What do you think?
Rate this book
The Five Towers #1
The Blue Tower
Five towers. Five colors. One way out.
Cipher wakes up in the Blue Tower with no memories of his former life. He discovers that he is not alone. Dozens of boys and girls must compete in a battle called the Scouring against four other towers--Red, Green, Yellow, and Black--each with its own rules and powers.
In his first Scouring, Cipher captures Emma, a girl from Yellow, whose memories from Victorian England move Cipher to uncover his own past. He must learn who he was before he can figure out why he's here...and how to get out.
Cipher wakes up in the Blue Tower with no memories of his former life. He discovers that he is not alone. Dozens of boys and girls must compete in a battle called the Scouring against four other towers--Red, Green, Yellow, and Black--each with its own rules and powers.
In his first Scouring, Cipher captures Emma, a girl from Yellow, whose memories from Victorian England move Cipher to uncover his own past. He must learn who he was before he can figure out why he's here...and how to get out.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
425 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Simmons
17 books118 followersJ.B. Simmons is the bestselling author of twelve books that bring hope to dystopia. Readers can't put them down.
The Five Towers series takes you to a world you'll never forget. Cipher wakes up in a mysterious tower with no memories of his former life. He must learn who he was before he can figure out why he's here...and how to get out.
The Unbound trilogy tells the story of a teen from Manhattan with nightmares of a dragon and the world ending in 2066. It has been acclaimed as "The Da Vinci Code meets Hunger Games meets Left Behind... An imagining epic." (Hugh Hewitt)
J.B. lives and writes in a tree house outside Washington, D.C. You can visit him at www.jbsimmons.com.
The Five Towers series takes you to a world you'll never forget. Cipher wakes up in a mysterious tower with no memories of his former life. He must learn who he was before he can figure out why he's here...and how to get out.
The Unbound trilogy tells the story of a teen from Manhattan with nightmares of a dragon and the world ending in 2066. It has been acclaimed as "The Da Vinci Code meets Hunger Games meets Left Behind... An imagining epic." (Hugh Hewitt)
J.B. lives and writes in a tree house outside Washington, D.C. You can visit him at www.jbsimmons.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 20, 2023
I enjoyed the book. It kept my interest and was well written. I couldn't give it a higher rating because when I read Christian books, I have a high standard regarding the biblical accuracy of the story.
I felt that the main premise of the book was based on the idea of purgatory, which I don't believe is biblical.
I felt that the main premise of the book was based on the idea of purgatory, which I don't believe is biblical.
August 30, 2018
Very addictive story about redemption. I could not put it down. You find yourself with Cipher as he pieces together the reason he woke up at the Blue Tower.
March 10, 2024
I am not sure what exactly I was expecting when I started this, but it surprised me. While I was born in Italy, I am not a believer, and even despite this I enjoyed the book very much. I don't think you need to be a believer in order to appreciate this story, especially because the idea of Purgatory isn't accepted by everyone. However, the book never uses words such as the ones you can find in the Bible or other holy books. They only talk about the idea of going up or down, and the fact that up is considered a place full of love, while down is a bad place. In any case, it doesn't really feel like a Christian book.
I think the story itself was pretty interesting, and the characters were entertaining. Once I realized some very important characters from history were there, I tried my best to guess who they were and why they would be in Purgatory. The idea of the towers is interesting, though I felt like the Scouring system was a little too violent maybe? Or maybe it was just because the blue tower was first, and it's the only tower that doesn't tell its people what's going on since once of their sins on Earth was being too proud and arrogant because of their knowledge.
The characters were well written, though it was easy to confuse Kiyo and Emma. They both have a very similar personality and I felt like if they'd been together with the MC they wouldn't have a very specific voice, if that makes sense.
But it was a nice story, and it was short. I read this so quickly and easily without problems. One thing I wanted to say is that the fact that these people are all children, but they slowly get their memories back made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Especially Helena. I mean... She wasn't exactly pictured as a pious woman, and she remembers that, but she is also a child playing games with others. A bit weird, but I could easily not think about that while reading the book.
I think the story itself was pretty interesting, and the characters were entertaining. Once I realized some very important characters from history were there, I tried my best to guess who they were and why they would be in Purgatory. The idea of the towers is interesting, though I felt like the Scouring system was a little too violent maybe? Or maybe it was just because the blue tower was first, and it's the only tower that doesn't tell its people what's going on since once of their sins on Earth was being too proud and arrogant because of their knowledge.
The characters were well written, though it was easy to confuse Kiyo and Emma. They both have a very similar personality and I felt like if they'd been together with the MC they wouldn't have a very specific voice, if that makes sense.
But it was a nice story, and it was short. I read this so quickly and easily without problems. One thing I wanted to say is that the fact that these people are all children, but they slowly get their memories back made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Especially Helena. I mean... She wasn't exactly pictured as a pious woman, and she remembers that, but she is also a child playing games with others. A bit weird, but I could easily not think about that while reading the book.
September 10, 2018
This is the first arc of a book I've ever read and I am very impressed! It treats such a different concept. The characters are lovable in their own way and we really get to know them from their present and past actions as we see their story through the sieve. Loved how different colours are involved and how each tower has different traits and even religious beliefs. The magic system is very mysterious and well done, it's not over used or over done which makes is mysterious in all the best ways. The fighting scenes are intense and the writing is very well done. I read this book in two sittings and I loved every part of it! I'd like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an arc ! Can't wait for the sequels! 💙
October 18, 2018
I'm a longtime fan of Simmons' writing, especially his Unbound fantasy series for young adult readers, which led me to excited acceptance of an advance copy of this new volume. Simmons has delivered again with The Blue Tower, first of the five books in this new series. He's created compelling characters that teens will find relatable and adults will enjoy. With echoes of classic characters from Game of Thrones to Lord of the Rings, fans of fantasy will have fun reading along while also thinking through the subtle moral lessons Simmons weaves through the story.
February 15, 2024
I stumbled upon this book on Instagram one day, and it was described as "Magic of Harry Potter, but the message of Narnia". That could not be more accurate. The book features a lot of fun magic and magic school politics, as well as some not-so-subtle references to the Bible (the Dumbledore expies are literally Abram and Sarai).
HOWEVER,
While I think the book's world is interesting, I can't help but acknowledge a few key issues with it. For one thing, the education itself relies on characters regaining their past memories in order to do things differently. This makes it a tad difficult to follow along. Not to mention that the main character Cipher has a bit of Chosen One syndrome going on.
And as for how well the book communicates Christian themes...it's definitely flawed. I've seen a lot of reviews here talk about how the world the characters dwell in is basically purgatory, and I have to agree. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who's new to the faith or struggling with their beliefs.
As much as I personally like this book, I would encourage readers to use a bit of discernment- if you can distinguish which is actual Biblical theology and which is moreso just creative interpretations of the author, you'll be fine.
June 17, 2024
The Blue Tower begins with a boy swimming in water beside a cliff with no access for an exit. He treads water and wonders how to escape and then sees a pinprick of light further on. He swims toward the light and finds a Gandalf looking figure holding a staff with a blue light welcoming him. The old man introduces himself as Abram and leads him inside a tall tower. It is then he realizes that he is naked. Abram leads him to a room that is his, gives him a blue-gray robe to wear and tells him someone will bring him something to eat. He has no memory of who he is or anything. A young girl named Kiyo enters and brings him a bowl of fish soup and something made of seaweed. She tells him to rest.
The next morning a loaf of bread and a cup of something to drink are on a tray. He eats and drinks and then Kiyo enters to escort him to class. He tells her he doesn't know who he is and she asks him what he would like to be called. He thinks, then decides he would like to be known as Cipher.
They attend a class with ten other students. The instructor, Sarai, will answer most questions except Why. One bully named Max is rude to Kiyo and bullies her until Cipher raises his hand in anger and blasts the bully across the room. The entire class is stunned. When Cipher tries it again he can do nothing. He discovers none of the children in class know who they were before they arrived at the blue tower.
After several incidents with Max they are both punished. Max is demoted to the lowest level and Cipher and Kiyo are sent to the kitchens for dishwashing. There Cipher practices scouring the bowls and plates with air. The more he practices the better he gets.
Abram brings Cipher up to the Sieve room. Kiyo has told him this is where you get your memories back. This is a bowl where he dunks his head underwater and sees some memories of his past. He sees a middle-aged man in a hospital and knows this is himself. The man is head Neurosurgeon and operates on a young man for hours to the praise and adulation of many people. Cipher does not like his old self very much. The Doctor was arrogant and filled with superiority and pride. Abram jerks him out of the sieve and he coughs and coughs and is more confused than ever. He learns that he has died and is now in a place 'between'. He also learns that unlike Sarai, Abram will answer why but the answers are often confusing.
There are five towers here: Blue, Black, Green, Red, and Yellow. Each tower evidently has its own purpose. The blue tower is for the mind. Most of the kids here are intelligent and achieve goals by reason and intellect. The Yellow tower is for healers, and the red tower is fire.
At pre-selected times there is a scouring. This is where all 5 towers select 12 members each and they come out of the towers to the center and fight. They each have assignments. On Cipher's first scouring he is assigned to capture a yellow named Emma. They fight for a while and Cipher keeps the others away with a wall of wind. They capture Emma and return to the blue tower. When you capture someone they become your servant and are linked to you by magic and a silver collar worn by the servant. Cipher is uncomfortable ordering Emma around so he treats her as a friend. She heals him when he is injured in the scouring and they are aware of each other's feelings.
Emma tells him some events of her past life and how they do it at the Yellow tower. He tells Emma about the sieve and some of what he has seen.
This was an interesting book but left me with more questions. I suppose that is so I will read all the books. I am curious about Abram and Sarai which are the names of Abraham and Sarah before God gave them new names.
The next morning a loaf of bread and a cup of something to drink are on a tray. He eats and drinks and then Kiyo enters to escort him to class. He tells her he doesn't know who he is and she asks him what he would like to be called. He thinks, then decides he would like to be known as Cipher.
They attend a class with ten other students. The instructor, Sarai, will answer most questions except Why. One bully named Max is rude to Kiyo and bullies her until Cipher raises his hand in anger and blasts the bully across the room. The entire class is stunned. When Cipher tries it again he can do nothing. He discovers none of the children in class know who they were before they arrived at the blue tower.
After several incidents with Max they are both punished. Max is demoted to the lowest level and Cipher and Kiyo are sent to the kitchens for dishwashing. There Cipher practices scouring the bowls and plates with air. The more he practices the better he gets.
Abram brings Cipher up to the Sieve room. Kiyo has told him this is where you get your memories back. This is a bowl where he dunks his head underwater and sees some memories of his past. He sees a middle-aged man in a hospital and knows this is himself. The man is head Neurosurgeon and operates on a young man for hours to the praise and adulation of many people. Cipher does not like his old self very much. The Doctor was arrogant and filled with superiority and pride. Abram jerks him out of the sieve and he coughs and coughs and is more confused than ever. He learns that he has died and is now in a place 'between'. He also learns that unlike Sarai, Abram will answer why but the answers are often confusing.
There are five towers here: Blue, Black, Green, Red, and Yellow. Each tower evidently has its own purpose. The blue tower is for the mind. Most of the kids here are intelligent and achieve goals by reason and intellect. The Yellow tower is for healers, and the red tower is fire.
At pre-selected times there is a scouring. This is where all 5 towers select 12 members each and they come out of the towers to the center and fight. They each have assignments. On Cipher's first scouring he is assigned to capture a yellow named Emma. They fight for a while and Cipher keeps the others away with a wall of wind. They capture Emma and return to the blue tower. When you capture someone they become your servant and are linked to you by magic and a silver collar worn by the servant. Cipher is uncomfortable ordering Emma around so he treats her as a friend. She heals him when he is injured in the scouring and they are aware of each other's feelings.
Emma tells him some events of her past life and how they do it at the Yellow tower. He tells Emma about the sieve and some of what he has seen.
This was an interesting book but left me with more questions. I suppose that is so I will read all the books. I am curious about Abram and Sarai which are the names of Abraham and Sarah before God gave them new names.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2021
I picked up this book, because I saw an ad that said it was reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia Series by CS Lewis. If you’re new around here, The Lion the Witch and the wardrobe are on my top ten favorite books list.
So, I thought I’d check it out.
Truthfully, I had a hard time getting into the first book. The main character has a lot to figure out from the start, and that left me struggling to connect and relate to the character.
But about halfway through the first book in the series I was hooked. J.B. Simmons does a masterful job of weaving deep and relatable characters with action and heart change. You are transported to each tower, feel each hurt and vice, and search for hope and light.
But what was truly unique about this series was the journey of self-discovery, and the allegorical hints to spiritual awareness and sanctification in our lives. I can’t say that those elements would be picked up by a young reader. Though my nine-year old plowed through the series in a week, begging me to catch up.
While the symbolism is hard to grasp, once the main character Cipher starts to express his personality and discover elements of his past the last page of each book comes too quickly.
While some of the concepts of the afterlife that are presented are not Biblical, the story does open doors for conversations about what God’s word says about the afterlife, and why we remain on Earth once we become Christ followers. I feel the opportunities to talk about what we do believe far out way the purgatory style ideas mentioned in the series.
Bot me and my nine-year old, highly recommend this series to those who have enjoyed both the Harry Potter series, Wings of Fire Series, and of course the Narnia Series.
So, I thought I’d check it out.
Truthfully, I had a hard time getting into the first book. The main character has a lot to figure out from the start, and that left me struggling to connect and relate to the character.
But about halfway through the first book in the series I was hooked. J.B. Simmons does a masterful job of weaving deep and relatable characters with action and heart change. You are transported to each tower, feel each hurt and vice, and search for hope and light.
But what was truly unique about this series was the journey of self-discovery, and the allegorical hints to spiritual awareness and sanctification in our lives. I can’t say that those elements would be picked up by a young reader. Though my nine-year old plowed through the series in a week, begging me to catch up.
While the symbolism is hard to grasp, once the main character Cipher starts to express his personality and discover elements of his past the last page of each book comes too quickly.
While some of the concepts of the afterlife that are presented are not Biblical, the story does open doors for conversations about what God’s word says about the afterlife, and why we remain on Earth once we become Christ followers. I feel the opportunities to talk about what we do believe far out way the purgatory style ideas mentioned in the series.
Bot me and my nine-year old, highly recommend this series to those who have enjoyed both the Harry Potter series, Wings of Fire Series, and of course the Narnia Series.
July 16, 2021
This story is written really well. It begins with a boy floating in the ocean at the foot of a blue tower and he has no idea who he is or how he got there.
Each tower in this story has a different attribute. The blue tower is a tower of genius; the black tower is a tower of darkness; the red is fire; the green are hunters; and the white tower is the final tower and takes a person out of the tower realm. At first we aren't sure what the tower realm is but we soon find out and that is where I started to get confused by the premise of the story - is this purgatory?
****SPOILER****
You see, the children in this story are adults who have died in their time. Very famous people are here. All of the characters have things they need to redeem about their lives and going through the steps of the towers purges their lives of the ugly things until they are finally ready to go on to heaven - sounds a lot like purgatory to me - and that is where I stopped really enjoying the story because that isn't anything like what the Bible says. No second chances after you die, you are either in heaven or you are in hell - you had your whole (accountable) life to choose for Christ or against Christ. I love the premise of the story if it weren't for everyone being dead and needing to make their way into the White Tower. Each tower also makes you do things you probably wouldn't do in your real life (like the violence of the black tower); there is so much hate in some of the towers as well. Just didn't make sense to me after I figured out where the story was going, which was about 2/3 of the way through.
This is a clean read.
Each tower in this story has a different attribute. The blue tower is a tower of genius; the black tower is a tower of darkness; the red is fire; the green are hunters; and the white tower is the final tower and takes a person out of the tower realm. At first we aren't sure what the tower realm is but we soon find out and that is where I started to get confused by the premise of the story - is this purgatory?
****SPOILER****
You see, the children in this story are adults who have died in their time. Very famous people are here. All of the characters have things they need to redeem about their lives and going through the steps of the towers purges their lives of the ugly things until they are finally ready to go on to heaven - sounds a lot like purgatory to me - and that is where I stopped really enjoying the story because that isn't anything like what the Bible says. No second chances after you die, you are either in heaven or you are in hell - you had your whole (accountable) life to choose for Christ or against Christ. I love the premise of the story if it weren't for everyone being dead and needing to make their way into the White Tower. Each tower also makes you do things you probably wouldn't do in your real life (like the violence of the black tower); there is so much hate in some of the towers as well. Just didn't make sense to me after I figured out where the story was going, which was about 2/3 of the way through.
This is a clean read.
January 5, 2024
I was intrigued to read this book because it was advertised as a mix of Harry Potter and Narnia. Having finished the fist book, I would say it’s more of a Hunger Games meets Avatar the Last Air Bender…
I did not love the writing style, and I found myself confused for a good majority of the way through. I certainly appreciate a good mystery or twist, but this just felt too painfully vague.
As a fantasy story itself, I am interested to know more about Cipher’s life and how he grows and becomes healed (I’m assuming). But because it clearly does pull names and symbolism from the Bible, I would never recommend this book—especially to kids who may or may not yet have a good grasp on the difference between reality and fantasy, or who do not yet have a solid Biblical understanding of God’s character and the process of redemption.
*Spoilers*
This place where the Towers are seems to be purgatory, which is not a Biblical idea. The ideas of controlling servants, hunting each other, following leaders blindly, getting your mind wiped if you make the wrong choices or don’t “succeed” are also unsettling from a Christian perspective. These go against God’s character of love and free will.
I am undecided if I will continue this series.
I did not love the writing style, and I found myself confused for a good majority of the way through. I certainly appreciate a good mystery or twist, but this just felt too painfully vague.
As a fantasy story itself, I am interested to know more about Cipher’s life and how he grows and becomes healed (I’m assuming). But because it clearly does pull names and symbolism from the Bible, I would never recommend this book—especially to kids who may or may not yet have a good grasp on the difference between reality and fantasy, or who do not yet have a solid Biblical understanding of God’s character and the process of redemption.
*Spoilers*
This place where the Towers are seems to be purgatory, which is not a Biblical idea. The ideas of controlling servants, hunting each other, following leaders blindly, getting your mind wiped if you make the wrong choices or don’t “succeed” are also unsettling from a Christian perspective. These go against God’s character of love and free will.
I am undecided if I will continue this series.
March 30, 2024
This book is a fantastic way to start off a series! The plot moved at a great pace, each chapter giving us enough mystery to keep us reading, but not too much which would overwhelm us. Each of the five towers are very secretive and complex, which could overwhelm readers if they are all explained, so choosing to tackle one tower at a time is very smart.
Starting with the Blue tower, in my opinion, was the wisest choice since it is based on logic. It enabled the author to world build in a gradual and meaningful way, and it allowed our MC to process the new world and his abilities organically rather than discovering powers out of necessity.
The Scourings themselves are exciting and serve wonderful checkpoints to see our MC’s growth and how the secondary characters arcs are playing into the overall story.
The MC is relatable and the secondary characters have intriguing, fleshed out arcs that work with our MC’s arc and the plot without slowing down or distracting from the central ideas.
Overall, I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more!!
Starting with the Blue tower, in my opinion, was the wisest choice since it is based on logic. It enabled the author to world build in a gradual and meaningful way, and it allowed our MC to process the new world and his abilities organically rather than discovering powers out of necessity.
The Scourings themselves are exciting and serve wonderful checkpoints to see our MC’s growth and how the secondary characters arcs are playing into the overall story.
The MC is relatable and the secondary characters have intriguing, fleshed out arcs that work with our MC’s arc and the plot without slowing down or distracting from the central ideas.
Overall, I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more!!
January 16, 2024
I'm struggling with this one -- I probably would have liked elements of this story had it not been a religious allegory (because let me tell you, the theology is a MESS). The author should have just named it adventures in purgatory.
So the characters are dead and being slowly fed scenes from their past lives. They are from a huge variety of times and places, but there are only a few hundred kids/competitors/journeyers? At one point one of the directors states, "Fair is a misused word. You can only know fairness if you know everything, which none of us do." Great, very deep. But then towards the end he also says that they are in place to keep things fair. Uh, what?!?
But the point that REALLY bothers me is that the characters are trying to redeem *THEMSELVES* from their past mistakes. And dude, that's just not possible, because we are nothing without Christ.
So the characters are dead and being slowly fed scenes from their past lives. They are from a huge variety of times and places, but there are only a few hundred kids/competitors/journeyers? At one point one of the directors states, "Fair is a misused word. You can only know fairness if you know everything, which none of us do." Great, very deep. But then towards the end he also says that they are in place to keep things fair. Uh, what?!?
But the point that REALLY bothers me is that the characters are trying to redeem *THEMSELVES* from their past mistakes. And dude, that's just not possible, because we are nothing without Christ.
November 10, 2021
Jury is still out on this one
It's almost hard to rate and review this book since it's just the first in a series and leaves you with so many questions unanswered. I still feel like I don't really know what is going on after finishing it, but at the same time don't know that I'm in love with it enough to keep going with the rest of the series. Also, I had thought that this was a Christian series for younger readers, but I have yet to grasp a solid foundation of anything that leads me to feel like this holds Christian values. Actually rather the opposite so far as it seems to lend itself to the idea of redeeming yourself after death so that you can move past your failures in life to the next level, aka heaven. Maybe the rest of the series remedies this?
It's almost hard to rate and review this book since it's just the first in a series and leaves you with so many questions unanswered. I still feel like I don't really know what is going on after finishing it, but at the same time don't know that I'm in love with it enough to keep going with the rest of the series. Also, I had thought that this was a Christian series for younger readers, but I have yet to grasp a solid foundation of anything that leads me to feel like this holds Christian values. Actually rather the opposite so far as it seems to lend itself to the idea of redeeming yourself after death so that you can move past your failures in life to the next level, aka heaven. Maybe the rest of the series remedies this?
November 3, 2022
This book is so incredibly interesting. I had a hard time putting it down, and I've really enjoyed reading the rest of the books in the series. (I'm currently on the last one so we'll see how I feel once I finish them). The basic premise: a kid wakes up in a tower with no memory of who he is. He meets a mysterious old man, gets to know other students, attends classes, and participates in a "Hunger Games"-esque competition. Bit by bit, he gets glimpses of his former life, and starts to figure out why he's there and what he has to do to leave.
It's so hard for me to stop myself because I have so much I want to say but I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say that this is a fun, intriguing fantasy with echoes of a much deeper message about life and faith.
It's so hard for me to stop myself because I have so much I want to say but I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say that this is a fun, intriguing fantasy with echoes of a much deeper message about life and faith.
May 2, 2019
I read this book to preview it for my 10 year old son. YA fantasy fiction is not my genre. But then. I could not stop reading it! This is a classic page turner. It has action and developing relationships as well as character development. As a parent I appreciate the theme of self awareness and developing different sides of your character and personality. I have recommended it to my son (and I may have to get the Red Tower for myself in the meantime). I recommend this book unreservedly!
September 1, 2020
Fantasy Allegory
This is more of an allegory than a true fantasy story. The spiritual references are thinly veiled and the whole plot hinges on the main character learning lessons and becoming a better person. I mean that literally: he reaches the next level of success/power each time he has a personal growth moment and is told that’s the point of the entire experience. So it’s a simple story with simple, single-trait characters.
This is more of an allegory than a true fantasy story. The spiritual references are thinly veiled and the whole plot hinges on the main character learning lessons and becoming a better person. I mean that literally: he reaches the next level of success/power each time he has a personal growth moment and is told that’s the point of the entire experience. So it’s a simple story with simple, single-trait characters.
December 18, 2020
Interesting book. If you read this and you’re Catholic you might com to the conclusion that this is a purgatory story. Each person in the tower has died and is now working their way to the white tower where they can go where joy is. The point of the tower is to “scourge” away the bad stuff. The blue tower is the “genius” tower where intellectual pride is scourged away. I really like the book and am on to the series.
January 16, 2021
A boy trudges his way through a watery cavern toward a place he has no memory of. Where did he come from? Why is he here? Who is he? These are the questions on the boy’s mind as he meets a man who brings him to a place unlike any other he has ever seen. We learn about Cipher as he learns about himself through the tests and trials of the Blue Tower. Will he find what he needs to know about himself? Follow Cipher and find out why it’s important to respect the mind.
January 16, 2024
Read Aloud to my children.
My kids are enthralled and enjoy this book.
I find the series a little too repetitive and long (especially the Green Tower. We are 50% of the way through and NOTHING has happened in the book).
I also feel that this is for older children than mine as the subject matters deals with adultery and other adult themes, but now that we are into it my kids want me to keep reading it.
My kids are enthralled and enjoy this book.
I find the series a little too repetitive and long (especially the Green Tower. We are 50% of the way through and NOTHING has happened in the book).
I also feel that this is for older children than mine as the subject matters deals with adultery and other adult themes, but now that we are into it my kids want me to keep reading it.
October 31, 2024
I feel I need to give a warning. Don't go into this series thinking it's like Harry Potter. It's not like that at all. I was hoping it would have a similar cozy "home" feeling. Harry Potter fans will understand that, I believe. It didn't once I got past that this was an enjoyable book. And left me wanting to continue with the series. It's kinda has a Catholic vibe to it. Which doesn't bother me. I don't look to fiction for sound theology. It very much has a Hunger Games with power vibes.
December 8, 2022
Good start to an interesting series. The premise is intriguing and the concept of the towers opens up a world of exploration. I found the plot to be well thought out, and the mystery was good. We learn pieces without learning the whole and it’s not completely predictable. The characters are also engaging. Even without memories, individual’s personalities still shine through.
This book does have Christian themes woven throughout it. However, I will note that this book appears to be based in Catholicism’s idea of Purgatory.
This book does have Christian themes woven throughout it. However, I will note that this book appears to be based in Catholicism’s idea of Purgatory.
January 30, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect from this one since I bought it purely for the pretty cover, haha. This book was a super quick read, and kept me immersed from page 1-248! Cipher although 12, is a very timeless and extremely relatable character. And his journey to redemption is done in almost a lord of the rings sort of way. I definitely would recommend this book!
February 17, 2024
Just finished it and all I have to say is WOW. When I first started reading it I was uninterested and it felt like it was dragging on and I constantly kept putting it down. But, thankfully, towards the middle of the book it just hooked me and I couldn’t put it down. If your reading this book wondering when/if it will get better, trust me, IT DOES.
March 30, 2024
It started kind of slow trying to figure out the premise. It picks up with action sequences for the scouring, the hunting and the boat races. Including historical figures from different time periods is an interesting twist. There are some Christian undertones that are beginning to become more prevalent toward the end of the book leaving me curious enough to want to read/listen to the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in a strange new environment with no memory, not even your name? Not a new premise definitely, but certainly a novel experience with the beginning of what should prove to be an excellent new youth and YA series. I will be finishing this one for sure.
February 28, 2021
Something Different
This book is an original. In most middle grade books it is a no no to have adult stories be a big part of the novel. This book found a way to make it work without distracting from the young protagonist's story.
This book is an original. In most middle grade books it is a no no to have adult stories be a big part of the novel. This book found a way to make it work without distracting from the young protagonist's story.
April 30, 2021
So— a coworker gave me this series and after the first book I’m intrigued but so confused. I like the fantasy realm created, but it lacks solid definition and explanation. As a reader I’m lost, but I have four more books in the series to help me figure it out.
December 9, 2021
Great Book
This book draws you in and keeps you questioning. You want to finish the series immediately. It is difficult to predict what it going to happen which really ads to the draw if the book. I highly recommend!
This book draws you in and keeps you questioning. You want to finish the series immediately. It is difficult to predict what it going to happen which really ads to the draw if the book. I highly recommend!
October 10, 2025
Interesting
It took a while to get into and some parts were too vague. I considered putting it down and walking away, but I'm glad I didn't. Things began to make more sense and unfold better toward the end. Looking forward to the next book for more progress.
It took a while to get into and some parts were too vague. I considered putting it down and walking away, but I'm glad I didn't. Things began to make more sense and unfold better toward the end. Looking forward to the next book for more progress.
February 23, 2019
Definitely for Young readers. A quick read. Different.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews