
September 13, 2016
ARC received
September 14, 2016
An intriguing plot that draws the reader in from the opening sentence. A well crafted debut novel by someone with a passion for the genre.
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