What do you think?
Rate this book
Earthrise #1–3 omnibus
Earthrise: Books 1-3
With hundreds of thousands of copies sold, Earthrise has captivated science fiction fans around the world. This bundle includes the first three novels (out of nine) of this bestselling series. If you loved Ender's Game, Starship Troopers, and Old Man's War, you'll love Earthrise. From a USA Today bestselling author. BOOK 1: EARTH ALONE They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Fifty years ago, bloodthirsty aliens devastated the Earth. Most of humanity perished. We fell into darkness. But now we rise from the ashes. Now we fight back. Marco Emery was born into the war. After his mother is killed, he joins the Human Defense Force, Earth's ragtag army. Emery must survive basic training, become a soldier, and finally face the aliens in battle. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. BOOK 2: EARTH LOST Earth burns. We call them the scum. They came from deep space. Creatures of claws and endless malice, they ravage the world. As the war flares, as cities crumble, Private Marco Emery and his platoon blast into space. They won one battle on Earth. Their next battle must be fought in the darkness. The scum will not rest until the last human is dead. Marco and his friends must defeat them. They must win. Or Earth will fall. BOOK 3: EARTH RISING It's all-out war. Our cities fall. Millions die. The scum, these cruel aliens from deep space, are determined to kill us all. So we must kill them. Humanity musters its greatest fleet. Thousands of starships rally. Millions of soldiers deploy. For Earth to stand a chance, we must invade the aliens' homeworld. We must destroy their planet. Before they destroy ours. Earth's fleet flies through space. We fly toward millions of enemy ships. We fly to almost certain death. This will be the hour humanity falls . . . or the hour of our greatest victory.
894 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2017
718 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Arenson
148 books877 followersDaniel Arenson is a bookworm, proud geek, and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. His novels have sold over a million copies. The Huffington Post has called his writing "full of soul." He's written over forty novels, most of them in five series:
EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel in this military science fiction series.
REQUIEM — Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem is explored in six trilogies, which can be read in any order. If you're new to Requiem, you can start reading with Requiem's Song (you can download it for free). For fans of dark, gritty fantasy like A Game of Thrones.
MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night—its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness. For fans of classic fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth and Narnia. Start reading with Moth, the first novel in this epic fantasy saga.
ALIEN HUNTERS — Got trouble with aliens? Call the Alien Hunters. A group of scruffy mercenaries, they'll remove the pest for you. Low rates. No questions asked. Start reading with Alien Hunters, the first book in this space opera series. For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall.
EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel in this military science fiction series.
REQUIEM — Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem is explored in six trilogies, which can be read in any order. If you're new to Requiem, you can start reading with Requiem's Song (you can download it for free). For fans of dark, gritty fantasy like A Game of Thrones.
MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night—its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness. For fans of classic fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth and Narnia. Start reading with Moth, the first novel in this epic fantasy saga.
ALIEN HUNTERS — Got trouble with aliens? Call the Alien Hunters. A group of scruffy mercenaries, they'll remove the pest for you. Low rates. No questions asked. Start reading with Alien Hunters, the first book in this space opera series. For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 4, 2025
"Mixed feelings" is probably the best way to sum up my impressions.
The writing certainly has some strengths, but, while reading, I did find myself annoyed more often than I'd care to admit.
Book 1 was OK. Not bad, although I was honestly surprised to have almost the entire volume spent in a boot camp. 3.5 of 5.
Book 2 was definitely better: more dynamic, better flowing, and much, much darker - exactly the way I like it. A solid 4+.
Book 3, though... Book 3 was a flop. Disappointingly so, after so much buildup. It's all over the place, and painfully uneven. Some points I would've expected to be more developed were skimmed over (the whole diplomacy part had only a couple of scenes - not even a full chapter - dedicated to it; the STC training was all but swept under the rag - especially by contrast with Book 1). About 2/3 through, I got really bored and was ready to skip whole pages of predictable developments just to make it end already. It does bring the trilogy to a somewhat logical closure (somewhat; don't get me started on the whole unnecessary, cringeworthy twist with the Admiral in the end - no spoilers, though!), but left me with a sour taste of a vastly missed opportunity. 3- out of 5.
Overall, the writing is also of mixed quality.
The author writes the trauma the best. Really, if you want trauma - he's your go-to guy. Visceral, deep, bleeding. And that's why it so surprising that the rest of the emotions, motivations, and behaviors fall rather flat, short of believability - mostly told and named, not shown.
My main gripes, though, are:
1. Repetitions. Endless repetitions. Then even more repetitions. I lost count of how many times Lailany's and Ben-Ari's backstories were retold, and those are just the most prominent example. I mean, really, trust your readers' intelligence and give them some credit to grasp the info the first time it is offered!
2. The military aspects - the tactics, the terminology - are outright ridiculous. As someone who had served, I kept wincing and frowning pretty much each time those came up. And in a work of Military Sci Fi, that's a lot!
3. I just couldn't buy into the whole world building. Even leaving aside the scarce scientific ideas and overall implausibility of some "game mechanics" (fine, it's a space opera, not Hard Sci Fi, so I'm willing to overlook A LOT), the idea that 200 years into the future people, en masse, would be SO in tune with today's (and past) pop culture and societal interactions just smashed any vestiges of my suspension of disbelief to smithereens.
The writing certainly has some strengths, but, while reading, I did find myself annoyed more often than I'd care to admit.
Book 1 was OK. Not bad, although I was honestly surprised to have almost the entire volume spent in a boot camp. 3.5 of 5.
Book 2 was definitely better: more dynamic, better flowing, and much, much darker - exactly the way I like it. A solid 4+.
Book 3, though... Book 3 was a flop. Disappointingly so, after so much buildup. It's all over the place, and painfully uneven. Some points I would've expected to be more developed were skimmed over (the whole diplomacy part had only a couple of scenes - not even a full chapter - dedicated to it; the STC training was all but swept under the rag - especially by contrast with Book 1). About 2/3 through, I got really bored and was ready to skip whole pages of predictable developments just to make it end already. It does bring the trilogy to a somewhat logical closure (somewhat; don't get me started on the whole unnecessary, cringeworthy twist with the Admiral in the end - no spoilers, though!), but left me with a sour taste of a vastly missed opportunity. 3- out of 5.
Overall, the writing is also of mixed quality.
The author writes the trauma the best. Really, if you want trauma - he's your go-to guy. Visceral, deep, bleeding. And that's why it so surprising that the rest of the emotions, motivations, and behaviors fall rather flat, short of believability - mostly told and named, not shown.
My main gripes, though, are:
1. Repetitions. Endless repetitions. Then even more repetitions. I lost count of how many times Lailany's and Ben-Ari's backstories were retold, and those are just the most prominent example. I mean, really, trust your readers' intelligence and give them some credit to grasp the info the first time it is offered!
2. The military aspects - the tactics, the terminology - are outright ridiculous. As someone who had served, I kept wincing and frowning pretty much each time those came up. And in a work of Military Sci Fi, that's a lot!
3. I just couldn't buy into the whole world building. Even leaving aside the scarce scientific ideas and overall implausibility of some "game mechanics" (fine, it's a space opera, not Hard Sci Fi, so I'm willing to overlook A LOT), the idea that 200 years into the future people, en masse, would be SO in tune with today's (and past) pop culture and societal interactions just smashed any vestiges of my suspension of disbelief to smithereens.
February 28, 2019
I almost cried at the end of book 1.
Earth Alone: Book 1 - 5 stars
This was great. I bought this book in the three book collection. There was never anything boring. The characters were well fleshed out. There was no huge infodump at the beginning. This series is written like Ender's Game but is better. Words flow smoothly and there weren't any grammatical errors. When I got to the end there was a moment of redemption that almost made me cry. I won't spoil it for you. My only beef with main character is that he likes too many women too fast, and can't make up his mind, even though he's supposed to be a nice guy. Also, isn't that against military regulations?
This is a series about an alien invasion. The aliens aren't cyborgs or androids. This is military science fiction. It takes place on Earth and you must keep reading to find out more about other planets. A book must be great if it moves you, and this is it.
Earth Lost: Book 2 - 5 stars
This book is thrilling. What monsters lurk in the dark, waiting to sink their fangs into unsuspecting prey? What horrors await our heroes, and will they come out unscathed? Great character development. This book had lots of queasy and shocking moments. The ending is ... just unspeakable. Read to find out.
Earth Rising: Book 3 - 10 stars
The Flood + Aliens + Formics = Unspeakable horrors.
The Scum are not what we thought they were. They came from the skies. Biting, clawing, ripping. This series had me gasping at everything that just got progressively worse and worse for the heroes. There's no word for how shocking some of these scenes are written. Monsters so gruesome your hair stands on end. Every character has a backstory. Every character is "fleshed out". Well, if you read the book this is a gruesome pun. This is military space opera horror science fiction, but it's written so well.
Earth Alone: Book 1 - 5 stars
This was great. I bought this book in the three book collection. There was never anything boring. The characters were well fleshed out. There was no huge infodump at the beginning. This series is written like Ender's Game but is better. Words flow smoothly and there weren't any grammatical errors. When I got to the end there was a moment of redemption that almost made me cry. I won't spoil it for you. My only beef with main character is that he likes too many women too fast, and can't make up his mind, even though he's supposed to be a nice guy. Also, isn't that against military regulations?
This is a series about an alien invasion. The aliens aren't cyborgs or androids. This is military science fiction. It takes place on Earth and you must keep reading to find out more about other planets. A book must be great if it moves you, and this is it.
Earth Lost: Book 2 - 5 stars
This book is thrilling. What monsters lurk in the dark, waiting to sink their fangs into unsuspecting prey? What horrors await our heroes, and will they come out unscathed? Great character development. This book had lots of queasy and shocking moments. The ending is ... just unspeakable. Read to find out.
Earth Rising: Book 3 - 10 stars
The Flood + Aliens + Formics = Unspeakable horrors.
The Scum are not what we thought they were. They came from the skies. Biting, clawing, ripping. This series had me gasping at everything that just got progressively worse and worse for the heroes. There's no word for how shocking some of these scenes are written. Monsters so gruesome your hair stands on end. Every character has a backstory. Every character is "fleshed out". Well, if you read the book this is a gruesome pun. This is military space opera horror science fiction, but it's written so well.
October 26, 2019
Too morbid
I have to say that there are many sf fans out there who will enjoy this book. I’m just not one of them.. I found it too slow to start with. If you’re going to write about boot camp be aware that many have done it before and done it better. In addition, I don’t care how many soldiers you need, no one in their right mind would have conscripted Caveman or Lalaini for that matter. There was also a bit too much philosophising and too much angst. The finale in book three was unexpected but also somewhat unbelievable.
Not my cup of tea and, if you like fast paced space opera, not yours either!
I have to say that there are many sf fans out there who will enjoy this book. I’m just not one of them.. I found it too slow to start with. If you’re going to write about boot camp be aware that many have done it before and done it better. In addition, I don’t care how many soldiers you need, no one in their right mind would have conscripted Caveman or Lalaini for that matter. There was also a bit too much philosophising and too much angst. The finale in book three was unexpected but also somewhat unbelievable.
Not my cup of tea and, if you like fast paced space opera, not yours either!
April 14, 2019
Mostly good
I enjoyed this book most of it. I liked the first book. A good coming of age story. The second book was okay. The third book started out good but lost its way. The writing felt random when all of a sudden they are adding allies from all these species and worlds. To only briefly give them a general mention in the later chapters. Finally the final battle was a little anticlimactic and underwhelming. They had a tougher fight with the other king and this is supposed to be his superior?😒
I enjoyed this book most of it. I liked the first book. A good coming of age story. The second book was okay. The third book started out good but lost its way. The writing felt random when all of a sudden they are adding allies from all these species and worlds. To only briefly give them a general mention in the later chapters. Finally the final battle was a little anticlimactic and underwhelming. They had a tougher fight with the other king and this is supposed to be his superior?😒
September 19, 2020
Absolutely spell bound
I read this every day for a week. The first book definitely sets you up for being gripped by such an amazing story. All of the characters seem to come alive and you find yourself enthralled. The only point I would make is that the background of characters is done a little to often. That seemed a little repeative but overall absolutely amazing and I can not wait to read book 4!!!!
I read this every day for a week. The first book definitely sets you up for being gripped by such an amazing story. All of the characters seem to come alive and you find yourself enthralled. The only point I would make is that the background of characters is done a little to often. That seemed a little repeative but overall absolutely amazing and I can not wait to read book 4!!!!
July 21, 2024
A great premise, but terrible dialogue and terrible characters.
I love the idea of the earth fighting for survival against an alien species. But the characters in this book, every last one of them, is so cringeworthy. They are either annoying, evil, or just plain crazy. Every last one of them. And the dialogue is so bad. Although it takes place 200 years in the future, all of the references are to songs, people, and events from the late 20th century. it is really laughable.
I love the idea of the earth fighting for survival against an alien species. But the characters in this book, every last one of them, is so cringeworthy. They are either annoying, evil, or just plain crazy. Every last one of them. And the dialogue is so bad. Although it takes place 200 years in the future, all of the references are to songs, people, and events from the late 20th century. it is really laughable.
February 2, 2018
This set contains the first three books in the Earthrise series (Earth Alone, Earth Lost, and Earth Rising). These should not be read as standalone and this set makes it easy to read them together. There is a lot of violence. Even though these books and series are average for the genre, they are worth reading if you can handle the violence.
August 15, 2018
A Fantastic Read
I picked this up after receiving an email from Daniel's mailing list. I devoured all three of them. It was a wonderful read and I would tell anyone to check them out. It left me wanting more and I felt connected to all of the main characters. Through triumph, through loss, through basic training, through the final fight, it is well worth the read.
I picked this up after receiving an email from Daniel's mailing list. I devoured all three of them. It was a wonderful read and I would tell anyone to check them out. It left me wanting more and I felt connected to all of the main characters. Through triumph, through loss, through basic training, through the final fight, it is well worth the read.
August 3, 2019
You'll hate bugs long before this trio ends
I liked the way this book was written, from the eyes of youthful soldiers. They are 18 year olds drafted into a 5 year term of service. Being retired military, the storyline hit home for me. I could not put the books down. The author could have left out the F....words.
I liked the way this book was written, from the eyes of youthful soldiers. They are 18 year olds drafted into a 5 year term of service. Being retired military, the storyline hit home for me. I could not put the books down. The author could have left out the F....words.
November 7, 2020
The end?
Book three of the Earthrise series sends our heros to the scum planet for the final battle to decide the war. The story moves well and the characterizations are well developed. My only complaint is when the author reveals the true origins of the war, the background story is implausible. Still a good read.
Book three of the Earthrise series sends our heros to the scum planet for the final battle to decide the war. The story moves well and the characterizations are well developed. My only complaint is when the author reveals the true origins of the war, the background story is implausible. Still a good read.
June 28, 2017
A twist at the end
But not enough to save this work. Barely ok. I won't be continuing this series, nothing that sets this above the average, and much in description, predictability, and. Im plausibility that makes this less t Han three stars.
But not enough to save this work. Barely ok. I won't be continuing this series, nothing that sets this above the average, and much in description, predictability, and. Im plausibility that makes this less t Han three stars.
August 4, 2017
Shades of Heinlein and Starship Troopers (book).
Excellent sci-fi fantasy. Couple of oops. Clams do not produce pearls, oysters do. Sea urchins cannot swim, especially with what's. They are coral reef dwellers and only dangerous if you step on one.
Excellent sci-fi fantasy. Couple of oops. Clams do not produce pearls, oysters do. Sea urchins cannot swim, especially with what's. They are coral reef dwellers and only dangerous if you step on one.
January 26, 2018
Simplistic but entertaining.
The writing style was a bit simplistic, and there was too much reliance on tropes, but the main characters were reasonably interesting, and the pace was good.
The writing style was a bit simplistic, and there was too much reliance on tropes, but the main characters were reasonably interesting, and the pace was good.
February 25, 2018
Great start to an amazing series
Read the first three books of this series over 2 days while traveling back home from overseas. Fast moving, great character development . . . quite a page turner.
Read the first three books of this series over 2 days while traveling back home from overseas. Fast moving, great character development . . . quite a page turner.
March 10, 2018
These books are quickly becoming my favorite series
I usually read historical fiction and have for many years. But when I gave these a chance i get more and more blown away with every book I read. Incredible.
I usually read historical fiction and have for many years. But when I gave these a chance i get more and more blown away with every book I read. Incredible.
May 18, 2018
Epic story of survival
I don't normally read novels in this genre. In fact, this was the first sci-fi novel(s) I have read. The author writes so smoothly that he draws you in and makes you keep reading, even when you have other things to do. I highly recommend these books!
I don't normally read novels in this genre. In fact, this was the first sci-fi novel(s) I have read. The author writes so smoothly that he draws you in and makes you keep reading, even when you have other things to do. I highly recommend these books!
August 22, 2018
Recovering from a Disaster
Three novels detail the changing circumstances of three characters and the folks who become close friends and fellow fighters learning how to be a good soldier and friend.
Three novels detail the changing circumstances of three characters and the folks who become close friends and fellow fighters learning how to be a good soldier and friend.
October 24, 2018
Wow
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into your mind.
You have created quite the universe for us to explore.
Your characters were very developed and had me laughing as well as tearing up.
I'm glad I found you and will continue to read more of this series.
Keep up the good work.
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into your mind.
You have created quite the universe for us to explore.
Your characters were very developed and had me laughing as well as tearing up.
I'm glad I found you and will continue to read more of this series.
Keep up the good work.
December 28, 2018
Action packed
A full on, action packed novel, with gore aplenty. A bit rough in places, with any science and plot stretching a bit thin, especially in the third book, but with two nice twists at the end.
A full on, action packed novel, with gore aplenty. A bit rough in places, with any science and plot stretching a bit thin, especially in the third book, but with two nice twists at the end.
May 8, 2019
Arenson never disappoints! This series is as good as it gets. If you love action suspense and a great story, you will love this.
War through the eyes of the young, youth fighting fear, terror, loss and still moving on with courage and feeling. This is a series that begs to be explored.
War through the eyes of the young, youth fighting fear, terror, loss and still moving on with courage and feeling. This is a series that begs to be explored.
May 29, 2019
Good military scifi.
Good military sci fi, but a bit predictable and repetitive in some spots. Great characters and character development with an interesting surprise ending and a few surprises here and there to keep it interesting.
Good military sci fi, but a bit predictable and repetitive in some spots. Great characters and character development with an interesting surprise ending and a few surprises here and there to keep it interesting.
April 12, 2020
Good book to read
Enjoyed reading from start to finish
I prefer omnibus editions because i binge read
I didn't want to put the book down always wanting to find out what happens next
Enjoyed reading from start to finish
I prefer omnibus editions because i binge read
I didn't want to put the book down always wanting to find out what happens next
July 1, 2024
very satisfying
mr arenson skilfully recounted each tale, weaving together a story with a plausible conclusion. unlike other series, he does not just leave you hanging. i thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written collection.
mr arenson skilfully recounted each tale, weaving together a story with a plausible conclusion. unlike other series, he does not just leave you hanging. i thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written collection.
July 1, 2024
Unbelievable but Realistic Tale
Arenson has an imagination that is simply superlative. His extraterrestrial critters are fearsome and the other worlds are great. The tale itself is realistic and frightening. The ending is very threatening.
Arenson has an imagination that is simply superlative. His extraterrestrial critters are fearsome and the other worlds are great. The tale itself is realistic and frightening. The ending is very threatening.
August 14, 2024
Unlikely Hero’s
These 3 books tell of greatness by unlikely hero’s. Male and female alike fighting terrible enemies. Learning one of their own kind was one of the greatest enemies. Good read with great characters. Big D
These 3 books tell of greatness by unlikely hero’s. Male and female alike fighting terrible enemies. Learning one of their own kind was one of the greatest enemies. Good read with great characters. Big D
September 27, 2024
Dark, very dark
Science fiction at its most scary. Aliens who eat humans and are almost impossible to kill. Aliens who terrorise the humans and are set to destroy earth. At age eighteen everyone must serve five years in the Human defence, enlist or be conscripted. Hell on earth.
Science fiction at its most scary. Aliens who eat humans and are almost impossible to kill. Aliens who terrorise the humans and are set to destroy earth. At age eighteen everyone must serve five years in the Human defence, enlist or be conscripted. Hell on earth.
February 7, 2018
Decent
It was OK. A little repetitive maybe. A few imaginative sequences, but barely enough to carry the story. Too many better books out there.
It was OK. A little repetitive maybe. A few imaginative sequences, but barely enough to carry the story. Too many better books out there.
August 19, 2018
Well written, great characters lots of action with a twisted love interest A real page turner hard to put down. I recommend to everyone interest in space opera, military adventure with sifi toys.
March 20, 2020
Good story
Got this free in the plague (covid 10) and really liked if. Love alien invasion and epic space battles. Read it, and get the rest!
Got this free in the plague (covid 10) and really liked if. Love alien invasion and epic space battles. Read it, and get the rest!
March 20, 2020
Decent read
I read the first two of this trilogy. Not bad, young adult oriented. Lots of people and aliens die. Will recommend to sci-fi fans.
I read the first two of this trilogy. Not bad, young adult oriented. Lots of people and aliens die. Will recommend to sci-fi fans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews