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Enemy Rising
In 1803, Richard Wellesley launched an unauthorized British takeover of India.
In 1804, the dead began to devour the living.
Things haven't been the same since.
Cursed creatures wander the plains of India, stumble through her jungles, and invade the cities of the people. In a world turned upside down, four youth with little in common find their lives intertwined in the struggle for survival. Destiny pushes them together in unexpected ways, but the curse of the nineteenth century threatens to tear them apart. Together can they form a united front and save the world?
In 1804, the dead began to devour the living.
Things haven't been the same since.
Cursed creatures wander the plains of India, stumble through her jungles, and invade the cities of the people. In a world turned upside down, four youth with little in common find their lives intertwined in the struggle for survival. Destiny pushes them together in unexpected ways, but the curse of the nineteenth century threatens to tear them apart. Together can they form a united front and save the world?
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2019
4 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 11, 2020
This was a really enjoyable read! The different perspectives provided a lot of great incite while the story moved forward in an exciting, fun way. This book has everything a zombie fan would want, along with humor and a little old-time India.
I definitely recommend!
I definitely recommend!
June 25, 2020
Got sucked in and read the whole thing in 24 hours. Absolutely phenomenal story!!
March 17, 2022
The world building in this was a really refreshing take on the zombie genre. Rather than the Mad-Max style post apocalyptic works that characterize most of zombie fiction, this book was set in India in the early 1800s. In a less globalized world, the plague and knowledge of the "cursed" has spread slowly, leaving the British and the other Indian states a chance to form an effective resistance centered around the Maratha Confederacy. We are presented this world though the eyes of four characters: two members of the Indian nobility, a British soldier and a half-caste. While I was initially intrigued by all of the point of view characters, I quickly found their personalities blending into each other and their individual stories rushed. Rather than book-long progressions that we would get in similar military fiction like the Sharpe series, I found the character's rise in rank and ability to be rushed. Some of the dialogue was also quite grating to me (no this is not a 19th century thing because I like Dickens, Bronte and David Mitchell's imitation Meliville) but YMMV. Also not enough Zombies/I was not really ever threatened by the zombie encounters.
However, solid start to a series for a first-time author, and I hope to read a sequel!
However, solid start to a series for a first-time author, and I hope to read a sequel!
December 13, 2021
Most popular zombie stories take place in present day, using guns and technology to fight the war against them. This one puts a unique spin on that concept, taking place in India during 1800's. Curseds (the zombies) have taken over and it's up to four people - an orphan, a prince, a princess, and a soldier - to come together and find a cure for this zombie pandemic. The characters in this story were well crafted and developed, each with their own unique personality that kept the story fresh. I personally enjoyed Sarah. She had a little sass to her personality and her backstory really seemed to drive her character to take that next step and reach beyond her limits.
Since the book bounces back and forth between the four characters, for me the beginning was a little slow and it took a while for me to warm up to the characters and really get to know them. Eventually things started to click into place the the plot started to take off. Since I'm not familiar with Indian culture, I appreciated the glossary in the back. I found myself needing to stop and flip through it a few times to figure out what was going on. Overall, it was a solid read and something to definitely check out if you're into zombies!
Since the book bounces back and forth between the four characters, for me the beginning was a little slow and it took a while for me to warm up to the characters and really get to know them. Eventually things started to click into place the the plot started to take off. Since I'm not familiar with Indian culture, I appreciated the glossary in the back. I found myself needing to stop and flip through it a few times to figure out what was going on. Overall, it was a solid read and something to definitely check out if you're into zombies!
August 17, 2020
History meets horror in the character-driven novel Enemy Rising (The Cursed Chronicles Book 1) by C.J. Fisher.
A curious twist to the zombie genre, Enemy Rising mixes Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith with the historical English occupation of 1800's India. C.J. Fisher has put in the work to bring forward the rich tapestry of the culture during that period.
The addition of zombies does not diminish the plot. It incentivizes the characters and enlivens the action. The historical setting does wonders to lift the well-known zombie drama, but don't be fooled that this is all horror and no story. Following four distinct POVs, an orphan girl, a Prince, a Princess, and an English soldier, Enemy Rising is all about storytelling as each character tries to survive and find a cure.
C.J. Fisher succeeded in creating an immersive beginning to a series and lifting a common horror trope to new heights.
Many thanks to C.J. Fisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A curious twist to the zombie genre, Enemy Rising mixes Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith with the historical English occupation of 1800's India. C.J. Fisher has put in the work to bring forward the rich tapestry of the culture during that period.
The addition of zombies does not diminish the plot. It incentivizes the characters and enlivens the action. The historical setting does wonders to lift the well-known zombie drama, but don't be fooled that this is all horror and no story. Following four distinct POVs, an orphan girl, a Prince, a Princess, and an English soldier, Enemy Rising is all about storytelling as each character tries to survive and find a cure.
C.J. Fisher succeeded in creating an immersive beginning to a series and lifting a common horror trope to new heights.
Many thanks to C.J. Fisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2020
I've read a lot of zombie fiction and with the pandemic there seems to be even more lately. Every time I think I've seen it all a new indie voice comes along to prove there are still fresh spin on the rot walkers, or cursed as they are referred to in this novel.
This is more character driven than monster moved, and that works well here as it has a deeper layer exploring a culture and time I wasn't too familiar with. That said, the writing was wonderfully immersive, pulling me into the foreign setting with ease in all of the multiple perceptive it was split between.
Historical zombie fiction?... yep, and it works beautifully.
This is more character driven than monster moved, and that works well here as it has a deeper layer exploring a culture and time I wasn't too familiar with. That said, the writing was wonderfully immersive, pulling me into the foreign setting with ease in all of the multiple perceptive it was split between.
Historical zombie fiction?... yep, and it works beautifully.
July 10, 2020
This book was a very interesting twist on the zombie apocalyptische stories. It's set in the 1800's in India and told from 4 different pov's. An english soldier, a Princess, a Prince and a 11 year old orphan girl. Their lifes are interwoven in the fight against the curseds and search for a cure. I loved the fact that every character is not completely good of evil but each one of them is flawed in some way. Understandably flawed, but still. The intrigue and storyline kept me wondering, the main characters are interesting and I am invested in their fate. I can honestly say I am eager to read the next book in the series. Pick this one up and you will hopefully be just as pleasantly surprised as I was.
***An ARC was provided by netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
***An ARC was provided by netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
January 29, 2021
Super Entertaining Read!
This book is a fantastic historical fiction. With just the right amount of details to make you feel like you are hanging out in British occupied 1800s India... with a twist.
All of the lead characters are distinct in their personalities and all have both noble aspects and character flaws that make them feel organic and just... well... human.
The plot flows naturally without feeling forced or creeping along at a snails pace with plenty of action throughout. I recommend it for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary and exciting!
This book is a fantastic historical fiction. With just the right amount of details to make you feel like you are hanging out in British occupied 1800s India... with a twist.
All of the lead characters are distinct in their personalities and all have both noble aspects and character flaws that make them feel organic and just... well... human.
The plot flows naturally without feeling forced or creeping along at a snails pace with plenty of action throughout. I recommend it for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary and exciting!
February 9, 2021
Enemy Rising by C.J. Fisher has twists that keep coming to the last page. This YA post-apocalyptic, zombie, multiple POV novel is full of outstanding characters, all of which could, or could not, be your enemy at any given time.
In a world turned upside down, four unlikely heroes find their lives intertwined in the struggle for survival. An orphaned half-caste. A young Brit soldier. A fierce Princess. A clever Prince. Destiny pushes them together in unexpected ways, but enemies from within threaten to tear them apart. Together can they form a united front and save the world? Can they form a united front and save the world?
Oh boy, the plot of this story is pretty darn smart. The idea behind the world of Enemy Rising seemed simple enough: zombies, royals, military, conspiracies. However, Fisher wraps this book in so many layers of deception, even the good guys seem bad sometimes. The amount of lies told could have easily become annoying but Fisher did a fantastic job creating intrigue from these lies, which many authors fail to do. I’m rooting for everyone, then I step back and think, “wait, what are they up to?”
For characters, I am not crazy about books that switch POV (point of view) from section to section or chapter to chapter, but I found myself very excited to get to the new POV each time there was a change. I liked all the characters, but my favorite was Badri. I love the intellectual characters and I felt he was the most pure, even thought with his father, the king, at his side, who knows what those two are up to… The characters are very multifaceted. All of them have deep personalities, all of them have hidden strengths and talents, all of them felt real. I found myself yelling at some of them like I knew them whenever they made dumb decisions!
I think more could have been added to the descriptions on the locations in the book. Here is the thing though: This book is 371 pages on Kindle and that’s a chunk. The characters really shined and their development took a lot of space in the book. Describing every sunrise and sunset in the beautiful kingdom is a plus but it would have definitely taken this book well over 400 pages. Although I would have liked to “see” more, I wouldn’t want this to take away from the experience we have with the characters.
This book has a major theme of trust and deception. I fell in love with how Fisher fleshed out these themes through her characters actions, and lack of actions even. Some people in the book really have to learn to trust, but the level of corruption is so high from start to finish, how can our characters form bonds? Through desperate means! and sometimes dumb luck. Fishers writing style is smart, and easy to read which made it easy for me to keep up with the POVs and tricky characters.
Overall, I would recommend this book. It is a very interesting take on the zombie sub-genre written in a way that any post-apocalyptic fan can appreciate.
In a world turned upside down, four unlikely heroes find their lives intertwined in the struggle for survival. An orphaned half-caste. A young Brit soldier. A fierce Princess. A clever Prince. Destiny pushes them together in unexpected ways, but enemies from within threaten to tear them apart. Together can they form a united front and save the world? Can they form a united front and save the world?
Oh boy, the plot of this story is pretty darn smart. The idea behind the world of Enemy Rising seemed simple enough: zombies, royals, military, conspiracies. However, Fisher wraps this book in so many layers of deception, even the good guys seem bad sometimes. The amount of lies told could have easily become annoying but Fisher did a fantastic job creating intrigue from these lies, which many authors fail to do. I’m rooting for everyone, then I step back and think, “wait, what are they up to?”
For characters, I am not crazy about books that switch POV (point of view) from section to section or chapter to chapter, but I found myself very excited to get to the new POV each time there was a change. I liked all the characters, but my favorite was Badri. I love the intellectual characters and I felt he was the most pure, even thought with his father, the king, at his side, who knows what those two are up to… The characters are very multifaceted. All of them have deep personalities, all of them have hidden strengths and talents, all of them felt real. I found myself yelling at some of them like I knew them whenever they made dumb decisions!
I think more could have been added to the descriptions on the locations in the book. Here is the thing though: This book is 371 pages on Kindle and that’s a chunk. The characters really shined and their development took a lot of space in the book. Describing every sunrise and sunset in the beautiful kingdom is a plus but it would have definitely taken this book well over 400 pages. Although I would have liked to “see” more, I wouldn’t want this to take away from the experience we have with the characters.
This book has a major theme of trust and deception. I fell in love with how Fisher fleshed out these themes through her characters actions, and lack of actions even. Some people in the book really have to learn to trust, but the level of corruption is so high from start to finish, how can our characters form bonds? Through desperate means! and sometimes dumb luck. Fishers writing style is smart, and easy to read which made it easy for me to keep up with the POVs and tricky characters.
Overall, I would recommend this book. It is a very interesting take on the zombie sub-genre written in a way that any post-apocalyptic fan can appreciate.
December 22, 2021
With Enemy Rising, CJ Fisher serves up a complex mash up of 'A Passage to India', 'The Man who would be King', ‘Arabian Knights,’ 'Jungle Book,' and the 'Walking Dead.' Like India itself, the book is filled with complexities and intrigue as different levels of society vie for dominance, power and respect. Even within the ruling classes there is palace intrigue as members plot to increase their wealth and position. Then, of course there are the British who influence at arms-length through their powerful Army but remain separate from, and largely ignorant of, the internal struggles of the Indians themselves.
A King struggles to hold onto power, amid a frail alliance with his Indian allies, while wooing the British for their help in both shoring up his throne and defending against his enemies. The Prince and Princess each try to prove themselves to their father while fending off regular attempts on their lives. A young, half-caste, girl earns the trust of the Royal Family after using her ninja like fighting techniques to protect them, again and again, from assassins who come from without and within. A small band of British soldiers fights a rear-guard action to Calcutta where the UK is evacuating its citizens due to the increasing undead threat.
In an interesting twist, the zombies are portrayed as just another level in India’s intricate caste system. They are a threat but, not much more than that of the other poor and desperate villagers teaming in the streets. For the wealthy elite, who are protected by their walls and guards, the growing presence of the undead has little impact on their daily lives. Like real politics, these problems are ignored by the elites until they have no choice but to face them.
There is a lot going on in Enemy Rising. It is not your typical zombie apocalypse tale but it is all woven together expertly into an interesting story with intriguing characters.
A King struggles to hold onto power, amid a frail alliance with his Indian allies, while wooing the British for their help in both shoring up his throne and defending against his enemies. The Prince and Princess each try to prove themselves to their father while fending off regular attempts on their lives. A young, half-caste, girl earns the trust of the Royal Family after using her ninja like fighting techniques to protect them, again and again, from assassins who come from without and within. A small band of British soldiers fights a rear-guard action to Calcutta where the UK is evacuating its citizens due to the increasing undead threat.
In an interesting twist, the zombies are portrayed as just another level in India’s intricate caste system. They are a threat but, not much more than that of the other poor and desperate villagers teaming in the streets. For the wealthy elite, who are protected by their walls and guards, the growing presence of the undead has little impact on their daily lives. Like real politics, these problems are ignored by the elites until they have no choice but to face them.
There is a lot going on in Enemy Rising. It is not your typical zombie apocalypse tale but it is all woven together expertly into an interesting story with intriguing characters.
February 21, 2023
This first entry in the Enemy Rising series by JJ Fisher has an intriguing setting and era which is something I have not encountered before in zombie fiction. This gave the book a unique feel and portrayed the challenges of the time really well, with less communication options, less forms of transport, and a less dense population. I loved the setting in India and the nods towards both cultural and political problems of the time.
I felt like the characters stayed true to the time in which they were living in, during a time when zombie wasn't a common term or cultural phenomenon. The different perspectives and cultural backgrounds were interesting and I liked how the different narratives overlapped on occasion or became entwined. It was certainly less hectic than modern day zombie flicks but it had all I expected in terms of the violence and horror associated with the genre, and the action seems were really well put together.
The later stages are really good when the characters gain a focus and goal, and I imagine this will lead well to other books in the series
I felt like the characters stayed true to the time in which they were living in, during a time when zombie wasn't a common term or cultural phenomenon. The different perspectives and cultural backgrounds were interesting and I liked how the different narratives overlapped on occasion or became entwined. It was certainly less hectic than modern day zombie flicks but it had all I expected in terms of the violence and horror associated with the genre, and the action seems were really well put together.
The later stages are really good when the characters gain a focus and goal, and I imagine this will lead well to other books in the series
March 28, 2022
I was very intrigued by the concept of zombies in India. The cover is so cool with all four characters worked into the cover design. I absolutely loved Jamina and Badri. Jamina hooked me from her first chapter. There's a lot of political intrigue set against colonial India in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Each of the chapters are short, so the pacing isn't bogged down. The mystery around Sarah and what Rajat is planning makes me eager for book two. I did want to see more of the curseds since they are a big part of the plot but don't seem like much of a threat until the end. I would have liked to have seen more about how it changed the landscape of India, shaped their culture, and impacted more day-to-day life. There were parts where it was hard to tell where characters were in the country. One thing I missed from this book was the setting details. I would have enjoyed knowing what the places and people looked like, especially since India is a rich backdrop to any story.
July 8, 2020
I am not one to usually enjoy this genre, but the writing style and plot line of this book has opened my eyes to Zombies. C.J. crafts an intriguing story rich with textures and tones that shows her prowess as a gifted writer. Many shows and movies have been done about Zombies, but the setting of Mystic India caps off the story with a mysterious layer. If you enjoy fantasy novels, this is one you definitely need to read. If this genre isn’t your fancy, you should at least give the writings of C.J. a try and let her genius in story crafting take you to a time and place that many would only dream...or have a nightmare about.
June 5, 2020
Enemy Rising had an interesting way of setting up the characters & locations and I liked having the glossary in the back as well. I’ll admit that I did flip back and forth a few times!
Overall, it was a pretty fun, immersive read. It’s definitely an action filled zombie apocalypse, but the author wrote it in such an intimate way that you almost forget that they’re there.
Overall, it was a pretty fun, immersive read. It’s definitely an action filled zombie apocalypse, but the author wrote it in such an intimate way that you almost forget that they’re there.
April 22, 2020
This is a great book! The plot is based around interweaving the lives of a few characters: an orphan, a soldier, a princess and a prince. Each has their own unique perspective, which made for an enjoyable read. If you like Zombies, a bit of history, and some great writing this book is for you!
January 11, 2022
This book was my first Zombie story. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it, particularly when I thought of our "rise from the dead" Covid experiences.
I enjoyed the locale and the included glossary to assist with the vocabulary.
I enjoyed the locale and the included glossary to assist with the vocabulary.
February 28, 2020
This book was enjoyable. I like the character development, and I'm excited for Book 2. I would recommend for teens and young adults alike.
April 15, 2020
This was a fun read. The setting was unusual for a zombie book, but it ended up working. I enjoyed the action and the character development, and I can’t wait for book 2!
May 16, 2020
New twist on a classic formula
Enemy Rising takes an interesting doing on the zombie genre. The plot bubbles along building to a setup for the sequel. Pretty fun and worth the read
Enemy Rising takes an interesting doing on the zombie genre. The plot bubbles along building to a setup for the sequel. Pretty fun and worth the read
August 1, 2020
This is a very fun story full of suspense and action! I enjoyed the setting and the different characters' povs. I'm excited for the sequel, and I recommend this book to everybody! 5 stars!!!
November 28, 2021
Good story
Having read other book by Fisher had to try this to test the work...interesting story line with well planned plot.
Having read other book by Fisher had to try this to test the work...interesting story line with well planned plot.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews