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Sunborn Rising #1
Beneath the Fall
On a distant world of forests floating on an ocean around a star, a blight threatens to plunge all life into darkness.
But three friends seek the light.
Together, they will Fall and be lost.
And at the very Root of darkness, they will find themselves.
But will it be enough to help them find their way home?
The World of Cerulean
Light and water flow from the ocean into the roots of the Great Trees, up through the boughs, and out over the lush canopies. But the once vibrant treescape has grown dim over generations of arboreal life, and the creatures of the forest have forgotten the light.
Barra, a young, willful Listlespur, finds her late father’s hidden journal, and reads about the old world and the mysterious plague her father believed destroyed it. He wrote that he warned the Elders. He urged them to take action. Those were his last words.
Together with her two best friends, Barra will explore every bark, wood, and leaf of the Great Forest to relight her world and complete her father’s story, even if she has to travel beneath the Fall.
But three friends seek the light.
Together, they will Fall and be lost.
And at the very Root of darkness, they will find themselves.
But will it be enough to help them find their way home?
The World of Cerulean
Light and water flow from the ocean into the roots of the Great Trees, up through the boughs, and out over the lush canopies. But the once vibrant treescape has grown dim over generations of arboreal life, and the creatures of the forest have forgotten the light.
Barra, a young, willful Listlespur, finds her late father’s hidden journal, and reads about the old world and the mysterious plague her father believed destroyed it. He wrote that he warned the Elders. He urged them to take action. Those were his last words.
Together with her two best friends, Barra will explore every bark, wood, and leaf of the Great Forest to relight her world and complete her father’s story, even if she has to travel beneath the Fall.
383 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2016
169 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Safronoff
6 books99 followersAaron Safronoff was born and raised in Michigan where he wrote his first novella, Evening Breezes. In his early twenties, he moved to California to attend culinary school. He fell in love with the Bay Area and has never considered leaving, although he did eventually leave the school.
During his ten years in the games industry, he worked at various levels and for several disciplines including quality assurance, production, and design. All the while he was writing a novel, short stories, plays, and poetry. His career in design introduced him to amazingly intelligent, fun, and creative people, many of whom he considers family today.
Safronoff self-published, Spire, in 2011, and won the Science Fiction Discovery Award for the same in the summer of 2012. By the end of that year he decided to drop everything and free fall into fiction. In the following three months he completed work on the sequel to Spire, Fallen Spire, edited Evening Breezes, and published both.
Today, Safronoff is co-founder and Chief Storyteller of Neoglyphic Entertainment and working on his fifth novel, the second book of the Sunborn Rising series. In his spare time, Safronoff enjoys reading a variety of authors, Philip K. Dick, Cormac McCarthy, and Joe Abercrombie among them. He enjoys living near the ocean, playing and watching hockey, and video games. He has a deep love of music and comedy.
During his ten years in the games industry, he worked at various levels and for several disciplines including quality assurance, production, and design. All the while he was writing a novel, short stories, plays, and poetry. His career in design introduced him to amazingly intelligent, fun, and creative people, many of whom he considers family today.
Safronoff self-published, Spire, in 2011, and won the Science Fiction Discovery Award for the same in the summer of 2012. By the end of that year he decided to drop everything and free fall into fiction. In the following three months he completed work on the sequel to Spire, Fallen Spire, edited Evening Breezes, and published both.
Today, Safronoff is co-founder and Chief Storyteller of Neoglyphic Entertainment and working on his fifth novel, the second book of the Sunborn Rising series. In his spare time, Safronoff enjoys reading a variety of authors, Philip K. Dick, Cormac McCarthy, and Joe Abercrombie among them. He enjoys living near the ocean, playing and watching hockey, and video games. He has a deep love of music and comedy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 28, 2016
Review from the Author
--
Well, I wrote it ;-) , so I strove for high stars. I don't know for sure that we made it -- far too close to the material for that kind of judg(e)ment -- but I like to think that we wouldn't release the book if we didn't at least believe we made it ;-) .
It's been an amazing experience working on this novel. So many friends and family helping to manifest this tale, a bedtime story for adults — I'm not sure that first audience, that expanding core group, knew at the time that the story was for them, but who else could it have been for? A story written for my friends about their children, and the hopes they have for them. There’s more to it of course, there always is, but I hope that central feature continues to shine through. Wanting to improve the world for the next generation before passing them the torch only to realize they’re already carrying it. Life. Growing up. Following in your parents footsteps. Going your own way. Lofty goals for a fantasy adventure I suppose, but that’s what stories are for. Well, that, and cool creatures on a wicked adventure to the center of a beautiful, alien world to relight it from within. I mean, that too.
At times, the journey developing the story matched Barra's journey with her friends. By the end, we learned about the heart of storytelling: sharing stories with your friends, repeating the stories you like, remembering the good parts wrong until they're the best parts, and forgetting the boring stuff, occasionally making tremendous mistakes and having someone remind you what’s really important — I'm looking at you, Lootrinea! Finally, if the story passes muster, you share it with new friends and start all over again. Okay. So, maybe that’s not the heart of storytelling? Not the heart. More the veins and arteries. Look, I'm off the cuff here. What you see is what you get ;-) . I love winky-smiley. I'm sorry. I do.
Where was I?
Right. So, our journey writing the story sometimes matched the story. But that's the story of the story.
The story of Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is...
"Once upon a time, three young super heroes traveled the world to save it from itself-"
"That doesn't make any sense, [italics]grandpa[/italics]."
"Hush!" the old man said, looking over the rims of his glasses. "I'm getting to it..."
--
The book is something else.
Art. Music. Story. A group of brilliant and talented individuals coming together to build a remarkable experience. Something to share with their families. An adventure we hope you’ll share with yours. On behalf of Neoglyphic, we proudly present...
[Cool voice actor here!]
“Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall.
Available Now!
For more about the world of Sunborn Rising, visit us at SunbornRising.com.
There's a newsletter! Sign up!”
--
Sincerely,
-ThisGuy (actually, factually, representative here :-) Who knew? )
--
Are we actually going to let him submit this?
-TheGnomes
--
Yes.
-(Author Unknown)
--
Well, I wrote it ;-) , so I strove for high stars. I don't know for sure that we made it -- far too close to the material for that kind of judg(e)ment -- but I like to think that we wouldn't release the book if we didn't at least believe we made it ;-) .
It's been an amazing experience working on this novel. So many friends and family helping to manifest this tale, a bedtime story for adults — I'm not sure that first audience, that expanding core group, knew at the time that the story was for them, but who else could it have been for? A story written for my friends about their children, and the hopes they have for them. There’s more to it of course, there always is, but I hope that central feature continues to shine through. Wanting to improve the world for the next generation before passing them the torch only to realize they’re already carrying it. Life. Growing up. Following in your parents footsteps. Going your own way. Lofty goals for a fantasy adventure I suppose, but that’s what stories are for. Well, that, and cool creatures on a wicked adventure to the center of a beautiful, alien world to relight it from within. I mean, that too.
At times, the journey developing the story matched Barra's journey with her friends. By the end, we learned about the heart of storytelling: sharing stories with your friends, repeating the stories you like, remembering the good parts wrong until they're the best parts, and forgetting the boring stuff, occasionally making tremendous mistakes and having someone remind you what’s really important — I'm looking at you, Lootrinea! Finally, if the story passes muster, you share it with new friends and start all over again. Okay. So, maybe that’s not the heart of storytelling? Not the heart. More the veins and arteries. Look, I'm off the cuff here. What you see is what you get ;-) . I love winky-smiley. I'm sorry. I do.
Where was I?
Right. So, our journey writing the story sometimes matched the story. But that's the story of the story.
The story of Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is...
"Once upon a time, three young super heroes traveled the world to save it from itself-"
"That doesn't make any sense, [italics]grandpa[/italics]."
"Hush!" the old man said, looking over the rims of his glasses. "I'm getting to it..."
--
The book is something else.
Art. Music. Story. A group of brilliant and talented individuals coming together to build a remarkable experience. Something to share with their families. An adventure we hope you’ll share with yours. On behalf of Neoglyphic, we proudly present...
[Cool voice actor here!]
“Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall.
Available Now!
For more about the world of Sunborn Rising, visit us at SunbornRising.com.
There's a newsletter! Sign up!”
--
Sincerely,
-ThisGuy (actually, factually, representative here :-) Who knew? )
--
Are we actually going to let him submit this?
-TheGnomes
--
Yes.
-(Author Unknown)
June 29, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
The first time I heard about this book I was immediately intrigued, it sounded like a fun book. I looked around a bit more and found the sunborn rising website and from that moment I was sold, I knew I had to read this book. The website showed a sample of the beautiful artwork included in this book and I love the idea of including artwork in a book. And I am so glad I managed to get a review copy of this book as it surpassed my expectations and after finishing I just want to know when the next book will be here.
Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is a story of a strange planet and the creatures that live there. It's a whole new world and it's as much fantasy as and adventure book in my opinion. It tells the story of three friends who find out there's something wrong with their world and when almost no one listens to them or at least not enough to take action, they take off on their own to investigate. This was such an exciting read and I really enjoyed it. It's very story driven with the plot always evolving and continuing.
It took me a long time to read this book, but that's because I had little time to read, not because I wasn't enjoying it. And I did savor every moment of this book. Every time I encountered some artwork I had to show to to my boyfriend. The artwork tells as much of the story as the actual words. It's really impressive how much art there is in this book, there are full colour images, but also a lot of small sketches and they really make this world come alive. It shows you how this new and exciting world and the creatures that live there look like. And it really ads to the story.
I have read books with artwork before, but never like this one. Here the artwork is so seamlessly part of the story and at the same time the artwork enhances the story and the story works better because of the addition of the artwork. Most of the artwork shows actual scenes and some show just a character or creature or object they encounter at that chapter. And the artwork really helped to paint an imagine of everything and as result I was able to visualize everything a lot better. I can't say enough good things about the artwork, it was just stunning. The pictures had so much detail and the full colour ones where filled with bright colours and the artwork is just amazing.
I would say the artwork is reason enough to read this book, but at the same time that makes it sound like the rest isn't as good, which definitely isn't true. I really enjoyed reading this book, the story set-up might seem a tad cliché, but the way it's told and the way their adventure evolves is really unique as well. There are definitely some unexpected scenes and the way the story evolved managed to surprise me. The resolution at the end did seem a tad too easy and I wasn't quite sure how it actually worked. There's also one question that I had that doesn't get fully answered, although it does get hinted at and I have my ideas. And then we get the last chapter which is sort of an epilogue which also forms the set-up for the next book, which makes me curious about how the story will continue.
The characters are great to read about, the three are all very different. They all have their own personality and they form a tight group of friends. While the characters are great, the book is very much story driven, but that's in no way a bad thing as the story is very well done. But at times I would've liked to get even more depth into the characters and side characters and get to know them even better. I wanted to know more about their thoughts and how they thought and felt about some things.
The world building in this book is quite impressive, with the artwork helping to get a feel for this world and what things look like. The author has created his own world here, it's really unique and different from most fantasy books I read. And the world comes alive with the descriptions and the artwork so you can visualize everything well. The only thing is that because everything is so new and different it could be a tad confusing when I first started reading. There are have characters names, species names, location terms and then role and job words and everything is new. So it could take some time to get everything straight. Also sometimes I was a tad confused at how the physics worked in the world, but that are mostly minor details or scenes where I was wondering how this was possible or why a certain creature would've evolved that way. But overall I would say the world building is really well done and the world comes alive due to the descriptions and the wonderful artwork.
To summarize: I really loved reading this book. The fantasy world Aaron Safronoff has created in this book really comes alive with the use of descriptions and stunning artwork. I really got immersed into this fantasy world while reading. The story is quite exciting and while the set-up might sound a tad cliché, the way it was written still made it feel unique. The book is quite story focused and it has a sense of adventure as well as fantasy. I quite enjoyed following this group fo three friends their adventures while trying to figure out what was wrong with their world. I do think the characters and side characters could've used a bit more depth at times. The world building is really impressively. A whole new world, filled with new species and characters and I enjoyed learning more about. The artwork makes it easy to visualize all the creatures and objects in this world. It could be a tad confusing at first as there are so many new words and terms to get used to, but eventually I managed to get everything straight. And the artwork is just stunning, this book is filled with a lot of artwork, from full coloured pictures to sketches and the whole book is filled with them and it really is as much part of the story as the actual text.
The first time I heard about this book I was immediately intrigued, it sounded like a fun book. I looked around a bit more and found the sunborn rising website and from that moment I was sold, I knew I had to read this book. The website showed a sample of the beautiful artwork included in this book and I love the idea of including artwork in a book. And I am so glad I managed to get a review copy of this book as it surpassed my expectations and after finishing I just want to know when the next book will be here.
Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is a story of a strange planet and the creatures that live there. It's a whole new world and it's as much fantasy as and adventure book in my opinion. It tells the story of three friends who find out there's something wrong with their world and when almost no one listens to them or at least not enough to take action, they take off on their own to investigate. This was such an exciting read and I really enjoyed it. It's very story driven with the plot always evolving and continuing.
It took me a long time to read this book, but that's because I had little time to read, not because I wasn't enjoying it. And I did savor every moment of this book. Every time I encountered some artwork I had to show to to my boyfriend. The artwork tells as much of the story as the actual words. It's really impressive how much art there is in this book, there are full colour images, but also a lot of small sketches and they really make this world come alive. It shows you how this new and exciting world and the creatures that live there look like. And it really ads to the story.
I have read books with artwork before, but never like this one. Here the artwork is so seamlessly part of the story and at the same time the artwork enhances the story and the story works better because of the addition of the artwork. Most of the artwork shows actual scenes and some show just a character or creature or object they encounter at that chapter. And the artwork really helped to paint an imagine of everything and as result I was able to visualize everything a lot better. I can't say enough good things about the artwork, it was just stunning. The pictures had so much detail and the full colour ones where filled with bright colours and the artwork is just amazing.
I would say the artwork is reason enough to read this book, but at the same time that makes it sound like the rest isn't as good, which definitely isn't true. I really enjoyed reading this book, the story set-up might seem a tad cliché, but the way it's told and the way their adventure evolves is really unique as well. There are definitely some unexpected scenes and the way the story evolved managed to surprise me. The resolution at the end did seem a tad too easy and I wasn't quite sure how it actually worked. There's also one question that I had that doesn't get fully answered, although it does get hinted at and I have my ideas. And then we get the last chapter which is sort of an epilogue which also forms the set-up for the next book, which makes me curious about how the story will continue.
The characters are great to read about, the three are all very different. They all have their own personality and they form a tight group of friends. While the characters are great, the book is very much story driven, but that's in no way a bad thing as the story is very well done. But at times I would've liked to get even more depth into the characters and side characters and get to know them even better. I wanted to know more about their thoughts and how they thought and felt about some things.
The world building in this book is quite impressive, with the artwork helping to get a feel for this world and what things look like. The author has created his own world here, it's really unique and different from most fantasy books I read. And the world comes alive with the descriptions and the artwork so you can visualize everything well. The only thing is that because everything is so new and different it could be a tad confusing when I first started reading. There are have characters names, species names, location terms and then role and job words and everything is new. So it could take some time to get everything straight. Also sometimes I was a tad confused at how the physics worked in the world, but that are mostly minor details or scenes where I was wondering how this was possible or why a certain creature would've evolved that way. But overall I would say the world building is really well done and the world comes alive due to the descriptions and the wonderful artwork.
To summarize: I really loved reading this book. The fantasy world Aaron Safronoff has created in this book really comes alive with the use of descriptions and stunning artwork. I really got immersed into this fantasy world while reading. The story is quite exciting and while the set-up might sound a tad cliché, the way it was written still made it feel unique. The book is quite story focused and it has a sense of adventure as well as fantasy. I quite enjoyed following this group fo three friends their adventures while trying to figure out what was wrong with their world. I do think the characters and side characters could've used a bit more depth at times. The world building is really impressively. A whole new world, filled with new species and characters and I enjoyed learning more about. The artwork makes it easy to visualize all the creatures and objects in this world. It could be a tad confusing at first as there are so many new words and terms to get used to, but eventually I managed to get everything straight. And the artwork is just stunning, this book is filled with a lot of artwork, from full coloured pictures to sketches and the whole book is filled with them and it really is as much part of the story as the actual text.
July 30, 2020
If I had to describe this book in three words, it would be whimsical, imaginative, and delightful. The world that Aaron Safronoff has created is unlike anything else I've ever read. The atmosphere and setting throughout the entire novel was lush and the book itself was very well-written. I'm so impressed! I would say this leans middle grade in terms of target audience, but it's something any age can appreciate and enjoy! My only issue was not feeling as connected to the characters as I wanted to, the focus felt very much on the beautiful world-building throughout this book. But speaking of characters, my favorite was Plicks! He was so adorable!
Not only was the book well-written, but it is accompanied by some of the most beautiful art I've seen. Full color illustrations are woven in and appear in almost every chapter. The art truly took my breath away.
Overall, I highly recommend for fans of novels that have gorgeous world-building, lush atmosphere, and unique characters and creatures, some of the most unique that I've personally ever read about! Amazing job on this Aaron!
Not only was the book well-written, but it is accompanied by some of the most beautiful art I've seen. Full color illustrations are woven in and appear in almost every chapter. The art truly took my breath away.
Overall, I highly recommend for fans of novels that have gorgeous world-building, lush atmosphere, and unique characters and creatures, some of the most unique that I've personally ever read about! Amazing job on this Aaron!
Read
February 5, 2016"Stunning. Awe-inspiring. Revolutionary. Superlatives can’t aptly describe the immersive experience of reading Aaron Safronoff’s lavishly illustrated fantasy fable for the first time.
The story is set on the world of Cerulean—essentially a star at the center of a vast ocean covered by a massive, multi-leveled floating forest inhabited by diverse sentient creatures. It revolves around a trio of heroic young Arboreals who set out on a quest to find out why the Great Trees are dying and, ultimately, to find a way to save their failing world.
Protagonist Barra Swiftspur is a Listlespur (clawed, simian-like beings covered with fur and sporting a long tail) whose life is turned upside down when she finds notes left by her adventurer father, who disappeared and is feared dead. The notes mention a deadly fungus known as Creepervine, a quickly spreading blight that her father believed could endanger the entire bionetwork. But community leaders have long dismissed her father’s warnings; even Barra’s mother won’t discuss the potential problem with her. So, against her mother’s wishes, she leaves with two friends and ventures to the dangerous Middens and the mythic Root, the region of Cerulean at the base of the Great Trees where no other Arboreal has gone before.
In addition to the stunning, brilliantly colored illustrations, there are so many extraordinary aspects of this story. The world building is meticulous, grand-scale, and utterly breathtaking; the characters are well developed and endearing; the adventure is nonstop; and the author’s sublime use of three as a motif throughout is absolutely fascinating (a trio of heroes, creatures with three eyes, three tails, etc.)
Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is nothing short of a game-changer in the world of all-ages fantasy literature. Visionary, thematically profound, and visually spectacular, this mesmeric fusion of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Hugo Award-winning novella The Word for World is Forest and James Cameron’s Oscar-winning motion picture Avatar will entertain readers young and old and leave them wanting more. It’s an instant fantasy classic."
The story is set on the world of Cerulean—essentially a star at the center of a vast ocean covered by a massive, multi-leveled floating forest inhabited by diverse sentient creatures. It revolves around a trio of heroic young Arboreals who set out on a quest to find out why the Great Trees are dying and, ultimately, to find a way to save their failing world.
Protagonist Barra Swiftspur is a Listlespur (clawed, simian-like beings covered with fur and sporting a long tail) whose life is turned upside down when she finds notes left by her adventurer father, who disappeared and is feared dead. The notes mention a deadly fungus known as Creepervine, a quickly spreading blight that her father believed could endanger the entire bionetwork. But community leaders have long dismissed her father’s warnings; even Barra’s mother won’t discuss the potential problem with her. So, against her mother’s wishes, she leaves with two friends and ventures to the dangerous Middens and the mythic Root, the region of Cerulean at the base of the Great Trees where no other Arboreal has gone before.
In addition to the stunning, brilliantly colored illustrations, there are so many extraordinary aspects of this story. The world building is meticulous, grand-scale, and utterly breathtaking; the characters are well developed and endearing; the adventure is nonstop; and the author’s sublime use of three as a motif throughout is absolutely fascinating (a trio of heroes, creatures with three eyes, three tails, etc.)
Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is nothing short of a game-changer in the world of all-ages fantasy literature. Visionary, thematically profound, and visually spectacular, this mesmeric fusion of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Hugo Award-winning novella The Word for World is Forest and James Cameron’s Oscar-winning motion picture Avatar will entertain readers young and old and leave them wanting more. It’s an instant fantasy classic."
June 1, 2016
This book is truly incredible. I had the pleasure of being around the author and artists as it was being created. It is so much more than a book. The world Aaron created here is astoundingly beautiful, rich, deep, novel and accessible for most anyone. If you love fantasy you'll love this book. But it's definitely not your typical fantasy fare, so others who think they don't like the genre may just be surprised! Added to the wonderful story are many pieces of vivid full color art, and also countless little line drawings. For younger readers they help with understanding of the world; for adults they provide a creative joy on their own.
I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who loves great storytelling.
I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who loves great storytelling.
April 30, 2016
The moment I laid my eyes on the cover of "Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall", I was ecstatic and got this feeling that I'd become a part of a journey I'd jump on and never want to part from anymore. Well, this Dystopian/Fantasy novel did not disappoint and offered so much more than one can imagine.
Welcoming the readers in a world layered with mystery, scenic landscapes and brave souls, Aaron Safronoff intricately weaved an engaging tale about three young explorers in an arboreal land called "The Loft" wherein their expedition did not only lead them to fighting an evil who's trying to consume their world but also paved way for them to find their strengths within.
I personally found the characters appealing and engaging in their own unique ways. The protagonist, Barra, is a Listlespur whose spirit is unfaltering no matter what danger she faces. Along with Tory, a Rugosic and Plicks, a Kolalabat, their strong personalities and perseverance brought an edge and entertaining hype to their adventure.
Safronoff's wordplay and prose style was also quite admirable since it added sparks to the gripping plot he has made. He was able to vividly portray a fictional world with a believable connection to the readers especially on young adults.
Oh, and how could I forget the best bonus which are the captivating illustrations of the realm? Those additional artworks effectively portrayed a textured reality of the world of Cerulean in the most creative way!
In a retrospect, I highly recommend this novel to readers who are looking for something refreshing and adventurous. For there's a light in encountering beauty in uncertainty and courage in times of danger. As one of the advice they learned along the way, “The pathwood home is the hardest to find sometimes. And sometimes it’s the hardest to travel.”
Welcoming the readers in a world layered with mystery, scenic landscapes and brave souls, Aaron Safronoff intricately weaved an engaging tale about three young explorers in an arboreal land called "The Loft" wherein their expedition did not only lead them to fighting an evil who's trying to consume their world but also paved way for them to find their strengths within.
I personally found the characters appealing and engaging in their own unique ways. The protagonist, Barra, is a Listlespur whose spirit is unfaltering no matter what danger she faces. Along with Tory, a Rugosic and Plicks, a Kolalabat, their strong personalities and perseverance brought an edge and entertaining hype to their adventure.
Safronoff's wordplay and prose style was also quite admirable since it added sparks to the gripping plot he has made. He was able to vividly portray a fictional world with a believable connection to the readers especially on young adults.
Oh, and how could I forget the best bonus which are the captivating illustrations of the realm? Those additional artworks effectively portrayed a textured reality of the world of Cerulean in the most creative way!
In a retrospect, I highly recommend this novel to readers who are looking for something refreshing and adventurous. For there's a light in encountering beauty in uncertainty and courage in times of danger. As one of the advice they learned along the way, “The pathwood home is the hardest to find sometimes. And sometimes it’s the hardest to travel.”
February 9, 2016
Sunborn Rising - Beneath the Fall by Aaron Safronoff is about a world of fantasy. Barra lives in a place of light, trees, ocean water-a place that was once as bright and green as anyplace had ever been. Time had been cruel over the years and the light was no longer in the forest. Those living there had forgotten about light.
Barra finds a journal-her father's. Barra's father is dead and maybe the journal will reveal answers about their homeland and her father's death. The journal gives Barra a description of how the land had been - lush, bright and beautiful. It is revealed that Barra's father had given warnings about what was happening to take away this beauty-those warnings were not heeded and he was dead.
Barra and her best friends set out to explore each and every aspect of the things her father wrote about. She was determined to try and bring some light back to their world. She won't rest until she has some answers and results.
Will these endeavors take her Beneath the Fall?
Safronoff does a masterful job writing this book. It is the best fantasy book I have read. He has a different and unique way with his story and characters that I believe will delight very reader.
Publishing April 2016-don't miss the release. You will be rewarded with a very delightful read.
Barra finds a journal-her father's. Barra's father is dead and maybe the journal will reveal answers about their homeland and her father's death. The journal gives Barra a description of how the land had been - lush, bright and beautiful. It is revealed that Barra's father had given warnings about what was happening to take away this beauty-those warnings were not heeded and he was dead.
Barra and her best friends set out to explore each and every aspect of the things her father wrote about. She was determined to try and bring some light back to their world. She won't rest until she has some answers and results.
Will these endeavors take her Beneath the Fall?
Safronoff does a masterful job writing this book. It is the best fantasy book I have read. He has a different and unique way with his story and characters that I believe will delight very reader.
Publishing April 2016-don't miss the release. You will be rewarded with a very delightful read.
December 16, 2018
Beneath the fall, there exists a world, wrapped in infectious Creepervine and shrouded in darkness. The Arboreal’s clinging to the light of the Umberwood, nested in the canopy of Cerulean’s Great Forest, have learned to fear the mysteries living below them. Once the Creepervine and the destructiveness that follows it begin to invade the Umberwood, Barra Swiftspur and her companions find themselves fighting to save Cerulean in its entirety. As their journey takes them beneath the fall, they find corruption and betrayal hiding amongst the Arboreal's amongst their own people, and the consequences could mean death or freedom.
This well-written and thought out alternate world fantasy is excellent for young readers and adults alike. The development of each character is carefully considered, each contributing their unique abilities and personalities. The villains are creepy without being overwhelmingly frightening.
Aaron Safronoff engages his audience and invites them to explore the world of Cerulean through many different mediums. The magically vivid world created in Sunborn Rising comes to life through beautiful illustrations and artwork which will capture readers of all ages. To continue the immersive experience, the reader can explore an equally engaging website. If this is only the beginning of Sunborn Rising, then the second installment deserves great fanfare.
This well-written and thought out alternate world fantasy is excellent for young readers and adults alike. The development of each character is carefully considered, each contributing their unique abilities and personalities. The villains are creepy without being overwhelmingly frightening.
Aaron Safronoff engages his audience and invites them to explore the world of Cerulean through many different mediums. The magically vivid world created in Sunborn Rising comes to life through beautiful illustrations and artwork which will capture readers of all ages. To continue the immersive experience, the reader can explore an equally engaging website. If this is only the beginning of Sunborn Rising, then the second installment deserves great fanfare.
May 20, 2016
Omgosh!!! I have no words to describe this book. Just Wow! A brilliant and immersive fantasy read. It's definitely going on to my favorites list. The characters were exceptional. They had so much heart and the worldbuilding was phenomenal. Aaron Safronoff is a master storyteller. Right off the bat, I was sucked into the world of Cerulean. The illustrations sprinkled throughout were just gorgeous and it helped to visualise the setting and creatures even more vividly. I'm a huge romance fan and always look forward to seeing a dash of it in my fantasy reads but I didn't miss it at all in this book. The story was focused on friendship, family, community and the world one lives in. It's a book with a soul. I definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a great read. You won't be disappointed in the least. :)
April 28, 2016
Brilliant Story!
This story truly tugs on my heartstrings! With a young female adventurer as the main character, I found myself cheering Barra along. All of her emotional highs and lows, I too felt with her.
The beautiful world in which Barra and her friends live is simply not to be missed. Author Safronoff vividly paints an impressive picture of the flora and fauna of Cerulean.
Lastly, and arguably most impressive, this fantasy novel is filled with beautiful and imaginative full color artwork!
I couldn't put it down!!!
This story truly tugs on my heartstrings! With a young female adventurer as the main character, I found myself cheering Barra along. All of her emotional highs and lows, I too felt with her.
The beautiful world in which Barra and her friends live is simply not to be missed. Author Safronoff vividly paints an impressive picture of the flora and fauna of Cerulean.
Lastly, and arguably most impressive, this fantasy novel is filled with beautiful and imaginative full color artwork!
I couldn't put it down!!!
February 7, 2017
I am reading through Sunborn Rising now! It is a great book for young adults, adults, and even children. The world of Cerulean is full of vivid and unique imagery that sets it apart and makes it truly exciting.
Once you get about a 1/3rd the way though the adventure kicks in full blast and I can't put it down.
Once you get about a 1/3rd the way though the adventure kicks in full blast and I can't put it down.
May 3, 2016
So much more than just a book! The rich, beautifully imagined world and the wonderful, fun characters sucked me in right from the beginning. I loved my adventure through cerulean with this cast, and I would highly recommend it to fantasy fans of any age!
May 12, 2016
Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is a creative and innovative young adult fantasy novel that combines texts, graphics and music in storytelling. The series is going to create a new era in bringing whole new reading experiences to the readers.
Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher in exchange of my honest review.
Barra Swiftspur is a Listlespur living in the Loft of the Cerulean. The story started with Barra secretly reading her late father's journal on his findings about a deadly fungus called Creepervine which is endangering the Cerulean. Her curiosity and gut tells her that she has to start her journey in uncovering the mysteries recorded in her father's notes. Along the way, Barra's two close friends - Tory Mafic (a Rugosic) and Plicks Battidash (a Kolalabat) joins her in her adventure and together, they saved the lives of the Arboreals from the dying world.
The Setting
The world building of Sunborn Rising is very extensive. The Cerulean is a completely fictional and original "planet" that is layered by The Sun in the middle, followed by the ocean and then forests floating on it.
The Cerulean is inhabited by Arboreals like the Listlespur, Kolalabat, Rugosic and other plants like the Dayflower which tells the time. All of these living creatures are completely fictional. This is one of the aspects that is breathtaking in this book. The vivid imagination of the author brings me a fantasy world that is so distant but yet is quite relatable to the earth because the plague that is spreading to the entire Cerulean reminds me of the disastrous pollution that brings us global warming on our planet.
The Characters
The characters in the story are very lovable, my favorite is Plicks. Being a Kolalabat which looks like a combination of a rabbit and koala makes him very adorable. Even though he has low self-esteem due to his clumsiness, he is a very caring and loving character. He loves his family members and friends very much and he cares a lot on others' feelings. That is why he often serves as the peacemaker between Barra and Tory when they're fighting with each other. I'm actually proud of Plicks as he proves himself for being a useful and helpful companion in rescuing his friends from the dangers.
While Barra is the main female protagonist of the story, I love her and hate her for her strong-willed characteristics. Perhaps due to the reason that Listlespurs are born warriors, Barra is adventurous and a bit hard to discipline. Because of that, she often brings dangers not only to herself, but to her loyal friends that are willingly to accompany her in her quest to uncover the mysteries in her father's journal. Nonetheless, her bravery and perseverance is what should be applauded for.
According to a YouTube video published by the publishing team, Aaron Safronoff, author of this book mentioned that the design of Barra was actually inspired by the five cats (FIVE!) of his girlfriend. The Listlespur's fur is brilliantly designed that she could make herself invisible by adjusting the fur and her tail is very useful in moving around the trees and could also use as a weapon. I am a cat lover so how could I not love Barra?
Tory Mafic, a Rugosic which I think his body looks a bit like a grasshopper. He is my least favorite character among the trio. Not that I dislike him, but I couldn't find any significant moment that he's able to attract my attention except that he always fights with Barra.
The Plot
The book is written for young adult but I think it can be enjoyed by adult who loves reading fantasy fiction. The author spent a lot of time in describing the surroundings and also goes down into very detail like the character retracting the claws or how the character adjusted the fur. All these little details and the added bonus of the illustrations in the book greatly helps me in absorbing myself in the fantastic world created by the author. However, I would prefer if more dialogues are added in showing the interaction among the characters.
Though I admit that I'm a sentimental person, but I hardly cry when reading a book. I did cry for reading a few books but the probability is still low. Some of the scenes in Sunborn Rising, especially near the end, made me nearly cry in my office! Seriously, I had to stop myself from reading it to calm myself down, wiped away my tears in case my colleagues thought something bad happened to me. This is so great that a book was able to bring such strong emotion to me.
Extra Features
As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, Sunborn Rising series shows us a whole new way in storytelling. The book comes with 40 full-color illustrations and over 80 line drawings. I'm not a graphic novel reader and often we couldn't find so much graphics in a novel so that is one of the reasons why I was so excited when I received the email from the publisher. And thanks to the publisher, I was able to enjoy the book in various formats: PDF for my laptop, Mobi for my Kindle and paperback copy to show off the cool cover to others! Not to mention that the paperback edition of the book is in perfect binding!
At this point of writing, Neoglyphic Entertainment is in the progress of developing the mobile application for the series in iOS and Android which will incorporate the original music scores into reading. How awesome is that?
I really want to give a big *virtual* hug to the team in creating this wonder in the book industry. I'm actually quite anticipating the games that will be created based on the series. It'll be cool to be able to interact with the characters of the book and also to roam around in the world of Cerulean! Sunborn Rising is definitely one of my best reads so far in 2016.
Sunborn Rising is currently available in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover format on Amazon. And if you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read the book for free!
If you're interested to know more about the book series, you're highly encouraged to pay a visit to the book site. Trust me, you won't regret in reading the book.
This review is originally posted on my blog: http://wp.me/p6Uw1h-lw
Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher in exchange of my honest review.
Barra Swiftspur is a Listlespur living in the Loft of the Cerulean. The story started with Barra secretly reading her late father's journal on his findings about a deadly fungus called Creepervine which is endangering the Cerulean. Her curiosity and gut tells her that she has to start her journey in uncovering the mysteries recorded in her father's notes. Along the way, Barra's two close friends - Tory Mafic (a Rugosic) and Plicks Battidash (a Kolalabat) joins her in her adventure and together, they saved the lives of the Arboreals from the dying world.
The Setting
The world building of Sunborn Rising is very extensive. The Cerulean is a completely fictional and original "planet" that is layered by The Sun in the middle, followed by the ocean and then forests floating on it.
The Cerulean is inhabited by Arboreals like the Listlespur, Kolalabat, Rugosic and other plants like the Dayflower which tells the time. All of these living creatures are completely fictional. This is one of the aspects that is breathtaking in this book. The vivid imagination of the author brings me a fantasy world that is so distant but yet is quite relatable to the earth because the plague that is spreading to the entire Cerulean reminds me of the disastrous pollution that brings us global warming on our planet.
The Characters
The characters in the story are very lovable, my favorite is Plicks. Being a Kolalabat which looks like a combination of a rabbit and koala makes him very adorable. Even though he has low self-esteem due to his clumsiness, he is a very caring and loving character. He loves his family members and friends very much and he cares a lot on others' feelings. That is why he often serves as the peacemaker between Barra and Tory when they're fighting with each other. I'm actually proud of Plicks as he proves himself for being a useful and helpful companion in rescuing his friends from the dangers.
While Barra is the main female protagonist of the story, I love her and hate her for her strong-willed characteristics. Perhaps due to the reason that Listlespurs are born warriors, Barra is adventurous and a bit hard to discipline. Because of that, she often brings dangers not only to herself, but to her loyal friends that are willingly to accompany her in her quest to uncover the mysteries in her father's journal. Nonetheless, her bravery and perseverance is what should be applauded for.
According to a YouTube video published by the publishing team, Aaron Safronoff, author of this book mentioned that the design of Barra was actually inspired by the five cats (FIVE!) of his girlfriend. The Listlespur's fur is brilliantly designed that she could make herself invisible by adjusting the fur and her tail is very useful in moving around the trees and could also use as a weapon. I am a cat lover so how could I not love Barra?
Tory Mafic, a Rugosic which I think his body looks a bit like a grasshopper. He is my least favorite character among the trio. Not that I dislike him, but I couldn't find any significant moment that he's able to attract my attention except that he always fights with Barra.
The Plot
The book is written for young adult but I think it can be enjoyed by adult who loves reading fantasy fiction. The author spent a lot of time in describing the surroundings and also goes down into very detail like the character retracting the claws or how the character adjusted the fur. All these little details and the added bonus of the illustrations in the book greatly helps me in absorbing myself in the fantastic world created by the author. However, I would prefer if more dialogues are added in showing the interaction among the characters.
Though I admit that I'm a sentimental person, but I hardly cry when reading a book. I did cry for reading a few books but the probability is still low. Some of the scenes in Sunborn Rising, especially near the end, made me nearly cry in my office! Seriously, I had to stop myself from reading it to calm myself down, wiped away my tears in case my colleagues thought something bad happened to me. This is so great that a book was able to bring such strong emotion to me.
Extra Features
As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, Sunborn Rising series shows us a whole new way in storytelling. The book comes with 40 full-color illustrations and over 80 line drawings. I'm not a graphic novel reader and often we couldn't find so much graphics in a novel so that is one of the reasons why I was so excited when I received the email from the publisher. And thanks to the publisher, I was able to enjoy the book in various formats: PDF for my laptop, Mobi for my Kindle and paperback copy to show off the cool cover to others! Not to mention that the paperback edition of the book is in perfect binding!
At this point of writing, Neoglyphic Entertainment is in the progress of developing the mobile application for the series in iOS and Android which will incorporate the original music scores into reading. How awesome is that?
I really want to give a big *virtual* hug to the team in creating this wonder in the book industry. I'm actually quite anticipating the games that will be created based on the series. It'll be cool to be able to interact with the characters of the book and also to roam around in the world of Cerulean! Sunborn Rising is definitely one of my best reads so far in 2016.
Sunborn Rising is currently available in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover format on Amazon. And if you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read the book for free!
If you're interested to know more about the book series, you're highly encouraged to pay a visit to the book site. Trust me, you won't regret in reading the book.
This review is originally posted on my blog: http://wp.me/p6Uw1h-lw
February 2, 2016
Breaking into the world of fantasy with a meaningful contribution is not an easy task, but Aaron Safronoff managed to do just that with Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall. Actually, this is only the first book of the series and it’s the key to the gates of a magically fresh universe. This YA fantasy thriller is but a part of the Sunborn Rising experience, which stretches far beyond the colorful pages of the book.
A world that bares a slight resemblance to ours is on the verge of darkness. At the center of all there is a sun floating in an ocean and this is the spring of life for the floating tree islands covering the planet. But there is a disturbance in the flow of life and the world is at risk of falling into darkness. Salvation is uncertain and in the paws of the most unlikely of heroes.
Our main guides to this world are Barra – a young Listlespur, a catlike humanoid – along with her two best friends Plicks – a Kolalabat, resembling a bat – and Tory – a Rugosik, a puppet like humanoid. Barra starts out by wanting to learn more about her deceased father and so she sneaks into his study and finds his hidden journal. But his writings not only strengthens the father-daughter bond, but also propels Barra and her friends on the adventure of their lives. They learn that their existence is threatened by darkness and driven by curiosity they set out to explore the uncharted territories of the Middens surrounding their Loft. But things do not go exactly as planned and they fall from the comfort of their leafy bows to the muddy root. There a new unfamiliar world unfolds before them, filled with dangers, enemies but also allies and wonders. But now they struggle to find their path to the Loft and also to bring back the light to their home.
The Sunborn Rising series is clearly aimed at a younger audience, so the occasionally simplistic narrative serves its purpose. The black and white pages are sprinkled with colorful images vividly portraying scenes from the magical realm. Actually, these pictures are a valuable support for the imagination of the reader, as some creatures and plants are quite different from our reality.
In fact, Aaron Safronoff did a lot more than just start a fantasy book series; he set the grounds for a complex Sunborn Rising experience. So, the readers can also immerse themselves in music and art. But more dimensions are about to be added. Games and animated media are in the development stage. One thing is for sure, there is a lot to explore and even more to come.
A world that bares a slight resemblance to ours is on the verge of darkness. At the center of all there is a sun floating in an ocean and this is the spring of life for the floating tree islands covering the planet. But there is a disturbance in the flow of life and the world is at risk of falling into darkness. Salvation is uncertain and in the paws of the most unlikely of heroes.
Our main guides to this world are Barra – a young Listlespur, a catlike humanoid – along with her two best friends Plicks – a Kolalabat, resembling a bat – and Tory – a Rugosik, a puppet like humanoid. Barra starts out by wanting to learn more about her deceased father and so she sneaks into his study and finds his hidden journal. But his writings not only strengthens the father-daughter bond, but also propels Barra and her friends on the adventure of their lives. They learn that their existence is threatened by darkness and driven by curiosity they set out to explore the uncharted territories of the Middens surrounding their Loft. But things do not go exactly as planned and they fall from the comfort of their leafy bows to the muddy root. There a new unfamiliar world unfolds before them, filled with dangers, enemies but also allies and wonders. But now they struggle to find their path to the Loft and also to bring back the light to their home.
The Sunborn Rising series is clearly aimed at a younger audience, so the occasionally simplistic narrative serves its purpose. The black and white pages are sprinkled with colorful images vividly portraying scenes from the magical realm. Actually, these pictures are a valuable support for the imagination of the reader, as some creatures and plants are quite different from our reality.
In fact, Aaron Safronoff did a lot more than just start a fantasy book series; he set the grounds for a complex Sunborn Rising experience. So, the readers can also immerse themselves in music and art. But more dimensions are about to be added. Games and animated media are in the development stage. One thing is for sure, there is a lot to explore and even more to come.
July 15, 2016
First off, I have to confess that the cover was the original reason I wanted to read this book. Tell me that twinkling tail isn’t luring you in.
The plot doesn’t seem that complex in the beginning. Three young friends set off to save their world from a creeping vine. Then, you enter the world of Cerulean with it’s flotilla forests, venture from the safety of the loft, into the midden, and down below the Fall, where creatures beyond imagining dwell, not all of them cuddly like our three young friends.
The story takes some dark turns down below, where the creeper vine slowly chokes the light and water from the arboreal world, threatening all that dwell there. I was a bit surprised how serious the danger was. It seemed like this would be a light, fun adventure, but there were some times when I actually dreaded what might be about to happen.
But it’s not all dark down below. The three adventurers come upon some wonderful creatures that help them on their quest. And you’ll get to see them!
The lush, colorful illustrations leap off the pages. You’ll feel like you are falling into the story and can actually see what’s occurring. Seeing Barra, Plicks, and Tory in living color is the next best thing to seeing them in a movie. Now, that would be something too.
You’ll be charmed by Barra, a fearless Listlespur bup. She reminds me somewhat of a tiger, even though they don’t live in trees and swing from vines, or come in a splendid shade of purple.
Plicks, a Kolalabat, reminds me of a cross between a bat and koala bear. Except he doesn’t seem to have their natural agility. He seems to be quite clumsy and gets all tangled up in himself. Kind of like the scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz.
And Tory is a Rugosic. Well, he reminds of a cross between a small boy and an ant or a beetle. He’s segmented, with a hard outer shell. He appeared to be the more serious, cautious one, most of the time. A good thing to be where they’re going.
Sunborn Rising is enchanting and seductive. I couldn’t get enough of this story and the magical creatures I became so fond of. If I’d read this when I was a young girl, I’m sure me and my friends would’ve been imaging our own adventures beyond the fall.
This is one of those books you’ll revisit many times. You’re copy getting dog-eared and worn with all of the readings. I loved it from the front cover to the rear flap. I’d recommend this book for all ages. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
I received this book for my honest review.
The plot doesn’t seem that complex in the beginning. Three young friends set off to save their world from a creeping vine. Then, you enter the world of Cerulean with it’s flotilla forests, venture from the safety of the loft, into the midden, and down below the Fall, where creatures beyond imagining dwell, not all of them cuddly like our three young friends.
The story takes some dark turns down below, where the creeper vine slowly chokes the light and water from the arboreal world, threatening all that dwell there. I was a bit surprised how serious the danger was. It seemed like this would be a light, fun adventure, but there were some times when I actually dreaded what might be about to happen.
But it’s not all dark down below. The three adventurers come upon some wonderful creatures that help them on their quest. And you’ll get to see them!
The lush, colorful illustrations leap off the pages. You’ll feel like you are falling into the story and can actually see what’s occurring. Seeing Barra, Plicks, and Tory in living color is the next best thing to seeing them in a movie. Now, that would be something too.
You’ll be charmed by Barra, a fearless Listlespur bup. She reminds me somewhat of a tiger, even though they don’t live in trees and swing from vines, or come in a splendid shade of purple.
Plicks, a Kolalabat, reminds me of a cross between a bat and koala bear. Except he doesn’t seem to have their natural agility. He seems to be quite clumsy and gets all tangled up in himself. Kind of like the scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz.
And Tory is a Rugosic. Well, he reminds of a cross between a small boy and an ant or a beetle. He’s segmented, with a hard outer shell. He appeared to be the more serious, cautious one, most of the time. A good thing to be where they’re going.
Sunborn Rising is enchanting and seductive. I couldn’t get enough of this story and the magical creatures I became so fond of. If I’d read this when I was a young girl, I’m sure me and my friends would’ve been imaging our own adventures beyond the fall.
This is one of those books you’ll revisit many times. You’re copy getting dog-eared and worn with all of the readings. I loved it from the front cover to the rear flap. I’d recommend this book for all ages. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
I received this book for my honest review.
May 3, 2016
Loved it!
Sunborn Rising is a wonderful story. From the very beginning you fall in love with Barra the adventurous, fun loving main character and want to join her interesting new world that is full of unique, distinct characters. Her inquisitive nature keeps you turning pages as she meets new friends that join in her journey. If that isn't enough there are beautiful illustrations that draw you in and fuel your interest in figuring out the mysteries the story holds. Once you start you won't want to put it down.
As I read the story I also found myself making connections to my own life. How has my life been shaped because of my heritage and those I have met along the way? What choices have I made that helped me realize my strength and abilities. What character most represents me and who would I like to be more like? The relationships in the story bring real emotion and thought.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Don't be surprised if you find yourself disappearing for hours as you get lost in this exciting, thought provoking adventure.
Sunborn Rising is a wonderful story. From the very beginning you fall in love with Barra the adventurous, fun loving main character and want to join her interesting new world that is full of unique, distinct characters. Her inquisitive nature keeps you turning pages as she meets new friends that join in her journey. If that isn't enough there are beautiful illustrations that draw you in and fuel your interest in figuring out the mysteries the story holds. Once you start you won't want to put it down.
As I read the story I also found myself making connections to my own life. How has my life been shaped because of my heritage and those I have met along the way? What choices have I made that helped me realize my strength and abilities. What character most represents me and who would I like to be more like? The relationships in the story bring real emotion and thought.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Don't be surprised if you find yourself disappearing for hours as you get lost in this exciting, thought provoking adventure.
May 2, 2016
I read the first half of the book with the usual amount of gusto, but kept getting sucked into the illustrations and questions about the physics required for a sun to sustainably exist in an ocean. However, I have a more distinct memory of sitting down to start that second half - mostly due to the fact that I didn't get off the couch until I had finished. I've only had that happen to me a few times in my life.
Aaron Safronoff, where's the second book?? You're killing me here...
Aaron Safronoff, where's the second book?? You're killing me here...
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Sunborn Rising is a fantasy of truly epic proportions – it may feature characters in roughly the middle grade/young adult age range, but it will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages!
The story follows Barra and her two best friends, Plicks and Tory. They find out about a threat to their world via Barra’s father’s journals and decide to try to gather evidence on their own (when some of the adults in their community don’t seem to want to admit that something might be wrong). But the three bups (basically a word for young ones) end up in deeper danger than they ever imagined when their explorations lead to their downfall – literally. Below their world, they find a vast, strange land filled with both peril and unimaginable beauty – but they have to get home if they ever hope to share it.
What Fed My Addiction:
A lush fantasy environment.
Aaron Safronoff’s brain must hold some sort of creative genius in order for him to have come up with the world of Cerulean and all its inhabitants. I don’t know the last time I read a book that had such elaborate and starkly beautiful worldbuilding. Everything is described wonderfully (though, I’ll admit that the illustrations helped me form better images for some of the settings and characters in my head!). The story itself is so intricately intertwined with the world that Cerulean is almost a character all its own – and each new setting is full of mystery and splendor. (Take a look at the image of the world below – I actually wish I’d seen it before I read the book because it might have helped me understand the structure of the world a little better and a little sooner!)
Spectacularly gorgeous illustrations.
The illustrations in this book are nothing short of stunning, and they serve to bring Safronoff’s world and characters to life. I found myself eagerly awaiting each new picture – luckily, they were featured generously throughout the book. Plus, in attention to the vivid, full-color illustrations, there were small black and white illustrations sprinkled in as well. I could just sit and stare at them all day.
Wonderful friendships.
I pretty much fell in love with Barra, Plicks and Tory – the three adolescents who find themselves on an adventure to save their world – and themselves. I especially loved the friendship between the characters – it felt honest and real. These characters adored each other, but that didn’t stop them from getting into the occasional squabble – especially when the pressure really started mounting!
The website.
Okay, I know this is a weird thing to mention in a book review, but you have to check out the Sunborn Rising website too. There are tons of interesting extras there like a trailer and videos about the creation of the characters. PLUS, it looks like there are several additions on the horizon, including a video game and an app (which looks amazing – I so want to get my hands on that app!) and a bunch of other interesting tie-ins. I can’t wait to show my kids the website because I think they’ll love it and it will give them a great sense of Cerulean before they’ve even read the book!
What Left Me Wanting More:
Too complex?
The only major thing that held me back from giving this book five glowing stars is just that the worldbuilding was sometimes a little too overwhelmingly complex. I felt like I needed a glossary of terms by my side at all times to keep track of everything (hint, hint – that needs to be added to the website, which is already brimming with really amazing content!). There were many place names such as the Middens, and the Fall, and the Boil (and lots more) and more specific place names like Umberwood. Then there were all the creatures – Listlespurs, Kolalabot, Rugosic, Nebules, Roedtaw … this list could go on and on. I need detailed maps to understand where all these places are and a list of Cerulean terms (because there were also interesting plants and LOTS of other terms to keep track of). It was all a little daunting – and I imagine it would be even more difficult for younger readers. I actually think Safronoff could have cut down on a few of the extra characters who pop in as well to keep things a bit less confusing and more cohesive (for instance, Jaeden, who is a fantastic character but just sort of appears out of nowhere almost at the end of the book – wish she’d been introduced earlier).
Third person omniscient POV (head-hopping).
My other issue with the book is that it was written in (roughly) third person omniscient POV, which means that it could switch from one character’s perspective to another’s with no warning or break. This made an already somewhat confusing book more complex. The book was told mostly from Barra’s POV, but then it would occasionally jump into someone else’s head. I wish Safranoff had stuck to Barra’s perspective unless there was a clear break to indicate that we were changing POVs.
If you’re a fantasy lover, you need this book in your life. It will set your imagination afire! I give it 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via BEA 2016 and Lola’s Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Sunborn Rising is a fantasy of truly epic proportions – it may feature characters in roughly the middle grade/young adult age range, but it will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages!
The story follows Barra and her two best friends, Plicks and Tory. They find out about a threat to their world via Barra’s father’s journals and decide to try to gather evidence on their own (when some of the adults in their community don’t seem to want to admit that something might be wrong). But the three bups (basically a word for young ones) end up in deeper danger than they ever imagined when their explorations lead to their downfall – literally. Below their world, they find a vast, strange land filled with both peril and unimaginable beauty – but they have to get home if they ever hope to share it.
What Fed My Addiction:
A lush fantasy environment.
Aaron Safronoff’s brain must hold some sort of creative genius in order for him to have come up with the world of Cerulean and all its inhabitants. I don’t know the last time I read a book that had such elaborate and starkly beautiful worldbuilding. Everything is described wonderfully (though, I’ll admit that the illustrations helped me form better images for some of the settings and characters in my head!). The story itself is so intricately intertwined with the world that Cerulean is almost a character all its own – and each new setting is full of mystery and splendor. (Take a look at the image of the world below – I actually wish I’d seen it before I read the book because it might have helped me understand the structure of the world a little better and a little sooner!)
Spectacularly gorgeous illustrations.
The illustrations in this book are nothing short of stunning, and they serve to bring Safronoff’s world and characters to life. I found myself eagerly awaiting each new picture – luckily, they were featured generously throughout the book. Plus, in attention to the vivid, full-color illustrations, there were small black and white illustrations sprinkled in as well. I could just sit and stare at them all day.
Wonderful friendships.
I pretty much fell in love with Barra, Plicks and Tory – the three adolescents who find themselves on an adventure to save their world – and themselves. I especially loved the friendship between the characters – it felt honest and real. These characters adored each other, but that didn’t stop them from getting into the occasional squabble – especially when the pressure really started mounting!
The website.
Okay, I know this is a weird thing to mention in a book review, but you have to check out the Sunborn Rising website too. There are tons of interesting extras there like a trailer and videos about the creation of the characters. PLUS, it looks like there are several additions on the horizon, including a video game and an app (which looks amazing – I so want to get my hands on that app!) and a bunch of other interesting tie-ins. I can’t wait to show my kids the website because I think they’ll love it and it will give them a great sense of Cerulean before they’ve even read the book!
What Left Me Wanting More:
Too complex?
The only major thing that held me back from giving this book five glowing stars is just that the worldbuilding was sometimes a little too overwhelmingly complex. I felt like I needed a glossary of terms by my side at all times to keep track of everything (hint, hint – that needs to be added to the website, which is already brimming with really amazing content!). There were many place names such as the Middens, and the Fall, and the Boil (and lots more) and more specific place names like Umberwood. Then there were all the creatures – Listlespurs, Kolalabot, Rugosic, Nebules, Roedtaw … this list could go on and on. I need detailed maps to understand where all these places are and a list of Cerulean terms (because there were also interesting plants and LOTS of other terms to keep track of). It was all a little daunting – and I imagine it would be even more difficult for younger readers. I actually think Safronoff could have cut down on a few of the extra characters who pop in as well to keep things a bit less confusing and more cohesive (for instance, Jaeden, who is a fantastic character but just sort of appears out of nowhere almost at the end of the book – wish she’d been introduced earlier).
Third person omniscient POV (head-hopping).
My other issue with the book is that it was written in (roughly) third person omniscient POV, which means that it could switch from one character’s perspective to another’s with no warning or break. This made an already somewhat confusing book more complex. The book was told mostly from Barra’s POV, but then it would occasionally jump into someone else’s head. I wish Safranoff had stuck to Barra’s perspective unless there was a clear break to indicate that we were changing POVs.
If you’re a fantasy lover, you need this book in your life. It will set your imagination afire! I give it 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via BEA 2016 and Lola’s Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
July 13, 2016
This is probably one of the most beautiful middle grade fantasy books I've ever held in my hands. To finally find a novel which packs in not only an adventure, which satisfies even the upper end of the middle grade, but remembers that an audience of this age also still appreciates colorful illustrations is simply a treasure in itself.
The story takes place on a lush fantasy world, with creatures so amazing that they can only originate from dreams. There are three friends, each very different not only in their physical attributes but in personalities as well, who take off on a somewhat accidental journey to save their world. The plot itself is nothing very new, but it doesn't have to be. Kids will dive into to and enjoy the vast array of creatures and scenes along with the adventure.
Barra, a type of cat creature, is the main character. She's willful, seeks adventure, curious and a little careless, but she's chucked full of determination. The introduction of her home life really lures the reader in, offering first a taste of simple life before heading off into danger. The attention to details and the fantasy involved would be enough on it's own. But the illustrations bring the world a step further, letting the reader fully plunge into the curious atmosphere.
It takes a couple chapters for the adventure to really get going, allowing the world to sink in and the characters to take hold of the reader. When things get underway, the action is fast paced. New scenes and a vast array of creatures pop up, making it crucial to pay attention. But just as it seemed a bit much, the pieces start to fall into place and the entire picture takes form.
This is written in third person and is at a perfect level for kids ages nine and up. The attention to details is balanced with adventure, making a lovely mix. The story does sometimes flip from Barra's point of view to another character's, which, unfortunately, was sudden and jolting. There were also a few points which weren't fully explained and left dangling. But in general, this is a fun read which holds the attention the entire way through. I did read it in one sitting and breezed through quicker than I thought. In other words, it's not a heavy read but simply a joy.
Summed up, the book is a masterpiece in the illustration end and definitely worth the read. I personally wish more middle grade books would take this plunge. The story is adventurous, although it could be a little stronger. Still the fun adventure grabs and holds the whole way through, bringing the reader on a fantastic journey.
The story takes place on a lush fantasy world, with creatures so amazing that they can only originate from dreams. There are three friends, each very different not only in their physical attributes but in personalities as well, who take off on a somewhat accidental journey to save their world. The plot itself is nothing very new, but it doesn't have to be. Kids will dive into to and enjoy the vast array of creatures and scenes along with the adventure.
Barra, a type of cat creature, is the main character. She's willful, seeks adventure, curious and a little careless, but she's chucked full of determination. The introduction of her home life really lures the reader in, offering first a taste of simple life before heading off into danger. The attention to details and the fantasy involved would be enough on it's own. But the illustrations bring the world a step further, letting the reader fully plunge into the curious atmosphere.
It takes a couple chapters for the adventure to really get going, allowing the world to sink in and the characters to take hold of the reader. When things get underway, the action is fast paced. New scenes and a vast array of creatures pop up, making it crucial to pay attention. But just as it seemed a bit much, the pieces start to fall into place and the entire picture takes form.
This is written in third person and is at a perfect level for kids ages nine and up. The attention to details is balanced with adventure, making a lovely mix. The story does sometimes flip from Barra's point of view to another character's, which, unfortunately, was sudden and jolting. There were also a few points which weren't fully explained and left dangling. But in general, this is a fun read which holds the attention the entire way through. I did read it in one sitting and breezed through quicker than I thought. In other words, it's not a heavy read but simply a joy.
Summed up, the book is a masterpiece in the illustration end and definitely worth the read. I personally wish more middle grade books would take this plunge. The story is adventurous, although it could be a little stronger. Still the fun adventure grabs and holds the whole way through, bringing the reader on a fantastic journey.
July 15, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This in no way has any impact on my review.
I will be frank and say that the book cover was what caught my attention the first time. Then when I read the blurb, I was intrigued. I was looking forward to reading a fantasy adventure and I was all for a quest by the protagonists. I am thankful that I was selected for one of the review copies and I can recommend this book for all adventure loving readers. I believe this is one book which will be liked by both girls and boys and by all ages especially the younger generation - 10 years onwards.
The starting of the book is pretty normal almost cliche. The protagonists and the side characters are introduced and the situation is explained via the following scenes in pretty straight forward language. And then the fun began! I thought they would all go on a quest as implied by the blurb but it was quite different. They involuntarily fall into the quest quite literally. The creatures they encounter and the foes they face make for an interesting adventure. As I said earlier, it is more of an anventurous tale than anything else.
The author has created a quite different and a detailed world unlike others. There are so many species and so many creatures to keep track of. I was confused at times since it was a bit hard to pinpoint and recognise them as I read about them. The artwork did help in decreasing the confusion. And the author's writing style is also very detailed and descriptive. And I have to talk about the artwork. They are so beautiful and they add so much colour and character to the story. There are scenes and characters depicted to add delight to the reading. The artwork alone is enough to make me read this series. It will appeal to both kids and adults equally.
And the story is also good enough to keep my attention till the end. I was absorbed into the story easily and I was turning the pages in anticipation of what is going to happen next. There was enough danger to keep me engrossed and I quite literally cheered at the end when they sort of triumph! The only point I found a bit lacking was that the story was straight forward at most points.
And the ending is kind of leading onto the next book. It has piqued my interest and now I can't wait to see how the author will work it out in the sequel. All in all, it was a very good read with a slightly dangerous slant. It definitely had more tension than what I was expecting!
My rating : 4.5/5
January 9, 2021
Okay first let me start off by saying this...beautiful art, awesome characters, and interesting world. Sunburn Rising was a really good book and I enjoyed staying up late at night reading it, while sipping a cup of chai tea latte. Aaron and Neoglyphic Entertainment put a lot of work into this project. I really did appreciate all the detail and sweat that went into this book. The graphic art was STUNNING.
As much I wanted to like it, I couldn't get along with the writing style of the author. Sorry Aaron!
I was constantly distracted by the way the book would switch from one character's point of view to another. It was erratic and disrupted the flow of the story. I had to stop multiple times to figure who was speaking and who wasn't.
Another thing that threw me off was some of the words that were made up in this fictional world. I understand that the reader is supposed to figure out how the world works later on in the book but Aaron does not do this for his readers. Aaron was very vague on some things. That might have been his intention, but I believe that a book like this, with a diverse complex ecosystem and new technical terms, needs further explaining for more pleasurable reading. He does include more details about the loft, reach, the root etc on the book's website, "Sunbornrising.com" but I would have enjoyed a bit more in the book itself.
All in all, a good book. I look forward to the next one.
*******Spoiler ALERT********
Here are just a few things that threw me off a bit.
I believe Chapter 26: Conflicted (pg. 283) needed some improvement. Barra and her friends have been missing for quite some time and their parents and the rest of their community have noticed. Chapter 26 is all about what the parents and community do, written mostly in the third person. I believe that Aaron should of written it in Brace's point of view and maybe even Tory's father or Plicks parents too. He should elaborated more on how they were feeling and what they were thinking in the first person. I understand that Aaron may have wanted the spotlight to stay focused on the bups but just summarizing what their parents did while they were gone felt too rushed.
As much I wanted to like it, I couldn't get along with the writing style of the author. Sorry Aaron!
I was constantly distracted by the way the book would switch from one character's point of view to another. It was erratic and disrupted the flow of the story. I had to stop multiple times to figure who was speaking and who wasn't.
Another thing that threw me off was some of the words that were made up in this fictional world. I understand that the reader is supposed to figure out how the world works later on in the book but Aaron does not do this for his readers. Aaron was very vague on some things. That might have been his intention, but I believe that a book like this, with a diverse complex ecosystem and new technical terms, needs further explaining for more pleasurable reading. He does include more details about the loft, reach, the root etc on the book's website, "Sunbornrising.com" but I would have enjoyed a bit more in the book itself.
All in all, a good book. I look forward to the next one.
*******Spoiler ALERT********
Here are just a few things that threw me off a bit.
I believe Chapter 26: Conflicted (pg. 283) needed some improvement. Barra and her friends have been missing for quite some time and their parents and the rest of their community have noticed. Chapter 26 is all about what the parents and community do, written mostly in the third person. I believe that Aaron should of written it in Brace's point of view and maybe even Tory's father or Plicks parents too. He should elaborated more on how they were feeling and what they were thinking in the first person. I understand that Aaron may have wanted the spotlight to stay focused on the bups but just summarizing what their parents did while they were gone felt too rushed.
November 29, 2016
This is one of those books that kept popping up in lists from time to time and I eventually made the plunge and got it. I was expecting, as the description says, a fantasy book for "all ages," but I should have known that if it's meant for all ages, it's not entirely a grown-up book. So, while this is certainly a four- or even five-star read for maybe 5th through 10th grade, for older readers it definitely falls short. So I averaged what I would have given it back in junior high with what I would give it now and came up with 3 stars.
The plot is credible. Barra is a young "Listlespur" who lives with her widowed mother and friends in the upper branches of a huge world made up of interwoven trees. One day she comes across some hidden writings from her father and is transfixed and also spurred on to find out what the father she never knew was doing when he died. Her adventures lead her to explore the Middens, an area below the massive trees that was abandoned long ago. The danger she finds there forces her mother to go to the council and demand action. When the council fails to act, Barra takes matters into her own clawed hands. But she perhaps has taken on more than she should have. There are more shadowy figures involved than just the mysterious Creepervine that threatens the homes of all Arboreals.
Yeah, it sounds pretty good. And if I were much younger I would have loved it. The characters would have been very likeable, but I felt like they were stuck in two dimensions. Too much was predictable for me. Again, if I were younger...
In short, younger readers will really like this book, despite the cliffhanger ending (which I can't stand). There are illustrations, many in color, which enhance the experience and provide some descriptions that would otherwise leave you guessing as to what things look like. Would recommend for readers under 16, but not for those over.
The plot is credible. Barra is a young "Listlespur" who lives with her widowed mother and friends in the upper branches of a huge world made up of interwoven trees. One day she comes across some hidden writings from her father and is transfixed and also spurred on to find out what the father she never knew was doing when he died. Her adventures lead her to explore the Middens, an area below the massive trees that was abandoned long ago. The danger she finds there forces her mother to go to the council and demand action. When the council fails to act, Barra takes matters into her own clawed hands. But she perhaps has taken on more than she should have. There are more shadowy figures involved than just the mysterious Creepervine that threatens the homes of all Arboreals.
Yeah, it sounds pretty good. And if I were much younger I would have loved it. The characters would have been very likeable, but I felt like they were stuck in two dimensions. Too much was predictable for me. Again, if I were younger...
In short, younger readers will really like this book, despite the cliffhanger ending (which I can't stand). There are illustrations, many in color, which enhance the experience and provide some descriptions that would otherwise leave you guessing as to what things look like. Would recommend for readers under 16, but not for those over.
May 22, 2016
Quite The Novel Idea ~ Words from the Clouds
I was very lucky to have received a physical review copy of this book, so first off, I want to thank the author for being so kind and generous to send it to me. I enjoyed this book a lot, but I think most of that is because of the artwork in it.
This is an original story and I greatly admire all the work that was put in this book. From what I understand there is even more to come so the readers can really dive into this world. And that's good, because the world is definitely one I wish to explore more. I also enjoyed the characters and the friendships in this novel. The writing was solid, sometimes a bit too simple, even for a middle grade, but I can look past that.
But while the writing was sometimes a bit too simple, the story itself never was. At times it was a bit more YA than middle grade and I'm not sure what the intended audience for this one is anymore. Which also brings me to the artwork. It IS gorgeous and I could show you pictures, but they won't do it justice. It adds a lot to the story and is the main reason why I can look past the sometimes simple-ish writing. It helped me dive into the world that much more. I'd even say the artwork alone is reason enough to pick it up.
I know this short review feels all over the place, but so do I. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't love this more, but I enjoyed this, and it's worth picking up, for sure. So I'll leave it at that. If you like YA/MG Fantasy, try this one out. I hope you enjoy it!
I was very lucky to have received a physical review copy of this book, so first off, I want to thank the author for being so kind and generous to send it to me. I enjoyed this book a lot, but I think most of that is because of the artwork in it.
This is an original story and I greatly admire all the work that was put in this book. From what I understand there is even more to come so the readers can really dive into this world. And that's good, because the world is definitely one I wish to explore more. I also enjoyed the characters and the friendships in this novel. The writing was solid, sometimes a bit too simple, even for a middle grade, but I can look past that.
But while the writing was sometimes a bit too simple, the story itself never was. At times it was a bit more YA than middle grade and I'm not sure what the intended audience for this one is anymore. Which also brings me to the artwork. It IS gorgeous and I could show you pictures, but they won't do it justice. It adds a lot to the story and is the main reason why I can look past the sometimes simple-ish writing. It helped me dive into the world that much more. I'd even say the artwork alone is reason enough to pick it up.
I know this short review feels all over the place, but so do I. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't love this more, but I enjoyed this, and it's worth picking up, for sure. So I'll leave it at that. If you like YA/MG Fantasy, try this one out. I hope you enjoy it!
May 6, 2016
Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is a book that draws you into another world.
The unforgettable characters consist of creatures with human personalities and emotions, sea type creatures, swarms of bugs, good guys and bad guys. The story takes the reader on an adventure through trees and the ocean. The main character named Barra wants to know more about her deceased father and sneaks off to read his journals. She goes on to follow in his footsteps and explore the places that he was researching. Barra and two of her friends go on a fantastic journey that had me sitting on the edge of my seat as I was reading this book. The three friends venture away from home. They encounter numerous stumbling blocks as they attempt to make it back to The Loft, which is their home.
The book is beautifully illustrated. The author vividly describes his characters and their surroundings. The colorful illustrations allow the reader to see what the characters and their world look like through the eyes of the author and illustrator. The pictures by themselves are beautiful and enhanced the reading experience. There are also numerous black and white sketches of the characters throughout the book.
Sunborn Rising is a fantasy that is intended for a Young Adult audience. However I believe that this unique book is a good read for any age group. I highly recommend it.
The unforgettable characters consist of creatures with human personalities and emotions, sea type creatures, swarms of bugs, good guys and bad guys. The story takes the reader on an adventure through trees and the ocean. The main character named Barra wants to know more about her deceased father and sneaks off to read his journals. She goes on to follow in his footsteps and explore the places that he was researching. Barra and two of her friends go on a fantastic journey that had me sitting on the edge of my seat as I was reading this book. The three friends venture away from home. They encounter numerous stumbling blocks as they attempt to make it back to The Loft, which is their home.
The book is beautifully illustrated. The author vividly describes his characters and their surroundings. The colorful illustrations allow the reader to see what the characters and their world look like through the eyes of the author and illustrator. The pictures by themselves are beautiful and enhanced the reading experience. There are also numerous black and white sketches of the characters throughout the book.
Sunborn Rising is a fantasy that is intended for a Young Adult audience. However I believe that this unique book is a good read for any age group. I highly recommend it.
April 27, 2016
A new fantasy!
As a fantasy lover I have been waiting for something new. Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall offers so much for the thirsty soul. A beautiful world with creative creatures... You can fall in love with living in the branches and living in harmony with the Great Trees. The trio of friends is relatable and adorable, they are characters you care about and want to know more about. The author has an amazing way with words, and he helps you imagine the world with beautiful descriptions. The book also has spectacular illustrations that augment your experience as you read--adding some extra details and filling in some blanks.
As a fantasy lover I have been waiting for something new. Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall offers so much for the thirsty soul. A beautiful world with creative creatures... You can fall in love with living in the branches and living in harmony with the Great Trees. The trio of friends is relatable and adorable, they are characters you care about and want to know more about. The author has an amazing way with words, and he helps you imagine the world with beautiful descriptions. The book also has spectacular illustrations that augment your experience as you read--adding some extra details and filling in some blanks.
I think it is an epic adventure that would appeal to anyone that has a deep love of fantasy or following an adventure. There is a strong female lead that isn't too strong to be impossible to relate to and there is a beautiful message of diversity and harmony. Think the only downside is dealing with the anticipation of waiting for the next book! Thank you Mr. Safronoff for showing me a fantasy world I can get completely immersed in!
May 14, 2016
First off I really liked the illustrations, I felt they were what really raised the book above others in its genre. Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall takes place on the planet Cerulean which is a star at the middle of a ocean covered by a forest where many creatures live. The main characters are three young Arboreals who journey to find out why the Great Trees are dying. Their journey eventually leads them on a quest to save their world. My favorite character in this book was Barra Swiftspur; her journey begins when she finds her ,believed dead, father's notes on Creepervine. Creepervine is a fungus that her father thought could endanger everyone. I really liked how Barra Swiftspur proved herself to be an independent female character with how she defied her own mother in order to follow in her father's steps to try and save her planet. I found it admirable how she rose to the challenges that she faced. I feel like each challenge she overcame helped her to become the Listlespur that she was meant to be. I was sent a copy of this book for free for only my honest and unbiased review.
May 13, 2016
The Cat's Meow
What an interesting and artfully written book, in this story Barra the main character became my guide as I was immersed into an exciting, bizarre world of fantasy. A world inhabited by cat-like people. The author has managed to construct an entire society of these creatures that speak their own esoteric language. This story took me down a rabbit hole of adventure, and it was there on this journey that I began to notice the metaphoric parallels between our worlds and how we face similar struggles and then create intelligent solutions. Overall this book with its twists and turns led me on a fantastical journey filled with colorful, deep three dimensional characters. The story gave me a kind of Avatar vibe with its vivid and colorful environments and characters. It would also make an interesting movie! I look forward to sharing this wonderfully illustrated book with my preteen Grandson.
What an interesting and artfully written book, in this story Barra the main character became my guide as I was immersed into an exciting, bizarre world of fantasy. A world inhabited by cat-like people. The author has managed to construct an entire society of these creatures that speak their own esoteric language. This story took me down a rabbit hole of adventure, and it was there on this journey that I began to notice the metaphoric parallels between our worlds and how we face similar struggles and then create intelligent solutions. Overall this book with its twists and turns led me on a fantastical journey filled with colorful, deep three dimensional characters. The story gave me a kind of Avatar vibe with its vivid and colorful environments and characters. It would also make an interesting movie! I look forward to sharing this wonderfully illustrated book with my preteen Grandson.
May 30, 2016
(Disclaimer: I won this in a giveaway.)
(Thank you very much, by the way! :D )
The setting of this book is amazing. It is extremely imaginative, and gorgeous. The characters are all pretty likeable, and, you can understand why they do and say the things they do. The plot is interesting, and I'm curious to see where it goes in the coming books, though, the book does take a while for the plot to really kick into full force. There is some pretty disturbing imagery tossed in here and there, juxtaposed to the awe and wonder of the world, and there was a moment where I felt myself tear up. The illustrations in the book are very beautiful, though they do sometimes seem slightly out of place. (Such as interrupting the flow of the story by showing up when you're in the middle of a sentence.) This might not bother most people, but I found it slightly off-putting.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I'm glad I got to read it.
(Thank you very much, by the way! :D )
The setting of this book is amazing. It is extremely imaginative, and gorgeous. The characters are all pretty likeable, and, you can understand why they do and say the things they do. The plot is interesting, and I'm curious to see where it goes in the coming books, though, the book does take a while for the plot to really kick into full force. There is some pretty disturbing imagery tossed in here and there, juxtaposed to the awe and wonder of the world, and there was a moment where I felt myself tear up. The illustrations in the book are very beautiful, though they do sometimes seem slightly out of place. (Such as interrupting the flow of the story by showing up when you're in the middle of a sentence.) This might not bother most people, but I found it slightly off-putting.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I'm glad I got to read it.
July 15, 2016
I was first drawn to this book by the book cover. It was striking and it drew me in. Then when I read the summary, I was even more intrigued to check this book out. Also, I thought my nephews would like it too, so I wanted to check it out for them. Well after reading this book, I am keeping my copy and purchasing them their own copy.
The world that the author has built is magical and awe-inspiring. I was fine with just reading the book but Mr. Safronoff has to take me on a journey deep in the Fall with the larger than life, fabulous illustrations to help bring this book to life even more. Barra is a great main character. She along with her friends, Plicks and Tory sure kept things exciting. Of course all of the other characters that they met along the way also kept the story entertaining. I can't wait to read book two. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book today. You won't regret it.
The world that the author has built is magical and awe-inspiring. I was fine with just reading the book but Mr. Safronoff has to take me on a journey deep in the Fall with the larger than life, fabulous illustrations to help bring this book to life even more. Barra is a great main character. She along with her friends, Plicks and Tory sure kept things exciting. Of course all of the other characters that they met along the way also kept the story entertaining. I can't wait to read book two. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book today. You won't regret it.
June 27, 2016
This book has an amazing new world - this is a world inhabited by "Arboreals" - various furry races/animals who can walk on two (or four) legs and live in the trees. The trees are divided into the foliage high above, a blank section called the "fall", and the roots. There are no direct paths between the foliage and the roots - so if you accidentally leave the foliage, you'll really fall!
The main tale follows the life of three young Arboreals who accidentally fall while trying to discover what is going on with the dark vines that are growing... and what happens after.
The book is well written - a good read - and the artwork within is absolutely amazing.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
The main tale follows the life of three young Arboreals who accidentally fall while trying to discover what is going on with the dark vines that are growing... and what happens after.
The book is well written - a good read - and the artwork within is absolutely amazing.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
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