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Rise: Birth of a Revolution

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Finalist for the 2019 OZMA Fantasy Fiction awards, Chanticleer International Book Awards

Damien Flynn finds himself in the midst of growing turmoil that he foresaw but was not equipped to handle. Denied the quill for speaking his mind, he finds himself shackled to a path spiraling downward. A brush with death can do wonders to help one re-evaluate their priorities and their morals but it remains to be seen just how Damien will proceed with his newfound perspective on mortality.

Political espionage, assassinations, scandalous affairs, underhanded deals, and dirty politics threaten to plunge the known world into chaos with Damien Flynn in the middle.

A powerful general, buoyed by a second with fractured morals, provides early and tangible victories but success brings attention they may not be ready for. Erudite and ruthless cunning stalks the would-be revolutionaries with pragmatism and patience. A threat of extinction that looms over every step forward.

Damien Flynn must draw lots, he must choose a side; the wrong choice could end his life, so could the right one.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2018

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117 people want to read

About the author

Mark S. Moore

4 books8 followers

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5 stars
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21 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Gina  Rae Mitchell.
1,349 reviews100 followers
November 12, 2019
I began reading this book expecting a typical fantasy storyline. However, that's not what I got. Starting on page one, I was held captive by the characters in ”Rise”. I nearly burnt dinner reading while cooking, and read way too late into the night. You have been warned, this story will captivate you.

The world-building is superb. The story is character-driven, so expect numerous names, subplots, etc to be involved, but the author makes it very easy to keep them straight.

The book is fast-paced with non-stop action. I became invested in the storyline and characters instantly, as it's full of people to love and hate. I enjoyed the strong female leads in the book, a General, Healer, Scout, and the requisite evil Queen. There are so many moral dilemmas for you to ponder upon.

I recommend this book not just to lovers of the fantasy genre, but to all readers. It has action, adventure, military planning, romance, and all the intrigue you need. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for U.R. Holm.
Author 3 books5 followers
October 7, 2023
I did not expect to get this invested in the story, but boy was I invested. The mix of reality and unknown kept me on my toes and kept me wanting to know more.

The characters were realistic and even when they made stupid desicions, they made desicions that felt natural for their character.

The story progressed forward in a good and natural pace and it really felt like you were a part of the revolution. Even while we jumped around different places and roles in said revolution.
Profile Image for Salem Won.
7 reviews
December 11, 2022
I got this book wanting to support a dear friend but I never expected to fall in love with the story the way I did. There’s never a dull moment. Every time I thought I knew what was coming next there was a curve ball thrown right in. The story was rich and filled with suspense, love, tragedy, hope, and hate. So many emotions are held within this book that I found myself audibly laughing and crying at times. If you’re looking for a book to leave you hanging off of the edge of your seat this is the one!
Profile Image for C.D. Tavenor.
Author 21 books69 followers
August 23, 2019
Rise: Birth of a Revolution, by Mark Moore, intrigued me because it sounded similar to a project I’m writing. The American Revolution is a topic ripe for exploration through fiction, both through traditional historical fiction and through less orthodox approaches. Hamilton, the upstart Broadway musical, comes to mind as the most infamous re-imagining of our country’s formative years.


Rise explores themes of revolution through a fictional setting. England’s counterpart is the nation of Braiton: their colony, Riccha, is the American counterpart. Through this setting, readers follow a man named Damien Flynn as he navigates the rebellious rumblings occurring in Riccha. Readers also follow the tales of a number of other characters on both sides of the conflict.

Overall, Rise: Birth of a Revolution is a strong, character-driven narrative that will entertain a wide variety of readers. If you love historical fiction, you’ll enjoy the parallels throughout the story to real world events from the American Revolution. If you love fantasy, you’ll enjoy the careful and deliberate worldbuilding accomplished by Moore. If you just love fiction, Rise includes romance, action, adventure, and thrilling conspiracies all inside its pages.

The writing is solid, though it falls into over-explaining mode at times. My only major fault in the story comes in the book’s approach to the “Native American” counterparts portrayed on the page in the second half of the story. I felt like the narrative to easily pushes a few common “savage” stereotypes upon the culture (Verundi, I believe they’re called) which acts as the Native Americans of the continent on which Riccha resides. While those perceptions could be purely through the perspectives of the characters, some of the actions they take too seem to be easily portraying them in a sour light.

For better or worse, people of the real American Revolution and the late 1700s had very specific and often incorrect beliefs and perspectives about Native Americans; given the story is purely through the eyes of colonists and imperialists, and not through the eyes of the Verundi, a lack of nuanced approach to the foreign culture is understood. My hope is future installments in the series will explore the Verundi with more depth.

By the end of Rise, you’re invested in the characters and looking forward to where they’re going next. And a surprise twist at the end, something well outside the traditional “American Revolution” narrative, will leave you wondering in what other ways the story will significantly differ from its real-world counterpart.

And a quick note for the genre of Rise: It’s alternative historical fiction. It’s the second book of this genre I’ve read, after Empire’s Daughter by Marian Thorpe. I’m really starting to dig this magic-less “fantasy” genre; makes me want to consider writing it at some point in the future.

Writing: 7/10. Well-written, though at times it fell into the trap of over-explaining its worldbuilding outside of a character’s POV.

Character: 9/10. Loved Damien, loved Beckett, loved Jennifer, loved the King, loved Cromwell. And many other characters. The only character I really disliked was Victoria, and I think that’s intentionally written.

Setting: 7.5/10. It’s good world building, but there’s nothing that stands out as spectacular about it. I was also left unsure of the exact size of Riccha as a colony in comparison to Braiton or the other countries of the world. Still, the locales explored in the book felt real, and their counterparts were obvious.

Plot: 8/10. While obviously inspired by the American Revolution, Rise deviates significantly and in important ways, especially at the end. And as a character-driven tale, the “big picture” of the Revolution isn’t as important as the relationships between the characters.

Overall: 7.9/10. A clean four stars, great job, Mark!
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books199 followers
December 29, 2021
The Review

This was such an engaging and rich story. The way the author wrote this book readers were able to get the fantasy feel with this fictional world and countries that many readers will see mirror our world, but the narrative also gives a healthy dose of history, drama, and action. As a fan of history and the American Revolution as a whole, the attention to detail the author brought out into this narrative shows the parallels between the real-life revolution that birthed the United States and the rebellion of Ricchan.

The novel’s heart however comes from its rich tapestry of characters. Not only are the interactions and bonds formed between these characters so inviting, but the complexity of this cast of characters is so profound to read as this first novel in the series comes to life. What was also amazing to see was how these characters on all sides of this conflict highlight the concept of war and the horrors it always wrought in our world are perfectly mirrored in this narrative, showing how these horrors can happen on either side of a conflict, and the “heroes” of war are not always as apparent as say WWII, where villains like Hitler and the Nazi Regime were so clearly outlined. More often than not, the true “villains” are those few in power who rule a people and force them into these conflicts.

The Verdict

A mesmerizing, action-fueled, and brilliant historical fantasy novel, author Mark Moore’s “Rise: Birth of a Revolution” is a must-read first novel of the author’s THE RICCHAN CHRONICLES series. The adrenaline-fueled narrative will keep readers not only entertained but engaged in the character’s overall arcs and a shocking twist ending will change the dynamics of the world the author has created leading into the highly anticipated sequel.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,767 reviews59 followers
June 17, 2023
I am a sucker for a revolutionary tale, and this was one of the best and most intriguing I have read in quite a while, and to think this was the author's debut novel. I think I can safely say the guy is going places with his books. Damien was a politician who suddenly was considered a traitor to the Braiton's who had colonised his country and was on his way to be killed when rebel forces managed to free him. He found himself underground in the tunnels which were the revolutionaries quarters. The small group of people fought for their freedom, and the return of the rights which they had all been stripped of. Damien became involved in their fight, impressed by their General Victoria, admiring their courage and accepting the need to fight for the Ricchans. However revolutions do not come without bloodshed and we get to see many lose their lives for their beliefs, whilst others betray their own for their own agendas. Even the monarchy is betrayed by those wanting power. In this book as always there are good and likeable characters and there are those who are pure evil like Benedict Cromwell who was doing everything to gain the utmost power no matter what. I was so involved in this book that I could not put it down till the last page was read and I am even now wishing to continue reading the 2nd book as the ending was a kind of cliffhanger. Can Victoria and Damien bring the freedom they seek for their people? This is a must read book!
Profile Image for Steven Finkelstein.
960 reviews10 followers
May 12, 2024
This is the first book in the Ricchan Chronicles book series. Damien Flynn was like so many others for so long. He endured the oppression of the Ricchans, his people. A time must come when an individual must take a stand, though. When Damien demands that his people be given a right to vote on their own destinies, the forces that hold his people captive under their oppressive reign sentence him to death for treason.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Victoria Montgomery sees Damien as a potential symbol she can rally people around. When she joins forces with him, the two become stronger together. Though their army is small, they have right on their side. They might just have what it takes to save Riccha and wrest it from Braiton control.

This book is rich in imagery and reveals some excellent world building. Enter a world of revolution with unforgettable characters, sweeping battle sequences, and a rousing sense of urgency that only becomes more intense as the story progresses.

Profile Image for Janier Moreno.
71 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2024
This work by Moore is a captivating novel that narrates the beginning of a rebellion in a completely different world. The author manages to expose in his story complex and different characters in many ways. Each with their own conflicts and aspirations, united in the struggle against an oppressive regime. Moore manages to combine, in a successful way, elements of science fiction and fantasy, creating a universe full of details and deeply immersed, making me get involved with the story. I found the narrative to be full of unexpected twists, intense emotions and dilemmas that kept me interested from the first page to the last. I have always liked the themes of justice, freedom and sacrifice and these are the main characters throughout the book. The author offers a deep reflection on the cost of revolution. This book is a must read for lovers of dystopian literature and revolutionary stories. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Juan.
425 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book which mixes in an exquisite way different aspects. The tale is made more intricate and tense by the concept of treachery. It emphasizes the difficulties that the main character has when he rebels against the established order. This component calls into question one's commitment to one's principles, their ability to be trusted, and the serious risks associated in doing so.
The reference to political unrest and ambiguity provides an indication as to the larger setting in which Damien's narrative takes place. The way in which his decisions affect his personal life in addition to having broader effects on the society in which he lives is a demonstration that we create our own destiny.
As regards the author’s excellent quality of his writing, I couldn't be more grateful.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
568 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2023
This book is true entertainment, Rise by Mark Moore is a must read. It's like being pulled into this incredible world where you can't help but connect with all the characters like they're your best friends. I loved to see a book with such a great world, where you can feel totally immersed and feel like the story is happening to you; that is the thing I enjoyed the most about reading and this book just did it great.
A book where action and fiction are masterfully connected with emotions. There's also heart in every chapter; the characters feel real, their struggles hit me, and I found myself cheering for their victories and feeling their losses.
Seriously, if you want a book that's emotional, and takes you on a wild journey, this is it. It's the kind of story that sticks with you, making you wish book 2 was already out!
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,459 reviews28 followers
February 10, 2024
An exquisite story
“Rise” is a mesmerizing novel penned by Mark Moore. It’s an exquisite fantasy and historical novel that caught my attention from the start.
In many countries, inhabitants must stand corruption on behalf of the governors. It comes a day when a person reacts and strives to stop the injustices. Damien realizes that he’s about to die so he decides to stand up against the Ricchan People to make a change in his place. He joins Victoria, a strong leader of an army, and together they will start a revolution.
There’s nothing new under the sun when it comes to corruption, power and revolution. But in this story, readers will find that unexpected, poignant and unfair events happen to people all the time but there’s always a way out. I liked the characters’ portrayal and deeds during the story. It’s a highly recommended story.
Profile Image for Caro Rey.
261 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2024
A must read!

I do enjoy fantasy novels, they are one of my favorites, especially when there’s more than one. This book particularly has both of those things but it also has history in it which makes it more real.

Our main character is Damien Flynn, a man whose conscience finally awakes and sees the reality of where he is. We, the readers of this outstanding book, follow Flynn through his journey and suffer with him until he finally finds Victoria.

Victoria Montgomery is our new ally and the one who might just save Damien’s life. She is strong and clever leader of what will soon be the revolution that will change their history.
Mark S. Moore has created and brought to life such a wonderful masterpiece with this novel and has also created second part as is it a chronicle after all which I am excited to begin!
Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Celeste.
995 reviews26 followers
November 26, 2022
Rise: Birth of a Revolution is an imaginative and interesting novel written by Mark S. Moore. This is the first book in what I hope will be a whole series, The Ricchan Chronicles. This is a captivating novel, full of action, suspense, and unexpected events at the turn of each page. The author has built a fictional world, a fantastic land suffering from the oppression of a powerful nation. A revolutionary war is ahead and the protagonists in this book will have to fight to be free, even if their lives are at risk.
I really enjoyed this book. The dialogues are entertaining and the argument is so well written that they make the book very pleasant to read. The twists in the plot keep the reader hooked and enjoying until the end.
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books204 followers
June 19, 2023
A well-crafted historical fantasy...

Mark Moore's "Rise: Birth of a Revolution" is an acclaimed debut historical fantasy that delves into a precarious world teetering on the edge of collapse. Garnering recognition as an award-winning first novel, "Rise" presents a compelling narrative of struggle and resistance amidst conflict and treachery. Damien, driven by his conscience, faces a pivotal choice between upholding his principles and remaining within his familiar sphere. As Victoria, an unlikely leader, seeks to rally a rebellion, their partnership becomes instrumental in challenging the dominance of the colonial superpower. Moore's gripping portrayal of revolution, betrayal, and redemption establishes this book as a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre.
Profile Image for Saya Jacaranda.
755 reviews11 followers
November 27, 2023
a great book to entertain you for hours

“Birth of a Revolution” by Moore is an incredibly well written fantasy story that will keep you 100% engaged throughout the whole plot and every single page of the 333 pages that compose this book. For some people, it might seem like a lot of pages to read but I can assure you that they will fly by fast and in no time you will see yourself looking at the last page. What I enjoyed a lot was the partnership between Victoria and Damien. They show how important it is to work together as a team and that everything becomes doable if you do it together. They have no fear and a great strength of character. This is definitely a great book to entertain you for hours and make you forget about your own life for a good while.
Profile Image for Susan B.
495 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2022
Birth of a Revolution is the first book in a series and it has been well-thought-out and presented.
The plot is enthralling and this makes the book an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Author Moore exposes us here to different ways of looking at the same issue and he does so in a simple way through the use of simple language and expressions. His peerless writing has presented me with so many utterly convincing characters and situations; I have devoured each one, and each and every one of them has in its turn consumed me.
This thriller had me glued to the pages since it is way too suspenseful for a casual reader like myself.
Profile Image for Santiago Flores.
1,029 reviews11 followers
December 7, 2022
“Birth of a Revolution” is the first book in “The Ricchan Chronicles” series written by author Moore. I liked the narrative of the story and how well the author portrayed each main character. The only slight thing I was not so convinced of - and this is why I didn’t give it 5 stars - was its length. I believe some parts could have been shorter to make the reading pace more enjoyable.
All in all, the story is convincing and it was a great beginning to this series. I really want to read the following volume in “The Ricchan Chronicles” because it was entertaining and the author provides good scene descriptions so that readers can enjoy it better.
Profile Image for Aneley Sánchez.
988 reviews24 followers
June 22, 2023
A great historical fantasy.

Rise: Birth of a Revolution is the first book of The Ricchan Chronicles written by Mark Moore. It is a fantasy novel that develops around Damien, who must decide between his principles and the world he knew, and Victoria, the reluctant leader of an army of criminals and vagrants. This is a story of revolution, betrayal, and redemption.
I really liked this book. It is very engaging and I think the author is very skilled at mixing fantasy with historical/political facts that are not necessarily real but very applicable. All the characters are good but I sincerely love Victoria, she is brave and interesting. I can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Liz.
1,381 reviews31 followers
June 22, 2023
Mark Moore is the author of "Rise: Birth of a Revolution", the first book in The Ricchan Chronicles saga. In this fantasy book, we meet Damien, a young man who faces the oppression of the Ricchan people by the colonial powers he serves. Not everything is smooth for Damien, when he is betrayed by his peers his life takes a 180-degree turn.
One of the things that I liked the author included is the map of the Ricchan region and a timeline, so that the reader can be set in time and space. It is undoubtedly an extremely valuable resource for the reader. I can't wait to read the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Ashley Mitchell.
441 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2023
“Rise: Birth of a Revolution” is the first and promising book in “The Ricchan Chronicles” written by the talented Mark Moore. The story is absolutely absorbing. It has a good blend of fantasy, history and action that I liked a lot. The narrative has the right pace for a book such as this one, making the reader feel captured by the pages. I really couldn’t stop reading it.
Also, the author managed to create believable and strong characters that are easy to empathize with. This tale can be placed on the theme of historical fantasy, so I recommend reading it to everyone who enjoys stories such as this one. It is totally a must read.
Profile Image for Laura.
280 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2023
Intense

This book was such an intense, gripping, and engaging read. It grabs you right from the start, and you want to just keep reading to find out what happens. It's a dark story too, rough and brutal at times. I did enjoy this story of a revolution and all who are involved in it. The writing is pretty good, cheesy at times but overall, I thought it was good. This is the first book in a series, so I am looking forward to reading the continuation of this drama. If you like an intense, dark, action-filled storyline with lots of fighting and bloodshed, as well as interesting characters, you'll enjoy this book. 
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
February 8, 2024
Rise: Birth of a Revolution is a blend of fantasy and history. The novel shows the ups and downs of fighting for what you believe, the cost of it, and the potential reward. Mark Moore writes with intensity, presenting characters worthy of admiration and respect, making sure that whoever reads it wants to take it to the final pages.

Personally, it was a delightful read. It presents a complicated world, with intricated politics and a strong ideal. It's a medium-sized novel, recommended for readers who enjoy the complexity of life and society.

Overall, a five-star story that left me excited to see what's going to happen in the sequel, hopefully!
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,332 reviews23 followers
February 9, 2024
Fantasy

While this book is a fantasy, ficton story that is set in its own world. There are striking similarities to our own worldly history. Damian is finding out that sticking up for your morals and opposing the ruling country is bad for your freedom and your health no matter how rigorously you defended it prior. He is saved from the gallows by a ragtag bunch of rebels led by a charming, ruthless and intelligent young lady and the two team up to save Richa the country. I found it to be very entertaining, full of passionate speeches and pleas, rich details and much action. Very good story.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
828 reviews16 followers
February 11, 2024
amazing book!

In my personal opinion, this book is a masterfully blend of fantasy and history in an award-winning debut that unfolds in a colonial world on the brink of chaos. Damien Flynn's courageous stand for the rights of the oppressed Ricchan people sets off a chain of events that leads to his own death sentence. However, a chance for survival arises when he crosses paths with Victoria, the reluctant leader of an army seeking rebellion. I think that the author has a rich narrative charged with unforgettable characters and touching themes of revolution and betrayal. "Rise" is a must-read for those seeking an immersive, emotionally charged adventure with a perfect blend of action and fiction. I really want to read the second book of this amazing story.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,336 reviews23 followers
February 11, 2024
Although this read is a fantasy, it can easily be a true story, so while I was reading it, I felt it very organic and truthful, as if I was reading the news. The book is very interesting because it touches on really captivating topics such as revolution, betrayal, and politics. All that mixed up is a combo that will catch the reader's attention. The two main characters, Damien and Victoria, will get together to fight for freedom for their people. I found it really fascinating to discover each character's personality, their aims, motivations and morality. I think the author did a really good job there; it gives the story the deepness it needed to empathize with them.
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,016 reviews21 followers
May 16, 2024
Great novel.

''Rise: Birth of a Revolution'' is the first book of The Ricchan Chronicles, and the story turns around Damien Flynn who always lived in a world where corruption and oppression were normal in the Ricchan town. Trying to escape that world, a revolution begins with a particular ally. This novel has turns, that will keep you on the edge of your seat, the author's narration is captivating and makes you feel within the novel all the time. I have to say that this is a refreshing novel that allows the creation of reimaginations of the past, which makes this reading unique. Surely, I will read the second book of this series.
Profile Image for Angela Gold.
Author 2 books15 followers
June 6, 2022
Very good debut novel with lots of action and good chsracters

A good debut novel. It is well written with well developed characters. Lots of POVs. Too many POVs for my personal taste. The story is fast paced with a lot of action. I would have liked some of the scenes to slow down and delve deeper. The author shows that war is cruel and that is totally true. I am not a fan of a book ending on a cliff hanger. I like the main themes to resolve and hint of things to come. This book ends on a couple of big cliff hangers. I expect the authors writing to get better and better.
Profile Image for Mia C..
1,088 reviews25 followers
December 4, 2022
Birth of a Revolution, first volume in The Ricchan Chronicles, written by author Mark Moore is a book that is easily read and has a good pace that keeps the reader entertained from beginning to end.
The plot of the story is clear from the very first pages and the author managed to develop it smoothly and keep the reader hooked. I liked how descriptive it is and I also liked most dialogues; some were a bit dull and I didn’t feel they were quite realistic.
All in all, this is a good book which is entertaining and which was well narrated. I recommend reading it.
Profile Image for gj indieBRAG.
1,791 reviews95 followers
May 15, 2024
We are proud to announce that RISE: Birth of a Revolution by Mark S. Moore has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
3 reviews
August 16, 2024
This book kept me coming back to read more whenever I had a few spare minutes. There were times the storyline had me interested, intrigued, some laughng, and no lie one scene that had me horrified. Very well written, and I'm looking forward to continuing with the 2nd book in the series.
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