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The Five Towers #2
The Red Tower
Five towers. Five colors. One way out.
Cipher risks everything to reach The Red Tower. He searches for the person who was once the most important in the world to him. He has left the friends who helped him discover who he was. He has left a place where he had control, where his powers were the mind and the wind.
Now Cipher must learn new powers to survive. He must channel his passions to thrive. And he must rise to the top of another tower before he can enter the Scouring again, where deeper secrets await.
Cipher risks everything to reach The Red Tower. He searches for the person who was once the most important in the world to him. He has left the friends who helped him discover who he was. He has left a place where he had control, where his powers were the mind and the wind.
Now Cipher must learn new powers to survive. He must channel his passions to thrive. And he must rise to the top of another tower before he can enter the Scouring again, where deeper secrets await.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
96 people are currently reading
229 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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 11, 2025
I love how each tower is a world in of itself. Learning about the creatures, environment and culture of the red tower was so fun. That being said, the red tower is marked by passion. Each person that enters the tower must face the times that they allowed their passions to rule them. No details are given about these situations, but you know what is going on by what is implied. Given these situations, I would say these books are for readers 15+ at least.
I think one redeeming thing about this book was chapter 36. The way the consequences were described for the decisions that the character made were chilling. I had to put the book down simply to process that chapter and think about the haunting way the author described those consequences. Truly, the end of sin is death! I want to read the whole series before I know if I want to recommend these books or not, but that description will stay with me.
I think one redeeming thing about this book was chapter 36. The way the consequences were described for the decisions that the character made were chilling. I had to put the book down simply to process that chapter and think about the haunting way the author described those consequences. Truly, the end of sin is death! I want to read the whole series before I know if I want to recommend these books or not, but that description will stay with me.
November 6, 2024
Parental warning ⚠️
This book really covers some heavy themes, like adultery. I would advise reading it to see whether your teenager is ready to read it. I would personally say sixteen and older.
That being said, as an adult, I enjoy this series. Sometimes some things are hard to follow or understand. And I feel like some storylines get wrapped up way too fast. That being said, I have enjoyed this series a lot. I read it in two days. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
This book really covers some heavy themes, like adultery. I would advise reading it to see whether your teenager is ready to read it. I would personally say sixteen and older.
That being said, as an adult, I enjoy this series. Sometimes some things are hard to follow or understand. And I feel like some storylines get wrapped up way too fast. That being said, I have enjoyed this series a lot. I read it in two days. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
January 11, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All words and thoughts in this review are my own.
I find that The Red Tower is an even better book than its predecessor The Blue Tower. While the Blue Tower is all about intelligence and using your mind, we quickly find out the Red Tower is about passion. Burning passion. We're reunited with our main character Cipher and surprisingly, someone else that we remember from the Blue Tower, along with a few other of Cipher's friends. Cipher, ever being the one to have a chip on his shoulder, doesn't take kindly to being placed at the bottom of the ranks. He works his way up as he always does by using his strong mind and quick wit. Cipher makes some pretty sketchy decisions and luckily for him, his friends, and the Red Tower they seem to work out. It is a very excitable time in the Red Tower and really in all of the towers.
This book has parts where you read something and you go and read it again and you're just blown away by what you've read. You start to realize things that you've done in your life that may have changed the course of history within your own and someone else's lives. This book is deeply thought provoking, yet it is absolutely 100% still a book for a young teen. There is so much in this series that isn't said or isn't heard but will still have an impact on each and every reader that picks this book and this series up. How J.B. Simmons isn't a bigger known author is beyond me. This guy is a star in the making.
There is danger, there is excitement, there are spots of wonderment and shock and awe, and there are parts that make you want to knock the author upside the head and ask him why he made someone do that. But I wouldn't have this book any other way. I can't wait for the next installment that will most certainly be call The _____ Tower. Hah! You didn't think I'd give it away, did you? No way! Go read the books for yourself!
I find that The Red Tower is an even better book than its predecessor The Blue Tower. While the Blue Tower is all about intelligence and using your mind, we quickly find out the Red Tower is about passion. Burning passion. We're reunited with our main character Cipher and surprisingly, someone else that we remember from the Blue Tower, along with a few other of Cipher's friends. Cipher, ever being the one to have a chip on his shoulder, doesn't take kindly to being placed at the bottom of the ranks. He works his way up as he always does by using his strong mind and quick wit. Cipher makes some pretty sketchy decisions and luckily for him, his friends, and the Red Tower they seem to work out. It is a very excitable time in the Red Tower and really in all of the towers.
This book has parts where you read something and you go and read it again and you're just blown away by what you've read. You start to realize things that you've done in your life that may have changed the course of history within your own and someone else's lives. This book is deeply thought provoking, yet it is absolutely 100% still a book for a young teen. There is so much in this series that isn't said or isn't heard but will still have an impact on each and every reader that picks this book and this series up. How J.B. Simmons isn't a bigger known author is beyond me. This guy is a star in the making.
There is danger, there is excitement, there are spots of wonderment and shock and awe, and there are parts that make you want to knock the author upside the head and ask him why he made someone do that. But I wouldn't have this book any other way. I can't wait for the next installment that will most certainly be call The _____ Tower. Hah! You didn't think I'd give it away, did you? No way! Go read the books for yourself!
March 30, 2024
To start, I read this book in one day. That is how good it and the series are!
Initially, I was going to give this book a 4 star rating, because the first half of the book did not have any Scourings and it began to feel stalled. However, once the first scouring happened, the book took off and did not stop!! It was so satisfying to see all of the setup in the front half pay off.
Once again, the MC is very relatable and the secondary characters are great as stand alone characters and support characters for our MC. I love how the MC continues to grow and learn in Red tower. It is different than Blue obviously, but he is able to adapt and rise to the different challenges. I love how the author didn’t stoop to making the MC good at everything because “he is the chosen one.” He struggles, fights, and adapts to new situations as himself. He doesn’t try to become something he is not, he utilizes the strengths he has to accomplish his goals.
The Red tower is a great follow up book to the Blue Tower because it maintained what I loved about the first book while expanding the world, growing the characters, and adding more layers of mystery while simultaneously revealing answers to questions we had.
Initially, I was going to give this book a 4 star rating, because the first half of the book did not have any Scourings and it began to feel stalled. However, once the first scouring happened, the book took off and did not stop!! It was so satisfying to see all of the setup in the front half pay off.
Once again, the MC is very relatable and the secondary characters are great as stand alone characters and support characters for our MC. I love how the MC continues to grow and learn in Red tower. It is different than Blue obviously, but he is able to adapt and rise to the different challenges. I love how the author didn’t stoop to making the MC good at everything because “he is the chosen one.” He struggles, fights, and adapts to new situations as himself. He doesn’t try to become something he is not, he utilizes the strengths he has to accomplish his goals.
The Red tower is a great follow up book to the Blue Tower because it maintained what I loved about the first book while expanding the world, growing the characters, and adding more layers of mystery while simultaneously revealing answers to questions we had.
February 5, 2019
I eagerly awaited the sequel to The Blue Tower for months, and when I finally received my copy I rejoiced, and I'm very happy to say my patience was rewarded.
The difference between the two towers is stark. They explore different facets of life, and at several points really made me think of how well we live them.
One particular thought that hits home: many of the life decisions we make matter. Not only to us, but to others around us. There is pain when we make a poor choice, and unseen repercussions unravel. And the "what if" moments - and oh there are a few - that "what could have beens" should we have chosen better - can be especially agonizing.
But I'm glad to say there are also brief, happier moments, when a character in the story had chosen well.
I loved reading The Red Tower, about the developing story and relationships, and again I live in anticipation of the next book.
The difference between the two towers is stark. They explore different facets of life, and at several points really made me think of how well we live them.
One particular thought that hits home: many of the life decisions we make matter. Not only to us, but to others around us. There is pain when we make a poor choice, and unseen repercussions unravel. And the "what if" moments - and oh there are a few - that "what could have beens" should we have chosen better - can be especially agonizing.
But I'm glad to say there are also brief, happier moments, when a character in the story had chosen well.
I loved reading The Red Tower, about the developing story and relationships, and again I live in anticipation of the next book.
January 28, 2021
"The meaning of a book is the series or system of emotions, reflections, and attitudes produced by reading it." - C.S. Lewis
One of the joys of reading stories is that there are times you find a tale that's bigger than it first seems. You find action and suspense, the forces that drive us to turn the page to the next one. You also find spiritual truths and ideals that resonate within us to make us see the heroes to their ultimate end. The Red Tower is such a story. Cipher's quest leads him to the fires of the Red Tower. There, he learns about passion and the secrets and advantages it holds. As he continues to learn of his past and regain his memories, can he learn from those memories without succumbing to his failings?
One of the joys of reading stories is that there are times you find a tale that's bigger than it first seems. You find action and suspense, the forces that drive us to turn the page to the next one. You also find spiritual truths and ideals that resonate within us to make us see the heroes to their ultimate end. The Red Tower is such a story. Cipher's quest leads him to the fires of the Red Tower. There, he learns about passion and the secrets and advantages it holds. As he continues to learn of his past and regain his memories, can he learn from those memories without succumbing to his failings?
February 4, 2024
Finished The Red Tower today. It's the 2nd in the series. The first 25 percent of the book I wasn't a fan of. But once I made it to about 40 percent I understood better why the beginning was written that way. I'll be purchasing the third!
I didn't realize this series was labeled as Christian fiction until I went to add it to my pango store! It actually makes sense now, but I really didn't take it that way, with say Left Behind or something comparable it was blatantly obvious. This series so far is very suttle about it. An "afterlife" is mentioned, but that's about it. There is definitely a simple plot, but it's kept my interest to the point that I don't even realize I've flown through 50+ pages so quickly!
Would recommend!
I didn't realize this series was labeled as Christian fiction until I went to add it to my pango store! It actually makes sense now, but I really didn't take it that way, with say Left Behind or something comparable it was blatantly obvious. This series so far is very suttle about it. An "afterlife" is mentioned, but that's about it. There is definitely a simple plot, but it's kept my interest to the point that I don't even realize I've flown through 50+ pages so quickly!
Would recommend!
January 6, 2019
As with all of JB Simmons other books, I have thoroughly enjoyed The Red Tower. Here, we see Cypher discover more of his past and continue to bring balance among the 5 towers. He learns and teaches us the interdependence among those making their journeys and enduring the scouring. Finding his mother brings a little healing for Cypher. He is reunited with Emma and they continue to learn, grow, and become more powerful together. I kept turning the pages through in a day. Now, the long wait for our next tower. Keep it up JB. We love it!
January 16, 2024
Red Tower was pretty good. I probably enjoyed it more than the Blue Tower and DEFINITELY more than the Green Tower.
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.
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.
February 15, 2024
A solid second entry to the series.
It's interesting to see how the towers each have their own values and cultures behind them, and this helps with a problem I had with the previous novel- Cipher has to adjust to a tower culture that's almost the opposite of the one he is now used to, and he doesn't have full access to the powers he gained in the previous entry.
Fair warning- this book tackles themes of lust in its characters. It's still pretty much clean (no sex is actually shown), but I still thought I'd mention it for whoever might have concerns.
It's interesting to see how the towers each have their own values and cultures behind them, and this helps with a problem I had with the previous novel- Cipher has to adjust to a tower culture that's almost the opposite of the one he is now used to, and he doesn't have full access to the powers he gained in the previous entry.
Fair warning- this book tackles themes of lust in its characters. It's still pretty much clean (no sex is actually shown), but I still thought I'd mention it for whoever might have concerns.
January 6, 2022
This series is yet another wonderful fringe benefit of tutoring. I never would have discovered these books if it hadn't been part of the Summer Reading of one of my students. Interesting take on the Christian concept of Purgatory and cleansing yourself of sins to get into heaven. Not quite as entertaining as the Narnia Chronicles but still enjoyable. I can definitely say that I'm looking forward to reading the next volume in the series.
November 18, 2024
Fans of the Lord of the Rings will love this!
I must admit, I almost stopped reading this series three times!!! But I’m happy I stuck with it. It’s so intriguing and creative. I’ve never read a book with a premise like this one. I absolutely NEVER know what’s going to happen next lol. And I just have to keep reading now.
I must admit, I almost stopped reading this series three times!!! But I’m happy I stuck with it. It’s so intriguing and creative. I’ve never read a book with a premise like this one. I absolutely NEVER know what’s going to happen next lol. And I just have to keep reading now.
January 24, 2019
The Red Tower was an engaging read I wished that I could have read in one sitting. As The Blue tower explored logic, The Red Tower examines passion and its place in our lives. All in all, a great book of risk and redemption.
January 29, 2019
Oh. My. Gosh! I loved The Red Tower more than the first book! I think it’s because I had the background from the first book to build on. I refuse to give details that may spoil it for someone! So, I’m more than ready for the next book and frustrated I can’t start it now!!! Loved it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2020
A great second book in this series
A unique setting with characters who may no longer know themselves or their friends but all working towards the same goal even if they don't know it
A unique setting with characters who may no longer know themselves or their friends but all working towards the same goal even if they don't know it
July 8, 2022
Great Book
I have been busy, so a much longer time to read this one. Made it hard to get through, but so glad I did. Great story line, can't wait to see what happens next. Thank you for your hard work.
I have been busy, so a much longer time to read this one. Made it hard to get through, but so glad I did. Great story line, can't wait to see what happens next. Thank you for your hard work.
August 29, 2023
Read through red
I'm still really intrigued by the world building and refreshed by the storyline. Of course this whole series is about character. I love how subtly insightful this is.
I'm still really intrigued by the world building and refreshed by the storyline. Of course this whole series is about character. I love how subtly insightful this is.
January 29, 2019
Loved the second book as much as the first. Can't wait for the next one.
January 29, 2019
Was an excellent book. Can’t wait for the next one. Very thought provoking
July 28, 2019
Great!
Incredibly fascinating and mesmerizingly interesting. Completely devoured the first two books. Can’t wait to read the rest of them! Well done.
Incredibly fascinating and mesmerizingly interesting. Completely devoured the first two books. Can’t wait to read the rest of them! Well done.
May 29, 2020
Such a fun quick read. Has me wanting to know more about what each tower teaches
May 23, 2021
read abt 1-23May2021.
October 3, 2023
This book is awesome, cipher rising to the top again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2025
Amazing
This is Under true winner The stories seem to be getting better I didn't think that you could talk 1 But topic he has Or she I can't wait to get into
This is Under true winner The stories seem to be getting better I didn't think that you could talk 1 But topic he has Or she I can't wait to get into
July 4, 2025
Really good read. I honestly can't wait to read the next book
July 20, 2024
Not quite what I was expecting, but this was an excellent sequel. I loved the contrast between Red and Blue from the food, to the clothes, to the rooms, as well as highlighting the differences between the genius and passion facets of the prisim. It's interesting exploring the benefits of each facet, but also how they can cause hurt when taken too far and not balanced. I was not really a fan of Rahab. She seemed a little mean and not what I imagine the Bible character to actually be like at all. Still too YA for me. Overall, I loved it and can't wait for Green!
February 5, 2019
I love this fantasy series. There is definitely a "pull" to discover the aspects of life and discovery in each tower. Surprisingly enough, these books have a very thoughtful aspect of them that lingers with me long after I have read them.
July 28, 2024
I loved this Tower series book! I just found it really exciting and unexpected. The drama, the mystery, the dragon...so much here! I don't want to give anything away, but I really loved this book as the second in the series, which I feel is not often the case with sequels. This did not disappoint.
October 3, 2019
Read this incredible book (after you read the first in the series. They probably could stand alone, but I can't see why anyone would want them to do so! Mr. Simmons books are amazing.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews